Rōran

Konoha, Ninja Academy, Central Auditorium.

Taiichi stood on the High Platform of the auditorium, with two blackboards that had been brought up in turn behind him, covered with densely packed knowledge points.

If you look closely, these are all the most basic medical facts.

Below the stage, 32 students sat upright, representing one-fifth of the fifth and sixth graders at the Ninja Academy.

Taiichi's original plan was to only recruit graduating sixth-grade students.

Unfortunately, this is the wrong time; it's wartime, and a large number of students from the Ninja Academy have graduated early and been sent to the battlefield.

Fortunately, Konoha maintained its advantage on the battlefield, which prevented the village from recklessly sending all its students to the front lines due to manpower shortages.

Even so, seeing that there were only a Little Cat of students in the entire graduating class, Taiichi had no choice but to expand the enrollment scope and include the fifth graders as well.

Furthermore, no assessment is required; it's offered as an interest class, and anyone interested can come and learn.

When the children at the Ninja Academy heard that Tsunade, one of the Tsunade, Sannin coming to teach them, their enthusiasm was beyond words.

On the first day of class, all the students in grades 5 and 6 came to listen to the lesson, and there were even students from other grades mixed in.

The huge auditorium was half full of students attending the lecture.

Tsunade and Taiichi ignored them. Medical Ninja are different from others; they need to memorize a lot of knowledge. Without perseverance and talent, it is impossible to go on.

Especially those younger kids who don't even have much Chakra.

Sure enough, the number of people attending the class the next day was reduced by half.

On the third day, there were only about 50 people.

In these three days, most of the unsuitable people were screened out. What's left are those who, given their talent and perseverance, still want to learn more.

Over the next few days, some of the 50 people left one after another, until only the 32 people sitting in front of Taiichi remained.

Looking at the 32 students below the stage, Taiichi felt a sense of satisfaction.

If even half of these 32 people can develop into Medical Ninja after graduation, then this class will not have been a waste of time.

Moreover, new blood will be produced in each subsequent generation, which is the right way to train Medical Ninja.

However, thinking of that person who skipped work again, Taiichi felt speechless.

When your teacher, especially a female teacher, completely abandons her dignity and throws a tantrum in front of you, you really have no way to deal with her.

It's often said that shamelessness is invincible, and that's absolutely true.

Tsunade was relatively well-behaved for the first five days, but on the sixth day she started bargaining with Taiichi, and on the seventh day she resorted to all sorts of underhanded tactics.

Headaches, stomach aches, a different ailment every day—she's a medical genius, yet she doesn't hesitate to use her Chakra to create minor ailments for herself, just so Taiichi can cover for her.

Finally, she even unleashed her ultimate move, claiming that her "period" had started, leaving Taiichi completely speechless.

This is also why Taiichi is teaching here; he has temporarily fallen into a disadvantageous position in his ongoing battles with Tsunade and has no choice but to take on the responsibility of being a temporary teacher.

Therefore, precise Chakra control is the foundation of all Medical Ninjutsu, whether it is a C-rank Healing Technique or an A-rank Healing Regeneration.

If you want to achieve something in Medical Ninjutsu, you cannot slacken your training in Chakra control.

He looked at the students listening attentively below the stage, preparing to use some examples to illustrate his point.

However, before anything could be done, the heavy doors of the auditorium were suddenly pushed open with a "bang," the abrupt sound breaking the tranquility of the classroom.

A figure burst into the auditorium without pausing, Body Flicker heading towards the podium.

The newcomer wore an animal mask, a black bodysuit, and a gray vest—the standard attire of Konoha's Anbu.

Ignoring the astonished gazes of the audience, he walked straight to the foot of the podium, gave Taiichi a brief ninja salute, and spoke urgently through his mask, "Taichi Matsushita Jonin! The Hokage-sama summons you urgently with a specific mission! Please proceed to the Hokage's Office immediately!"

"Anbu!"

Wow! It really is the Anbu!

"So handsome! So mysterious!"

After a brief silence, the auditorium was instantly filled with low gasps and excited chatter.

How often do these Ninja Academy students have the opportunity to see Anbu Ninja carrying out the most secret and dangerous missions?

For them, the Anbu were synonymous with power and mystery; they were the Hokage's sharpest blade, invincible wherever they went.

All eyes were fixed intently on the Anbu, filled with curiosity and longing.

Taiichi's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. The Third Kazekage had sent his Anbu directly into the classroom at this time, and even specifically emphasized a "designated mission," so it seemed that this was no small matter.

He coughed lightly, and an invisible pressure instantly enveloped the entire auditorium. All whispers ceased abruptly, and the children immediately fell silent, sitting up straight.

"Understood." Taiichi's voice was calm and emotionless. He put down the chalk and quickly Hand Seals.

"Bang!"

With a soft sound and a puff of white smoke, another identical Taiichi appeared on the stage.

Taiichi the clone naturally took the chalk from the main body, glanced at the contents of the blackboard, and said to the audience, "Alright, we just talked about the importance of Chakra Control. Now, let's look at my example—"

Taiichi, the true form, said no more, and nodded slightly to the Anbu: "Lead the way."

He then vanished from the spot along with the Anbu, leaving only his clone to continue lecturing.

The Hokage's Office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, pipe in hand, remained calm amidst the swirling smoke. Seeing Taiichi appear instantly, he cut to the chase. "Taiichi, the situation is urgent, get to the point." The Third Hokage pointed to a scroll and map spread out on the table, "The Kingdom of Loulan, a small country located in the heart of the Land of Wind, has sent a secret plea for help to Konoha through its Queen, Selam."

"Requesting help?"

Taiichi's gaze swept over the marked location of Rōran on the map, and a familiar plot point came to mind.

In the original work, Minato Namikaze carried out the Rōran mission! But the timing is clearly wrong, and also----

"Yes. The letter stated that there have been frequent cases of young and middle-aged men mysteriously disappearing in Country of Roran recently, and the Queen suspects that a powerful force is secretly manipulating the situation, which may even endanger her safety."

More importantly—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe heavily on the spot where Rōran was located. "Beneath Rōran lies the legendary dragon Dragon Vein."

"Dragon Vein?" Taiichi feigned surprise at the opportune moment.

"An ancient and vast aggregate of earth vein energy, containing unimaginable Chakra Quantity." The Third Kazekage's voice carried a deep sense of apprehension. "The Queen hinted in her letter that she feared someone was attempting to seize the power of the dragon Dragon Vein."

"Given Rōran's unique geographical location and the dangers of its Dragon Vein, this mission is of a very high level and must be carried out in secrecy."

After much deliberation, I've concluded that you possess the Flying Thunder God Technique, have the greatest mobility, and are also top-tier in sensory perception and medical abilities. In the current state of Konoha, you are the most suitable candidate."

Taiichi's heart skipped a beat, and a slight smile appeared on his lips, revealing his interest.

In the original work, this power can send people to the past. Although this timeline has a butterfly effect due to its appearance (the Queen is not dead yet, and the timeline has been moved forward), the nature of the Dragon Vein's power should not change.

This force involving time and space holds irresistible research value for him.

"I understand, Hokage-sama. I accept this mission." Taiichi said firmly without any hesitation.

"Very good."

A hint of admiration flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.

"The mission objectives are: first, to protect the safety of Queen of Roran Seraam of Loulan; second, to investigate the truth behind the missing persons and domestic anomalies; and third, to assess the status of the Dragon Vein and ensure that it is not exploited by hostile forces."

Remember, this journey takes you deep into the heart of the Land of Wind. Be extremely careful and try to avoid conflict with the Sunagakure. Although there is currently a ceasefire, friction is not impossible.

"Yes!" Taiichi replied, then changed the subject, "Hokage-sama, I accept the mission, but I need two teammates to assist me."

"Oh? Who do you want to bring?"

"Hatake Kakashi and Rin Nohara," Taiichi announced his chosen candidates.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment, "Kakashi is fine, he's strong enough, but what about Rin?"

Taiichi understood the Hokage's meaning: Rin was an important bargaining chip to keep Obito in check. Although Obito's specific situation was unclear, Konoha had to make some plans.

The Mangekyō Sharingan; not a single pair should be underestimated.

"I will keep an eye on Obito's situation," Taiichi voice, "But Kakashi and Rin cannot give up their training because of this."

Lin has fully recovered, but she can only help out at the hospital or perform some simple tasks, which is not conducive to her growth.

"It's good that they're with me on this mission; with me there, I don't have to worry about anything happening to them."

Taiichi spoke with great confidence, and he certainly had the confidence to back it up.

Seeing Taiichi's earnest gaze, the Third Kazekage finally nodded. "Alright, approved. They should both be in the village now; gather them yourself. The mission departs immediately, and you take the relevant intelligence scroll with you."

"Thank you Hokage-sama!"

Taiichi took the scroll, turned around, and quickly left the Hokage's Office.

Konoha's back mountain Training Ground.

Kakashi is instructing Rin in high-intensity Taijutsu training.

The sounds of their fighting, bang bang bang, revealed the ruthlessness of their blows; clearly, Rin was giving it her all, and Kakashi had hardened his heart as well.

Sunlight filtered through the trees, and beads of sweat appeared on Lin's forehead as she focused intently.

Taiichi's figure suddenly appeared at the edge of the Training Ground.

"Taiichi!" Lin stopped what she was doing and exclaimed in surprise.

Kakashi also withdrew his attack stance, turned to look at Taiichi, and asked in his eyes.

"Urgent mission."

Taiichi succinctly and quickly explained the Hokage's orders and the situation of the Rōran mission.

"That's the situation. Kakashi, Rin, this is a rare opportunity. The mission will be primarily yours, and I will assist you."

Kakashi and Rin exchanged a glance. They naturally understood Taiichi's purpose. After the Obito incident, Rin's actions were somewhat restricted, which was very detrimental to the growth of a ninja.

With Taiichi's guarantee, this is a test for them.

Kakashi's eyes sharpened instantly.

Rōran? A secret mission deep into the heart of the Land of Wind? This is undoubtedly a huge challenge and an opportunity.

Obito —If I become stronger, will I be able to find him faster? A strong desire to become stronger and a sense of responsibility welled up in his heart.

"Understood, Captain!" Kakashi's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible excitement.

Lin's eyes were filled with determination. "Yes, Taiichi, I will do my best too."

Seeing the two quickly get into the zone, especially the flame burning in Kakashi's eyes, Taiichi nodded to himself.

"Very good. Resupply will be taken care of along the way. Now, let's set off!"

Three figures shot across the Training Ground like arrows released from a bow, rushed out of the Konoha Gate, and sped off in the Northern Front.

Road of Wind and Sand.

The three traveled day and night, pushing their physical strength and Chakra to the limit, and in just three days, they had already entered the vast and boundless desert region of the Land of Wind.

The heat distorted his vision, and the endless sand dunes resembled solidified golden waves. Kakashi gazed at this land that had once been a brutal battlefield, his tone tinged with complexity. "I never imagined that one day I could cross the Land of Wind so without any hesitation—war and peace are indeed different."

In peacetime, such deep infiltration into enemy territory would be exhausting enough just to evade the Sunagakure patrols.

Lin wiped the sweat from her brow, gazing at the endless yellow sand. "Yes, although the environment is harsh, at least we don't have to worry about encountering enemies at any time. I hope this peace can last."

After a brief silence, Kakashi, who was running, looked into the distance. He spoke in a low voice, almost drowned out by the sandstorm. "Taiichi —you still haven't heard from Obito?"

This question had been weighing on his mind for a long time, but he had never found the opportunity to ask it.

Taiichi shook his head, but didn't stop walking.

"I'm sorry, Kakashi. I've used all available intelligence sources, including some underground channels, but Obito seems to have vanished into thin air, and there are no concrete clues."

However, no news is not always the worst news.

He glanced at Kakashi's clenched fist. "Keep your faith, Kakashi. Get stronger, and then bring him back yourself. That's what you should be doing."

Kakashi took a deep breath of the scorching air, his eyes regaining their resolve. "I understand. I will find him!"

This perseverance has become one of the inexhaustible sources of motivation for him on this arduous journey.

On the sixth day at dusk, as the last rays of the setting sun dyed the sky blood red, a scene completely different from the surrounding desolate desert appeared at the edge of the three people's vision.

It was a strange city.

Countless towering spires rise from the ground like stalagmites, casting long shadows in the setting sun.

The tower is covered with metal pipes and panels of an unknown material, shimmering with a cold, reflective light.

Although the city is not large, it exudes a "prosperity" that is inconsistent with its remote location.

"That's... Rōran?" Lin looked at the buildings with their distinct styles with some surprise.

"Hmm, consistent with the intelligence report. Be careful, from now on we've entered the mission area."

Taiichi whispered, and the three of them quickly disappeared into the shadow of a weathered Earth Style: Rock Pillar, carefully concealing their presence, like ghosts blending into the desert, quietly approaching the edge of the city.

As the distance closed, a strange feeling arose within Taiichi. The energy permeating the air became unusually active.

"Did you feel it?" Taiichi looked at Kakashi and Rin beside him and asked softly.