Question and Answer

Shizune heard Lady Tsunade dismiss her answer as merely mediocre, and a flicker of dissatisfaction instantly welled up in her heart.

This answer was word-for-word identical to the medical textbooks she had memorized.

If Lady Tsunade wasn't satisfied with this, then what on earth would be considered correct?

"Takizawa Dan, you tell me."

Tsunade looked at Takizawa Dan, who stood to the side with a calm expression, and asked.

"Very well."

Takizawa Dan nodded and said, "Sister Shizune's answer just now cannot be called incorrect; in fact, it was extremely standard. If this were an exam, she would absolutely deserve full marks. To say otherwise would be an affront to reason."

These words made Shizune's expression soften slightly.

From a young age, she had always been a top-tier student. Whether it was the mantras taught at the Ninja Academy or hand seals, she could recite them all without missing a single word—she had a photographic memory!

It was precisely because Lady Tsunade recognized her high intelligence and exceptional memory that she had taken her on as a disciple.

Yet, what puzzled Shizune was that even though she always completed the tasks Lady Tsunade assigned—often finishing them ahead of schedule—Tsunade's face never held a smile.

This left Shizune completely baffled. What exactly was the result Lady Tsunade was looking for?

If even the standard answer wasn't considered correct, then what was?

This was a question that had plagued Shizune for twenty full years.

At this moment, Takizawa Dan spoke up again.

"However, while Sister Shizune's answer is indeed impeccable and entirely without error, it is precisely for that reason that it is incorrect."

"Because it is simply too correct!"

Tsunade, who had been expressionless and silent the entire time, finally let a smile grace her tense features upon hearing Takizawa Dan's words.

This kid...

He really has a way about him!

To possess such awareness at such a young age—it would truly be a waste of a brilliant talent if he didn't study medical ninjutsu!

"Too correct... does that mean it's wrong?" Shizune looked at Takizawa Dan, confused; she didn't grasp the meaning behind his words.

"Sister Shizune, let me ask you a question."

"Go ahead, I'm listening."

"Suppose—and I mean just suppose—you encounter a patient in battle who has sustained severe injuries and is in critical condition. If you don't treat them according to the method you described, they will likely die in an instant."

"But at the same time, the enemy has not been dealt with and is planning to attack the remaining members of your team. The remaining teammates aren't strong enough to fend off the enemy; you must join them to repel the attackers, otherwise, they will be killed one by one right in front of you."

"In such an extreme situation, tell me: do you choose to save the patient first, or protect your remaining teammates?"

As Takizawa Dan's question landed, Shizune's expression changed entirely!

This question was nothing short of a philosophical dilemma!

It was just like the famous Trolley Problem: one child on one track, four children on the other—if you were the train conductor, which way would you steer?

Likewise, if she truly faced that situation, choosing to treat the wounded would mean abandoning all her remaining teammates.

And if she chose to fight alongside her companions, it would mean leaving the wounded to their fate, watching them die—which violated the most fundamental intent of being a medical ninja!

So, how exactly should one choose?

In an instant, Shizune was plunged into a state of utter conflict.

It seemed that no matter which side she chose, it was completely wrong!

This moral dilemma sent her mind into a chaotic battle, nearly driving her to the brink of madness.

"Takizawa Dan, if it were you, how would you choose in this situation?"

At this moment, Tsunade's voice rang out from the side.

To be honest, she had never considered this question herself. Even if she were to face such a situation personally, she feared she would be momentarily lost.

She was very curious to see how Takizawa Dan, having posed this question, would choose to resolve it.

Originally, this was just a test for her disciple, and she had even harbored thoughts of taking Takizawa Dan down a peg.

But now... hmm...

Shizune was even more intense; her large eyes were fixed on the slight upturn of Takizawa Dan's lips, as if she didn't want to miss a single syllable that flowed from his mouth!

Neither Tsunade nor Shizune realized that, at this moment, Takizawa Dan had become the center of the entire scene.

The two of them, both renowned figures in the world of medical ninjas, were actually both looking to Takizawa Dan for the answer to an unprecedented question.

Had this happened before, it would have been impossible. If word of this got out, it would undoubtedly shock everyone to their core!

As for the instigator, Takizawa Dan, he remained calm, even wearing a faint smile.

"Sister Tsunade, Sister Shizune, this question is actually quite easy to handle."

"The reason you have fallen into such a dilemma and find it hard to choose is that you haven't placed yourselves into that scenario, but are instead thinking about it purely from the surface of the question."

"If—and I mean if—you were to think about this from a ninja's perspective... is this even a question that requires any thought?!"

BOOM!

It was like a thunderclap on a clear day!

Tsunade and Shizune were both stunned into speechlessness.

So that was it!

That was how it was!

The reason they had been so lost was that they hadn't been thinking about the problem from a ninja's perspective at all.

What is the most important thing for a ninja while carrying out a mission?

The mission! The mission! And nothing but the mission!!!

Every action must serve the completion of the mission! That is the primary duty of a ninja.

If the primary mission of this trip is to escort important documents, then even if a comrade's life is precious, it must be abandoned without a second thought!

If the primary mission is to cover a teammate's retreat, then naturally, one must abandon the smaller group to lead the majority to safety!

If the mission is to escape, then in an emergency, one might even sacrifice all the teammates present, turning them into human targets to distract the enemy ninjas!

This was a question that never needed to be pondered in the first place. Because the reality of the situation would always dictate exactly what the best choice was!

"Takizawa Dan, I am convinced!" Shizune sighed sincerely, her eyes filled with deep astonishment. This time, she did not address Takizawa Dan as "little brother."

Because she felt that her own mindset and preparation in the field of medical ninjutsu were not even as mature as those of a mere teenager!

What on earth had she been doing for these past twenty-plus years!

Thinking of this, Shizune could not help but lower her head in shame.