After some questioning, Yakumo learned that the "Super Strength Punch" Tsunade had just demonstrated was a secret taijutsu technique of the Senju clan.
It required an immense amount of chakra and precise chakra control to even attempt mastering it.
As Tsunade demonstrated, she explained: "You're a dojutsu kekkei genkai user. Once you master Super Strength, your combat power will skyrocket. Soon, those kids at the academy won't stand a chance against you."
"Lady Tsunade, please guide me—I want to beat them!"
Hearing that mastering "Super Strength" could let her defeat the academy's geniuses, Yakumo's fighting spirit flared up instantly.
Sasuke's arrogance, Kimimaro's aloofness, Neji's distance—these were all deep-seated pain points buried in Yakumo's heart.
And the most unbearable of all was Shinji's pity!
This time, she was determined to go all out and thoroughly crush these overconfident prodigies.
Seeing Yakumo brimming with determination, Shizune cast an admiring glance at Tsunade.
Tsunade responded with a sly smile.
Clearly, both had seen through Yakumo's desire to redeem herself at the academy, so they'd used it to ignite her drive to train in taijutsu.
Over the next few days, Yakumo trained like a madwoman, barely sleeping or resting as she honed her taijutsu.
Tsunade held nothing back, teaching her everything—the mechanics of "Super Strength," the principles of chakra application—breaking it all down step by step.
Thanks to the Koryugan, Yakumo could see through the human body.
Many techniques that others found obscure and difficult became crystal clear under her Koryugan's gaze.
Coupled with the Koryugan's inherent ability to manipulate blood and boost her stamina, mastering "Super Strength Punch" came to her with ease.
Shizune, handling logistics, watched Yakumo improve at a visible pace—both envious and awestruck.
Just weeks ago, Yakumo had been a patient everyone believed couldn't continue as a shinobi.
Now, she was sparring with Tsunade, one of the "Sannin," progressing at a jaw-dropping speed!
Boom.
Suddenly, a loud crash erupted on the field as two intertwined figures broke apart!
The massive impact left Yakumo unsteady, stumbling back over a dozen steps before barely stabilizing herself.
On the other side, Tsunade, also forced back, took a single step to steady herself!
"Super Strength…"
Tsunade's heart skipped a beat.
She'd guessed that with Yakumo's prodigious talent and her newly acquired Sage Body, mastering "Super Strength Punch" wouldn't be too hard.
But she hadn't expected her to learn it this fast!
Rubbing her slightly swollen arm, Yakumo asked: "Lady Tsunade, should we keep going?"
Tsunade shook her head slowly: "No need—you've mastered 'Super Strength Punch.'"
"What!?"
Yakumo was stunned. She hadn't even realized that her last strike had successfully executed "Super Strength Punch"!
Tsunade stepped forward and patted her shoulder: "Alright, you can rest now!"
Yakumo's tension melted away, and she plopped onto the ground.
Her rapid mastery of "Super Strength Punch" stemmed not just from her talent but from days of relentless, sleepless training.
Only she could pull this off.
Anyone else attempting such grueling practice might not have had a body resilient enough to withstand it!
Tsunade helped Yakumo up: "Winning or losing against your peers isn't that big a deal—don't take it too seriously. As long as you keep working hard, you'll surely become a shinobi far greater than me one day!"
"Thank you!"
Yakumo bowed deeply to Tsunade.
Another morning dawned.
Students trickled into the academy in pairs and trios under the morning light.
Just then, a figure's appearance drew the crowd's attention, and Shion blurted out: "Yakumo, your surgery's done?"
Due to confidentiality, apart from Shinji, none of the other students knew about Yakumo's surgery. Only now, seeing her return to school, did they realize it was complete.
"Yes!"
Yakumo smiled as she approached.
Shion sized her up, then rubbed her chin: "Something's off!"
Yakumo asked curiously: "What's off?"
"You're off!" Pausing, Shion shook her head: "You seem… different from before!"
"How so?"
Shion stared intently for a while before saying: "It's confidence, Yakumo. You look way more confident than you used to!"
Yakumo pressed her lips into a small smile.
At that moment, Sasuke's voice came from nearby: "Yakumo, since your surgery's done, you haven't forgotten our deal, right?"
Yakumo looked over to see Sasuke strolling toward her, hands in his pockets and a cool expression on his face. She replied: "I wasn't planning to challenge you first, but since you've come to me, I'll start with you!"
Sasuke grinned: "Perfect!"
Yakumo glanced around, noting the number of classmates on the field. After a moment's thought, she said to Sasuke: "Let's spar somewhere else. Follow me!"
Without waiting for his refusal, she vanished with a whoosh.
"Doesn't matter where!"
Sasuke huffed lightly and chased after her.
"What's that about? Why not spar at the academy?"
"Yeah, I was looking forward to the show!"
"I heard Yakumo just had surgery—anyone know what it was for?"
As Yakumo and Sasuke left, the students on the field erupted into chatter.
A little later, Shinji arrived at the academy.
Before he could find Shion, she found him first, saying urgently: "Shinji, Yakumo's back from her surgery!"
"Is that so?"
Shinji replied offhandedly.
Shion continued: "Just now, Sasuke challenged her, and they went off somewhere to spar!"
"Oh?"
That piqued Shinji's interest a bit.
In a small grove not far from the academy.
Yakumo stopped and turned around.
Sasuke, hot on her heels, said: "Was it necessary to pick a place like this? Our match will be over quick anyway!"
Yakumo smiled faintly.
On a large tree nearby.
Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kakashi stood side by side, watching Yakumo and Sasuke from a distance.
Jiraiya yawned: "Tsunade, why drag me out here so early? Don't you know waking up early ruins the day?"
Tsunade replied: "I brought you to see something interesting!"
Kakashi looked puzzled: "Lady Tsunade, even if Yakumo's surgery is done, she can't possibly match Sasuke yet, right?"
Jiraiya nodded in agreement.
He acknowledged Yakumo's potential, but the current gap between her and Sasuke was undeniable.
A few months from now, she might beat him—but now? It seemed premature.
Bang.
Just then, Sasuke flew out of the grove, slamming into a tree and passing out cold.