KONOHA :THE RISE OF KAITON

In the open space on the mountain behind Konoha, four figures stood silently.

Tsunade, with a mix of concern and curiosity, asked Kaiton, "Are you really sure about this?"

Kaiton nodded confidently, his smile unwavering. "Of course, Tsunade. Trust me—this will work. Hit me with your full strength!"

Determined to improve, Kaiton had invited Tsunade and Jiraiya to help him train. To his surprise, Orochimaru had also been dragged along, courtesy of Jiraiya's meddling.

Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with interest as he observed Kaiton. "Your plan is… unconventional. Enhancing reaction speed this way could work, but how long do you think you can last before Tsunade knocks you unconscious?"

Kaiton grinned, unfazed. His plan to boost combat ability focused entirely on improving his reaction speed. He reasoned that at the Genin stage, close-quarters combat was inevitable. If his reflexes were fast enough, opponents wouldn't land a hit—making him untouchable.

The method? Engage in training where he would dodge attacks without countering. Once he could handle one opponent, he'd gradually increase the number, intensifying the challenge to sharpen his reactions.

While the others supported his plan, they voiced concerns about the potential for injuries. Kaiton, prepared for this, brandished a well-stocked medical kit. "You can't grow stronger without making sacrifices," he said with a smirk. "What's wrong? Are you afraid?"

Jiraiya immediately puffed up with bravado. "Afraid? Jiraiya doesn't know the meaning of fear! Bring it on!"

Tsunade cracked her knuckles, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Don't come crying to me later, Kaiton. Let's see if you can survive!"

Even Orochimaru nodded, his enigmatic smile suggesting approval.

The training began. Kaiton squared off against Tsunade, while Jiraiya faced Orochimaru.

"Bring it on, Tsunade!" Kaiton yelled.

"Don't hold back, Orochimaru!" Jiraiya chimed in.

However, raw enthusiasm wasn't enough. Kaiton and Jiraiya, despite their bravado, were soon reduced to bruised, swollen messes. Tsunade and Orochimaru showed no mercy.

Orochimaru, seemingly venting a personal grudge, focused his strikes on Jiraiya's head. Tsunade, meanwhile, aimed exclusively at Kaiton's forehead. Kaiton groaned inwardly. Why is she only hitting my head? Did I offend her somehow?

Tsunade merely shrugged off his complaints with a grin, though her gleeful expression betrayed her enjoyment.

Despite the pain, Kaiton was determined. "Tsunade, it's my turn now!" he declared.

Tsunade froze for a moment, realizing the tables were about to turn.

Jiraiya, still nursing his injuries, caught on and smirked. "Orochimaru, you're next!"

Both Kaiton and Jiraiya, battered but resolute, lunged at their respective targets. Their laughter echoed through the clearing as they unleashed their "revenge."

---

When Tsunade returned home with her head wrapped in bandages, her family was immediately concerned.

"Grandpa, Grandma, I'm back!"

Senju Hashirama, lounging on the tatami and playing cards with Uzumaki Mito, glanced at her casually. "Welcome back, Tsuna—huh?"

Noticing her bandages, he asked, "What happened to you?"

Mito, equally curious, set down her cards.

Tsunade recounted the day's events, emphasizing how she had dominated Kaiton in the training.

Mito shook her head with a smile. "So, all this just to train? And you were beaten by Kaiton?"

Tsunade puffed up her chest. "Don't underestimate me, Grandma! I only got hit a hundred times. I landed over five hundred hits on him. His head was twice as swollen as mine!"

"Grandpa, heal me with medical ninjutsu, please. Tomorrow, I'll teach Kaiton a lesson he won't forget!"

Hashirama laughed heartily, giving her a thumbs-up. "You've got spirit, Tsuna! I'll help you recover. But I have to admit, Kaiton's idea is brilliant—training reflexes while also practicing medical ninjutsu. A win-win!"

As Hashirama treated her, Tsunade winced in pain but smirked inwardly, already planning her next move.

Mito, watching the lively scene, chuckled softly. Ah, to be young again.

---

Meanwhile, Jiraiya returned to his dark, empty home.

He turned on the light, collapsed onto his bed, and winced as his head touched the pillow.

"Hiss… Damn it, Orochimaru! Just wait until tomorrow. I'll repay you for this!"

As he lay there, Jiraiya's thoughts wandered to recent memories: meeting Kaiton, their shared misadventures, Tsunade's fiery temper, and Orochimaru's enigmatic presence.

Eventually, exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted off to sleep.

---

Orochimaru, similarly battered, returned to his quiet home. Unlike Jiraiya, Orochimaru felt no loneliness. He examined his injuries in the mirror, frowning slightly at his swollen eye.

Touching the bruise gingerly, he winced but remained silent, his expression unreadable.

This training has potential, he thought.

---

At the Akirai household, Kaiton was enduring a different kind of pain. His father, Akirai, applied ointment to his injuries with little sympathy.

"Stop squirming. You wanted this training, so bear with it," Akirai scolded.

"Dad, hurry up! I need to review my medical scrolls before bed," Kaiton replied through gritted teeth.

Akirai raised an eyebrow. "Medical scrolls? What's gotten into you?"

Kaiton waved dismissively. "Tsunade's grandpa will heal her injuries tonight. She'll show up tomorrow as if nothing happened. If I don't catch up, I'll be at a disadvantage!"

Akirai chuckled at his son's determination. "You're serious about this, huh? Fine, but don't push yourself too hard."

Kaiton's resolve burned brighter. He decided to quit his part-time job to devote all his energy to training. Mastering medical ninjutsu within a month was now his goal.

If I want to stand toe-to-toe with Tsunade, I can't afford to fall behind.

---

Kaiton's ambition ignited a fiery determination within him. His soul burned with the desire to grow stronger.

The training, though painful, marked the beginning of a journey that would push Kaiton and his friends to their limits—and beyond.

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