After sending out a shadow clone to train in Wind Release chakra nature transformation, Hoshita Shūichi headed to Konoha Hospital to follow Yakushi Nonō.
Although the Chunin Exams were imminent, they didn't disrupt his training schedule.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
On July 6th of the 39th year of Konoha, the first written exam for the Chunin Exams began at 9 a.m.
Before leaving, Hoshita Shūichi still split off a shadow clone to continue training.
After meeting up with Uchiha Shisui and Kurama Sanyō, they entered the examination hall. Until the exam started, Hoshita Shūichi didn't catch a glimpse of Kakashi.
Clearly, Kakashi wasn't participating in this Chunin Exam.
Putting aside his thoughts, Hoshita Shūichi focused on the test.
Ten minutes later, he and Uchiha Shisui submitted their papers almost simultaneously.
Exiting the classroom, the two exchanged a smile. Uchiha Shisui said, "Let's wait for Sanyō. Afterward, we can train together!"
Hoshita Shūichi nodded. "I was thinking the same thing."
While waiting, Hoshita Shūichi took the opportunity to ask Uchiha Shisui about genjutsu techniques.
Uchiha Shisui answered every question but couldn't help his curiosity. "Shūichi, are you planning to specialize in genjutsu?"
Hoshita Shūichi grinned. "The best way to counter genjutsu is with genjutsu itself, don't you think?"
Twenty minutes later, Kurama Sanyō emerged from the exam hall.
The trio then headed to their training ground.
They practiced individual combat and team tactics until noon before parting ways.
At lunch, Hoshita Shūichi ate with Yakushi Nonō at Konoha Hospital.
"The morning exam was no problem for you, right, Shūichi?"
The bespectacled Yakushi Nonō gently placed a piece of beef from her plate onto his.
Hoshita Shūichi devoured it in one bite and grinned. "Of course."
"Tomorrow's and the day after's exams won't be a problem either."
"Director, I've pretty much mastered the Mystical Palm Technique. Can I start learning another medical ninjutsu now?"
With his high concentration, he indeed had a startling advantage in medical ninjutsu.
Even without 10x focus, maintaining 100% concentration for extended periods was something few could achieve.
But Hoshita Shūichi could—as long as his stamina and mental energy held out.
Yakushi Nonō sighed with a mix of exasperation and affection. "Shūichi, you're usually so composed, but sometimes you're so impatient. Even though you've mastered this technique, there's still plenty of room for improvement."
Hoshita Shūichi was equally frustrated. The [Medical Expert] entry required him to master at least five medical ninjutsu of C-rank or higher.
And aside from the most basic Healing Technique (C-rank), medical ninjutsu were anything but simple.
Mystical Palm Technique (A-rank), Poison Extraction Technique (B-rank), Healing Resuscitation Regeneration Technique (A-rank), Chakra Scalpel (A-rank).
He had experimented on countless small animals just to master the Mystical Palm Technique and Poison Extraction Technique.
Without his high concentration, reflexes, and memory, the time needed to master these techniques would have multiplied.
Moreover, he was only proficient in their usage—far from true mastery.
But proficiency was enough for now. Once he secured the [Medical Expert] entry and boosted his talent, further improvement would save him a lot of time.
An average person might take years to master a technique, but a genius could do it in a month.
Despite her complaints, Yakushi Nonō added, "Next, you'll learn the Healing Resuscitation Regeneration Technique."
"Thank you, Director!"
Hoshita Shūichi planted a loud kiss on Yakushi Nonō's cheek.
A six-year-old acting spoiled was perfectly reasonable, right?
Yakushi Nonō didn't mind the greasy kiss and smiled gently. "I hope you come back safe and sound from every mission, Shūichi."
Hoshita Shūichi vowed earnestly, "Don't worry, I'd never leave you alone!"
Nearby, Tsunade, who was also eating, watched the scene and couldn't help but scoff. "What a sly little fox!"
This brat had two completely different faces—one for Yakushi Nonō and another for her.
In the afternoon, Hoshita Shūichi officially began training in the Healing Resuscitation Regeneration Technique.
The key to this medical ninjutsu lay in predicting where an enemy would strike and gathering chakra at the targeted area before the attack landed.
Once hit, the technique would activate, rapidly healing the wound.
Unsurprisingly, his high reflexes were a tremendous advantage.
In complex combat scenarios, if an attack slipped past Hoshita Shūichi's defenses, his quick reflexes would help him predict where it would land.
So, despite being an A-rank medical ninjutsu, mastering it was actually easier than the Poison Extraction Technique.
Of course, this was relative.
To master this technique, he needed a partner to act as the attacker.
Thus, in the afternoon, Yakushi Nonō created a shadow clone to spar with Hoshita Shūichi at the training ground near Konoha Hospital.
At some point, Tsunade appeared at the edge of the field.
"Nonō, I'll take over his training. Your attacks don't pose much of a threat to him."
Tsunade's sudden interruption startled the two.
Seeing her, Hoshita Shūichi felt an ominous premonition.
Yakushi Nonō, however, was delighted and quickly bowed. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"
"Then I'll leave Shūichi in your care!"
She then tugged at Hoshita Shūichi. "Shūichi, thank Lady Tsunade!"
Hoshita Shūichi bowed. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"
Tsunade looked at the suddenly well-behaved Hoshita Shūichi and smirked. "Don't worry, I'll train him properly."
"Please do!"
Yakushi Nonō bowed again before dispelling her shadow clone.
Tsunade uncrossed her arms and eyed Hoshita Shūichi with a playful grin. "Ready?"
Hoshita Shūichi sensed overwhelming malice but didn't hesitate to activate 100% focus. "Ready!"
Whoosh!
A blur flashed as Tsunade appeared right in front of him, her finger aiming for his forehead.
"So fast!"
Aside from Namikaze Minato and that Jonin he'd encountered in the Daimyō's capital, Hoshita Shūichi had never seen anyone this quick since graduating.
Fortunately, his reflexes were sharp enough—he jerked his head back to dodge.
But Tsunade's hand suddenly changed trajectory, reaching for his neck.
Hoshita Shūichi immediately leaped backward.
"Not bad reflexes!"
Tsunade snorted, slightly annoyed that a brat had dodged her attack.
A kick!
A punch!
The ground exploded, leaving craters across the training field.
Hoshita Shūichi dodged with all his might, putting distance between them. Staring at the massive holes, he couldn't help but gulp.
If any of those landed, could his small body withstand it?
"Is she not even thirty yet? Did she hit early menopause?"
He couldn't resist the internal jab.
Tsunade, meanwhile, called out, "Don't forget the purpose of your training."
This brat's reflexes were shockingly fast—already on par with some Jonin.
Tsunade was inwardly impressed but immediately used the Body Flicker Technique to attack again.
Hoshita Shūichi dodged while replying, "Lady Tsunade, I haven't forgotten."
"The Healing Resuscitation Regeneration Technique is meaningless unless used in desperate situations."
Tsunade snorted. "Then prepare yourself!"
It seemed she'd have to get serious.
She increased her attack speed while dialing back her strength to conserve stamina.
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