In the Konoha Medical Department's laboratory, Shihōin Naraku stared at the limb soaking in nutrients.
"The cultivation is going smoothly. It'll finish growing in the next few days!"
"Keep a close eye on it. Don't miss any important data."
"Yes!"
The other assistants in the room held notebooks, recording detailed experimental data. Every cloning procedure was a good opportunity to collect data.
"Send the complete data to my office afterward!"
"Yes!"
Although he was no longer the Medical Department Director, Naraku had left far too many marks on the institution. Everyone was more accustomed to following his instructions, and more willing to do so.
Indeed, Tsunade had accepted Naraku's resignation.
As of a few days ago, he was no longer Head of the Medical Department!
Strictly speaking, Naraku now counted as nothing more than an ordinary Medical Ninja in the Medical Department.
Of course, even without that position, Naraku still served as the village's Senior Advisor and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Force. His authority showed no sign of diminishing.
But compared to Naraku himself, Konoha's Ninja were far more shocked by the news.
They couldn't understand why Tsunade would issue such an order. Was there anyone in all of Konoha better suited to the position than Shihōin Naraku?
Some people also saw things clearly. If Naraku were merely an ordinary Medical Ninja, there would be nothing wrong with him remaining Head of the Medical Department.
If his goal was to become Hokage, however, there really was no need for him to keep occupying the position.
Just as Tsunade was now frequently changing Naraku's assignments, her purpose was clearly to let him learn and familiarize himself with how the village operated, laying the groundwork for him to become Hokage.
Anyone with a little intelligence could see that intention!
Shihōin Naraku was