Taking Over Training, Will of Fire Chiyo Uchiha followed an Anbu ninja to the door of the Hokage's Office and knocked softly.
"Come in."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's steady voice came from inside.
Pushing open the door, Chiyo saw the Third Hokage seated behind his desk, holding a scroll with a slight furrow between his brows, as though he were pondering something.
"Lord Hokage."
Chiyo bowed respectfully.
"Have a seat."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up and pointed to the sofa beside him before lowering his head to continue reading the scroll in his hand.
Chiyo said nothing and sat quietly on the sofa to wait.
For a moment, the only sounds in the office were the rustling of turning scroll pages and the occasional birdsong drifting in from outside.
He took the opportunity to look around. The Hokage's Office was simply yet solemnly furnished, with portraits of the Hokages hanging on the walls.
The bookshelves were filled with scrolls and books, and a faint tobacco scent lingered in the air.
After a while, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally set down the scroll and rubbed the space between his eyebrows.
He then looked at Chiyo, his gaze deep and gentle.
"Chiyo, I called you here today to discuss Medical Ninja Training."
He got straight to the point.
Chiyo's heart tightened, but his expression remained calm.
"Please speak, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up the pipe on his desk, lit it gently, took a puff, and slowly said,
"The Medical Ninja proposal has been approved, but the specific training plan still needs further refinement. What are your thoughts on this?"
Chiyo pondered briefly before answering.
"Medical Ninja Training can be divided into three stages: Basic theory, practical operation, and Battlefield Adaptation."
"Oh?"
A flicker of interest passed through Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
"Go into detail."
Chiyo gathered his thoughts and continued.
"First, during the basic theory stage, we need to compile a systematic set of teaching materials covering Human Anatomy, Chakra Control, common injury treatment, and other subjects.
Experienced Medical Ninja can teach this stage, ensuring that the trainees grasp the necessary theoretical knowledge.
Additionally, more elementary material can be offered as an elective at the Ninja Academy."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.
"Theory is indeed important, but during wartime, what we need are Medical Ninja who can quickly enter actual combat."
Chiyo smiled faintly.
"That is precisely the purpose of the second stage. During practical operation, trainees need to perform actual treatment under supervision, progressing from simple wound care to repairing complex internal injuries.
We can establish a Simulated Battlefield Environment, allowing trainees to practice under high pressure and shortening their adaptation time."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's furrowed brows relaxed.
"A Simulated Battlefield Environment? That's a good idea."
Chiyo continued.
"The final stage is Battlefield Adaptation. Through squad cooperation drills, Medical Ninja can become familiar with protecting themselves and treating their companions during battle.
This stage can be carried out alongside existing ninja squads, allowing them to work together and build coordination."
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment, then revealed an approving smile.
"Your thinking is very clear. It seems you've studied the medical system quite thoroughly."
Chiyo answered modestly.
"I've only given it some extra thought in my spare time.
Additionally, I suggest establishing a Grading System, dividing trainees into junior, intermediate, and senior Medical Ninja according to their abilities and performance, then assigning them different tasks and resources."
A trace of surprise flashed through Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
"A Grading System? That's quite novel."
Chiyo nodded.
"This would make the most of our limited resources while encouraging trainees to keep improving."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag from his pipe and slowly exhaled, smoke curling through the sunlight.
He fell silent for a while before suddenly asking,
"Chiyo, what do you believe the Will of Fire is?"
Chiyo was slightly startled, not expecting the topic to shift so suddenly.
But he quickly reacted and spoke firmly.
"The Will of Fire is the Spiritual Legacy left behind by the First Hokage.
It represents the conviction to protect one's companions and safeguard the village. It is the foundation of Konoha Ninja.
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Where the Leaves Dance, Fire Will Keep Burning.
The firelight will illuminate the village and let new leaves sprout."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze flickered slightly, as though Chiyo's answer had moved him.
"Well said... You remind me of an old Uchiha friend."
Chiyo's heart stirred. He vaguely guessed whom Hiruzen Sarutobi meant, but did not expose it.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes.
"Kagami was once like you, with the village's future in his heart."
The Kagami he meant was naturally Kagami Uchiha.
Chiyo lowered his head and spoke sincerely.
"Senior Kagami was Uchiha's Pride and my role model as well."
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at Chiyo, as if trying to see something in his eyes.
After a moment, he slowly asked,
"Chiyo, what do you think of the Uchiha Clan?"
Chiyo raised his head, his gaze frank.
"Uchiha has always been Konoha's Uchiha.
I was born in Konoha and raised in Konoha. The Village's Prosperity is Uchiha's prosperity.
There may have been some misunderstandings and gaps in the past.
But I believe that as long as we hold the Will of Fire in our hearts, Uchiha and the village can advance hand in hand."
A trace of relief flashed through Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, and he nodded gently.
"Very good... Very good."
He rose to his feet and walked to the window, speaking with his back to Chiyo.
"I'll leave Medical Ninja Training to you and Tsunade.
Begin a trial according to the plan you proposed. I hope you can train Medical Ninja as soon as possible."
Chiyo was overjoyed, but he remained calm.
"Yes, Lord Hokage. I will not disappoint you."
Hiruzen Sarutobi handed the scroll to Chiyo, a gentle smile on his face.
"Go. I believe you can do it."
Chiyo stood, bowed, took the scroll, and turned to leave.
After walking out of the Hokage's Office, he let out a long breath.
This went more smoothly than I expected!
However, he did not know that after he left, Hiruzen Sarutobi was still standing by the window, his gaze distant.
"Kagami, among your Uchiha juniors, someone like you has finally appeared again..."
He murmured softly, a complicated emotion flashing through his eyes.
"Hiruzen, don't let your guard down!"
Danzo emerged from the shadows nearby.
"You heard what he said just now as well. Tell me what you think!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi concealed the emotion in his eyes and glanced at Danzo.
"His words sound nice, but who knows what the Uchiha might do behind our backs?"
Danzo snorted coldly.
As a Hokage Advisor and the leader of Root,
how could he not understand what Hiruzen Sarutobi meant?
Expect him to approve of someone from the Uchiha Clan?
Dream on!
"Hiruzen, the fighting in Amegakure is intense. I plan to go there personally!"
Hearing that Danzo intended to go to the battlefield, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly.
"How many ninja will you take?"
"I don't need your Anbu. I'll take people from Root!
Konoha's situation has been extremely unfavorable lately. I can't just stand by and watch anymore."
Danzo spoke with great resolve. Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him, unable to discern his purpose for the moment.
"Very well!"
Thinking of the frontline intelligence he had received recently, Hiruzen Sarutobi ultimately nodded in agreement.
Danzo had only taken two steps toward the door when he suddenly stopped.
Turning back to look at Hiruzen Sarutobi, mockery flashed through his eyes.
"Hiruzen, why make testing Chiyo Uchiha so troublesome? Just send him to the battlefield for a walk!"
After saying that, Danzo turned and left the Hokage's Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched Danzo's departing back, his eyes flickering as his frown deepened.
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