Don't Let Him Pass

Seeing the skilled Chakra Scalpel in Hyuga Qingchuan's hand,

Sarutobi Biwako fell silent once more.

She understood that the excuse of insufficient medical ninjutsu could no longer stop Hyuga Qingchuan from joining the Medical Corps.

Looking at the youth before her, whose talent was almost monstrous, she forced a strained smile onto her face.

"I never expected... Qingchuan's talent for medical ninjutsu to be so astounding."

"With medical ninjutsu at this level, he is indeed more than qualified to join the Medical Corps."

Just as a smile appeared on Hyuga Qingchuan's face, he heard her change the subject:

"However..."

"The Medical Corps being selected this time will be heading to the front lines."

"On the battlefield, knowing medical ninjutsu alone is not enough. Your ability to survive must also measure up."

"In other words, your taijutsu and Body Flicker Technique must both be top-notch, so you can protect yourself when enemies appear."

"Therefore, this Medical Corps selection will also assess your actual combat ability."

"This is also Lord Hokage's intention," Sarutobi Biwako added firmly.

The previous investigation had shown that Hyuga Qingchuan was utterly ordinary in every other regard.

Even the Gentle Fist, which the Hyuga Clan had trained in for years, had been a complete disaster for him. There was no need to mention anything else.

If Hyuga Qingchuan's medical ninjutsu talent was exceptionally brilliant, then his other taijutsu and ninjutsu were likewise exceptionally worthless.

Thus, Biwako intended to stop Hyuga Qingchuan right here.

Me? Sarutobi Hiruzen looked completely bewildered.

I required medical ninja to have top-tier taijutsu and Body Flicker Techniques?

Had I set the bar that high?

He was just about to speak up and clarify.

"Lord Hokage! Isn't that right?"

Sarutobi Biwako suddenly turned her head, her gaze blazing.

Her eyes locked tightly onto Sarutobi Hiruzen, the warning in them impossible to miss.

Sarutobi Hiruzen swallowed hard and forcibly swallowed the words that had reached his lips.

Following his wife's lead, he said, "Ah... yes, yes, Qingchuan."

"This is for the sake of your safety."

"After all, for the village to cultivate a..."

"No problem! My lords!"

Before Sarutobi Hiruzen could finish, Hyuga Qingchuan interrupted decisively and agreed without hesitation.

Having mastered both civil and martial arts, one should offer one's skills to the ruler.

The biggest figure in Konoha Village was right here. This was practically a stage bestowed by heaven.

He could display his strength while also passing the Medical Corps selection assessment.

Where else could he find such a good opportunity?

Sarutobi Biwako froze, looking at Hyuga Qingchuan uncertainly.

"Qingchuan, the actual combat ability I just mentioned refers to abilities for fighting enemies, such as taijutsu and the Body Flicker Technique."

"It does not refer to your clinical treatment abilities."

"I understand!"

Hyuga Qingchuan nodded with absolute certainty. "I accept the actual combat assessment."

Seeing how resolute he was, Sarutobi Biwako sighed helplessly.

"...All right, but the selection has just ended."

"Preparing another assessment will take some time. Go wait by the river downstairs. The formal assessment will begin in half an hour."

"Yes, thank you, Lady Biwako! Lord Hokage! Goodbye!"

Hyuga Qingchuan saluted, then turned and left.

The moment the door closed, Sarutobi Hiruzen hurried forward.

"Biwako, what is going on?"

Sarutobi Biwako did not answer immediately.

She first called to the guard outside. "Go bring Sarutobi Kaito here."

Only then did she slowly walk over to the sofa and sit down, rubbing her brow wearily.

"That child's talent... is the best I have ever seen."

"I don't want him to die for nothing on the front lines..."

Looking at the worried Sarutobi Biwako, Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly smiled.

"Biwako, you are always so softhearted. No matter how talented he is, he must weather hardship to grow."

He subconsciously reached for his smoking pipe, then forcibly stopped himself before continuing.

"Take White Fang's son, Kakashi! He is also a once-in-a-century genius, yet I still sent him out to gain experience..."

"He is the promising candidate I was just trying to tell you about, the one selected through the screening."

The more Sarutobi Biwako listened, the more irritated she became, and she interrupted Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Even a promising candidate needs to..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's smile suddenly froze.

"You mean he is a talent selected only during this medical training?"

"Hasn't he only studied for two months?"

Sarutobi Biwako nodded heavily and remained silent.

A storm surged through Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart.

Although he was not a medical ninja, his knowledge was broad.

With his discerning eye, he could tell that none of the four techniques were simple, especially the Delicate Illness Extraction Technique and the Chakra Scalpel.

They placed extremely high demands on chakra control and individual talent.

To master them to a degree that astonished Biwako within two months—

That talent was simply absurd.

No wonder Biwako valued him so highly.

He suddenly recalled, "Being talented and able to master ninjutsu does not mean one can become a doctor. Extensive medical knowledge is equally..."

Sarutobi Biwako cut him off.

"His genius lies precisely there. Not only has he mastered the ninjutsu, but his medical knowledge is also comprehensive and solid."

"Some obscure points of knowledge, even I only suddenly remembered after hearing him bring them up."

Rather than feeling delighted, Sarutobi Hiruzen was startled by her words.

"If that is the case, then we must consider..."

"No! I investigated him."

Sarutobi Biwako stared straight at Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"His records in Konoha since childhood are all without issue, and the Hyuga Clan has not left behind any bloodlines in other countries."

"Besides, if you were the enemy, would you be willing to send someone with such extraordinary talent into an enemy nation just to obtain that little intelligence?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly nodded, then shook his head again.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Knock, knock, knock!

Someone knocked on the door.

"Come in!"

A large, honest-looking man wearing clothes marked with the Sarutobi emblem walked in.

"Kaito, have a seat!" Sarutobi Biwa greeted him.

"Okay, thank you, Aunt Biwako!" Sarutobi Kaito said with an honest smile.

"Mm, Auntie will have to trouble you again shortly. You need to assess a doctor. No problem, right?"

"No problem. Whatever Auntie asks me to do, I'll do."

"Then during the assessment later, whether it is the water-walking test—"

"Or the actual combat assessment, you must go all out and find a way to keep him from passing. Understand?"

"But Auntie!" Sarutobi Kaito scratched his head. "For the water-walking test, didn't you say the waves couldn't be too strong?"

"If his chakra control is good, then he will definitely pass."

"You silly child." Sarutobi Biwako reproachfully smacked him.

"That applies to everyone else. For him, you can increase the waves' intensity. Just find any possible way to make him fall into the water."

"The same goes for actual combat. Even if he gets hurt, it doesn't matter. Auntie is here."

"Biwako."

The more Sarutobi Hiruzen listened, the more outrageous it sounded, and he hurriedly interrupted.