The Hokage's Potential

Yakushi Nonō was soon led away by Chiwa, but Natsuki, who should have left with them, stayed behind.

"Natsuki, is there something else?"

Tsunade looked at him and asked.

When Chiwa had introduced Yakushi Nonō just now, she had also briefly explained Natsuki's situation.

In short, he had no talent for medical ninjutsu.

"Lady Tsunade."

Natsuki considered his words before asking, "Nonō is still a student at the Ninja Academy. Would learning Medical Ninjutsu conflict with her studies?"

"She's young, so there's no need to rush. Her studies at the Ninja Academy should come first."

Tsunade pondered for a moment, then said, "She can come to Konoha Hospital after school or on weekends."

"Lady Tsunade, I have a suggestion."

Natsuki continued.

"What is it?"

Tsunade raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Do you think medical ninja are important?"

Natsuki asked in return.

"Of course they're important,"

Tsunade replied without hesitation.

"But Konoha doesn't place enough importance on medical ninja."

Natsuki shook his head.

"If you have a suggestion, go ahead and say it."

Tsunade suddenly realized what he was getting at and asked with interest.

She had assumed Natsuki was worried about Yakushi Nonō's studies, but now it seemed that wasn't the whole story.

"I hope Konoha will set up a Medical Ninja Training Class."

Natsuki stated his goal. "That way, any students who want to learn Medical Ninjutsu can join the class."

Tsunade couldn't help giving a little gasp.

She had to admit, it was an excellent suggestion.

She thought of Yakushi Nonō.

With no way to learn Medical Ninjutsu, Natsuki had come up with an imperfect solution: issuing a mission.

If Natsuki hadn't thought of that, Yakushi Nonō would have had to wait until after graduation to learn Medical Ninjutsu.

But even after graduating, learning Medical Ninjutsu would have been difficult.

It would depend on whether the team leader assigned to her by Konoha was a medical ninja.

Tsunade suddenly realized that Konoha had almost no system for training medical ninja.

"On top of that, we could assign a medical ninja to every squad."

Natsuki added, "Once these students graduate from the Medical Ninja Training Class, they can join a squad."

To complete missions more effectively, Konoha required ninja to operate in teams of three.

But apart from the number of members, there were no other strict requirements for a ninja squad.

Tsunade's expression grew serious.

She was a very perceptive medical ninja.

There was no doubt that Natsuki's two suggestions would greatly improve Konoha's existing system for training medical ninja.

"You're six this year?"

Tsunade came back to herself and asked.

"I just turned six in March,"

Natsuki replied.

"Those are both excellent suggestions."

A smile appeared on Tsunade's face. "As my teacher would say, you're very young, but you're already able to think about things from the Hokage's perspective."

In the original story, Hiruzen Sarutobi had used the same words to praise seven-year-old Uchiha Itachi.

Children in the Ninja World matured early.

The sooner they showed mature thinking or exceptional talent, the more likely they were to be called geniuses—or said to have the potential to become Hokage.

That was why Natsuki had dared to make these two suggestions at the age of six.

"Come see me again tomorrow."

Tsunade stood up and said, "I'm going to the Hokage Office to discuss this with my teacher."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade."

Natsuki suppressed his excitement and nodded.

His plan had gone perfectly.

That wasn't surprising, though.

Both suggestions had originally come from Tsunade.

Natsuki suddenly thought of a problem. Would Hiruzen Sarutobi agree?

In the original story, when Tsunade first proposed these ideas, they had been rejected.

Only Dan Katō had stood up in support of her, and the two of them had become a couple as a result.

Natsuki thought it over carefully.

Clearly, the suggestions themselves weren't bad. The problem was that the Second Ninja World War was underway, so they couldn't be implemented.

After the war ended, Konoha had given both suggestions its full support.

But the Second Ninja World War was still a long way off, so Hiruzen Sarutobi would probably agree.

Natsuki felt relieved at the thought.

If his suggestions were approved, he would earn Tsunade's goodwill and protection.

At least he wouldn't have to worry about Shimura Danzō anymore.

As for Dan Katō, he could only wish him luck.

After all, Natsuki was a kindhearted person who couldn't bear to see Tsunade become a widow.

He shook his head and put those jumbled thoughts aside.

With Yakushi Nonō earning Tsunade's approval, her strength would surely improve by leaps and bounds. He couldn't afford to fall behind.

Natsuki went to a nearby training ground and began practicing his Earth Release: Headhunter Jutsu.

Although this Earth Release technique was only D-rank, he was teaching himself, so his progress was slow.

Meanwhile, Tsunade went to the Hokage Office.

She wasn't yet as casual as she was in the original story.

She knocked and waited for permission before entering.

"Teacher."

Tsunade got straight to the point and told him about Natsuki's two suggestions.

After listening, Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into thought.

The suggestions were good, but as Hokage, he had to consider every angle.

For instance, how much additional money would Konoha have to spend to set up a Medical Ninja Training Class?

"I agree."

Hiruzen Sarutobi ultimately accepted the suggestions.

It would cost more money, but increasing the number of medical ninja would do more good than harm.

Most importantly, Konoha could afford the expense now.

After all, more than ten years had passed since the last Ninja World war ended.

As things stood, there was no sign of another Ninja World war on the horizon.

"Where do you plan to start?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.

"We'll start by setting up the Medical Ninja Training Class at Konoha Hospital."

Tsunade replied, "We can select students from the Ninja Academy and among the Genin."

"It seems you've already thought it through."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled. "I'll leave this matter to you. I hope it'll improve Konoha's shortage of medical ninja."

"I understand."

Tsunade paused, then added, "Those two suggestions came from Natsuki."

"Natsuki?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked in surprise. "You mean Natsuki from First Grade Class A?"

"Mm."

Tsunade nodded, then added with some surprise, "So you'd already noticed him, Teacher."

"He placed fourth in the Final Exam, so I remembered him."

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked curiously, "Why did he come to you with these suggestions?"

"It has to do with Nonō."

Tsunade briefly explained what had happened.

After listening, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt as if he'd struck it rich.

They had even gained a medical ninja prodigy along with everything else?

Wonderful!

Hiruzen Sarutobi liked nothing more than seeing bonds form between geniuses.

That was one expression of the Will of Fire.

"When you see him tomorrow, ask him what reward he wants on my behalf."

Hiruzen Sarutobi considered it, then said.

Natsuki's two suggestions were a great contribution, by any measure.

As Hokage, he had always been fair in rewarding and punishing people.

Tsunade nodded.

Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't mentioned it, she would have asked him herself.