Chapter 74: Tsunade’s Shock

"Yes!" Gin nodded with confidence. "I'll do it. It should be easier with Tsunade—I can raise her favorability within the month."

He had many rare and advanced medical texts that she'd find fascinating. Her favorability had already reached 67—up from 62 after he became her student and recently gained another 5 points just by promising to send a Shadow Clone.

Alongside Mito, even Kurenai's favorability was nearing contract levels. Koshiro had already reached 72—mostly thanks to Gin's monstrous talent and his respectful demeanor.

"If you're confident, then go ahead," Hikari said, satisfied. "By the way, how's the pharmaceutical factory on Drum Island progressing? The demand for our nutrient pills grows every day. Once people try ours, they never want the standard combat rations again."

It was no surprise. Their pills didn't just replenish chakra and stamina—they also nourished the body, enhanced vitality, and improved physical resilience. Far superior to those dry, tasteless supplements that merely squeezed a ninja's latent strength.

"Detox pills, enhancement pills, nutrient blends—they're flying off the shelves," Hikari added. "Even other villages are begging for long-term supply contracts."

Kumogakure was especially persistent. They even tried to send spies, though they were easily caught. The Uchiha lands had become a fortress—any intruder risked walking into a lion's den.

"Oh?" Gin arched an eyebrow. "Other villages want to buy from us? We can sell to Konoha, but not the others. Not yet. Once we unify the Shinobi World, then they'll be our subordinates. Why strengthen future enemies now?"

He smirked. "Besides, the Third Hokage won't approve. He'd accuse us of aiding enemy nations and crush our clan's reputation in a heartbeat."

Hikari laughed softly, proud of her son's insight. "Hiruzen actually came to try and stir up trouble about that. But when he learned we declined the foreign deals, he left with his tail between his legs."

"Good." Gin nodded. "Hiruzen Sarutobi acts humble, but all he does is hurt the village from within. No wonder Konoha is declining under his rule. Tobirama must've been blind to choose him. I wonder… would the Second Hokage regret what became of the Senju?"

"Tobirama underestimated the danger of giving absolute power to a small-minded clan," Hikari said. "He had no frame of reference. Mistakes were inevitable."

"Yes," Gin agreed. "Anyway, the factory is complete. Equipment passed inspection. Kureha has recruited staff. We'll begin full-scale production in three days."

"Nutritious pills and physical enhancement drugs will increase by a hundredfold. Detox and deep nutrition pills will scale up tenfold—those take more complex processing."

"Good. That's almost enough," Hikari said approvingly. "Focus especially on nutrient pills. Many shinobi want to replace their daily meals with them."

That evening, Gin enjoyed dinner with Mikoto, Kushina, and Minato. The main dish? Sea King meat—delicious and power-packed as always.

The next morning, Gin dispatched a Shadow Clone—codename Tena—to Konoha Hospital, where Tsunade was waiting.

"You're here. Wait a bit—let me finish with these reports," she said without looking up, motioning to the couch.

The clone took a book from the shelf and began flipping through it. When Tsunade was done, she sat across from him—and noticed what he was reading.

"Cellular activation studies, huh? You sure know how to pick a challenge. That's not beginner material. Can you even grasp it?"

Gin gently returned the book to its place and looked up calmly.

"Sensei," he said with a slight smile, "have you forgotten? My medical knowledge already surpasses yours. The framework may differ from what I'm used to, but biological principles are universal."

Tsunade froze.

This brat… didn't behave like a student at all.

"You're the most frustrating apprentice I've ever had," she muttered, equal parts impressed and exasperated.

"So what are we doing today?" Gin smiled, ignoring the glare. "Skill exchange? Ninjutsu? Chakra control?"

"Let's start with basic medical ninjutsu," she decided. "Mito and Kushina won't stop singing your praises. Time I see it for myself."

She began with introductory healing techniques, confident she'd establish her authority early. What followed shocked her to her core:

[You have studied Healing Jutsu through Tsunade's training. Skill proficiency +15.][You have studied Thread Stitching Technique. Skill proficiency +12.][You have studied Mystical Palm Technique. Skill proficiency +11.][You have studied Chakra Scalpel. Skill proficiency +16.][…]

Tsunade stared at him like she was seeing a ghost.

"This… this is insane. Learning Healing Jutsu and the Thread Technique is one thing, but you mastered the Mystical Palm and Chakra Scalpel in a single session? At this rate, you'll surpass me in two weeks! What are you?!"

"Sensei, don't curse your own student," Gin replied, turning off his Chakra Scalpel. "What kind of monster am I? I'm just… gifted. Fuuinjutsu, ninjutsu, medical arts—it's all the same at the core. You just have to learn fast."

Tsunade groaned, rubbing her temples.

"I've never dealt with a real genius before. Honestly, there's nothing left for me to teach you in medical ninjutsu. Just keep practicing. Most people struggle with chakra control—but not you. Instead, let's exchange knowledge directly."

"Perfect." Gin nodded.

Tsunade motioned toward the tall bookshelf lining her office. "Feel free to study any of these. We'll review them together."

"Great!" Gin replied, pulling out several scrolls from his pack. "These are copies of my own research—Chinese-origin medical texts translated and annotated. Study them, and if anything's unclear, just ask. But these are my only copies, so make your own."