On the way to Kanpō's private office.
"You're working in both the Medical Squad and the Research Department—it must be exhausting."
Masahiko asked.
"I'm a squad leader in the Medical Squad, mainly handling the tougher cases. Routine illnesses don't need my attention, so it's actually fine."
Kanpō said with a smile.
After opening the door, he hurriedly invited Masahiko inside.
Several young people were already in the office.
"Let me introduce you," Kanpō said, and they responded warmly. Two of them were called Hyakusō and Nanashi… The names together rang a faint bell for Masahiko.
Hyakusō in particular—black paint circling his eyes—was impossible to miss.
They were in the anime of his past life!
Anyone who left even a slight impression on him was, in the Ninja world, an elite among elites; every last one was worth recruiting or befriending.
"They're my comrades," Kanpō said with a smile.
Masahiko's expression didn't flicker, but he greeted each of them politely.
By now he had also guessed Kanpō's future identity—if he was right, this man would become the Head of Konoha's Medical Squad.
That was no ordinary position.
With an affable smile he said, "Captain Kanpō…"
"Let me examine you first."
Kanpō formed hand seals, Chakra gathering in his palms.
There was no pain, no discomfort—nothing seemed to happen—yet Masahiko could clearly sense the Chakra working along his arm.
Such refined Chakra control!
Masahiko couldn't help but marvel.
This was only the future Head of the Medical Squad; if it were Tsunade, how formidable would her control be?
Medical Ninja were indeed formidable.
A gleam flashed in his eyes as he pondered Kanpō's intentions and quickly understood.
Head of the Medical Squad.
He didn't know much about the Medical Squad, but there had to be more than one squad leader; competition for the top post was an unspoken rule.
Once he grasped the other's purpose, he waited quietly.
After a moment Kanpō withdrew his Chakra. "Did you use some forbidden technique? This looks like the result of a specific jutsu."
"Yes. In fact, the so-called Medical Water Release was something I devised to fix that technique's flaws, though it's still incomplete."
Masahiko answered.
"So that's how it is!"
Kanpō's face showed a flash of inspiration, but he couldn't quite grasp it.
He scratched his head in frustration.
Seconds later Kanpō suddenly stopped. "Why not consider Medical Ninjutsu? They're ready-made techniques you can learn directly."
Masahiko's expression turned odd.
Kanpō grew uneasy, cautiously looking up at him. "Did I say something wrong?"
"How long have you been in the Research Department?"
Masahiko asked instead.
Kanpō hesitated. "A little over a year."
"Any results from your Research Department?"
Masahiko continued.
Kanpō hesitated again, then shook his head. "Honestly, not many."
Saying "not many" was already generous.
They mostly optimized existing Ninjutsu or improved what already existed; it had been ages since anything new appeared.
That was one reason Kanpō valued Masahiko so highly.
"I don't know Medical Ninjutsu, but I know Ninjutsu research. Research stems from need; when current options fall short, people create new ones."
Masahiko replied, "My Chakra control isn't good enough to master existing Medical Ninjutsu quickly, and they don't meet my needs, so I have to create."
He looked at Kanpō.
Kanpō's expression was a kaleidoscope.
After the epiphany, new doubts surfaced; his brows knit, face shifting between light and shadow.
"Then… how should we change?"
Kanpō asked.
He understood.
What Masahiko was teaching wasn't the idea behind a single technique, but the very concept of creating Ninjutsu.
Creation stems from need!
Direct, simple.
Yet he still didn't understand why the Medical Research Department produced no new techniques.
Masahiko said, "It boils down to a few types: those who want to can't; those who can don't think of it; those who think of it don't want to…"
The office was already quiet.
After those words, it became even more silent; one could hear a pin drop.
Kanpō repeated the words silently.
Thinking of the techniques the Research Department had produced, he fell silent.
The department wasn't short on ideas.
But as Masahiko said, what they wanted to create was impossible, while what was possible they deemed too simple and useless, unworthy of effort.
"Too restless!"
Kanpō exhaled, seeing the root of the problem.
Masahiko nodded with a smile.
"Everyone wants to develop the most top-tier Ninjutsu, even a great forbidden technique that will be remembered, but can they? Be pragmatic—research isn't that hard."
Kanpō stood and bowed deeply.
"Thank you for your guidance!"
He was five years older than Masahiko and a squad leader, yet the bow was earnest and full of gratitude.
"No need…"
Masahiko quickly stepped aside.
Kanpō shook his head. "Your words can change my life!"
He realized Masahiko had long seen through his intentions and deliberately spoken to teach and awaken them.
Moreover.
He now knew the path to take!
It wasn't about creating or refining Ninjutsu, but about management—about spotting problems, solving them, and leading the Medical Squad to greatness.
A single sentence worth its weight in gold!
Hyakusō and the others exchanged glances, not quite following.
Kanpō cleared his throat. "Help me take leave; I'd like to invite Teacher Yagyū…"
He was about to invite Masahiko to dinner when a knock sounded.
A Konoha Hospital security Ninja entered.
"Captain Kanpō, is Yagyū Masahiko here?"
"Yes."
Kanpō nodded.
Masahiko raised a hand. "That's me."
The man exhaled. "We caught a sneaky kid who kept trying to slip in."
Masahiko was surprised, then checked the time. "Uzumaki Naruto?"
The man shook his head and pulled the culprit forward.
Ino looked embarrassed and timidly said, "Teacher."
Masahiko fell silent.
This was unexpected.
"Sorry, looks like I have to go."
Masahiko turned to Kanpō.
Kanpō smiled and shook his head. "No problem. If you don't mind, I have some basic notes. Hope we can meet again this weekend."
"Thanks, I could use them."
There was no way Masahiko would refuse such a connection.
Taking the notes, Kanpō sighed in relief.
Watching Masahiko leave, he looked regretful, as though missing a meal with him was a huge loss.
"Captain, is it really worth it?"
Hyakusō couldn't help asking.
Kanpō shook his head.
"You don't understand. Teacher Yagyū is a man of great wisdom and teaching ability; he'll be someone extraordinary."