Chapter 17: Uchiha Kaigen’s Recovery and the Reform Proposal

[Kaigen exchanged medical knowledge with Kureha, Medical Proficiency +15.]

[Kaigen studied Kureha's collection of books, merging Medical Technique and Healing Arts, Proficiency +12.]

The next ten days followed a highly disciplined routine for Kaigen.

Every morning, he consumed a bottle of restorative potion, followed by a hearty meal of Sea King meat. He then delved into cultivation, pushing his body to its limits before resting.

In the afternoons, he dedicated himself to studying Kureha's medical texts, carving out brief moments to exchange insights and techniques with her.

When time allowed, Kaigen transcribed basic medical texts from his mental archive for Kureha, balancing his intellectual pursuits with his physical recovery.

Through this regimen, his body not only recovered but grew stronger, and the days flew by.

In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed.

"Ha…"

Uchiha Zhi'an exhaled deeply as she completed another round of cultivation. A profound sense of ease washed over her, as though the burdens weighing on her had been lifted entirely.

"My body feels completely restored!"

Zhi'an stood and shared her realization with Kaigen and Kureha.

"Oh? Let's confirm that!"

Setting aside her book, Kureha approached Zhi'an. Kaigen also paused his training and assisted with a thorough examination.

Moments later, both nodded in agreement.

"Yes, your body has fully recovered!"

Kureha added thoughtfully, "In fact, thanks to the soul-nurturing potion, even your damaged soul origin has recovered by about 10%."

"To achieve full recovery of your soul, you'll need to continue taking the soul-nurturing potion daily. Combine this with regular cultivation and an increase in physical training using strengthening potions. Over time, your vitality and physical resilience will enhance significantly."

She paused, then concluded, "Additionally, continuing your meditation techniques will aid the recovery of your soul. With these measures, you're ready to move forward."

Kureha's gaze turned pointed. "You don't need to stay here much longer."

After spending over ten days together, Kureha had observed that Zhi'an regularly disappeared for stretches of time, leaving behind what seemed to be a clone.

For someone as skilled as Kureha—both a top-tier medic and adept in Observation Haki—such tactics were easy to discern.

Realizing this, Zhi'an stopped attempting to hide it, knowing that the limitations of Shadow Clone Jutsu were apparent to those with sharp perception.

To avoid unnecessary tension, she openly admitted to using spatial teleportation during her absences.

Meanwhile, Kaigen had established a solid rapport with Kureha. Through their medical exchanges, her favorability towards him had risen to 64—a notable level of trust.

Their interactions had evolved from mere collaboration to genuine camaraderie.

"Thank you deeply, Doctor Kureha!"

Zhi'an bowed her head slightly in gratitude. "Your help has been invaluable. I'll no longer impose on you as much moving forward, though I must leave Kaigen in your care for a little while longer."

Kaigen's recovery was progressing steadily but would take another ten days to complete.

"That's fine," Kureha replied with a casual wave. "This has been a mutually beneficial exchange. Let's not overstate who's helping whom."

"Sheesh! Who would even brag about themselves like that?"

Kureha smirked, reflecting on the past ten days of interaction.

Though Kaigen was young, his understanding of medicine—especially his grasp of advanced medical principles—was impressive. He was a partner worth exchanging knowledge with.

What stood out even more was the boy's frighteningly fast learning speed.

In just ten days, Kaigen had made significant progress, not only in his core expertise of medical ninjutsu but also in mastering Kureha's unique medical techniques.

His talent and learning ability left even Kureha astonished.

"A true prodigy!" she muttered.

Deep down, she eagerly anticipated the day Kaigen's medical skills surpassed hers entirely.

Medical Proficiency: (9314/10,000) – Mastery Level

In just ten days, Kaigen had nearly maxed out his proficiency in medicine, reaching the threshold of the advanced rank.

"Just a few more days," Kaigen estimated, "and I'll break through completely."

He guessed that even Kureha's level of medical expertise didn't exceed the advanced rank.

But even at this rank, it already represented the pinnacle of medical skill in the world of pirates.

Kaigen's thoughts wandered. It was hard to imagine how powerful advanced-level medical skills could become when combined with the knowledge of two worlds.

After finalizing her arrangements with Kureha, Zhi'an took Kaigen aside to his room. With a wave of her hand, she cast a soundproofing barrier.

"Kaigen," Zhi'an said, her tone soft yet firm, "from now on, I'll only have limited time to check in on you daily. You'll need to take care of yourself."

"Miss me? You can always return to the Shinobi World or the Spatial Space whenever you like."

"I will!" Kaigen grinned, his eyes bright. "I'll be fine, Mom. Don't worry!"

"Good. Now, it's time for me to start implementing reforms within the clan."

Zhi'an's gaze grew serious.

"Let's begin with the Uchiha Police Force and our clan's academy."

"For the Police Force, create an elite division. Select the best and assign a dedicated training ground for them to undergo advanced training.

"Hold regular combat evaluations, educational workshops, and strategy planning sessions."

"Improve their compensation packages and relieve them of mundane patrol duties within the village. Instead, recruit civilians or shinobi from other clans for routine patrols. Let those petty tasks fall to outsiders."

"Our Uchiha Police Force will only act as arbitrators and judges for disputes."

"Additionally, establish a public tribunal for handling conflicts among villagers. Let them present their cases in a formal court rather than having us directly intervene."

"This will significantly reduce misunderstandings and hostility toward our clan."

"For minor civilian disputes—like trivial arguments—assign them to retired clan members or villagers interested in managing such affairs. Offer an honorary captain's role as an incentive. People will line up for it."

"Finally, make all case resolutions as transparent as possible. Create a public notice board outside the Police Force Headquarters and post details of all concluded cases that don't involve sensitive village secrets. Let these notices remain up for a week."

"This will deter troublemakers and expose malicious behavior to public scrutiny."

"All these measures serve one purpose: to free the Uchiha Police Force from trivial responsibilities so we can focus on strengthening our clan's core power. What do you think?"

Kaigen nodded thoughtfully.

"If we don't act now, the situation will only worsen. The Uchiha name needs to regain its respect in the village. It's not just about pride—it's about securing the future."

Kaigen's eyes gleamed with determination. "One day, I'll rule not just the Hidden Leaf Village but the entire Shinobi World. Only then can we fully harness the potential of the Temporal Gate."

As for abandoning the Police Force entirely?

Kaigen knew it wasn't feasible. The Third Hokage and the others would never allow it, and even if they did, it would be a foolish move.

The Police Force's authority was a resource far too valuable to relinquish.