Chapter 108: "Intuition"
Tatsuma, belatedly, understood Orochimaru's concerns. It wasn't that he lacked intelligence; rather, it was his personality. He could discern the evil in human nature but didn't believe that humanity was inherently wicked. He certainly didn't think that every situation was a result of "some malicious individuals plotting against us."
After leaving, Tatsuma had a brief conversation with Uchiha Fugaku and Minato. He didn't mention Orochimaru's attitude but simply informed them that Orochimaru was aware of the situation and had briefed Fugaku on the temporary arrangements from Orochimaru.
When Uchiha Fugaku heard about the need to take care of the wounded in the rear, he showed no inclination to comply. Without much thought, he outright refused. After all, he wasn't a medical ninja, had no interest in tending to the injured, and knew that doing so wouldn't earn him any favor with others. There would only be whispers behind his back, questioning whether the Uchiha had ulterior motives or if he was incompetent.
Uchiha Fugaku had been experiencing this for a long time and was well aware of the biases against the Uchiha in the village. It was impossible for him to put himself in a position where he would face criticism while gaining no goodwill from others.
Tatsuma didn't insist, so after bidding farewell, he joined Minato at the rear to assist the medical team. The person in charge of the medical team at this time was still Kazuno of the Mitokado clan, who was clueless about how to handle wounds.
Upon seeing Tatsuma express his intention to temporarily join the medical team, Kazuno was so grateful that she almost cried. She directly handed over the command of the medical team, which she had never properly used before.
"Tatsuma, start by stitching me up. I got cut on my buttocks!"
"Tatsuma, ignore Hafu, that jerk. He claims to have constipation every day, and getting cut on the butt is the perfect solution to this problem. Treat me first."
Seeing Tatsuma take out medical equipment, the injured ninjas spoke up one after another. As a disciple of Tsunade and having assisted at the medical camp before, many of them knew Tatsuma.
Although Tatsuma emphasized multiple times that he was not a medical ninja, his medical skills had gained their recognition. Perhaps not as proficient as Tsunade and the village's Utatane Koharu, but certainly way better than Mitokado Kazuno.
In the field of clinical practice, Tatsuma's skills are indeed commendable. After all, combining surgical sutures with the Mystical Palm Jutsu can address the majority of external injuries. If needed, he can even enlist the help of Katsuyu.
When Tsunade mentioned specializing in Medical Ninjutsu, she wasn't referring to the everyday clinical application of Medical Ninjutsu. Instead, it pertains to tackling complex conditions such as various injuries, bloodline diseases, and even mental traumas.
As for Medical Ninjutsu targeted at common external injuries, isn't that something one can learn effortlessly? What kind of specialization is that?
Facing the enthusiasm of the injured, Tatsuma revealed his infectious smile. In terms of medical care, he seemed to outshine his sensei by a significant margin.
Tatsuma summoned Katsuyu to assist in the treatment, and Minato joined in. Observing Minato's proficient techniques and the application of Mystical Palm Jutsu, the injured individuals realized that this delivery guy was more than just a delivery guy.
The same person who delivered piping hot boxed meals every day and thoughtfully wished them an enjoyable meal turned out to possess such remarkable medical skills.
However, under the reflection of these two youngsters, Mitokado Kazuno, serving as the head of the medical team, looked at the increasingly peculiar expressions of the injured individuals, and she genuinely felt like crying.
No one taught her, and she had no choice. Moreover, being in charge was a village assignment, not something she sought out herself.
Kazuno had also considered learning Medical Ninjutsu. She had even waited for Tsunade for several days, hoping to consult with her. Unfortunately, during that time, Tsunade was busy deciphering Chiyo's poison and didn't appear at all.
Recently, Tsunade had been on the front lines, and the two rarely had the chance to meet. How could Kazuno find someone to learn from? Was she supposed to approach Tatsuma, who refused to acknowledge himself as a medical ninja, to learn Medical Ninjutsu?
For most of the day, Tatsuma and Minato completely took over the roles of the original medical team, and they performed even better. They stitched and healed almost all the wounds of the accumulated injured individuals.
For the few ninjas with internal organ or spinal injuries, Tatsuma provided emergency treatment and documented his assessments and recommendations on the medical records, making it easier for Tsunade or the medical ninjas at Konoha Hospital after returning to the village to initiate further treatment.
Tatsuma positioned himself as an emergency room doctor - if he could handle it quickly, he would; if not, he promptly transferred the case to someone who could.
For instance, he would refer cases to the specialist Tsunade or the specialized doctors at Konoha Hospital. There was no need to show off; it would only waste time and opportunities for both the medical team and the patients.
As they were continuously treating the incoming Konoha ninjas, someone suddenly came to inform them about the retreat. It was earlier than usual, leaving others puzzled, but Tatsuma knew the reason.
Without asking too many questions, he followed the team back to the camp, continuing to treat the ninjas who hadn't been attended to yet. Tsunade made a brief visit, informed Tatsuma that their work was done here, and left.
After healing the remaining injured, Tatsuma handed Kazuno the list and medical records of those he couldn't treat, instructing her to arrange for their transport back to the village. Then, with Minato, he found Uchiha Fugaku and together they went to the command tent.
There was hardly any waiting; the three were summoned in immediately. Inside the tent, both Orochimaru and Tsunade frowned. When the three entered, Orochimaru spoke in a voice that felt oppressive:
"Tell me about what happened at that time," Orochimaru said.
Uchiha Fugaku looked at Tatsuma. After all, Tatsuma was the one who discovered it, and it would be most appropriate for him to speak. However, Tatsuma shook his head gently, indicating for Uchiha Fugaku to take the lead.
After all, Fugaku was the Squad Captain of their team, and reporting work, especially when it involved achievements, was something to be deferred to the leader.
Fugaku pursed his lips and nodded before turning to Orochimaru. He recounted the events they encountered that morning.
He didn't exaggerate or embellish the details, not even changing the roles of the individuals involved. He candidly reported that Tatsuma was the one who discovered and first reacted to the situation.
After listening, Orochimaru nodded and said, "Your response was excellent. This matter doesn't need to be widely known. Just strengthen your reconnaissance, and leave the rest to me."
Tsunade also added, "Go rest for now. We'll act again tomorrow. Tatsuma, stay back."
Uchiha Fugaku and Minato immediately understood Tsunade's intention and left voluntarily. After their departure, Tsunade asked, "How did you discover it?"
Tatsuma couldn't exactly say that the system's lack of rewards raised his suspicion, could he? After pondering for a moment, he replied, "Intuition."
"Hehe~"
Expecting some profound answer after her disciple's prolonged contemplation, Tsunade, upon hearing the response, couldn't hold back any longer. Her tightly clenched fist, with whitened knuckles, emitted cracking sounds like popping beans.
Even on Orochimaru's perennially indifferent face, a hint of surprise appeared, followed by resignation. Seeing both reactions, Tatsuma hurriedly added, "I really had a premonition. I seem to be quite sensitive to bad news."
At this, Orochimaru furrowed his brow and asked, "Like the incident with Hyuga?"
Before the team led by Hyuga Miyako encountered trouble, Tatsuma had stayed in the communication center waiting for updates, as if he already knew something would happen.
Orochimaru had investigated the details of that incident and was aware of this fact, but at the time, he didn't give it much thought. Now, hearing Tatsuma bring it up himself, Orochimaru recalled the unusual circumstances of that event.
At this point, Tsunade released her clenched fist and looked at her disciple. Tatsuma nodded. Regarding this kind of intuition, Tatsuma had heard a saying in his previous life - that premonition is the brain's unconscious judgment after processing various information. People just aren't consciously aware of it, leading to a sense of premonition.
Many fragmented pieces of information are filtered by the conscious mind, but the subconscious doesn't filter them out. Things that the surface consciousness can't comprehend may have already been processed by the subconscious, only unable to be conveyed.
It was the same with the incident involving Hyuga Miyako. The system anomaly was the direct cause, but Tatsuma's subconscious felt that the anomaly might originate from a real-world issue. That's why he actively suggested handling it himself, using it as an opportunity to investigate.
However, this ability wasn't exclusive to Tatsuma. Orochimaru, at this moment, tentatively accepted Tatsuma's explanation. After all, Tatsuma had shown similar behavior before, and the reason for the discovery wasn't as important as the fact that Tatsuma had made the discovery.
"For the enemies we encounter next, you personally inspect them. If anything seems off, report it to me immediately," Orochimaru instructed.
Upon hearing Orochimaru's words, Tatsuma instantly understood that Orochimaru didn't have much trust in the Uchiha, making him wonder if this was typical of those from the Hokage lineage. Perhaps it was instinctual? Even he himself might not have been aware of it.
"Alright, Orochimaru-sama. If there's nothing else, may I take my leave?" Tatsuma had no intention of opposing Orochimaru. He didn't have the standing for it now, and there was no need to defend the Uchiha Clan.
Tsunade nodded, and as Tatsuma prepared to leave, Orochimaru spoke up, "Be prepared. If this matter is confirmed, as the first on-site reconnaissance team, you'll undoubtedly need to report back to the village."
Upon hearing this, Tatsuma didn't express any opinion. He simply acknowledged and left. After he departed, Tsunade looked at Orochimaru with a puzzled expression and asked, "Tatsuma and the others shouldn't need to go back, right? Even if the village demands a report in person, it should be the two of us. Besides, isn't Jiraiya responsible for investigating the movements of various villages lately? Why not let him handle it?"
Orochimaru's golden eyes rolled, and he said, "It's just giving them a way out, letting go of the psychological burden and returning to the village. Without the two of us, who do you think Hidden Sand Village's primary target would be?"
Upon hearing this, Tsunade slapped her forehead in realization. A slightly embarrassed smile appeared on her face as she said, "I didn't expect that, Orochimaru. You have such a considerate side."
Orochimaru sighed inwardly, realizing that Tatsuma was mature and sensible enough to understand. Otherwise, having a sensei like this could be challenging.
In retrospect, Orochimaru regretted boasting so much a few years ago. If he had known Tatsuma would turn out to be so exceptional, he could have easily managed to mentor another disciple. After all, Tatsuma, as a disciple, didn't require much attention from a sensei. He only needed to enjoy the satisfaction of watching his disciple grow.
"I'll have the village send over the latest Iwagakure ninja information. You might need to command the team in the future," Orochimaru said.
After settling his emotions, Orochimaru made some arrangements. In the following month, the command of Konoha seemed to shift back to Tsunade, but it didn't seem to have much impact.
Tatsuma and the Uchiha team gradually discovered some inconspicuous clues. Finally, after one month, Tatsuma received a notification to return to the village.
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