Rooted in Growth.(EDITED)

I woke up early, like always, and went through my usual routine — a quick bath, breakfast, and then straight off to the Academy.

Class was boring, as expected. Our instructor went on and on about ninja fundamentals, most of which I already knew. Eventually, he ended class with a half-hearted announcement about tomorrow's schedule.

Finally. Time to get back to actual training.

Like Kakashi, I didn't stick around to chat — I just left immediately. I already knew Kakashi trained alone after school, and honestly, I preferred that too. When I arrived home, I was a little surprised to see Tsunade wasn't waiting for me in the training yard like usual.

So I figured I'd get some wood clone training in until she returned.

That's when she showed up — scroll in hand — and handed it to me without a word. I opened it… and my eyes lit up.

"Basic Wood Release Jutsu Scroll"

I could barely hold back my excitement. The scroll included:

Wood Release: Great Tree (D-rank)

Wood Release: Threaded Tree (D-rank)

Wood Release: Wood Palm Spear (D-rank)

Wood Release: Transformation (C-rank)

Wood Release: Root Spike/Bind (C-rank)

Wood Release: Circular Prison (C-rank)

Wood Release: Body Transmission (C-rank)

Wood Release: Wood Dome Wall (C-rank)

Wood Release: Tree Wall Barrier (C-rank)

Wood Release: Four-Pillar House Prison (C-rank)

I was overjoyed. Without thinking, I rushed over and hugged Tsunade, placing a quick kiss on her cheek in excitement — more innocent gratitude than anything else.

She blinked, stunned, then turned away quickly, mumbling something as she walked back into the house. I could see a faint blush on her cheeks.

It made me smile — not in a mischievous way, but… warm. Familiar.

I didn't let the moment distract me for long. With my chakra reserves, I summoned ten shadow clones to start training. I didn't use Wood Clones this time — they were too chakra-intensive and better suited for battle. Shadow clones were more efficient for learning.

First Jutsu: Great Tree (D-rank)

I focused my chakra into the earth, willing a tree to sprout upward and knock over an imaginary enemy. Simple but useful. Within an hour, I'd mastered it. After dispelling the clones, I could already perform the jutsu one-handed.

Second Jutsu: Threaded Tree (D-rank)

Wooden pillars rose from the ground, twisting like ropes to bind a target mid-air. The mechanics were similar to the Great Tree, so it didn't take long to get the hang of it either.

Third Jutsu: Wood Palm Spear (D-rank)

This one was direct — form a sharp wooden spear from the palm. It was straightforward and quickly mastered.

I could've moved on to the C-rank techniques, but I decided to perfect these first. My goal was to perform them all without hand signs eventually.

The next day at the Academy went by like the last. More lectures, more wasted time. When I got back home, I began working on the next set of jutsus. Tsunade came by but said nothing — she just watched me train quietly from a distance.

I noticed her gaze now and then. A little distant, a little thoughtful.

I didn't say anything either. But… I noticed.

Fourth Jutsu: Transformation (C-rank)

Unlike the standard Henge, this one used wood to physically shape the user into another form. You could even mimic voice — and it was far more durable than a chakra illusion.

Naturally, the first thing I tried transforming into was a cat.

The second?

Tsunade.

She caught me mid-transformation.

"Really?"

That was all she said before punching me lightly on the head — more embarrassed than angry — and stormed off.

Lesson learned.

Fifth Jutsu: Root Spike/Bind (C-rank)

Roots burst from the ground, wrapping around anything in their path, or transforming into piercing spikes. This one was versatile. Whether for trapping, restraining, or attacking — it had potential. I was already brainstorming creative uses for it before I even began the practice.

I dove into training immediately.

By now, Tsunade had returned to the compound. She stood off to the side, quietly watching. Still no words, but her presence was comforting.

Author's Note:

Ren's physical body is five, but his mind carries the experience of a 27-year-old. Tsunade, at 22, is beginning to recognize his strength — and perhaps, sense that there's something different about him beyond just his lineage.

Their bond is still subtle, still unspoken… but it's growing.