As Xu Ming had anticipated, Orochimaru successfully persuaded Tsunade to join the project. With the support of the Senju clan and the Third Hokage, the project progressed smoothly without any obstacles.
However, since the main figures leading the initiative were two ten-year-old children, their lack of prestige meant that the project had not yet been made public. Nevertheless, news of it spread within the inner circle, and no one dared to take it lightly.
One key reason was Tsunade, a direct descendant of the Senju clan. She not only represented herself but also carried the weight of her clan's resources and influence.
The other reason was even more astonishing.
Orochimaru was a genius who had already developed two A-rank ninjutsu. One of these techniques had reportedly shocked the Uchiha clan so much that Uchiha Kagami was forced to pay an exorbitant price—one that could potentially bankrupt a small ninja clan—to acquire it.
This revelation stunned those in the know. It was difficult to believe, yet undeniable.
Moreover, the most crucial figure behind all of this was another mysterious presence:
Xu Ming!
This enigmatic child, who had unexpectedly caught everyone's attention and had even convinced the Third Hokage to break tradition by accepting him as a disciple, was frequently mentioned in discussions regarding the development of new techniques.
While outsiders remained uncertain about the specifics, one thing was clear—Xu Ming played an indispensable role in this project.
One Month Later
Xu Ming sat in front of a cave in the back mountain, facing an elderly ape with white fur and a long beard. The old ape's eyes gleamed with wisdom, and its posture exuded reverence.
Kneeling before Xu Ming, the ape displayed a pious expression, as if worshipping a deity.
"Oh, you're here?" Xu Ming muttered as he suddenly looked into the empty space in front of him, ignoring the old ape entirely.
After receiving significant benefits from him, the elder ape had shamelessly remained by his side, behaving like an overly loyal follower, hoping for further rewards.
"Finally, the feedback is arriving…"
Lines of system-generated text, visible only to Xu Ming, began to materialize before his eyes.
System Notification:
[Strength Enhancement Feedback…]
[You have perfectly mastered the C-rank Medical Ninjutsu: Healing Technique!] – This technique utilizes Yang Release to broadly impact the injured by accelerating their metabolism, effectively treating large-scale or common injuries.
[You have perfectly mastered the C-rank Medical Ninjutsu: Hemostasis!] – This technique uses precise Yang Release manipulation to rapidly aggregate platelets and seal damaged blood vessels, making it ideal for emergency treatment of bleeding wounds.
[You have perfectly mastered the B-rank Medical Ninjutsu: Healing Jutsu!] – This technique stimulates wounded cells, triggering a hyperactive state that enables rapid healing. It is particularly effective for treating damage to vital organs.
[You have perfectly mastered the B-rank Medical Ninjutsu: Regenerative Healing!] – This technique transplants cells from other body parts while using Yang Release to maintain cellular activity, facilitating rapid regeneration of lost tissue.
[You have perfectly mastered the A-rank Medical Ninjutsu: Precision Organ Extraction!] – This technique sustains the activity of critical organs through advanced Yang Release manipulation, enabling precise surgical procedures. It is also effective in counteracting poison invasions.
A flood of knowledge surged into Xu Ming's mind, as if he had undergone decades of relentless training in medical ninjutsu within a single moment.
"One month—Not bad."
As Xu Ming absorbed the influx of feedback, he nodded in satisfaction.
"It only took a month to complete animal experimentation, given the limited conditions of the ninja world."
"When people are driven by passion, their efficiency reaches miraculous levels."
Xu Ming had heard of the remarkable dedication within the medical ninjutsu project team. Since medical ninjutsu was directly relevant to every ninja's survival, the team members had poured their hearts into the research, sleeping only four hours a day and dedicating the rest of their time to development.
"At this rate, the project should be completed soon."
Muttering to himself, Xu Ming casually released a green light into the old ape's body, then turned and walked out of the forest.
Now that the project had reached completion, he had no intention of lingering any longer.
He wanted to avoid getting dragged into further research or being forced to teach others about Yang Release.
"I have no desire to work twenty-hour days—I didn't even study this hard for the college entrance exam."
With a shake of his head, Xu Ming left.
Behind him, the old ape knelt on the ground, bowing reverently.
An Unexpected Interception
However, Xu Ming had underestimated the situation.
As soon as he arrived home, he was intercepted by Orochimaru and Tsunade.
Raising an eyebrow, he feigned ignorance. "Aren't you both busy with animal experimentation? Why do you have time to visit me? Is the teacher hosting a banquet to celebrate?"
Orochimaru and Tsunade remained silent, staring at Xu Ming with unreadable expressions.
Tsunade's gaze, in particular, carried a mix of emotions.
As the true developer of modern medical ninjutsu concepts, Xu Ming had indirectly granted her a level of recognition she had never expected. While she was pleased to share similar ideas with him, her conversation with her grandmother, Uzumaki Mito, left her feeling uneasy.
Such an immense favor—how could she ever repay it?
Even if Xu Ming expected nothing in return, why had he secluded himself in the back mountain all this time, only appearing after the completion of the animal experiments?
"I wish I had the chance to talk to someone like-minded…" Tsunade murmured softly.
Although Orochimaru had participated in the medical ninjutsu project, he was more interested in all types of jutsu and had approached it with mere curiosity. In contrast, Xu Ming, who had proposed the groundbreaking idea of "emergency rescue," seemed like the true kindred spirit Tsunade had been searching for.
When Xu Ming turned to look at her, sensing something unusual in her expression, Tsunade quickly lowered her head, refusing to meet his gaze.
Sighing internally, Xu Ming redirected his attention and asked nonchalantly, "So, what do you want from me?"
Orochimaru hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, his tone uncharacteristically conflicted.
"Actually… it's like this…"