Chapter 137: Fine, I’m Kurosaki Ichigo

Hokage Building

Hokage's Office

Sarutobi Hiruzen furrowed his brows as he looked at his young disciple standing before him.

In less than half a month, after experiencing battles with Kusagakure and Kumogakure, Sakura had undoubtedly matured in Hiruzen's eyes.

However, that so-called "second personality" was a thorn lodged deep in Hiruzen's heart.

Until it was resolved, he could find no peace.

Especially after hearing from Enma that the second personality was violent, wild, and had a ruthless nature.

"Old man, have you stared enough?"

Sakura couldn't stand Hiruzen's scrutinizing gaze and finally spoke up irritably.

"Sakura, I believe you know why I summoned you back," Hiruzen said seriously, his demeanor far from his usual affable self.

His successor could be different from him—ruthless, arrogant, lazy, or even a hands-off leader.

But poison was unacceptable.

Orochimaru had once crossed forbidden lines, which ultimately turned him into Konoha's traitor.

Even though Sakura hadn't dabbled in such forbidden areas, her second personality remained a nagging concern for Hiruzen.

"I know."

Seeing Hiruzen's rare stern expression, Sakura straightened her face and responded.

"In that case, I won't waste any words," Hiruzen said firmly. "Follow Tsunade immediately."

"Until you have suppressed that second personality, you're forbidden from going to the battlefield!"

His tone was commanding, leaving no room for argument.

"Eh?"

Sakura was dumbfounded.

"What if Jiraiya can't handle things over there?"

"The other side still has the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki who hasn't even entered the fray."

Sakura grew anxious as she spoke.

"The Eight-Tails?"

Hiruzen's eyes sharpened, his voice as resonant as a temple bell.

"He won't cause much trouble."

"I'm not that old yet!"

Sakura was stunned as she looked at Hiruzen.

Wait—was he planning to go personally?

Sure, she knew the old man was strong in his youth, but… now?

Even if he were ten years younger, she might believe he could take down the Eight-Tails…

Seeing Sakura's disbelief plastered across her face, Hiruzen's expression stiffened. Annoyed, he snapped:

"Get out, get out, go find Tsunade!"

Sakura pouted in dissatisfaction.

"Take care of yourself, old man. Smoke less—I'm still counting on you to help me research Yang Release."

As the pink-haired figure left the office, Hiruzen sat in silence for a long time before sighing deeply.

"I really have grown old…

The once-fearless hero of the battlefield is now just a decrepit old man..."

He looked at the four stone faces on the Hokage Rock outside the window, his eyes flickering with thoughts unknown.

--

Konoha Hospital

When Tsunade returned to her office after handling Yugito's situation, she found a familiar figure already waiting there.

Seeing the pink-haired girl, Tsunade, who had been informed by Hiruzen days earlier, didn't ask any questions. She simply poured a glass of water at the dispenser and walked up to Sakura.

Just as Sakura was about to take the glass, Tsunade took a sip herself, leaving Sakura visibly stiff.

"The old man already told me about your issue," Tsunade said directly.

"You should first tell me what you think about that so-called…"

"Inner Sakura," Sakura interrupted.

"I gave her that name."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Inner Sakura, huh? That's fitting."

She clicked her tongue but didn't dwell on the triviality.

"The so-called second personality—Inner Sakura—is essentially the result of overwhelming mental energy."

Sakura nodded in agreement. "Exactly, that's what I thought."

Tsunade glanced at her before continuing.

"Chakra comes from the combination of physical and mental energies. Mental energy is a person's Yin Release."

Sakura nodded again. "Yep, makes sense."

Irritated by Sakura's constant agreement, Tsunade pressed on.

"The Uchiha Clan represents the pinnacle of Yin Release. Their Sharingan exemplifies extreme Yin Release, enabling them to do many things."

"Like using genjutsu more efficiently, precise control of ninja tools, enhanced dynamic reflexes, and mimicking enemy techniques like Kakashi does."

Sakura nodded yet again. "Mm-hmm, just as I thought."

Tsunade glared at her fiercely and continued:

"But having such overwhelming Yin Release without a Sharingan is incredibly rare!"

"To suppress or dismantle Inner Sakura, you need to use equally powerful Yin Release."

Sakura instinctively started to nod but caught herself mid-motion.

Tsunade smirked, pleased with herself.

"You need a powerful Yin Release user to guide you into your inner world and help you suppress or dismantle Inner Sakura."

Sakura had initially planned to agree again, but she paused, realizing something was off.

Her idea had been to increase her Yang Release as much as possible, gradually adapting and dissolving Inner Sakura's Yin Release.

But Tsunade's approach seemed to suggest directly overpowering Inner Sakura in the inner world and seizing her Yin Release strength.

Wait… was she supposed to be Kurosaki Ichigo now?

Fighting her Inner Hollow while everyone cheered her on?

"Where would I even find someone with powerful Yin Release?" Sakura asked hesitantly.

"Isn't there one lying in the hospital?" Tsunade's words left Sakura puzzled.

Sasuke?

Due to his severe injuries, Sasuke had also returned to Konoha under the guise of being part of Yugito's escort.

"You mean Sasuke?"

"But he only has a three-tomoe Sharingan," Sakura said skeptically.

Tsunade looked equally bewildered by Sakura's response.

"How can you look down on a three-tomoe Sharingan?"

"Before Uchiha Madara and my grandpa were even born, the Uchiha Clan fought my Senju Clan for centuries using nothing but the three-tomoe Sharingan!"

Tsunade placed her hands on her hips, defending the Uchiha name.

Looking down on the three-tomoe Sharingan? Wasn't that equivalent to looking down on the Senju Clan?

Unforgivable!

Apologize to the Senju Clan, you fool!

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