I, Tobirama, Declare You the Strongest

Toji did not hear the discussion between the Senju brothers behind his back.

Returning to his residence, he set to work on cultivating Earth Grudge Fear.

This was the foundation of his survival in Konoha, and by showing off a bit of it in front of the Senju brothers today, he had successfully established his persona as a "genius medical ninja."

Toji felt secretly relieved.

Generally speaking, power gained through crooked paths often comes with a heavy price, but the only cost of Earth Grudge Fear was perhaps that it was a bit ugly.

After numerous experiments, Toji had gained a sufficient understanding of the characteristics of Earth Grudge Fear.

It possessed the force to easily pierce a human body; its hardness was enough to withstand a kunai; and it was incredibly tough, not easily torn apart.

These traits couldn't help but remind Toji of the Stand [Stone Free] from the JOJO anime.

Both fought using "threads," and both could develop myriad techniques through the wisdom of their host.

"My total chakra volume isn't exactly outstanding, so the number of black threads I can generate during a fight is limited."

Toji muttered to himself, "Beyond developing techniques, I must find a way to increase my chakra reserves and break through this limit."

"And then there are the hearts with bloodline limits—Wood Style, Dust Style, Ice Style, Storm Style... If I obtain these rare hearts, the power of Earth Grudge Fear will undergo a qualitative leap."

"Kakuzu might not be able to obtain these hearts because he can't find them, but I know exactly where they are and how to acquire them..."

The candlelight flickered, casting Toji's figure onto the wall and transforming it into a massive, swaying black shadow.

The firelight wavered, making his face appear alternately bright and dark.

A new day arrived, and the sun rose as usual.

Toji also arrived at Gospel Hospital right on time.

What was different from usual was that his daily routine now included one more person—Tobirama.

Early in the morning, Tobirama had brought the now-awake Toka to express his gratitude. He also brought generous gifts, such as Nara Kakaku and Akimichi BBQ Vouchers.

When Toji was seeing patients, Tobirama observed quietly from the side; once the consultations ended, he began to fish for information, probing into Toji's past.

Tobirama's suspicious nature was truly deep-seated; gratitude was one thing, but his investigation into Toji had not lessened in the slightest.

Truly, like teacher, like student.

Toji was exhausted from dealing with him.

The beginning of one lie meant having to use countless more to cover it up.

The thick-headed Hashirama might not have noticed anything unusual, but he was facing Tobirama, the brains of Konoha.

Although Toji had already anticipated this scenario in his mind while on the road to Konoha, he hadn't come here to play a battle of wits with Tobirama...

"This won't do."

Worried about being exposed, Toji decided to take the initiative. He suddenly said, "Tobirama, I intend to develop a medical ninjutsu."

"Medical ninjutsu?" Tobirama hesitated for a moment. "I am not proficient in that. If you have a need, I can have someone from the clan who specializes in medicine communicate with you."

"No matter, it is just a hypothesis. Hashirama said you are skilled at ninjutsu development, so I thought we could chat." Toji smiled, then shifted the topic.

"When I was treating Toka yesterday, I was thinking: Yang Release Chakra can heal wounds, so could a ninja with Yang Release predict where they will be attacked and concentrate chakra there in advance? That way, after being hit, the damage could be minimized."

"If such a technique existed, even if an arm were severed, one could at least maintain cellular activity until a specialized doctor arrived to stitch it back on."

"Tobirama, what do you think?"

Tobirama was immediately intrigued.

As a genius of ninjutsu development, he understood Toji's line of thinking instantly.

His brows furrowed as if he were considering the feasibility, and he muttered:

"It doesn't need to be too precise, just the general area. This would preserve basic survival and nerve activity, providing favorable conditions for subsequent treatment."

"Legs, arms, torso, internal organs—modularly pre-positioning Yang Release Chakra to the corresponding parts..."

The two most difficult aspects of medical ninjutsu were Yang Release and the ability to manipulate chakra with precision.

The Senju clan certainly did not lack Yang Release.

The only thing missing was the ability for precise manipulation, a point that had stumped many.

Tobirama's furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and his eyes grew brighter. "It might be feasible; this technique is not difficult. And my elder brother, he..."

"What about Hashirama?"

"Nothing." Tobirama brushed it off vaguely, keeping it a secret. "He has relevant experience; perhaps he could guide the development."

Toji smiled without a word.

Without needing him to say it, Toji knew clearly that the effect of the "technique" he had proposed was something Senju Hashirama could do without even forming hand seals.

This was none other than the A-rank medical ninjutsu, Yin Healing Wound Destruction, which Kabuto would develop in the future; Toji had simply introduced the concept ahead of time.

Tobirama couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "Toji, in the field of medical ninjutsu, I would call you the strongest."

"You flatter me."

"What do you intend to call this technique?"

Tobirama was incredibly excited. If this technique could be successfully developed, it would be a tailor-made life-saving method for the Senju Clan.

"As for the name... how about Reverse Cursed Technique?" Toji said with a hint of mischief. "At the very moment the enemy thinks they have succeeded, you reverse the entire situation. That is what I call a Reverse Cursed Technique."

"Reverse Cursed Technique, a great name!" Tobirama decided immediately. "I will return to the clan now to establish the basic framework, and I will leave the details for you to refine."

"Very well."

Tobirama came quickly and left just as fast, soon disappearing from Toji's sight.

Catering to one's preferences is an art.

With Hashirama, one must talk about the Will of Fire and ideals of peace; with Tobirama, one must talk about ninjutsu development and how terrible the Uchiha are.

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Tobirama visited several times, bringing manuscripts of the Reverse Cursed Technique's deductions to discuss with Toji. Through their collaboration, a brand-new A-rank medical ninjutsu was created.

Senju Clan.

Hashirama looked at the scroll recording the Reverse Cursed Technique, his face beaming with joy. "Good! Tobirama, you've done well; your big brother's blood was not shed in vain."

The Reverse Cursed Technique owed a part of its success to him, as the effects produced by this technique shared similarities with his own constitution. During this period, Hashirama had frequently used kunai to cut himself to demonstrate the self-healing process.

"Actually, it is primarily Toji's achievement."

Tobirama did not claim the credit, saying quite honestly, "I was only responsible for some minor details; he overcame many of the key difficulties."

"As expected of Toji." Hashirama affirmed Toji's contribution and handed the scroll back to Tobirama.

"Pass this down and have the clan members at the jonin level and above learn it. Even if they cannot cover their entire body with Yang Release Chakra, they must at least be able to cover specific parts when facing danger."

"Understood."

Hashirama looked serious. "Toji helped our Senju Clan design such a technique. Tobirama, how do you think we should repay him?"

"This..."

Tobirama was slightly taken aback. After pondering for a moment, he tentatively suggested:

"How about... we allocate a piece of clan land to him and let him establish his own clan?"

"Didn't Toji say that his clansmen had long since perished in the wars? From now on, Konoha is his home. Allocating a plot of land for him will allow his lineage to naturally continue once he marries and has children in the future."

Subtly, Tobirama's attitude toward Toji had quietly shifted.

From his initial vigilance and suspicion regarding Toji's origins to his recognition during their joint development of the technique, he now felt an urge to recruit him, hoping to bind this talent to Konoha's chariot with the honor of "founding a clan."

"That's a good idea." Hashirama nodded, approving his plan. "I'll head to the Hokage Building later to discuss where it would be appropriate to grant Toji his clan land."

Tobirama turned to leave, preparing to pass down the Reverse Cursed Technique.

However, he was stopped by Hashirama. "Wait!"

"Is there something else, Big Brother?"

"Now that we've finished discussing Toji's affairs, it's time to talk about yours."

"Me? What could there be to talk about regarding me?"

"Your wedding with Toka. Take advantage of these next few days and get it done."