"Anyway, thanks to Qianmei's timely action, we managed to restore the situation. When we get back to Konoha, I'll treat everyone to yakiniku!" Uenome offered.
"Great!"
"Then it's settled!"
After this mission, Asakura noticed that his relationship with Uenome, Hoshinohara, and Keita Hyuga had grown closer. The cold attitude they once had toward him was gone, and they started to accept him as part of the team.
Although Asakura was curious about why so many Suna-nin (Sand Shinobi) had gathered in the Rain Country, he knew better than to ask Uenome about it. In the ninja world, missions come first, and questioning them was unnecessary. As a shinobi, his duty was to complete the task given by the village, nothing more. Speculation could only lead to problems, especially during times like these, when tensions between Konoha and Sunagakure were escalating.
Soon, the Third Great Ninja War would break out, and survival during the war was Asakura's priority now.
After handling the bodies of the Suna-nin, Uenome led Asakura, Hoshinohara, and Keita Hyuga back to Konoha. On the way, Hoshinohara and Keita Hyuga started to warm up to Asakura, engaging him in light conversations. They were both from noble clans—Hoshinohara from a medical-nin background and Keita from the renowned Hyuga clan. It was clear they recognized Asakura's potential and were keen to befriend him.
"Hoshinohara, I heard you help out at Konoha Hospital when you're not on missions, right?" Asakura asked casually, but with genuine interest.
"Yes," Hoshinohara nodded. "My mother works there, and she taught me some medical ninjutsu. When I'm free, I assist her at the hospital."
"Oh, I see," Asakura replied, appearing thoughtful.
Hoshinohara noticed his interest and asked, "Is something wrong? Why are you asking about medical ninjutsu?"
"I'm curious about medical ninjutsu. Do you think I could help at Konoha Hospital too, when I'm free?"
Keita Hyuga, overhearing this, seemed surprised. "What? You, a talented fighter, want to be a medical ninja?"
Asakura shook his head with a smile. "Not exactly. I don't want to become a medical ninja. I just want to help out when I have spare time. I'll still be on missions with you guys, don't worry."
Uenome chimed in, "Asakura, you have an extraordinary talent in ninjutsu, as seen in that last battle. I was planning on helping train the three of you after we get back to the village. But if you're more interested in medical work..."
"Teacher Uenome, you've misunderstood," Asakura quickly clarified. "I'll only be studying medical ninjutsu during my free time. If you're willing to guide us in practice, I'll be there without question."
"Ah, if that's the case, then when we return, I'll ask about it at the hospital," Hoshinohara added. "They're short-staffed due to the increasing casualties from missions. They'd be glad to have someone like you."
"Thanks!" Asakura said with genuine appreciation.
"Why do you want to learn medical ninjutsu though?" Keita pressed.
"I'm just interested in it," Asakura replied, though he wasn't being completely honest. He wasn't ready to reveal his real motivations.
In the ninja world, strength was the ultimate currency. Although medical ninjas played a crucial role, they were often seen as support for combat ninjas, which made the profession less prestigious. But Asakura had his own plans.
With his excellent chakra control, he could follow a path similar to Sakura Haruno in the original Naruto series—developing medical skills while also becoming a formidable shinobi in combat. Moreover, understanding medical ninjutsu could give him the knowledge he needed to pursue more advanced and forbidden techniques, much like how Orochimaru had.
According to the current timeline, Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin, was still in Konoha, working at the hospital after the deaths of her younger brother Nawaki and her lover Dan Kato. If Asakura could impress her with his medical abilities, there was a chance she might take him as a student.
However, Tsunade was in a deep emotional slump, and convincing her to train him would not be easy. Asakura knew he would need to remind her of her younger brother—perhaps through his personality or interests. Tsunade might be strong-willed, but Asakura believed she was still vulnerable to sentimentality, especially after her personal losses.
If he could draw her attention with his medical skills and show a resemblance to Nawaki's spirit, there was a chance he could become her apprentice. Though it was a long shot, Asakura knew it was one of his best options for advancing his training.
After returning to Konoha, the group waited outside the Hokage's office while Uenome submitted the mission report. Asakura was already planning his next move. The mission had been dangerous, but it also solidified his resolve to become stronger and more resourceful.
Before long, Uenome came out, and Hoshinohara and Keita dragged Asakura to a nearby yakiniku restaurant for a celebratory meal.
"To our new teammate! Cheers!" Keita raised his glass of juice, and the others joined in. They laughed and talked, the bonds between them growing stronger as the evening progressed.
Asakura didn't make friends easily, but as he looked around at his new team and their teacher, he felt a sense of warmth and camaraderie. They would need to support each other through the trials ahead—especially with the looming war on the horizon.
At the end of the night, Uenome, though begrudgingly, footed the bill for the meal, commenting that his team had "eaten him into poverty." But he didn't seem to mind too much.