Just medicine Can't Save Konoha

"Kyōichi, would you be interested in joining the hospital as a consultant? You'd only need to give lectures and guidance occasionally. Compensation won't be an issue."

"I'll have to pass on that."

Kyōichi wiped a metaphorical sweat from his brow. 

Sarutobi Biwako was a tough negotiator. She seized every opportunity to recruit him, and if he hadn't seen through her tactics, he might've caved. 

Joining the hospital had its perks, but it would also mean a lot more work. 

Compared to his current life—training, studying, and researching ninjutsu at his own pace—it wasn't worth it. 

Money wasn't a priority for him. 

Besides, there weren't many rewards in it for him. Sure, he'd just gained proficiency in the Chakra Scalpel Technique, but medical ninjutsu wasn't his main focus. 

He only studied it to master techniques like Strength of a Hundred Seal and Creation Rebirth.

Biwako looked disappointed but understood. As a jōnin sensei, Kyōichi was already busy teaching his three students and handling missions. Where would he find the time? 

Tsunade led him out of the hospital. 

As they walked, she said thoughtfully, "I'm surprised you refused. If you'd accepted, over time, you could've gained immense prestige in Konoha."

"My goal isn't to become Hokage. Why should I care about that?"

Kyōichi shook his head. 

In the shinobi world, strength was what truly mattered. Fame and status were fleeting. 

What's the point of being Hokage?

Even all five Kage combined couldn't defeat Madara Uchiha.

Tsunade agreed internally but found his attitude puzzling. 

"Then what do you want to do?"

"Be a teacher. Train many talented individuals and strengthen Konoha from the ground up!"

Kyōichi answered without hesitation. 

He'd rehearsed this line many times, and it showed no cracks. 

Tsunade chuckled. 

Train many talents? Strengthen Konoha fundamentally…

It's a noble ideal.

But. 

Without the Hokage's support, such efforts would be like a tree without roots—easily uprooted. 

The Sandaime was competent most of the time. 

However. 

With Konoha surrounded by powerful enemies, "competent" wasn't enough. 

Tsunade fell into deep thought. 

---

"Kyōichi-sama, do you have any tips for mastering medical ninjutsu quickly?"

"Tips? Observe more, study more, and train your chakra control. Make sure your hands are steady during surgery and your techniques precise."

If you're studying it as a secondary skill, you'll also need ample chakra reserves and a strong physique.

Kyōichi added silently. 

Shizune thought for a moment, then sighed softly. 

"Tsunade-sama says my chakra control talent is limited. I can become a decent medical ninja, but I'll never master her true skills."

"Being a decent medical ninja is already an achievement."

Kyōichi ruffled Shizune' hair. 

Young Shizune was adorably naive, especially when her hair got tousled… 

"Kyōichi-sama!"

"Alright, alright, I'll stop. By the way, if you really want to improve your chakra control, try maintaining two non-conflicting techniques simultaneously."

Kyōichi demonstrated. 

First, he activated Earth Spear, then covered his body with Wind Release Chakra Mode. Finally— 

Boom!

He punched, shattering a nearby rock. 

"If she could do that, she wouldn't need to ask you for advice."

Tsunade rolled her eyes. 

Using three techniques at once required advanced chakra control. 

"Just start with two techniques. Once she masters that, she can move on to three or more. Take it step by step."

"Yes!"

Shizune nodded earnestly. 

No harm in trying!

Even simple advice earned Kyōichi some proficiency rewards. 

It was a no-brainer—just a few words for a small gain. 

---

"Shizune, let's clean up the house this afternoon. We're moving back."

"Huh?"

Shizune was confused. 

Weren't we staying at Kyōichi-sama's place?

The Kanda household wasn't large, but it had enough rooms for three people. She'd slept well last night and thought it was just a temporary arrangement. 

"Just do as I say. Or do you plan to live at his place forever?"

Tsunade glared at her. 

"That wouldn't be so bad…"

Shizune muttered weakly. 

"Hmm?"

"Stay here. It's a bit lonely with just me around, and your place always has people."

*???*

Tsunade was stunned for a moment, then used her chakra sensing. 

Well, I'll be damned.

Using shadow clones to study. Typical Kyōichi.

This kid… 

Why is he always full of surprises?

"Fine, we won't move."

But. 

Kyōichi understood the implication. 

If it were just a temporary stay, Tsunade wouldn't bother moving. 

The fact that she considered it meant she planned to stay. 

Though he wasn't sure what changed her mind, Kyōichi suspected it had something to do with him. 

Did I move her with my words?

He pondered briefly but quickly dismissed the thought. 

Tsunade staying is a good thing. If she becomes Hokage sooner, even better.

Not that Minato wasn't capable. 

Kyōichi believed Minato would make a fine Hokage, but his experience and political savvy couldn't match the old guard. 

In the end, it might be one Hokage surrounded by three advisors and the Darkness of Konoha… 

Only Tsunade could handle that setup. 

But. 

To become Hokage, she couldn't rely on shortcuts. She had to overcome her hemophobia properly, or it would come back to haunt her. 

Kyōichi flipped through some medical books, only to find that Konoha had no psychological treatment. 

No wonder so many people spiral into despair!

The next day. 

"Tsunade-sama, I couldn't sleep last night and realized something."

"Oh?"

"Medicine alone can't save Konoha!"

"???"

Tsunade looked puzzled. 

Kyōichi explained his thoughts. 

"Konoha's medical field is already advanced. Many shinobi losses now stem from psychological issues, not physical ones…"

At first, Tsunade was skeptical. 

But. 

As he continued, her expression grew serious. 

She had noticed these issues but never prioritized them. Hearing Kyōichi's perspective, she realized he was right. 

Physically, Konoha's medical ninjutsu was world-class. 

But psychologically, they lagged far behind. 

This shouldn't be!

"Take Sakumo-sama, for example. If someone had counseled him, given him psychological support, we might still have a powerful shinobi in the village."

"Hatake Sakumo's situation was complicated, but the old man did drop the ball."

Tsunade sighed. 

Then. 

She thought of Kakashi. 

That brat's still a mess. If we develop psychological treatment, he should be the first patient.

And herself! 

After some thought, Tsunade said, "You're right. This is another form of healing. The next stage of medical ninjutsu should include psychological treatment!"

"Tsunade-sama, you should lead the research and implementation."

"Huh? You… brat, I don't need your help like this. This is your idea."

"I don't have the time to research it. If you're concerned, just add my name to the project."

Kyōichi shook his head. 

He wanted Tsunade to take the lead, not just to boost her reputation and solidify her position. 

But also because. 

He was too busy to delve into it deeply. 

At most, he could share some psychology knowledge from his past life. The rest would be up to Tsunade to develop.