"In terms of A-rank medical ninjutsu, the Mystical Palm Technique is probably the most difficult. I can't believe it took me this long to learn."
It had already been three days since Aoshi obtained the Shadow Clone Technique.
During that time, he had been using shadow clones exclusively to train in the Mystical Palm Technique, though only after his hospital shifts. He didn't dare use clones during work hours—if one dispersed mid-treatment, the consequences could be severe.
With his current chakra reserves, he simply couldn't maintain a clone for too long.
And let's not forget—Aoshi had already begun training in the Mystical Palm Technique before receiving the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Counting from the day he started, it had been a full four days.
For comparison, it had taken him only two days to master the Chakra Scalpel, another A-rank technique.
"Well, starting tomorrow, I can finally shift focus to training Konoha-style Willow, which is considered A-rank. No idea how long that's going to take…"
Thanks to the system elevating his medical ninjutsu talent to the highest level, Aoshi could master most A-rank techniques within a few days.
But Konoha Style Willow was a different level entirely—a fusion of swordsmanship and genjutsu, two areas in which Aoshi was only average at best.
---
As the sun rose on a new day, Aoshi finished his morning workout and arrived at Konoha Hospital right on time.
"Big brother!"
A bright, cheery voice called out. Aoshi turned to see Yūhi Kurenai running toward him, having let go of her father's hand.
She was so full of energy and adorable that Aoshi instinctively crouched down to catch her, worried she might stumble.
"Shouldn't you be in class? Don't tell me you skipped school."
"No way! It's the weekend—no classes today!" Kurenai explained confidently.
"And my dad's being discharged today. I came to take him home!"
With that expectant 'praise me' expression on her face, Aoshi smiled and gave her the response she wanted.
Just then, Yūhi Shinku walked over.
"Sorry to trouble you, Aoshi-kun. I hope Kurenai didn't bother you too much."
"Not at all. She's adorable and very well-mannered."
Kurenai instantly lit up with a proud smile. "Oh right, big brother—my name's Yūhi Kurenai! What's yours?"
"Hirakawa Aoshi."
"Okay then, Aoshi-oniichan!"
"All right, Kurenai. Let's not keep Aoshi-oniichan from work," Shinku said gently.
At her father's cue, Kurenai obediently slipped out of Aoshi's embrace and took Shinku's hand. "See you later, Aoshi-oniichan!"
With that, Aoshi returned to his duties at the hospital.
---
Around eleven o'clock, Tsunade finally showed up—true to her famously erratic schedule.
"Tsunade-sama, thank you so much for your guidance these past few days. I've finally mastered the Mystical Palm Technique."
Those words were music to Tsunade's ears.
She had promised to teach him the technique and had been visiting the hospital every day to supervise. It wasn't like her to go back on her word—but the daily trips were starting to wear on her.
Starting today, she was finally free.
"You've been through a lot yourself, Lady Tsunade. I really don't know how to thank you."
Although Kushina had persuaded her to help, Aoshi was well aware that Tsunade had no real obligation to assist him.
In the ninja world, skill wasn't everything; connections mattered too.
But with Tsunade's status and power, there wasn't much she lacked. Even if she was constantly in debt due to gambling, money wasn't something she actually needed.
If she really wanted to, she could earn a fortune in a week, which left Aoshi genuinely at a loss for how to repay her.
"If you want to thank me, treat me to a meal." With that, Tsunade turned and walked straight out of the hospital—headed, naturally, for the casino.
Typical. That suited her perfectly. Smiling wryly, Aoshi shook his head and returned to work.
Once he was done for the day, he went looking for her—only to be shocked to find she was still gambling.
It looked like she'd been at it all day.
"I'll bet on high!"
"Low! Low! Go all in on low!"
The moment Tsunade placed her bet, the other gamblers all rushed to bet the opposite.
By now, her reputation as the Legendary Sucker had spread through every casino in Konoha.
As expected, she lost again. By the end of the day, she had predictably blown through all her money.
Aoshi could only shake his head at the sight. She was a bottomless money pit. Who could afford to keep up with her?
"Lend me another hundred thousand ryō! I swear I'll make a comeback!"
Seeing her about to borrow more, Aoshi stepped in and quickly pulled her away from the table.
Tsunade, about to throw a tantrum, softened the moment she saw it was Aoshi.
"Oh… is it that late already? Guess I'm a little hungry. Fine, fine—no more gambling for now."
They made their way to one of the most popular places in Konoha: Barbecue Q. It was said to be run by the Akimichi clan, though Aoshi couldn't confirm that.
"I want sake!" As soon as they sat down in a private booth, Tsunade called out for alcohol.
If her fans saw her like this, they'd probably faint. But Aoshi, armed with memories from his past life, wasn't surprised in the least.
After all, gambling and drinking were among the Three Prohibitions for shinobi.
Even for adults, alcohol was something to avoid. Ninjas weren't meant to enjoy life—they were meant to live dangerously, always on the edge.
But Tsunade had clearly entered a 'Screw it' phase.
Giving up was bliss. Staying in give-up mode? Even more bliss.
Sighing, Aoshi allowed her to have her drink. She was a legend, after all—and legends always got their way.
"You should drink too!" As soon as the sake arrived, Tsunade made another unreasonable request.
But Aoshi refused. "Lady Tsunade, I still have work tomorrow."
Seeing his uncomfortable expression, Tsunade just pouted but didn't push the issue. Even drinking alone, she quickly got tipsy and started firing off all kinds of random questions.
"You're such a genius—don't you want to be Hokage?"
Aoshi was momentarily speechless. How had this turned into a conversation about the Hokage?
"Come on, answer me! Do you want to be Hokage or not?"
"Being Hokage is every Konoha ninja's dream," he answered tactfully.
But Tsunade clearly wasn't satisfied. Her face darkened slightly. "What's so great about being Hokage? Only idiots want that job."
Aoshi didn't dare respond to that.
He wasn't Tsunade—if he badmouthed the Hokage, ANBU might knock on his door the next morning for 'lacking the Will of Fire.'
Worse, he might get dragged into Root, brainwashed, and end up calling Danzo 'master.'
And then he'd probably die on some obscure mission—forgotten and unacknowledged. Now that... would be the most hopeless kind of death.