章 14: Chapter 14: The Kazekage's Orders

**[Delicate Extraction Technique: A high-level medical ninjutsu that allows the user to inject refined chakra into the target's body, removing toxins or damaged organs. Consumes 20 MP per use.]**

Seeing this newly unlocked medical skill, Hattori's eyes lit up instantly.

"I didn't expect the first skill unlocked after my job change to be this. My choice was definitely right!"

For many *Naruto* fans, the name "Delicate Extraction Technique" might sound unfamiliar, but its two famous uses are almost universally known.

The first use was during the Battle of Kannabi Bridge. When Obito was pinned under a boulder, Rin Nohara transplanted his Sharingan into Kakashi at his request, using this very medical ninjutsu.

The second use occurred during the mission to rescue Gaara. Kankuro was poisoned by Sasori of the Red Sand, and Sakura used the Delicate Extraction Technique to remove the lethal poison that had spread to his organs, saving his life.

These two successful cases led to notable outcomes: the first marked the rise of "Copy Ninja Kakashi," and the second strengthened the alliance between Konoha and Sunagakure, both with profound significance.

It's no exaggeration to say that any medical ninja who masters the Delicate Extraction Technique has a guaranteed foothold in the ninja world.

As the saying goes, "A household with the skills is sought by many; ninety-nine others can only look back." No matter where you are, those who possess core skills are always in demand.

The only downside is that Sunagakure is currently at war with Konoha, and this medical technique is closely associated with Konoha.

For now, Hattori can't reveal this skill. If he does, he won't be met with flowers and cheers but serious trouble—or worse, a threat to his life!

"It looks like I'll have to level up secretly from now on. If I'm discovered, I might end up labeled a rogue ninja on the run. Maybe I should take some time to learn other jutsu as a backup…"

As Hattori was planning for his future, the Third Kazekage, who had been standing silently nearby, spoke up again.

"Alright, I've seen your value. Starting today, you're officially a Special Jonin of Sunagakure. Go get ready; tomorrow, you'll head to the Eastern battlefield to support the front line!"

After issuing the order, the Third Kazekage disappeared with a *puff*, leaving behind a pile of iron sand.

Staring blankly at the spot, it took Hattori a moment to react.

"Is that… a shadow clone?"

"No, that's Lord Kazekage's Iron Sand Clone!"

Mizusuna corrected him, grabbing Hattori's hand with a look of admiration.

"Master Hattori, you're truly incredible! You healed thirteen injured people in one go. Even I couldn't do that! No wonder Lord Kazekage appointed you a Special Jonin!"

"Uh…"

Only then did Hattori remember that the Third Kazekage had indeed just appointed him as a Special Jonin.

In the ninja world, "Special" really means "Special." A Special Jonin is a ninja with unique abilities, positioned between a Chunin and a full Jonin.

For example, Ebisu, Hayate Gekkou, and Anko Mitarashi from Konoha are all Special Jonin.

To be honest, Hattori's current strength doesn't truly reach the Special Jonin level, yet the Third Kazekage still made this appointment, showing just how highly he valued Hattori.

If Hattori had been a Sunagakure-born child, the Third Kazekage's attention would have probably made him loyal to the Kazekage and Sunagakure.

But unfortunately, he wasn't.

So instead of the Special Jonin promotion, Hattori focused more on the Kazekage's next words—supporting the front line on the Eastern battlefield!

Are they seriously sending me to war?

Are you kidding me? At my age, shouldn't I be attending the ninja academy? What am I doing going to war?

At this moment, Hattori felt like a thousand raging horses were stampeding through his mind, making him want to curse the Kazekage and his family.

But his rational side stopped him. Once he calmed down, he realized he might have misunderstood.

"Judging from the situation, the Third Kazekage acknowledged my value when he promoted me to Special Jonin. He wouldn't send me to the front lines as cannon fodder!"

With this thought, everything seemed to fall into place.

"That's right. With my status, I won't be used as expendable fodder. Supporting the front lines doesn't necessarily mean I'll be on the front lines directly. Support can be provided from behind the front line. That must be it!"

Feeling reassured by this logic, Hattori turned to Mizusuna to confirm.

"Mizusuna, Lord Kazekage said I'll go to the front lines tomorrow, but I don't know how to fight yet. Could you teach me?"

"Hehehe... Master Hattori, you misunderstood."

Mizusuna couldn't help but giggle at Hattori's "innocent" question and explained.

"Lord Kazekage has assigned you for medical support, not combat. So, you don't need to worry. Plus, the Eastern battlefield is the safest of the three main battlefields."

She then gave Hattori a quick rundown of Sunagakure's current situation.

From Mizusuna's explanation, Hattori learned that the three battlefields were the Northern front against Iwagakure, the Southern front against Kirigakure, and the Eastern front against Konoha.

Of the three, the Northern battlefield was the bloodiest, followed by the South. The Eastern front was the safest.

Of course, this safety is relative, as Konoha is currently fighting on four fronts and can't spare significant forces against Sunagakure.

However, if Konoha gains the upper hand, the situation on the Eastern battlefield could rapidly worsen.

But all this had little to do with Hattori. He knew he was essentially going to the Eastern front for "training" and would soon be reassigned to Sunagakure to become a cornerstone of the medical corps.

Having figured everything out, Hattori was finally at ease. After casting two more Healing Regeneration Techniques, he informed Mizusuna that he was out of chakra and couldn't continue treating anyone.

Mizusuna had seen him take a soldier pill earlier, so she wasn't suspicious. She escorted Hattori back to his residence to rest.

Hattori was indeed exhausted, and as soon as he lay down, he fell fast asleep.

Watching him sleep, Mizusuna smiled softly, then quietly closed his door and murmured in a low voice.

"Farewell, Master Hattori. May you be victorious and strong."

*(End of Chapter)*