The escort mission concluded without incident. The group returned to the Logistics Base as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden veil over the tents.
The camp was alive with the low hum of tired ninja returning from patrol.
After a simple dinner, Kiyohara headed to Rin Nohara's tent.
Inside, the air smelled faintly of antiseptic herbs. Scrolls were stacked neatly. It was a sanctuary of order in a chaotic war.
"Kiyohara, you're here."
Rin smiled, gesturing to a cushion.
"Sorry to bother you, Rin."
She shook her head. Teaching him was a review for her. Plus, having a squadmate who knew first aid increased everyone's survival rate.
"Medical Ninjutsu requires precise control," Rin began, her tone professional. "Specifically, the application of Yang Release (Physical Energy). Normal ninjutsu shapes chakra externally; Medical ninjutsu shapes life force internally."
Kiyohara listened intently.
Thanks to the merger with the Missing-nin, his Spiritual Energy (Yin) was high. His memory was like a sponge.
Rin explained the theory once. Kiyohara recited it back, word for word.
"You remembered everything?" Rin blinked, surprised.
"After one more review, I'll have it memorized," Kiyohara said.
He felt a phantom itch in his brain—the sensation of knowledge locking into place.
"That fast?"
Rin looked at him with new respect. She had spent months cramming this theory.
"Maybe you're naturally suited for this, Kiyohara."
As she spoke, a breeze slipped through the tent flap. It scattered her short brown hair across her face.
For a moment, in the soft lamplight, she looked undeniably cute.
"Let's try a basic technique," Rin said, brushing her hair back. "The Poison Extraction Technique."
It used chakra to draw foreign fluids—poison or venom—out of a wound.
"Ideally, we'd test your Chakra nature first," Rin noted. "Paper tests the Five Elements (Fire, Wind, etc.), but Yin and Yang are harder to detect."
"Who knows..." Kiyohara smiled.
He knew he had Wind and Lightning. His fusion gave him strong Yin (Mental). But Yang (Physical Vitality) was the question.
Naruto had massive Yang. Sasuke had massive Yin. To be a perfect medic, you needed Yang.
He held his hands out, trying to form the mystical green glow.
...Nothing happened.
'I have the software (memory), but not the hardware (Yang affinity),' Kiyohara realized.
"It's okay," Rin comforted him, seeing his stillness. "Medical Ninjutsu is the hardest discipline. It takes time."
"I understand. Thank you, Rin."
Kiyohara wasn't discouraged.
He was a collector.
'I just need to wait for a Future Me who is a Medical Ninja. Once I merge with him, this theory will turn into instant skill.'
Night deepened. An oil lamp flickered in the tent.
Outside, the earth shifted silently.
A white, plant-like figure merged with the ground, peering through the canvas with a single yellow eye.
White Zetsu.
He watched them. He listened.
He thought he was unseen.
He was wrong.
Squatting right in front of Zetsu, staring directly into his face, was the Swordsman Spirit (Young Kiyohara).
"Hmm..." the Spirit mused, looking at the creature that couldn't see him. "Why do all White Zetsu have green hair? Is it photosynthesis?"
The Spirit floated back to Kiyohara.
"Something's happening?" Kiyohara asked internally.
"A spy," the Spirit confirmed. "A White Zetsu. Probably sent by Madara."
Kiyohara's internal expression darkened.
'Madara is watching. He's planning the tragedy.'
"Tomorrow," Kiyohara decided. "I sell the loot. I forge the sword. I need to be ready."
The Mountain Graveyard.
Deep underground, beneath the massive Gedo Statue.
Madara Uchiha sat on his throne, eyes closed.
He was plugged into the world.
White Zetsu clones traveled through underground roots and water tables, transmitting intel telepathically like a radio network.
"Hey, Madara! How much longer?"
Obito struggled on his bed of leaves.
Half his body was pale, artificial matter. He was agitated.
"I want to go back! Rin and Kakashi are waiting!"
Madara ignored him. He was processing data.
"White guy!" Obito turned to a Zetsu emerging from the floor. "What did you tell him?"
Obito was desperate. In this dark hole, he had lost track of time. Day? Night? Weeks? Months?
"Hmm..." the White Zetsu grinned, his voice playful. "Obito, I saw your former teammate."
"Teammate?" Obito perked up.
"Yes. They were in a tent together. Learning Medical Ninjutsu."
"Medical Ninjutsu?"
Obito's eye lit up with joy.
Teammate + Medical Ninjutsu.
That could only mean one person.
"Rin!" Obito beamed. "She's safe! She's studying!"
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