***
By the time Jiraiya returned, he went to the hospital first to check on Naruto. Turns out they are already discharged. Still, Kakashi hasn't wake up yet…
Jiraiya stood in front of Kakashi that's still in a coma.
"You really don't know?".
"Jiraiya-sama… the medic staff here tried their best. Maybe only Tsunade-sama can help him…". The nurse replied.
Jiraiya nods. It should be time to bring Tsunade back. And just in time, Jiraiya saw a bird on the window. A signal for him to meet the council.
On Hokage's building rooftop, Koharo passed on the latest information on Tsunade's whereabouts and tracks that their sent team gathered.
"We have delayed enough. You should bring her back quickly, Jiraiya".
"Okay okay. I got it. But let me take those two with me".
"Those two? You mean…".
"You guessed it. Those siblings". Koharo frowned upon hearing his request. Both of them are Konoha's jinchuriki. While she wouldn't worry for Tsuyu, Naruto is an asset that hasn't been developed fully yet. But then again, Naruto had both her and Jiraiya to protect him. What could go wrong…
"Fine… I am sure you would keep them safe. Update your location frequently, we need a way to contact you if anything goes wrong here".
"Koharu-san, you worry too much!", Jiraiya just grinned. Koharu shakes her head that Jiraiya doesn't seem to be serious at all. Koharu almost had an illusion Konoha is still at peace and at its glory seeing Jiraiya still have energy to peek at bathhouses at times even.
***
Days had passed and Naruto, Sasuke and Tsuyu had already been discharged. Right afterwards, the three set off to train harder than before - each with their own reason but the core of the issue is they all felt they don't have enough strength.
Tsuyu saw someone tanking a fully charged Tailed Beast Bomb and that overturned her cognition for real. She needs something stronger…
Itachi didn't know what kind of motivation and ideas he gave her.
Tsuyu initially thought her firepower was more than enough, and she had always been focusing on finesse, skill, and mostly Flying Raijin since she cannot use it in combat properly yet and there's a lot of issues she had to cover on the jutsu. But now she had this idea that she needed MORE firepower. Enough firepower to crush everything and anything first. What's the point of hitting the enemy if it cannot even break through enemy defenses?
She put all her effort into learning Rasengan at this moment since this jutsu is a raw firepower technique. Jiraiya mentioned the jutsu wasn't complete yet and that its true mastery lies in adding nature transformation into it. She is already looking forward to what kind of jutsu Rasengan turns into with Earth nature infused into it.
Multiple shadow clones are playing with rubber balls at the moment. She has already completed the chakra rotation stage of the technique. Now she needs to focus its power, increase the chakra density, and destroy the rubber ball. The training field is crowded with many of her clones.
Sakura is on the field too. Initially she advised the three rest and shouldn't be so reckless. But no one bothered to listen.
While the clones train Rasengan, Tsuyu goes ahead to guide Sakura since she's willing and takes her own initiative to come to the training field.
She's not sure how to make Sakura reach the same level as Sasuke with his magical eyes or Naruto with 9 tails chakra. Her talent lies in her excellent chakra control and her hand signs are perfect too. But her chakra pool is average. Her control makes her 100% efficient on her chakra but it's not enough compared to Sasuke and Naruto. Tsuyu felt a headache from this problem.
One thing she wouldn't want is Sakura dragging either of them back and killing them in the process. So she had to make Sakura strong one way or another.
Chakra control… Raging Fist uses a lot of chakra to use since it's blasting chakra out from tenketsu on hit. That technique isn't suitable for her even if she could use it. She would be drained fast anyways.
Now that she thinks about it, does Sakura have any special jutsu? Kakashi taught Sasuke Chidori at least, and his sharingan is special enough. Naruto's shadow clones is cheating enough most chunin would be overwhelming unless they have area effect techniques. With 9 tails chakra Naruto might not even need anything else - and he is learning Rasengan too.
Teaching her Rasengan? She looked at Sakura up and down. Right, if she could make it she would just be slapped to death by even trying to land a hit with that said Rasengan. Her foundation in combat is not up to her standard. People won't just stand there waiting to be hit. And Rasengan itself use a lot of chakra which Sakura don't have much to waste.
Sigh. What can chakra control do… Genjutsu?
Tsuyu's eyes lit up. And medical ninjutsu too. But that's the least of Tsuyu's skills. She had basics in those but she barely went any further.
If she's not mistaken, Kurenai, Kiba's and Hinata's Jonin instructor is the best genjutsu user in Konoha.
Maybe I can ask her if she's willing to give guidance on Sakura in her free time. As for compensation… money(?). Kurenai may be well off as a Jonin but she definitely doesn't know true luxury. And as a gift maybe a good alcohol would do.
Hm? Maybe a 'special' alcohol for those occasions when she's with Asuma… heh.
Tsuyu already made arrangements in her mind to lure her to teach Sakura.
And now that she thinks about Kurenai's squad, did she even train her squad outside of missions? Hinata had his father's guidance. Kiba had his mom's guidance. And that quiet guy what's-his-name too. Those three have their own clans to learn from after all. Kurenai is way too free isn't she…
As for medical ninjutsu, Sakura can just apply at the hospital to become a trainee first. Konoha always appreciates those who want to learn medical ninjutsu.
Tsuyu is willing to invest in Sakura at this point so she wouldn't be a burden towards those two. Now all that is left is on Sakura's part after Tsuyu lays the path.
Tsuyu talked to Sakura about her ideas while watching a show of those brats fighting again-
Sasuke on the other side tries to get used to his 3-tomoe sharingan while fighting Naruto. He observed Naruto's initial hand movement, and it's as if he already could see its trajectory even before he could launch the fist. Sasuke made a pre-empted dodge and landed a punch back at Naruto through the gap.
"Ah-", Naruto took a few steps back. He felt confused and bewildered. Naruto didn't give up and went to pounce on Sasuke again. But each time he failed. It's as if he couldn't touch Sasuke at all at this point.
How could he become so strong… so fast!
Naruto felt shaken for once. While Sasuke feels a sense of elation he becomes stronger, but a part of him somehow feels disappointed and down that Naruto couldn't keep up with him anymore.
Sasuke looks at his own hands through his 3 tomoe sharingan. So this is the real power of my clan…
Tsuyu occasionally looked and also noticed this situation. If Naruto didn't use 9 tails chakra, he would have no chance at all at the moment. If she had to measure Sasuke's taijutsu right now, he would have broken to borderline Jonin. And once he mastered use of his sharingan and trained his own body to keep up with the perception and reaction required he would directly ascend in power.
Even Tsuyu felt it's quite ridiculous that an upgrade to his eyes enhanced his strength so much and was quite in awe of those magical eyes. If only she could get a transplant somehow. Or get Sakura a pair so she could keep up. She just joked to herself naturally.
After multiple rounds, Naruto lies down in defeat. His fist clenched in frustration and feeling of weakness.
"Sasuke-kun! You are amazing!", Sakura raise her hands in amazement.
Naruto looks at Sakura, feeling really jealous and angry that Sasuke got her praise.
"Teme…! Once more!". Naruto stood up, his eyes fierce. Red chakra flowed inside of him. Naruto shouted a battle cry as he channel 9 tails chakra.
Sasuke doesn't seem surprised, only understanding. Sakura gasped feeling the pressure emanating from Naruto.
"So you finally use it…". Naruto had told Sasuke he housed 9 tails that one night when Naruto was down as hell. But this is his first time seeing Naruto use it in front of him. He didn't let his guard down at all, his sharingan flared even more.
Tsuyu just watched this good show with imaginary popcorn. He wonders if Naruto could defeat Sasuke with the minimum of 9 tails enhancement. There's no chakra cloak visible yet, but the excess chakra already creates immense pressure on the surroundings.
Naruto's eyes turned red, his claws grew longer, his whiskers grew thicker. An apparition of 9 tails appeared in front of Sasuke, roaring at him. It wouldn't be a lie to say he wasn't intimidated.
"Tsuyu, what's going with Naruto…!", Sakura asks in shock. "It's confidential", Tsuyu shrugged. "You can ask him yourself". Tsuyu wouldn't want to break the law herself and it's best for Naruto to tell her himself since 9 tails is something sensitive and personal.
"Come, Naruto!". Sasuke had an excited glint in his sharingan.
"Sasuke!!!".
Flash! Naruto dashed at high speed, trying to land a punch to Sasuke. But Sasuke's 3-tomoe sharingan is still able to see his movements.
Sasuke deflects and dodges. Both of their speeds reached close towards the low Jonin standard. But one thing is clear - Sasuke has major upper hands! Even with 9 tails chakra enhancement, Sasuke is able to see Naruto's fists and kicks and play defensive.
He has to say Naruto has more firepower and each of his punches hit like a truck. But Sasuke's able to deflect to reduce it's power and dodge it like playing a high speed beats game. Naruto's simple straightforward attacks make it even easier for prediction.
Kicking Naruto away to create a distance; he made hand seals quickly.
Fire Release: Great Fireball technique!
The flames blasted towards Naruto. But contrary to his expectation Naruto didn't dodge and instead dashed right through it! He blasted the fireball with a punch, unleashing a powerful shockwave.
No way-
Naruto's fist almost landed on Sasuke as he dashed through the flames but Sasuke was still able to raise his arm to block. He's pushed back several meters away from the raw power of Naruto's fist.
"Naruto…!". Sasuke's Sharingan flashed. To think you can keep up with me…!
The two exchanged rounds and rounds. Initially Naruto is dominates the offensive as Sasuke cannot slack off and focus on defense. But in just tens of moves, Sasuke had already gotten used to his 3 tomoe sharingan, Naruto's movements are captured to more minute details!
Soon enough, Naruto found his moves seemingly being read again and Sasuke managed to land hits after hits on him.
With a pre-emptive dodge, he launched a powerful knee right on his face! Naruto felt a smack, his eyes went dark and he was sent spinning in the air before landing on the ground.
"Amazing…!", Sakura was stunned silly, and truly feel amazed at both of their performance. But deep inside she felt weak again. How could she keep up with them like this… those two are monsters…
"Nnh… Sasuke…!", Naruto stood up shakily. He channeled even more of 9 tails chakra. Bubbles of red chakra start to form under his skin, covering him into a 1-tailed chakra cloak. The chakra wave pulsing out of Naruto causes the grass to sway and dirt to blown away.
Sasuke had a hint of incredulousness in his eyes. He felt his heart racing seeing him in this state - the overwhelming power emanates from Naruto, this strength, it's too much.
"Damn it!". Flash! Naruto dashed left and right at supersonic speed. Sasuke's sharingan is strained at its maximum. He could see Naruto's movement even at this state. But as Naruto flashed towards him, seeing the approaching explosive fist right towards his face, his eyes could only watch it in horror - his body could not move as fast as he perceived it!
Sakura screamed seeing Naruto's speed and fears for Sasuke's safety. Just before the punch could land a shadow flickered in an instant.
Grab! Tsuyu appeared like a shadow and grabbed his fist with her metallic black palm. The shockwave of the punch still sent Sasuke stumbling backward a few meters from the sheer air pressure it created.
Tsuyu's eyes were red with black slits just like Naruto at the moment, her black metallic arm from Earth nature infusion holding Naruto's hand, not moving even an inch.
"Are you trying to kill him?". Tsuyu's word was cold as ice. Her eyes returned to normal blue. Even she need 9 tails chakra enhancement to match Naruto's speed with kyubi cloak, much less Sasuke.
"My fight isn't over yet! Go away! Nnh-!". Naruto tried to pry Tsuyu's hand away. But the arm infused with Earth chakra is akin to a mountain for him, unmoving.
"Wake up". Tsuyu grabbed Naruto's arm with her other hand and swung him down. Crash! Naruto was thrown to the ground like trash.
The chakra cloak receded, his body turned to normal.
"Your punch could bend metal and blast a tree. Does Sasuke's face look that durable to you?". Her tone is a little milder, but still stern.
Tsuyu crossed her arms. She knew Naruto wouldn't be able to think clearly using 9 tails chakra. Even she is the same. But this is a serious matter.
Naruto seemed to realise what Tsuyu was saying. Thinking about it, he didn't hold back at all. Like an angry beast just wanting to beat Sasuke. He didn't lose control, but his head stopped being reasonable.
He felt ashamed and even guilty when he realised how serious it was. If Tsuyu didn't stop him, Sasuke's face might have been ruined.
He turned to look at Sasuke. He seemed a little shocked mostly. Probably didn't expect Naruto to burst out with such fearsome power. Even the wind from his punch sent him stumbling. Sasuke at this time didn't receive enhancement from cursed mark, his body is not as durable or strong as Naruto's nor Tsuyu.
Sasuke clenched his fist. He thought he's getting stronger, and may have surpassed Naruto. Turns out he still hasn't.
Naruto went to Sasuke, seemingly guilty.
"Sasuke, uhh… my bad. I don't know what I was thinking". Naruto rubbed the back of his neck.
"Shut up. It's not your fault. It's me…", Sasuke feels it's his problem that he's still weak.
Tsuyu thought for a few seconds, on what to do with Sasuke. Sasuke wouldn't be able to keep up with Naruto's stamina and pure speed with 9 tails chakra. She acknowledges Sasuke has better skills and finesse, and even his perceptions are amazing. But his body couldn't keep up.
His skill and understanding is impeccable. His hand seals are perfect, and his sharingan ability to see his own chakra flow helps tremendously in using his jutsu with maximum efficiency and power. But the crux of the problem is his body is not strong enough.
Therefore she already thought of a solution for him.
She looks at Naruto who is still looking like a guilty puppy over there. "Nii-san, I am going to talk to Sasuke for a moment".
Naruto blinked a few times before nodding and went to practice on the other side.
As for her intention in helping Sasuke, it's just this guy is Naruto's catalyst that let him improve faster with this rivalry. Besides, Sasuke wanted to kill Itachi. She too wanted that. So helping him is natural since an enemy of my enemy is my friend they say.
"Sasuke. Naruto's speed and power while using the 9 tails chakra is not something you can content with at the moment. I noticed you are able to react slightly, and your eyes are really magical".
…
"But your body couldn't react in time, am I right?".
Sasuke clenched his fist. He noticed it too. After seconds of silent agreement, Tsuyu continued.
"Do you know of the Raikage of Kumogakure?".
Sasuke raised his head in confusion. He read about it one time in history class if he remembers correctly. But that's just for examination purposes and he already forgot.
"From the 1st to the current Raikage, they had a jutsu passed down from their lines. It's called Lighting Chakra Mode. In records, the 3rd Raikage fought 10,000 shinobi alone for 3 days and 3 nights, eventually dying from exhaustion. With that jutsu, he is said to have impenetrable armor and lightning speed".
Hearing such a bizarre event, Sasuke felt his brain buzzing. Tsuyu understood the unreasonable-ness of peak Shinobi combat power. Even her 9 tails power might not be enough on its own.
"While I don't expect you to recreate that jutsu perfectly from nothing, I believe in your talent. Your eyes could see your chakra flow in your own body and make adjustments far easier than most people. Only the Hyuga can be better at this aspect".
Sasuke was quiet, he's contemplating Tsuyu's words. He had never expected himself to create a new jutsu entirely on himself from scratch. But if that could enhance his speed and body to match Naruto in that state…
"I will do it!".
Tsuyu had a slight smirk. "Now, before we begin you have to master Lightning nature transformation first. I assume you had trained with Kakashi to be able to use chidori. What kind of training did you do for it?".
"He asked me to ignite paper or leaves by colliding chakra". It's different compared to fire nature transformation that 'heats' instead of creating sparks of energy by collision.
"Hm… I see. But this time to enhance your body with Lighting nature, control is priority, power second. It's not the same as training chidori. You wouldn't want to short circuit yourself to death after all". Tsuyu said jokingly, but Sasuke gulped hearing the seriousness of the matter.
"I will ask around to see someone who's good at lightning release in this regard. Or maybe we can come up with it ourselves. As for the basis of the technique, we can start referring to my jutsu here. The same principle, different application and nature-". Tsuyu channeled her chakra, using Earth nature transformation to harden her entire arm. The Earth Armament technique makes her arm appear metallic black, as if becoming metal.
"Thank you, Tsuyu". Sasuke said with respect and gratitude. Since he knew Tsuyu could even injure Itachi his view on Tsuyu already separates her from a peer he could surpass unlike Naruto.
"I am doing this mostly for Naruto. You are his friend, and you pushed him to be stronger. The stronger you are, the more you could push him better. Besides…".
"I would want to kill him as well". Her eyes turned murderous at the next second. Sasuke saw those eyes, and he felt like he found someone that could understand him.
"I definitely will kill him. You wouldn't have to stain your hands". Sasuke supported this notion, his eyes even crazier than Tsuyu's. Both of these crazies seemed to be indulging in their own imagination of killing Itachi.
Sakura saw those two having such crazy eyes and secretly cower and take a step back. Naruto hasn't noticed just what kind of people are around him. Only Sakura is normal unfortunately.
***