Hoshita Shūichi understood perfectly—if Tsunade's vision could be realized, the benefits would be immense.
But how?
Shūichi pondered aloud, "Lady Tsunade, to systematically store medical ninjutsu, we'd need to seal the chakra along with it. In simpler terms, it's like preserving a pre-cast technique and releasing it when needed."
As he spoke, he recalled Tsunade's S-rank medical ninjutsu from the original timeline: Creation Rebirth. A technique that allowed for rapid cellular regeneration, capable of healing even fatal wounds like a pierced chest—but at the cost of enormous chakra reserves.
That was where the Mitotic Regeneration came in, enabling instantaneous chakra bursts with precise control. Combined, these techniques granted near-immortality.
And the Strength of a Hundred Seal, inherited from the Uzumaki clan, was the perfect vessel for storing chakra.
But the current Tsunade clearly hadn't developed Creation Rebirth or Mitotic Regeneration yet—otherwise, she wouldn't be entertaining this idea.
"Of course it's difficult," Tsunade admitted. "But if we could pre-seal techniques, including chakra reserves, we could heal critical injuries in emergencies."
"Many wounds require vast amounts of chakra to treat, but healers often lack the reserves or control to deliver it when it matters most."
A shadow crossed her face as she thought of Dan, who had died before her eyes.
For Shūichi, sealing ninjutsu was a far cry from the original Memory Palace concept. Tsunade's idea had simply been inspired by it.
Even with his limited expertise in sealing, he knew the sheer scale of the challenge.
Seeing Tsunade's somber expression, he offered, "Lady Tsunade, your vision is groundbreaking, but perhaps we should tackle it step by step."
"First, the medical ninjutsu itself. The Healing Resuscitation Regeneration Technique is impressive, but it can't instantly heal major wounds—especially open injuries or damaged organs."
"So, we'd need to develop a more powerful medical technique first."
"Next, the curse mark. It would act as a chakra conduit. Medical ninjutsu requires finer control than other techniques, yet also demands stable, high-output chakra. That means developing a dedicated technique to manage it."
"Finally, the chakra reserves. We'd need a method to store excess chakra during peacetime and release it when necessary."
Tsunade fell silent, then looked at Shūichi with newfound respect. "Kid... no, Shūichi. Your approach does sound more feasible."
He'd finally graduated from "brat" to his actual name.
That subtle shift spoke volumes.
Shūichi knew their relationship had deepened. It wasn't just blind favor—he wasn't devastatingly handsome, nor was he anything more than a six-year-old kid.
Encouraged, he grinned. "Since you agree, Lady Tsunade, let's focus on these three points!"
"As the greatest medical ninja in the world, I'm certain you can pull it off."
Tsunade's mood lifted, and she smirked. "Obviously."
"But I'll be the one doing the work. Your sealing and medical skills are still mediocre at best."
Brutal.
Shūichi feigned heartbreak. "Lady Tsunade, that's cruel! My skills might be average, but my creativity isn't bound by convention."
Tsunade relented with a wave. "Fine, fine. You have contributed significantly. If the technique succeeds, you'll get credit."
She hesitated, then added, "And... if you need medical ninjutsu advice, you can come to me."
Shūichi's eyes lit up, and he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"
Tsunade waved him off. "The chakra storage seal already exists—the Strength of a Hundred Seal, passed down from the Uzumaki clan."
Playing along, Shūichi asked, "From Lady Mito?"
"Yes, my grandmother's legacy," Tsunade confirmed. "I'll teach it to you once I've mastered it myself. Now scram—I need quiet to develop this new technique."
With that promise secured, Shūichi left to find Yakushi Nonō.
Sigh. Director Nonō is so much gentler!
That evening, on the way back to the orphanage with Nonō, Shūichi bought two chickens.
By nightfall, he'd successfully swapped their eyes.
The Mystical Palm Technique—mastered!
And the chicken soup was delicious.
For the next two days, Shūichi followed a strict routine:
Personal training.
Shadowing Nonō at Konoha Hospital, honing the Mystical Palm Technique.
Training with Might Guy and the others.
Medical theory lessons with Nonō.
The only downside? Kakashi's absence deprived him of a sparring partner.
Time flew, and April gave way to July.
One day, instead of a mission scroll, Namikaze Minato handed them three application forms.
"Congratulations," he said with a smile. "As your jonin-sensei, I've recommended you for the Chūnin Exams."
Kurama Sanyō cheered, snatching his form. "Finally! We're becoming chūnin!"
Then he paused. "Wait... if Shūichi passes, he'll be a six-year-old chūnin, right?"
Minato and Uchiha Shisui both turned to Shūichi.
The boy blinked. His birthday was March 3rd—by traditional reckoning, he was still six.
Kakashi's birthday is in September... he's not even six yet.
So I'd steal his record as the youngest chūnin?
The thought was undeniably thrilling.
But would Kakashi even be taking the exam this year?
As he mused, the Talent Tree in his mind stirred—but he ignored it for now.
"By age, I'm still six," Shūichi confirmed. "If no one younger participates and I pass, then yes, I'd set the record."
Minato beamed. "With your skills, it's guaranteed."
Despite being the youngest and having graduated less than half a year ago, Shūichi's progress had been meteoric. He was already chūnin-level.
"Submit your forms to the Hokage Tower," Minato instructed. "The first test—written—is in three days. Don't be late."
All three answered in unison: "Yes, sensei!"
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