Snatching Girlfriends, Then Moms

The next morning, Hiruzen Sarutobi found Hyuga Ningyuan waiting at his doorstep.

This was the first time he'd seen Hyuga Ningyuan up close, and his first impression was clear.

The kid was adorable, with lively eyes and a bright, cheerful demeanor.

He clearly didn't know his Hyuga bloodline had declined; instead, he was smug about being a genjutsu prodigy.

No rush. One day, the Hyuga Clan would cast him out, and then it'd be my turn to step in.

"You're Hyuga Ningyuan?" Hiruzen Sarutobi reached out and patted the boy's small head, a gesture of familiarity.

"Third Hokage-sama!" Ningyuan quickly bowed, his eyes full of curiosity.

"I've heard of you, you know. 'Marry Yūhi Kurenai, be a ninja like the Second Hokage'?" Hiruzen chuckled. "When I heard that, I wondered what Yūhi Kurenai looked like. And why not the Third Hokage instead of the Second?"

How could you not know what Yūhi Kurenai looks like?

Ningyuan grumbled inwardly but kept his face neutral, answering honestly, "Because I don't know much about the Third Hokage-sama!"

"Is that so!" Hiruzen nodded. "Then I'll have to do more to earn your recognition!"

Yūhi Shinku laughed from the side. "Third Hokage-sama, you've already done plenty. It's just that the news hasn't reached the people yet!"

"No matter. Since the people acknowledge my teacher, I'll take him as my goal and work hard!" Hiruzen said, patting the boy's head twice more.

Such a nice feel, and such a well-behaved kid—unlike his own, who got annoyed after two pats.

"I know you want to learn Medical Ninjutsu. It's no easy feat. Are you prepared?"

"Always ready!" Ningyuan said earnestly.

"Good!" Hiruzen nodded. "I hope you have the talent for it, and I hope you see it through. Don't give up halfway!"

"Mm!" Ningyuan nodded.

"Alright, go on in!" Hiruzen let go. He had work to do.

Being Hokage wasn't easy—365 days a year, no breaks.

But Ningyuan had reminded him: how could the kids not know his reputation?

He'd have to add a course at the academy, one about his own story!

Konoha's Number One Medical Ninja was Tsunade, but she wasn't among the first.

The first medical ninjas in Konoha were women like Sarutobi Biwako and Utatane Koharu.

Senju Tobirama, inspired by his brother Senju Hashirama's Recovery Power, developed the earliest versions of Medical Ninjutsu: Healing Technique and Mystical Palm Technique. He taught them to Utatane Koharu, Sarutobi Biwako, and other ninjas with less combat-oriented talents.

These first-generation medical ninjas then expanded on Healing Technique and Mystical Palm Technique, creating more Medical Ninjutsu and passing it down through generations.

But with the era still at peace, medical ninjas weren't highly valued in the village.

It wasn't until Tsunade emerged as a master of Medical Ninjutsu and the brutal Second Shinobi World War broke out that the importance of Medical Ninjutsu was truly recognized.

Even so, Medical Ninjutsu and its practitioners remained in an awkward position among ninjas.

On one hand, medical ninjas saved countless lives, earning gratitude from many.

On the other, ninjas preferred fighting and earning glory through battle, viewing those who healed from the rear as betraying the ninja's honor.

Thus, while the status of medical ninjas had risen, few were willing to learn Medical Ninjutsu.

That was why, when Yūhi Shinku said Ningyuan wanted to learn Medical Ninjutsu, Hiruzen Sarutobi doubted he'd succeed but still wanted to let him try.

Even if Ningyuan failed, the fact that a Hyuga clan member actively sought to learn Medical Ninjutsu would have enough impact to change the minds of some Civilian Ninjas or clan ninjas who disliked it.

Sarutobi Biwako thought similarly. When she heard a Hyuga was coming to learn Medical Ninjutsu today, she made up her mind.

If he had no talent, so be it. But if he did, she'd personally mentor him and turn him into a benchmark for medical ninjas—someone like Tsunade!

Through Hyuga Ningyuan, she wanted to tell other ninjas that Medical Ninjutsu wasn't just for female ninjas or Civilian Ninjas. Male ninjas and clan ninjas could choose to become medical ninjas too!

"You're Hyuga Ningyuan?" Seeing the boy's delicate, porcelain-like features, Sarutobi Biwako, already well-disposed toward him, grew even happier.

Even in the ninja world, looks mattered. A cute apprentice made every day brighter!

"Hello, Auntie Biwako!" Ningyuan greeted her.

"Oh, so polite!" Biwako laughed. "Have you eaten? If not, join us!"

"Uh, no." He'd actually eaten, but Ningyuan had a big appetite and usually held back.

Why not mooch another meal?

"Good!" Biwako beamed even brighter. Feeding a human cub was instinct, and Ningyuan was about the same age as her son—raising him felt like raising her own child.

Seeing Biwako's attitude, Yūhi Shinku relaxed a little and said, "Since Ningyuan's here, I'll head to work!"

"Mm!" Biwako waved him off, her eyes fixed on Ningyuan. She couldn't wait for Shinku to leave!

Shinku was speechless and a bit annoyed, feeling like someone was trying to steal his son.

Good thing the Third Hokage didn't have a daughter—otherwise, a kid this good wouldn't have fallen to him!

"Try this Shrimp Tempura." Biwako picked up a piece of tempura and handed it to Ningyuan with a warm smile.

Ningyuan took it, said nothing, and just dug in.

Seeing this, Biwako was even more delighted. If he was eating so happily, didn't that just prove her cooking was delicious?

"Slow down, slow down—there's more!"

"Mm-hmm!" Hyuga Ningyuan nodded, but kept shoving food into his mouth without pause.

Biwako's heart ached for him. How did this child's family raise him, to let him get this hungry?

"Mom, what's for breakfast? Huh?" Asuma appeared on the stairs, eyes still bleary. He called out twice, but got no response.

Something felt off. He looked closer—someone was sitting in his seat!

And he recognized that person.

"Hyuga Ningyuan, why are you in my house? Sitting in my spot? Eating my mom's breakfast?" Asuma was stunned. Wait, was he still asleep?

"A grown man like you, sleeping in until eight?" Biwako snapped. "Get down here now!"

Asuma fell silent.

"Look at Hyuga Ningyuan—up early to study, not wasting his weekend. Then look at you, sleeping like a dead pig, only getting up when you're hungry. So you just won't get out of bed unless you're starving, huh?"

Asuma was speechless. What was going on?!

Not only did you steal my girlfriend, now you're stealing my mom?