Kid, you really have a talent for teaching

"Have you considered fighting blindfolded?"

Kyōichi suggested. 

"Blindfolded? But I'd still know!"

Tsunade was stunned. 

You're really something!

This is a psychological issue. Even if I don't see blood, I'll still feel it!

"You could use genjutsu to deceive yourself."

Kyōichi continued. 

Tsunade felt something was off, but the idea made a strange kind of sense. 

Fighting blindfolded, using genjutsu to trick myself…

It's not overcoming the fear, but finding a workaround.

Still. 

It did make some sense. 

At least she wouldn't lose all her combat ability at the sight of blood. 

But the real issue was medical treatment. 

Fighting is one thing. What about healing?

She shook her head. With Konoha in such turmoil, staying in the village would inevitably mean going to the battlefield. 

If she refused to fight or heal, what would the other shinobi think? 

Revealing my hemophobia?

That would devastate morale. 

"For battlefield healing, just have Katsuyu block your shared vision. She can relay the patient's condition instead."

"You can do that?"

Tsunade was baffled. 

Kyōichi's ideas were unorthodox, but… 

She had worked with Katsuyu for years. Simple condition reports were feasible. After some thought, she realized it might actually work. 

She took a few steps, then turned back. 

"Kid, you really have a talent for teaching. How did you even think of this?"

Tsunade was impressed. 

Her hemophobia wasn't cured, but the problem seemed partially solved. 

It was strange. 

Of course, the hardest part would be self-hypnosis, which Tsunade would have to figure out on her own. 

She rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. 

"Ugh, let's go drink! I didn't get enough last time. This time, I'm drinking my fill! Then we'll hit the gambling tables. Heh, I've saved up enough money to go all in!"

"Sure, we'll join you."

Kyōichi smiled brightly. 

Shizune was confused. 

Doesn't Kyōichi-sama avoid gambling?

But with both Kyōichi and Tsunade going, she had no choice but to follow. 

After drinking, they headed to the gambling hall. Not long after… 

Tsunade stormed out, frustrated. 

"This is no fun!"

Gambling was one of her few remaining pleasures. 

But. 

When you're surrounded by two lucky devils and keep losing to the point of borrowing money, there's no joy left. 

Damn it!

Those brats must be cheating!

---

The next morning, Kyōichi and Tsunade arrived early at the hospital. 

With no active war, shinobi injuries were minimal, and the operating rooms were mostly empty. 

If not for Tsunade's gambling obsession, they could've scheduled the surgery yesterday afternoon. 

"Tsunade, could you let the children observe? You know how important experience is for medical ninjas."

If it were anyone else, Tsunade would've refused outright. 

But. 

The request came from Sarutobi Biwako, the Sandaime's wife. 

Beside her were several children around ten years old, including Rin Nohara and Kurenai Yūhi— all aspiring medical ninjas. 

Tsunade shook her head. "I'm not the one performing the surgery. I'm just assisting Kyōichi."

"Sensei is the surgeon?"

Kurenai's eyes lit up. 

Kyōichi had taught her medical ninjutsu, and while she'd seen him perform before, she had no real sense of his skill level. 

Could he be… better than Tsunade-sama?" 

The children, unaware of the details, were equally puzzled. Even Biwako seemed confused. 

But. 

She sensed there was more to it. 

Biwako quickly added, "With your guidance, Kyōichi should have no trouble completing the surgery. Plus, it'll be a great learning opportunity for the kids. Let them watch!"

Tsunade glanced at Kyōichi. "Your call."

"No problem. Let them observe. It's just a minor procedure."

Kyōichi smiled. 

This was his first real surgery, but he had to stay calm. Otherwise, Hayate, the patient, would lose confidence. 

"Hayate, don't worry. It's a simple surgery. Trust me and Tsunade-sama."

"Yes!"

Hayate nodded firmly. 

With so many observers, Tsunade didn't mind adding Shizune to the mix. 

In the operating room, Kyōichi stood at the center, with Tsunade and the medical team surrounding him. 

"First, make an incision."

"Understood."

Kyōichi formed hand seals, and a chakra scalpel materialized. 

With a gentle motion, he made a small, precise cut. 

Tsunade glanced at his hands. 

Steady as a rock.

She felt reassured. 

As long as the surgeon's hands were steady and they knew the procedure, the surgery would go smoothly. And if they didn't… 

That's what I'm here for.

She guided the process, and Kyōichi executed each step flawlessly. 

But. 

Gradually, she realized… 

Kyōichi didn't need her help at all. 

Making the incision, locating the affected area, then using the Chakra Scalpel Technique

All in one smooth motion.

She fell silent, no longer offering guidance. 

Biwako was equally stunned. 

kanda Kyōichi's medical ninjutsu is this advanced?

It was hard to believe. 

But. 

Hayate's lung condition was visibly improving. The toxins and damaged tissue were being carefully removed, and… 

"Be careful here. Your hands must stay steady. Cutting too much could harm the patient, even if it's recoverable."

"It's best to remove the toxins first. Surgery is the last resort."

He's even explaining the process while operating!

Unbelievable.

Tsunade felt almost unnecessary. 

"Done!"

The last trace of toxin was extracted. 

Kyōichi gestured for the others to handle the cleanup. 

Once the toxins were removed, any medical ninja could manage the rest. 

He paused, then glanced at Tsunade. 

"Any mistakes?"

"None. You did perfectly—even took over my part."

Tsunade smiled. 

She had thought Kyōichi was capable, but she'd underestimated him. 

He could've done this alone, and with ease. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to explain the procedure while operating.

This guy…

He really has a talent for teaching!

She sighed, then addressed the children. 

"Kyōichi skipped some steps because he's skilled enough to find the problem quickly. Don't try to imitate him. Understand?"

"Yes!"

The aspiring medical ninjas nodded. 

They knew that watching a master didn't mean they could replicate the skill. Kyōichi's surgery was flawless, but it wasn't something they could easily learn. 

"Kyōichi, I have many books and case studies. If you're interested, you're welcome to visit the hospital often."

Biwako's smile was warm. 

As the Sandaime's wife, she knew more than most. 

Kyōichi has a contract with Katsuyu and such advanced medical skills…

Two healers capable of large-scale treatment!

The thought excited her.