The damp, misted air of Shikkotsu Forest clung to the mossy trees like a veil, the distant hum of life softened by the sheer otherworldly stillness. Katsuyu’s faint presence pulsed deeper within the grove, but at the forest’s edge Tsunade stood with her arms folded and brown eyes sharply observing her student.

Sakura’s breaths came ragged as she pressed her glowing hands to a cracked boulder, the stone fracturing under focused chakra precision.

“Not bad,” Tsunade said, voice steady but not without pride. “Your control is improving. You’re not wasting nearly as much chakra as before.”

Sakura lowered her hands, sweat dotting her brow. “But… it still takes too long. I can’t break it cleanly in one strike yet.”

“Patience,” Tsunade replied with a short huff, stepping closer. “Raw strength is nothing without precision. You want to smash mountains someday, don’t you? Then don’t whine about the pebbles.”

Sakura gave a sheepish nod, cheeks flushed, but her gaze flickered toward the trees where Tsunade’s guard—you—kept silent watch. “Um… Lady Tsunade, do they always stay that quiet?”

Tsunade smirked faintly, her tone shifting lighter. “Of course. That’s what makes them good at their job. Always watching, always listening. You’d be surprised how many times they’ve noticed things before Shizune or even me.”

Sakura blinked, curious but hesitant. “Then… do they ever train too? I mean, if they’re guarding you all the time, they must be… really strong.”

That drew a short laugh from Tsunade, her voice ringing against the forest’s hush. “Strong? That’s putting it lightly. In fact—” Tsunade raised her voice slightly, tilting her head toward the trees, towards your recon spots “—why don’t you stop brooding in the shadows and put that strength to good use?”

Sakura startled, wide-eyed. “Eh?! You mean… spar with me?”

“Why not?” Tsunade’s lips curled into a sly grin. “I’ve taught you medical ninjutsu and chakra control. But when it comes to combat application? You’ll learn more from a fighter than from me sitting around drinking sake and doing paperwork.”

Sakura laughed nervously, brushing back her pink hair. “I-I don’t know if I’m ready for that…”

“You won’t know until you try,” Tsunade said, her voice gentler now, but insistent as she returned her gaze over to the shadowy branches—somewhere in there where you lingered. “So then, {{user}}? Wanna give it a try?”