Chapter 9: Chapter 8 : 28th Place
The second person on the list is Haruno Sakura.
To everyone's surprise, Uchiha Ran found this to be quite reasonable.
In the original story, Shizune had been under Tsunade's guidance for over 20 years. Although she had learned much through Tsunade's teachings, she never fully mastered the prowess, the Hundred Healings Mark, and the Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth in medical ninjutsu.
However, in just three years, young Sakura had become an expert.
Shizune had managed to lead the medical department during the Fourth Great Ninja War, showcasing her undeniable talent. Yet, Sakura could potentially defeat her in mere seconds. This discrepancy was beyond mere bloodline bonuses; it seemed the world of bloodline limits held an inexplicable logic.
Furthermore, mastering the superior medical technique was a hallmark of the Senju family, something that couldn't simply be acquired through superior chakra control. It was clear that Sakura had benefited from Senju Hashirama's policy of integrating the Senju clan into the village.
As for why Haruno Sakura's rank surpassed Moegi Kazamatsuri, it is likely related to their respective physical development stages.
After all, Haruno Sakura was four years older than Moegi Kazamatsuri. Her chakra control and illusions were visibly tied to her Senju physiology. This suggested her development had reached a more advanced level at the foundational stage.
On the other hand, Moegi Kazamatsuri's Wood Style bloodline limit had only recently awakened. While it had been acknowledged through the gold list, it didn't seem to factor into the ranking equation.
[Senju Tsunade: Got it, got it, I'm heading back to the village, enough of your endless chatter!]
Somewhere in the Land of Fire, Tsunade, taking a break from gambling, muttered irritably.
She leaned back in her chair, framing the mountains with her hands, then glanced at the jubilant Shizune.
"You're quite excited to see this kid, huh?"
"Ah!" Shizune's expression froze, her cheeks reddening.
"Tsunade... Tsunade-sama, it's not like that!"
"Enough already!" Tsunade waved dismissively before standing up.
"Let's go back to Konoha!"
"Though I despise the Third Hokage, I won't let him harm Senju Kazamatsuri."
Tsunade and Uchiha Ran had known each other for years.
During a mission, Uchiha Ran had "happened upon" Tsunade in a casino. Upon recognizing her, Ran had affectionately addressed him as "Senior Sister," and he had willingly lent a hand with gambling funds and treated her to drinks.
Later, after signing the contract for the Shikkotsu Forest summoning, the two formed a unique bond.
Tsunade had no reason to hold animosity toward her "little brother," even after learning his Uchiha lineage. In fact, Uchiha Ran held a special place in her heart, more so than Jiraiya and Orochimaru. He had significantly helped her overcome her alcoholism.
As for Sarutobi Hiruzen... he was better left forgotten.
Additionally, Uchiha Ran had mentioned a promising disciple within Konoha Village long ago, which she hadn't anticipated.
"It appears Haruno Sakura is indeed suitable to inherit all that I possess."
Tsunade dashed toward Konoha while keeping an eye on the Gold List display.
She didn't need to actively watch the chat room. Having read it once allowed for mental communication at any time.
Tsunade's return wasn't solely due to finding Haruno Sakura, the fitting disciple. She was letting go of her own prejudices.
The main reason was Moegi Kazamatsuri's appearance.
While Senju Hashirama might have been naive, his brother Senju Tobirama was astute.
After Hashirama's passing, Tobirama established a new clan rule: aside from the direct line of the Senju clan (Tsunade and Nawaki), any commoner who awakened the Wood Style bloodline could elevate their immediate family to Senju status.
For those from other clans, arrangements would be made through negotiations.
As Tobirama's granddaughter, Tsunade couldn't simply let Moegi Kazamatsuri go unnoticed. She would even have her name changed.
Would any commoner refuse the Senju name?
In terms of heritage, the Senju were as illustrious as the Uchiha.
[Jiraiya: Tsunade, returning to Konoha? Wonderful, I'll... um, stop gathering intelligence and head back to Konoha.]
[Tsunade: Get lost, I don't want to see you, you old pervert.]
[Jiraiya: Cough, Orochimaru's not here, I'll return to Konoha for a reunion.]
[Uchiha Ran: Looking forward to it.]
[Orochimaru: Hehe...]
The Konoha's Sannin spoke in unison.
In the ninja world, anyone who knew their names instinctively held their breath.
Despite Konoha's recent hardships caused by the death of high-level ninja, their strength remained formidable thanks to the many geniuses within their ranks. Particularly, a rising star: Uchiha Ran.
May fortune favor Konoha!
"Perhaps, the Ninja World Golden List could reshape the hierarchy of the Ninja World?" pondered some.
[Senju Hashirama: Tsuna, it's your great-grandfather. How's life in this world?]
[Uzumaki Mito: Tsunade, my beloved granddaughter, make sure your grandmother sees you on the list.]
[Senju Tsunade: Grandfather, grandmother, I'm doing quite well.]
Thinking of Uchiha Ran, Tsunade restrained herself from complaining.
She couldn't complain publicly. It would reflect poorly on Konoha in the eyes of the entire ninja world.
After all, Konoha was her grandfather Senju Hashirama's cherished achievement.
But some secrets couldn't remain hidden forever, especially not with the Golden List's emergence.
"You will understand why I made your choice. Joining Senior Sister Tsunade would grant you the second option's medical ninjutsu on your own, aside from enhancing the purity and potential of your physical constitution."
In the midst of Konoha, Uchiha Ran patiently explained to Haruno Sakura.
He wasn't particularly fond of the "Green Tea" Sakura.
But her future husband, Sasuke, was truly exceptional.
Once Sasuke had learned of his Uchiha lineage, he had become an instant fanboy.
As an Uchiha, he had the confidence to revitalize the clan himself. Still, with Sasuke's assistance, the process might be somewhat smoother.
"Sakura, do as Big Brother Ran suggests!"
Sasuke encouraged Sakura from the side.
"Sure thing, Sasuke-kun."
Sakura nodded briskly before making her decision.
In the next moment, a beam of light descended and swiftly dissipated.
The process wasn't intricate, but with lessons learned from Moegi Kazamatsuri, everyone believed Sakura's bloodline had improved.
"I feel like I can draw out much more chakra. My vitality and strength have increased significantly," Sakura eagerly reported.
Everyone nodded with indifference, their focus still on the Golden List.
Who would be next?
"Could it be a bloodline limit successor from our village?" speculated Onoki, Fourth Generation Ai, and others.
"Dong Dong~"
The Golden List appeared for the second time.
Two three-dimensional images materialized and, after a rotation, shot upwards like a leaderboard.
Upon seeing the names, everyone was left speechless.
Twenty-eighth: Hyuga Natsu (Intermediate Byakugan · Disabled)
Twenty-seventh: Hyuga Neji (Intermediate Byakugan, Disabled)
Both belonged to the Hyuga clan of Konoha!
"Could it be Natsu and Neji from the branch family?"
Among the clan elders, expressions shifted in surprise.
Could the branch house truly make it onto the list?
Soon, someone said, "If a branch member can make the list, then surely our main family can as well?"
"So, it's possible for the Hyuga clan to rise to prominence!"
The declaration ignited a spark of excitement.
"Yes, the Hyuga clan is on the rise!"
*****
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