Yanagi clicked her tongue and said in a mocking tone, “An equal exchange?
I’ve never seen a fair deal start with a sneak attack and tying someone up so they can’t move.” Toji calmly explained on his own, “If I remove your restraints, you’ll attack me immediately.
To stop you from doing something that stupid, I can’t let you loose yet.” At the very least, he needed to master either curse marks or fūinjutsu first.
He silently added that in his mind.
“Heh.
Since it’s an equal exchange, what do I get?
And what do you want from me?” “Do you crave power?
Do you crave truly being alive?” Toji’s words were like a devil’s whisper wrapping around Yanagi’s ears.
Her heart suddenly tightened.
An unexplained sense of dread spread quietly through her chest.
To members of the Uchiha Clan, the word “power” carried an irresistible temptation.
Especially after Yanagi had personally witnessed Naori single-handedly crush every clansman who used Izanagi and force them to kneel in submission, that desire had only grown stronger.
“You want power enough to rival her…
or even surpass her, don’t you?
You don’t need to resist me.
Everything you desire…
you will obtain in the end.” After a long silence, Yanagi’s breathing became heavier.
A wild grin spread across her face.
“Hehehe.
One day, I’ll rip that mask off your face.” No refusal meant consent.
Toji ignored her provocation as he took out two metal pads and placed them against both sides of her temples.
“Now it’s time for you to cooperate.” “What do you want me to do?” “Feel anger.” “I’ve always been angry!” * * * Konoha Year 6, January 15.
In the blink of an eye, the first opening day of the Ninja Academy had arrived.
The school gate was packed with people.
Parents crowded outside, sending their children in, their faces full of hope and anxiety.
Meanwhile, Konoha’s F4 sat together inside the principal’s office.
Hashirama looked out the window at the lively scene overflowing with youthful energy.
Joy was practically spilling from his face.
“How many children enrolled?” Naori reported, “A total of 123 students passed the initial screening or were accepted as reserves.
The top-ranked student is from the Uchiha Clan…
Kagami Uchiha.” “Good, good!
As expected of an Uchiha genius!” Hashirama exclaimed with a smile, then asked, “Are the teachers and schedules all arranged?” “Everything has been prepared.” Naori nodded and continued, “The academy selected capable chūnin from each clan who are loyal to the village and patient with children.
First-year students will focus mainly on foundational education, especially physical conditioning and strengthening ninja basics.” “In addition, the academy and Gospel Hospital will jointly conduct entrance medical examinations for all new students.
Those found to possess Yang Release chakra will, with permission from both themselves and their families, be assigned to the medical training class and raised as future medical ninja.” “You’ve thought this through very well.” Hashirama praised them warmly.
“Toji, Naori.
With both of you here, Konoha is truly blessed.” “You flatter us.” Toji rose to take his leave.
“I’ll go oversee the students’ medical examinations first.” * * * Toji showed exceptional patience when it came to the student checkups.
Even with his packed schedule, standing watch at Gospel Hospital during the day and returning to his laboratory at night for research, sleeping less than eight hours a day, he still insisted on personally examining every child one by one.
He was preparing to build his own foundation.
Life in Konoha felt incomplete without the bond of teacher and student.
Since he had no teacher, he could only take students of his own.
Of course, that was only a joke.
His true reason was simple.
He needed assistants.
Whether helping manage the hospital’s affairs or unknowingly taking part in portions of his research, they could save him an enormous amount of effort.
Toji had endless time, but what he lacked was energy.
With a gentle smile, he said to the children before him, “One at a time.
Line up properly.
No need to rush.” * * * After an entire afternoon passed, the examination reports were gathered into Toji’s hands.
He looked expressionlessly at the list of students who possessed Yang Release chakra.
As expected, the results were not ideal.
Several familiar names appeared in the report: Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, Torifu Akimichi…
There were only nineteen students with Yang Release aptitude in total, mostly concentrated among the Akimichi Clan and Senju Clan.
Hiruzen and Koharu were already students of Tobirama, and the Akimichi clan was more inclined to have their children follow combat paths.
Their Yang Release talent was meant to be used for Expansion Jutsus, not medical ninjutsu.
As for the Senju students, even if they were willing to become medical ninja, Toji would never raise them as his trusted inner circle.
He opened the second report.
There were very few reserve students.
Only a single name sat alone on the entire list.
“Hm?
Wakako Matsumoto…” [Name: Wakako Matsumoto・Female Age: 12 Note: Lacks conventional ninja talent, but possesses a strong desire to learn and intense interest in ninja science.
Accepted as reserve candidate.] Civilian background.
Strong thirst for knowledge.
Mentally mature.
This was the perfect student template in Toji’s eyes.
And the true reward of today’s trip.
“Coming here wasn’t a waste.” * * * Toji sent the marked list to Naori, then near dismissal time held the first meeting for the medical class in an empty classroom.
Only five students arrived: four from the Senju clan and Wakako.
One of the Senju students was none other than Takayuki, Hashirama’s son.
The moment Toji saw Wakako, his expression froze slightly.
It was no wonder.
Purple eyeshadow lined the corners of the girl’s eyes.
Her skin was pale.
A white snake rested quietly on her shoulder.
(image) For an instant, Toji felt as if he were looking at Orochimaru.
The shock vanished quickly.
He soon regained composure, but already had a vague guess about her identity.
Orochimaru and Tsunade were of the same generation.
Their parents being around Takayuki’s age would not be strange at all.
‘Fate truly is strange.’ Toji adjusted his glasses and began, “My name is Toji.
I am your medical instructor.” “Besides your normal classes, gather in this medical classroom every Friday afternoon.
I will teach you medical ninjutsu.
After graduation, the village will assign you to specialized and important positions.” “Wakako, you will serve as class leader of the medical class.
Collect everyone’s homework before each Friday and deliver it to my office at Gospel Hospital.
That’s all.” Toji ignored the eager expression on Takayuki’s face and paid no attention to Wakako’s confusion.
Without wasting a second, he started teaching immediately.
“Lesson one.
You must memorize the Three Rules of Medical Ninja.” “First: A medical ninja must never give up treatment before their patient is dead.” “Second: A medical ninja must never stand on the front line of battle.” “Third: A medical ninja must never die before any member of their squad.” “…” “This week’s homework: copy each of the three rules one hundred times, then write a one-thousand-word reflection on your understanding of them.” “No using clones to do the writing for you.
No asking anyone else to write it for you.
If I catch anyone cheating, you’ll be expelled from the medical class immediately.” ** ** ** Thank you for reading!
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