"You're back, huh? Did you have fun?" Tsunade looked at Natsuro as he walked in, glanced at the time, and spoke in a cold, mocking tone.
There was no need to think about it; considering how long he'd been gone, this guy had definitely been slacking off again. Even though his efficiency was decent, Tsunade couldn't help but feel more and more annoyed as she thought about it.
What did an S-rank mission represent? Money! Not just Konoha's funds but also her own finances – completing it would help her pay off her debts. Yet here this guy was, slacking off!
It would've been fine normally, but seeing how long Natsuro had taken on the mission irritated Tsunade.
"I had a decent time, and the mission was pretty good," Natsuro replied, as unfazed as ever. He added, "So, with those two missions completed, I've essentially wrapped up four S-rank missions. Can I take a break now?"
"Do whatever you want," Tsunade sighed. If Natsuro didn't slack off, she'd even be willing to throw her pride aside to squeeze every last bit of value out of him.
But since he chose to slack off and she couldn't do anything about it, squeezing any more value out of him was pointless. She could push others just as hard and get similar results.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade. One more thing, though," Natsuro suddenly said.
"What is it?" Tsunade put down the document in her hand and looked at him.
"It's about some members of the Konoha Twelve. They need someone to teach them medical ninjutsu," Natsuro said. "Ideally, you could occasionally give them personal instruction. They're quite talented."
"Them?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. Hinata Hyuga, Sakura Haruno, and Ino Yamanaka all have talent in medical ninjutsu, and not just average talent," Natsuro said earnestly.
"Do they have your talent?"
Natsuro fell silent for a moment before replying, "Compared to me, no one can match my level."
Reflecting on his current strength, he realized that if age was the only factor, he had virtually no rivals.
"Tsk, tsk. You really are confident," Tsunade chuckled but didn't contradict him. She also thought about it and was surprised to find that, in terms of sheer potential, no one his age came to mind who could defeat him—not even the Fourth Hokage at that age.
Natsuro found it a bit strange. He had expected Sakura to have started learning medical ninjutsu from Tsunade by now, but it hadn't happened…
After some thought, he realized that Tsunade hadn't had a chance to demonstrate her medical skills in front of Sakura.
With Natsuro's intervention, the wounds inflicted by Itachi on Sasuke and Kakashi had long healed, and Lee's leg hadn't shattered. So, Sakura and Tsunade were still practically strangers at this point.
This left him feeling a bit uneasy. He had come to this world, and while he wasn't making everyone around him better, he certainly didn't want them to be worse off.
"Tell me, what's special about them? Since you're recommending them, I assume you've evaluated them?" Tsunade asked, intrigued. She knew Natsuro would have insights beyond what the files said, which would help her better understand these potential assets.
Natsuro nodded, gathered his thoughts, and began to explain.
"Sakura Haruno is a standard genjutsu and medical-type ninja. Her chakra reserves are low, but her chakra control talent is extremely high, comparable to yours, Lady Tsunade. This makes her well-suited to learning genjutsu and medical ninjutsu."
"Oh?" Tsunade and Shizune were both surprised. Tsunade stretched out her hand, and Shizune handed her Sakura's file. Tsunade reviewed it.
"Yes, it does mention those traits. But is that chakra control talent for real?"
Tsunade knew Natsuro wouldn't lie about something like this, so she couldn't help but feel interested. Although Sakura's low chakra reserves were an issue, it wasn't insurmountable.
Although that technique is hard to learn and takes a long time to store up enough chakra for it to be used in battle, having a last-resort measure is valuable for a medical ninja.
After all, who would send a medical ninja to the front lines?
"Of course it's real."
"And what about the others?" Tsunade couldn't resist asking. Even though she knew none of them could match Natsuro's talent, she was still intrigued. After all, she wasn't planning to let her legacy just disappear.
"Hinata Hyuga possesses the Byakugan, a powerful bloodline limit with exceptional sensory abilities. Although her chakra control isn't as good as Sakura's, it's still outstanding."
"Mm." Tsunade nodded without much reaction, thinking it was typical for the Hyuga clan, not particularly impressive.
"Don't underestimate Hinata Hyuga. Her Byakugan not only lacks blind spots, but her ocular purity is the highest, allowing her to observe more precisely than an average Byakugan. If she combines this with medical ninjutsu, her potential could surpass even yours, Lady Tsunade."
"If what you say is true, that's possible," Tsunade conceded. She wasn't overly familiar with the Byakugan's capabilities.
But if the eyes could see directly, then there were many things she couldn't observe that might become apparent, potentially leading to new methods of treatment.
Natsuro then explained to Tsunade the potential of combining the Chakra Scalpel technique with the Byakugan.
..
Tsunade was momentarily speechless and said, "Only you would think about using medical ninjutsu in combat."
As she spoke, she couldn't help but think of that figure who had once fought her—the guy named Kabuto Yakushi, who also used the Chakra Scalpel in combat.
If, as Natsuro suggested, that young girl could truly combine the Chakra Scalpel with the Byakugan, she might even be more suited to it than Kabuto. After all, her Byakugan really was a bit of a cheat in this regard.
"So, what about the last one? Your little girlfriend?" Tsunade asked with some anticipation. The previous two had already surprised her.
"Ino, from the Yamanaka clan, already has high chakra control due to her clan's secret techniques, so learning medical ninjutsu would complement them well," Natsuro said. He had been watching Ino's progress, and she had nearly mastered her clan's secret techniques, meaning she could fully dedicate herself to medical ninjutsu. Higher chakra control would also enhance her clan's techniques.
"That's it?" Tsunade asked when Natsuro suddenly stopped speaking.
"That's it."
"I thought there'd be another surprise," Tsunade said.
"It's not that easy. Their innate talents are already quite good, so that's why they show such promise," Natsuro said with a bit of sarcasm. "And you don't have to worry about Ino falling behind—I'm here."
"Mm. What about the other three from their group?" Tsunade thought that if she were going to teach, it might be more convenient to teach everyone together.
"Oh, them." Natsuro knew Tsunade was referring to the Taijutsu squad and said, "Actually, there's one more who could learn medical ninjutsu."
"Who?"
"Neji Hyuga."
As Natsuro said his name, the room fell silent.
After a long pause, Tsunade sighed and said, "If it's him, learning medical ninjutsu would indeed be a waste."
"That's why I didn't mention him."
"Alright, I'll make time for the three of them to come over. I'll check to see if what you said is true," Tsunade said, giving Natsuro a glare. "Not only do you slack off instead of helping me out, but you also find more work for me."
"I'm just finding you a successor, right? If one of the Sannin, Lady Tsunade, had her medical ninjutsu lost, it would be a great loss for the entire ninja world," Natsuro said, half flattering and half serious.
He knew Shizune was there, but it was evident that Shizune couldn't fully inherit Tsunade's medical expertise.
Even Shizune nodded from the side. She was less of a disciple and more like family to Tsunade, and she, too, hoped Tsunade would have a perfect successor.
"That's true." Tsunade didn't deny it. Her medical skills were second to none in the entire ninja world.
"One more thing," Natsuro said after some thought.
"Go on."
"I'd like to ask about something regarding medical ninjutsu."
"Oh? Even you have questions about this?" Tsunade was surprised.
"Of course, there are things I don't know," Natsuro said helplessly.
"Alright, speak up!" Tsunade waved her hand, looking pleased.
Natsuro then explained an issue he'd encountered before. He could transfer medical chakra within his body to an injured area to aid recovery.
The principle was essentially stimulating the body's energy at the site of the injury, speeding up recovery. So, why couldn't he skip that process and directly transfer the body's energy to the wound?
Natsuro had been experimenting but failed every time. Now that he had the chance to ask Tsunade, he brought it up.
After hearing his question, Tsunade fell silent, while Shizune, listening from the side, was baffled. Was this really medical ninjutsu she'd learned? She couldn't understand it at all!
After a long silence, Tsunade sighed and finally spoke.
"As expected, the questions you ask aren't easy to answer. Natsuro, do you know about Yang Release?"
"I've heard of it, but I rarely come across it. Medical ninjutsu and the Akimichi clan's secret techniques seem to involve it," Natsuro replied. He'd considered this possibility long ago but still didn't fully understand it.
"I can't answer your question either. But if you want to learn more, I suggest visiting the Akimichi clan. Perhaps you'll find the answers there," Tsunade said, feeling a bit defeated. She finally had a question from him, yet she couldn't answer it.
But what could she do? Natsuro's question had clearly gone beyond the scope of medical ninjutsu, touching upon a higher-level concept, perhaps closer to the legendary Yang Release that could breathe life into form. She hadn't researched that deeply.
"I see, the Akimichi clan's secret technique, the Multi-Size Technique? It seems to utilize the nature transformation of Yang…" Natsuro thought about the connection, thinking he might indeed gain some insight from it.
The problem, though, was how he'd obtain the Multi-Size Technique from the Akimichi clan. He had a decent relationship with Choji Akimichi, but that didn't mean Choji would share his clan's secrets with him.
Still, as the future Sixth Hokage, he stood a chance of gaining access.
"Anything else?" Tsunade said, seeing Natsuro still in thought. She reminded him that if he wanted to think, he should do it elsewhere and not linger here.
"Oh, there's one more thing."
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Tsunade's forehead showed a vein in irritation; she had just been saying it casually, but it turned out Natsuro really did have something else to discuss!
"If you've got one more thing, hurry up and say it. As the Fifth Hokage, I don't have all day to chat with you here!"
"Oh, I want to learn a jutsu," Natsuro answered.
"Hm? At your current level, you could learn from the Scroll of Seals if you wanted, so why would you need my permission…" Tsunade suddenly realized something and said, a bit exasperated, "Alright, tell me what you want me to teach you."
Since Natsuro's status allowed him free access to any recorded jutsu, it was clear he wasn't after any run-of-the-mill jutsu. It must be one of the techniques she personally knew.
Tsunade's jutsu were recorded in Konoha's archives, but only the jutsu itself. Natsuro was clearly after her methods and experience with them!
"The Taijutsu-ninjutsu technique—Painful Sky Leg," Natsuro said directly. Though he referred to it as the Painful Sky Leg, he thought "super strength" was a more fitting name.
"Ah, super strength. With your level of chakra control, you could indeed learn it," Tsunade thought about it for a moment before nodding. This taijutsu technique is essentially about instantly gathering chakra in one place to unleash tremendous destructive power.
Everyone understands this in theory, and it doesn't seem that difficult. But why is it that only her super strength is so renowned?
The answer, of course, lies in her level of chakra control and the skill of gathering chakra efficiently. Randomly gathering chakra only wastes it and produces subpar results. Very few people can meet these requirements.
"So, do you plan to combine super strength with your previous Lightning and Wind Release techniques?" Tsunade had a good guess at Natsuro's intentions.
"Yes." Natsuro wasn't surprised; his intentions were quite obvious.
"I'd advise you to give up on that idea," Tsunade said.
"Why? Is there a problem?" Natsuro frowned.
"Your Lightning Release stimulates your muscles internally, while the Wind Armor technique essentially strengthens you from the outside. The combination of those two techniques works because of that external/internal split, but super strength is different," Tsunade explained earnestly, thinking that layering techniques like that would be dangerous for Natsuro.
"Super strength and Lightning Release, huh?" Natsuro realized what she was getting at.
"Yes. Using super strength requires significant chakra concentration and control, which would interfere with your control over the Lightning Release, making mistakes likely. Not to mention, your body might struggle to handle the strain."
After clearing up Natsuro's doubts, Tsunade continued.
"So, do you still want to learn super strength? If so, I can pass on my experience with it to you."
"Yes," Natsuro said after a bit of thought. "Actually, super strength and Lightning Release aren't all that incompatible, since super strength is an expression of chakra's explosive power, whereas Lightning Release stimulates the body itself."
"As for handling the force and impact, Wind Armor can reduce the impact on my body, not just protect it externally. The only real issue would be my physical strength's limitations."
Tsunade nodded but then shook her head, "That's all true, but there's still one more problem. Gathering a large amount of chakra instantly is already challenging enough, and on top of that, adding the mental focus needed for Lightning Release stimulation might end up hindering both."
"I have a method for that," Natsuro said, smiling. He had dual souls—one could manage super strength, while the other handled the Lightning stimulation and Wind Armor.
Seeing Natsuro's confidence, Tsunade decided not to press further and didn't ask about his method.
"If you're sure, then I'll teach you," Tsunade stretched and did some light stretching. "Shizune, I guess this doesn't count as slacking off, right?"
"No, but Lady Tsunade, please remember you still have a lot of documents waiting for you," Shizune said, snapping out of her daze.
She had been utterly lost, unable to understand what the two were discussing. Why did it sound like super strength was so easy to learn?
After all, Shizune had been with Tsunade for years and had never mastered super strength. Was it because Tsunade didn't want to teach her? Of course not, Shizune simply hadn't reached the necessary level of chakra control…
Hearing their conversation, even mild-mannered Shizune couldn't help but think, "So what if you're talented?!"
Then Natsuro spoke up again.
"Don't worry, this won't take much time."
Shizune felt exasperated.
Yes, you're talented; yes, you're great, are you happy now?
"Oh, by the way, I just remembered there's something I need to tell you as well." Tsunade suddenly patted her forehead.
Natsuro and Shizune fell silent. Was this turning into an exchange of announcements?
"I heard from Kakashi that you suggested Sasuke Uchiha join the Anbu? Sasuke has already submitted his application," Tsunade said.
"That was quick," Natsuro said, slightly surprised. After a moment's thought, he replied, "With Sasuke's talent, most regular missions would just be a waste of his time. He's mastered his basics well, so as long as he doesn't try to push himself too hard, adding more advanced skills will be no problem. That's why I recommended him for Anbu."
"I reviewed Kakashi's report and agreed with that view. But… you're aware of the Uchiha clan's history, right?" Tsunade hesitated. She personally held no grudge against the Uchiha.
However, her granduncle had researched the clan extensively and even developed certain theories, which made her wary. She trusted his research.
"Yes, the Uchiha… But Sasuke is different from other Uchihas. Besides, if he ever strays onto a dark path, I'll be there to pull him back," Natsuro replied, understanding Tsunade's concerns.
Tsunade hadn't spent much time with Sasuke yet, so it was only natural for her to be wary, especially after hearing so much about the Uchiha clan's dark history.
"In that case, I'll assign Sasuke to the squad you were in under Yamato," Tsunade said, already having decided this but only now thinking to check with Natsuro.
Natsuro wasn't surprised by this decision; it was Yamato, after all, and Tsunade's choice didn't catch him off guard.
Even in the original story, Tsunade wasn't very familiar with Sasuke but still looked after him. For instance, even after he joined Orochimaru, Tsunade didn't classify Sasuke as a rogue ninja. It was only later, during Danzo's time in power, that Sasuke was officially labeled as one.
"Alright, let's go to the training ground now so I can teach you super strength," Tsunade said, a bit eager to move. After all, she'd been sitting here for quite a while, and if Shizune hadn't been watching, she would have slipped away to get some exercise!
However, soon after, Tsunade's expression turned blank, and she returned to her desk, mechanically flipping through paperwork.
Shizune, equally stunned, watched Tsunade's expression as she worked.
Tsunade could only feel one thing.
I was really naïve. I knew Natsuro was incredibly talented, but I hadn't realized his talent was this ridiculous.
Granted, Natsuro's chakra control skills were already highly developed, but how could he instantly master and apply what she had just taught him so smoothly?! It was unbelievable!
Tsunade now felt that if anyone praised her as a genius, she'd want to knock their head off. Was she a genius?
Right now, Tsunade felt that the praise might just be backhanded mockery.
Unaware of the shock he'd given Tsunade and Shizune, Natsuro was initially planning to head home, but he quickly stopped in his tracks.
He suddenly remembered Tsunade mentioning the Scroll of Seals. In the past, he hadn't paid much attention to the jutsu on it, thinking he didn't need them. But now…could he study it?
So, he changed direction and headed toward the Forbidden Jutsu Chamber where the Scroll of Seals was kept. With his current status as the next-in-line Sixth Hokage, the guards in front of the chamber naturally didn't stop him.
Soon, he reached the Scroll of Seals and began reading.
There was quite a collection of forbidden jutsu listed, some of which he hadn't even heard of, though there were also some familiar ones.
For instance, the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu, the Eight Branches Technique, the Eight Gates, and Edo Tensei…
Interestingly, the Flying Thunder God Technique wasn't listed in the Scroll of Seals. Although the jutsu was powerful and could achieve even greater support effects as the user grew accustomed to it, even the Fourth Hokage hadn't fully developed all of its applications.
However, the Flying Thunder God Technique, while difficult to learn and highly likely to be unmastered, didn't harm the user physically.
In contrast, something like the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken might be better suited for inclusion in the Scroll of Seals in the future, given how hard it was to master fully. Natsuro knew firsthand the challenges of learning it.
If not mastered completely, using only a partially developed Rasenshuriken limits it to close range. And once its power is unleashed, the damage it causes is so severe that even the Nine-Tails' regenerative abilities struggle to heal it fully.
As he browsed the Scroll of Seals, he considered the jutsu he might need.
First, the Eight Gates was a must, though he wouldn't need to open many gates; the first two gates would be enough for him.
The First Gate removes brain restrictions, and the Second Gate removes limits on physical stamina. Any further would likely impact his ability to use jutsu, which wouldn't be worth it.
Moreover, his existing taijutsu techniques combined would require a fair number of gates to achieve comparable power, so he didn't truly need the Eight Gates—unless he could open the Seventh Gate without harm, which would be beneficial.
He also memorized the Edo Tensei technique, not with the intention of using it, but to understand it in case the infamous Edo Tensei army reappeared in the future.
Similarly, he noted down the Reaper Death Seal, though he'd never use it himself.
Finally, Natsuro's attention settled on a jutsu he'd previously considered useless—the Spirit Transformation Technique!
The Spirit Transformation Technique, like the Yamanaka Clan's Mind Transfer, immobilizes the user's body, which had made Natsuro reluctant to use it due to leaving his body vulnerable. He didn't want to leave his safety in someone else's hands.
But now, Natsuro pondered his dual souls. Could he have one soul use the Spirit Transformation Technique while the other remained in his body, allowing him to move as usual?
However, he wasn't sure what that would feel like. He'd need to try it out after mastering the technique to see the results.
Natsuro quietly memorized the Spirit Transformation Technique, then browsed through a few other jutsu. Most of them were irrelevant to him, so he gradually closed the Scroll of Seals.
Reflecting on this sudden impulse, Natsuro felt satisfied with the insights he'd gained.
As he walked toward his home, he sensed a familiar Flying Thunder God mark and was surprised to find Naruto seemingly waiting at his front door.
So, did something else come up?
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