The Higher-Ups' Surprise (Please Recommend)

As Uchiha Kiyoshi and the others dispersed and returned to their homes, intelligence on their day soon reached the Third Hokage.

Danzo had not sent anyone this time, mainly because he had been warned by the Hokage over the previous incident and had reined himself in somewhat. Still, Danzo needed to see this intelligence. The Third Hokage did not hide it and sent the report to the other higher-ups as well.

Danzo and the other two members of the council of elders, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, all received the report. The young Sannin also learned of it. When the Anbu ninja made his report, the three of them had been present. As the Hokage's disciples, they had not been asked to leave.

There was nothing particularly important in it. The children were all safe. Well, no, there was one matter that had caught the higher-ups by surprise: Uchiha Kiyoshi had mastered the Hemostasis Technique.

Many students at the Ninja Academy had only just extracted Chakra. Forget Ninjutsu—even the Three Basic Techniques, standard for ninjas, were beyond them. Yet Uchiha Kiyoshi had already learned Ninjutsu, and it was Medical Ninjutsu, the most difficult kind at that?

This was excellent news for Konoha. The Hokage only passed the intelligence on to Konoha's higher-ups and did not spread it any further.

Danzo had not yet lost an arm or an eye, so he had naturally not begun human experimentation. He did not have much need for medical ninjas and paid little attention to it, treating it as though he were generously handing Uchiha Kiyoshi over to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

It was different for the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. Uchiha Kiyoshi had previously only shown an interest in the field, and no one knew how talented he truly was. But now that they knew he had mastered the Hemostasis Technique, it proved that his talent in Medical Ninjutsu was genuinely exceptional—perhaps no worse than Tsunade's. Of course, Tsunade also had to spend time on other offensive Ninjutsu, such as Monster Strength, while Uchiha Kiyoshi had devoted nearly all his efforts to medical techniques. At least, that was how outsiders saw it. So overall, the Third Hokage could not say whose talent for Medical Ninjutsu was greater.

There was no point arguing over whose talent was better. What the Third Hokage cared about now was that Uchiha Kiyoshi truly possessed outstanding medical talent. Naturally, he hoped Kiyoshi would devote more of his energy to Medical Ninjutsu, and he directly abandoned his previous plan to guide Uchiha Kiyoshi from within.

So why did the Third Hokage value Uchiha Kiyoshi's medical talent so highly?

It was only Konoha Year 28. The Second Shinobi War had not even begun, and Tsunade had yet to fully develop. Konoha's medical standards were higher than those of the other ninja villages, but only by a little; the gap was not particularly large. Tsunade had recognized the importance of Medical Ninjutsu, and with her exceptional talent in the field, she had repeatedly proposed that Konoha invest heavily in developing medical techniques. Unfortunately, Konoha lacked funding, so the proposals were never approved and had been delayed until now.

The Third Hokage was already a highly capable politician. During his tenure, he would lead Konoha to its greatest peak, which showed just how outstanding his political abilities were. If not for problems within the village itself, the other ninja villages would have long ceased to matter.

How could the Third Hokage fail to see the benefits of developing Medical Ninjutsu? Thus, he supported his disciple. Funding might have been insufficient, but their actions could not lag behind. That was why Konoha Hospital had been established. So far, its results were quite good, and it even generated considerable income. However, Sarutobi Hiruzen used all that income as funding for the development of Medical Ninjutsu. Beyond Konoha Hospital, the Third Hokage had Tsunade lead a team to organize medical knowledge and improve the medical system. Uchiha Kiyoshi was one of the beneficiaries. That Konoha Medical Ninjutsu Basics Compendium was one of the results of this effort.

Beyond the basic knowledge, Tsunade and the others had carried out a series of medical reforms and developed several basic medical techniques. There was the Healing Technique, a downgraded version of the Mystical Palm Technique, which significantly lowered the entry barrier for medical ninjas.

That was right—entry. Only after mastering healing Ninjutsu such as the Healing Technique could one be considered a beginner medical ninja. The Hemostasis Technique was more of an auxiliary method, and a required course at that.

Achievements such as the Delicate Illness Extraction Technique were all products of this reform. Unfortunately, they ultimately ran into a bottleneck due to the shortage of top-tier medical ninjas.

Tsunade had already reached Konoha's first-rate level in Medical Ninjutsu, but she had not yet pulled ahead of the other first-rate medical ninjas. Her talent meant that she would improve quickly, but that would still take a long time.

Uchiha Kiyoshi's emergence happened to resolve this predicament. Once he grew up, he might help advance Medical Ninjutsu as well. With two top-tier medical ninjas, their chances of successfully applying for funding would also increase greatly.

And to put it bluntly, if war broke out and Konoha had to face enemies on multiple fronts, Tsunade, even as a top-tier medical ninja, could only go to one battlefield. She would inevitably be unable to cover everything. If there were one more person, some of the pressure could be shared.

Uchiha Kiyoshi still did not know how highly the Third Hokage regarded him. He had merely returned home and continued his daily training. After learning the Hemostasis Technique, he did not rush to learn other Medical Ninjutsu. His Chakra was his greatest obstacle. Besides, any healing-type Medical Ninjutsu touched upon Yang Release Nature Transformation to some degree. Uchiha Kiyoshi had not even mastered the Nature Transformation of a single basic Five Elements release, so he did not dare dream of Yang Release Nature Transformation.

At the Uchiha Clan Head's Residence.

The current Uchiha Clan Leader, Uchiha Kai, looked at the intelligence sent by the Third Hokage and fell into silent contemplation.

He knew about Uchiha Kiyoshi, that unusual child of the clan. Uchiha Yu had not concealed anything and had reported all of Uchiha Kiyoshi's circumstances. The clan had not criticized him for his personality. On the contrary, they had been quite tolerant and rarely brought it up. Aside from his somewhat unusual personality, Uchiha Kai had always treated Uchiha Kiyoshi like any other Uchiha. Now that he had seen the Third Hokage's report, he knew he needed to do something.

Uchiha Kai had not expected Uchiha Kiyoshi to possess talent in Medical Ninjutsu, and such considerable talent at that. Of course, that was what the Third Hokage believed. Uchiha Kai actually knew that Uchiha Kiyoshi's success came more from his hard work. Ever since his personality had drastically changed at the age of two, Uchiha Kiyoshi had frequently visited the Archives. His entire reading process had taken place there as well, so Uchiha Yu knew his progress very clearly. Other than not knowing exactly how well Kiyoshi had mastered the material, he knew everything else about his progress. And Uchiha Kiyoshi really had been seriously studying Medical Ninjutsu!

Therefore, when Uchiha Kai learned that Uchiha Kiyoshi had mastered his first Medical Ninjutsu so early, he quickly understood and accepted the news.

"Kiyoshi, you are a ninja of the Uchiha Clan. Since you have talent, we naturally will not bury it. Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen said nothing, we would still nurture you properly.

"A medical ninja... the Uchiha Clan would lose far fewer ninjas. And it would help our clan earn more goodwill from Konoha's residents."

Uchiha Kai was something of a pacifist. He was not much younger than the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and having personally experienced the chaos of the Warring States Era, he cherished peace deeply. Thus, he also hoped to ease the relationship between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha. Even the successor he would later choose, Uchiha Fugaku, was a pacifist.

"Someone, notify him and have him come see me."

In the darkness of night, a black figure flashed past.

Uchiha Kiyoshi, who was training at home, suddenly sensed someone arriving at his house. He was startled at first, but after seeing the clan crest on the visitor's clothes, he relaxed somewhat.

"Uchiha Kiyoshi, the Clan Leader wishes to see you."

"The Clan Leader? He wants to see me?"

Hearing this so suddenly, Uchiha Kiyoshi was at a loss and thoroughly confused. But the other man had no intention of explaining, and Kiyoshi knew better than to keep asking. Instead, he began considering why the Clan Leader had summoned him.

After thinking for a long time, Uchiha Kiyoshi still could not figure out what the Clan Leader wanted from him.

Forget it. There's no point thinking about it. I'll know everything once I get there. The Clan Leader probably doesn't mean me any harm. It's most likely good news.

Upon arriving at the Clan Head's Residence, Uchiha Kiyoshi was led by Uchiha Ryuichi, the ninja who had notified him, to the Clan Leader's study.

It was completely different from Uchiha Kiyoshi's study. The study in Kiyoshi's home was merely a room, but the Clan Leader's study was enormous, with shelves of scrolls and books everywhere.

Uchiha Kiyoshi did not look around carelessly. After finding Uchiha Kai, he bowed in greeting.

"Clan Leader, you summoned me."

Uchiha Kai carefully examined Uchiha Kiyoshi. Unlike most Uchiha, Kiyoshi lacked that fierce, hostile air. His demeanor was gentle, yet he was neither servile nor overbearing before him. Uchiha Kai nodded in satisfaction.

"I called you here because there is something I need to discuss with you."

Uchiha Kiyoshi said nothing and listened closely to the Clan Leader's words.

"I heard that you are interested in Medical Ninjutsu, and that you have already learned the Hemostasis Technique?"

Uchiha Kiyoshi was quite surprised to hear that. Even the Clan Leader knew?

Still, he did not question where the Clan Leader had gotten the information. Unlike secret research that could not see the light of day, he had not made much effort to hide his practice of the Hemostasis Technique within the Uchiha Clan. He had not deliberately stayed in the study every time, so it was no surprise that the other man knew he had learned it.

It was only natural. If a Clan Leader could not even grasp the circumstances of his own clansmen, he would be rather derelict in his duty.

Uchiha Kiyoshi had originally thought it would take at least half a month for the other man to learn of it. He had not expected him to find out so soon. It seemed he would have to be more careful in the future. It was not a matter of distrust; too many things about Uchiha Kiyoshi could not be exposed, and he did not want to play any games that tested human nature.

After running through all this in his mind, Uchiha Kiyoshi promptly confirmed that he had learned the Hemostasis Technique.

Uchiha Kai smiled. His tone was no longer stiff but instead quite gentle as he spoke to Uchiha Kiyoshi.

"There's no need to be nervous. Relax. I only just received this news myself, which is why I had Ryuichi summon you.

"The clan provides greater resources to talented ninjas. Since you possess talent in Medical Ninjutsu, we will support you as well. Although the clan's medical standards are not high, we can support you in other areas."

Uchiha Kiyoshi was somewhat moved upon hearing Uchiha Kai's words. This was what family was supposed to be like. All those novels full of power struggles were lies.

"From now on, the clan will provide you with ten packets of medicinal bath ingredients every month for recovery after training. As for Ninjutsu, you may choose one for free. You can collect it directly from Uchiha Yu in the Archives later."

Uchiha Kiyoshi was extremely excited to hear this. He had been worrying about how to earn money for medicinal baths, and the Clan Leader had sent them right to him. It was like receiving a pillow just when he needed sleep. There was also the free choice of Ninjutsu. No rank had been specified, and he had been told he could claim it later. The hidden meaning was that there would be no problem even if he waited until he was stronger and chose B-rank or A-rank Ninjutsu. That was why Uchiha Kiyoshi was so excited.

The Uchiha Clan's collection was undoubtedly extensive, and many of its techniques were exclusive to the clan. He would make a huge profit by choosing any one of them.

Seeing that Uchiha Kiyoshi had not immediately named the Ninjutsu he wanted, Uchiha Kai nodded. "The little fellow understood what I meant. He's quite clever."

Compared to the Third Hokage, Uchiha Kai knew better what Uchiha Kiyoshi needed. All of Uchiha Kiyoshi's records from childhood to the present were in his hands, far more complete than what the Hokage had gathered. What Kiyoshi had read in the Archives, his detailed performance during special training—these were far more detailed than the information collected by the Anbu.

Uchiha Kai also knew that the best way to invest in Uchiha Kiyoshi was not through Medical Ninjutsu, but by helping him increase his strength, especially in areas that improved his ability to survive. That would truly be giving him what he wanted.

And that was indeed the case. Although the persona Uchiha Kiyoshi displayed outwardly was an act, the real Uchiha Kiyoshi was also cautious by nature. Otherwise, he would not have been able to keep up the act for so long without exposing any flaws.

Having received the Clan Leader's promise of additional resources, Uchiha Kiyoshi happily returned home.

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