That night, the camp was deathly quiet.
Aside from the occasional patrol passing by, only dim yellow light shone through the tents.
Tōka had been assigned to a camp near the rear.
Not far ahead was the central command tent of Konoha's White Fang, Sakumo Hatake. Behind him was the medical division under Tsunade's command.
It could be said that Tōka's position was the safest in the entire camp.
At the same time, it was also the most closely watched.
With two Kage-level powerhouses watching him from front and back, Tōka was only a freshly graduated genin.
Even if Tōka possessed jonin-level strength, he would have to think twice before causing trouble in secret.
However, none of that mattered much to Tōka. He lay peacefully in bed, refining chakra while resting.
The night was frighteningly quiet, save for the howling wind outside the tent.
It sounded like wind blowing through the woods, yet also like the yellow sands outside the forest dancing through the sky.
Suddenly, Tōka, who had been lying with his eyes closed, opened them.
"Since you're here, come in," he said, staring at the tent flap.
"Yo, your perception's pretty good!" Jiraiya said with a grin as he lifted the flap and entered, not the least bit embarrassed at having been discovered.
He had received the secret letter Minato sent over and more or less understood the Third Hokage's attitude toward Tōka.
However, as Jiraiya walked over, he had been pondering one question: how should he teach Tōka, or rather, how could he quickly increase Tōka's strength?
The battlefield was a merciless meat grinder. No matter how powerful the people protecting you were, nothing was more reliable than possessing great strength yourself.
Therefore, the Third Hokage's request was, in effect, a hope that Jiraiya would guide Tōka.
As for whether he would accept him as a disciple, that was entirely up to Jiraiya.
"Lord Jiraiya." Tōka turned over and sat up, answering blandly.
Then he tilted his head slightly and looked at Jiraiya, apparently with no intention of speaking first.
Jiraiya did not stand on ceremony. He plopped down opposite Tōka, folded his arms, and sized up the strange kid before him.
He had seen that Falling Stone Rain with his own eyes. A person crawling out of a stone? That really was something else.
Still, Tōka's performance in Konoha over this period had been fairly "good," so the Third Hokage had reluctantly regarded him as "one of their own."
The Third Hokage's approval would directly affect the attitude of those under the Hokage faction toward Tōka.
From the moment Jiraiya appeared until now, Tōka had not detected even a trace of hostility from him. It was much better than their first meeting.
A brief silence fell over the tent.
After pondering for a moment, Jiraiya broke the silence.
"You don't need to rush onto the battlefield. Follow me and learn ninjutsu for a while first," he said bluntly.
"Oh." Tōka nodded slightly, replying without expression.
Jiraiya's mouth twitched, and the atmosphere instantly went cold.
He was one of the Legendary Sannin, renowned throughout the Ninja World—the Toad Sage, Lord Jiraiya!
Why did he keep feeling like this utterly unlovable brat wasn't interested in him at all?
Jiraiya rubbed his chin and pondered inwardly.
The two sat facing each other, yet neither seemed to see the other in their eyes.
The tent was quiet, filled with an indescribable atmosphere.
Jiraiya was thinking of a way to pique Tōka's interest and seize the initiative.
Tōka, on the other hand, was thinking that aside from Sage Art, none of Jiraiya's other abilities seemed particularly suitable for him.
It was not that Jiraiya was weak. Each of the Legendary Sannin possessed unique abilities.
Jiraiya was extremely proficient in both ninjutsu and taijutsu, and he also knew Sealing Techniques.
However, Tōka trained in taijutsu with Gai. Although he had not learned the Eight Inner Gates, he did not need any other training.
As for ninjutsu, none of Jiraiya's techniques could match the destructive power of All-Killing Ash Bones.
That was why Tōka was not particularly interested in Jiraiya.
As for Sage Art, he would need to go to Mount Myōboku to learn it.
Tōka did not dare gamble on it. He was still too weak, while that old toad of Mount Myōboku possessed abilities far too mystical.
The risk of going to Mount Myōboku to learn Sage Art was too great.
If that old toad discovered the truth of his origins...
Heh heh heh, that would be quite a spectacle.
The thought flashed through his mind, and Tōka spoke first to break the silence. "Lord Jiraiya, if possible, I hope you can help me with something."
"Huh? What kind of help?" Jiraiya snapped out of his thoughts and looked over.
He lifted his chin slightly with a smug expression, as though he were saying: See? He still needs this sage's guidance.
A row of black lines slid down Tōka's forehead. He pursed his lips, hesitating over whether to let the man enjoy himself for a while first.
"Go ahead. As long as it's something I can do," Jiraiya said with a smile.
"I want to study medicine under Lady Tsunade."
The instant Tōka finished speaking, Jiraiya's smug expression froze, leaving him with a face that looked neither like a smile nor a cry.
He had been feeling pleased with himself for so long, thinking Tōka had realized how formidable he was and wanted to take him as a master...
So he had been aiming for Tsunade all along!!
"What's so good about medicine? How can it compare to this sage's abilities?" Jiraiya's expression darkened as he prepared to launch into an endless lecture about toads.
Tōka looked at him expressionlessly. Under Jiraiya's astonished gaze—
He simply lay straight back down.
Damn it!! Jiraiya cursed inwardly.
Countless people lined up and begged on their knees to become his disciples, even offering lavish gifts just for a few words of guidance from him.
And he had not wanted any of them!!
Other than Minato, only Kushina could barely count as half a disciple.
Yet this brat actually...
Actually...
Jiraiya was momentarily at a loss for words, not knowing how to describe Tōka.
"Hmph!"
Jiraiya was not thick-skinned. If the Third Hokage had not deliberately had Minato send him a secret letter, he would never have made this trip.
Since this brat wanted to study medicine under Tsunade, then let him go!
He would end up getting nowhere with Tsunade anyway...
Hmph hmph!!
Jiraiya angrily lifted the tent flap and strode out, his figure gradually vanishing into the pitch-black night.
Tōka truly intended to study medicine under Tsunade; he simply did not know where to begin.
His All-Killing Ash Bones counted as ninjutsu, his genjutsu was barely at an introductory level, and his taijutsu and ninja tools were passable.
If he learned medical skills, Tōka's combat endurance would increase dramatically.
At present, aside from genjutsu, which still had room for improvement, he could only steadily train his taijutsu and All-Killing Ash Bones.
Until his body had fully grown and his chakra reserves increased, it was impossible for him to greatly improve either All-Killing Ash Bones or taijutsu.
That was why Tōka had developed the idea of learning medicine.
Tōka possessed both Yin and Yang Release. Yang Release represented the power of the body, and Yang Release techniques could infuse life into physical forms.
In other words, Yang Release was the key to mastering Medical Ninjutsu.
It was another sleepless night. Tōka did not know what method he could use to move Tsunade and make her teach him medical skills.
At dawn, the first rays of sunlight fell into the forest.
Tōka was awakened by the early-rising birds in the woods. Their clear calls carried far away, spreading throughout Konoha Main Camp.
People were not allowed to wander freely around the camp. If someone needed to go to another division, they had to report it to their leader in advance.
Tōka had only just arrived and had not yet been assigned to any team.
He did not even count as a temporary combatant.
"Forget it. They'll arrange a task for me eventually." After hesitating for a long time, Tōka decided to keep a low profile.
It was wartime, the most sensitive period of all.
Any small movement could draw attention. As the thought crossed his mind, Tōka stopped beneath a large tree outside the tents.
Standing in the shade, Tōka decided to get some exercise here today.
"Today's tasks are basic taijutsu training and genjutsu practice!" Tōka declared before beginning his training.
Unexpectedly, he had only just finished a light jog and loosened up his muscles.
A figure swooshed down and landed before Tōka.
"Konoha genin Tōka, you are temporarily assigned to the medical division. This is the order." The newcomer briefly explained his purpose before tossing the written order to Tōka.
Tōka caught it, and the other person immediately used the Body Flicker Technique to leave, vanishing into the forest in the blink of an eye.
When he opened it, it was just as he expected—a special order issued by Jiraiya.
"Huh, he wasn't angry?" Tōka paused slightly. Not only was Jiraiya not angry, he had actually helped him.
Tōka shook his head slightly, too lazy to dwell on it.
He suppressed the delight in his eyes, gripped the order, and headed directly toward the medical division in the rear.
The battlefield could change in an instant. Who knew when fighting would break out?
Tōka had to make the most of his time. At the very least, he needed to learn the Healing Technique and hemostasis technique among the basic medical ninjutsu.
As for the more advanced Mystical Palm Technique, that would depend on luck.
After a brief moment of thought, Tōka had already arrived outside the medical division's camp.
The medical division was located behind Konoha Main Camp, yet it was separate from it.
It looked like the tail of the main camp. Two elite squads guarded the entrance, while other squads patrolled the surroundings. Its defenses were exceptionally tight.
The moment Tōka approached the gate, four black shadows suddenly descended and swiftly surrounded him.
"Who goes there!" one of the men wearing a jonin vest shouted in a low voice.
Tōka made no unnecessary movements and merely slowly handed over the order in his hand.
The jonin signaled everyone not to lower their guard. He took the order, checked it several times, then finally raised his head to look at Tōka.
"You may enter. Lady Tsunade is in the central tent."
"Thank you for telling me."
Tōka nodded slightly and turned to walk into the camp.
The jonin made a gesture, signaling the elite squad behind him to let him pass.
The moment he entered, a pungent smell of alcohol hit him. The cries of wounded soldiers occasionally rang out throughout the camp.
The infirmary tents on both sides were packed with injured people, while medical ninjas made up only a small portion of those present.
"So this is the battlefield." Tōka sighed inwardly and walked straight toward the tent at the center of the camp.
The medical division was clearly organized in a long strip. Tsunade held the center, the wounded soldiers' tents were on either side, and medical supplies and operating rooms were in the middle.
This made it easier to retrieve medicine and treat the wounded in the shortest possible time.
"Konoha genin Tōka reporting for duty." Tōka called out loudly from outside the central tent.
Seeing this, one of the guard ninjas turned and slipped into the tent.
Not long afterward, the ninja came back out and nodded at Tōka. "Lady Tsunade says you may enter."
Tōka's expression remained calm, but inwardly he praised Konoha's camp layout, with guards and sentries stationed everywhere.
Ninjas were not soldiers, after all. Being able to achieve this much was already quite impressive.
Tōka entered the tent. This was his second meeting with Tsunade.
Tsunade was processing the documents in her hands, a rare sight of her being so serious.
The newly graduated Shizune was already at Tsunade's side. It seemed everything had been arranged long ago.
"Jiraiya said you want to study medicine?" Tsunade glanced up at Tōka. It was not that she could not stand this silence.
She merely wanted to dismiss Tōka quickly so she could have a drink.
Handling official duties? How could Tsunade possibly do something like that!
She was only putting on an act because she had heard an "outsider" was coming.
"Yes. More precisely, I want to study medicine under Lady Tsunade." Tōka deliberately emphasized his words. Was Tsunade trying to brush him off onto someone else because she found him troublesome?
If Tsunade was not going to teach him personally, Tōka might as well study from books on his own.
Other than the Mystical Palm Technique, which would take some time, the Healing Technique and hemostasis technique were not difficult.
Hearing that, Tsunade narrowed her eyes at Tōka. What an unlovable brat. He had immediately noticed the loophole in her words.
The atmosphere suddenly became oppressive, yet Tōka stood where he was as if he had noticed nothing.
In the end, Tsunade curled her lips into a cold smile.
Then, from who knew where, she pulled out a scroll and tossed it directly to Tōka.
"You know the theory behind the Healing Technique, right?" Tsunade began, then shook her head, leaned back casually in her chair, and said, "Forget it. Shizune, you explain it to him."
"Huh? Yes!" Shizune froze for a moment before standing at attention and replying.
"There is an injured fish inside. If you can meet my requirements, I'll personally teach you." Tsunade looked at Tōka with a half-smile, clearly intending to make things difficult for him.
"Please tell me." Tōka could sense Tsunade's rejection, but who could know what would happen in the end without trying?
"I'll give you one day. Find a way to heal it within ten minutes." Tsunade's expression turned serious, and a cold smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.
Ten minutes? Tōka's usually calm face finally changed color.
For a beginner, not killing it would already be decent, yet she was demanding that he heal it within ten minutes?
A difficult problem was called difficult precisely because it was not easy to solve.
"What? Can't do it?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"I understand." Tōka nodded slightly. As soon as he finished speaking, he took the scroll and turned to leave.
Shizune glanced at the stunned Tsunade, then hurriedly ran out after him.
She had not forgotten her mission.
"T-Tōka!" Shizune called as she ran.
"Hm? Is there something else?" Tōka stopped and turned to ask.
"Um, Lady Tsunade asked me to explain the principles of the Healing Technique to you." For some reason, Shizune felt strange. Tōka was clearly younger than she was, yet she felt like the child instead.
"The Healing Technique? Do you have something like a beginner's guide for medical ninja?" Tōka asked pointedly.
"A beginner's guide?" Shizune rummaged through the ninja tool pouch at her side, pulled out a palm-sized booklet, and handed it to Tōka.
"Thanks. I'll read it myself." Tōka accepted it, gave Shizune a slight nod, then turned and left.
Shizune stood there in a daze for a moment before deciding to go back and report to Tsunade.
Inside Tsunade's tent in the medical division, Shizune stood respectfully to one side. She had repeated everything that had happened outside word for word.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes, one finger tapping rhythmically against the table.
"Did he give up?"
It seemed she had not seen through that little brat either.
"No matter what, we'll know in a day."
If Tōka truly could complete the task she had assigned, Tsunade would not mind giving that "genius" some guidance.
However, that was simply impossible.
Not even her grandfather, the First Hokage Hashirama Senju, had been that capable when he first came into contact with Medical Ninjutsu.
"Shizune, that boy is your classmate?" Tsunade suddenly asked.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Shizune replied.
"Whether or not he can meet my requirements, report the result to me in one day." Tsunade stopped tapping the table and spoke in a low voice.
"Yes." Shizune nodded to show that she understood.
After the brief exchange, Tsunade casually tossed the document in her hand into the corner.
Then, from somewhere, she pulled out a bottle of sake...
Before you continue