Izumi's mother, Uchiha Hazuki, stood by her bedside, tears streaming down her cheeks. She reached out tentatively to touch Izumi's arm, only for Izumi to flinch and cry out, "Ah! Don't touch me—it hurts so much!"
Immediately stepping back, Hazuki's face twisted with worry and pain. "Izumi… why don't we just stop being ninja? You're a girl, after all. When you grow up, you should just find someone to marry and live a peaceful life."
Izumi's eyes flared with anger. "Mom! What are you talking about? I don't want that!" Her voice was sharp and filled with defiance.
Meanwhile, far away in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage sat solemnly, holding a detailed report in his hands. His gaze lifted to the group before him—Sarutobi Muraki and the ninja who had come as reinforcements.
"Uchiha Izumi said all this? Are there no other witnesses?" he asked, his tone skeptical.
One of the rescue ninja responded respectfully, "Hokage-sama, we interviewed her thoroughly at the hospital. We recorded everything she said. We also investigated the battlefield location Izumi mentioned, and we found clear signs of a fierce confrontation."
Sarutobi Muraki nodded. "What's most puzzling is her claim that she learned the enemy's ninjutsu and drove them away."
The Third Hokage frowned deeply, exhaling a cloud of smoke from his pipe. "The enemy was a highly skilled Elite Jonin from Kumogakure, a master of Nin-Taijutsu. How could she have possibly driven him away?"
Muraki replied, "I find it strange as well. I checked her sealing scroll, and there were no spoils of war or evidence of a traditional victory."
The Third Hokage tapped his chin thoughtfully. "What exactly is her true strength? Do you, as her teacher, have any insight?"
Sarutobi Muraki hesitated, then said, "She has always been able to learn any ninjutsu quickly. Her chakra control and distribution are exceptional, but I doubt she could outright defeat a master of Nin-Taijutsu. I believe she's concealing her true power."
The Hokage nodded slowly. "Then we'll have to see her demonstrate it for us once she recovers. Keep me informed on her condition."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Muraki replied respectfully. "The doctors say she's recovering rapidly and should be discharged from the hospital soon."
Back at the hospital room, Izumi smiled brightly as she ate the meal her mother had prepared.
"Oh, Mom, why are you crying? I'm fine!" she said cheerfully, feeling spoiled and safe for once.
Hazuki's expression was strained. "You might not have worries, but I certainly do."
Izumi giggled sheepishly, "Hehe… What else do you want me to eat?"
Without hesitation, she added, "I want to eat meat!"
Hazuki smiled faintly and stood to leave. "Alright, I'll go prepare it for you."
Just then, the hospital door opened.
In came Akimichi Jiro and Sarutobi Muraki, coming to visit the young Uchiha.
Jiro grinned enviously. "You're really famous now—a Genin defeating two Chunin and a Jonin! What exactly happened while I was unconscious?"
Izumi laughed proudly. "Oh, it's nothing. I'm just a genius! Defeating two powerful enemies is normal for me, hahaha!"
Both Jiro and Muraki exchanged strange looks, silently thinking, She's definitely showing off.
Izumi quickly changed the subject. "How is Kawa doing?"
Jiro's face darkened. "He's still receiving treatment. His injuries are severe; it'll be a long road to recovery."
"Is that so? I'll go visit him then."
As Izumi's body regained strength, she made her way to Yamamoto Kawa's hospital room.
Her mother cautioned, "Your hand is still in a cast! Be careful!"
"I know, Mom," Izumi replied confidently.
She knocked gently on Kawa's door.
"Come in," came his weak voice.
Inside, Kawa lay propped up in bed, looking pale but alert.
"Oh, Izumi. Your injury's healed?" he asked in surprise.
Izumi pointed to her casted hand. "Almost. Once this heals, I'll be fine. What about your injuries? What did the doctor say?"
Kawa sighed. "It's going to take a long time. I'm so tired of being stuck here."
"Me too," Izumi sympathized. "Hospitals are boring. You focus on your recovery. I'm going to look around the hospital a bit. See you later."
As she turned to leave, Kawa called out softly, "Izumi!"
She paused and turned back.
"I'm sorry," he said, voice low and hesitant. "I've always disliked clan ninja like you. You all are born with talent and resources far beyond civilian ninja. I held prejudice against you, but this time, I have to thank you for saving me."
Izumi arched an eyebrow. "So… do you still hold prejudice now?"
Kawa gave a small smile. "Of course."
Izumi laughed. "That's just like you. Stay true to yourself—that way, you'll never have regrets. Bye."
"Goodbye," Kawa whispered.
After Izumi left, Kawa stared at the closed door, then lay back, staring blankly at the ceiling. A small smile curled on his lips.
"What the heck. She's younger than me, and a clan ninja at that, so arrogant… I have to surpass her. Surpass all those clan ninja."
Meanwhile, Izumi wandered the hospital halls, watching doctors skillfully apply Medical Ninjutsu to patients.
She activated her Sharingan to observe carefully.
"Hmm, so that's how it works," she thought, unimpressed. "Their Medical Ninjutsu is far inferior to Tsunade's."
Still, some doctors had created unique ninjutsu of their own, which caught her interest, and she began to study those methods.
During her convalescence, Izumi's thoughts circled around her previous techniques.
Her speed had increased tremendously. Now, she needed a ninjutsu that could match that speed perfectly.
The Rasengan, while powerful, wasn't quite right. It required direct contact and force to unleash its full potential. Without a hard strike, it was mediocre at best.
What Izumi needed was a sharp, precise technique that complemented her swiftness.
Chidori was a possibility, but it slowed her down considerably.
Maybe I should further develop the Lightning Release Rasengan I used before, she mused.
The earlier fusion of Lightning Chakra and Rasengan was decent but underdeveloped. That's why her hand was injured now.
Izumi planned how to evolve a ninjutsu tailored to her fighting style.
Would Wind Release cutting techniques be better? But combining Wind and Lightning Release simultaneously sounds complicated.
She pondered, Rotation, Lightning Release, arm… Kakashi's Chidori was a failed experiment of Rasengan, right? It also concentrates chakra in the palm.
What if I transform Lightning Release Chakra into something like a chainsaw? That might resemble the Third Raikage's Hell Stab, or One-Finger Nukite. He aimed for penetration, but I want severing and cutting.
I'll learn them all eventually....
After recovery, I'll develop this ninjutsu further. Also, powerful Wind Release techniques are crucial. Wind Release cutting power surpasses Lightning Release slightly.
Izumi stared at the ceiling, feeling bored and restless.
When will I get better? This waiting is so tedious.
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