At this time, Uchiha Tatsumi and Mikoto left Tsunade's area and returned to the training field.
Back at the battlefield, Tatsumi noticed that Minato, who had been sound asleep earlier, was now awake.
"Yo, you're finally up, Minato," Tatsumi greeted.
"Yeah, I'm good now," the blond Namikaze Minato replied with a smile, signaling that he was fine.
"But Chen, why do you look so pale? Didn't Lady Tsunade treat you?" Minato asked with concern.
"That woman..." Uchiha Tatsumi shivered slightly.
"Anyway, has the second grade round ended?" he changed the subject.
"Yeah, the top three have been announced. It's you, me, and Mikoto."
"Rope Tree forfeited for some reason. He looked awful, too. Do you know what happened to him?" Minato asked.
"Hmm, hard to say. Let's just say he's got psychological trauma. He might need a mind healer more than a medical one," Tatsumi said with a smirk.
"But hey, no big deal. Him forfeiting makes things easier for us. He should go see Lady Tsunade for counseling, maybe hand over his spot peacefully," Tatsumi added.
Minato didn't press further and simply nodded.
He was still genuinely pleased to have made it to third place. After all, competition among students in their grade was no joke.
"So, what's next? Do the three of us fight each other again? Or is it time to go against other grades?" Minato asked.
"We're moving into the team phase next. Apparently, performance will be judged by none other than the disciples of the Third Hokage."
"Wait… you mean the Sannin?" Tatsumi thought to himself, frowning. Isn't that just blatant favoritism? If the Sannin say you did great, you're in. If they say you suck, you're out. What kind of system is that?
This was what you called a preordained outcome.
"It sounds fair," Minato said cheerfully.
"Sure it does," Tatsumi muttered sarcastically.
"Hm?"
"Nothing," Tatsumi shook his head and smiled. "Let's do our best in the next round, Minato."
"Right! I'll give it my all!"
"Mikoto, you too."
"Of course, I'll be cheering for you, Chen~"
"That's great." Tatsumi gently patted Mikoto's head before glancing toward the spot where the Sannin were gathered.
As expected, once all students had finished their matches, Jiraiya dispersed the practice platforms. Meanwhile, Orochimaru formed hand seals. Moments later, an even larger earthen platform rose from the ground, towering over the previous one.
"All students, take a half-hour break. We'll continue with the second round of matches in the afternoon. Eliminated students may return to class if they choose not to stay and observe," Orochimaru announced in his eerie, raspy tone before vanishing with a Body Flicker.
Tsunade yawned and stretched, clearly planning to kill time at the casino before the next round. And Jiraiya, seeing her leave, gave a sly wink toward Tatsumi before bolting after her like a man on a mission.
Those three are always up to something, Tatsumi thought.
Knowing Tsunade's personality, she was probably already irritated from earlier. If Jiraiya messed around now, he'd likely be eating pavement soon.
Watching Jiraiya's hurried figure fade in the distance, Tatsumi grinned like he was about to witness a show.
"Chen, what's with that look?" Mikoto asked curiously.
Rather than returning to the classroom, Tatsumi and Mikoto stayed at the training ground and found a shaded spot to rest. Mikoto took out a small bento from a storage scroll.
"Nothing. I'm just wondering if Jiraiya-sama's going to have a very 'unforgettable' afternoon," Tatsumi replied, still grinning.
"You're definitely planning something." Mikoto pouted slightly while handing him a pair of chopsticks.
Ever since Mikoto discovered that Tatsumi's lunch was just salted rice and water, she began packing him food without asking. Tatsumi tried to refuse—he didn't want to look like he was freeloading—but the moment he took a bite…
"Wait, are these meatballs and steamed crab today?" Tatsumi exclaimed, not hesitating to dig in. He gestured for Minato to join them.
The outer shell was crispy, but the inside was tender and juicy.
"This is amazing! Mikoto, your cooking is incredible."
"I'm glad you like it," she replied with a shy smile, settling beside him and nibbling her food quietly.
The wholesome scene almost blinded Minato, who looked at Tatsumi's bento, then at the dry, cracked bread in his hand. With no choice, he sighed and joined in.
So this is what defeat feels like, Minato thought bitterly. Maybe I really should find a girlfriend. One who can cook.
---
Suddenly, a monstrous voice thundered from afar:
"YOU BASTARD! APOLOGIZE OR PREPARE TO DIE!"
The roar was unmistakably Tsunade's.
Even from here, the rage in her voice was clear. Mikoto looked up, worried.
"Did Jiraiya-sama provoke her again?"
Apparently, Tsunade's short fuse was famous in the village. Jiraiya's… questionable reputation didn't help.
"Calm down, Tsunade! Orochimaru, help me hold her off!" Jiraiya's panicked voice called out.
"If you try to block me, Orochimaru, I'll take you out too!" Tsunade growled.
Tatsumi shivered. Just her bloodlust is enough to make my skin crawl.
Then came the final call—
"DIE, JIRAIYA!! Heavenly Foot of Pain!"
Wait, did she actually use a jutsu on him?!
"I'm sorry, Sensei! Save me!" Jiraiya's final plea echoed.
BOOM!
A tremor shook the ground—even the Ninja Academy felt the aftershock.
Tsk, rest in peace, Jiraiya. You died a strong man, Tatsumi thought solemnly—though completely unapologetically.
"Chen, why are you smiling so much?" Mikoto asked, narrowing her eyes.
She knew him well enough by now to recognize that look. Whenever Tatsumi looked that satisfied, something devious had definitely just happened.