Standing outside Kurenai home, Kitazawa took out his key.
Just as he was about to open the door, it swung open on its own.
"I figured you'd be back right about now," said Kurenai, smiling as she peeked her head out. "Was I right?"
"You were spot on," Kitazawa replied with a small grin.
Kurenai, wearing her signature red dress, smiled warmly and stepped aside.
"Lady Tsunade is already here. She's waiting for you in the living room," she said.
Kitazawa nodded, slipped off his sandals, and stepped inside.
Tsunade was lounging comfortably on the couch, her long legs stretched out, looking as relaxed as ever.
Sitting beside her was Shizune, who had already prepared a basin filled with water—and a koi fish.
Kitazawa instantly recognized what was coming.
It was the same way all beginners started learning Medical Ninjutsu.
Even Sakura , when she trained under Tsunade in the original timeline, began by healing a fish.
"You read the Healing Hands Technique: Minor scroll this morning," Shizune said. "Now it's time to actually perform it. Healing Hands Technique: Minor is the foundation of all Medical Ninjutsu. If you can't master it within three months, you're not suited to be a medical-ninja."
"If it takes you longer than that, it's better to stop wasting your time," Tsunade added lazily.
Kitazawa caught the hint behind her words.
He had originally planned to show off his talent immediately—but being too good too quickly would only raise suspicion.
After all, his system had only given him two Medical Jutsu so far—Blood Coagulation Jutsu and Healing Hands Technique: Minor—and if he looked like a prodigy now, it'd be odd when his learning suddenly slowed later.
A genius? Sure. A monster? Not yet, he thought.
"How long did it take you to learn the Healing Hands Technique: Minor, Lady Tsunade?" Kitazawa asked curiously.
"One day," Tsunade replied with a faint smirk. "But I'm a special case."
"If you can learn it within two days," Shizune added, "you're considered a genius with exceptional medical potential. I learned it in about two and a half."
"Impressive, Shizune-senpai," Kitazawa said politely.
"Senpai?" Shizune blinked. "You're a year older than me, aren't you?"
"The one with greater skill deserves respect," Kitazawa said with a light laugh. "Of course, if I surpass you someday, then I'll call you Shizune-kohai instead."
"You're quite the funny one," Shizune chuckled.
Tsunade grinned. "Funny or not, surpassing Shizune is easier said than done. She's been training under me for years—her Healing Hands Technique: Minor is at near-Jonin level."
"How about a wager then?" Kitazawa said playfully.
Before Tsunade could answer, Shizune quickly interrupted, "This isn't something to gamble on. Now focus—watch closely."
Tsunade sighed. She would've loved to bet. After all, Kitazawa had only just begun learning Medical Ninjutsu—he was years behind. What kind of genius could close that gap?
Shizune made a quick hand sign, took a kunai, and sliced a shallow wound on the fish's side.
Then she pressed her glowing palms over the injury.
Within seconds, the light-blue aura of chakra mended the scales.
Kitazawa had seen this technique many times before. Watching it up close was strangely nostalgic.
"Now, focus on chakra flow," Shizune said as she healed the fish. "Control and precision matter more than raw power."
Kitazawa nodded, closing his eyes as he began to form hand signs.
After a few seconds, a faint green light appeared between his palms. He placed his hands over the fish—and the wound began to close.
Shizune froze. Even Tsunade sat up straighter.
He actually did it… on the first try?
The healing wasn't smooth, but it was undeniably effective.
Shizune inhaled sharply. It had taken her half a day to reach this level.
Could it be… his talent really was above hers?
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, then leaned back again. "Not bad. Looks like you have a knack for Medical Ninjutsu. Keep at it."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa said, smiling faintly.
Three hours passed.
Shizune's expression grew more and more strained.
No matter what correction she tried to offer, Kitazawa simply didn't need it—he was doing everything perfectly.
For the first time, she was the one feeling pressure.
"Alright, that's enough for today," Tsunade finally said, standing up and stretching. "Same time tomorrow."
Kurenai came down from the roof, followed by Yakumo, who had been practicing Genjutsu.
Tsunade and Shizune bid their farewells and headed home.
As they walked down the quiet street, Shizune couldn't help but ask, "Lady Tsunade… what do you think of Kitazawa's potential?"
Tsunade answered without hesitation, "Better than yours."
Shizune blinked in disbelief.
"If he were younger—say, fresh out of the Academy—I'd have already taken him as my student," Tsunade continued casually.
"So good?" Shizune murmured, stunned.
Tsunade shrugged. "We'll see. Talent's one thing—patience and discipline are another. But if he keeps this up… I might really make him my student."
That hit Shizune like a thrown kunai.
She didn't want to become the junior!
Meanwhile, Kitazawa and Kurenai were walking home together after escorting Yakumo back.
"How's your training going?" Kurenai asked.
"Pretty good," Kitazawa said with a small smile. "Lady Tsunade said I've got talent."
"Really? At twenty-one?" Kurenai raised an eyebrow. "That's… rare. Most geniuses show signs much younger."
"Guess I'm a late bloomer," he said jokingly.
Kurenai laughed softly. "Well, then my future depends on you! The stronger you get, the easier my life will be."
"Don't worry," Kitazawa replied. "I'll make sure you can live comfortably."
"Tomorrow, then," she said with a warm smile.
Kitazawa nodded. "Tomorrow."
Next Day — Ninja Academy Training Field
"Sasuke," Kitazawa called out as he approached the boy training with Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu. "How'd training go yesterday?"
"It went well," Sasuke replied stiffly. "I've decided to keep training with Naruto after school."
Of course, it wasn't as easy as he made it sound.
After experiencing Naruto's brutal Might Guy-style regimen, Sasuke had nearly collapsed from exhaustion. Still, he wasn't going to quit.
"Good," Kitazawa said with an encouraging nod. "Keep pushing."
He then turned his attention to Sakura, who was focusing on her Healing Hands Technique: Minor.
After a moment of watching, his eyes widened.
As expected of the main heroine… her chakra control is insane.
She had only started training yesterday—and already, she was almost done mastering the Healing Hands Technique: Minor.
At this rate, she'd perfect it by afternoon.
Even compared to Shizune, her talent was on par—just a bit shy of Tsunade's.
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile. This would make completing his mission easier.
By sunset, the familiar notification appeared before his eyes:
[Mission Complete: Help Sakura Haruno master her first Medical Ninjutsu.]
[Reward: Extraction Jutsu (B-Rank).]
Finally. His first B-Rank Medical Technique.
A Jutsu used to extract toxins or foreign matter—often paired with antidotes.
He still couldn't detoxify poisons himself, but it was a big step forward.
"Argh! I lost again!" Ino Yamanaka cried in frustration.
"Guess that means double homework for you tonight," Sakura said smugly.
"Ugh! You're so annoying!" Ino snapped. But deep down, she was shocked—she hadn't expected Sakura's talent to surpass hers.
"Don't worry, Ino," Kitazawa said kindly. "Your Mind Transfer Jutsu progress is impressive. You'll master it soon."
"Hmph! Just you wait, Sakura!" Ino said defiantly. "My jutsu's way harder than your Healing Hands Technique: Minor!"
"Then I'll ask sensei to teach me something even harder!" Sakura shot back.
Kitazawa could only laugh quietly at the two rival kunoichi bickering like sisters.