Unexpected Teammates

Over the next few days, Hyuga Tianyi's life passed in tense yet regimented training.

During the day, he spent most of his time with Aoba Tachibana, the cute and enthusiastic medical genin.

At the edge of the camp, they repeatedly practiced the Hemostasis Technique, Regeneration Technique, and Detoxification Technique on various small animals.

Thanks to the comprehension and control advantages brought by the increase in his "Ninja" attribute, his progress was astonishingly swift.

His hand seals went from awkward to smooth, while his chakra gathering and guidance went from barely adequate to stable.

His fine control over the techniques also became increasingly effortless.

Although he was still some distance from truly mastering them completely.

In terms of mastery and theoretical understanding of these three Basic Medical Ninjutsu alone.

He had already far surpassed the level of an ordinary genin.

He could even make Aoba Tachibana, his instructor, feel inferior in certain details.

The proficiency on the [Basic Medical Ninjutsu (Hemostasis/Regeneration/Detoxification)] panel was also steadily increasing.

At the same time, the cross-world communication at ten every night continued without fail.

Meanwhile, the scientific research team back home.

Was doing everything it could to analyze Hanzo's toxin samples and chakra physiology data.

But unraveling another world's top-tier poison and reconstructing the human body's energy system were clearly not tasks that could be accomplished overnight.

Most of what came through during their communications were progress reports and encouragement.

The tangible support still consisted mainly of basic medical supplies and precise small tools.

"The antivenom serum will need a few more days.

"But we have already identified several key protein structures and chakra interference patterns in the toxin.

"We are screening and synthesizing potential inhibitor prototypes."

Academician Chen's voice came through the book, carrying a trace of excitement beneath his exhaustion.

"We have also made some preliminary discoveries from the analysis of your cell samples.

"There really are organelle structures and energy resonance characteristics that we have never seen before...

"Comrade Tianyi, we will soon have something more substantial for you!

"Once we crack it, it can be deployed on a large scale in our country's military.

"The border has not been peaceful lately. The intensity of the clashes has been escalating by the day."

Tianyi understood that this could not be rushed, so he suppressed the anxiety in his heart.

He devoted more of his energy to his current studies and medical work.

Under Aoba Tachibana's direction, or occasionally Aoi's when she was free.

He also began treating actual wounded patients whose conditions were relatively stable with Medical Ninjutsu.

By combining modern first-aid knowledge, the Byakugan's insight, and preliminary medical chakra.

The results were often better than Medical Ninjutsu alone, earning him recognition from his Medical Corps colleagues.

That afternoon, he had just finished cleaning and carefully suturing the muscles of a Leaf Village chunin whose leg had been sliced by a wind blade.

As he was about to put away his instruments, an energetic and vaguely familiar shout came from behind him:

"Tianyi! Over here! Tianyi!"

Tianyi turned around and saw a boy in a standard Leaf Village ninja flak jacket.

With a bright, sunny smile and short brown hair, waving vigorously at him.

Running toward him in quick strides—it was Nawaki! Senju Nawaki!

"Nawaki?" Tianyi was somewhat surprised. After graduation, everyone had gone their separate ways to carry out missions.

He had not expected them to reunite at this dangerous border camp.

"Hahaha! Didn't expect that, did you? It's me!" Nawaki ran up and gave Tianyi's shoulder a hard pat.

The force was enough to make Tianyi stagger.

"I haven't seen you since graduation! I heard your squad... uh, anyway, it's great that you're still alive!"

Nawaki's words were blunt, carrying his characteristic concern. Tianyi nodded. "Yeah, barely."

"And let me tell you something!" Nawaki's eyes lit up. He lowered his voice, though he could not hide his excitement.

"We're going to be on the same team from now on! I just got notified that they were assigning me a new teammate.

"I never expected it to be you! Hahaha, that's fantastic! I'm a veteran now.

"You'll have to listen to my commands from now on!"

He puffed out his chest in mock seriousness, but soon started laughing himself.

"On the same team?" Tianyi's heart skipped a beat, though his expression remained unchanged.

"Nawaki, why was I assigned to your team?"

Logically speaking, he had demonstrated medical ability. Wouldn't it have been more appropriate for him to remain with the Medical Corps as support?

Nawaki scratched his head, looking equally confused.

"I don't really know the exact reason... Um, my teacher, Orochimaru-sensei, told me.

"He said he had found me a dependable new teammate who could be a huge help.

"Hehe, I never thought it would be you. That's great! We can act together again, just like we did at the Academy!"

Orochimaru... Tianyi's heart sank. So it was him.

Why had he arranged this position for him? Had he noticed Tianyi's unusual medical abilities.

And wanted him to serve as a medical caretaker for the First Hokage's grandson, whose identity was so special.

To ensure that this important "sapling" had a little more chance of surviving on the battlefield?

Or perhaps... had he become interested in a Hyuga Branch House member with extraordinary medical talent.

And wanted to keep him under his nose for close observation?

Neither possibility was good news. Especially the latter—being targeted by Orochimaru.

Meant endless trouble and potential danger.

And Nawaki... Tianyi's mind swiftly flashed to the tragic ending of this

original character, who would die young after stumbling into an Explosive Tag trap during the Second Shinobi World War.

Was it really safe to stay by his side? Probably the exact opposite!

"Forget it. Since I'm here, I'll deal with it." Tianyi suppressed his turbulent thoughts. There was no use overthinking it now.

The order had come from Orochimaru and might even involve higher-ups. It was not something he could refuse.

He would take things one step at a time, remain vigilant, and adapt to the situation.

Fortunately, Orochimaru was still human at this point.

"I see." Tianyi gave Nawaki a somewhat complicated smile.

"Then please take care of me from now on, veteran."

"Hahaha! No problem, no problem!" Nawaki happily draped an arm around Tianyi's shoulders.

Completely unaware of the turmoil in Tianyi's heart.

Tianyi then found Mitarai Aoi, who was preparing medicine, and explained the situation.

"They're transferring you to Nawaki's team?" Aoi was somewhat surprised. She set down the pestle in her hand and wiped her hands.

"This is... an order from above?"

"Yeah, it should be Orochimaru-sama's decision." Tianyi nodded.

Aoi pondered for a moment, then her face showed relief and a hint of satisfaction.

"This... may be a good thing. Nawaki is the First Hokage's grandson and Orochimaru-sama's disciple.

"His identity is special, and his strength and potential are highly valued.

"If you are by his side, your missions may be safer on one hand.

"On the other, you can gain more experience and attention.

"With your talent, you should not be limited to the rear-area Medical Corps."

It's not safe at all by his side... Tianyi smiled bitterly inwardly, but he could not say it aloud and could only nod.

"I understand, Aoi. Thank you for your guidance and care during this time."

"You were the one who helped us tremendously." Aoi spoke earnestly, her light brown eyes fixed on Tianyi.

"Remember, wherever you are, your abilities are meant to save lives.

"Stay true to yourself and act cautiously. If you have any medical questions, you can come back and find me anytime."

"Yes! Thank you, Aoi!" Tianyi gave Aoi a solemn bow.

This calm and dependable senior was one of the few people who had offered him kindness and guidance since he came to this world.

After saying goodbye to Aoi and the Medical Corps, Tianyi packed his simple belongings.

Then followed the eager Nawaki toward the combat squad area on the other side of the camp.

Nawaki's squad was stationed in a slightly larger tent.

When they lifted the flap and entered, someone was already sitting inside.

The person was lowering his head as he wiped a uniquely shaped short blade. Hearing them enter, he looked up.

He was a boy who appeared two or three years older than Nawaki and Tianyi.

His Deep Blue hair was tied behind his head, with a few loose strands hanging over his forehead.

His features were cold, and his gaze was as sharp as an Eagle's.

He wore a standard Leaf Village combat uniform beneath a light chainmail vest.

He gave off the impression of someone capable, silent, and difficult to approach.

"Hey! Kaede! Look who I brought!" Nawaki introduced him enthusiastically.

"This is Hyuga Tianyi, my former classmate. He's incredibly skilled!

"From now on, he's a member of our Leaf Blade Squad! Tianyi, this is Moonlight Kaede.

"He's our squad's frontline attacker, and his swordsmanship is incredible!"

Moonlight Kaede was a member of the Gekko Clan, one of the families that inherited Leaf Style Swordsmanship.

He excelled in techniques such as Leaf Style Swordsmanship: Dance of the Crescent Moon.

Perceptive, calm, and steady, he was a reliable veteran genin in Nawaki's squad.

Moonlight Kaede's gaze lingered on Tianyi for a moment.

It especially swept over the faint Caged Bird mark on his forehead before he gave a slight nod.

That counted as a greeting. His voice was flat. "Moonlight Kaede. A medical ninja?"

"Hyuga Tianyi." Tianyi returned the greeting, equally concise.

"I know some basic medicine and first aid." He did not emphasize his unusual abilities too much.

It was necessary to keep a low profile before a new teammate whose background he did not understand.

"Hahaha! Great!"

Nawaki seemed completely unaware of the somewhat chilly first meeting between them. He clapped his hands hard.

"Our Leaf Blade Squad is finally complete!

"Ninjutsu support, Senju Nawaki!

"Frontline assault, Moonlight Kaede!

"Medical support and reconnaissance, Hyuga Tianyi!

"This time, we'll definitely be able to take on more and better missions.

"We'll beat those Rain ninja until they're scattered like fallen flowers! For Leaf Village!"

Watching Nawaki wave his fist and shout with high spirits and idealistic passion.

That bright, sunny smile and those eyes utterly free of shadow.

Made Tianyi feel, for an instant, as though he were seeing another familiar golden-haired figure.

He really is... so much like Naruto, Tianyi sighed inwardly.

No wonder Tsunade-sama would later place her feelings and hopes for Nawaki onto Naruto.

But this energetic boy before him, full of dreams.

His future... likely would not turn out as he wished.

Tianyi glanced at Moonlight Kaede, who silently continued wiping his short blade, then looked at Nawaki, who was excitedly planning their future.

He took a deep breath and temporarily suppressed all his doubts and unease.

No matter what, he would do everything he could to survive...