At the apartment.
"His strength is astonishing, but something still feels off. Is it because the fusion wasn't thorough enough, or because the suppressant Tsunade prepared dampened the First Hokage cells' activity?"
Shinji pondered to himself.
Contrary to what people outside imagined—that he was under immense pressure from Yakumo's challenge—he was currently in his apartment, assessing her condition after the surgery.
In the eyes of others, Yakumo, who had completed the transplant surgery, was a rising star, poised to change the Ninja Academy's pecking order all by herself and defeat each of its four prodigies.
But to Shinji, Yakumo's performance after surgery, though impressive, still lacked that touch of the extraordinary!
He had been one of the people present for Yakumo's surgery.
He understood the power of the First Hokage cells even better than Yakumo herself. Back then, to suppress them, he had unleashed the full power of his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and only barely managed to restrain the cells inside her with 'Magatsu.'
So, in his view, Yakumo should have been even more astonishing after surviving the surgery.
"Maybe she's still holding back!"
Shinji gathered his thoughts.
In any case, Yakumo would most likely challenge him tomorrow. Then he could personally assess her true condition after the surgery.
Only by confirming her true post-surgery condition could he refine or adjust Tsunade's surgical plan, making it safer and more effective to use on Karin and himself.
Early the next morning.
The Ninja Academy's training ground was unusually lively. Besides the students out for morning practice, many students' parents and Academy instructors had arrived early.
Looking around at the bustling training ground, Shikamaru sighed. "Sigh, Shinji's the only one left."
Ino said, "Yeah. If Shinji loses too, Yakumo will be the undisputed top student in our year!"
As he munched on