Tsunade wasn't fully aware of the internal circumstances, but she knew Uchiha Kagami.
He had been her teacher's comrade-in-arms, praised by the Second Hokage as the one Uchiha who truly understood the "Will of Fire."
As one of the Second Hokage's personal guards, Uchiha Kagami's strength, talent, and status were beyond question.
Kyohiko shared some of his thoughts about past events.
"If he hadn't died young, he would have undoubtedly entered Konoha's upper echelons and become a core figure in the village's leadership."
"Once there's a breakthrough, dividing the Uchiha clan wouldn't be difficult."
At this thought, Tsunade couldn't help but sigh softly.
Perhaps that was exactly what the Second Hokage had envisioned.
But.
The old man (Hiruzen) and Danzo, upon taking over, were immediately faced with chaos and war, leaving them no time to deal with internal affairs. Later, Uchiha Kagami died in battle, and the matter was shelved indefinitely.
As for nurturing a new Uchiha…
Tsunade wasn't looking down on the old man or Danzo, but from the time she took office, not a single Uchiha had been accepted or mentored by either of them.
Instead, the Uchiha had only grown more distant from Konoha's center.
However, Tsunade was no naive rookie, nor was she as idealistic as Naruto would later be, let alone the gullible Jiraiya of the past.
She understood all too well—
Suddenly lifting restrictions on the Uchiha wouldn't foster mutual understanding. On the contrary, it might make the Uchiha believe Konoha was vulnerable.
"Kyohiko, I'll leave the Uchiha matter entirely in your hands."
"Understood. But before that, I need to find someone. I might need your help later, sis."
"Me?"
Tsunade had already moved past her initial shock.
She smiled. "As long as you're not asking me to fight the Nine-Tails for you, I'll do my best to help with anything else."
"It's nothing like that. Do you remember Gekko Hayate from the Gekko family?? He has some health issues. I'll check on him first. If there's a problem, I might need you to perform surgery."
...
Leaving the Hokage's office, Kyohiko didn't head home. Instead, he went straight to the Ninja Academy.
The academy was bustling with activity.
The schoolyard was packed during the short break between classes, with students running and training, every second precious.
Kyohiko sat outside the campus, in no hurry to enter.
Earlier, when he left the Namikaze household, he had heard a prompt—
[Although your ideals differ, as the Hokage, you have still earned the complete trust of your subordinate, Namikaze Minato.]
[Reward: Flying Thunder God Technique (Beginner Level)]
As expected.
Flying Thunder God!
While observing the schoolyard, Kyohiko began assimilating the new memories.
He wasn't here to scout Uchiha Shisui—the boy hadn't even enrolled yet. He would only reach admission age during this year's intake.
But.
Gekko Hayate's condition wasn't urgent.
Flying Thunder God was far more important.
"Beginner-level Flying Thunder God..."
Kyohiko absorbed the memories, quietly sensing the additional knowledge and control.
Soon, he had a rough understanding.
Flying Thunder God.
Namikaze Minato was definitely not a beginner. If proficiency levels were compared, Minato had likely been at an intermediate or even advanced stage when he first started using it.
Beginner-level Flying Thunder God...
From constructing the pathway to teleportation, it took at least five seconds. The speed of creating the technique's formula wasn't particularly fast either.
Additionally, perhaps because Kyohiko had studied the Second Hokage's scrolls and notes extensively, his formula resembled Tobirama's—
A patterned symbol.
"Let's test it."
Kyohiko pressed his hand against the wall.
Moments later, a patterned symbol quietly materialized.
Flying Thunder God Formula!
Though it was also a patterned symbol, his design differed slightly from Tobirama's. Based on Kyohiko's prior research and the newly acquired memories...
This was related to the state of one's chakra.
Unless under special circumstances, each person's chakra was unique. Therefore, the method of constructing the formula had to be researched and discovered individually.
The system had simply shortened the time required for this process.
Now then—
Flying Thunder God!
A sheet of paper from his pocket was teleported over.
Completely intact.
"Short distance, and teleporting objects seems faster—the spatial pathway doesn't need to be as stable."
Kyohiko pondered.
That made sense.
If the stability requirements for the spatial pathway were lowered, construction could be completed more quickly. For example—
Activating the Lightning Release Chakra Mode while using Flying Thunder God, or teleporting someone with physical prowess like Might Dai or the Raikage.
Further experiments could wait.
For now, it was time to focus on the main task.
...
Inside the Ninja Academy's vice-principal's office.
When Utatane Koharu saw Kyohiko, her brows furrowed—clearly, she was already bracing for trouble.
She sighed.
"Kyohiko, what new idea do you have this time?"
"Nothing. I'm just here to see someone."
Kyohiko quickly clarified.
He didn't come just to pick fights every time.
If he had to choose between Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, Kyohiko would pick Homura without hesitation.
At least the man was willing to work and rarely complained.
When it came to the academy's operations, aside from lacking innovation, he had always performed well.
Homura visibly relaxed.
"Who are you looking for?"
"Gekko Hayate. I've heard his health isn't great. Previously, neither I nor Tsunade had the time to look into it. Now seems like a good opportunity."
Kyohiko explained.
Homura's expression grew serious.
"Gekko Hayate... Yes, his health has been poor, and it's already affecting his studies..."
He sighed at this point.
The Gekko clan had contributed significantly to the Anbu, but there had been no solution for Gekko Hayate's condition.
"Gekko Hayate often coughs. Koharu examined him before and concluded it was a congenital lung disease... Sigh. That kind of illness is nearly impossible to cure."
"Let's take a look first. Also, how exactly is it affecting his studies?"
Kyohiko wanted more details.
Homura pressed a bell on his desk.
Soon, a teacher entered.
After giving instructions, Homura elaborated—
Since the introduction of "specialization selection," the students at the academy had been training and studying relentlessly, eager to secure their desired specialization a year ahead of others.
As a result, Gekko Hayate, who had once been among the top students, gradually lost his edge due to his health issues.
Despite his relentless effort and dedication, he had inevitably slipped from excellence to mediocrity.
Of course.
In kenjutsu, he was still far ahead.
But it was clear that his illness had become a stumbling block.
"If you can cure this child, the entire Gekko clan will be grateful..."
Homura said quietly.
Kyohiko smiled. "The Gekko clan has contributed much to the Anbu. For that alone, I'll help. Gratitude isn't necessary. Besides, there's no guarantee of a cure yet."
As he spoke.
A cough came from outside.
Shortly after, another teacher arrived, leading Gekko Hayate inside.
"Kyohiko...-san?!"
The teacher, upon seeing Kyohiko, stiffened slightly before offering a respectful bow—
Three years ago, this had still been a student at the academy. Now, he had to address him as "-san." It was a bit hard to swallow.
"Inagoe-sensei, Kyohiko is here regarding Hayate's condition."
Homura explained.
After hearing this, Inagoe-sensei face lit up with joy. He immediately bowed deeply, no longer feeling any shame but speaking from the heart: "Thank you for your concern!"
"Go back to your class now."
Homura smiled.
Inagoe left reassured, leaving Gekko Hayate standing with his head slightly lowered, cautiously observing Kyohiko from the corner of his eye.
Ryoho Kyohiko...
There wasn't a soul in the academy who didn't know his name.
In the past, when students talked about their future aspirations, they mentioned becoming like the "Sannin" or the "Hokage." But now, more and more spoke of becoming someone like "Kyohiko."
This spoke volumes about Kyohiko's current reputation.
Thus, the look in Kurenai's eyes was that of someone meeting their idol—nervous, uneasy, yet unable to hide his excitement.
"Don't be nervous. I'm only three or four years older than you. Just think of me as your senior."
Kyohiko sat down nearby and gestured for Hayate to do the same.
Homura watched with interest.
Kyohiko's medical skills...
He had heard of them. His ninjutsu was strong, and his medical abilities were decent, but he didn't have a deep understanding of just how skilled he was.
Now, he would get to see for himself.
As Hayate sat down, Kyohiko subtly released chakra under the guise of a calming gesture, using genjutsu techniques to soothe the boy's agitated emotions, easing him from excitement and nervousness into calm.
Only then did he place his fingers over Hayate's lung area, sensing the condition inside.
"Breathe."
"Deep breath."
"Don't suppress your cough."
"... "
After a series of instructions, Kyohiko's brows furrowed slightly.
Even Homura grew uneasy.
What was going on?
Was it really that difficult?
As for Hayate—his face had gone pale, his breathing rapid. If not for Kyohiko's genjutsu influence, he might not have been able to remain composed.
Kyohiko withdrew his hand.
"Do you often cough when exposed to cold or irritants?"
"Yes! Exactly!"
Hayate's eyes brightened as he nodded repeatedly.
Kyohiko continued, "And since childhood, you've been more prone to colds and throat inflammation, right?"
"That's right, yes!"
Hayate nodded vigorously.
Homura looked at Kyohiko, his expression a mix of shock and hope. "Do you know how to treat it?"
"I don't know yet, but I think I've identified the problem."
To avoid crushing Hayate's spirits, Kyohiko didn't pause for dramatic effect but delivered his diagnosis in one go. "From what I can tell, it's congenital pulmonary hypoplasia."
Hayate's face turned ashen.
"Can... can it be treated?"
"If we waited a few more years, it would be impossible. But right now, there's still a way. However, you must avoid strenuous exercise for now. Don't push yourself too hard."
Kyohiko paused briefly before adding, "Once you're healed, you can resume training and growing stronger."
Then, he turned to Homura. "Advisor, please ensure Hayate isn't assigned any physically demanding classes for the time being. After I discuss a treatment plan with the Hokage, we'll decide on the next steps."
"Understood. Don't worry."
Homura nodded.
Hearing that treatment was possible, Hayate's eyes immediately brightened. But as Kyohiko stood to leave, his anxiety returned.
"Kyohiko-senpai... it can really be treated?"
"Yes. The affected area isn't large yet, so the surgery shouldn't be too difficult. But you'll need to be patient."
Kyohiko smiled reassuringly.
Hayate exhaled in relief.
He nodded firmly, his pale face determined. "I... I can be patient."
...
After leaving the academy, Kyohiko headed straight for the Hokage's office.
He had made a bold promise.
But.
In truth, Hayate's condition wasn't exactly simple. The good news was that the affected area was indeed still small, and a lung transplant could likely resolve most of the issue.
Whether it would actually work, though, depended on Tsunade's assessment.
"That's the situation."
"Kyohiko, this surgery is anything but simple!"
Tsunade glared at him.
But.
Who asked him to make such a promise?
Besides.
If they could cure Hayate, it would pave the way for treating similar conditions in the future.
So she was willing to take on the challenge.
"Is there any way to use ninjutsu to regenerate lung tissue?"
"Repairing internal organs is still extremely difficult. Even for me!"
Tsunade's gaze lowered, a soft sigh escaping her. "Dan and Nawaki both died from internal injuries. If we'd had medical ninjutsu capable of healing organs back then, perhaps..."
"That leaves transplantation or resection. His affected area is small right now. Removing part of it could ensure his long-term survival, but he'd never be able to be a shinobi again—at best, he could work in intelligence analysis."
Kyohiko proposed. "What about transplantation? Is the technique mature enough?"
"Transplanting just a portion? That's quite the idea!"
Tsunade looked startled.
Such surgeries had been attempted before, but the transplanted tissue never integrated properly, eventually deteriorating or even triggering worse complications.
She explained the risks.
Kyohiko considered. "Could it be an issue of bloodline incompatibility?"
"You mean... using tissue from a direct relative?"
Tsunade fell into thought.
While general incompatibility was a problem, medical ninja had never tried using tissue from parents or siblings before.
After a moment, she said, "Even if a relative's tissue works, what about his parents? They'd be sacrificing part of their own lungs."
"Removing a portion wouldn't prevent them from living normal lives, just from being shinobi."
Kyohiko pointed out.
Tsunade was silent for several seconds before nodding slowly.
He was right.
This might indeed be the best solution.
"It's worth considering. But we'd need to conduct animal trials first to confirm feasibility. Then we'd have to consult his parents. If they agree..."
Tsunade concluded, "we can proceed with the surgery."
At worst, even with a partial resection, Hayate could still live as an ordinary civilian.
"I'll examine him myself to confirm."
"Naturally."
Kyohiko nodded.
Tsunade sighed.
"If only Shizune were a little older. Then I could have her handle so much of my workload—it'd lighten the burden significantly!"
"Have some decency!"
Kyohiko was speechless.
Shizune was only ten years old, and Tsunade was already eyeing her future labor.
Tsunade chuckled awkwardly. "I was just thinking out loud... Ahem. You must have plenty to do, right? Go ahead. I'll visit Kurenai after work."
"Right."
Kyohiko nodded.
This was perfect timing—he still needed to test the various applications and effects of the Flying Thunder God technique.
In the ANBU training grounds, he conducted dozens of experiments.
His final conclusion:
Currently, short-distance teleportation of weapons or documents could be done quickly and safely. Transporting living beings, however, was like playing roulette—unless he took significantly more time.
Of course.
There was also the option of using shadow clones.
By having a clone synchronize and reinforce the spatial pathway construction, he could reduce the time to about three seconds.
Not exactly fast, but it allowed stable teleportation within a range of about five hundred steps without damage.
Solo usage drastically reduced both range and effectiveness.
The beginner level was still far from mastery!
Still.
For Kyohiko's current needs, solo application was more than sufficient—he just couldn't bring others along yet.
"Not bad. It'll do for now."