The weather today was exceptionally good.
At the training ground, Uchiha Tatsumi demonstrated his recent chakra control training to Tsunade with practiced ease.
"Yes, very good," Tsunade nodded in approval. "You've actually reached the point where you can direct chakra precisely. I was just thinking of finding something time-consuming for you to practice, but I didn't expect you to be so talented in this area."
"How about it? Want to learn medical ninjutsu from me? Don't waste such a rare talent," Tsunade said, sounding more like a smooth-talking recruiter.
Uchiha Tatsumi looked at her helplessly. "I'd rather learn how to cook."
"..."
"Alright, alright. I get it. You brats aren't interested in medical ninjutsu," Tsunade said with a sigh.
"Today is the last day," she continued, standing in the shadow of the training ground and looking directly at him. "So I'll teach you my signature chakra-enhanced strength technique."
Tsunade folded her arms across her chest.
"'Chakra-enhanced strength' is classified as a taijutsu-based ninjutsu technique. The foundation of it was developed by my grandfather, the First Hokage, and I later refined it."
"Currently, only I use this technique. It requires exceptional chakra control and explosive power. If you weren't already talented in chakra control, I wouldn't even consider teaching it to you."
"The technique focuses on concentrating chakra into a specific part of the body and releasing it all at once. Of course, its power depends on your chakra reserves and how much your body can withstand. At high levels, it can even destroy terrain."
She paused and added, "But overusing it can cause serious damage to your own body. That's why it's called 'chakra-enhanced strength'—because of its overwhelming power."
Tsunade motioned for Tatsumi to step back. She stood tall and slowly began channeling chakra into her fist so he could clearly observe the process.
Then—boom—she struck the ground with a sudden punch. The earth around her cracked and exploded outward from the point of impact.
"Uh... That was a bit excessive, sensei," Tatsumi said, staring at the shattered training ground.
"It's fine. This ground needed repairs anyway. I'll report it to the old man—this counts as job-related damage. Konoha can cover it," Tsunade replied casually, referring to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
"..."
"This technique forces chakra through your fist and into the target. It doesn't matter how tough the target is—if your chakra control is perfect, you can smash through anything. The damage scales with chakra output."
"You can also channel chakra into your fingertips for even more focused power—but I don't recommend that. Unless you've got the Raikage's Lightning Release Armor, you'll just shatter your fingers."
"And there's one more variation—this one's called Heaven Kick of Pain."
Tsunade suddenly raised her leg and stomped the ground. The earth sank dramatically beneath her foot.
Uchiha Tatsumi's eyes sparkled with excitement. While he wasn't a pure taijutsu type, his current stats in physical skills were the highest among his abilities.
If I combine this with Susanoo in the future... or even the Eight Gates... just how broken would it be? he wondered.
"You try now," Tsunade said, pulling him out of his thoughts.
Tatsumi concentrated, trying to gather chakra into his fist.
But the chakra dispersed too quickly.
"Try again!"
"It should focus here..."
Tsunade's voice echoed across the field as she continued to instruct him.
---
For the entire day, Tsunade guided Uchiha Tatsumi.
Even with his impressive level of chakra control, mastering this technique was no easy feat. Still, his Level 7 taijutsu and precise chakra manipulation gave him an edge.
As the sun began to set, their two shadows stretched across the battered training ground.
The May evening air felt dry, and the scent of sweat lingered.
Tatsumi wiped his brow. Thanks to Tsunade constantly replenishing his chakra with her medical ninjutsu, he had trained without pause.
This kind of intense, continuous chakra training was a rare opportunity—one he didn't take for granted.
Just as he prepared to continue, Tsunade stopped him.
"Tatsumi, you've got the basics down. The rest is just practice."
She gestured for him to sit and joined him on the ground.
"You're a genius," Tsunade said without the slightest trace of doubt. "Just like me."
Her golden eyes turned serious.
"As my student, I wasn't going to bring this up, but—genius comes with its own burdens. Power can isolate you. You'll be praised early, then envied, then resented. That's how it always is."
"You're only six, but I can see you're mature beyond your years. Your father was my granduncle's student, and I'm your teacher now. So I have high hopes for you."
"Because of those hopes, I don't want you to be shackled by something as narrow as the Uchiha name."
"If you cling too tightly to things like family pride, you'll lose sight of what really matters. What you should protect most are your companions."
Uchiha Tatsumi didn't answer right away.
He hugged his knees, watching the brilliant sunset streak across the sky like a sea of fire.
After a long silence, he finally said:
"Sensei... I'm just an ordinary person. I only want to protect the people I love—and those who love me. That's all."
He looked into her eyes with quiet conviction.
"The people I love, and the ones who love me..." Tsunade repeated softly.
She patted his head.
"Who doesn't?"
"Go home. That wraps up our week of training. My summoning is the slug Katsuyu—you've seen her. But since you're not interested in medical ninjutsu yet, I'll hold off on the contract for now."
"If you ever can't find a suitable summoning beast, come to me. Consider it a gift from your Jonin teacher."
She stood, dusted off her clothes, and walked toward the exit of the training ground.
At the gate, she turned with a smile and called out, "Want me to pass anything on to Kushina?"
Uchiha Tatsumi stood up, brushing off the dirt, and smiled back.
"Yeah. Tell her... see you tomorrow."