Although everyone was worried about Yakumo's surgery, they were still ninjas, and had the basic resolve that came with it. So there was no excessive fussing during the dinner. They happily finished their meal, then said their goodbyes.
Yakumo admired the village's nighttime scenery as she made her way to the hospital.
The surgery was scheduled for tomorrow!
Just then, Ido spoke up from within her mindscape. "Are you sure tomorrow will be all right? If something goes wrong and we die, it'll be the end of us."
"I believe in Lord Tsunade!"
Yakumo answered without hesitation.
Ido spoke slowly. "But accidents do happen."
Yakumo smiled. "So you're afraid of dying? Someone who's always going on about becoming a ninja can't be that scared of death!"
"Tch." Ido clicked her tongue. "Once the surgery's over, we're going to beat up all the geniuses at the Ninja Academy and show them what we can do!"
"Sounds good!"
Yakumo's steps grew lighter.
The next day.
It was another peaceful day. The villagers of Konoha went about their usual routines. The shops opened as usual, and the students went to school. It was an ordinary day in every way.
But many people didn't know that on this very ordinary day, a groundbreaking cell-transplant surgery was underway in an underground operating room at Konoha Hospital.
The Kurama Clan, along with Yakumo's close classmates who knew about the surgery, were all silently praying for her.
The village's higher-ups, including Danzo, were also keeping a close eye on the operation, waiting for the results.
They all knew what this surgery meant.
If First Hokage cell transplants could become commonplace, it would mean that Konoha had gained the ability to mass-produce Wood Release users.
Even if those they created could only use Wood Release to the same