Tsunade: Quit Nagging and Sit Over Here!

"Elder Kenji, did you call me here for something?"

Uchiha Fugaku ignored the tea Rie had served, his expression slightly grave.

Even though this elder was retired from the Security Force, he remained a man of great vigor and significant influence within the clan. Uchiha Fugaku did not let his guard down for a second.

If it weren't for the Great Elder being hands-off and delegating his power, Uchiha Fugaku, as a young clan head, would likely be nothing more than a puppet.

Uchiha Kenji set down his teacup, smiled faintly, and asked, "Clan Head, you just came from the Hokage Building. Are you planning to go find Yoichi?"

Uchiha Fugaku fell silent upon hearing this, then said, "That's right. Does the Second Elder know about this matter as well?"

"After Yoichi took action against the Root ninja, he came to my house and explained the sequence of events. All of this was stirred up by Root."

Uchiha Kenji did not hide or deceive Fugaku. After all, he was the clan head, and low-level deception would be useless.

"Therefore, I sent the Security Force to capture the thirteen people who were spreading the rumors most frequently. Three of them were motivated by grudges from having been detained by the Security Force before, five others had accepted money, and five showed signs of being under a genjutsu."

"Out of concern for the younger generation, I had Masato use a Sharingan genjutsu on Yoichi's former teammate. The conclusion reached was that it was out of jealousy and hatred."

"He hates that he cannot be a ninja, while Uchiha Yoichi completed the mission unscathed and might even become a hero of Konoha. That is why he slandered Yoichi."

Uchiha Kenji spoke of his findings with a chuckle and placed a scroll on the table.

"Clan Head, Yoichi is a bit unlucky, but he knew to come to me when trouble arose—much like a child who gets into trouble outside and seeks help from their parents. This is the Lightning Release Nintaijutsu scroll he gave me. You may take it, Clan Head."

Uchiha Fugaku had not spoken since a moment ago, and he showed no reaction even when he saw the scroll on the table.

If he took the Lightning Release Chakra Mode scroll, he, as the clan head, would have to shoulder the expectations of the clan members.

To take the ninjutsu meant he would have to clear Uchiha Yoichi's name, sweep away the rumors spreading through the village, and confront Danzo.

Uchiha Fugaku clenched his hands tightly. He had been cornered by the Second Elder. Now, he only had two choices, and choosing to take the ninjutsu scroll would come at a great cost.

All his previous efforts would be in vain!

"Second Elder, this matter... let it end here."

"Fugaku."

"I have matters at home that haven't been dealt with. Second Elder, I will be heading back now. As for Uchiha Yoichi's affair, let it end here. As for those people in the Security Force... leave them to me to handle."

Uchiha Fugaku lowered his head slightly, his tone resolute, and then he stood up and walked out.

The tea on the table remained untouched, and he left without taking the ninjutsu scroll.

After the man had been gone for a while, Uchiha Kenji shook his head and sighed. "Indecisive. I really shouldn't have listened to that guy Yuki back then. If Yoichi had been born a few years earlier, we wouldn't have had to choose him."

Uchiha Fugaku's behavior only solidified Uchiha Kenji's resolve to cultivate Uchiha Yoichi.

His son, Masato, lacked the talent to be a clan head; being a squad leader and honestly following the orders of others was enough for him.

The bottom line for a clan head is that they cannot unconditionally cater to others, but Uchiha Fugaku was completely unaware of this problem.

"Lady Tsunade, such a minor injury doesn't require you to step in personally, does it?"

"Less chatter. Just consider it compensation for me accidentally dragging you into this. Get over here, quickly!"

Tsunade snorted as she gave the order. With her arms crossed, she had the air of someone who would "beat you until you come over if you don't come over on your own."

"Last time you said I was an informant. But when I encountered Nintaijutsu from another village, I couldn't help but report it. I didn't expect Root to act like that, though."

Why was a woman in her thirties acting so tsundere? She was even turning her head away in embarrassment to explain herself. Still, in a way, this old woman was actually somewhat indescribably cute, and she looked so young, too.

Uchiha Yoichi withdrew his gaze from Tsunade's face, then walked over to the chair in front of her and sat down. He replied, "Since that's the case, then consider us even after you treat me this once. Sorry for the trouble, Lady Tsunade."

"A minor injury like this is no trouble at all. If you let me treat you, I can have you fully recovered in one go."

As Tsunade spoke, she formed hand seals and used the Mystical Palm Technique, then pressed her hand against Uchiha Yoichi's body.

The Mystical Palm Technique uses Yang Release Chakra to stimulate and regulate the division of cells within the body to achieve the effect of healing wounds. With Tsunade's level of Chakra control, her efficiency in recovering from injuries was ten times that of other Medical Ninjas.

Even when healing others through Katsuyu, the effect was stronger than that of ordinary Medical Ninjas.

Tsunade now held the title of the number one Medical Ninja in the ninja world. There was no telling how many people wanted to invite Tsunade to treat their illnesses, but Tsunade was generally too lazy to go; she only got busy when she was out of money.

Before long, ninety-nine percent of the injuries on Uchiha Yoichi's body were healed. After thanking her, he left Konoha Hospital.

"Is your body feeling better?"

Outside Konoha Hospital, Kakashi suddenly appeared in front of Uchiha Yoichi and asked with an expressionless face.

"Don't appear suddenly next time. And what do you want?"

Uchiha Yoichi replied. He had assumed that once Kakashi finished the mission, he wouldn't come looking for him again, especially since he had already had a conflict with the Root ninjas.

"Actually, I went to your clan compound first, and only then came to the hospital to find you."

Kakashi looked Uchiha Yoichi over, then continued, "A mission outside the village. You look like you're fine. About when are you going to accept a mission?"

After returning home that day, Kakashi had indeed asked Hatake Sakumo, but Hatake Sakumo only told Kakashi some information and left the rest for Kakashi to judge and choose for himself.

Kakashi thought for a long time before finally deciding to continue teaming up with Uchiha Yoichi.

He trusted his instincts; Uchiha Yoichi was not the kind of person the rumors made him out to be. That was why he had gone to the Uchiha compound today and then rushed over to the hospital.

"If you're not in a hurry, let's say five days from now. I recently acquired a few new techniques, so I'll familiarize myself with them first. That way, the chances of mission success will be higher."

"Alright then, are you still going to train over the next few days?"

"If you have any ideas, just meet at the usual spot!"

"Understood. However, the mission time has arrived, so I won't be acting as a sparring partner anymore!"

After Kakashi finished speaking, he turned and left. His father wouldn't be in the village for much longer before heading out on another mission, and his own training progress was too slow. In all of Konoha, only Uchiha Yoichi was suitable as a training target.

Although he had graduated a year ago, Kakashi knew very few people. Usually, aside from his father, he trained by himself.

Now, having someone stronger than him to spar with was a rare opportunity for Kakashi.

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