Medical Ninjutsu

Yang Release, or Yang Release Ninjutsu, is a form of esoteric chakra manipulation.

Unlike the common elemental nature transformations—Wind, Lightning, Fire, Earth, and Water—Yang Release, along with Yin Release, belongs to the secret arts of major ninja clans. Many of these secret techniques trace their origins back to the descendants of Indra and Asura.

However, due to the dilution of their bloodlines over generations, their once-inherited Kekkei Genkai abilities have faded, leaving behind only traces of their former potential. As a result, these abilities persist in the modern era as unique clan-specific secret techniques.

Among these secret arts, Yang Release is what Xu Ming intends to "cultivate" within Orochimaru.

"The power of Yang Release manifests in two primary ways," Xu Ming explained.

"The first is the enhancement of physical vitality, the power of life itself. The second is the ability to infuse life force into an entity."

"A prime example of the first is the healing ninjutsu practiced by the Senju and Uzumaki clans."

"The second is exemplified by the Shadow Clone Technique and the Akimichi clan's Multi-Size Technique."

Xu Ming stood before Orochimaru, speaking with conviction. He elaborated on the nature of Yang Release, citing examples from the Senju, Uzumaki, and Akimichi clans, before linking it back to Orochimaru himself.

"When you practiced Chidori, you sought healing from the Senju clan."

"The Senju, after generations of research, developed specialized healing and body-strengthening techniques based on Yang Release. However..."

Xu Ming's tone suddenly shifted.

"To this day, there has never been an official classification for 'Medical Ninjutsu' as a distinct branch of ninjutsu."

"Many fail to recognize the full potential of Yang Release. It isn't merely a collection of secret techniques—it has the potential to evolve into an entirely new ninjutsu system!"

"Just like Lightning Style, Water Style, Fire Style, Wind Style, and Earth Style…"

"Yang Release can be refined into a specialized category of jutsu."

Xu Ming's words ignited a spark in Orochimaru's eyes.

Orochimaru envisioned a world where Yang Release could become a fully developed field of ninjutsu, akin to the 'Medical Ninjutsu' Xu Ming described. Such an advancement could revolutionize healing techniques, potentially saving countless lives.

The ninja profession is fraught with danger—injury and bloodshed are as routine as eating and drinking. Yet, this does not mean that ninjas welcome suffering. It is merely the harsh reality of their existence.

Despite the vast population of Konohagakure, only the Senju clan had mastered healing ninjutsu, while other clans possessed only fragments of similar techniques.

"But if, as you claim, Yang Release holds such vast potential, why hasn't anyone developed it before?" Orochimaru asked, puzzled.

"Because no one had the time!" Xu Ming responded with a sigh. "Before the Hidden Village system was established, only one in a hundred shinobi lived to middle age."

"In such a perilous environment, everyone focused on survival, seeking only to strengthen their combat abilities and master lethal techniques."

"If you didn't kill, you would be killed."

"With survival pressure so overwhelming, who had the luxury to think about healing and saving lives?"

Xu Ming's explanation struck Orochimaru like a revelation, lighting a fire in his mind.

The more he thought about it, the more he realized how true it was.

"I believe that someone will eventually conceive the idea of Medical Ninjutsu, but not for many years…" Xu Ming continued, shaking his head.

In the original timeline, it was a young Tsunade who formally introduced the concept of medical ninja units. However, due to the ongoing wars, the village lacked the resources to implement the idea. It was only after the war that the system was developed, ultimately earning Tsunade widespread recognition.

"So, should we begin developing it now?" Orochimaru asked, his tone both curious and excited.

"Yes. Although someone would eventually propose it, if we start now, we can bring 'Medical Ninjutsu' into existence earlier. This could save many lives." Xu Ming replied with conviction.

Orochimaru took a deep breath, feeling an unusual weight settle over him.

But he did not reject it.

This sense of responsibility—this 'burden'—felt more like a calling than a constraint.

"I understand. Leave it to me." Orochimaru declared with resolve.

That afternoon, Orochimaru resolutely stepped into the Senju clan's compound and requested an audience with Uzumaki Mito, who had long since withdrawn from public life.

Hearing his request to study Yang Release, Uzumaki Mito raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"You do not possess Senju or Uzumaki blood. Learning Yang Release will be difficult for you." she advised.

She then kindly suggested, "Why not continue developing the ninjutsu you already excel in? I've heard from Hiruzen that your Lightning Style technique, Chidori, has even been classified as an A-rank jutsu."

"Mito-sama, I am here to develop ninjutsu," Orochimaru replied with a smile.

"Oh?" Uzumaki Mito's curiosity deepened.

"Mito-sama, Yang Release secret techniques can heal injuries. But rather than limiting them to clan-based knowledge, why not expand and refine them into a fully developed branch—'Medical Ninjutsu'—dedicated to aiding the wounded?" Orochimaru proposed.

"Medical Ninjutsu…"

Uzumaki Mito's eyes widened.

She instantly grasped the gravity of Orochimaru's words and the immense potential behind them.

"Why didn't I think of this before…?" she murmured before sitting up straight, excitement shining in her expression.

Looking at Orochimaru, a warm smile formed on her face.

'Hashirama, in the village you created, a child has been born who shares your compassionate vision.'

'You can rest in peace.'

"Orochimaru, I will teach you seriously." Uzumaki Mito declared. "And bring me this Xu Ming—who proposed this idea. I will teach both of you together!"

"Huh?"

Xu Ming, who had been sleeping soundly at home, suddenly sensed movement outside his window and snapped awake.

He turned toward the window.

A figure stood there, chakra infused into the soles of his feet, sticking to the outer wall of his house at a perfect ninety-degree angle.

It was none other than Orochimaru.

"Xu Ming, Lady Mito is very interested in the Medical Ninjutsu concept you proposed and has requested that you learn Yang Release alongside me."

Xu Ming's face twisted in shock, all traces of sleep vanishing instantly.

What the hell?

He had introduced the concept of Medical Ninjutsu to encourage Orochimaru to develop it—not to get involved himself!

"No." Xu Ming rejected the offer outright.

"I'm just a Shadow Clone, here to deliver the message." Orochimaru's clone shrugged.

Xu Ming narrowed his eyes before smirking.

"Open the window."

Orochimaru's clone hesitated before complying.

Swish!

A blue light flashed from Xu Ming's fingertips, forming a sharp blade of chakra that shot toward Orochimaru's stomach.

"I said no."

Boom!

Before Orochimaru's Shadow Clone could react, it burst into a puff of white smoke and disappeared.