Shizuka was stunned at first. Then she felt an invisible, heavy pressure settle onto her shoulders as she slowly opened the scroll.
After reading the description of the Medical Chakra Transformation Technique, confusion still lingered in her eyes. This was clearly a ninjutsu designed for use when a patient's life was in imminent danger—so why had so few medical shinobi ever learned it?
Medical Chakra Transformation Technique
Ninjutsu Rank: B
Effect:
This technique replaces the circulation of chakra within another person's body. When the patient's heart stops, the practitioner uses their own chakra to forcibly substitute for the heart's function, driving blood circulation throughout the body and prolonging the patient's life until the practitioner's chakra is completely exhausted.
Seeing the deep confusion on Shizuka's face, Tsunade shook her head helplessly.
"This technique was created by our ancestors long ago, during the Warring States Period," she explained. "Back then, a noble commissioned the Senju Clan to transplant a heart in an attempt to extend their life."
"The theory was sound, but most of the experiments failed."
"The only time I succeeded was when an elder's child was born with a congenital heart condition. I tried it with the mindset of having nothing to lose—and it worked."
"Later, I discovered the core limitation," Tsunade continued. "It can only be used on people whose chakra is highly compatible—close blood relatives, or individuals whose chakra signatures are extremely similar."
"In short, this technique can only be used between blood relatives, or between a master and their apprentice. Otherwise, the body will instinctively reject the foreign chakra, causing the patient's blood flow to collapse instead of stabilize."
Only then did Shizuka truly understand why no medical shinobi bothered to learn this technique.
It was almost useless.
In the entire recorded history of the shinobi world, it had only succeeded once.
After that, Tsunade prescribed recuperation medicine and a week's supply of healing potions for Tsubaki, instructing her to return to Konoha Hospital once a week to receive the same treatment.
As for Shizuka, she immediately began training in the Medical Chakra Transformation Technique without wasting a single day.
Tsunade returned to her office and resumed her duties as Hokage as though nothing had happened.
But what she didn't expect—
Was that someone would come knocking on her door again the very next day.
Inside the Hokage's office, Tsunade pressed a hand to her forehead, staring at the Iwagakure shinobi standing in front of her with a throbbing headache. Annoyance flickered through her eyes as she complained inwardly.
"I just finished treating people from Nadeshiko Village yesterday," she said irritably. "Why are shinobi from Iwagakure visiting again already?"
"Explain yourselves."
"Don't tell me Ōnoki's body finally can't take it anymore."
Kurotsuchi thought carefully before answering.
"My grandfather is still in good health," she said honestly. "It's just that his lower back isn't in great shape."
"He keeps straining it."
Tsunade flipped through the documents in her hands and nodded.
"That's not surprising. Back problems come with age."
She stamped the last document in the stack, set it aside, and looked up at Kurotsuchi.
"So? What's this really about?"
Kurotsuchi took out a scroll personally written by Ōnoki and placed it on the desk.
"My grandfather asked me to invite Uchiha Hikaru to visit Iwagakure," she said. "That's all I know."
"Everything else should be written in the scroll."
Tsunade opened it, scanned the contents, and her fingers tightened slightly around the paper. With a tired sigh, she crumpled the scroll and tossed it toward Shizune.
"Tch…"
"Shizune, take this to Anko," Tsunade said lazily. "Let her handle it however she sees fit."
Shizune nodded and left immediately.
Tsunade then turned her gaze back to Kurotsuchi, her thoughts drifting.
Uchiha Hikaru…
That guy probably wouldn't be interested in a little girl anyway.
Her eyes flicked down briefly, comparing Kurotsuchi's chest to her own. After a moment, she nodded with clear satisfaction.
Yeah. Definitely not. (￣︶￣)
Now she felt completely at ease.
"Uchiha Hikaru is currently in Kumogakure," Tsunade said. "If you want to invite him, you'll have to go there yourself."
"From Konoha's standpoint, I don't object. But he's the president of the Ninja Association. I don't have the authority to command him."
"Whether he goes or not depends entirely on him—and on your ability to persuade him."
"As long as he agrees, there won't be any problems."
Kurotsuchi nodded, a trace of regret flashing across her face.
But when she thought about how this would give her a chance to travel, see the outside world, and maybe even visit Kumogakure, her mood quickly lifted again.
After all, as the Tsuchikage's granddaughter, she had only ever visited Konoha once—for the Chūnin Exams—and had never set foot in any of the other Four Great Nations besides Iwagakure.
With that thought in mind, she left the office cheerfully, planning to depart for Kumogakure with her teammates the following day.
It was already afternoon.
Since they would be resting in Konoha for the night, Kurotsuchi decided to relax. Her team had been on the move for more than two days straight with barely any rest. This was the perfect opportunity to wander around Konoha's famous snack street—she hadn't had enough fun back during the Chūnin Exams.
She turned to her two teammates.
"Are you two resting," she asked, "or do you want to go walk around Konoha with me tonight?"
"You still have energy to shop?" one of them groaned. "I'm dead tired after two days straight. I'm going to sleep…"
"Haha, same here," the other added apologetically. "Sorry~"
After that, both teammates went straight to separate empty rooms, leaving Kurotsuchi standing there in disbelief.
"…We're all young. Why is there such a huge difference?" (・・;)
Alone, Kurotsuchi wandered through Konoha's commercial district.
She bought a mask, caught goldfish at a festival stall, ate pancakes, and even played with balloon crafts.
By the time she was patting her slightly rounded stomach and preparing to head back, a unique fragrance suddenly drifted into her nose.
Following the scent, she stopped in front of a grilled fish restaurant.
The signboard was more than ten meters wide, painted light blue with dark blue waves beneath it.
"Uchiha Specialty Grilled Fish?"
Kurotsuchi touched her stomach again.
I can probably eat a little more…
After all, who knew when she'd visit Konoha again?
She stepped inside—
And instantly froze.
In the center of the restaurant, a man was slaughtering a fish with his bare hands. His knife work was clean, ruthless, and unnaturally smooth. A thick white rope was tied around his head, with a scarf draped loosely over his shoulders.
"Hoshigaki Kisame?!"
Kisame didn't stop moving. He continued slicing the remaining fillets while turning his head toward her.
"Hm?"
"Oh. It's you—Ōnoki's granddaughter," he said casually. "Here for grilled fish?"
"There's a menu on the table. Order whatever you want."
With that, he returned to dismantling the fish without mercy.
Although Kurotsuchi was extremely curious why Kisame was working as a fish butcher, his serious, focused demeanor made her hold her tongue. She quietly found an empty table for two and sat down.
At the same time, another man stepped through the door.
He had long golden hair, wore a green Konoha flak jacket, and a Konoha forehead protector sat proudly on his brow.
The moment he entered, he shouted toward Kisame.
"Kisame! Cut me two—one sliced, one in sections!"
"Make it spicy. Extra peppercorns!"
Kisame snorted. "Hah. Haven't seen you in half a month. Taking time off your shifts now? Dinner's on me."
Kurotsuchi's eyes widened.
"Brother Deidara?! Why are you here!?"
...
...
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Second Bonus Chapter - 200 Power Stones
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