Uchiha Akirafollowed the ANBU to the front of the Hokage Office and gently knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's steady voice came from inside.
Pushing the door open, Akira saw the Third Hokage sitting at his desk, holding a scroll, his brows slightly furrowed, seemingly deep in thought.
"Hokage-sama."
Akira bowed respectfully.
"Have a seat."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up, pointed to the sofa nearby, then lowered his head to continue reading the scroll in his hand.
Akira said nothing more, quietly sitting on the sofa and waiting.
For a moment, only the rustling of the scroll and the occasional bird song from outside the window remained in the office.
He took the opportunity to observe his surroundings; the Hokage Office was simply and solemnly furnished, with portraits of past Hokage hanging on the walls.
The bookshelves were filled with scrolls and books, and the air was filled with a faint scent of tobacco.
A moment later, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally put down the scroll and rubbed his temples.
Then he looked at Akira, his gaze deep and gentle.
"Akira, I called you here today to discuss the Medical Ninja training."
He spoke directly.
Akira's heart tightened, but his expression remained calm.
"Hokage-sama, please speak."
Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up the pipe on the desk, lit it gently, took a puff, and slowly began.
"The Medical Ninja proposal has been approved, but the specific training plan needs further refinement. What are your thoughts on this?"
Akira pondered for a moment, then said,
"Medical Ninja training can be divided into three stages: basic theory, practical operation, and battlefield adaptation."
"Oh?"
A flicker of interest appeared in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
"Elaborate."
Akira organized his thoughts and continued,
"Firstly, for the basic theory stage, we need to compile a systematic textbook covering human anatomy, Chakra control, common injury treatment, and other content.
This stage can be taught by experienced Medical Ninja to ensure students grasp the necessary theoretical knowledge.
Additionally, a simpler version can be offered as an elective at the Ninja School."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.
"Theory is indeed important, but during wartime, what we need are Medical Ninja who can quickly engage in practical combat."
Akira smiled slightly.
"That is precisely the purpose of the second stage. In the practical operation stage, students will perform actual treatments under guidance, progressing from simple wound care to complex internal injury repair, gradually improving.
We can set up simulated battlefield environments to allow students to practice under high pressure, shortening their adaptation time."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's brows relaxed.
"Simulated battlefield environments? That's a good idea."
Akira continued,
"Finally, there's the battlefield adaptation stage. Through squad cooperation drills, Medical Ninja will become familiar with how to protect themselves and treat comrades in combat.
This stage can involve collaboration with existing Ninja squads for mutual integration."
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment, then showed a smile of approval.
"Your thinking is very clear; it seems you have thoroughly researched the medical system."
Akira humbly replied,
"I merely thought about it more than usual.
Additionally, I suggest establishing a grading system, categorizing students into junior, intermediate, and senior Medical Ninja based on their abilities and performance, and assigning different tasks and resources."
A hint of surprise flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
"Grading system? That's novel."
Akira nodded.
"This can maximize the utilization of limited resources and also motivate students to continuously improve."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep puff from his pipe, slowly exhaling, the smoke swirling in the sunlight.
He remained silent for a while, then suddenly asked,
"Akira, what do you believe the 'fire will' is?"
Akira was slightly stunned, not expecting the sudden shift in topic.
But he quickly recovered, speaking with a firm tone.
"The fire will is the spiritual inheritance left by the First Hokage.
It represents the belief in protecting comrades and safeguarding the Village; it is the foundation of a Konoha Ninja.
Where tree leaves dance, fire will burn.
The firelight will illuminate the Village and cause new leaves to sprout."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze flickered slightly, seemingly touched by Akira's answer.
"You spoke very well… It reminds me of an old friend from the Uchiha Clan."
Akira's heart stirred, vaguely guessing whom he was referring to, but he did not expose it.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
"Kagami, he once, like you, held the future of the Village in his heart."
Kagami, of course, referred to Uchiha Kagami.
Akira lowered his head, his tone sincere.
"Senior Kagami is the pride of the Uchiha Clan and my role model."
Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed at Akira, as if trying to discern something from his eyes.
A moment later, he slowly asked,
"Akira, what do you think of the Uchiha Clan?"
Akira looked up, his gaze open.
"The Uchiha Clan will always be Konoha's Uchiha Clan.
I was born and raised in Konoha; the prosperity of the Village is the prosperity of the Uchiha Clan.
There might have been some misunderstandings and estrangement in the past.
But I believe that as long as we embrace the fire will, the Uchiha Clan and the Village will surely advance hand in hand."
A trace of relief flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, and he nodded gently.
"Very good… Very good."
He stood up, walked to the window, and with his back to Akira, said,
"The Medical Ninja training will be entrusted to you and Tsunade.
The plan will be implemented as a trial according to what you've outlined; I hope you can train Medical Ninja as quickly as possible."
Akira felt a surge of joy, but he remained calm.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I will not fail you."
Hiruzen Sarutobi handed the scroll to Akira, a gentle smile on his face.
"Go, I believe you can do it."
Akira stood up, bowed, took the scroll, and turned to leave.
After exiting the Hokage Office, he let out a long breath.
"I didn't expect it to go so smoothly!"
However, he did not know that after he left, Hiruzen Sarutobi still stood by the window, his gaze distant.
"Kagami, among your Uchiha descendants, another person like you has finally appeared…"
He murmured softly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
"Hiruzen, don't let your guard down!"
From the shadows nearby, Danzo emerged.
"You heard what was said just now; tell me your thoughts!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi hid the emotions in his eyes and glanced at Danzo.
"Words are cheap; who knows what they, the Uchiha Clan, will do behind our backs?"
Danzo scoffed coldly.
As a Fire Shadow Consultant and the leader of Root,
How could he not understand Hiruzen Sarutobi's meaning?
Make him affirm the Uchiha Clan?
In his dreams!
"Hiruzen, the situation in Hidden Rain Village is intense, and I plan to go there myself!"
Hearing that Danzo was going to the battlefield, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly.
"How many Ninja will you take?"
"You don't need your Anbu people; I'll just take my Root people!
The situation in Konoha has been very unfavorable recently, and I cannot stand idly by anymore."
Danzo spoke with determination, and Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Danzo, unable to guess his purpose for a moment.
"Alright!"
Considering the recent front-line intelligence he had received, Hiruzen Sarutobi still nodded in agreement.
Danzo walked two steps towards the door, then suddenly paused.
He turned to look at Hiruzen Sarutobi, a glint of mockery in his eyes.
"Hiruzen, testing Uchiha Akiradoesn't have to be so troublesome; just send him to the battlefield!"
After Danzo finished speaking, he turned and left the Hokage Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched Danzo's retreating back, his gaze flickering, his brows furrowing even deeper.