After sending out a Shadow Clone to train in Wind Release chakra nature transformation, Shūichi Hoshita headed to the Konoha Hospital to continue his training under Yakushi Nonō.
Even with the Chūnin Exam approaching, his training schedule remained unaffected.
Three days passed in a flash.
On the morning of July 6th, Year 39 of Konoha, the first written test of the Chūnin Exam began at 9 AM.
Before heading out, Shūichi still made time to create a Shadow Clone for training.
He entered the exam hall with Shisui Uchiha and Kurama Sanyō, but even as the exam started, there was no sign of Kakashi.
It was clear that Kakashi wasn't participating in this Chūnin Exam.
Setting aside his thoughts, Shūichi focused on the test.
Ten minutes later, both he and Shisui submitted their papers simultaneously.
As they left the classroom, the two exchanged smiles. Shisui said, "Let's wait for Sanyō, and then we can train together afterward!"
Shūichi nodded, "That's exactly what I was thinking."
While waiting, Shūichi took the opportunity to ask Shisui for advice on Genjutsu.
Shisui, of course, answered all his questions but couldn't help but be curious, "Are you planning to develop your skills in Genjutsu, Shūichi?"
Shūichi smiled, "When it comes to countering Genjutsu, I think the best method is also Genjutsu."
Twenty minutes later, Kurama Sanyō emerged from the exam hall.
The three then headed to their training ground.
They practiced individual combat and team battle tactics until noon, when they parted ways.
For lunch, Shūichi joined Yakushi Nonō at the Konoha Hospital.
"The test this morning was no problem for you, right, Shūichi?"
Nonō, who wore glasses, gently placed her beef onto Shūichi's plate.
Shūichi ate it in one big bite, smiling, "Of course not."
"Tomorrow and the day after won't be an issue either."
"Director, I've almost mastered the Delicate Illness Extraction Technique. Can I start learning another medical ninjutsu?"
With his high level of concentration, he had a significant advantage in medical ninjutsu.
Even a 100% focus is hard for most people to maintain for long periods, but Shūichi could do it as long as his physical and mental stamina held out.
Nonō listened with a mix of fondness and mild exasperation, "Shūichi, you're usually so steady, but sometimes you're too impatient. Even though you've grasped this technique, there's still plenty of room for improvement."
Shūichi couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated. The Medical Expert tag required him to master at least five medical ninjutsu, all at C-rank or higher.
And apart from the basic Healing Technique, which is C-rank, none of the others are simple.
Mystical Palm Technique is A-rank, Delicate Illness Extraction Technique is B-rank, Yin Healing Wound Destruction is A-rank, and Chakra Scalpel is A-rank.
He had to practice on countless small animals before he could master the Mystical Palm Technique and the Delicate Illness Extraction Technique.
Without his high concentration, quick reflexes, and strong memory, it would have taken him several times longer to master these techniques.
And even now, he was only proficient, not yet at the level of mastery.
But being proficient was enough for now. Once he earned the Medical Expert tag, his talent would increase, making further improvement much faster.
What might take an average person years to learn could take a genius only a month.
Though Nonō voiced some complaints, she added, "You can start learning Yin Healing Wound Destruction next."
"Thank you, Director!"
Shūichi leaned over and gave Nonō a quick peck on the cheek.
A six-year-old kid acting cute—totally reasonable, right?
Yakushi Nonō didn't mind getting a bit greasy from the kiss. She smiled gently and said, "I hope Shūichi can come back safely from every mission."
Shūichi Hoshita confidently reassured her, "Don't worry, I wouldn't leave you behind, Director!"
On the other side of the room, Tsunade, who was also eating, observed the scene and couldn't help but smirk. "What a sly little fox!"
This kid acted completely differently in front of Yakushi Nonō compared to how he behaved around her.
In the afternoon, Shūichi Hoshita officially began training in Yin Healing Wound Destruction.
This medical ninjutsu is crucial for predicting where the enemy will strike and gathering chakra at that spot before the attack lands. Once hit, the jutsu activates and heals the wound instantly.
Unquestionably, having quick reflexes is a significant advantage.
In complex battle situations, if an attack is too difficult for Shūichi to fully avoid or block, his fast reflexes help him predict the strike point.
So, despite being an A-rank medical ninjutsu, the difficulty of mastering it might actually be less than that of the Delicate Illness Extraction Technique.
Of course, this is all relative.
To become proficient in this jutsu, he needed a training partner to act as the attacker.
That afternoon, Yakushi Nonō created a Shadow Clone to spar with Shūichi at the training ground beside Konoha Hospital.
But at some point, Tsunade appeared at the edge of the training ground.
"Nonō, let me take over. Your attacks aren't challenging enough for him."
Tsunade's sudden voice interrupted their training.
Seeing Tsunade, Shūichi suddenly had a bad feeling.
Yakushi Nonō, however, was delighted. She quickly bowed in gratitude, "Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"
"Shūichi, go ahead and thank Lady Tsunade!"
Shūichi bowed, "Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"
Looking at the well-behaved Shūichi, Tsunade smiled, "Don't worry, I'll train him well!"
"Then I'll leave him in your care!"
Yakushi Nonō bowed again before releasing her Shadow Clone.
Tsunade lowered her arms from her chest and gave Shūichi a smirk, "Ready?"
Shūichi could feel the intense pressure and immediately shifted into 100% focus mode. "Ready!"
Whoosh!
In a flash, Tsunade was in front of Shūichi, flicking her finger straight at his forehead.
"So fast!"
Aside from Minato Namikaze and that one elite Jōnin he met at the Daimyo's estate, Shūichi hadn't encountered anyone with such speed since graduating.
Luckily, his reflexes were sharp enough for him to lean his head back and avoid the flick.
But Tsunade's hand quickly changed course, aiming to grab Shūichi by the neck.
Shūichi immediately stepped back.
"Quick reflexes!"
Tsunade huffed. Letting a little brat dodge her attack was a bit frustrating.
She struck with a kick!
A punch!
The ground exploded, leaving deep craters all over the training ground.
Shūichi dodged with all his might, and when he finally managed to distance himself, he couldn't help but gulp at the sight of the craters.
If he got hit, could his small body take it?
"Not even thirty yet and already going through early menopause?"
Shūichi couldn't help but grumble to himself.
Across from him, Tsunade shouted, "Don't forget the purpose of your training."
This kid's reflexes were incredibly fast—almost on par with some Jōnin.
Tsunade was secretly impressed, then launched another quick attack using the Body Flicker Technique.
As Shūichi dodged, he replied, "Lady Tsunade, of course, I haven't forgotten the purpose of the training."
"If you're not forced into a corner, Yin Healing Wound Destruction is pointless."
Tsunade grunted, "Then get ready!"
It seemed she needed to take this more seriously.
Tsunade immediately increased the frequency of her attacks, while also holding back on her strength to conserve energy.
(End of Chapter)
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