Take Charge of the Eastern Front
"Both girls are impressive, Hokage-sama. Konoha's training capabilities have improved significantly. We're seeing things we've never seen before."
The daimyō was satisfied.
Female ninjas often faced disadvantages in the shinobi world. Over the years, few had risen to prominence, and even fewer were medical ninjas.
However.
Both Rin Nohara and Kurenai Yūhi displayed remarkable combat skills.
Especially Kurenai.
Even the daimyō, who wasn't a shinobi, could tell—she could've ended the fight the moment Rin fell for her genjutsu.
After all.
Few could survive a direct hit from her Chakra Enhanced Strength
"This is all thanks to Kanda Kyōichi. He has a talent for teaching. Kurenai is one of his students."
"Kanda Kyōichi? He's a medical ninja too?"
"His medical ninjutsu is second only to Tsunade's."
The daimyō's eyes narrowed as he glanced toward the stands.
Second only to Tsunade…
That was high praise indeed.
As expected, he's a genius like the Nidaime.
Pity…
Such talent can't be mine.
He sighed inwardly.
But then.
The daimyō paused, his gaze shifting to Kyōichi's direction. "Is that… Tsunade?"
"Yes, she returned to the village recently."
The Sandaime smiled warmly.
He knew better than to assume Tsunade would stay for good.
But.
The daimyō didn't share his reservations.
Seeing Tsunade back filled him with confidence.
Her ability to heal entire squads could turn the tide of any battle. Add to that her medical expertise, tactical brilliance, and formidable combat skills, and Konoha could easily stand against two major villages.
*This is a win!*
The daimyō initially lost interest in the remaining matches.
But.
The next fight changed his mind.
Shisui vs. Might Guy!
Guy opened the First Gate, while Shisui pushed his Body Flicker Technique to the limit, their afterimages filling the arena.
If Kurenai and Rin's match showcased the novelty of combat medics, this was pure, unadulterated martial prowess.
A clash of swords and taijutsu!
Uchiha-style kenjutsu, Konoha-style kenjutsu, Wind Release sword techniques…
It was a spectacle!
Though.
The daimyō couldn't understand why Shisui, seemingly superior, lost to the "goofy-looking" ninja.
But.
The Sandaime knew better.
Shisui was holding back.
Even if he hadn't, Guy's Eight Gates would've overwhelmed him. This outcome was for the best—both showcased their strengths, and Shisui had no desire for promotion anyway.
---
After the match, Kyōichi left immediately.
The promotions had been decided in the second round. Today was just a formality.
---
Konoha Hospital
Kyōichi and Tsunade checked on Gekkō Hayate's condition.
"Your surgery was flawless. He's recovering quickly—should be back to normal within a week."
"How long until he's fully healed?"
"Hard to say."
Tsunade shook her head.
Hayate's Transparency Technique was a unique case. Without prior data, predicting his recovery was impossible.
"We'll need regular checkups and data collection. Maybe we can find a way to manage the toxins, allowing him to use his Kekkei Genkai without compromising his health."
Kyōichi's mind drifted to the Eight Gates and Breathing Activation Technique. "The same goes for users of the first two Gates and Breathing Activation. Regular checkups could help monitor their health."
Tsunade paused, considering his words.
"You're right."
She saw the bigger picture.
Regular checkups wouldn't just ensure the ninjas' health—they'd provide data to refine techniques, reduce side effects, and lower the barriers to mastery.
This is worth pursuing.
But.
"Brat, you're always piling work on me. Afraid I'll leave the village?"
"Not at all. Haven't you already decided to stay?"
Kyōichi grinned.
Tsunade was speechless.
This kid…
He's too sharp.
Shizune, overhearing, blinked in surprise. "Tsunade-sama, we're staying?"
"You want to keep wandering? Fine by me!"
"No, no! I want to stay in Konoha."
Shizune fidgeted.
Life on the road was unstable, hardly conducive to learning and growth.
"We're staying… for now."
---
Hokage's Office
The Sandaime met with the daimyō, who left satisfied after a Flying Thunder God escort by Minato.
As the Sandaime tackled his backlog of paperwork, a special scroll from the hospital caught his eye.
What could the hospital want?
He unsealed it, read through the contents, and smiled.
Psychological medicine.
Regular checkups.
Both were excellent initiatives!
But what truly delighted him were the names on the proposal—
Senju Tsunade and Kanda Kyōichi.
"Summon Tsunade… No, just call Kyōichi."
He reconsidered.
Tsunade's too stubborn. Better to deal with Kyōichi.
---
Kyōichi arrived promptly, already aware of the situation. Tsunade wasn't surprised either.
The old man would agree.
The Sandaime greeted him eagerly.
"Kyōichi, is Tsunade… staying?"
"She'll oversee psychological medicine and regular checkups. For now, at least."
"For now? That's good enough."
The Sandaime sighed, relieved. Given Tsunade's circumstances, her agreeing to stay temporarily was a victory.
He handed Kyōichi the scroll.
"Your proposals are excellent. The hospital will fully support them. For psychological medicine, you can request anyone you need—even me."
The Sandaime's tone was solemn.
Psychological issues were rampant among shinobi. Mitarashi Anko, Hatake Kakashi, even Jiraiya—all bore scars that hindered their potential.
"Understood."
Kyōichi wasn't surprised. Psychological trauma was common in their line of work.
The Sandaime then produced another scroll.
"This is intel from the Kiri jōnin's corpse."
Kyōichi took it, scanning the contents.
"Hokage-sama, it seems the hawk faction in Kiri has gained the upper hand. They might attack us again."
"I agree. Kyōichi, I want you to oversee the eastern front."
"Me?"
Kyōichi was taken aback.
He'd only been a jōnin for less than a year. Would the others accept his leadership?
"With Tsunade and me backing you, you have nothing to worry about."