The next day, at the Anbu base.
Kyohiko had mostly mastered the Flying Thunder God technique.
However, he still had no leads on the Flying Thunder Formation. His current ideas were all derived from the Flying Thunder God, but…
If he could already use the Flying Thunder God, would he even need the Flying Thunder Formation?
It was a chicken-and-egg dilemma.
He sighed lightly, tossing a kunai in his hand while silently pondering how to establish a spy network and intelligence system.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
He didn't need to look—from the chakra he sensed, he knew it was Gekko Shusaku.
Kyohiko had taken an interest in Gekko Hayate partly to win over the Gekko clan. As the leader of a squad, Shusaku was naturally among those he sought to recruit.
Upon entering, Shusaku bowed deeply. "Rin-sama, thank you for your help with Hayate's matter."
"No need. The Gekko clan has contributed much to the Anbu. Ensuring the health of your clansmen is only right—otherwise, who would dedicate themselves to Konoha?"
Kyohiko smiled.
Then, he looked at Shusaku. "The Hokage said he would personally conduct another examination. What was the outcome? Have they decided to proceed with the surgery?"
"Yes. My uncle and aunt have made up their minds. If it truly can be treated, they're willing to go through with it, even if it means removing a part of themselves. We'll be counting on the Hokage and you!"
Shusaku bowed deeply once more.
If before, his respect for Kyohiko had been based on strength and achievements, now there was also genuine admiration and reverence.
Not only was he powerful, but he was also highly skilled in medical ninjutsu. His diagnosis had been nearly identical to Lady Tsunade's—and from what he'd heard, the treatment plan had also been Kyohiko's idea.
Aside from his age, he was flawless.
Forget being an Anbu captain—in a few more years, he might even be able to compete for the position of Hokage.
"Shusaku, if I recall correctly, your clan specializes in the Crescent Moon Dance and the Transparency Technique, correct?"
Kyohiko gestured for him to sit.
Shusaku bowed respectfully before taking a seat. "Yes, though only a few awaken the Transparency Technique. Hayate was one of them, but unfortunately…"
Originally, Hayate might have become a prodigy of the Gekko clan, but…
He sighed.
Then, his tone turned respectful again.
"Thanks to the Second Hokage's teachings, our clan has built upon the Crescent Moon Dance swordsmanship and achieved some success. If you require it…"
"No, I'm also familiar with the Crescent Moon Dance—though my style may differ slightly from yours."
Kyohiko chuckled.
Shusaku was surprised at first, then nodded in understanding.
Kyohiko was close to Tsunade and had reportedly obtained many of the Second Hokage's notes in his early years. He must have learned the essence of the Crescent Moon Dance from them.
As for the difference in style—
That was normal.
A genius like Kyohiko would undoubtedly have his own interpretation.
Still…
Why bring it up now?
"Then… what do you mean, sir?"
Shusaku asked cautiously.
"I'll teach you a technique. Use it to test Kakashi and the others."
Kyohiko said.
"Yes!"
Shusaku's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
The next moment, Kyohiko slowly formed hand seals.
"Did you memorize them?"
"Yes."
Shusaku nodded.
Kyohiko drew his blade, swinging it in a fluid motion.
"And this movement?"
"Memorized."
"Now, combine them."
In the next instant, the blade flashed through the air in a beautiful arc while Kyohiko's other hand formed seals at an astonishing speed.
In the blink of an eye, multiple figures split from Kyohiko, each wielding a sword and charging at Shusaku with breathtaking speed.
Was this the real body?
No—
That wasn't it!
This was genjutsu!
Shusaku immediately dispelled the illusion, yet countless clones and sword flashes still filled his vision. He froze in confusion—until the clones vanished…
Only then did he realize—
Kyohiko had long since moved behind him.
"Did you understand?"
"Yes. I've seen similar swordsmanship in the Second Hokage's notes—an unfinished technique, I believe."
Shusaku replied.
Kyohiko nodded. "This was taught to me by old man Kosuke, but what I showed you was my own refinement—a method of layering deception through clones, simple hand seals, and movement. It shouldn't be too difficult."
"Uh…"
Shusaku hesitated, unsure how to respond.
Did he understand?
Yes.
But…
His mind grasped it—his hands didn't!
This technique was at least A-rank in difficulty!
Even for a jōnin, it would take time to master—let alone him, a tokubetsu jōnin.
After a moment of hesitation, Shusaku spoke cautiously.
"Sir, may I… take this back to study? The technique is quite advanced. I'll need some time to practice."
"Difficult?"
Kyohiko pondered.
He hadn't even relied much on the system for this technique. Even the Crescent Moon Dance had reached mastery effortlessly.
But then again—
Without the system's accumulated experience, mastering it so quickly might have been tough.
He nodded.
"That's fine. Take your time. Becoming stronger means you'll be better equipped to survive danger."
"You're one of my future key officers—I can't afford to lose you halfway."
Kyohiko smiled.
That was a relief…
Shusaku exhaled in quiet gratitude.
Kyohiko then asked,
"How many in your clan have awakened the Transparency Technique?"
"Not many. Aside from Hayate, I'm the only one at the moment."
"I'd like you to help assemble a covert ops squad in the near future—a specialized team for intelligence gathering. As for an expert in this field…"
Kyohiko narrowed his eyes slightly. "I'll bring in a specialist."
"Yes, sir! Understood!"
Shusaku immediately grasped Kyohiko's plan—
Kakashi would take his place.
He would be tasked with building a spy and intelligence network, focusing on information operations.
Since Danzō's departure and the Root squad's absorption into the Third Hokage's forces, the Anbu had indeed been lacking in intelligence personnel.
No wonder Kyohiko called him a "key officer"—he was being groomed for an important role!
Shusaku left the office, his emotions a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Who would the espionage expert be?
Aburame Tatsuma?
...
Training Grounds.
Kakashi was drenched in sweat. Seeing Shiranui Genma being overtaken from behind, he swiftly turned and blocked the enemy's strike with his blade.
Clang!
In the next instant—
A draw-cut with his left hand.
Slish!
The opponent recoiled quickly, but not before a gash opened on their arm.
Kakashi grabbed Genma and retreated with a Body Flicker.
As they ran, he panted lightly.
Genma, also catching his breath, looked at him with admiration and gratitude.
"Kakashi, back then… was this how it was with you and Kyohiko?"
"No."
Kakashi replied calmly while running. "With Kyohiko, I was usually the one in your position."
In the past, when working with Kyohiko, he had acted freely, never worrying about chakra or stamina.
Because Kakashi knew—no matter what, his captain and Kyohiko would have his back. Even if he fell, someone would be there to support him.
That was the meaning of teamwork, of comrades.
But now—
The roles had reversed. He was the senior in the squad.
Only now did Kakashi truly understand the need to conserve every ounce of energy, every shred of focus—
Especially mental energy.
Stamina could be slowly replenished with soldier pills, but mental exhaustion had no quick remedy in battle.
Now, he had become far more meticulous.
The result?
His combat skills had noticeably improved in just a few short days.
Additionally, Kakashi also came to understand the mentality and circumstances of being the "pillar" of a team.
If he had carried out Anbu missions with his previous mindset, he might never have improved.
Kakashi moved forward in silence.
"You're really strong!"
Shiranui Genma exclaimed in admiration.
He hadn't been in the same squad as Kyohiko, so he wasn't fully aware of Kyohiko's battlefield performance. But Raido, who had witnessed it firsthand—
Back when they took the Chunin Exams together under Kyohiko's leadership, they'd hardly needed to exert themselves.
Kyohiko had charged ahead, cutting through enemies while they simply mopped up the remnants.
Now, Kakashi was filling that role.
"All of you have improved quickly during this period, especially in teamwork. Enough talk—enemies ahead."
Clang!
The two sides clashed once more.
...
At Konoha Hospital, Yuuhi Kurenai received a new research topic—
Studying whether organ transplants between direct blood relatives in animals would trigger rejection reactions.
"Tch, Tsunade always gives us the toughest problems."
When Koharu Utatane saw the new proposal, her brows furrowed deeply.
Yet another "innovative idea."
The previous "prosthetic ninja tools" project wasn't even finished, and now here came another bold concept.
However.
Even as she complained, she acutely sensed that Tsunade and Kyohiko's collaboration was driving rapid progress—while her own thinking seemed rigid, struggling to keep up.
She was about to ask about the purpose when—
Kurenai spoke first: "This is part of the treatment plan for Gekko Hayate."
Koharu immediately fell silent.
Gekko Hayate.
The child of the Gekko clan head, a promising talent who had awakened a kekkei genkai. If his lung disease could be cured, he'd at least become a notable prodigy.
But...
She had diagnosed his condition years ago.
Incurable.
Was Tsunade planning to give this child a lung transplant?
Her heart sank. "A lung replacement surgery?"
"No. They want us to test transplanting partial lung tissue between direct relatives in animals first, to observe rejection risks."
"Understood."
Koharu breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Partial tissue from direct relatives—this essentially locked the organ source to immediate family.
She wouldn't need to worry about broader ethical complications.
"However, Tsunade-sensei emphasized that even if successful, such procedures would require dual approval from Konoha and the hospital, with full documentation to prevent future misuse."
Kurenai added quietly.
Koharu nodded.
As she reviewed the name list, considering who to assign for the trials—
Suddenly, Hebiame rushed in.
"Advisor! The Hyuga clan has sent representatives... They say they've come to learn medical ninjutsu at Konoha Hospital."
By the end, confusion filled Hebiame's eyes.
This situation was entirely beyond her comprehension.
Koharu froze.
The Hyuga clan?
Here to study?
As one of Konoha's most prestigious clans, the Hyuga had always been defined by their Byakugan and Gentle Fist techniques, dismissing all other arts beyond their hereditary secrets.
What was happening—had the sun risen from the west?
Koharu's frown deepened.
After a long moment of deliberation, she turned to Hebiame and Kurenai:
"Kurenai, have Hebiame assist you with that project. I'll temporarily relieve her from surgical duties."
"Yes!"
Kurenai stood straight.
Hebiame blinked in bewilderment, glancing at Kurenai.
She'd come to report and somehow gotten saddled with extra work?
Koharu hurried to the rear courtyard, where the back entrance had been expanded into the newly established Psychology Department.
Currently staffed by medical ninja Tsunade had previously treated, with Kurenai often stationed there as well.
In front of it lay a plaza.
There, the Hyuga delegation waited—led unexpectedly by Hiashi Hyuga's wife.
A flicker of surprise crossed Koharu's eyes.
She approached swiftly.
"Yuka, what brings you here?"
"Advisor, this letter from the Hokage explains the situation."
Hyuga Yuka presented the document with utmost respect.
After reading it, Koharu realized—
Her earlier concerns about medical-nin specialization causing personnel shortages were unfounded.
The Hyuga clan.
Kyohiko had actually persuaded the Hyuga to willingly train as medical ninja!
A quiet shock reverberated through Koharu.
Hyuga clansmen as healers...
With their Byakugan, how extraordinarily effective they'd be!
Though this group might refuse battlefield missions, serving Konoha Hospital for village medical care would be no issue.
If this became standard practice, it would mean tremendous contributions to Konoha's future!
That boy...
Koharu's emotions tangled.
She was beginning to grasp Homura's words.
The times truly were changing!
They needed to catch up, or risk being left behind.
Forcing a smile, Koharu gestured inward.
"Yuka, please come inside. I'll arrange instructors, though our staff is currently stretched thin. Would you mind studying alongside our junior trainees?"
She chose her words carefully.
This being the hospital's first collaboration with the Hyuga, failure wasn't an option!
"Of course. We know nothing of medical ninjutsu and come as humble apprentices. Treat us no differently than ordinary students."
Yuka remained deferential, then added sheepishly, "Truthfully, if not for the embarrassment, we'd have enrolled in the academy's medical program to start from basics."
"That won't be necessary. With your Byakugan, mastering chakra nature transformation and techniques should come easily..."
Koharu reassured hastily.
Yuka smiled faintly.
As the procession followed, they formed an extraordinarily striking scene.
...
Meanwhile at Anbu headquarters, training continued methodically.
And Kyohiko?
He was writing.
More precisely, compiling instructional scrolls for basic ninjutsu.
He intended to systematize the principles and chakra nature manipulation derived from the "Starch Syrup Capturing Field" technique, creating a complete, learnable curriculum for Anbu operatives.
But not just techniques—
Also training philosophies, teaching frameworks, and more for the Anbu's educational structure.
[Under your guidance, part of the Hyuga clan has joined Konoha Hospital as medical ninja.]
[Reward: Tenketsu Proficiency (Expert)]
Tenketsu strikes.
Kyohiko set down his brush.
Now this...
Worth studying carefully!
His earlier demonstration to Hiashi had only utilized major chakra pathway points. Finer tenketsu varied individually, impossible to memorize universally.
Hence,
His system had previously listed it as "Beginner" level.
But now—
"So some acupuncture points align with their past counterparts, while others deviate based on chakra network positioning... They're not identical after all."