Tsunade had gained a lot.
Before, she only had a vague notion that mental and emotional stress could lead to physical illness her own hemophobia being a prime example. But she had never seriously considered that psychological trauma could be treated as a standalone medical discipline.
Now, she was intrigued no, excited to dive into research.
But...
Mental illness was a complex field. If she wanted to set up a comprehensive treatment program, she'd need clinical studies, case analyses, and field data. None of that could be done overnight.
And more urgently
The Chūnin Exams were underway.
Today was the third round of the final matches. Every Jōnin in the village was expected to attend. After all, the daimyō and foreign guests were present to evaluate the strength and potential of Konohagakure.
Jingyi was among the invited. But he wasn't particularly enthusiastic.
One-on-one fights in a tournament format didn't really impress him. They were more show than substance.
It was all for display.
The daimyō, however, seemed quite invested even in relatively standard genin-level skirmishes.
"I don't believe these match-ups weren't arranged," Tsunade muttered, arms crossed.
The structure of the matches was a bit too convenient. The first two were average bouts between lesser-known genin. Then came a match featuring Ebisu, another mid-tier display. But after that…
The fights grew progressively more dramatic. The fourth match, featuring two female ninja, was clearly designed for spectacle.
Shisui, interestingly, had received a bye.
"It's an exhibition," Jingyi said with a smirk. "No one's going to play their trump card at the start."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "You seem pretty pleased with the roster."
"It's finally their turn," Mute (Shizune) said excitedly from the side.
Tsunade shot her a look that made the girl flinch. "Why are you so excited?"
"It's rare to see medical-nin go head-to-head in combat."
"Kurenai isn't a full medical-nin," Tsunade corrected. "She's primarily a genjutsu specialist. But she's started studying medical ninjutsu. I intend to train her as a frontline combat medic."
Most medical-nin were noncombatants. Their job was crucial, but they weren't typically assigned to four-man cells due to their vulnerability.
Kurenai Yūhi, however, was different.
Tsunade nodded to herself, satisfied. She had advocated this sort of hybrid training before, but very few had the aptitude for both healing and battle. It was encouraging to see someone make progress.
Down on the field, Kurenai and Rin Nohara exchanged respectful bows, then formed the Seal of Confrontation.
And then… the battle began.
They moved simultaneously, weaving hand seals. Moments later, glowing chakra scalpels formed in their hands.
"A chakra scalpel?" Shizune was surprised.
It was an A-rank medical ninjutsu typically reserved for surgeries
delicate, internal work not something you'd see in combat.
She turned to Tsunade.
"It can sever muscles, tendons, even blood vessels," Tsunade explained, her brow furrowed. "It can be used in battle... but it's incredibly dangerous. One misstep and someone could be crippled."
Jingyi cut in: "This is an exhibition. The point isn't strength it's presentation, tactics, adaptability."
"Just like when Naruto won his exam," Tsunade murmured.
Shizune frowned, not quite understanding, but refocused on the fight.
The match was deceptively simple—each move laced with risk.
"Grandfather, what jutsu are they using?" one young noble whispered.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi was briefly stunned before answering. "That's the Chakra Scalpel. It's a surgical technique, but these kunoichi are demonstrating its utility in combat. Very precise very dangerous."
The daimyō leaned forward, intrigued.
Kurenai launched a flurry of swift, precise strikes, while Rin defended expertly, never giving ground. Neither could gain the upper hand.
Then suddenly, Kurenai's head jerked in a strange motion.
Shizune blinked. "What is she doing?"
"Secret Technique: Sidestep Confusion?" Jingyi joked.
But Tsunade leaned forward, eyes narrowing.
"Light reflection," she muttered. "She's using her forehead protector to reflect light using genjutsu through optical distortion. Clever."
It clicked.
Kurenai had adapted her genjutsu to a new method reminiscent of Konoha Kenjutsu's "Willow" style, where illusion is embedded into movement.
Elsewhere, a certain masked ninja was watching intently.
"Rin!"
Obito had risen to his feet, eyes wide.
"She's caught in Konoha-ryū's illusion technique," explained an older ninja beside him.
Kakashi looked confused. "But that's a kenjutsu style... Can genjutsu be isolated from it like that?"
Apparently so.
Rin dispelled the illusion swiftly, but it had bought Kurenai enough time. She darted in and landed a hit Rin's leg buckled, severed muscle slowing her.
But even as she fell, Rin was forming hand seals mid-air.
Two water clones burst forth
One engaged Kurenai, while the other grabbed Rin and retreated.
Within seconds, Rin activated the Mystical Palm Technique and began regenerating her injured leg.
Tsunade smirked. "Smart. A tactical retreat using clones. She's definitely trained well."
In a real battle, Kurenai might've gone for a fatal strike. But this was an exhibition. The match was a showcase not a death match.
The crowd was impressed.
Even among the Jōnin, there were murmurs. Medical-nin fighting like this?
It was a revelation.
But the match wasn't over.
Though Rin had healed, Kurenai had closed the distance again. She struck with her chakra scalpel, slicing deep into Rin's thigh, then followed up with a sudden, heavy punch
The ground cracked.
"Monster Strength?!" Tsunade stood up.
Kurenai using her technique?!
But then she realized no. It wasn't true Monster Strength. Kurenai had only mimicked the technique, using raw force and chakra control. The price was a strained ligament, but she had already formed seals to heal herself.
Jingyi chuckled. "I didn't teach her that. She figured it out herself. Not bad, huh?"
He was impressed.
Kurenai had identified the limitation of her strength and adapted channeling burst power in a single strike, then switching to support mode before any backlash could cost her the fight.
It was a brilliant tactical choice.
"I surrender," Rin said, breathless.
The crowd applauded. Even Tsunade had to smile.
Medical-nin weren't just healers anymore.