Konoha Hospital.
Outside the operating room, a crowd had gathered.
"What's going on here?"
Sarutobi Biwako scanned the area before glancing at the operating room with a resigned expression.
This Tsunade...
Even while attending meetings she still manages to stir up trouble!
She had naturally heard the details.
Tsunade took someone who lost their medical ninja abilities into surgery, claiming it was "exposure therapy."
Isn't this just irresponsible?
She sighed softly.
"Stop crowding, disperse!"
"Yes!"
Although Sarutobi Biwako wasn't the hospital director, her senior position combined with being the Hokage's wife meant no one dared disobey her orders.
Just as people started leaving, the operating room door opened. Tsunade's shadow clone stepped out and, seeing the commotion, chuckled: "You're all still here?"
"Tsunade, you're being too reckless!"
Sarutobi Biwako scolded in a low voice.
Tsunade grinned mischievously, lowering her voice to whisper: "Taji performed the procedure himself."
"What?"
Sarutobi Biwako froze, unable to believe her ears.
Tsunade had no choice but to repeat herself.
Shortly after, Hebimatsu emerged following behind.
Having completed the postoperative work, she came out to verify Tsunade's claims.
"Sensei, Taji participated fully in the treatment. Based on observations, his skills already meet reactivation standards."
"Too soon! He still needs further treatment!"
Tsunade immediately objected.
Unbelievable!
They just cured him and now they want to poach him back to active duty?
How shameless!
Her displeasure showed clearly, making Hebimatsu chuckle nervously and shrink back without another word.
Sarutobi Biwako asked: "He's truly competent again?"
"Yes. His chakra scalpel technique remains extremely precise - swift and accurate blade work. Truly worthy of a battlefield medic."
Hebimatsu's tone carried clear admiration.
Sarutobi Biwako seemed momentarily dazed, reflexively responding: "Of course...back then he was the cream of the crop among medical ninjas, capable of performing surgeries even under the most difficult field conditions..."
She couldn't help but look at Tsunade again.
Originally, she thought Tsunade was just acting recklessly. But now she realized there was methodology and planning behind this - perhaps she had truly mastered treatment protocols before attempting this.
The onlookers became even more excited than she was, now crowding around Tsunade's shadow clone with endless questions.
Tsunade, intent on publicity, naturally didn't withhold information. She explained "psychological illnesses" in general terms and described her treatment process.
Most present were hospital staff.
While unfamiliar with psychological treatment, they understood medicine. Tsunade's systematic explanations didn't seem fabricated.
Except...
Why hadn't Taji come out yet?
Everyone peered into the operating room.
The patient had already been carried to the ward on a stretcher.
As they wondered, Taji staggered out leaning against the wall, stripping off his surgical gown as he walked, his clothes soaked with sweat, tear tracks still evident on his face.
Seeing everyone, he immediately straightened up, his expression resolute.
"Biwako-sama, Tsunade-sama - Medical Ninja Taji requests reactivation!"
"Granted!"
Sarutobi Biwako's cheeks trembled with emotion.
When Tsunade fully returned before, she had been shocked yet delighted, overjoyed at Tsunade overcoming her inner demons, considering it another miracle created by Tsunade.
Everyone felt moved and admiring.
Because she was Tsunade - her abilities and willpower were strong as steel.
That's what everyone thought, Sarutobi Biwako included.
Now, Taji proved Tsunade's theories and methods were reproducible - not purely dependent on her personal capabilities and resolve.
This was a genuine treatment methodology!
Countless similar patients could be saved!
Sarutobi Biwako couldn't contain her excitement. She patted Taji's shoulder, then grasped Tsunade's hands, unable to speak for a long while.
As medical ninjas, nothing brought greater joy than witnessing such a scene!
After an extended moment, she turned to address everyone:
"Stop crowding, back to work!"
"Yes!"
...
Konoha wasn't small, but neither was it particularly large.
Hospital matters quickly spread throughout the village.
Initially, reports were accurate - Tsunade used unique, systematic medical methods to successfully cure Taji, who had now completed a surgical procedure.
But later...
It became "Tsunade used one technique to completely cure Taji's condition."
Then eventually -
"Did you hear? Taji recovered instantly just from hearing about Tsunade-sama's accomplishments and returned straight to hospital work."
"Who's Taji?"
"You know - that scarred guy always fetching water. Used to be a medical ninja."
"Oh, him!"
Ordinary villagers couldn't name active jonin, but Taji was different.
Formerly a medical ninja, he later frequently took D-rank missions, interacting regularly with villagers. Among elders and shopkeepers, his recognition was quite high.
These people just happened to be the main spreaders of street gossip.
...
In the Hokage Tower meeting room:
Sarutobi Hiruzen explained the situation before looking at the four present.
"Everyone here represents the village's leadership and decision-makers. Share your thoughts."
Though phrased this way -
In reality, his gaze mostly fell upon Tsunade and Jiraiya.
Sarutobi understood clearly.
As former teammates, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura would naturally favor Danzo. That's why he specifically invited Tsunade and Jiraiya - to hear alternative perspectives.
"Danzo..."
Jiraiyai frowned.
Had this guy appeared in the capital specifically to deal with "rogue ninjas"?
Something felt off.
Tsunade stated: "Danzo acts radically, but I don't believe he would betray us."
Utatane and Mitokado breathed sighs of relief.
They expected Tsunade to seize this chance to criticize, but surprisingly, she was quite fair-minded, acknowledging Danzo's loyalty.
Sarutobi turned to Jiraiya.
"Your thoughts?"
"Well, I think-"
Jiraiya hesitated briefly before continuing, "We should first relay this intelligence to Minato so he can prepare accordingly. Moreover, after a night's time, he may have updated information."
Sarutobi nodded slightly upon hearing this.
"Very well. Contact him immediately."
Danzo's matter couldn't be treated lightly.
Especially after sending Kyohiko and Aburame Shibi to dismantle Danzo's secretly built Root bases. Based on Sarutobi's understanding of Danzo -
Right now, Danzo was definitely scheming to continue pushing his "Root" agenda.
Jiraiya left to summon a messenger toad.
Sarutobi tapped the table lightly.
"Second matter: among the rogue ninjas approaching the Daimyo, there likely are Iwagakure spies. Currently two youths remain by the Daimyo's side. Your thoughts?"
"Eliminate them immediately!"
Mitokado declared.
Tsunade scoffed coldly: "Elder, don't forget - they're now the Daimyo's officially appointed 'Guardian Ninjas.' Attacking them equates to assaulting the Daimyo's retainers. Will you shoulder that responsibility?"
Mitokado opened his mouth to argue but, glancing at Utatane and Sarutobi, obediently closed it again.
Bear such tremendous responsibility?
Don't be ridiculous.
Utatane remained completely silent.
Sarutobi looked at them, eyes revealing faint disappointment.
Fortunately, he had anticipated this outcome.
"Tsunade, your perspective?"
"Hokage-sama, I advise handling this matter with extreme caution."
Tsunade spoke this meaningless remark seriously.
Sarutobi fell silent briefly.
How these children have grown - not so easily fooled anymore!
The Tsunade of old would never hesitate to voice opinions directly. But now she learned to conceal her thoughts, becoming more composed and restrained - increasingly resembling a qualified Hokage.
He felt both gratified and melancholic.
The new generation surpasses the old.
Perhaps he really should step aside.
After prolonged silence, Hiruzen spoke: "My view is-"
Just as he began, the door burst open with a "bang!"
Jiraiya rushed in, expression grave.
"Jiraiya, when will you stop being so rash?"
Utatane reprimanded.
Jiraiya rolled his eyes slightly.
At a time like this, I'm being rash?
He immediately reported: "Sensei, disaster! Danzo has volunteered to become one of the Daimyo's Guardian Ninjas under the pretext of protecting him!"
"What?!"
Hiruzen shot to his feet, unable to mask his shock.
He never anticipated Danzo would make such a move!
Guardian Ninja.
That guy...
What won't he think of next?
Hiruzen's hands trembled slightly - composure completely lost.
Utatane and Mitokado were even more astonished, exclaiming: "Impossible! How could Danzo possibly betr-"
They cut themselves short mid-sentence, expressions fearful.
Betrayal?
This wasn't betrayal.
The Land of Fire and Konoha were one entity. In some respects, Konoha was even subordinate to the Fire Daimyo's authority.
Danzo simply moved from Konoha to the Daimyo's side.
But...
From their standpoint, this amounted to betrayal.
Hiruzen's face darkened.
His lips quivered before he finally managed to ask Jiraiya: "Confirmed accurate?"
"Yes. Additionally, Minato inquires whether he should remain by the Daimyo's side to ensure his safety."
Jiraiya answered.
"No!"
Hiruzen waved dismissively.
Though mentally disorganized now, his instincts warned against leaving Minato there.
Minato was no match for Danzo.
Taking a deep breath, Hiruzen turned to Jiraiya again.
"What about those two children - Kazuma and Takemasa?"
"Restrained under guard. Danzo brought a Yamanaka clansman and invited Minato to jointly interrogate them. Current findings suggest ignorance on their part, but their mentor Iwashi taught them the Land of Fire should be governed by the Daimyo - that the Hokage's position shouldn't exist."
Jiraiya replied.
Hearing this, Hiruzen relaxed visibly.
Although Danzo went to the capital, he was merely furthering his own ideology for now - not directly opposing or attempting to overthrow Konoha.
Moreover, those two children indeed had ulterior motives.
Daimyo and Hokage.
They aimed to create conflict between both parties!
After lengthy consideration, Hiruzen declared: "Recall Minato. Though Danzo now serves the Daimyo, currently our objectives still align."
"But-"
Tsunade's expression shifted slightly.
Danzo left precisely because of Hiruzen.
Leaving Danzo by the Daimyo's side absolutely posed a massive threat to Konoha!
Utatane interjected: "Tsunade, we understand your concerns. But Danzo is already the Daimyo's official Guardian Ninja - we can't directly act against him now, can we?"
Tsunade immediately fell silent.
Coming full circle, they found themselves back at square one.
Except Danzo was far more dangerous than those two children!
Mitokado coughed lightly: "Though Danzo's political views differ from ours, his ultimate goal remains the prosperity of the Land of Fire and Konoha. That won't change."
"Let's hope so."
Tsunade suppressed her emotions, appearing composed again as she sat down.
Utatane felt surprised.
In the past, the conference table likely would have been smashed by now...
She mused silently.
With a deep exhale, Hiruzen said:
"In time, I'll personally visit the Daimyo and Danzo to discuss this. We'll establish protocols then to clarify his true intentions."
He sat back down, voice weary.
"Meeting adjourned."
"Hiruzen…"
Utatane and Mitokado looked concerned.
Hiruzen waved waved them off: "I'm fine. Keep these two matters strictly confidential for now."
"Yes!"
The five dispersed.
Standing at the doorway,
The corridor breeze brought slight clarity to his dazed mind.
Then he overheard hushed conversations below:
"Taji really recovered?"
"Indeed! That illness is called 'post-war syndrome' - previously untreatable. After Tsunade-sama overcame her own condition through sheer willpower, she dedicated herself to researching cures and finally achieved results."
"Truly worthy of Tsunade-sama!"
"Thank goodness she returned. I almost thought she'd left the village for good..."
The discussants were simply too numerous.
Even speaking softly, their words still carried.
This gave Hiruzen pause.
While deep in thought, someone approached from downstairs, meeting him in the hallway.
"Biwako?"
" Hiruzen, here's the hospital's formal petition."
Sarutobi Biwako presented an official document.
Accepting it, Hiruzen nodded slightly: "Let's discuss in the office."
"Mmm."
Once inside,
Hiruzen had already skimmed through the contents.
Essentially, most hospital staff approved establishing a "Psychology Department" and were willing to temporarily allocate resources to facilitate its rapid development. They hoped for Konoha's cooperation.
He set the document aside.
Tsunade attended the meeting while quietly accomplishing something extraordinary.
Remarkable!
Hiruzen smiled quietly to himself.
Then he turned solemn-faced.
"What kind of support is needed?"
"Genjutsu specialists. Yamanaka clansmen. Additionally, the village should provide lists of affected shinobi. Tsunade needs to screen for mentally resilient patients."
Sarutobi Biwako answered.
Hiruzen nodded.
Though unaware of Tsunade's latest research developments, he'd reviewed her earlier theories.
During initial stages, those with stronger mental resilience had lower risks of deterioration from treatment.
Tsunade still maintained rationality without rash expansions.
As for employing genjutsu users and Yamanakas...
Being his wife, Biwako knew Hiruzen too well.
Seeing his expression, she could tell he was pondering something, so she explained: "Wondering about genjutsu and Yamanakas' roles? Genjutsu is precisely Tsunade's chosen therapeutic approach - she calls it the 'Rebirth Technique.'"
"Emerging reborn from adversity?"
Hiruzen sighed softly.
Then he retrieved a file from his cabinet.
"Here's the list."
"Ha, rarely see you so cooperative. By the way, I'm celebrating Asuma officially becoming a genin today - remember to return for dinner."
Sarutobi Biwako mentioned.
Hiruzen froze momentarily before apologizing after several seconds: "Apologies...not today."
"Again? Fine. Will you at least come?"
"He likely doesn't wish to see me."
Hiruzen admitted.
Biwako rolled her eyes: "Stubborn old fool. Honestly, you're the one who needs Tsunade's treatment most!"
She left in a huff.
...
Kyohiko's residence.
Tsunade unusually delegated work to shadow clones, bringing sake to his home alone.
"Sis, congratulations on establishing the Psychology Department - you've achieved one of your goals."
Kyohiko glimpsed his system notification:
[Through your efforts, the Psychology Department was founded. Many shinobi suffering psychological trauma will benefit, regaining their roles as Konoha's backbone.]
[Reward: Superhuman Strength enhanced. Genjutsu: Nirvana Illusion (Proficient)]
Double rewards?
While happy for Tsunade, Kyohiko also felt personal satisfaction.
Their hard work finally bore fruit!
Unfortunately, current circumstances prevented deeper study of these new techniques.
Suppressing his excitement,
His outward enthusiasm still made Tsunade burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Couldn't have done it without you. Always full of clever ideas unlike me. That old man..."
Her laughter gradually faded into a sigh.
Kyohiko realized she likely had concerns. Given her personality, pure celebration would involve Jiraiya and Shizune - not drinking alone with a minor like himself.
Tsunade downed her cup.
"That presence you sensed? Intelligence confirms it was Danzo."
"Danzo?"
Kyohiko initially seemed surprised but quickly found it unsurprising, as if...
He'd suspected all along.
His first conjecture was Danzo's involvement with the Daimyo's faction, though later proven mistaken.
However,
Danzo certainly had motives for such actions.
But this matter should distress Sarutobi more than Tsunade.
Why would she care?
Puzzled, Kyohiko carefully contemplated before reaching an epiphany.
"Because of Orochimaru?"
"Huh? Pfft - how could I..."
Tsunade forced a laugh before setting her cup down.
"Why guess Orochimaru?"
"I understand Jiraiya-sensei well. Getting arrested for peeping or writing those books is one thing - but following Danzo's path? Impossible."
Kyohiko responded evenly.
Tsunade sighed: "Indeed...Orochimaru was always like you - prodigiously intelligent since childhood, mastering everything instantly. Endlessly curious about ninjutsu's fundamental nature..."
She swirled her sake cup.
"Regarding Danzo's business earlier - though he never admitted it, I know Orochimaru assisted behind the scenes."
Assisted...?
The Root organization matter?
Kyohiko instantly connected this to "Kinoe's" mission.
"Kinoe's" existence had been Danzo's closely guarded secret - even Orochimaru originally didn't know test subjects survived. Hence...
Had Orochimaru investigated Root's activities specifically for Tsunade's sake, eventually uncovering "Kinoe" as the sole survivor?
Highly probable.
The room fell into lengthy silence.
Kyohiko understood why Tsunade avoided discussing this with Jiraiya.
Between them, the atmosphere would only grow more somber.
After careful consideration, Kyohiko suggested:
"Perhaps...he feels remorse toward you. After all, you personally entrusted Nawaki to him, yet...losing a comrade affected him deeply too."
"Him? How..."
Tsunade initially chuckled dismissively before trailing off.
How well did she truly know Orochimaru?
When Nawaki died, she was too grief-stricken to notice Orochimaru's state.
And afterwards?
Outward demeanor and inner feelings often diverged.
He was always reserved - never one to openly share emotions.
Thinking this way...it actually made sense!
Tsunade rubbed her temples:
"Too much alcohol - brain's not working right."
"Then stop drinking."
Kyohiko took the bottle and corked it.
"You're no longer just another ninja - you'll be Hokage. Can't remain complacent."
"Right."
Tsunade looked up but still didn't move, propping her head up with one hand while watching Kyohiko tidy up. An involuntary bright smile emerged.
"No more drinks. Work tomorrow."
She stood, reconsidered, then sat again.
"Oh yes - any techniques you want? I'll wheedle them from the old man."
No need to think twice!
"Flying Thunder God!"
With that, nowhere would be beyond reach.
"Pick another."
Tsunade rejected flatly.
"Mastering Flying Thunder God requires advanced spacetime ninjutsu and formula knowledge beyond your current level."
She then grinned slyly.
"Once I'm Hokage and you've earned merits, those scrolls will be readily available."
Fair point.
Kyohiko reconsidered and quickly calmed down.
Got overexcited just now.
After pondering,
He needed something useful yet currently unavailable...
Soon,
Kyohiko had an idea and said:
"You're right - it should serve immediate needs. My speed and ninjutsu have progressed well, but chakra reserves remain lacking. Any solutions?"
"Chakra?"
Tsunade thought momentarily before declaring:
"Actually...there is a method! My grandmother taught me a tecnique called 'Yin Seal'".