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Graduating in just two and a half years—all because Sasame was simply too exceptional.
Thanks to Uzumaki Ena's vitality and the Wood Release serum, his physical condition was now top-tier. In terms of pure chakra reserves, he already rivaled most jōnin.
His only current weakness? Lack of combat experience.
Since arriving in this world, Sasame had never faced a life-or-death battle, leaving his actual fighting skills untested.
The gap between an experienced shinobi and a novice was vast.
Take Uchiha Itachi, for example. After graduating last year, he formed a team with Orochimaru's other two disciples, Anko Mitarashi and Yūhi Kurenai.
So far, they maintained a 100% mission success rate, even completing several A-rank missions beyond expectations.
Now hailed as Konoha's strongest genin squad, their reputation was soaring.
Theoretically, Sasame's Wood Release could hold its own against Itachi's Sharingan—but in reality? Unlikely.
That was the advantage of experience.
Unless, of course, you had overwhelming power.
With Naruto-level chakra reserves, even the most skilled opponent could be one-shot.
Regardless, while Sasame was technically a genin, his overall strength already matched a chūnin's.
With a bit more polishing, he'd reach jōnin level.
At this rate, only prodigies like Itachi could compare.
"Sasame, congratulations on graduating!"
Tsunade had been waiting outside the examination room. Seeing him emerge with his forehead protector, she immediately smiled.
Though she'd known his success was inevitable, as his "foster mother", she couldn't help but worry.
"I'm one step closer to becoming the man worthy of the Hokage!"
Sasame grinned, pointing at his headband with a thumbs-up.
He'd long since figured out Tsunade's personality—this kind of enthusiasm always pleased her.
So similar…
Tsunade was reminded of Nawaki when he'd graduated from the Academy. His expression had been just like this.
That moment… is now.
"Today's a special day. I have a gift for you."
"Really?"
Sasame's eyes sparkled. He loved presents.
With a smile, Tsunade removed the First Hokage's necklace and draped it around his neck.
The pendant wasn't cold—instead, it radiated warmth.
Sasame recalled the necklace's infamous curse: Everyone who wore it died.
Even Naruto had briefly fallen victim—though, as the protagonist, he'd bounced back.
"This was my grandfather's. It contains traces of his Wood Release chakra—it'll benefit you greatly."
She ruffled his hair affectionately.
Sasame had half a mind to refuse, but… the perks were too good.
In the original timeline, this necklace had suppressed the Nine-Tails' chakra, meaning its Wood Release energy was immense.
For someone like him, it was essentially a portable chakra battery.
As for the curse? "Sorry, but I've got plot armor."
"Lady Tsunade."
A ANBU operative suddenly appeared. "The Hokage wishes to see you and Sasame."
Annoyed at the interruption, Tsunade scowled. "What does the old man want now?"
"He didn't specify."
The ANBU nervously eyed her before vanishing.
"Let's go."
Tsunade took Sasame's hand. "Let's see what nonsense he's up to."
Hokage's Office
Startled by the sudden door swing, Hiruzen Sarutobi hastily covered his crystal ball and wiped the blush from his face.
"Ah, Tsunade."
He calmly tapped his pipe. "Since when do you barge in like Danzo?"
"Cut the crap. What do you want?"
Tsunade plopped onto the sofa, her earlier tenderness gone without a trace.
Used to her attitude, Hiruzen chuckled and turned to Sasame.
"My grand-student has graduated—of course I'd want to congratulate him."
"Hokage-jiji!" Sasame greeted cheerfully.
"Such a good boy." Hiruzen nodded approvingly.
Over the past two and a half years, Sasame had aced every theory exam—especially on the Will of Fire, which he grasped better than most jōnin.
Some of his insights even stunned Hiruzen himself.
If Itachi had been praised for "thinking like a Hokage" at seven, Sasame's evaluation would be:
"The Will of Fire, perfected."
"Get to the point." Tsunade glared.
"Fine, fine. You've grown up and now scorn your old teacher."
Hiruzen sighed dramatically before continuing.
"Now that Sasame's a shinobi, he'll need a team and sensei. I've prepared some candidates—"
"Unnecessary."
Tsunade cut him off. "I'll be his sensei. His teammates are Shizune and Yakushi Kabuto."
"But your hemophobia—"
Hiruzen had planned to assign a trusted jōnin precisely because of her condition.
"Cured."
To prove it, Tsunade slashed her palm with a kunai. Blood welled—but she didn't even flinch.
Hiruzen's eyes lit up with joy.
A fully functional Tsunade would be a game-changer for Konoha.
During the war with Sunagakure, she'd been the one to crush Chiyo, turning the tide.
Her title as the greatest medical ninja in history alone made her invaluable.
But with hemophobia, she'd been half-useless on the battlefield—until now.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Though his tone was scolding, his relief was palpable.
Konoha was finally regaining its golden age's momentum.
The older generation—himself, Danzo, Fugaku Uchiha, Hiashi Hyūga, Shikaku Nara—were still formidable.
The Sannin were now fully operational again.
And the younger elites—Kakashi, Gai, Shisui, Itachi—were rising swiftly.
For the first time in years, Hiruzen felt the weight on his shoulders lighten.
The future looks bright.
"Very well, you may lead his team."
Hiruzen relented, though he added a warning.
"But remember—shinobi must hone themselves in the field. Shizune, Sasame, and Kabuto are all talented. Sheltering them would only stunt their growth."
"I know."
Though reluctant, Tsunade understood.
If another war broke out, Sasame's lack of experience would be a death sentence.
"The conflict with Kumogakure is winding down. Take them to the frontlines—let them see real battle."
Hiruzen's eyes gleamed. "Your mere presence might force Kumo to surrender."
"So that's your real goal, old man."
Tsunade snorted but didn't refuse. "I'll handle it. Don't interfere."
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 50 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 45 power stones I will publish the next chapter.