With Tsunade's support, Shinki no longer needed to assist with minor tasks and could stay in the lounge to study every day.
With ample time and Tsunade's personal guidance, Shinki mastered the chakra scalpel in just two days.
Over the following weeks, Shinki absorbed knowledge like a sponge, learning various medical ninjutsu with impressive speed.
At first, Tsunade was amazed, but as time passed, she became used to it and eventually numb to his rapid progress. It felt as if Shinki had drained her of every ounce of medical knowledge she had.
Two months later, Tsunade personally escorted Shinki to take the medical ninja assessment.
As expected, Shinki passed with flying colors, earning his medical ninja certification and promptly applying for a position at Konoha Hospital.
In an elegant tavern.
Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya gathered, enjoying a rare reunion.
"Tsunade, I heard you've taken on an apprentice from the Hyuga clan," Jiraiya teased, his usual playful glint in his eyes. He had clearly put the memory of almost being beaten senseless by Tsunade behind him.
"Oh, is that true?" Orochimaru paused, his hand midway to lifting his wine glass.
Tsunade shot Jiraiya a sharp look, causing him to flinch, then smirked with satisfaction when he averted his gaze.
"I didn't take him on as an apprentice. I just saw potential in him and happened to have the time, so I gave him some guidance. But I was wrong—Hyuga Shinki has exceptional talent in medicine."
"Enough about that."
Tsunade shifted the conversation. "What have you two been up to lately?"
Since their jonin assessments, the trio had largely pursued separate paths. Tsunade managed Konoha Hospital, Orochimaru was immersed in his secretive research, and Jiraiya alternated between missions and "gathering research" for his writing.
"I had a particularly challenging mission recently," Orochimaru said nonchalantly.
"Heh, I've been busy, doing…" Jiraiya started, rubbing his hands together, but Tsunade cut him off.
"Enough. We know you've been spying on girls or writing your 'research,'" Tsunade said, slamming her glass on the table as a warning. "And if Nawaki brings home any more of your smut, I'll personally make you regret it."
"Ah, that's a misunderstanding! He snuck it in on his own!" Jiraiya protested, his tone betraying his guilt.
Orochimaru allowed a rare smirk to creep onto his lips as he watched Jiraiya cower under Tsunade's glare. These gatherings, though infrequent, were moments of quiet joy for him.
They spent the evening sharing stories from their missions, eating, and drinking. When the night wound down, the trio parted ways.
Tsunade headed home, the scent of sake on her clothes. As she walked through the gate, she spotted Kushina sitting alone in the yard.
"Lady Tsunade!" Kushina jumped to her feet, eyes lighting up.
"Call me 'sister.' Or is that too much for you?" Tsunade teased, tousling Kushina's bright red hair.
"Sister Tsunade!" Kushina's initial surprise turned into a shout as she protested the state of her hair.
"Don't cry! I'm sorry. How about I take you shopping later?" Tsunade laughed, only to realize Kushina's eyes were starting to water. Comforting her turned out to be harder than hospital work.
After considerable effort and a promise to take her shopping, Kushina's smile returned.
"Sister Tsunade, someone brought a letter for you," Kushina said, holding out the envelope like a prized possession.
"A letter? For me?" Tsunade frowned in confusion as she took it and opened it. The contents made her expression turn serious.
Tucking the letter away, Tsunade patted Kushina on the head. "Kushina, I need to step out for a bit. Can we shop another day?"
"Can't I come too?" Kushina's hopeful eyes tugged at Tsunade's heart.
Tsunade sighed. Why did I tease her? Now I'm stuck.
After a moment's hesitation, Tsunade relented. "Alright, but you have to behave."
Kushina's circumstances were similar to Shinki's: both had faced isolation. Maybe they could bond and form a new friendship. While the village forbade contact with Kushina, Tsunade decided that Shinki, being under her wing, was an exception. Let anyone who had a problem take it up with her—Princess Tsunade.
With Kushina in tow, Tsunade left the Senju compound and headed toward the Hyuga estate. On the way, she picked up snacks and treats from a roadside vendor.
The Anbu assigned to monitor Kushina swiftly reported this to the Third Hokage.
At the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage gazed out the window toward the Hyuga compound.
"Is this about Hyuga Shinki?" he murmured.
Shinki's rapid rise in the medical field had caught the Hokage's attention. His unique situation—bloodline degeneration, cold treatment from the family, and subsequent decision to pursue medical training—highlighted both talent and resilience.
The scarcity of medical ninjas made Shinki's skills invaluable. And the fact that Tsunade, the Hokage's disciple, vouched for him meant Shinki was halfway into the fold of trusted allies.
The Third Hokage studied Shinki's file, then sighed. "What a pity."
Shinki's circumstances meant he could only be trusted to a certain extent.
>>>>>
Gimme Power Stones or give me death, or something like that