Chapter 153: Raised by Hand

"This is simple. I'll teach you a few hand seals—just follow the sequence to channel your chakra properly," Penguin Mani said with a grin. "Once you get the hang of it, you won't even need the seals anymore."

After saying that, it demonstrated a series of hand seals to Tōshirō. Excited to try it out, Tōshirō mimicked the motions exactly.

Before long, he felt a reaction in his body. A cool sensation spread across his skin, as if something was slowly creeping outward.

His vision was limited, so he used his Ice Release to summon an ice mirror. Standing in the snowy landscape, he stripped off his shirt and examined himself through the reflection.

Dark patterns spread from the tattoo on his arm, covering half his body. Even half of his face was marked with black streaks.

Beyond that, Tōshirō noticed another change—his originally downward-pressed hair had started to spike upward.

Penguin Mani asked, "So? How do you feel?"

"I feel amazing."

Tōshirō clenched his fist slightly, sensing an overwhelming surge of power coursing through him.

Stretching his body with a few basic movements, he cast a simple jutsu as a test. The difference in strength was obvious—his techniques had grown significantly stronger.

In his current state, Tōshirō was confident he had reached the level of an elite Jonin.

"How do I turn back?" he asked.

"Reverse the hand seals I just taught you," Penguin Mani replied nonchalantly.

Tōshirō followed the instructions, performing the sequence in reverse. Soon, his body reacted, and the black markings began to fade.

Looking down at his arm, Tōshirō was quite satisfied.

To avoid unnecessary trouble, he decided to keep his right arm wrapped in bandages.

Bandages and fishnet clothing were common attire for ninjas—some even wore bandages as leggings or accessories.

Wearing them this way would be a great way to conceal his transformation.

"Well, in that case, I'll be heading off now."

"I thought you'd try to haggle with me?"

"You wouldn't budge anyway," Tōshirō shook his head. "I don't get it. Why do you love money so much? You can't even spend it all."

Penguin Mani's obsession reminded Tōshirō of a certain workaholic, money-loving ninja.

The greatest tragedy in life is when someone dies before they can spend all their wealth—years of hard-earned fortune wasted in an instant.

Isn't that right, Kakuzu…

"It's a hobby."

Tōshirō was speechless. "Whatever…"

At the black market, after staging a little performance of his own, Tōshirō returned to Konoha and handed the pre-prepared medicine made from Xu Fu Flowers to the medical team.

The medics were shocked after inspecting the pills—they never expected Tōshirō to actually find the legendary Xu Fu Flower. This drastically increased the chances of successfully treating Orochimaru and Jiraiya.

Hiruzen Sarutobi patted Tōshirō's shoulder in praise. "I can't believe you actually found it."

"I'm just glad I didn't fail," Tōshirō replied humbly before awkwardly adding, "Though… the price was a little steep."

"Money isn't an issue. Orochimaru and Jiraiya are invaluable assets to the village—no amount of money could replace them."

That was true… Tōshirō nodded. "Then I'll leave the rest to Tsunade."

Sarutobi gazed at the sky, his expression full of concern. "Yes, let's hope for the best."

A week later, under Tsunade's leadership, the medical team officially began treating Orochimaru and Jiraiya.

Outside the infirmary, Tōshirō paced anxiously.

Finally, the door creaked open, and Tsunade, covered in sweat from the operation, stepped out.

Tōshirō immediately stepped forward. "How did it go?"

Tsunade wiped her brow before breaking into a relieved smile.

Tōshirō exhaled in relief. "Let's inform the Third Hokage."

The two of them headed straight to the Hokage's office and delivered the good news to Sarutobi. His long-held worries finally eased as he nodded approvingly. "Well done."

Feeling quite pleased, Tsunade even joked, "Looks like I'll be taking the title of 'Konoha's Best Medical Ninja' from your wife now."

Sarutobi chuckled heartily. "If you want it, it's all yours."

A few days later, at the hospital…

Tōshirō and Tsunade visited Orochimaru and Jiraiya, who were still in recovery.

"How are your injuries?" Tōshirō asked.

Jiraiya, who had regained his hope of returning to the ninja world, was in high spirits. "Much better than before! Tsunade really is amazing—way better than those useless doctors."

"Don't say that. Everyone contributed a lot. If it were just me, the surgery wouldn't have gone so smoothly."

This wasn't just humility—without help from her future self, she wouldn't have been able to treat these two at all.

But Jiraiya and Orochimaru had no idea. They simply took her words as modesty.

"Tsunade's medical ninjutsu is truly outstanding."

"Yeah," Jiraiya agreed, then suddenly grinned mischievously. "Tsunade, you saved both of us. Looks like I'll have to properly repay you."

"No need," Tsunade replied, clearly uninterested in Jiraiya's so-called repayment.

Jiraiya, however, was persistent. "That won't do. I have to repay you properly."

Seeing how stubborn he was, Tsunade sighed in resignation. "Fine. Do whatever you want."

Jiraiya lowered his head, deep in thought about how he should repay her. After a moment of contemplation, his face lit up with a mischievous smile. "In that case, I'll devote myself to you!"

Creak…

Tsunade clenched her fists, the sound of cracking knuckles filling the room. Though she wore a smile, a dark aura loomed over her face. "Are you trying to say you don't need your legs anymore?"

"Tsunade-sama, I was wrong! I was really, really wrong! I won't dare say that again!"

Jiraiya's immediate surrender worked—Tsunade ultimately held back, considering his current injured state. Still, she issued a stern warning. "If you dare say that again, I'll really break your legs… then heal them… then break them again."

Jiraiya froze.

Tōshirō, unable to watch any longer, sighed. "You should just shut up and eat quietly."

Jiraiya put on a pitiful face. "But my legs aren't working properly. I still need someone to help me with my food."

He glanced at Tsunade, tempted to joke, Why don't you feed me? But after thinking it through, he realized that if he actually said that out loud, Tsunade might just scatter his ashes afterward.

"I guess I have no choice."

Feeling sorry for him, Tōshirō placed a bowl of porridge on the adjustable hospital table.

"What are you doing?" Tsunade frowned slightly. "Don't tell me you're going to feed him?"

"Of course not," Tōshirō replied. "His legs are injured, but aren't his hands perfectly fine?"

"Oh~"

Tsunade's expression relaxed, and she seemed satisfied with the response.

Jiraiya, still seated awkwardly, looked at his plain porridge and complained, "Couldn't you at least add some seasoning?"

"You really are a hassle."

Tōshirō sprinkled in some simple ingredients to enhance the flavor.

After finishing his meal, Jiraiya shamelessly used his status as a "disabled person" to order Aokiji around. "Hey, crack a few walnuts for me."

Tsunade wouldn't be bossed around, so he had to settle for the next best option.

Feeling pity for him, Tōshirō casually picked up two walnuts and crushed them with his fingers.

Jiraiya blinked in surprise. "Wow, Tōshirō , your grip strength is incredible!"

Tōshirō replied indifferently, "Well, I've been practicing lately."

Jiraiya was puzzled. Practicing… cracking walnuts?

Tōshirō glanced at Tsunade. She's already at the stage where she should be developing, yet… still nothing. I wonder when she'll finally grow up…

Noticing Tōshirō's gaze and recalling his earlier words, Tsunade suddenly realized what he was implying. Her ears turned red with embarrassment.

Flustered and annoyed, she lashed out. "This is all your fault!"

(End of Chapter)

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