Chapter 277: Femtosecond

"In that case, let's just change her eyes. It's no big deal." Konan thought the simpler the better, and changing her eyes seemed like no big deal.

"What Konan is saying is that the worst that can happen is that we find her some similar eyes to replace them with," Tsunade added, though she couldn't quite understand Nonō's thinking.

"I'll have another go at persuading her," Nagato lied. He had no intention of forcing Nonō to change her mind. It looked like he would have to figure this out on his own.

"What's so hard about it? If she doesn't want to change her eyes, then we won't change them," Kawakaze interjected, drawing everyone's attention.

Tsunade, already at her wits' end, glanced at him with exasperation. What could an amateur like you possibly know?

"I'd like to hear what you have to say," she said, though her tone betrayed her skepticism. Tsunade was convinced Kawakaze was just bragging; she knew his limits all too well.

"Ahem..." Kawakaze cleared his throat, putting on a serious expression as if ready to impart great wisdom.

"You're just short-sighted."

"Myopia is nothing to be afraid of."

Kawakaze's tone was mocking, tinged with contempt, as if relishing the opportunity to sound superior.

"Go on," Tsunade said, though her patience was wearing thin. Her jaw clenched so tightly she felt her back molars might crack. If he can't name the problem, I'll show him what cruelty really looks like.

"Myopia is simply a condition where the images we see can't be focused clearly," Kawakaze began. "Wearing glasses essentially adjusts the eye's focusing ability, solving the problem."

He continued, "We just need to remove a small part of the tissue that obstructs clear imaging, and the problem is solved. Isn't that simple?"

Kawakaze stopped there, unwilling—or perhaps unable—to elaborate further. His explanation of femtosecond laser surgery was clumsy, pieced together from his limited understanding.

"This surgery is much less difficult than replacing an eye," he concluded smugly, crossing his arms with an air of satisfaction. "With the Hokage's Medical Ninjutsu, it's completely possible."

Afterwards, he stood there, looking immensely pleased with himself.

"So you're saying you can cure myopia by simply removing a part of the tissue in the eyeball?"

Tsunade considered Kawakaze's explanation. While she understood his words, she didn't quite grasp the point.

"Yes, you're right," Kawakaze replied, praising Tsunade's ability to comprehend. She truly was the best Medical-nin in the ninja world.

"Then which part of the tissue needs to be removed?" Nagato asked. He didn't doubt Kawakaze's claim—it sounded plausible enough. If this could really solve the problem, it would be good news.

Nagato's hopeful expression made Kawakaze feel a pang of guilt.

"You have to learn to explore on your own," Kawakaze said sternly. "You can't rely on your elders for everything. Only what you research yourself truly belongs to you. Do you understand?"

It was clear to everyone that Kawakaze didn't have an answer and was just trying to cover for himself.

"Don't pretend to understand if you don't," Tsunade snapped, glaring at him. "What's the point of saying only half of it?"

Despite her frustration, she had to admit Kawakaze wasn't entirely wrong; his reasoning wasn't completely baseless.

"Nagato, if you're interested," she continued, "take some time to visit the lab. Orochimaru has specimens there. If this actually gets developed, it could be a great benefit for the average villager."

While eye replacement technology was highly advanced, it wasn't accessible to most villagers. A simpler method of treating myopia would not only help many people but also generate income for the hospital.

Tsunade, however, had no intention of pursuing this research herself; she didn't bother with such trivial projects.

"Okay, Sensei's wife."

Nagato was overjoyed to have a research direction that Tsunade approved of. If he had to figure it out entirely on his own, he couldn't imagine how much time it would take. He couldn't wait to share the good news with Nonō. However, he knew that high expectations often led to greater disappointment. After some thought, he decided to wait until he had fully researched the technique before telling her. It would be a pleasant surprise.

"That's enough for today," Kawakaze said with a yawn. He felt sleepy and was too embarrassed to stay any longer. His forced smile was far from convincing.

"You're not sleepy," Satsuki teased. "I think someone's just a bit embarrassed."

Sakumo seized the opportunity and wouldn't let Kawakaze off the hook. He had thought his younger brother might have some real knowledge of Medical Ninjutsu, but it turned out he knew nothing.

"What's there for you? Think you're better than me?" Kawakaze snapped, clearly irritated. "At least I said something worthwhile. What have you contributed?"

"Wow, that's really something," Sakumo replied mockingly, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Fine, go back to sleep," Nayuki interjected, clearly exasperated. She could feel her head spinning. The two brothers were always like this, and it seemed they'd keep arguing until they were eighty. It would be nice if there was a Ninjutsu to shut people up.

"Whatever, it's nothing," Kawakaze muttered as he watched Sakumo being dragged away by Nayuki, a hint of resentment in his eyes.

"Then we're leaving too," Nagato and his companions said, bidding their goodbyes. They left without a trace of reluctance.

In an instant, only Kawakaze and Tsunade remained in the living room.

"I was just talking nonsense," Kawakaze admitted, trying to explain himself. "But I didn't mean to belittle you."

Tsunade's sinister expression made him uneasy. His ingratiating smile was plastered on his face, a far cry from the confident demeanor he'd displayed earlier.

Acting cool for a moment is fun, but the aftermath feels like a crematorium.

"Heh..."

Tsunade laughed dismissively and took the lead toward the bedroom. Kawakaze followed behind, silently regretting his earlier behavior. If you're going to show off, fine—but why provoke Tsunade? As the saying goes, you reap what you sow. He deserves it.

"Where did you learn about that little point you were showing off?" Tsunade asked as soon as Kawakaze closed the door.

If he claimed he had researched it himself, she wouldn't believe a word. She decided to start with a diplomatic approach—after all, she wasn't a shrew.

"I read it in a book by accident," Kawakaze replied vaguely, avoiding any mention of time or place. The more details he provided, the more likely she was to catch him.

"Oh, I see," Tsunade said, a hint of suspicion in her tone. Still, there was no better explanation to go on.

But that wasn't the point—not at all. Kawakaze had the nerve to mock her for being short-sighted, and that was intolerable. If he dared mock her today, who knew what he might dare tomorrow? Tsunade wouldn't allow such behavior.

"After reading such a crappy book, you dare mock me?" she demanded.

Being mocked in her own field of expertise by someone like Kawakaze, a complete amateur, was truly infuriating.

Especially since Kawakaze himself was still half-baked in knowledge. If he had offered a clear explanation, she might have let it slide—but this? Absolutely not.

"That's not true! I was just speaking carelessly," Kawakaze protested. "It's all a compliment, really."

"Do you think I'll believe that?" Tsunade asked, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. She'd known Kawakaze long enough to recognize his brazen attitude.

"Whether you believe it or not, what I said is the truth," Kawakaze insisted, his expression full of sincerity. If it had been anyone else, they might have believed him.