Chapter 176
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Upon entering the house, Yugito took off her shoes and walked inside wearing her knee-high white socks. Having trained all morning, she planned to take a shower and change into fresh clothes.
However, seeing Rin hesitate, she realized that Rin was visiting someone else's home for the first time and was understandably cautious.
"I'll go call for someone. You wait here," Yugito said, then headed upstairs. In her impression, Mina had been moving less since becoming pregnant, only being active when someone visited.
After a short while, Yugito returned with Mina, who was led downstairs. Upon seeing Rin, Mina looked her over and then smiled warmly.
"Nohara Rin, can I call you Rin? I'm Uchiha Mina. From now on, I'll be teaching you advanced medical ninjutsu. You can call me Mina-sensei," Mina said, with a kind smile.
'She looks a bit delicate and pretty, but probably not Yoichi-sama's type. No threat,' Mina thought to herself, her attitude towards Rin becoming even more friendly.
"Yes, Mina-sensei. Thank you for taking care of me," Rin responded, bowing deeply. Before she could react, Mina had already taken her hand and led her to the living room.
Meanwhile, Yugito returned to her room to remove her knee-high white socks. She was annoyed that under Yoichi's influence, she had grown accustomed to wearing these socks. However, they weren't very practical for training, as she had sweated quite a bit in the morning.
She needed to make a change!
Yugito resolved internally, opening her wardrobe to find that at least two-thirds of her sock drawer was filled with white socks, including knee-high and ankle socks.
Mina inquired about Rin's knowledge of medical ninjutsu and her surgical experience. After learning about Rin's background, she found that the young kunoichi, who liked to decorate her face with patterns, had a solid foundation in medical ninjutsu.
Rin knew all the basic techniques and had performed dozens of surgeries, making her an excellent candidate for advanced training.
"I understand your level now. Do you have any current missions?" Mina asked.
"Not at the moment, Mina-sensei. Our team is short-staffed and waiting for Kakashi to be promoted to Jonin before we reform," Rin replied.
"So your teammate is Kakashi. From now on, train with me every morning for three hours, and in the afternoons, go to Konoha Hospital for further training. I'll teach you advanced medical ninjutsu as soon as possible. Remember, medical ninjutsu can be used in combat, so don't give up on fighting just because you're a medic," Mina instructed, emphasizing the importance of combat training.
Hearing this, Rin's eyes lit up with excitement. She eagerly asked, "Mina-sensei, how can medical ninjutsu be used in combat?"
Mina thought for a moment and then asked, "Do you have a kunai with you?"
"Yes!" Rin quickly produced a kunai and placed it on the table.
"Watch closely," Mina said, forming a seal with her hands. She concentrated chakra into her right hand, extending a chakra scalpel about ten centimeters from her fingers. Then she used it to slice the kunai in half.
"This is one way to use it. The chakra scalpel is similar to the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist, though it's not as precise for hitting tenketsu. The chakra scalpel can sever tendons, organs, and even bones," Mina explained, smiling at Rin. "As a medical ninja, you must understand the human body thoroughly, so our combat style is somewhat similar to the Hyuga clan's."
"I understand now," Rin nodded, feeling enlightened.
The chakra scalpel was an A-rank medical ninjutsu, on par with the Mystic Palm Technique but not as prioritized. Only advanced medical ninjas mastered it.
"Alright, let's start with other medical techniques. As for combat training, I can't help you with that right now. You can practice on your own or seek guidance from others," Mina instructed.
"Yes, Mina-sensei," Rin agreed, feeling a growing respect for Mina despite their short time together.
Yoichi was aware that Rin was training at his home but had other matters to attend to recently.
Orochimaru had contacted him, revealing that Danzo had approached him, urging him to run for the Fourth Hokage and promising support.
Orochimaru, naturally, didn't trust Danzo's promises. Still, he knew his sensei wasn't considering him for the position, which disappointed him.
Orochimaru had helped Sarutobi Shinnosuke extensively in the Grass Country battle, and yet his sensei didn't even consider him.
Despite this, Orochimaru continued his research, now focusing on immortality. The destruction he witnessed on the battlefield, especially the power of the three Jinchuriki, instilled in him a desire for eternal life to explore all the world's truths.
Yoichi wasn't aware of Orochimaru's thoughts but knew about the Hokage selection process. He felt that Hiruzen's sudden decision to hold the selection was a bit rushed. If it had been delayed a few more months, the Uchiha clan could have gained five more Jonin.
The recent wars, aided by Yoichi's widespread use of Sage Mode and ninja battle armor, had significantly increased the survival rate of Uchiha ninjas on the battlefield. Five of them had enough merits to apply for the Jonin exam and pass.
Knowing this, Yoichi instructed the Police Force to contact neutral civilian Jonin and allied ninja clans.
The Police Force's reputation had improved dramatically over the past year, thanks to Yoichi's reforms. Many Uchiha clan members, who were initially cold on the outside but warm on the inside, had made friends within the village. Those with Jonin friends reached out to strengthen their support.
The Yuhi household.
Upon opening the door and seeing Yoichi, the lovely face of Kurenai lit up with a smile. "Yoichi-sensei, are you here to see me?"
"I'm here to see your father. Is he home?"
"Yes, he's home!" Kurenai's expression turned slightly sour but still welcomed Yoichi inside.
After calling her father, Kurenai went to make tea.
"In your rest time, I'm sorry to disturb you, Shinku-san."
Shinku smiled and said, "Not at all. I was planning to thank you soon, Yoichi-dono. If it weren't for the special ninja outfit you gave my daughter, she would have ended up in the hospital due to her negligence."
When the production of ninja outfits increased, Yoichi gave his share to his three students. The outfit had protected Kurenai in the fierce battles of the Grass Country, where even Jonin had died.
"Yoichi-dono, what brings you here today?" Shinku asked after some pleasantries, sending Kurenai to buy some snacks.
Yoichi didn't beat around the bush. He explained the upcoming selection for the Fourth Hokage and asked Shinku to support Sakumo, mobilizing his connections if possible.
Shinku was also an instructor for mid and lower-ranking ninjas in the village, with significant hidden influence. After some thought, he readily agreed to support Yoichi's request, even promising to visit and persuade some of his Jonin acquaintances.
Shinku had no strong opinions on who should be Hokage. Sakumo had a stellar reputation, and as a contemporary ninja, Shinku greatly admired him.
Moreover, Yoichi had taken care of his daughter, providing her with a protective ninja outfit. Shinku saw no reason to refuse.
Having achieved his goal, Yoichi chatted a bit more about Kurenai's progress before preparing to leave.
At the door, he ran into Kurenai, returning with the snacks.
"Yoichi-sensei, are you leaving already? So soon?" she asked, a bit disappointed.
"Yes, I have other matters to attend to. Just give me the snacks, so they don't go to waste."
Feeling good, Yoichi took the snacks from Kurenai, reminding her to train hard after the war. He had high expectations for her, suggesting she could become a Jonin by fourteen.
"I think I'm ready for the Jonin exam now!" Kurenai said confidently.
Yoichi shook his head. "There's no need to compare yourself to Kakashi. Your strength lies in genjutsu, but you need to strengthen other areas too. Take on missions with the others to gain more experience. When I become the Fifth Hokage, you three will be my shadow guards."
"I understand," Kurenai replied, her disappointment turning to joy at Yoichi's last words.
Yoichi's activities, though discreet, were noticed by Anbu, who reported them up the chain. Hiruzen, sensing the Uchiha's unusual behavior, suspected they were behind the recent unrest.
He decided the Hokage selection couldn't be delayed any longer, fearing Yoichi might become Hokage.
Luckily, Minato, though lacking Yoichi's war merits, had a good reputation and the support of three advisors. Hiruzen believed Minato had a better chance.
One day, Yoichi noticed the Jonin assembly signal. Suspecting it was related to the Hokage selection, he prepared to leave.
Before leaving, he informed Mina, who was teaching Rin, that he was heading out.
"Take care, Yoichi-sama!" Mina said, waving happily.
Rin, seeing Mina's joy, commented, "Mina-sensei, you seem so happy."
"Hehe, I'm lucky to have met Yoichi-sama!" Mina replied, her face glowing with satisfaction.
Leaving the house, Yoichi met up with the clan's Jonin and headed to the Hokage's office. The Uchiha clan had only a few dozen Jonin, but many more had the strength for the rank but lacked the opportunity for the exam.
This situation would change with a new Hokage, potentially doubling their Jonin numbers.
On the way, Yoichi encountered Orochimaru, who joined him and whispered, "Yoichi-kun, I need to discuss something with you after the meeting. Today should go as you expect."
Yoichi nodded, "Of course, Orochimaru-sensei. What I promised before, I will deliver after."
(End of Chapter)