After striking a "strategic bento alliance" with Kurenai, Ryosuke and the others left the Academy.
Hands in his pockets and looking downright grumpy, Kakashi stood waiting. Judging by his expression, he'd been there for a while.
"Kakashi!"
Obito, oblivious to the sour mood, strode right up and greeted him cheerfully.
Kakashi ignored him and looked past to Ryosuke.
"You're late. Don't tell me someone overslept again?"
Obito's eyes lit up, and he bobbed his head enthusiastically.
"Yeah! Kakashi, I had to wake Ryosuke up after class today!"
Ignoring the two of them sniping at him, Ryosuke turned to Shizune.
"Shizune, if we head to Konoha Hospital now, will Lady Tsunade still be there?"
"She should be. Usually she arrives in the afternoon and doesn't leave until after eight in the evening."
Hearing that, Ryosuke nodded.
Tsunade was the pinnacle of Konoha's medical ninja.
Getting her guidance was every medic-nin's dream.
Since he planned to make "medical ninja" his public identity, it only made sense to approach her early—ideally winning her recognition.
That part, Ryosuke figured, was close to impossible. After all, he was an Uchiha.
They hadn't gone far when a man in shinobi gear appeared in front of them, looking shifty.
"Heading to Konoha Hospital to study?"
The group exchanged puzzled looks.
"Yes," Ryosuke said with a friendly smile, eyeing the man's bulging backpack. "Is there something you need, sir?"
The man swept open his jacket, revealing more than thirty pouches, each stuffed with supplies used for medical training.
"These are freshly-made bandages. Here's a sample antidote in vial form… and this—"
He launched into an eager sales pitch.
"How much for the bandage?" Rin stepped forward, eyeing the new design.
"Five hundred ryō!"
Obito nearly jumped.
"What, is it woven from gold? Five hundred? That's a rip-off!"
The man smirked knowingly.
"Expensive? Not at all. This is the going rate these days, kid. You think I like it? Look around—do you see anyone else selling? This afternoon Lady Tsunade herself is teaching at the hospital. Prices for practice materials have skyrocketed!"
Ryosuke's expression twisted. What a smooth-talking con artist.
"Forget it. We don't need any," Kakashi cut in, clearly fed up.
"Wait—" the man squinted at him. "Why do you look so familiar? Who are you again?"
Then realization struck, and his face lit up.
"Kakashi Hatake!"
"Oh? You know me?"
"We met during the Chūnin Exams! Your squad helped me back then. I didn't make chūnin, but I still owe you. And since you're here for Lady Tsunade's lecture, these antidote vials and bandages are on the house!"
Before Kakashi could refuse, the man ripped a pouch from his jacket and stuffed the contents—seven or eight vials and just as many bandages—into Obito's arms.
"Farewell, Kakashi-sama!"
In a blink, he was gone.
"That guy… runs fast," Ryosuke chuckled, taking some of the items from Obito.
"Kakashi, what about these?"
"Use them if you can. I'm no medic."
Ryosuke didn't stand on ceremony, splitting the goods between Rin and Shizune.
"As expected of Kakashi—so amazing!" Rin beamed at him, clutching the vials.
Obito pouted and looked away. Kakashi, hands back in his pockets, walked ahead.
The group moved on toward Konoha Hospital.
When they arrived, the open area in front of the teaching hall was packed—students their age, genin, chūnin, even jōnin.
"Whoa, that many?" Obito muttered.
"Is it always like this?" Ryosuke asked Rin and Shizune.
Both nodded.
A ninja in a white medical coat stepped onto the second-floor balcony.
"Lady Tsunade orders: patients go straight to the main building. Those here to study, proceed to the lecture hall over there."
He pointed to the right.
"Lady Tsunade will arrive in five minutes. Take your places."
He stepped back inside.
"Kakashi, you and Obito go to the main building," Rin said. "We'll meet at the entrance afterward."
Kakashi nodded and started walking.
"Don't worry, Rin! Focus on your lesson. I'll watch over Kakashi!" Obito declared proudly.
"I believe you, Obito," Rin said with a warm smile.
Kakashi shot him an unimpressed look.
"Let's go."
Once the two disappeared inside, Ryosuke, Rin, and Shizune exchanged glances and headed for the lecture hall.
They found seats with a good view.
Around them, excited chatter buzzed:
"No surprise there—Tsunade-sama draws a crowd even for a basic class!"
"Of course. She's the best in the ninja world. Who wouldn't want to listen?"
"She's shown everyone the true value of medical ninja."
"Exactly. With one in your squad, the frontliners can charge ahead while we handle the rest—though there's so much to consider…"
A sudden bang silenced the room.
On stage stood a young woman, her sharp gaze sweeping the crowd.
Long, pale blonde hair tied into a thick ponytail, fair skin, and an exceptionally full figure that her green robe did little to hide.
Tsunade's eyes soon settled on their group. She nodded slightly at Rin and Shizune—then her brow furrowed at Ryosuke's Uchiha crest.
In a flicker, she was in front of him, arms crossed, looking down from above.
"An Uchiha brat? Instead of playing with your Sharingan, what are you doing here?"
[End of Chapter]