"Is that so?"
Hearing Temari's words a faint smile appeared on Yagyu's face as he replied,
"Then I'll wait for your challenge."
"Although personally, I don't think you'll ever have the chance to catch up to me."
Hearing that Temari, whose face had been filled with fighting spirit, suddenly stiffened slightly.
She turned her head away and stopped talking about the matter.
Making a declaration once was enough.
Any more than that would just become embarrassing.
The gathering continued on.
But this time, with Yagyu taking the lead, everyone's conversations gradually expanded beyond just hobbies and interests.
Occasionally, they even exchanged experiences from missions and training.
It wasn't until late into the night that the dinner gathering finally came to an end.
Outside the yakiniku restaurant everyone dispersed one after another, each heading home to find their own families.
Since Yagyu and Ino were neighbors, naturally the two of them walked home together.
However, when they arrived hand-in-hand at the entrance to their homes they saw Sakura waiting there.
"Sakura?"
Somewhat puzzled, Ino glanced at Sakura before walking over and asking,
"What are you doing here?"
Hearing Ino's question,Sakura raised her head, her face carrying an expression of hesitation, as though she wanted to speak but couldn't bring herself to.
"Ino…"
Although he was still somewhat confused, Yagyu had already vaguely guessed something from Sakura's expression.
Seeing her unable to speak properly he stepped beside Ino and said,
"Ino, you should head back first."
"Sakura probably came to see me."
"It's likely about something concerning Sasuke that she wants to talk about."
By saying that, Yagyu had essentially given Sakura an excuse to lower her guard.
Then he shifted his gaze toward Ino and winked at her.
Ino looked at Sakura, whose expression seemed somewhat downcast.
Recalling how Sakura had also appeared distracted and burdened with worries during the gathering earlier Ino quickly understood that Sakura probably had some kind of request for Yagyu, and would feel awkward speaking while she was present.
After figuring that out a sweet smile appeared on Ino's face as she looked at Sakura and said,
"Then I'll head back first."
"Good night, Sousuke."
"And Sakura, good night to you too."
Sakura looked gratefully at Ino before nodding gently in response:
"Thank you, Ino. Good night."
Meanwhile, Yagyu added,
"Go on and get some proper sleep."
"Don't stay up too late reading again, alright?"
Nodding obediently Ino turned around and entered her house to rest.
After Ino left, Yagyu's gaze fell onto Sakura standing before him.
After pondering for a moment, he asked,
"So then, Sakura… what did you come to see me for?"
Sakura bit her lip before suddenly bowing deeply at a full ninety degrees toward him.
Lowering her head, she spoke,
"Yagyu-kun, please teach me how to become stronger!"
"I don't want to keep getting left behind by Sasuke and Naruto anymore…"
"I don't want to become a useless teammate who only drags everyone down whenever battle happens."
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
As Sakura lowered even her proud head, Yagyu could see crystal-clear tears falling one after another onto the ground.
Looking at Sakura in this state, Yagyu fell silent for a moment.
To be honest he never really held any hatred toward Sakura.
Even though she and Ino were constantly arguing and bickering, Yagyu had never truly minded it.
Because if something serious ever happened, Sakura and Ino would undoubtedly become each other's best friends.
That much was certain.
And as someone born a civilian who still managed to reach the heights she achieved in the future there was absolutely no way Sakura hadn't worked herself to the bone for it.
It was just that Yagyu was not the teacher most suited for Sakura.
Only Tsunade truly was.
Looking at Sakura lowering her head while silently crying and pleading, Yagyu softly sighed.
"...Sakura, lift your head."
Obediently, Sakura raised her head.
Her tear-filled eyes looked at Yagyu with hope and expectation.
After thinking for a moment, Yagyu slowly continued,
"Sakura, among the three members of Team Seven, Naruto and Sasuke already possess tremendous combat potential."
"They both have exceptional talent, and in the future, they'll definitely become extremely powerful."
"For you to completely catch up to them… that would be very difficult."
"You could even say there's almost no hope."
Hearing those words, Sakura's face immediately turned pale.
She opened her mouth slightly, but couldn't say anything.
Yagyu continued speaking without stopping,
"But Sakura, that doesn't mean you'll become a useless teammate."
"You also have a ninja path that suits you."
"I don't know whether Kakashi-sensei has told you this before, but within a ninja squad, a medical ninja is indispensable."
"A medical ninja capable of treating teammates at any time is incredibly important."
"After all, no one can guarantee they'll never get injured."
"I remember that your theoretical knowledge is extremely solid, and your chakra control is also outstanding."
"So Sakura…"
"The path most suited for you is becoming Team Seven's medical ninja."
At this point a smile appeared on Yagyu's face as he continued,
"And if you want to become a medical ninja, then Konoha's best teacher isn't me…"
"Lady Tsunade is a powerful medical ninja renowned throughout the entire shinobi world."
"More importantly, her combat ability is also incredibly strong."
"So instead of asking me to teach you how to become stronger, you should show your sincerity and determination and try becoming Lady Tsunade's disciple."
Yagyu began walking toward the entrance of his house.
"Tomorrow, I'll write you a recommendation letter."
"I'll give you an opportunity to become Lady Tsunade's student."
"But whether or not you can pass her test…"
"That will depend entirely on you, Sakura."
After saying that, Yagyu directly entered his house, leaving Sakura standing alone outside on the street.
After listening to Yagyu's suggestion the hopeless tears in Sakura's eyes were replaced by a brilliant light of hope.
Once she fully understood what he meant, Sakura turned toward the entrance of Yagyu's home and bowed deeply.
"Thank you very much, Yagyu-kun!"
After expressing her gratitude, Sakura quickly ran off into the distance.
Behind the closed door of the Yamanaka household Ino who had been leaning against the door listening the entire time, revealed a faint smile after hearing Sakura leave.
As Sakura's childhood best friend there was no way Ino wouldn't care about her situation.
And this outcome was honestly pretty good.
Humming happily to herself as she walked back toward her room Ino wore a cheerful smile on her face.
"Since Sousuke handled things pretty well…"
"Tomorrow I'll reward him with a date as compensation."
Looking at how delighted Ino seemed it was hard to tell whether that "compensation" was really for Yagyu…or for herself.
The next morning.
[Ding! Sign-in successful. Congratulations, you have obtained: 1% Sage Body Development Progress]
As the system's voice sounded, a familiar warmth surged through every part of Yagyu's body.
It instantly awakened him from his drowsy state.
Stretching lazily, Yagyu got out of bed and glanced at the sunlight outside.
"Another peaceful day off, huh…"
Having just completed an S-rank mission, Yagyu still had several days of vacation remaining provided no special circumstances suddenly appeared.
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