A few days later, inside the Hokage Office.
"...That concludes the full account and outcome of this mission."
Once the report ended, the office returned to brief silence.
Behind the desk, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, quietly listened to the two men's detailed account and revealed an exceptionally kind smile.
"You've worked hard. You both performed exceptionally well, far exceeding expectations." His voice was gentle yet full of affirmation. "Based on the nature of this incident, the scope involved, and the final results, the mission evaluation committee has unanimously decided to officially raise this mission's rank to A-rank."
An A-rank mission often meant that the incident had already touched upon, or could potentially affect, the balance of power, security, and stability between regions.
Exposing and foiling the border City Lord's conspiracy with an outlaw cult to kidnap children from their own country for sinister purposes indeed fully warranted such a rank.
"Since the mission has been successfully completed, you should both take some time to rest." The Third Hokage smiled, his tone relaxed, warmly advising them like an elder caring for his juniors.
"Especially you, Shinichi. Your very first mission was so full of twists and turns. Go back, relax properly, and recover your spirits."
"Yes. Thank you for your concern, Third Hokage."
Shinichi replied respectfully. After a slight pause, he raised his head and added, "Third Hokage, I am personally very interested in Medical Ninjutsu. May I apply to study the basics at Konoha Hospital in my spare time between missions?"
"Oh? You want to study Medical Ninjutsu?" The Third Hokage set down his pipe with interest, the smile on his face growing even gentler. "Shinichi, why did you suddenly have that idea?"
"In response to your question, Third Hokage." Shinichi's tone was steady. He had clearly considered this long ago.
"There are several reasons. First, you previously instructed me that my Chakra control was still insufficient. I have heard that Medical Ninjutsu demands an extremely high degree of precision in Chakra control, perhaps even the highest among all branches of ninjutsu."
"I thought that training in Medical Ninjutsu might greatly temper and improve my control over Chakra. That would be highly beneficial to my overall growth in the future."
He paused briefly, then continued his clear explanation. "Second, compared to ninjutsu, I have actually invested more into taijutsu, and my combat style focuses more heavily on taijutsu. Medicine and taijutsu have shared common ground since ancient times."
"A deeper understanding of the human body's structure, meridian system, muscular force generation, and even vital weaknesses would not only make my personal training more scientific and effective while reducing hidden injuries, but also allow me to better grasp the timing, target, and force of attacks and defenses in actual combat, bringing the power and efficiency of taijutsu to a new level."
Finally, he added, "Furthermore, as a ninja, injuries during missions or teammates needing aid are unavoidable. Mastering some basic medical knowledge might provide another layer of security at critical moments and reduce unnecessary casualties."
After hearing him out, the Third Hokage slowly nodded and smiled. "Mm... Since you have the will and your reasoning is sound, I naturally have no reason to refuse. How about this? I'll notify the Medical Department later. If you're free in the next couple of days, go report in."
"However, Shinichi, Medical Ninjutsu is vast and profound. It requires not only talent, but also Perseverance, patience, and an attentiveness beyond that of ordinary people. Remember to act within your limits. Do not be greedy for too much or rush for quick results. You must proceed step by step."
"Yes, Third Hokage!" Shinichi nodded solemnly. "I will remember your teachings and humbly learn from the hospital's seniors."
After the two bowed and left, the Hokage Office returned to silence, leaving only the Third Hokage behind.
He picked up the still-fresh mission report from the desk once more and slowly turned to the attached final page, where Captain Maruboshi Kosuke had personally written his mission remarks and evaluations of the team members.
Outstanding talent, formidable strength; keen insight, sound analysis; decisive in the moment, bold and composed...
In his remarks, Maruboshi Kosuke had rated Shinichi extremely highly, particularly emphasizing afterward that he was a child with a strong sense of responsibility and deep empathy.
As the Third Hokage read on, a smile blossomed across his face like layers of autumn chrysanthemums unfolding.
Perhaps because Shinichi had left the village for a mission immediately after graduating, and the risks had escalated sharply during it before it was ultimately classified as A-rank, the Third Hokage felt somewhat apologetic and believed that this young ninja should have a steadier transition period.
Thus, over the next two months or so, most of the missions Shinichi and Maruboshi Kosuke received were D-rank, with their activities basically confined to Konoha.
The farthest they went was a nearby village, where they helped the local residents drive off and eliminate two Brown Bears that had awakened from hibernation and begun harassing homes.
Outside of missions, Shinichi did not slack off in the slightest. On one hand, he continued studying under Maruboshi Kosuke.
The old ninja's techniques for deeply integrating his exquisite swordsmanship with practical ninja combat experience benefited Shinichi immensely.
At the same time, although Maruboshi Kosuke excelled at Water Release, he was also solidly accomplished in Fire Release. His guidance likewise improved Shinichi's use of Fire Nature Chakra.
Though they were teammates in name, most of the time Maruboshi Kosuke was more like an instructor who taught him everything he knew.
On the other hand, thanks to the Third Hokage's advance notice, Shinichi smoothly entered Konoha Hospital and began studying the professional knowledge of medical ninja.
Although students learned basic pharmacology and human anatomy at the Ninja Academy, compared to the depth and precision of knowledge a truly qualified medical ninja needed to master, that was merely the most basic introduction.
Becoming a qualified medical ninja was extremely difficult. It usually required years of systematic training and rigorous practice, with exceptionally high demands for both talent and temperament.
However, with multiple Traits such as [Genius] supporting him, Shinichi's learning efficiency far surpassed that of ordinary people.
"Heading home, Shinichi?" One day, after he had finished his studies at the hospital, a familiar doctor saw him packing up and greeted him with a smile.
"Yes, Senior. See you tomorrow." Shinichi nodded in reply.
As he passed through the corridor, several nurses also smiled and waved to him.
"See you tomorrow, little Shinichi!"
"Be careful on your way home."
It was clear that although he had only been there for two months, he was already quite well-liked.
Shinichi politely responded to each of them and left the hospital at an even pace.
After returning home and washing up briefly, he walked to the bed and lay down flat on his back.
His consciousness settled, and the Personal Panel silently emerged.
Within the talent section, one Trait had already changed:
[Charisma (Green): You possess exceptionally strong personal charisma. Your words and actions naturally exude Affinity and credibility, allowing others to unconsciously develop favorable impressions and identification with you, while becoming more easily influenced by your emotions and attitude.]
This had evolved from the original white Trait, [Affinity]. Though he had not deliberately pursued it, over time it had ultimately solidified into a deeper "Charisma" in everyone's perception.
His gaze passed over [Charisma] and landed on another newly generated white Trait:
[Medical Basics (White): You possess outstanding memory and comprehension of human anatomy and pharmacological knowledge, making your study and application of medical knowledge and basic treatment methods precise and efficient.]
This was direct feedback from his recent studies at the hospital. Yet as he looked at this Trait, Shinichi had already confirmed a fact.
Just as he had previously guessed—
[Medical Basics] belonged to a specialized talent Trait within the category of "ninja occupational talents."
Its emergence showed that, according to the panel's judgment logic, the identity of a "medical ninja" was not regarded as an independent Occupation.
It was more like a specialized branch under the ninja system, a derivative application created by combining ninja with medical knowledge, rather than a supernatural occupational system with an independent origin and complete inheritance.
Then what was?
Ninja went without saying. It was the undisputed dominant discipline of the current Shinobi World.
And Swordsman...
Shinichi's thoughts rapidly traced back through every clue he knew. Various hints from the original work indicated that before Otsutsuki Kaguya descended and Chakra spread widely,
many supernatural creatures had already existed in this world, yet humanity had still been able to establish mainstream civilizations and stable nations.
This meant that before Chakra became the mainstream power, humanity must have possessed other means capable of contending with the supernatural.
Samurai, or rather, Swordsmen, were one such example. It was only after Chakra, a more efficient and versatile form of energy, became widespread that their internal energy had been replaced with Chakra.
Even in the Land of Iron, which claimed to uphold samurai traditions, the samurai there had long since been using Chakra in practice.
Then aside from the Occupation of Swordsman, what else was there?
Shinichi's gaze sharpened as two terms surfaced in his mind:
Miko!
Monk!
Before you continue