Jiraiya stood silently at the edge of the training field, arms crossed, watching Sakura's movements with narrowed eyes. His gaze flicked to Tsunade, then back to her apprentice.
That strength... It's just like her.
He swallowed.
Sakura wasn't just mimicking Tsunade's techniques—she was embodying them. That raw, destructive power wasn't something just anyone could learn. It required precise chakra control and months—years of brutal training. And it was clear now: Sakura had inherited Tsunade's true legacy.
"She's not bad, huh?" Jiraiya said, lips tugging into a grin. "With the right training, she might surpass even you, Tsunade."
Tsunade scoffed lightly but didn't hide the pride in her voice. "She's better than I expected. Not just in medical ninjutsu—she's using her chakra-enhanced strength well. With time, she'll be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with any of the best."
Jiraiya gave a small nod and turned his attention back to the spar.
Kakashi stood across from Sakura, silently evaluating her. That blow could've shattered bones. He'd dodged at the last moment, but even then, the shockwave alone had rattled his balance.
He exhaled slowly.
To deliver that kind of impact, she needed pinpoint chakra control—concentrating a vast amount of chakra into a single point at the moment of contact. That kind of control was no small feat.
Kunoichi type, formerly genjutsu-oriented… and now this? She's taken Tsunade's training seriously. She might just make it to jōnin—or even higher.
As her former teacher, Kakashi couldn't help but feel proud.
But he wasn't about to go easy on her.
Across the field, Naruto glanced at Sakura and gave a subtle nod. Sakura responded immediately, dashing to the side to begin encircling Kakashi. They'd discussed this strategy beforehand.
Naruto raised one hand. "Shadow Clone Jutsu."
Poof!
Two clones appeared beside him and flanked out, charging Kakashi from opposite sides.
Kakashi tensed, eyes narrowing. Standard opening... should I counter with clones of my own?
He decided against it. Best not to waste chakra this early.
One clone leapt forward with a punch. Kakashi blocked it with his palm and countered with a spinning kick, sending the clone flying before it burst into smoke.
The second clone followed immediately. Kakashi sidestepped, drew a kunai, and threw it point-blank into the clone's chest.
Poof!
Smoke again.
Predictable… but—
From above.
Kakashi's Sharingan eye turned upward just in time to see the real Naruto descending, Rasengan already formed.
"You're not bad at reading clones, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said coolly as he dropped.
Kakashi didn't move to draw his Chidori. He couldn't afford to waste chakra, not against two opponents with unknown reserves. Instead, he shifted his stance, preparing to intercept with taijutsu—
But when he struck, the body popped again.
Poof.
Another clone.
Except the Rasengan didn't vanish.
It twisted in midair, the chakra sphere shifting, contorting, and then forming into Naruto himself. Transformation... no—switch technique!
Naruto reached out toward Kakashi's waist.
The bells jingled.
Kakashi's eyes widened. In a flash, he dropped to the ground and slammed his hands into the dirt.
"Earth Style: Hiding Like a Mole Jutsu!"
The ground swallowed him just as Naruto's hand grazed the bell strap.
Naruto landed where Kakashi had just been, empty-handed.
So close.
In the distance, Tsunade clapped once, nodding in approval. "Clever use of misdirection. He baited Kakashi into focusing on the clones while disguising his approach as a Rasengan. Even used a reverse transformation to catch him off-guard."
Jiraiya smirked. "Smart kid."
She shot him a glance. "You trained him well."
He didn't reply, but the satisfaction in his eyes spoke for itself.
Back in the clearing, Kakashi emerged from the ground several meters away, dusting dirt off his vest. "I'll admit… that was close."
"You're slipping, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto teased, brushing his fingertips together as if he were already holding the bells.
"Heh." Kakashi's voice was calm, but his mind was spinning. He's changed. That old reckless charge-in style is gone. Now he's setting traps and feints… using his head.
Sakura sprinted over, her eyes practically sparkling. "That was amazing, Naruto!"
She looked genuinely impressed.
"You saw how close you were, right? You forced him into using ninjutsu to escape!"
Naruto just shrugged. "That's the point. We're not here to overpower him—we're here to outthink him."
Exactly the opposite of how he used to fight, Sakura thought, a bit stunned. Is this what Jiraiya-sama taught him during their training?
She clenched her fists. If Naruto's improved this much… then I can't be left behind.
Her eyes drifted briefly to the sky, just for a moment.
Sasuke… I wonder how strong you've become.
But she shook the thought away. Now wasn't the time.
Down in the field, Naruto tilted his head. "Kakashi-sensei, why aren't you using your chakra seriously? Are you holding back?"
Kakashi froze, his face twitching.
It was true. He was conserving his chakra, trying not to rely on techniques like Chidori or shadow clones. But hearing it said out loud, with that knowing smirk on Naruto's face…
"…Cheeky brat."
Naruto grinned. "What? I thought you were testing us."
"I am," Kakashi said flatly. "But don't get cocky. We're only just getting started."
Sakura moved to Naruto's side.
He glanced at her, then looked back toward Kakashi.
Neither of them said a word—but the message between them was clear.
They were just getting started, too.
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A/N: Any Thoughts?