"Kitazawa," Yakushi Nono said, glancing at the wall clock. "Shizune must've been delayed. Do you need me to take you to surgery?"
"As long as it doesn't interfere with your work," Kitazawa replied after a brief thought.
He had already mastered the Chakra Scalpel. Whether it was Shizune or Yakushi Nono assisting, it made no real difference to him now.
"With your current abilities, you could perform surgery even without me or Shizune," Yakushi Nono said, shaking his head.
"Aren't you exaggerating a bit?" Kitazawa replied modestly. "I still have a long way to go to catch up to you."
"It's not an exaggeration," Nono smiled gently. "Once you've mastered the Chakra Scalpel, you're already qualified to become a Medical Jonin."
It wasn't that the standard for Medical Ninja was low—on the contrary, it was incredibly high. Because medical ninjutsu was so difficult to learn, the number of medical ninjas was exceedingly small.
Years ago, at Tsunade's insistence, Konoha established a permanent medical ninja division called Medic Corps.
But even with the rise of prodigies like Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke, the quota still couldn't be met. Among the 'Konoha Twelve', only Sakura was a true medical ninja.
Even having one Genin was rare—let alone a Jonin. In all of Konoha, there were only a handful of medical ninja who had reached that level.
"I still lack enough experience," Kitazawa said. He waited a few seconds, but seeing that no new missions had triggered, he added, "I'll see about it later."
"Alright," Nono nodded. "Let's head to the operating room."
The two left the office and entered the sterile surgical room.
"Today's patient suffered internal injuries during a battle with a Taijutsu user and requires surgery," Nono explained, pushing open the door.
A middle-aged man lay unconscious on the operating table. His external wounds had been treated, but the air was still heavy with the scent of blood and disinfectant.
"Kitazawa, you'll be the lead surgeon for this procedure," Nono said after a moment of thought.
"Me?" Kitazawa blinked in surprise.
"Give it a try," Nono said softly. "Once you're proficient, you can get a formal position at Konoha Hospital."
"So that's what Nono-senpai is aiming for," Kitazawa said, smiling in realization. But it also spoke volumes about how rare medical ninjas truly were.
"It's rare to come across a genius in medical ninjutsu. If we let you slip by, it'd be a major loss for the hospital," Nono said.
Even if Kitazawa's surgery failed, Shizune and Tsunade would step in to manage the situation. As for the patient, they'd be thrilled at the chance to be treated by one of the finest medical ninjas in the world.
After all, with Tsunade's hands, no matter how severe the injury, there was always a chance for a full recovery.
Just as Kitazawa was about to speak, four lines of glowing text appeared before his eyes:
[A genius should be known and respected. A medical ninja should be well-known in Konoha Village.]
[Current Mission: Successfully complete nine difficult surgeries as the lead medical ninja.
Mission Reward: High-Level Medical Ninjutsu – Body Revival Jutsu.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa's eyes widened. This mission reward was far beyond what he had expected.
High-level Medical Ninjutsu, even if not always S-rank, always possessed unique, game-breaking effects. Body Revival, in particular, could allow a user to fool even death by surviving fatal injuries, essentially granting pseudo-immortality.
It sounded terrifyingly overpowered. But, of course, such a technique came with side effects. Kitazawa recalled that this technique originally appeared in a Naruto movie, used by the villain Shinno.
Shinno possessed two powerful medical techniques: Body Revival and Body Activation.
"Activation" was a technical term referring to the use of chakra to stimulate and energize body cells, enhancing one's physical capabilities. A well-known example was the Lightning Chakra Mode used by the Fourth Raikage.
By channeling lightning chakra throughout the body, it formed a lightning armor, massively boosting speed and strength.
The Medical Ninjutsu, Regeneration Technique: Body Activation instead used Yang Chakra to achieve similar results. Shinno had even developed a Forbidden Technique based on those two:
Body Transformation, using Dark Chakra, combined with Revival and Activation, created an "ultimate body"— one capable of maintaining all Eight Gates without dying. It sounded glorious, but in the original work, Shinno's excessive use of Body Transformation left him a dying old man.
Still, Kitazawa accepted the mission without hesitation.
As usual, side effects are a future problem. First, you get the power. And if it's flawed, well—Tsunade's around to help fix that.
Kitazawa figured she could modify or correct the jutsu if needed. But how difficult would these 'difficult' surgeries be?
"Senior Nono," he asked curiously, "Is this surgery we're doing today considered difficult?"
"Not difficult—but definitely moderate," Nono said with a smile. "You're the first person I've ever met to handle a moderately difficult surgery on your first try."
"That's thanks to Senior Nono." Kitazawa now had a clear sense of the mission's weight.
But he was ready. The more difficult the mission, the better the reward.
"Let's begin," Yakushi Nono said, stepping forward. "The patient's internal organs are damaged. We'll need to use the Chakra Scalpel to remove the necrotic areas."
"Got it." Kitazawa formed a series of hand seals with his hands. In less than a second, pale green chakra surged from his right palm, shaping itself into the form of a precise, glowing blade.
"Your proficiency with the Chakra Scalpel seems nearly equal to mine," Yakushi Nono said with admiration. "No wonder you've earned Tsunade-sama's favor."
Kitazawa had learned both Delicate Illness Extraction Jutsu and the Chakra Scalpel at Konoha Hospital.
Nono had witnessed his growth firsthand, which only deepened her belief in his exceptional talent for medical ninjutsu. An hour later, the operation was complete.
Nono summoned two nurses and helped wheel the patient into the ward.
"Sorry, I'm late!" The sound of quick footsteps echoed as Shizune jogged into the room.
"You're just in time," Kitazawa said, wiping sweat from his forehead. "During the break, you can teach me some new medical ninjutsu."
"Wait—have you already mastered the Chakra Scalpel?" Shizune blinked in surprise.
For the past two weeks, Kitazawa had been supposedly learning the Chakra Scalpel. More accurately, he had been pretending to learn it. Now, having decided today not to keep up the act, he had performed openly in front of Yakushi Nono.
"I can vouch for that," Nono added. "Kitazawa has indeed mastered the Chakra Scalpel."
"..." Shizune's mouth twitched. Too fast! Way too fast!
Mastering an A-rank technique like the Chakra Scalpel in just two weeks was beyond belief. There weren't many medical ninjutsu to begin with—especially B- and A-rank ones. And even fewer who could master them this quickly.
At this pace, Kitazawa would surpass her in less than half a year. And with his overwhelming talent, he might even learn the Yin Seal: Release and the legendary Ninja Art Creation Rebirth: Strength of a Hundred Jutsu.
In that case, Tsunade would take him in as a Student—and she herself would be left in the dust.
"Today, I'll teach you the Mystical Palm Jutsu," Shizune said, taking a deep breath. "It's also an A-rank jutsu like the Chakra Scalpel, but honestly, it's a bit more difficult."
Kitazawa gave a slight nod. The Mystical Palm Technique was a medical ninjutsu that healed both internal and external injuries using chakra projected from the palms.
Its key lies in the precise control of chakra output, depending on the patient's condition. Too much chakra could disrupt normal circulation—at best, leading to a coma; at worst, causing serious injury.
Because of that, few medical ninjas had mastered it. Even Tsunade herself had admitted that it had been difficult for her to learn.
Kitazawa hadn't acquired the Mystical Palm Technique through the system, so he had to start from scratch. Thankfully, he had already attained Master-level chakra control and proficient Yang Release Nature transformation.
Learning it wouldn't be a problem—it would just take some time.
It was evening.
Kitazawa had completed two more surgeries that afternoon, though neither was classified as difficult. His responsibilities had remained unchanged.
"Thanks for your help today, Nono-senpai," Shizune said as she stood up.
"Kitazawa acted as lead surgeon today. I was just helping with minor tasks—it's no trouble." Nono paused, then asked, "Kitazawa, have you thought about what I proposed earlier?"
"What proposal?" Shizune asked curiously.
"Having Kitazawa serve as a temporary medical ninja at Konoha Hospital—just like you," Nono explained.
Shizune hesitated.
She had been about to point out that Kitazawa hadn't been a medical ninja long enough, but recalling his surgical performance that day, she found herself speechless.
Judging by his current ability and level, Kitazawa had already reached the standard of a regular attending medical ninja at the hospital. Not quite equal to Tsunade, Nono, or herself—but not far off either.
"Alright," Kitazawa nodded. "From now on, feel free to call me in for any difficult surgeries."
"If it's a difficult one, you'll need to master the Mystical Palm Technique first to qualify as an attending medical ninja," Nono added after some thought.
"Got it." Kitazawa had no objections.
With lives on the line, there was no room for recklessness. Besides, he had already triggered the mission—completing a few difficult surgeries would finish it.
After leaving Konoha Hospital, Kitazawa and Shizune parted ways. She went off to find Tsunade, while he returned to the ninja academy.
---
Around the artificial lake, a horde of Naruto were furiously attacking rubber balls, each one focused and determined.
Kitazawa turned to observe Hinata. After an entire summer of rigorous training, her Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms had finally reached the point where she could strike ten palms in succession.
She was now aiming for twelve, and it was hard to say how long it would take before she could execute the Sixteen Palms or Thirty Two.
"Hinata, Naruto—come here," Kitazawa called out, realizing it was nearly time.
Hinata stopped training immediately and walked over to him.
"Naruto, release your Shadow Clones," Kitazawa said suddenly, as a thought struck him.
Naruto instantly dispelled his Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. A loud thud echoed through the area as the clones vanished one by one.
Naruto's face turned pale, and beads of cold sweat rolled down his forehead. Even though his chakra reserves were enormous, the sudden influx of memories and feedback still took a toll.
But the rapid progress made him feel energized and excited.
"Kitazawa-Sensei!" Naruto called out, eyes wide and burning with determination, gathering his focus.
"Your summer training is over. Go home and rest for two days to prepare for the new semester," Kitazawa said directly.
"What?" Naruto asked in surprise. "Summer vacation's already over?"
Hinata was equally shocked. How had an entire month flown by so quickly?
"It's a pity I didn't learn the Rasengan. I wanted to surprise Sasuke during the first monthly exam," Naruto muttered, scratching his head.
That line sounded strangely familiar. Kitazawa quickly remembered—it was Might Guy who once said something similar to Hatake Kakashi: "This move was originally meant for you."
That move had been the Night Guy from the Eight Gates technique. Would Uzumaki Naruto one day say the same to Uchiha Sasuke?
Kitazawa felt it was entirely possible.
Hinata, meanwhile, thought of Neji Hyuga. She had promised to spar with him in the first semester. Now that summer vacation was over, that time was quickly approaching.
Hinata felt a nervous anticipation begin to well up inside her.
"Alright, head home," Kitazawa said, patting her on the head. "Don't overthink it. A solution will come naturally."
"Yeah." Hinata hesitated for a moment, then shook off her tension and smiled.
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto waved as he turned down another path.
Hinata soon said her goodbyes and left as well. Kitazawa watched her go, thoughtfully stroking his chin. When would be a good time to schedule Hinata and Neji's sparring match?
Why not during the first day's practical class? Kitazawa wasn't entirely sure Hinata would win, but the system didn't limit them to just one battle.
Even if she lost this time, she could always challenge him again later. Still, Kitazawa had a feeling Hinata had a strong chance.
No matter how gifted Neji was, he was still only seven. And Hinata had not one but two elite instructors: him and Hiashi Hyuga.
---
August 31st.
Summer was coming to an end, and the weather had cooled noticeably. But the ninja academy was bustling—it was registration day.
Naruto had woken up early. He didn't even go to Might Guy's morning exercises just so he could register early. Last semester, he hadn't known anyone and had been the target of discrimination, so he hadn't looked forward to it.
But now, just one semester later, he had so many friends. He was full of anticipation for this new start, especially eager to see familiar faces like Uchiha Sasuke, Inuzuka Kiba, Akimichi Chōji, Haruno Sakura, Nara Shikamaru, and others.
He was curious to see how they had changed over the summer.
"Grandpa Third?" Naruto opened his door to find a familiar figure waiting in his living room.
"Good morning, Naruto," Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted him with a smile.
"Long time no see, Grandpa Third!"
Naruto walked over to the dining table, took out a bucket of instant noodles, and asked, "Have you had breakfast?"
"I saw you were busy with training, so I didn't want to disturb you," Hiruzen said with a pause. "I already ate."
"I had an amazing summer!" Naruto beamed at the word training. "I learned an A-rank ninjutsu!"
"That's really impressive," Hiruzen praised warmly. "There are very few ninjas your age who can manage an A-rank technique."
"Really?" Naruto's eyes lit up. "Didn't the previous four Hokage do it?"
"Some did, some didn't," Hiruzen replied vaguely.
"Awesome!" Naruto grinned. "That means I've finally surpassed the Hokage in something!"
"I believe you'll surpass them in strength one day." Hiruzen couldn't help smiling at Naruto's enthusiasm.
Judging by Naruto's current growth, he was already a genius among geniuses—comparable to Minato Namikaze himself. And as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, his future was filled with limitless potential. Surpassing one or two Hokage wasn't out of the question at all.
His thoughts turned to Kitazawa once again. He had taught Naruto both the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and the Rasengan—and he'd done it well.
But could Kitazawa also complete the mission of persuading Tsunade to undergo treatment?
"I'm full! Goodbye, Grandpa Third!" Naruto finished his breakfast and dashed out the door toward the academy.
Halfway there, he spotted Uchiha Sasuke.
"Sasuke!" Naruto hurried after him.
"Sasuke, your classmate's here. Go with him." Uchiha Itachi gave Naruto a glance, then dissolved into a cloud of crows and disappeared.
Given Naruto's unique status, Itachi didn't want to invite suspicion—or provoke Shimura Danzō.
"Brother..." Sasuke could only mutter before Itachi vanished entirely.
"Sasuke," Naruto blinked, confused. "Why'd your brother leave like that?"
"He's always like that," Sasuke said, shaking his head.
"So, how was your summer vacation?" Naruto beamed. "I learned a ton from Kitazawa-sensei! You're not gonna beat me during the monthly exams!"
"You don't understand what it means to be a Uchiha," Sasuke replied coolly, his hands tucked in his pockets. "When you're up against the Sharingan, failure is inevitable."
Because of his familiarity with the Sharingan, Sasuke hadn't participated in Kitazawa's summer training. Though he brought lunch every day, he always arrived early—before Naruto and Hinata began their sessions.
As a result, he had no idea Naruto had already mastered Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
"Perfect!" Naruto grinned, gave a thumbs-up, and said, "Sasuke, let's have an epic showdown during the monthly exam—youth style!"