A Small Wager with Tobirama Senju, The Narcissistic Old Man

"Yes..."

"That's it, Rin. A little gentler. Good, your technique is very delicate now..."

Seisui softly guided Rin Nohara as she practiced the Mystical Palm Technique. As an A-rank jutsu, its difficulty was still too high for a Ninja Academy student.

After all, even most jonin couldn't master this technique.

But Rin Nohara wasn't defeated by the challenge. Though her nose was beaded with sweat from tension, she still did her utmost to follow Seisui's instructions.

After a long while, Rin sighed, somewhat drained. "I still can't do it, Seisui."

Shisui nodded slowly beside her, offering encouragement. "Rin, don't be discouraged. Geniuses like my brother are too rare. You've already done great."

Seisui waved his hand dismissively. "What genius am I? I'm just a few years older than you. At Rin's age, I couldn't even master the Three Body Technique..."

Shisui and Rin both pursed their lips in sync. At Seisui's level, no one believed he'd ever been a dead last anymore.

"The Mystical Palm Technique has basically two difficulties: synthesizing medical chakra and controlling its intensity."

A faint green light flickered on Seisui's fingertip as he explained.

"Medical chakra means breaking chakra down into fine, gentle fragments to heal injuries. Unaffiliated chakra is a middling choice, but Yang Release chakra, which stimulates the body, is the best option."

"So, reaching a high level in Medical Ninjutsu can be seen as a special application of Yang Release chakra, much like the Akimichi Clan's secret techniques."

"As for fine chakra control, that's a matter of patient practice. And Rin, you're already talented in that area. With daily training, you'll eventually achieve results."

Rin nodded nervously. "I'll work hard, Seisui."

These were things she'd never heard at the Ninja Academy—details even her future instructor couldn't teach her. Rin cherished this opportunity and was deeply grateful.

Seisui studied Rin, a curious idea forming in his mind.

If he combined the Sharingan's "copy" and "hypnosis" abilities, could he create an effect like a proxy fighter? A hypnotized ninja, guided by another's control, could release jutsu they normally couldn't, building muscle memory?

The principle was like teaching a kid to ride a bike.

At first, you had to hold the bike steady, but when the adult quietly let go, the kid still rode well. With psychological cues and muscle memory, they mastered the skill.

If Seisui's guess worked...

Then great—fast-track advanced jutsu, just find the master Seisui! No need for 998, just have the Will of Fire for Seisui in your heart...

"Tobirama, do you believe I can teach Rin Nohara the Mystical Palm Technique today?"

Seisui applied for interaction with Tobirama. After finishing the Will of Fire exam, the Second Hokage, having taken his first written test, was still a bit nervous and eagerly awaiting his score.

It was clear Tobirama Senju was worried Seisui might get a perfect score while he only got ninety-nine.

"Kid, don't blow hot air. If you can make a seven-year-old master an A-rank jutsu, I'd say Monkey doesn't need to be the Ninja Academy principal anymore—you'd be the best fit."

Tobirama waved his hand dismissively. "Even I couldn't guarantee teaching that child to get started within a week, let alone you."

Seisui chuckled. "Same rules as before. If I lose, I'll owe you one. If I win, no need for a dogeza—just occasionally give me some pointers in training."

"If you want to take me as your master, just say it. Though I won't agree." Tobirama laughed. To him, Seisui was just trying to find a way to get taught.

Oddly enough, Tobirama didn't feel annoyed. In fact, he felt a bit pleased.

But his mouth was still stubborn, acting like he'd never teach Seisui.

"Old man, you're a bit narcissistic. I suggest you reflect on your Will of Fire." Seisui ruthlessly jabbed at Tobirama, then turned to Rin with a hesitant tone.

"Rin, I have a bold idea that might help you quickly get started with the Mystical Palm Technique."

"But it requires you to trust me completely, and I can't guarantee it'll work. Do you want to try?"

Rin blinked. Was there really such a good thing?

"Please go ahead, Seisui. Even if there's risk, I don't mind..."

Seisui nodded. "Alright, then let's head near the Hokage building and wait for Guy and his father."

"To fully master the technique, we'll use real combat. That way, we can also help Mr. Duy with his chronic ailments."

"I've observed Mr. Duy from a distance. His body is strong, but he has too many hidden injuries. They might affect his ninja career."

Shisui's eyes lit up. "Could it be that my brother is truly a genius who inherited the Will of Fire?"

Rin nodded vigorously.

If all went well, this would be the first patient she'd treated in her ninja career—very memorable.

#

"Father, I'm a genius! A hardworking genius acknowledged by Seisui, who's even more of a genius than Kakashi!"

"This is youth! My youth is burning up because of a friend's encouragement!"

Might Guy ran with boundless energy, his whole body seeming to have endless strength.

At seven years old, his mind wasn't as tough as it would be a few years later. After setbacks, he still doubted himself and felt Might Duy's outfit was too ridiculous.

But Seisui, currently the hidden top genius of Konoha, had told him bluntly: You're a genius—a genius who once inspired Seisui.

That wavering heart for training had become unshakably strong under Seisui's praise.

Behind him, Might Duy watched Might Guy's enthusiasm with pride. He cheered loudly for his son, but his steps gradually slowed.

"Kai, you've found some truly wonderful friends. I'm proud of you..."

Might Duy's large hand pressed against the spot on his lower back, where a piercing pain radiated.

Years of malnutrition and grueling training had forced this iron-willed man to reluctantly acknowledge the agony of his injuries.

"Seisui-kun, are you training hard today too!"

Not far away, hearing his son's excited voice, Might Duy's eyes lit up. He forcibly suppressed the pain in his waist, flashed his trademark gleaming teeth, and ran forward.

Might Duy wanted to thank Seisui—to thank this genius who had truly cheered on his son's youth!

No chance to slack off this morning... (office worker sighs)