Tsunade's words were like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, sending ripples through Chiya's heart.
His eyes fell upon her smooth forehead, where no seal could yet be seen.
"You succeeded?"
"Hmph. Of course!"
Tsunade lifted her chin. Her golden hair shimmered beneath the gentle night breeze, and a trace of unmistakable pride appeared on her face. Yet hidden deep within her eyes was an even more complicated tenderness.
"It's still not completely perfected, but I've already solved the core problem of storing chakra and releasing it in a stable manner."
She paused for a moment.
"I just don't want... years from now... someone to still look annoyingly young while I..."
She left the sentence unfinished, but her feelings were obvious.
Naturally, Chiya understood what she meant.
He set down his teacup and gently brushed his hand across her cheek. Her skin felt warm, soft, and full of vibrant life.
Admiration and curiosity filled his eyes.
"Storing unused chakra and unleashing it all at once when needed... it's a brilliant concept."
He spoke thoughtfully as his mind raced, combining the vague memories from his previous life with his deep understanding of chakra in this one.
Now that the Yin Seal existed, it was time for Tsunade to begin developing the Strength of a Hundred Technique as well.
He could give her a little inspiration.
"What if that stored chakra... wasn't only used to cast ninjutsu or preserve youth?"
His gaze grew deeper, as though he could see through Tsunade's skin and into the intricate chakra pathways beneath it.
"A massive amount of chakra can greatly stimulate the body's cells and awaken their full potential."
"If the enormous chakra stored within the Yin Seal could instantly activate every cell in the body..."
"Wouldn't it grant unimaginable regeneration and dramatically enhance physical abilities in an extremely short time?"
"It might even... allow someone to ignore fatal injuries."
His explanation was not especially precise. It was more like a bold deduction based on fundamental principles.
But to Tsunade, his words struck like thunder.
The pride and laziness vanished from her face, replaced by overwhelming shock and disbelief.
She immediately sat upright, her emerald eyes fixed on Chiya as though she were seeing him for the first time.
"How... how did you even think of that direction?!"
Her voice trembled with excitement.
"Using the chakra stored within the seal for accelerated regeneration and full-body cellular activation..."
"This... this goes completely beyond the framework of modern medical ninjutsu!"
"This isn't simply a technique anymore."
"It's more like... a state."
"A combat state where medical ninjutsu is pushed to its absolute limit!"
Her mind immediately began racing.
Countless pieces of medical knowledge, chakra control techniques, and even vague ideas she had once considered all connected together in an instant.
"A massive chakra source... perfect chakra control throughout the entire body..."
"A deep understanding of the body's limits and regenerative abilities..."
"Every one of those is indispensable."
"The real challenge is safely guiding such overwhelming chakra through the entire body without causing it to collapse, while also precisely controlling the degree and direction of regeneration..."
"But this concept... this concept is simply..."
The more Tsunade spoke, the more excited she became. Her eyes shone with the burning passion of a researcher.
Until now, she had focused mainly on using the Yin Seal for chakra storage and maintaining her youthful appearance.
She had never taken the idea this far by directly combining it with ultimate regeneration and combat enhancement.
Chiya's suggestion had opened an entirely new door before her.
It revealed a direction with limitless potential.
Tsunade muttered to herself, her eyes glowing brighter and brighter as she became completely immersed in the new concept.
"That's right..."
"Release the Yin Seal."
"Unleash all of its stored chakra."
"Grant the body unparalleled vitality and regenerative power..."
She suddenly stood up, unable to remain seated any longer.
"I need to go to Konoha Hospital. The laboratory."
"There are calculations that need to be redone. The chakra pathway models have to be adjusted..."
"This idea is unbelievable!"
"I have to verify it immediately!"
Without waiting to explain further, she rushed toward the exit.
Watching Tsunade instantly enter full workaholic mode, Chiya could not help but laugh.
"Hey, Tsunade. It's already the middle of the night."
"The laboratory is staffed twenty-four hours a day!"
She waved without turning around.
"And inspiration like this disappears in an instant!"
In only a few leaps, she vanished beyond the courtyard, leaving behind only one final sentence.
"Don't wait up for me tonight!"
The courtyard instantly became quiet again.
Only Chiya, Mikoto, and Kushina remained.
Kushina blinked her large eyes.
"Big Sister Tsunade runs so fast..."
Mikoto smiled gently as she refilled Chiya's teacup.
"Lady Tsunade has always been like this. Whenever she comes up with a new medical idea, she throws herself into it immediately."
She looked at Chiya with admiration.
"But for Lord Tsunade to become this excited... Brother Chiya's suggestion must be something truly remarkable."
Accepting the teacup, Chiya smiled without saying much.
He had merely provided an idea.
The one who would truly bring it to life was Tsunade herself.
Still, if the Strength of a Hundred Technique could be developed ahead of time, it would greatly strengthen both Tsunade herself and Konoha's future elite forces.
He stayed with Mikoto and Kushina a little longer before escorting them back to their rooms once the night had grown late.
Returning alone to his study, Chiya did not immediately resume his official work.
Instead, he focused his mind inward.
'System, open my status panel.'
At his command, a futuristic interface that only he could see quietly appeared before him.
[System]
Name: Uchiha Chiya
Age: 26
Chakra: 112
Special Abilities: Indra's Chakra, Uzumaki Clan Bloodline, Senju Clan Physique, Sharingan (Eternal Mangekyō), Storm Release, Ice Release, Lava Release, Boil Release, Steel Release, Dark Release
Abilities:
Divine Technique: Ikazuchi
Mangekyō Techniques: Yomi Beyond, Cycle of Karma, Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu, Kotoamatsukami
Forbidden Techniques: Izanagi, Izanami
Secret Techniques: Hydrification Technique
Seal Mastery, Sword Mastery, Susanoo, Medical Ninjutsu Mastery, Fire Release Mastery, Genjutsu Mastery, Ninja Tool Mastery, High-Speed Body Flicker Technique (Body Flicker Technique), Shadow Clone Technique, Three Basic Techniques, etc.
The newly acquired Dark Release was the Bloodline Limit reward he had received after becoming Hokage.
Dark Release was created by combining Wind Release and Fire Release chakra.
Its core ability was absorbing an opponent's ninjutsu and converting it into chakra for the user.
"Another step forward."
Chiya felt that regardless of whether it was a Bloodline Limit or a clan's secret technique, as long as he could obtain it, it would undoubtedly make him stronger.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
A short while later, he closed the system interface.
More important matters awaited him in reality.
The Five Kage Summit had ended.
Enormous war reparations and resources were continuously flowing into Konoha.
How to efficiently and reasonably utilize those resources...
How to transform them into Konoha's true national strength...
Those were now his highest priorities.
The first area that came to his mind was the Ninja Academy.
Its importance went without saying.
It was the foundation of Konoha's future.
"The Ninja Academy's current system is already outdated."
"It needs to keep pace with the times."
...
The next morning.
Hokage Office.
Chiya buried himself beneath stacks of documents, reviewing the latest reports regarding the receipt, inspection, and storage of incoming supplies.
Even with Nara Shikaku coordinating everything, many critical decisions still required his personal approval.
The office remained silent except for the scratching of his pen across paper and the occasional sound of scrolls being opened.
Just then, someone knocked gently on the door.
"Come in."
Without looking up, Chiya answered.
The door opened.
A graceful figure entered.
She wore a fitted dark ninja uniform beneath a white Medical Corps coat. Behind her gold-rimmed glasses were gentle yet intelligent eyes, while a reassuring smile rested upon her face.
It was Yakushi Nono.
She carried a thick stack of documents as she walked lightly to his desk.
"Lord Hokage."
Nono bowed slightly, her voice as gentle as ever.
Only then did Chiya look up.
Seeing her, the sternness on his face softened.
"Nono."
"There's no one else here."
Though his tone remained calm, it carried a warmth that he never showed ordinary subordinates.
A faint blush appeared on Nono's cheeks.
She adjusted her glasses before naturally correcting herself.
"Chiya."
"This is the preliminary proposal for allocating the first shipment of resources toward education and medical development, along with the first-phase reform plan for the Ninja Academy."
"I'd like you to review it."
She placed the documents before him.
Then, as naturally as breathing, she stepped behind his chair and gently rested her slender hands upon his shoulders, skillfully massaging the stiffness from his muscles.
Her fingers moved with practiced precision, carrying the faint fragrance of medicinal herbs.
She clearly understood just how exhausting his workload had become.
Relaxing slightly, Chiya accepted her thoughtful care while opening the proposal.
Nono was one of the people he trusted most.
She also occupied one of the most important positions he had arranged within the village.
Careful, intelligent, and absolutely loyal, she was the perfect person to oversee both the use of these funds and the progress of the reforms.
The proposal was detailed and exceptionally well organized.
As expected, the largest portion of funding would go toward expanding the Ninja Academy, strengthening the teaching staff, upgrading training facilities, and establishing one particular program that Chiya had personally emphasized—
Mandatory basic medical education.
"'Basic medical knowledge added as a required subject...'"
Reading that section, Chiya nodded.
"Excellent."
"Even simple wound treatment, identifying chakra disorders, basic poison recognition, and emergency first aid can save countless lives when it matters most."
"This will become a mandatory requirement."
"Beginning next school year, it will gradually be introduced to every grade."
"Understood."
Nono continued gently massaging his temples.
"I've already held several meetings with both the Medical Department and the Education Department."
"The course outline and teaching materials are already being prepared."
"Everyone was surprised at first, but they quickly understood the importance of the reform."
"The implementation has been progressing very smoothly."
Chiya continued reading.
Teaching reforms.
A more diverse evaluation system.
Fairer resource allocation and opportunities for civilians.
The Academy's facilities, training grounds, and ninja equipment would all become more equally available to every student.
There was also a proposal to establish specialized classes.
Besides the standard curriculum, there would be programs such as a Medical Ninjutsu Preparatory Class, a Sealing Technique Interest Class, a Tactical Command Foundation Class, and a Special Bloodline and Ability Development Class.
The proposal even included a list of potential instructors.
Reading through everything carefully, satisfaction appeared in Chiya's eyes.
Nono had perfectly understood and implemented his intentions.
The proposal was bold while remaining highly practical, fully taking Konoha's current situation and future needs into account.
"You've done an excellent job, Nono."
Closing the file, Chiya gently patted the back of her hand.
"Proceed exactly as planned."
"Funding will receive top priority."
"I'll have Shikaku and Minato fully support you."
"If you encounter any resistance, report directly to me."
"I understand."
Nono answered softly.
Leaning close to his ear, she whispered,
"Being able to ease your burden... is exactly what I should be doing."
Her warm breath carried a faint, pleasant fragrance.
Looking at her, Chiya immediately understood the meaning behind her actions.
It seemed he would have to visit the Konoha Orphanage sometime and properly study some medical knowledge.
Medical knowledge...
That was something he definitely needed to learn.
Just as Chiya was about to say something, another knock came from the office door.
Nono immediately straightened herself, returning to her calm and professional appearance, though a faint blush still lingered on her cheeks.
"Come in."
An ANBU operative instantly appeared inside the room and knelt on one knee.
"Lord Hokage."
"Advisor Nara and Advisor Namikaze are already waiting in the conference room."
"They require your final decision regarding the new border garrison deployment."
Chiya nodded.
"I understand."
"I'll be there shortly."
The ANBU operative accepted the order and vanished.
Standing up, Chiya looked toward Nono.
"The Academy reforms are entirely in your hands."
"They are the foundation of Konoha's future."
"Make sure they're carried through properly."
"Please rest assured, Lord Chiya."
Nono nodded solemnly, determination filling her eyes.
Picking up another set of documents, Chiya took two steps before suddenly turning back toward Yakushi Nono.
"Wait for me tonight."
Nono's cheeks instantly turned bright red.
In a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, she replied,
"Mhm... I will."
Smiling, Chiya finally left the office and strode toward the conference room.