Konoha Hospital's special care ward.
Tsunade sat by Kakashi's bedside.
Yamanaka Inoichi stood to one side, reporting on Kakashi's condition.
"Kakashi's physical injuries healed long ago. The reason he still hasn't awakened is because his mind suffered trauma."
"After the attack that night, the Fourth Hokage convened a postwar meeting. I suggested involving the Analysis Division to examine Kakashi's brain, but the Fourth Hokage was worried it would harm his brain and rejected the proposal."
Tsunade said sternly, "Minato was right. If Kakashi really suffered some kind of psychological trauma, stimulating him like that might leave him completely crippled even if he wakes up!"
Inoichi was frightened in retrospect as well. "Lady Tsunade is right!"
"Then... regarding Kakashi's condition, should we have your disciple Shizune... attempt treatment?"
Tsunade looked at him meaningfully. "Why does Shizune need to treat him?"
"Th-this..." Inoichi hesitated, trying to choose his words and phrase them as tactfully as possible.
Just then, Minato and Hiruzen arrived outside the ward.
Tsunade said in a low voice, "Why beat around the bush? Why not just say it? You mean that because I was unable to use medical ninjutsu due to psychological trauma in my early years, Shizune needs to take over for me, right?"
Having been called out, Inoichi could only say awkwardly, "Yes... Lady Tsunade sees clearly."
"Then open your eyes and watch closely." Tsunade withdrew her gaze and raised both hands before her chest.
"C-could it be..." Inoichi's face filled with shock.
At the door, Minato looked astonished and immediately moved to enter, but... Hiruzen grabbed his shoulder, his eyes fixed firmly on Tsunade's hand seals!
Tsunade completed the seals... and a gentle green glow enveloped her hands.
Minato exclaimed, "This truly surprises me. Lady Tsunade actually overcame it..."
There was relief in Hiruzen's eyes, along