"Kid, you got here pretty fast. Too bad this is a drinking session, so there's nothing for you. Go order a dessert at the front desk," Tsunade said in a tone that suggested she was babysitting.
Kyohiko replied, "Kushina-senpai asked me to find the two of you. She invited everyone to her place for dinner."
"Pfft!"
The wine Jiraiya had just sipped immediately sprayed out of his mouth.
Luckily, he turned to the side, so it didn't hit Kyohiko or Tsunade.
He wiped his mouth awkwardly. "I remember Minato hasn't returned yet, right?"
"No, he hasn't. Why? Is there a connection?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.
Jiraiya's expression turned serious.
"Kushina's cooking... it's hellish!"
"Don't worry, Kurenai is helping out."
"Oh, then it's fine. Forget what I just said. Whatever you do, don't tell Kushina! Let's go, bring some wine, and we'll eat somewhere else."
Jiraiya packed up his things with remarkable decisiveness.
Kurenai's cooking...
It wasn't amazing, but compared to Kushina's, Jiraiya found it trustworthy.
Soon, the three of them arrived outside Minato's house.
They set up wine and snacks in the yard. Jiraiya and Tsunade sat facing each other, while Kyohiko sat nearby, nibbling on some meat rolls he had brought back.
Jiraiya said, "Tsunade, you're really planning to compete for the Hokage position, aren't you?"
Tsunade paused as she held her wine cup.
Then, she nodded slightly.
"Yes, I must compete! Before the next war comes, our village needs more changes. But the old man has become somewhat... outdated. He's too cautious and hesitant, which is holding me back."
"Perfect. Today, I had a go at the old man. Let's team up. I'll definitely support you."
"Huh?"
Both Tsunade and Kyohiko looked at him in surprise.
Jiraiya calmly explained what had happened.
Kyohiko quickly took a sip of water to hide his shocked expression.
So bold!
He had thought his teacher went to the office to get scolded, but it turned out he had gone to have a heated argument with the Third Hokage.
Damn!
Missing such a spectacle in person was a real loss!
Tsunade was stunned for a long time. She glanced at Kyohiko, thought for a moment, and then commented, "Danzo... you're not wrong. The old man has been too lenient with Danzo. That guy is way too radical."
"Hmph!"
Jiraiya snorted coldly and downed his wine.
Kyohiko turned to Tsunade. "Tsunade-nee, when competing for the Hokage position, any weakness can be fatal. Your hemophobia..."
Jiraiya, who was about to take a sip of wine, froze upon hearing the address.
Did I hear that right?
Tsunade-nee?!
His expression turned to stone, as if he had cracked.
Tsunade, however, remained calm.
"It's fine. It's much better than before. I believe I'll overcome it soon."
She took a sip of wine to suppress her emotions.
Then, Tsunade smiled and said, "By the way, there's something I need to thank you for. I've made some progress in psychology, and I'm currently pushing forward with psychological medicine. If there's any progress, you'll definitely have a share of the credit."
Progress already?
So fast?
Kyohiko was surprised and immediately asked for details.
Tsunade talked about her thesis and achievements, but she was vague about what specific medicine she had discovered. It was likely involved some taboo that couldn't be disclosed. Otherwise, Kyohiko would have already received feedback.
However.
With this, the psychology department might already be on the agenda?
Medicine is Tsunade's foundation.
This is indeed a good direction.
Kyohiko immediately offered his advice.
"I think you should strike while the iron is hot. First, win over the people's hearts, and then push the psychology department forward from the bottom up."
"From the bottom up?"
Tsunade immediately set down her wine cup.
She thought for a moment and vaguely understood Kyohiko's meaning.
In ninja wars, Jonin play a huge role, but the real backbone is always the Chunin and Elite Chunin.
"If you want to nourish a tree, you usually fertilize the soil first, not pour it directly onto the tree, right?"
Kyohiko explained.
Jiraiya wasn't too surprised.
Kyohiko might seem young, but his perspective on things is unusual.
Many ninjas might die without ever developing such a way of thinking, yet Kyohiko, at just eight years old, already has a mature mindset. This kid is a natural-born Hokage.
Therefore.
With such a child, what reason is there not to support him?
My disciple, of course, I will guide him with all my might, but my way is different from the old man's!
I'll let him unleash all his potential!
Jiraiya felt a surge of pride in his heart.
He was certain.
Hiruzen was definitely wrong!
Tsunade, meanwhile, was pondering her next move. After a while, she said, "You mean, I should start with the Chunin... no! The children, the children are the key to the next generation!"
Her eyes lit up.
In peacetime, only a small portion of the children in the ninja school might become ninjas, but in times of war or turmoil, most of them would have the qualifications and abilities to become ninjas.
In a few years, the children in the ninja school today will become the backbone of the ninja forces.
Moreover, many of their parents are Chunin, or even Jonin, or come from ninja clans. This creates a vast network.
They all understood the logic.
It's just that those in higher positions often forget about the children still in the ninja school.
Tsunade was no exception.
After being reminded, she immediately placed her hand on Kyohiko's shoulder.
"Good little brother, I'll remember your contribution. When the psychology department is established, I'll hang your name at the entrance for everyone to admire!"
"Please, no. I'll be satisfied if it just gets off the ground."
Kyohiko quickly declined.
Hanging at the entrance...
He wasn't even a member of the department.
Tsunade laughed, then raised her cup for a toast. "Hanging at the entrance is too much. When I become Hokage, I'll invite you to my office to be my right-hand man!"
"But before that, you'll have to help me one more time."
Tsunade grabbed Kyohiko's hand. "You'll have to help me draft a complete plan. Otherwise, those old guys will never agree!"
...
With Kurenai's help, Kushina's cooking was somewhat edible. In fact, a few dishes that she had less involvement in were even quite delicious.
Tsunade and Jiraiya showered Kurenai with praise, making her blush with embarrassment, while Kushina clenched her fists, wanting to hit someone—
Whoever marries Kurenai will surely be very happy.
Considering the timeline Kyohiko knew, it was somewhat of a grim reality. After all, Asuma's happiness didn't last very long.
After the meal, Jiraiya decided not to tell Kushina about Minato going to rescue the Uzumaki clan members.
Everything was still up in the air.
It wouldn't be too late to tell Kushina once things were settled.
That night.
Everyone, except the children, drank together and returned in high spirits.
---
The next day, the entrance of the ninja academy was bustling with excitement.
Because—
Tsunade had arrived!
The school was immediately abuzz with activity.
If it weren't for the fact that classes were about to start, the entire school might have emptied out to greet her.
Kyohiko quietly followed behind.
After a while, he followed Tsunade into the office.
This was the principal's office.
Typically, the Hokage served as the principal of the ninja academy, and the office was usually managed by a secretary or the vice-principal.
The current vice-principal…
"Homura-senpai, I apologize for the sudden visit."
"Tsunade."
Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and forced a smile. "Sit down. That child must be Kyohiko, right? Not bad, very talented. In a few years, he'll definitely become one of Konoha's pillars."
"It's all thanks to the teachings of our instructors."
Kyohiko responded modestly.
Mitokado Homura nodded to himself and then looked at Tsunade.
"Tsunade, you're not here to ask for my support for that psychology department, are you? If that's the case, you should talk to Hiruzen first. If he agrees, I won't stand in your way."
"Definitely not. Even if it's approved now, we don't have enough doctors in this field. It wouldn't make sense."
Tsunade smiled as she replied.
This was also the result of her discussion with Kyohiko the previous night.
Progress had to be made step by step.
For now, it wasn't the right time to push for medical applications.
"Tsunade, you've matured!"
Mitokado Homura looked pleased.
He had expected Tsunade to make a scene over her opposition from the other day, but Tsunade's tone was surprisingly calm, even more so than during the meeting.
"So, what do you need help with? Just say it, and if it's within my power, I'll definitely support you."
"I believe that children are the future of Konoha. Their minds and abilities are still immature, and they might have various health issues. So, I'd like to conduct a free clinic at the school."
Tsunade stated her purpose.
Mitokado Homura was taken aback.
A free clinic?
Was there some ulterior motive?
He couldn't quite grasp it and didn't dare to agree immediately.
However.
Upon further thought, Tsunade's point made sense. The health of those children should indeed be prioritized.
Perhaps—
Tsunade was just trying to win their favor?
After some consideration, Mitokado Homura said, "A free clinic? Do you have a plan?"
"Yes! Besides health check-ups, this free clinic will also screen children suitable for early training as medical ninjas. So, I'd like you to spread the word. Tell them I need assistants and that I'll be conducting screenings and training starting this afternoon…"
Tsunade revealed her plan.
Last night, Kyohiko had suggested to Tsunade—
To use the free clinic as a cover for psychological treatment, while also adding the surface goal of "early screening and training."
Whether it was Sarutobi Hiruzen or anyone else, no one would suspect Tsunade's true intentions.
Of course.
Kyohiko didn't know much about psychology, so he didn't dare to give concrete advice. He simply advised Tsunade to focus on guiding and unblocking, letting the children vent on their own before offering suggestions and help.
Sure enough.
After hearing this, Mitokado Homura suddenly understood.
"So that's what this is about… Since we've agreed to promote it, of course, I'll help. Alright, I'll have the teachers spread the word today. We should have results by the second class at the latest. You can conduct your screenings and reviews during the second class."
"Great, thank you, Homura-senpai"
"We're all doing this for Konoha. If you have any other requests, just say them, and I'll arrange them for you."
Mitokado Homura was genuinely pleased.
Tsunade might have a bad temper, but she was truly someone who got things done!
"I'll need a large hall and two quiet rooms with partitions for more sensitive examinations."
"Sure."
Mitokado Homura agreed without hesitation.
---
Setting aside political differences, Mitokado Homura was highly efficient.
In just a short while, he had cleared out a suitable room for Tsunade and even vacated an office for her.
At the same time, the matter of "medical assistants" was also arranged.
At the same time, Kyohiko received a notification.
[You have guided a free clinic and psychological medical practice, advancing the development of medical ninjutsu.]
[Reward: Mystical Palm Technique (Proficient)]
Kyohiko was surprised.
Directly reaching the "Proficient" level in the Mystical Palm Technique?
He quietly absorbed the new knowledge and techniques that appeared in his mind.
This knowledge was incredibly useful!
The first part covered the basics of medical ninjutsu, including knowledge about human cells, bones, blood vessels, internal organs, and chakra pathways.
The second part explained how to use chakra to stimulate the body's healing abilities, maximizing the effectiveness of the Mystical Palm Technique.
For ordinary ninjas, mastering this would take a significant amount of time and effort.
But for Kyohiko, it was as if he had already mastered it!
While it wasn't something he urgently needed, free knowledge was never something to complain about.
As for the technical aspects, Kyohiko's chakra control was already precise, so the subtle changes were almost imperceptible.
Just as he was pondering this, a noise came from outside.
"Tsunade-sama, there are currently five students who have expressed interest and have the potential to become assistants. Would you like to take a look?"
"Five? That many? Bring them in!"
Tsunade was intrigued.
Medical ninjas required special talents. Before she left the village, there were rarely more than two genin with the potential to become medical ninjas each year.
She didn't think Mitokado Homura would misunderstand this.
So, this year's batch of students actually had five potential candidates!
Soon, the five students entered the classroom.
"Tsunade-sama!"
Tsunade scanned the group.
Four boys and one girl…
Then, she noticed that three of them were looking at Kyohiko, and she immediately understood.
They were likely in the same grade as Kyohiko.
Tsunade's lips curled slightly as she said, "My requirements are very strict. Even if you're only temporarily assisting me during this free clinic, it's not something just anyone can handle."
"Yes, we understand!"
The five students answered nervously.
Tsunade nodded. "Do you know basic medical techniques?"
Basic medical techniques involved extracting the corresponding chakra and mastering the ability to stimulate cell growth and healing.
The five nodded.
"Yes!"
"Good, Kyohiko…"
Tsunade turned to Kyohiko.
Kyohiko was silent, but since Tsunade had asked him to cooperate today, he had no choice but to nod.
In an instant, his figure disappeared.
In the blink of an eye, Kyohiko returned with three birds struggling in his hands, chirping loudly.
So fast!
Nohara Rin was inwardly shocked.
Then, she noticed that their wings had been broken.
"Heal them."
Kyohiko placed the birds on the table, his gaze fixed on them.
The five students turned pale.
Tsunade said, "Kyohiko, relax a little."
"Huh?"
Kyohiko was momentarily stunned, then glanced at Rin and the others, suddenly realizing—
After the Chunin Exams, he had killed quite a few people, and it seemed he had accumulated a kind of "killing intent." Just now, it had inadvertently leaked out, making it hard for them to stay calm.
He focused on thinking about pleasant things, and his demeanor gradually softened.
"Sorry, I was distracted just now."
"N-no, it's fine!"
Rin swallowed hard in surprise.
At the academy, Kyohiko was a late bloomer—
Before graduation, few people knew about him, but after graduation, news about him came flooding in, with major updates almost every other day.
Now, there were many evaluations of him: strong, a genius, comparable to Kakashi, and so on.
But.
How strong was he really? Those who hadn't graduated had no idea. But now, facing him directly, Rin understood.
This kind of strength was…
Even if he wasn't deliberately targeting them, it could still make them genuinely afraid!
Kyohiko looked back at Tsunade. "Should I catch two more?"
"No, just reuse these."
Tsunade scanned the group, then looked at the three. "You'll heal them. Who's first?"
"Me!"
All five answered at once.
Tsunade smiled and randomly pointed to three.
The three stepped forward, examined the injuries, and quickly began treatment. Their techniques were quite skilled, clearly practiced.
Soon, it was time to switch.
The three birds, having endured the ordeal, were finally healed.
The five students stood to the side.
Tsunade nodded repeatedly.
Not bad!
Mitokado Homura hadn't been lying.
However, after some thought, she asked, "Can you handle more severe injuries?"
"We've read about it and practiced on some animals, but we're not very good…"
"That's fine, I'll teach you first."
Tsunade then had them introduce themselves.
Kyohiko found the names familiar. After a moment of recollection, he vaguely remembered that one of them matched the name of someone in the future medical team.
So.
Were they the future medical team?
Tsunade pulled out a bag from behind her, which contained several books. She handed them out one by one.
Then, she began explaining medical ninjutsu, its techniques, and key points based on the books.
Kyohiko could read Tsunade's book.
He read, listened, and compared the information with the knowledge in his mind, feeling that he had gained a lot.
By noon, under Tsunade's guidance…
The three birds began bleeding from their mouths.
Now, all five students were sweating profusely. Only Rin and a boy named Hanabusa performed slightly better, eventually managing to complete the treatment, albeit clumsily.
One bird remained.
Tsunade was about to step in, but then she glanced at Kyohiko and had an idea.
"Kyohiko, do you want to give it a try?"
"Me?"
Kyohiko was first surprised, then felt a surge of excitement.
Perfect!
This was a chance to test out the knowledge he had gained…
With that thought, he immediately nodded.
"Alright!"
He stepped forward and began the operation.
Chakra infusion…
Examining the internal injuries.
As soon as the thought arose, his hands moved instinctively, completing the process in one smooth motion.
Kyohiko understood.
This time, the enhancement wasn't in chakra control but in the perception extended through chakra!
At this moment, the injuries inside the bird were as clear as a mirror!
He could clearly sense the location of the wounds.
Then.
Chakra stimulation!
Kyohiko was completely focused on the medical task, unaware of the shock he was causing among the onlookers.
Rin was dumbfounded.
She wasn't sure if Kyohiko had studied this before, but his current performance was like that of a seasoned medical ninja, not a beginner.
Moreover, his main focus wasn't medical ninjutsu.
Kyohiko's true strength lay in combat; he likely hadn't invested much time in medical training.
In fact.
Perhaps he had only just learned what he was doing now…
As for Tsunade.
Outwardly calm, inwardly she was in turmoil.
She had only asked casually, not expecting Kyohiko to actually pull it off, and with such skill and fluidity.
You call this a beginner?
Shizune had been studying for over a year and was only at this level!
But where did Kyohiko find the time to study medical ninjutsu?
Could it be that Kyohiko was also a genius in medical ninjutsu?!
Well.
Tsunade thought it over and realized it made sense.
Kyohiko already had exceptional and precise chakra control. As long as he mastered the techniques of medical ninjutsu and had the talent for it, achieving this level wasn't difficult.
Her eyes gleamed with excitement, and she began to wonder—
Should she say "sorry" to Jiraiya and steal his disciple?
After all…
Jiraiya hadn't officially confirmed it yet.