In addition, he had a feeling that the other two green talents on the panel, Superhuman Strength (Green) and Proficient in Swordsmanship (Green), might also be upgraded soon.
These two talents had already reached the green level long ago. Now, after a long period of time and from multiple exposures, especially after several months of continuous high-intensity actual combat in the southeastern region of the Land of Iron, he has gained considerable recognition.
Perhaps all it takes is one or two significant opportunities, or a few more crucial building blocks of exposure, to break through the green level and step into the blue level.
.......
The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Tsunade got up unusually early and quietly left without disturbing Shizune in the next room.
The streets of Konoha were quiet and cool in the early morning, filled with the scent of grass and dew.
She walked towards the ninth training ground, located on the edge of the village, her steps unhurried.
As she passed an open area, her gaze was involuntarily drawn to the Hokage Rock on the distant cliff.
The first Hokage, the second Hokage, the third Hokage... those familiar faces appeared solemn and distant in the morning light.
Once upon a time, she too strived to reach that level, as did her younger brother, Nawaki, and Dan.
The brutality of the Second Shinobi War and the successive loss of her closest loved ones had struck like heavy hammers, shattering her former ideals and passion.
Fear coiled around her heart like a venomous snake: fear of blood, fear of loss, and fear of helplessness.
She chose to escape, numbing herself with alcohol and staying away from anything that might trigger her pain again, including her responsibilities as a ninja.
Even when she realized that Shizune might graduate early and embark on the dangerous path of a ninja, her first reaction was still to try to stop her in an evasive manner.
Trying to get Shizune to give up, instead of facing and changing things herself.
She was afraid of experiencing that despair again, watching someone important leave her while feeling utterly helpless.
Until that black-haired boy looked at her with those clear yet determined eyes in the barbecue restaurant and spoke those words about protection and inheritance, even when he was severely injured by the backlash, he still calmly stated his reasons for becoming stronger; until she personally treated him, feeling that vigorous life force and unwavering will.
Something pried open a crack in the heart's defenses, which had been corroded by alcohol and despair, and let the light in.
If you're afraid of losing it, then do everything in your power to protect it!
Since she can't change the fact that Shizune wanted to become a ninja, then she will become her shield and spear, and hone her to be strong enough!
Having run away for too long, it's time to stand up again, not for any dream of becoming Hokage, but simply to protect the people she can still protect right now.
The chaotic thoughts gradually settled, transforming into a clear and firm resolve.
Before she knew it, the outline of the ninth training ground had come into view.
"Tsunade-senpai?"
A gentle voice, tinged with obvious surprise, came from the side and behind.
"Minato?"
Tsunade snapped out of her daze and looked up. She saw a head of dazzling golden hair that stood out in the morning light. The person was handsome and had a gentle demeanor. It was none other than Minato Namikaze.
"Minato?"
Tsunade was taken aback for a moment, then realized, "You're the Jonin leading this year's team?"
"Yes, senpai."
Minato Namikaze nodded with a smile. "I am the leader of Team 7 this year. What brings you here, senior?"
"What a coincidence, me too."
Tsunade said frankly.
"Oh?"
A hint of surprise flashed across Minato Namikaze's face, but his smile remained unchanged. "I didn't expect you to personally lead the team, senpai. This really is..."
He seemed unable to find the right words for a moment, but the surprise in his eyes was obvious.
For this group of students to be able to bring out the legendary female ninja, Tsunade, who has been living a secluded life in recent years, back to serve as a Jonin leader, there must be a very special individual among them.
"Stop talking, it's too much trouble."
Tsunade waved her hand, interrupting his possible polite words, and glanced at the empty training ground: "You chose this place to test your teammate later?"
"Yes, senpai."
Minato nodded. "I just didn't expect you to choose this place as well. Since you arrived first, I'll take my team to another place later."
Ordinarily, the assignment of Jonin leader and the arrangement of initial testing grounds would be coordinated in advance during routine meetings in the Hokage's office to avoid conflicts.
However, Tsunade's situation was special. She did not attend any Jonin meetings at all, and even the matter of becoming a Jonin leader was something she had only done a week before, when she heard that the Ninja Academy was going to hold graduation exams and directly approached the third Hokage to forcefully demand it.
Therefore, she was completely unaware of the testing arrangements for the other Jonin, and by a twist of fate, she ended up choosing the same place as Minato Namikaze.
"There's no need for all that trouble."
Tsunade said nonchalantly. "There's plenty of space. You do your testing, and I'll do mine."
Minato Namikaze hesitated for a moment, then smiled and readily agreed: "Since you don't mind, senpai, then I'll respectfully accept your offer."
Tsunade nodded, then, as if remembering something, casually asked, "By the way, what method do you plan to use to test those recent graduates?"
Minato took out two bells tied with red strings from his tool bag and replied, "I plan to use these. It's a traditional bell-stealing test. Within a limited time, I'll have the three of them work together to snatch the bell from me. This will not only provide an initial assessment of their individual strength and tactical thinking, but more importantly, it will test whether they can quickly form effective teamwork under pressure."
"The bell test..."
Tsunade looked at the familiar iron bells, her eyes momentarily dazed, as if she had traveled through time and seen the wicked smile of the third Hokage from many years ago.
She quickly came to her senses, pursed her lips, and said with undisguised disdain, "It's the same old trick again, passed down from the third Hokage. It's been going on for decades without any new twists. So boring."
Upon hearing this, Minato Namikaze was not annoyed at all. Instead, he laughed and said, "What you say is indeed real, senpai. This test is indeed not novel, but what makes a classic a classic is that it can often expose the most essential issues under simple rules: teamwork, trust, and trade-offs. It may be just right for newcomers who have just formed a team and still have the mindset of a student."
"Suit yourself." She waved her hand, her tone still casual.
"So, what method do you plan to use for the test, senpai?"
Minato asked curiously.
Tsunade pondered for a moment, her gaze sweeping across the empty training ground, seemingly genuinely considering: "I haven't fully decided yet. I'll see how those kids fared later."