Shinji's arrangements for Ryuzetsu and Chino were not made on a whim.
Defining Ryuzetsu as the team's medical support was the best way to maximize the advantages of her Yang Release Bloodline Limit.
Training Ryuzetsu was also a form of alternative insurance.
Because Ryuzetsu's "Dragon Life Reincarnation Technique" was, like Chiyo's "One's Own Life Reincarnation Technique" and the Rinnegan's "Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique," a true resurrection technique.
The difference lay in the fact that the first two required specific conditions for the deceased to be revived, while the Rinnegan's "Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique" could revive even those whose life force had been completely extinguished, corpses dead for decades, or even damaged bodies.
Similarly, training Chino toward becoming a dojutsu-type shinobi was to fully leverage the bloodline advantages of her Blood Pond Clan.
At the same time, Ryuzetsu studying medical ninjutsu and Chino mastering the Ketsuryugan to gain blood manipulation abilities would help them better absorb the effects of "Blue Spider Lily No. 1" and master the cultivation techniques of the "Twelve Palaces."
Physical techniques, unlike other secret or forbidden techniques, were different.
Whether it was Tsunade's "Super Strength Fist," the Raikage's "Lightning Release Chakra Mode," or Kai's "Eight Gates Release," they all required hands-on guidance for training methods and relentless, monotonous daily practice to yield results.
Shinji's quick mastery of the "Twelve Palaces" was due to him being its developer, coupled with his solid medical ninjutsu skills and experience cultivating "Water Breathing."
Thus, it was normal and reasonable for Ryuzetsu and Chino to be utterly confused after seeing the "Twelve Palaces" scroll.
Fortunately, both had been injected with "Blue Spider Lily No. 1," which comprehensively enhanced their physiques—a significant innate advantage for mastering physical techniques. After Shinji's patient explanations, they began their "Twelve Palaces" training!
After staying at the hideout for two more days, Shinji left a shadow clone behind and departed.
Barring any surprises, this shadow clone's chakra would last a week, sufficient to guide Ryuzetsu and Chino's training.
Through instructing them, Shinji gained a clear understanding of the "Twelve Palaces" training difficulty.
Ryuzetsu and Chino, having been injected with "Blue Spider Lily No. 1," could be considered prodigies in physical technique training. With Shinji, the developer of the "Twelve Palaces," guiding them, it would still conservatively take months, if not longer, for them to even begin mastering it—showing just how challenging the "Twelve Palaces" was.
...
Hidden Leaf Village.
A week had passed since Shinji became the First Chair of the Shinobi Academy.
However, due to the recent end-of-term exams, students were all at home resting, enjoying a leisurely holiday.
At the Kurama Clan's training ground, Yakumo, having completed her physical training for the day, sat on a bench at the edge of the field, wiping sweat with a towel while drinking water.
At that moment, Yakumo's father, the current Kurama Clan head, Kurama Murakumo, approached her. "Finished training for today?"
Yakumo quickly stood and bowed. "Father-sama!"
Kurama Murakumo pressed her shoulder, gently guiding her back to the bench before sitting beside her. "Training so hard every day must be exhausting."
Yakumo shook her head. "It's not exhausting."
Kurama Murakumo sighed. "If only you could've claimed First Chair this time, how great would that have been?"
Yakumo lowered her head.
"Tsunade-sama spoke with me yesterday," Kurama Murakumo continued after a pause. "The First Chair position at the Shinobi Academy isn't permanent. If you can defeat Uchiha Shinji in the next exam, you'll take the First Chair title from him!"
Yakumo looked surprised. "Tsunade-sensei said that?"
Kurama Murakumo nodded slightly. "Yes, it's been approved at the high-level meeting and will soon be announced village-wide!"
A single exam's outcome could be swayed by unexpected factors, so it made sense that the First Chair position could be contested.
Koharu Utatane had already warned Shinji about this at the earliest opportunity.
Yakumo clenched her fists. "That's great! I still have a chance to challenge Shinji!"
Seeing Yakumo's fighting spirit ignite, Kurama Murakumo smiled with satisfaction but added a reminder. "One thing to note: Uchiha Shinji only has one semester left before graduation. The next end-of-term exam is your last chance to challenge him. Otherwise, he'll graduate as First Chair, and you'll only ever compete for the second First Chair title!"
Yakumo nodded firmly.
At the academy, Shinji's class was one year ahead of hers, meaning he'd graduate a year earlier. But she wasn't worried—she believed her current strength was enough to challenge him.
Kurama Murakumo added, "It's the holidays now. You could challenge some of your peers to build up your reputation for becoming First Chair in the future."
Yakumo asked, "Father, can I challenge Shinji?"
Kurama Murakumo frowned, pondering for a moment before replying, "He's the First Chair now. A reckless challenge would be disrespectful, and I don't recommend it. However, since he's an Uchiha, if you politely request a challenge, he likely won't refuse."
"I understand!"
Seeing his daughter's eagerness, Kurama Murakumo cautioned further, "Remember, Uchiha Shinji's status is different now! In wartime, he'd be your commander. Even clan heads like us must show him respect, so be mindful of your tone when challenging him!"
...
Meanwhile.
Having just finished sparring with Kakashi, Sasuke, panting heavily, asked, "Can I challenge Shinji now?"
"What?" Kakashi paused, looking at Sasuke. "He's the First Chair. Challenging him without cause would be seen as an insult to your commander. You'd better not have such thoughts!"
Sasuke, unwilling to accept this, pressed, "So I have to wait for the next exam to take back the First Chair position?"
Kakashi thought for a moment before replying, "If it's just a friendly spar, that should be fine. But even if you win, it won't shake his First Chair status. So focus on your training!"
"A spar's possible?"
Sasuke's face lit up.
Kakashi sighed helplessly. "Sasuke, Shinji's true strength is likely far greater than you or I expect!"
Sasuke, undeterred, declared, "Only the strong are worthy of my challenge!"