Regarding the policy of assigning Medical-nin to teams, even within Konoha, where this system was already implemented, there were plenty of dissenting voices.
They shared the same thoughts as the Third Kazekage: believing that adding a Medical-nin with no combat power to a team on a mission would not only fail to help but would actually burden the team.
After all, while Medical-nin could save lives, the person needed to be alive to be saved.
If someone was killed outright in combat without even a chance to be injured, what use would a Medical-nin's healing abilities be?
However, this policy was ultimately implemented by Konoha's leadership and became a key factor in their success during the Third Shinobi World War. There were sound reasons for it.
Ryuji asked, "Do you think a mission that originally required three combat-capable Shinobi to complete would absolutely fail if you replaced one with a non-combatant who hinders the team?"
Hearing this definitive tone, the Third Kazekage pondered briefly. Unable to see how a mission could succeed with reduced combat power, he countered, "Could it still be completed?"
"Of course not, what are you thinking?"
"Then you..."
The Third Kazekage felt a surge of anger. He thought Ryuji was deliberately mocking him. But before he could finish his accusatory question, he was interrupted.
"Since you know it can't be completed, then why would you assign them such a mission in the first place?"
"We are discussing..."
The Third Kazekage answered instinctively but stopped mid-sentence as he suddenly grasped the crucial point.
He had been comparing a four-member combat-capable team with a team that included one Medical-nin, solely in terms of combat power.
He considered, for the same mission, with three regular Shinobi being the constant, which combination had a higher chance of success: adding another combat-capable Shinobi or adding a Medical-nin.
In such a simple comparison, the answer was obvious: four combat-capable Shinobi would more easily complete the mission.
However, village leaders assigned missions based on difficulty, dispatching teams of appropriate strength.
Under the premise that the leader's mission assessment was accurate, they would never assign a team with a Medical-nin, which is one combat tier lower, a mission requiring four fully combat-capable Shinobi.
In other words: If including a Medical-nin lowers the team's combat strength, then assign them missions that match the team's actual capabilities.
Thus, there would be no issue of lowering the mission success rate.
Moreover, with a Medical-nin present, minor and moderate injuries could be quickly healed, allowing the mission to continue.
Severely injured personnel could receive emergency treatment and be brought back to the village for further treatment. This wouldn't lower the mission success rate; instead, it would increase it and reduce mortality rates.
Whether viewed immediately or long-term, assigning a Medical-nin to a team was beneficial and harmless.
"Even if there's an extremely high-difficulty mission requiring all four team members to be combat-capable, personnel can be temporarily reassigned to form an ad-hoc team."
Konoha handled such situations similarly.
For example, for the mission to stop Anrokuzan from seizing the Dragon Vein, the Third Hokage dispatched a team consisting of Namikaze Minato, Akimichi Choza, Aburame Shibi, and Hatake Kakashi.
Normally, a team would be one Jonin leading three Chunin.
Ryuji's final addition dispelled the Third Kazekage's remaining doubts.
He let out a long sigh. "I never realized there were so many intricacies involved."
Actually, these issues were relatively straightforward.
It's just that everyone viewed the problem with preconceptions, didn't investigate deeply, and simply assumed things were as they imagined.
This led most people in the Shinobi World to fail to recognize the true value of Medical-nin and understand how crucial a system assigning a Medical-nin to each team was for a Shinobi Village.
It was only during the mid-to-late stages of the war, when everyone noticed Konoha fought the most frequent and intense battles yet suffered the fewest casualties, that the realization dawned.
So, Medical-nin were that important.
But by then, trying to nurture Medical-nin was already too late.
This is also why, in the original work, by the mid-to-late war period, even a captured Medical-nin... as long as they were willing to treat injured enemies, they would be treated as honored guests.
"You are right. There is a significant gap between us and Konoha." The Third Kazekage took a deep breath.
He placed his hands on the desk, stood up, and walked to the window, looking out at the village bathed in twilight.
Under the dusky afterglow, shadows stretched long.
On the streets, many adults held their children's hands on the way home. The entire village seemed to radiate the happiness and joy of families.
Witnessing this scene, the Third Kazekage's eyes grew more resolute. "Our gap with Konoha isn't just in current combat strength; it lies more in systemic and foundational differences. We must change this situation as soon as possible."
"So, you agree to send people to study abroad?"
"Yes. I will negotiate with the Konoha's envoys. We will definitely succeed."
At this point, the Third Kazekage hesitated slightly before asking, "Regarding the study abroad delegation, do you have any good candidates in mind?"
"No."
The idea of sending people to Konoha to study and learn only occurred to Ryuji after the high-level meeting and the incident where Pakura led twenty people with a significant advantage in pursuit yet still lost six. How could he have specific candidates ready?
However, while he lacked specific names, he did have suggestions.
"The delegation members absolutely cannot be from the older generation. Due to past wars, they harbor much resentment towards Konoha. Even if they could set aside their hatred and humbly seek guidance, the Konoha's side might not let go of past grievances and teach earnestly."
"They also shouldn't be too young. Whether as instructors or Medical-nin, stringent qualifications are required. If too young, they might not be able to learn effectively."
"The best choice would be teenagers around fifteen or sixteen who possess intelligence, maturity, and exceptional Chakra Control."
'Are you sure you're not just describing yourself?'
The Third Kazekage silently complained but kept a straight face. "I understand. Once the negotiation results are in, I will carefully consider the delegation members."
"Good. Also, send the funds and personnel for building the Mechanical City as soon as possible. Although the schedule might be delayed due to funding constraints, we should do as much as we can now. Who knows, we might have the money later!"
"I will send people tomorrow."
"Additionally, don't kill the two Konoha's Shinobi you captured. In fact, don't mistreat them at all. They might be used as bargaining chips in this negotiation."