Comeback of Senju Clan

Chapter 19: A New Apprentice Part III

The morning sun bathed the training ground in a warm glow as Tetsuya and Itachi stood facing each other. It was their first training session, and both were eager to see what the other could do. Tetsuya wore his blue armor with a white fur, looking every bit the seasoned shinobi. Itachi, dressed in his usual Uchiha gear and chunin west, focused intently on his new mentor.

"Ready, Itachi?" Tetsuya asked, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Yes, Tetsuya-san," Itachi replied, determined to prove himself.

Tetsuya dropped into a ready stance. "Then let's begin."

Itachi moved first, his Sharingan activating as he charged forward. He launched a series of quick, precise strikes, each aimed at critical points. Tetsuya blocked and countered effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise.

"Impressive speed and precision," Tetsuya remarked as he deflected another of Itachi's attacks. "But you'll need more than that."

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" Itachi shouted, sending a massive fireball toward Tetsuya.

Tetsuya raised a hand, and a wall of water surged up to meet the fireball, extinguishing it in an instant. "Water Style: Water Wall."

Undeterred, Itachi switched tactics, using his Sharingan to predict Tetsuya's movements. He attempted to flank Tetsuya, aiming for a blind spot, but Tetsuya vanished in a blur of speed, reappearing behind Itachi.

"Body Flicker Technique," Tetsuya said, his voice calm. "You have potential, but you must learn to anticipate not just movements, but also possibilities."

Itachi spun around, launching a kunai. Tetsuya caught it mid-air, then closed the distance between them in an instant. A swift, controlled strike sent Itachi sprawling.

Itachi lay on the ground, panting. In his mind, he reflected on the sparring session. "Tetsuya-san is on another level. He's probably the strongest shinobi in the village right now" thought Itachi.

Tetsuya extended a hand to help Itachi up. "You're strong, Itachi. With more training, you'll be even stronger. But always remember, true strength comes from understanding both your abilities and your limits."

"Thank you, Tetsuya-san," Itachi said, accepting the hand and pulling himself up.

___________________________________________

Later that day, Tetsuya found himself in the Hokage's office, standing before Hiruzen Sarutobi. The Third Hokage looked up from his paperwork and smiled.

"How was your training with Itachi?" Hiruzen asked.

"It went well," Tetsuya replied. "He's incredibly talented and has the potential to become one of the greatest shinobi. But he still has much to learn."

Hiruzen nodded. "That's good to hear. Itachi is a valuable asset to our village. Now, there's something important we need to discuss. Your coronation as Hokage."

Tetsuya looked thoughtful for a moment. "I appreciate the honor, Hiruzen, but before I assume the position, there's something I need to do."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what might that be?"

"I want to find Tsunade," Tetsuya said firmly. "She is one of the Sannin, and her medical expertise and strength are vital to Konoha. I'll take Itachi with me on the search. This will also serve as valuable experience for him."

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, considering Tetsuya's words. "Tsunade... Yes, her return would indeed be beneficial for the village. And taking Itachi with you is a wise decision. Very well, Tetsuya. I trust your judgment. When do you plan to leave?"

"As soon as possible," Tetsuya replied. "I want to ensure Konoha is in the best possible position before I take on the responsibilities of Hokage."

Hiruzen smiled, a look of pride in his eyes. "You truly embody the spirit of a leader, Tetsuya. May your journey be swift and successful."

Tetsuya bowed slightly. "Thank you, Hiruzen. We'll return as soon as we can."

As Tetsuya left the office, he felt a sense of purpose and determination. The search for Tsunade would be challenging, but with Itachi by his side, he was confident they would succeed. The future of Konoha depended on it.