"Aaah…"
A loud yawn echoed through the small apartment.
Shorai stretched beneath his blanket, feeling the remaining comfort of sleep gradually fade as the results of his mental training settled into place.
'A new day. A new path ahead.'
He stared at the ceiling, silently reviewing the plan before him.
'Mental training. Then simulation translated into physical practice—with my body and chakra.'
'The Water Release pathway as the foundation for the stillness state.'
'Then comes Wind.'
His eyes narrowed slightly.
'Wind should complement it through gradual, controlled molecular acceleration.'
'It is one thing to create Ice by freezing water molecules. It is another thing entirely to move it through a chosen pattern.'
His thoughts drifted toward Haku.
'Haku's Ice Release appeared to form through Water and his natural Yin inheritance coming together.'
'Freezing at a chosen point. Creating stillness.'
'He did not seem to use Wind as part of the formation itself. Yet he could use it—primarily to enhance his movement.'
Shorai lay quietly for a moment.
'An advanced form of Ice application… Water, Yin, and Wind.'
'Not static. Dynamic.'
'Mid- to long-range ice strikes that can be redirected, accelerated, and shaped after their creation.'
His mind moved through another remembered example.
'The shinobi from the Land of Snow had used Ice Release differently as well.'
'More flexible. More active.'
'Perhaps their Wind nature was not necessary for the ice itself—but for moving it once formed.'
Shorai's brow furrowed.
'The same principle may apply to Gaara.'
'His sand moved with too much precision to be ordinary Earth Release. It responded like a part of him.'
'Earth and Wind were traditionally named as the foundation of Magnet Release. Yet the old fan in me still finds it strange.'
'Magnetism always seemed closer to Lightning.'
He released a faint breath through his nose.
'But perhaps the old explanation was incomplete.'
'The Third Kazekage's Iron Sand, Gaara's control over individual grains… it may not be ordinary Magnet Release alone.'
'An inherited attraction field, perhaps. Something connected to the body's natural static, Yin influence, and chakra itself.'
'Then Earth Release provides the material. The particles.'
His thoughts deepened, branching into theories and remembered details.
Then—
Knock.
Knock.
Shorai blinked.
He sat up, quickly adjusted himself into a presentable state, and walked to the door.
When he opened it, Eagle stood on the other side.
"Good morning, Shorai," Eagle said. "The Fifth summons you. Prepare yourself and report immediately."
Shorai gave a small nod.
"Understood."
Eagle turned and left, allowing him the time to wash, dress, and prepare.
—
By the time Shorai reached the Hokage Tower, the morning streets had fully awakened.
He walked through the corridor leading toward Tsunade's office, only to find a familiar green-clad jonin standing near the entrance.
Might Guy was arguing with an ANBU operative wearing an Owl mask.
"Guy-san," Owl said with weary patience, "I understand your concern. But interrupting the Fifth's work will not help Lee."
Guy's fists trembled at his sides.
"You saw the state of her office," Owl continued. "She has only just taken the Hokage's position. There is an entire village waiting for her decisions."
Guy's tense expression faltered.
The fire in his eyes gave way to exhaustion and worry.
"You are right," he said quietly. "I allowed my emotions to carry me away."
He turned slightly toward the office door.
"I will wait calmly. I will not interrupt her again."
"Thank you, Guy," Owl replied.
Then the masked operative noticed Shorai's arrival.
Shorai approached them quietly.
Guy stepped away from the door and leaned back against the opposite wall. His face held an uneasy mixture of anticipation and fear.
"Good morning, Guy-sensei," Shorai said.
"Morning, Shorai-kun."
For a brief moment, Guy attempted a warm smile.
It did not fully reach his eyes.
Shorai stepped closer and offered his hand.
Guy took it.
"I will not make a promise I cannot prove," Shorai said softly. "But Lady Tsunade returned to this village for a reason. I believe she will examine every possible option for Lee."
Guy's grip tightened around his hand.
"T-thank you, Shorai-kun," he said, his voice low. "That is all I can ask."
Shorai nodded once.
Then he turned toward Owl.
"Lady Fifth is expecting you," Owl said. "Go in."
He gave a practiced knock against the door before opening it.
Shorai took one final glance at Guy, then stepped inside.
—
Tsunade sat behind her desk with a deep frown, reading through a stack of reports.
Documents covered nearly every clear space before her. Another pile waited beside her chair. A third sat on the edge of the desk as if ready to collapse.
Shizune sat at a smaller table nearby, sorting through scrolls and writing notes.
Shorai entered, gave a small formal bow, and remained silent.
A few seconds passed.
Then Tsunade threw a stack of documents onto the table.
"Finally."
She released a long breath and rubbed her forehead.
"Shizune, I am leaving the rest to you for a while."
Shizune looked up from the scroll in her hands.
"Lady Tsunade, that will be difficult. The intelligence reports alone—"
"Send anything that needs immediate approval to the Elders, Shikaku, and Ibiki."
Tsunade rose from her chair and stretched both arms above her head.
"Tell them I ordered it."
"But—"
"Good."
Tsunade's eyes moved toward Shorai.
"Shorai."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade?"
"I wanted to check a few things with you before you disappear into training again."
Her arms crossed over her chest.
"We are going to the hospital."
Shorai's expression remained calm, though his attention sharpened.
"There are patients there I need to examine personally," Tsunade continued. "Naruto and Guy have both been pestering me about it."
Her eyes briefly flickered toward the door.
"But that is not the only reason."
Shizune lowered her pen.
Tsunade's lips curved faintly.
"A Hokage has more than enemies and paperwork to think about."
Her voice became quieter.
"Our leaves need care. I cannot let them wither away."
Shizune's expression softened.
"And Guy-san truly has not stopped worrying about Lee," she added. "His devotion to that student is… admirable."
"Guy would go farther than most people could imagine for those he cares about," Shorai said gently. "I can only imagine how hard this has been for him."
"Hmph."
Tsunade glanced toward the door.
"That is one matter."
Then she pointed directly at Shorai.
"The other is you."
Shorai blinked once.
"Our cute little monster."
Her tone was teasing, but her eyes were serious.
"I need to check your theories and abilities. Especially that creation of yours."
Shorai lowered his head slightly.
"I will do what I can to assist you."
"Good."
Tsunade moved toward the door.
"Then let us stop wasting time."
—
Guy looked up immediately when Tsunade stepped into the corridor.
"Guy."
"Y-yes, Lady Fifth?"
"Come with us. I am going to inspect the hospital myself."
Guy's eyes widened.
Tsunade raised one finger.
"Be patient. I will not leave anyone behind."
The anxious jonin seemed to hold his breath.
Then he bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Lady Fifth."
Tsunade began walking toward the stairway.
The moment she stepped outside, a loud voice greeted her from below.
"Finally!"
Naruto stood near the base of the stairs, his face filled with impatient frustration.
"Granny! This is important! Don't tell me you forgot! We need to help Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke, and Bushy Brow!"
Then he noticed Shorai and Guy behind her.
"Oh! Shorai? Guy-sensei?"
"Relax," Shorai said with a small smile. "We are on our way there now."
Naruto's expression brightened immediately.
"Really?"
"Really."
Naruto rushed up the stairs and joined them.
"Then let's hurry!"
—
The group moved through the morning streets of Konoha.
Autumn had begun settling over the village. The wind was cooler than it had been only weeks ago, and scattered leaves moved quietly along the street beneath their sandals.
Tsunade walked at the front with an unhurried confidence, greeting villagers with brief nods whenever someone recognized her.
Guy and Shorai followed in silence.
Naruto repeatedly moved ahead, then returned, then moved ahead again.
"Come on," he complained. "Why are we walking so slowly?"
"We are not walking slowly," Tsunade said without looking back.
"You are simply running ahead."
Naruto folded his arms.
"Hmph."
Before long, they reached Konoha Hospital.
The receptionist behind the desk looked up from her records.
The moment she recognized Tsunade, her expression froze.
"L-Lady Tsunade—ah—excuse me. Hokage-sama!"
"The one and only," Tsunade said flatly.
She looked around the reception area.
"Send the person responsible for managing this facility to meet me. I want a complete report on the hospital's current condition, staff, resources, and patients."
"Y-yes, Lady Fifth!"
The receptionist immediately began writing.
"I also need the medical files for Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Sasuke, and Rock Lee."
"O-of course!"
She hurriedly opened a drawer, searched through labels, then retrieved three folders.
Tsunade accepted them.
"I will send someone to guide you to their rooms, Lady Fifth," the receptionist said nervously.
"That will be fine."
Tsunade paused.
"And while I am in this building, address me as Tsunade-sama. I am here as a medic first."
The receptionist's eyes widened.
"Y-yes, Tsunade-sama."
—
A nurse led them through the hospital corridor and stopped outside Sasuke's room.
When Tsunade entered, Shorai immediately noticed that the room was no longer empty.
Sakura sat beside Sasuke's bed, her shoulders lowered and her hands resting quietly in her lap.
A small vase of flowers stood on the table beside him.
She looked up at the sound of the door opening.
"Shorai-kun?"
A brief softness appeared in her expression.
Then she noticed Tsunade.
Her eyes widened.
"L-Lady Fifth… Hokage-sama?"
"Sakura-chan!"
Naruto rushed past Shorai and into the room.
"She is finally here! She is going to help Sasuke!"
Sakura rose quickly from her chair.
"What is happening?"
A nurse appeared at the door behind them.
"Miss Haruno, I thought I told you that Uchiha-san needed rest. Visitors are not—"
"It is fine," Tsunade interrupted. "Thank you. Leave us for now."
The nurse bowed and stepped away.
Tsunade studied Sakura for a moment.
Then her eyes moved to the flowers.
A faint, knowing smile touched her lips.
"I have heard about you," Tsunade said. "You are Haruno Sakura."
Sakura nodded quickly.
"Yes, Lady—Tsunade-sama."
"Please help him," she whispered.
"That is why I am here."
Tsunade walked closer to Sasuke's bed.
She opened his medical file, scanned through several pages, then closed it again.
Without a word, she handed the stack to Shorai.
Then she pulled Sakura's chair closer and sat beside Sasuke.
Her palm rested gently against his forehead.
The room grew quiet.
A pale green glow formed around Tsunade's hand.
Naruto watched with obvious hope.
Sakura stood motionless beside the bed.
Shorai observed in silence.
A minute passed.
Then another.
Finally, Tsunade withdrew her hand.
"Hm."
Her gaze remained on Sasuke.
"His physical condition is stable," she said. "The problem is not his body alone."
Sakura's hands tightened together.
Tsunade's expression hardened slightly.
"He was struck by a powerful genjutsu. The trauma was severe enough to leave his mind trapped in the aftermath of the experience."
Sakura lowered her eyes.
"It is possible to wake him now," Tsunade continued.
Sakura stepped forward.
"Really?"
"Do not get ahead of yourself."
Tsunade shook her head.
"If he wakes before his mind has begun to settle, there is a chance he will immediately relive what was done to him."
Naruto's hopeful expression faded.
"So… we should just leave him like this?"
"No."
Tsunade's voice remained firm.
"We monitor him. We stabilize his chakra. We encourage recovery carefully."
Her eyes moved toward Shorai.
"Check him."
Sakura blinked.
Naruto raised one brow.
Shorai set the files aside and approached the bed.
He placed two fingers lightly against Sasuke's wrist and closed his eyes.
His chakra extended in a thin, controlled current.
He felt the familiar pathways beneath Sasuke's skin.
Physically stable.
But the chakra flow around his head and upper network was uneven. It was not broken. It was simply withdrawn, as though a part of Sasuke's consciousness had closed itself away from the world.
Shorai removed his hand after several long moments.
"I do not have much to add," he said. "Lady Tsunade's assessment is correct."
His gaze moved briefly toward Sasuke.
"A sudden stimulus could accelerate the process, but it would be dangerous without exact control."
He looked toward Sakura and Naruto.
"Gradual recovery and assisted stabilization are safer than forcing an immediate awakening."
"How long?" Naruto asked.
Sakura's voice joined his almost immediately.
"How long?"
Shorai paused.
"It depends on him," Tsunade answered before he could speak. "A week. Perhaps two."
Sakura's shoulders fell.
Naruto looked at Sasuke with a troubled expression.
"But he will wake up, right?" he asked quietly.
Tsunade did not offer an empty promise.
"If he continues to stabilize, yes."
Naruto drew in a breath.
Then he forced a determined smile.
"See, Sakura-chan? He will be fine. Sasuke is stubborn. He will wake up soon and act like nothing happened."
Sakura gave a small nod.
"Mm."
Her eyes returned to Sasuke.
Tsunade rose from her chair.
"Good analysis, Shorai."
Shorai lowered his head.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."
"Next."
—
Kakashi's room was quieter.
The jonin sat upright in bed, leaning against his pillow with his visible eye half-lidded. He looked tired, but far more awake than Sasuke.
Tsunade stood at the edge of his bed, her arms crossed.
"Look at that. Another reckless fellow," she said. "You pushed yourself too far."
"I am sorry," Kakashi replied lazily. "It was an unexpected situation."
"That excuse is becoming a habit."
Shorai stepped into view beside Naruto, a sly smile appearing on his face.
Kakashi's eye shifted toward him.
"An unexpected moment, right?" Shorai asked, a small grin forming.
Kakashi stared at him in silence.
"How is the hospital food?" Shorai continued, pressing the matter. "I see your yearning for it has not changed. It may have grown stronger since our mission together."
Kakashi released a quiet breath.
"This is different, Shorai."
"Of course."
Shorai's smile remained polite.
"But your dedication to becoming a patient is impressive."
Kakashi's eye narrowed faintly.
"Your tongue is still sharp."
"Then you should rest," Shorai said. "Perhaps a stricter diet of hospital food would be appropriate for a patient as committed as yourself."
Kakashi let out a sound close to a groan.
"Your bedside manners have not improved at all."
Tsunade's expression shifted into faint amusement.
"I take it the two of you have quite a few shared memories."
Her gaze moved toward the door.
"But enough."
"Guy might turn into Naruto from impatience."
"Hey, Granny!" Naruto protested.
Tsunade glanced at the blond boy.
"Why are you still standing here? Leave this to me, Naruto. Do you not have anything else you should be doing?"
Her lips curled faintly.
"I can certainly arrange that if you do not."
"Eh…"
Naruto suddenly stiffened in realization.
"Oh, I forgot." He rubbed the back of his head. "Iruka-sensei and I agreed to meet. I have to go!"
"Granny Tsunade! Shorai! Goodbye!"
Naruto's fading voice echoed from the hall.
"That rascal," Tsunade muttered, though her lips remained faintly curved.
Then she turned her attention toward the waiting green-suited jonin.
—
They moved through several corridors before reaching Rock Lee's room.
Guy stepped ahead of them, his pace suddenly unsteady.
"Rock Lee," he murmured.
Then he opened the door.
Lee sat upright in bed, staring toward the window.
His leg was held in a rigid brace, while his arm remained heavily bandaged. The usual brightness in his eyes had dimmed beneath exhaustion and pain.
"Lee," Guy said, forcing a smile. "Lady Tsunade is here."
He turned awkwardly toward her.
"The Fifth Hokage—Lady Tsunade—"
Tsunade raised a hand, stopping him.
Her eyes were already fixed on Lee's injuries.
She stepped forward and inspected the brace around his leg.
Her expression slowly became more serious.
"Fifth…" Guy said quietly.
Tsunade did not answer immediately.
She examined Lee's leg with careful hands, then placed a light pulse of chakra against the damaged area.
The room remained silent.
Finally, Tsunade stepped back.
"Kid."
Lee lifted his eyes toward her.
"Are you still determined to remain a shinobi?"
Lee's expression tightened.
He looked down at his injured leg and arm.
Then he looked toward Guy.
Finally, he turned back to Tsunade.
"With all my being," he said quietly. "It is the only thing I have wanted."
His hands curled into fists.
"I want to prove that I can become a splendid shinobi, even without talent in ninjutsu or genjutsu."
Tsunade's gaze did not soften.
"Do you want my honest answer?"
Guy nodded quickly.
"Of course—"
"Not you, Guy."
Tsunade gave him a sharp look.
"This is Lee's life. He is the one who must live with the consequences."
Guy fell silent immediately.
Lee drew in a breath.
"Yes," he said. "I want to hear it."
"Then quit being a shinobi."
The room froze.
Lee's eyes widened.
Guy stared at Tsunade in disbelief.
"That is the reality of your injuries," she continued. "Your arm and leg are badly damaged. Even if they heal, there is no guarantee that you will ever regain the physical ability you had before."
Her eyes remained fixed on Lee.
"If you keep trying to train while your body is in this condition, you may damage yourself beyond recovery."
Guy's hands trembled.
"L-Lady Tsunade…"
"She is right," Shorai said quietly.
Guy turned sharply toward him.
Shorai's gaze remained on Lee.
"This is not a matter of effort alone. A damaged body does not become whole simply because its owner refuses to give up."
Lee's face fell.
The words struck harder because they were true.
For a moment, he looked smaller than Shorai had ever seen him.
'A test of one's heart,' Shorai thought.
'For someone in his place… the loss of a dream could become the loss of everything.'
'It could push a person over the edge.'
"N-no," Lee said, fighting the tears rising in his eyes.
His voice shook.
"Any method," Lee continued. "Any risk. Please."
"Do not say such foolish things."
Tsunade's voice rose sharply.
"Medicine is not a miracle. Doctors are not gods."
Lee flinched.
"There are limits to what healing can do."
Then Tsunade paused.
Her eyes narrowed.
"However…"
Lee's face lifted.
Guy stared at her with sudden hope.
Tsunade folded her arms.
"There may be a procedure."
The room went still once again.
"It is dangerous," Tsunade said. "Extremely dangerous."
Her voice was direct.
"The operation would be difficult. There is a real chance you would die on the operating table."
Guy's expression tightened in horror.
Lee listened without moving.
"I cannot promise you success," Tsunade continued. "And even if the operation succeeds, recovery will demand more from you than any training you have faced before."
Her gaze sharpened.
"So answer carefully, Rock Lee."
"Are you prepared to accept those consequences?"
Lee's hands clenched at his sides.
For a moment, his eyes lowered.
Then he wiped away the moisture gathering at the corners.
"It is my dream," he said.
His voice grew stronger.
"The ninja way I chose to follow and protect."
He looked directly at Tsunade.
"My one and only way."
Tsunade blinked.
For the first time, genuine surprise crossed her face.
Shorai watched her expression shift.
'Our dreams…'
A quiet half-smile touched his lips.
"I suppose it is only natural to protect it," Shorai said carefully. "Is it not, Lady Tsunade?"
Tsunade's eyes flickered toward him.
Then she looked back at Lee.
"You… boy."
Her tone was rough, but not unkind.
"Are you prepared to face the consequences of that emotional outburst? This is not a game."
Lee nodded without hesitation.
"Yes."
The silence stretched.
Then Tsunade released a heavy breath.
"So be it."
Her expression softened.
"Another gamble rises before me."
She looked at Lee with quiet intensity.
"I cannot promise you anything, Rock Lee."
"But I will find a way to give your dream a chance to live on."
Lee's eyes widened.
"R-really?"
Guy rushed forward to Lee's bedside.
"Is it truly possible?"
"Our Fifth Hokage is the Legendary Medical Expert," Shorai said, a faint smile in his voice. "You are fortunate she is not an impostor."
Guy blinked.
Then a strained laugh escaped him.
Tsunade glanced sideways at Shorai.
He lowered his voice, meant only for her.
"Where there is a will, there is a way."
His eyes sharpened slightly.
"Only percentages. You have a habit of swindling the odds."
Tsunade's lips twitched.
Then she turned back toward Lee.
"Do not misunderstand. Hope is not the same as certainty."
Her tone became firm.
"Until I tell you otherwise, you will remain in bed and follow every instruction given to you. If you sneak out to train again, I will personally make sure Guy cannot find you for a month."
Lee stiffened.
"Yes, Tsunade-sama!"
"Good."
Tsunade turned toward the door.
"Come, Shorai."
Shorai gave Lee and Guy a small nod before following her out.
—
Tsunade spoke briefly with a nurse and requested access to a private examination room.
Once the door closed behind them, her expression changed.
The warmth from Lee's room vanished.
She faced Shorai directly.
"Now," she said, "it is time for you to show me the honesty you promised."
Shorai met her gaze.
Tsunade's eyes were sharp.
"Show me what kind of recklessness you have been practicing in the name of medical progress."
"Understood."
She pointed to the center of the room.
"Sit."
Shorai obeyed.
Tsunade stood in front of him with her arms crossed.
"You said it was a special form of regenerative Yang Release," she began. "Something involving cellular activity and muscle restoration."
"Yes."
Shorai looked up at her.
"Yang Release: Perfect Body Revival."
Tsunade's expression did not change.
"Explain."
Shorai inhaled quietly.
"It involves several fused restorative biochemical cycles within the body," he said. "Chakra supplies the energy required to sustain those cycles, while my focus directs the regeneration through damaged areas."
He paused.
"There is more."
"I assumed there was."
Tsunade's brows drew together.
Shorai looked down at his hands.
"As long as I can navigate the pathways carefully and continue supplying chakra…"
His voice became quieter.
"Even exhausted—or dying—cells can be restored."
The room became still.
Tsunade did not interrupt.
Shorai continued.
"I do not know the exact medical term."
He lifted his eyes again.
"It feels like the cells are being reminded of what they were meant to be."
A pause.
"Reprogrammed, perhaps. Their memory refreshed."
For several seconds, Tsunade said nothing.
Then she released a slow breath.
"What a monster."
Her words were quiet.
Not disgusted.
Not afraid.
But stunned.
Her gaze remained fixed on Shorai.
"You have no idea what you are describing, do you?"
Shorai's expression remained composed.
"I know it is dangerous."
"No."
Tsunade stepped closer.
"You know it is powerful. That is not the same thing."
Her eyes narrowed.
"A body is not a broken tool that can be restored from a diagram. Muscle, nerves, blood, organs, chakra pathways, memories… all of it is connected."
She crouched in front of him.
"If you restore tissue incorrectly, you could create cells that grow without stopping. You could strengthen damaged muscle in the wrong position. You could force pathways open that should remain closed."
Her voice lowered.
"And if you ever try something like this on another person without understanding every consequence…"
The warning did not need to be completed.
Shorai listened without looking away.
Tsunade's expression eased slightly.
"Your technique may be extraordinary," she said. "But extraordinary things destroy people when they are treated like toys."
She rose to her feet.
"Starting today, you will not practice it alone."
Shorai's brow moved slightly.
"Lady Tsunade?"
"I will examine your body, your chakra pathways, and every piece of theory you think you understand."
Her tone became firm.
"And before you ask—no, you will not be helping with Rock Lee's surgery."
Shorai was silent.
Tsunade continued.
"His body is damaged in ways you cannot safely correct by forcing cells to recover. If tissue regenerates around broken bones or torn tendons in the wrong alignment, you will make his condition worse."
She crossed her arms again.
"You may have a role after the operation. Only if I decide it is safe."
Shorai lowered his head.
"I understand."
"Good."
Tsunade walked toward the examination table and began preparing several tools and chakra-sensitive instruments.
"Now take off your shirt."
Shorai blinked once.
Tsunade looked back at him with an impatient expression.
"What?"
"Nothing."
He stood.
"Only… your bedside manner is very direct, Lady Tsunade."
"Hmph."
A faint smirk appeared on her lips.
"You can complain after I make sure you have not turned yourself into a walking medical disaster."