The next day.
Tobirama had just returned from a mission in the Land of Lightning.
Still wearing combat clothes covered in dust, he came back to the village and, without pausing for even a moment, went straight to the Hokage office.
With a grave tone, he brought news serious enough to worsen the unstable situation of the ninja world and throw all of Konoha into anxiety.
“Kumogakure sent an elite ninja force led by Kinkaku and Ginkaku to capture the Nine-Tails.” The elders present exchanged looks.
The office fell into complete silence.
Hashirama was the first to break it.
“Did they succeed?” His voice carried surprise and curiosity, but not the slightest tension.
It was as if he were casually asking how a neighbor handled a wild beast entering their yard.
“…They failed.
The intelligence in my hands says they suffered heavy losses and were driven back by the Nine-Tails.” “I see.” Hashirama sighed in admiration.
“The Nine-Tails really is strong.” “Brother!” Tobirama’s face hardened.
“Now is not the time for jokes.
Kumo’s intention in trying to capture the Nine-Tails is dangerous.
If we ignore this, they will eventually threaten Konoha.
We should strike first and destroy their war capability.” Hashirama rejected it immediately.
“War only brings deeper suffering to the civilians of both nations.
It does not truly solve conflict.
I hope ninjas can help one another without borders.” He then turned to a young ninja of the Sarutobi Clan beside him.
“Sasuke, arrange for an envoy to go to Kumogakure.
Ask if they need medical support.” “Brother!” Tobirama nearly exploded.
Not taking advantage of a weakened enemy was one thing.
But helping them instead?
“Enough, Tobirama.
My decision is made.” Hashirama’s tone brooked no argument.
“You’ve worked hard carrying out missions in the Land of Lightning lately.
Take some time and rest.” * * * After arguing the entire morning, Tobirama finally left the Hokage Residence with a long sigh.
On the way back to the clan grounds, he happened to notice a notice posted outside Gospel Hospital.
“What is this?” A nearby villager eagerly explained, “Tobirama-sama, it’s an Organ Donation Consent Form.” Organ…
what?
A bad feeling rose in Tobirama’s heart.
When he read the contents and saw the signatures of Toji and Hashirama, his face turned green.
He immediately went upstairs to find Toji.
* * * Toji was bent over his desk writing, not even lifting his head.
“Tobirama, have a seat.” “No need.” Tobirama’s tone was unfriendly.
“Toji, what is the meaning of that form?” “There are many medical ninjas in the hospital with too little experience.” Toji calmly set down his brush and looked up.
“They need ninja corpses as anatomical teachers to better master medical ninjutsu.” “As for organs, some ninjas suffer explosive tag or kunai damage to internal organs.
Normal healing methods cannot save them.
Only transplantation can.” “I have already proposed that when carrying out missions, we recover the corpses of enemy ninja whenever possible.
That would greatly ease pressure on both cadaver training and organ reserves.” Listen to the explanation, Tobirama calmed down.
After thinking carefully, he realized he had been the impatient one.
After all, when conducting forbidden research in private, he too required ninja corpses.
It was only seeing his brother’s name that made him think badly at first.
Toji smiled gently.
“Tobirama, you saw Hokage-sama’s name and imagined unpleasant things, didn’t you?
That’s understandable.
No one likes the thought of a loved one’s corpse being cut open by surgical blades.
But…” His tone shifted, and for once he showed a sly smile.
“Hashirama is the God of Shinobi.
Who could possibly kill him?
It’s only a signed form to set an example for villagers.
It changes nothing.” “No.” Tobirama shook his head.
“If it were that man…” Then he narrowed his eyes.
“And what about you?
You signed too.
Are you prepared for that?” “My greatest wish is to erase war and drive suffering from this world.” Toji’s expression remained calm.
“I am very safe in the hospital.
But if something truly happens to me, and my organs can help people in the village after my death…
I would feel at peace.” Tobirama stared at him for a long time.
At last, he exhaled deeply.
“I never expected there would be someone like you in this ninja world.” “Fine.” He extended a hand.
“Give me a pen.” “What are you doing?” “You said it yourself.
It’s only setting an example.
If it can ease the village’s medical burden, then as Konoha elder and the Hokage’s brother, I should lead from the front.” Toji showed hesitation and kindly warned him.
“Tobirama, you are different.
You often leave the village for missions.
If something truly happens, then even though we are friends, I will strictly follow the agreement on the form.” “I’m strong.” Tobirama crossed his arms and forcefully shoved aside the concern.
Hearing that, Toji immediately handed over a pen.
Buy one, get one free.
Even the suspicious Tobirama was willing to sign.
What an unexpected delight.
Very soon, Tobirama’s name was added to the form.
Toji carefully stored the little “Death Note.” “I’ll keep the original copy.
Your name will also be posted on the hospital notice board shortly.” “Mm.” Without fully understanding how, Tobirama had somehow signed the form.
Just as he was about to leave, Toji stopped him.
“Tobirama, I have another proposal I’d like to discuss with you first.” Tobirama instantly became cautious.
“If you have a proposal, speak to the Hokage.
Not me.” “Just a discussion.
I heard from villagers that the Land of Lightning has been very active lately.
Is it true?” “Yes,” Tobirama answered shortly.
It was the same matter they had argued about that morning.
Toji’s expression also turned serious.
“This concerns me as well.
If war breaks out between Konoha and Kumo in the future…
the hospital has enough beds, but we do not have enough medical ninjas.” “You want to train more medical ninjas?” “Exactly.
But not from already bloodied adult ninja.
You people are too rough-handed.” “You mean…” A spark exploded in Tobirama’s mind.
Something vague was suddenly taking shape.
Toji continued, “We can copy the Gospel Hospital model.
Gather suitable children from ninja clans and civilians alike.
Train them together in one place.
Those with healing talent become doctors.
Those with combat talent gain strength to protect the village.
Everyone gets a bright future.” Boom!
Tobirama’s body shook.
In only a few sentences, Toji had turned his unclear inspiration into a practical system.
Ninja Academy.
Tobirama muttered to himself, “Hiruzen, Danzo…
Their ages are just right.” He already had disciples, but before now, training only happened casually in the forest outside the village.
There had never been a fixed place.
During the Warring States era, ninja taught only their own clan children.
Children of other clans were future enemies.
Training ninja was a private matter.
Even after the village was founded and outsiders began to be accepted, old customs still remained.
Even Tobirama himself had never fully considered creating a Ninja Academy.
Only now did true clarity strike him.
“This can work.” Tobirama spoke solemnly.
“It should be implemented as soon as possible.” ** ** ** Thank you for reading!
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