CHAPTER 27 - Tsunade

Having finally secured some free time after dealing with Kiyo Hyuga, Hyuga Mirai felt a significant weight lifted from his shoulders. If he could help it, he truly didn't want to be a guard for the Hyuga clan. There were no real benefits, only a mountain of trouble. When he referred to benefits, he meant the guidance in the training of Gentle Fist, but that was merely training alongside the main family; as for the secret techniques of the clan, a branch family member like him would never have access to them.

Mirai had privately practiced *Reversing Heavenly Spin* (a Hyuga technique), but he'd never demonstrated it in front of others—if he did, the main family would undoubtedly create problems for him. 

After receiving a written approval from Hiruzen Sarutobi, he quickly packed his things and headed for Konoha Hospital. Since joining the mission team, it had been a long time since he last visited the hospital.

"Is that you, Mirai-kun? You've finally returned! It's been so long!" 

"Ah, Asano-san, it's been a while! Our captain gave us a short break, so I thought I'd come by and take a look."

"Mirai-kun, you're back? That's wonderful. The hospital's been pretty busy lately, so having you back as a medical ninja will really help us out."

"Ha-ha, is that so?"

After returning to the hospital, Mirai was greeted warmly by many people. Thanks to the reputation he had built during his previous time here—being helpful, diligent, intelligent, and eager to learn—he had earned a good name for himself among the staff. Whenever anyone had a request, Mirai would rarely turn them down, which made him well-liked in the hospital.

"Mirai-kun, are you planning to return as a medical ninja?" Dr. Nakano, one of the hospital's physicians, was the first to approach him after hearing about his return. Lately, they had seen a sudden increase in the number of patients, and they were working long hours, using up their chakra reserves every day. If Mirai could return to help as a medical ninja, it would ease their burden considerably.

Before Mirai left, Nakano had already taught him as much as he could. Given Mirai's talent, Nakano was certain that he had progressed in medical ninjutsu since then.

Mirai gave an apologetic smile, "Sorry, Nakano-senpai, I'm actually here to borrow the lab. I got an approval slip from the Hokage."

"Ah, I still believe that if you focused on medical ninjutsu, you'd definitely be able to match Tsunade-sama and become a medical master in Konoha," Nakano said, shaking his head in regret. He had hoped to keep Mirai at the hospital, but with the Hyuga clan pulling him away, Nakano had been unable to do anything about it.

"The lab, huh? I remember only Tsunade-sama and the deputy director have the key... but the deputy director is currently in the Land of Fire to get some medical supplies," Nakano added.

"No way..." Mirai was stunned. If that was the case, he truly had no luck. He thought for a moment and asked, "Is Tsunade-sama still at Konoha Hospital?"

Nakano scratched his head. "Someone saw Tsunade-sama this morning, so she's probably still here. I'll take you to see her."

It was well-known within Konoha Hospital that Tsunade had a habit of drinking during work hours. However, as one of the legendary Sannin and the creator of Konoha's medical system, no one dared to criticize her for it. 

Under Nakano's guidance, Mirai followed him to the top floor of the hospital, where the director's office was located. 

Knock knock!

"Nee-san?" Nakano knocked on the door twice and called out. After a long while, a response came from inside, "Come in."

They opened the door and walked in. The sight that greeted them was of a table littered with empty sake bottles, with one golden-haired woman sitting behind the desk, propping her intoxicated face with her hand. Tsunade looked beautiful as ever, her striking appearance and her larger-than-life presence made her the most popular of the Sannin.

Mirai quickly glanced at her and then looked down, standing obediently behind Nakano.

"Tsunade-sama, this is Hyuga Mirai, a former intern at the hospital. He's come today with an approval slip from the Hokage and would like to use the lab."

After Nakano entered, he respectfully addressed Tsunade. However, Tsunade seemed to have drunk too much; her eyes were glazed, and she let out a drunken sigh. It took a moment before she lazily responded, "The brat wants to use the lab?"

"Yes, Tsunade-sama. The Hokage has already approved it."

Tsunade seemed displeased at the mention of Hiruzen Sarutobi's name, and she grimaced slightly, muttering under her breath while pulling the key from a drawer. "That old fool... letting a brat use the lab so casually..."

Though Tsunade's voice was soft, the room was small, and Mirai could hear every word clearly. However, he didn't feel like arguing with a drunk, especially one as powerful as Tsunade. Mirai's only goal right now was to borrow the hospital's lab, to test his recent theories. If successful, it would help both his abilities and his reputation.

Just as Mirai reached out to take the key, Tsunade, still red-faced from drinking, caused trouble again. As Mirai was about to grab the key, she suddenly pulled her hand back, then mumbled, "What exactly do you want the lab for, brat? Do you have any idea how expensive the equipment inside is?"

Mirai sighed helplessly in his mind. He then softly reminded her, "Tsunade-sama, this is the approval document..."

BANG! Tsunade slammed her fist on the desk and yelled, "You brat, are you trying to use the Third Hokage to pressure me?"

"No, Tsunade-sama," Mirai replied calmly, "I just want to use the lab. This is an opportunity earned through mission merit."

His unspoken words were clear: "This is an opportunity earned by risking my life. As a senior, shouldn't you allow a younger ninja this chance?"

Unfortunately, Tsunade, now drunk and feeling moody, was in the mood to make a fuss. She huffed and said, "Well then, hurry up and tell me what you want to do in the lab, brat."

Mirai thought for a moment, then formed hand seals, gathering Yang Release chakra in his palm. "When I was out on a mission, I suddenly thought—since Fire Style chakra can be sealed into explosive tags, could Yang Release chakra be sealed into healing tags?"

He continued, "Moreover, Yang Release chakra can stimulate cell division to heal wounds. So, is it possible to store Yang Release chakra in vital areas, so that if I get injured, it will be released automatically to heal me?"

"Chakra is energy secreted by cells, so there should be a way to store Yang Release chakra within the cells, controlling division and regeneration..."

Mirai continued explaining, sharing all the questions he had been pondering. However, these weren't his main focus. His primary goal was to research his Byakugan bloodline, hoping to use genetic research to find a way to break the Caged Bird seal.

Tsunade, her face still flushed from the alcohol, stared blankly at him. This brat looked around the same age as Shizune, yet his medical knowledge had already reached this level? Healing tags... Now that she thought about it, it was indeed possible. Yang Release chakra was more stable than other types of chakra, and if sealed correctly, it might be stored. As for the other problems, they were just the basics of her two S-rank jutsus—Sealing Jutsu and the Strength of a Hundred Seal.

Moreover, this brat casually used Mystical Palm, a technique she hadn't seen in a long time. Had a medical genius ninja like this appeared in the village, and she hadn't known about it?

"Brat, you..." Tsunade's interest flared up for a brief moment, but then she quickly dismissed the thought. She was about to leave the village. Why would she be thinking about taking on a student now?

With that, Tsunade waved her hand dismissively, her interest fading. She tossed the key at Mirai and said, "Here, take it. Now go."

(End of Chapter)