Chapter 143: Chapter 143: Tsunade's New Apprentice, Ino
[Check Out My P4treon For +50 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/roooaaa]
===
In the original story, Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino were both Tsunade's apprentices.
But the former was official, while the latter was temporary.
In the end, Sakura mastered the Byakugō Seal and Strength of a Hundred, while Ino only learned the Mystical Palm Technique before stopping.
From the results, Sakura clearly had greater talent as a medical ninja.
But the fact that Ino could master the Mystical Palm Technique proved she wasn't lacking in skill.
The issue was that she had too many things to learn—on top of her clan's secret techniques—so she couldn't afford to specialize in medical ninjutsu.
After all, the Byakugō Seal and Strength of a Hundred required years of dedication.
Sakura had spent three years mastering them.
Ino couldn't afford to waste that much time.
Because she was part of the new Ino-Shika-Chō trio.
She had to coordinate with Akimichi Chōji and Nara Shikamaru.
This made Sasame think of Hyūga Hinata.
She, too, had learned the Mystical Palm Technique—but nothing beyond that.
In Sasame's opinion, the Byakugan was perfect for long-range combat and medical ninjutsu.
With its far-reaching vision and ability to see through objects, it provided immense advantages.
Just look at Ōtsutsuki Kaguya's Eighty Gods Vacuum Fists.
Hinata had the potential to develop new techniques.
Sasame wouldn't let that go to waste—he'd push her to explore long-range Gentle Fist attacks.
Even long-distance pressure-point strikes were possible.
After finishing her tea, Ino excused herself.
At her age, she couldn't stay overnight—her family would worry.
But this was also her advantage.
She still had plenty of time to learn the Byakugō Seal and Strength of a Hundred.
If Tsunade were to take an apprentice—ignoring Sasame's influence—she'd likely only choose one.
Because she was too busy.
And she already had enough students.
Ino, as the heiress of the Yamanaka clan and a member of Ino-Shika-Chō, had a much higher chance than Sakura.
Though Sakura was talented.
Sasame planned to have Yakushi Nonō take her as an apprentice instead.
Plus, he'd earn three people's Fate Points—a total win.
(Though, admittedly, he also had a small bias—he just liked Ino more.)
When Tsunade returned home, Sasame brought up the apprenticeship idea.
She eyed him suspiciously.
It took him all night to convince her.
Hokage's Office.
Tsunade worked on documents while Sasame massaged her shoulders.
Soon, a knock sounded.
"Come in."
Tsunade straightened, kicking Sasame back a step to stop the massage.
It wouldn't look good if others saw the Hokage being so… familiar with a subordinate.
But Sasame had his pride.
Before retreating, he ran his fingers along the arch of her bare foot—just because.
Tsunade rolled her eyes but quickly regained her authoritative demeanor.
"Lady Hokage."
The visitor was Yamanaka Inoichi—one of the older Ino-Shika-Chō trio, leader of Konoha's Analysis Team, and an idol for intelligence ninja.
He was also Ino's father.
"What brings me here today?"
Inoichi bowed slightly.
Humble and reliable—any Hokage would appreciate him.
Thanks to the Ino-Shika-Chō alliance, as long as they remained loyal, their clans would always hold power in Konoha.
This was partly due to Sarutobi Hiruzen's maneuvering.
He'd made Sarutobi Asuma the sensei for Ino, Chōji, and Shikamaru.
Additionally, the Sarutobi clan served as witnesses for the Earring Oath—a tradition where each generation of Ino-Shika-Chō wore matching earrings as a symbol of their bond.
In other words, the Sarutobi clan was tied to Ino-Shika-Chō.
"I've met your daughter, Yamanaka Ino. She shows promise."
Unlike Hiruzen, Tsunade didn't beat around the bush. "I'd like to take her as my apprentice. Your thoughts?"
"An apprentice?!"
Inoichi froze—then lit up. "It would be an honor!"
Even if Tsunade were weak, the title of Hokage's apprentice alone would elevate Ino's status immensely.
Combined with her position as the Yamanaka heiress, few in Konoha could rival her.
Inoichi wasn't about to refuse such a golden opportunity.
"Inform her to come see me."
Tsunade wasn't surprised. Her taking an apprentice was already a huge favor to Ino.
In the original story, Sakura's life had completely changed because of it.
Her strength and status far surpassed ordinary ninja.
"Understood!"
Inoichi couldn't contain his excitement. He rushed out—even skipping work—to head straight for the Ninja Academy.
Ino was in class when her father arrived.
Under the nervous gaze of the instructor (who feared being dragged into interrogation), she stepped outside.
"What's going on?"
"The Hokage wants to take you as her apprentice!"
Inoichi blurted out, beaming. "You'd better work hard!"
Ino's mind blanked.
This fast?
Just yesterday, she'd mentioned it to Sasame—and today, it was happening?
And no test? What if she wasn't cut out for it?
But Ino was sharp. She quickly sensed something off.
"What about… Sakura?"
"Sakura? No, just you."
Inoichi, still elated, urged, "Come meet the Hokage now."
Ino hesitated.
Did Sasame really pull strings… just for me?
Her heart swirled with emotions—warmth from his favoritism, but also guilt for Sakura.
"Let's go."
Inoichi nudged her.
"Okay."
Ino steadied herself.
Tsunade had always been her idol. Now, not only would she meet her—she'd become her disciple.
Double the joy!
Hokage's Office.
"Happy?"
Tsunade's tone was sharp. "Since when were you so close to Ino?"
Sasame leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. "A little jealous?"
Tsunade's eye twitched. She locked his head in a vice grip and knuckled his skull.
"Cheeky brat!"
"Mercy, Lady Hokage!"
Thanks to their position, Sasame found himself buried in a soft, fragrant abyss.
Another knock.
Tsunade released him, straightening her clothes—but not before stomping on him with her heels.
"Step on me all you want!" Sasame grinned. "As long as you're happy."
(His Sage Body could take it. And she wasn't even using force.)
The door opened.
Inoichi returned—this time with a blonde girl, Yamanaka Ino.
Her eyes immediately found Sasame.
He's here?
But it made sense—he was Tsunade's apprentice.
"Lady Hokage."
Both Inoichi and Ino bowed.
"Hm."
Tsunade nodded. "Ino, from now on, call me sensei."
"Yes!"
Ino's voice trembled with excitement, her gaze shining with admiration.
Tsunade was used to such looks and didn't react.
"At your age, you haven't learned medical ninjutsu, right?"
Ino shook her head. "The Academy doesn't teach it."
The Yamanaka clan could hire medical-nin tutors, but clan techniques took priority.
"Go to the next office. Your senior, Shizune, will teach you the basics."
Tsunade pointed to the right—the Hokage Guard Platoon's office.
(The left was the Hokage Secretary Team's space.
Originally, these were the Elders' offices. After being kicked out, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura had been furious.
But Tsunade was delighted.)
This had been Sasame's idea.
Tsunade already disliked the two old advisors—so she'd agreed immediately.
But she underestimated them.
Losing their offices would push them to act—likely by contacting Shimura Danzō.
(Perfect for shifting blame.)
Danzō, stripped of power, was desperate to regain influence.
He'd once tried to assassinate Hiruzen.
Now, with the Elders' support, why fear Tsunade?
Besides, Hiruzen had been stronger.
Danzō hated the idea of a younger Hokage outranking him.
Sasame would help things along—ensuring Danzō's defection.
And during his escape?
A tragic accident befalling the two Elders… perfectly reasonable, right?
Danzō staying in Konoha wouldn't generate Fate Points.
As for the Elders' Fate Points? Sasame could live without them.
Making Tsunade happy was worth it.
(And killing them would grant Fate Points—just once.)
"Understood!"
Ino wanted to ask about Sakura but held back.
She'd ask Sasame later.
Hokage Guard Platoon Office.
Ino stepped inside—and froze.
What kind of madness was this?!
A green-spandexed man was doing frog jumps, yelling about youth and passion.
A white-haired, masked weirdo was reading Make-Out Paradise (clearly perverted).
A scary-looking woman was practicing medical ninjutsu on a live chicken.
Only Yuuhi Kurenai seemed normal—calmly reviewing documents.
(Though staying sane in this chaos was its own kind of weird.)
"Uh… where's Shizune-senpai?"
Ino hesitated.
Shizune knocked out the chicken and turned.
Hm. Cute.
"You're Ino?"
She wiped the blood off her hands. "I've prepared your study materials. Over there."
Ino's eyes followed her gesture—to a mountain of books in the corner.
Her face paled.
Earlier, she'd assumed those were village records.
Nope. All for her.
I regret everything. Help.
But backing out now? Impossible.
Refusing the Hokage's offer would be unforgivable.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 203 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 30 power stones I will publish the next chapter.
https://patreon.com/roooaaa
(Give me all your power stones)