Two years had passed since Gojo and Tsunade had adopted the orphanage, and in that time, he had transformed greatly. Now at the age of eight, Gojo had grown, not just physically but also in terms of his abilities and understanding of the world around him.
The last couple of years had been filled with tireless training and dedicated focus, leading him to master a plethora of techniques.
Gojo had successfully mastered several elemental techniques: Fire Release, Water Release, Earth Release, Lightning Release, and Wind Release. In addition, he had explored the intricate art of Wood Release, having mastered its various applications.
Despite his significant progress, Gojo found himself grappling with one major limitation—his chakra reserves. While he had established a solid foundation in his skills, he was still unable to perform high-level techniques.
He knew that earning points during major events would be essential for enhancing his abilities, but as it stood, all his points were exhausted.
To further exacerbate his situation, Gojo had come to realize that although he was already operating at a Jōnin level, he needed practical lessons and experience to truly put his training to the test.
Sitting quietly in his room, Gojo pulled out a small, Practice scroll he had created for himself over the years. There, he reviewed his abilities and skills, briefly glancing over the tangible evidence of how far he had come.
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With a deep breath, Gojo realized that he had reached a crossroads; he knew he needed to take decisive action to earn points and gain practical experience.
His thoughts shifted to the interactions he had had with Tsunade over the years. While she had always been supportive, he could not bring himself to divulge everything that was truly on his mind, especially regarding Karin and her troubling situation.
Over the past two years, Gojo had constantly asked Tsunade to take him out of the village—not for a lighthearted outing or a simple mission, but for something far more meaningful.
Deep down, he felt a connection to Karin, especially after learning of her struggles. In the Grass Village, both she and her mother were treated as mere tools, forced to endure harrowing circumstances.
They were made to bite their own hands to heal others, reduced to energy reserves for those who should have shown them care.
Gojo recalled how he had seen Karin in the original timeline—her loyalty and unyielding spirit even in her toughest moments.
In many ways, she reminded him of himself, having spent her life searching for a place to belong.
He could vividly picture her gaze filled with longing as she watched Sasuke, believing him to be the beacon of light she had waited for.
Gojo felt a wave of anger sweep over him as he remembered how Sasuke had mistreated her, particularly when he abandoned her for Sakura.
"Every time he was in danger, it was Karin who saved him," Gojo muttered to himself, frustration seeping into his voice.
The more he thought about it, the more pity he felt for her. It was infuriating to witness someone who had devoted themselves so entirely be cast aside for someone else.
He imagined her loneliness, the moments she must have faced with no one by her side when she deserved love and support the most.
Despite Gojo's frustrations about the past, he was adamant that he wouldn't let history repeat itself. He was determined to change the fate that awaited Karin, even if he had to tread carefully.
The weight on his shoulders felt daunting, as though he were carrying the hopes of others along with his own.
"Things need to be different this time," he declared softly, his heart beating with resolve.
Suddenly, he shook himself free from dark thoughts and glimpsed the time. Realizing it was late, Gojo stood up and decided to join Tsunade, who was likely in the training yard. He needed to refocus his energy, and training would help clear his mind.
Upon finding Tsunade outside, he observed her engaging in a fierce spar with Shizune. The two were formidable forces, exchanging blows and demonstrating their mastery over techniques.
Gojo felt a sense of inspiration watching them—Tsunade's strength and Shizune's agility were both qualities he aspired to emulate.
As the sparring session concluded, Tsunade took a moment to catch her breath before spotting Gojo.
"Hey there, Gojo! Come to watch? Or are you here to train?" she asked, a friendly smile on her face.
"Just here to train, Tsunade. I want to improve my skills even more," he replied, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"Good! I'm glad to hear it. What do you want to focus on today?" Tsunade asked, stepping over to him.
"Maybe we could work on enhancing my elemental techniques? I feel like I need more practical experience," he suggested carefully, keen on maximizing the time spent training.
"Elementals it is then! Let's put your skills to the test," Tsunade responded, leading him to the training area, where they began a series of exercises designed to challenge him.
As they trained, Gojo found himself swept away by the rhythm of combat. He practiced transitioning seamlessly between his elemental techniques, putting everything he had learned to the test.
Tsunade guided him, pointing out areas where he could improve while also praising his progress.
The physical exertion cleared his mind, and he focused on the immediate task of mastering his skills, pushing himself to excel.
After several hours of training, they took a break, and Gojo stretched his arms, feeling satisfied yet aware that he had more to learn.
Tsunade sat down beside him, a hint of a smile playing at her lips.
"You've improved a lot, Gojo. I can definitely see the hard work you've put in. But remember, it's important not to rush. Mastery takes time."
"I know, but I just want to be able to protect those who need it," Gojo replied, his gaze fixed on the ground. "I want to be strong enough to make a difference, and it feels like I'm running out of time."
Tsunade regarded him with a more serious expression. "Change takes time, especially in the world we live in. It's good that you're passionate about helping others, but you also need to focus on your own growth. The stronger you become, the more people you will be able to help."
Gojo nodded, absorbing her words. He understood that her guidance was meant to protect him, and he appreciated it.
However, in the back of his mind, he felt that time was slipping away—not just for himself, but for those like Karin who were trapped in unfortunate circumstances.
As they resumed training, Gojo continued to channel his emotions into his techniques, feeling the energy flow through him and ignite his determination.
He shifted from one elemental technique to another, showcasing his growth over the years.
After another rigorous session, Gojo felt a sense of exhaustion wash over him but also a swell of accomplishment.
"Thanks for the training, Tsunade. I feel like I'm getting closer to where I want to be," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Keep it up, and you'll get there," Tsunade encouraged. "Now go home and rest. Tomorrow is another day for training."
As Gojo walked back to the orphanage, he couldn't shake the thoughts about Karin from his mind.
He replayed the memories he had regarding her situation, feeling unsettled by the unfairness of what she had endured.
I need to help her, he thought resolutely. But he understood he needed to hone his skills further before taking any action.
When he arrived at the orphanage, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, filled with laughter and chatter from the children.
Gojo felt a sense of comfort in their presence, and instinctively smiled as he watched them play.
They were living reminders of what he wanted to protect—the innocence, joy, and hope that every child should experience.
Taking a moment, he mentally prepared himself for the next step of his journey, knowing that he intended to move forward with purpose.
Thoughts of practical lessons swirled in his mind, and despite his exhaustion, he felt invigorated by the sense of mission that was taking shape.
As night fell, Gojo found himself alone in his room, reflecting on the day's training.
He thought about the techniques he had mastered and the strength he had gained, but he also thought about the personal battles he had yet to face.
The stars twinkled brightly outside the window, illuminating his thoughts.
He recalled the situations he desired to change and the people he longed to save.
And within that yearning, he felt a flicker of hope—a determination to change Karin's fate and provide her with the support she deserved.
"No matter what it takes," he whispered to himself as he closed his eyes, unyielding in his belief that he could take charge of his destiny. "I will make a difference."
With those words echoing in his heart, Gojo drifted off to sleep, the dreams of adventure and purpose awaiting him, ready to rise to the challenges of tomorrow.
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Chapter 37 Ends.