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After training ended, Tsunade clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.
"Alright. Before we wrap up, let me go over the training plan moving forward."
She looked at Shizune and Kurenai first.
"I've already spoken with the Medical Department and the hospital. Starting next week, both of you will begin regular training and internships there. Theory, anatomy, pharmacology, clinical practice—you'll learn everything step by step. For the foreseeable future, your goal is to become proper, competent medical-nin."
"Yes, Tsunade-sensei!" Shizune answered immediately, eyes shining.
Becoming a great medical-nin had always been her dream. She couldn't hide her excitement.
Kurenai's reaction was more complicated. A flicker of hesitation passed through her crimson eyes. Becoming a specialized medical-nin wasn't her goal. What she wanted was to combine her family's genjutsu with her swordsmanship and walk her own path.
But Tsunade's earlier words and Shinichi's perspective surfaced in her mind.
Medical ninjutsu training focused on extremely precise chakra control and deep understanding of the body's meridians, organs, and chakra system. That same level of control and insight would be incredibly valuable for weaving genjutsu and syncing it perfectly with sword techniques.
Even if she never specialized in medical ninjutsu, the experience of working in the hospital and dealing with real injuries and cases would sharpen her chakra manipulation and give her a much deeper understanding of the human body—something that could become the foundation of her strength in the future.
The hesitation in Kurenai's eyes gradually faded. She nodded seriously. "I understand, Tsunade-sensei. I'll study hard."
Tsunade had clearly expected that reaction. She gave a small nod of approval.
Shizune suddenly spoke up. "Tsunade-sensei, what about Shinichi? Isn't he coming to the hospital with us?"
Tsunade's expression didn't change. "That brat's already been spending time at the hospital. He's not just learning anymore—he can already handle quite a few cases on his own. He's doing better than plenty of full-time medical-nin who've been at it for years."
"Anyway, I'll send you the detailed schedule and contacts later." Tsunade waved a hand, clearly done with the topic. "That's it for today. Dismissed."
The setting sun painted the streets of Konoha in warm gold. Shinichi walked home at a steady pace, replaying his conversation with Orochimaru in his head.
Becoming Orochimaru's research assistant?
The offer itself was extremely tempting.
Orochimaru's talent, knowledge, and depth of research into ninjutsu and the nature of life were among the very best in the entire shinobi world. Following him would bring immeasurable benefits in medical ninjutsu, biology, and even fundamental chakra research.
More importantly, Orochimaru was likely already working with Shimura Danzo. There was a good chance he had access to First Hokage cells.
Shinichi had been coveting those legendary cells for a long time. They were top-tier material for exploring body reinforcement and bloodline fusion possibilities.
On top of that, the current Orochimaru was still seen as a hero of Konoha—one of the Sannin who had earned great merits in the last war and was a trusted disciple of the Third Hokage. Working under him wouldn't damage Shinichi's image. It might even add another layer of prestige.
But not now.
Shinichi knew that while Orochimaru hadn't yet fallen into his later obsession with immortality, the last war had already damaged him. Especially after witnessing the death of Nawaki—Tsunade's younger brother and his own student—his mental state had become unstable and dangerous.
All three of the Sannin had been affected by the war in their own ways.
Jiraiya acted carefree but had placed his hopes in vague prophecies and spent most of his time outside the village.
Tsunade had developed hemophobia and numbed herself with alcohol and gambling.
Orochimaru had turned toward extreme research into the nature of life and a nihilistic questioning of existence itself.
"Every single one of them is difficult to deal with," Shinichi muttered, shaking his head. He pushed the calculations aside for now. "I'll revisit this after I become a jonin and obtain a purple trait."
He still didn't have any purple-quality traits. He had thought that once Chinese Restaurant became popular across the entire Land of Fire and new dishes caused waves of excitement, his blue [Gastronome] trait would evolve into purple. But that hadn't happened.
From his experience so far, blue traits were easiest to obtain or upgrade in the core regions of the shinobi world—places like the capitals of the Five Great Nations or the Five Great Hidden Villages. Showing clear excellence in a field and gaining recognition from influential figures was usually enough.
Purple traits were on another level.
If even dominating an entire country wasn't enough, then purple likely required recognition across multiple nations or even the entire shinobi world. It probably meant becoming a recognized master or representative in a specific field—someone people immediately thought of when that subject came up.
Like how people thought of Tsunade for medical ninjutsu, Chiyo and Hanzo for poison, or White Fang, Hanzo, and Mifune for swordsmanship.
Purple traits were much harder to obtain than he had expected.
But that also meant the benefits they provided would be far greater than he had imagined.
Becoming a publicly acknowledged representative in any field was still difficult for him right now.
However, he had his own shortcut.
Once he was promoted to jonin and gained the corresponding recognition, he would unlock the trait benefits that came with the [Jonin] class—specifically, the chance to draw a purple trait. His strength would step onto an entirely new level.
After that, progress would come much faster.
Only after obtaining both the [Jonin] class and a new purple trait would he have enough confidence to stand in front of Orochimaru as an equal—or even take the lead.
Shinichi looked up at the sky. The sun had already sunk low, leaving only a dark red glow on the horizon. He picked up his pace and headed home.
For now, the most important thing was to use the remaining time before the war to strengthen his foundation and raise his power.
Orochimaru's invitation and the temptation of First Hokage cells would have to wait. Only when he was strong enough, with enough chips and confidence, could he truly control the opportunities and dangers hidden in the shadows and turn them into stepping stones.
At the same time, in Kumogakure, inside the Raikage's office.
"It's basically confirmed now. The Third Kazekage is missing—very likely dead."
The Third Raikage's voice was deep and heavy, like rolling thunder.
"The Land of Wind is definitely in chaos right now. Sunagakure has no leader. Their strength is at its weakest and their defenses are at their most vulnerable. I've decided to personally lead an elite team to go take a look."
He turned around, his sharp gaze sweeping over his core aides before settling on Dodai.
"Dodai, handle the necessary support and follow-up arrangements on your end."
Dodai looked at the Third Raikage and let out a long, silent sigh in his heart.
Do you have any idea how far the Land of Wind is from us?
How many countries we'd have to cross?
We'd be skirting the edges of the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth. It's basically announcing we're invading someone's backyard.
And even if we beat Sunagakure, what do we actually gain? Just showing off our strength?
But he only thought these things. He knew the Raikage's personality far too well—overwhelmingly powerful and straightforward to a fault. Once he decided on something, no one could talk him out of it.
When he entered this "I think this is a good idea" mode, any logical arguments about geography or politics became useless.
Forget it…
Dodai sighed inwardly again, then answered respectfully, "Understood, Lord Raikage. I'll immediately prepare a list of the most reliable members skilled in stealth and long-distance operations for your review. But please act with caution and focus on reconnaissance."
"Mm. I'm counting on you." The Third Raikage looked satisfied with Dodai's efficiency. He waved a hand, eyes burning with fighting spirit. "Move fast. An opportunity this good can't be handed over to that old fox Ōnoki or that old monkey Hiruzen Sarutobi!"