With the medical scroll Tsunade had given him before parting, Taiichi knew he needed to alter his training plan again. He had to resume studying Medical Ninjutsu and could no longer practice it only when he happened to have spare time, as he had recently.
Besides, he now had a "student" who came to ask him about medical knowledge from time to time, making it even more necessary for him to sort through the knowledge he had mastered.
Just as Taiichi finished his morning training, Rin arrived at his house with a gift.
Seeing Rin standing at the door with a fruit basket, Taiichi felt that she really knew how to conduct herself. Unlike a certain "white-haired poser" and "hot-blooded blockhead," who always came empty-handed and left with full stomachs.
No wonder Rin could act as the mediator between Obito and Kakashi. It was not merely because they both liked her; more importantly, she herself was exceptionally good at dealing with people.
Taiichi welcomed Rin inside and led her to the study.
"So, is there something you don't understand?" Taiichi asked warmly.
"Mm." Rin was still a little embarrassed, but she seemed to remember something. "Taiichi, I went to see Shizune this morning. I originally wanted to come find you with her, but nobody was home at her place. Even the door was locked. Do you know what happened?"
Hearing Rin's question, Taiichi's gaze darkened as he recalled the scene of that morning's farewell.
"Shizune withdrew from school and went traveling with her family." Naturally, he could not tell Rin about Tsunade. It was more or less confidential, after all. Tsunade's presence alone could deter other ninja villages, especially Chiyo of Sunagakure, who was particularly restrained by Tsunade.
"I see. We'd only just agreed to study together." Rin looked somewhat