Testing

Yes, in the Naruto world, medical ninja trainees often practice on live fish rather than dummies. The idea is that the fish's chakra system and living tissue present a more realistic challenge for developing fine control over medical jutsu.

Let's adjust the scene to reflect that:

Chapter 72: Proving His Skill

Haruto stretched, feeling the pull of his muscles as the early morning light streamed through his window. Today wasn't about training or reading—it was about putting his skills to the test. After months of volunteering at the hospital and practicing basic medical techniques, Haruto felt ready to take the next step.

He wanted to apply the basic medical jutsu he'd been practicing in a real-world setting, but for that, he needed more than just quiet observation and private training—he needed approval. His goal was to approach Shizune today and ask to be tested. If he could prove his abilities, he'd be allowed to perform medical jutsu under supervision.

With his resolve firm, Haruto made his way to the hospital, his mind set on proving his capability.

The hospital was bustling, as usual, filled with doctors, med-nin, and patients rushing about. Haruto moved with purpose, spotting Shizune reviewing some paperwork near one of the patient wards.

"Shizune-san," Haruto began as he approached her. She looked up, curious. "I'd like to apply to perform basic medical jutsu officially. I've been practicing for months and want to take the next step."

Shizune raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by his directness. "You think you're ready for that?"

"I've been learning, practicing, and observing long enough. I'm ready," Haruto said, his voice confident but respectful.

Shizune studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. She had seen his dedication over the past months. He wasn't the type to make bold requests without backing them up. "Alright," she said. "I'll see if Tsunade-sama can test you. Wait here."

A few moments later, Shizune stood outside Tsunade's office, knocking lightly before entering. Tsunade looked up from her desk, raising an eyebrow at Shizune's appearance.

"Tsunade-sama," Shizune began, "there's a volunteer at the hospital, Haruto, who wants to be tested to perform basic medical jutsu under supervision. He's been working hard, learning theory and practicing his chakra control. I think he's ready for a test."

Tsunade blinked, leaning back in her chair. "The kid's still around?" she asked, clearly intrigued.

Shizune nodded. "He's been consistent and surprisingly dedicated. I think he might impress you."

Tsunade tapped her fingers on her desk thoughtfully. "Alright. Bring him in. I'll give him a real test."

Back at the ward, Haruto waited patiently until Shizune returned. She gestured for him to follow. "Tsunade-sama will test you herself. This isn't just a basic check, though. You'll be put through a real test."

Haruto nodded, following her toward Tsunade's office, his nerves steady. He entered the office, standing before Tsunade, who eyed him curiously.

"You want to perform medical jutsu?" Tsunade asked, crossing her arms. "Let's see if you're ready."

She slid a stack of papers toward him. "This is a written test. Medical ninja need to know the theory as well as practice. Let's see if all that reading has paid off."

Haruto sat down, quickly scanning the questions. His Tier 2 Cognitive Boost kicked in, allowing him to recall everything he had studied over the past months. The questions covered a wide range of topics—chakra control, anatomy, healing techniques, and even the basics of poisons and antidotes. One question asked for the symptoms of a common neurotoxin used in shinobi combat and the appropriate antidote.

Haruto confidently wrote about Kusarigama venom, its effects on the nervous system, and how the Gokan antidote could be used to neutralize it. He moved through the test methodically, ensuring his answers were detailed and accurate.

After about thirty minutes, Haruto placed the test down and looked up at Tsunade.

"You're done already?" she asked, slightly surprised.

"Yes," Haruto replied, his expression calm.

Tsunade flipped through the test, her eyes skimming the answers. After a few moments, she nodded, impressed. "Not bad. You've got a solid understanding of the theory. Now let's see if you can handle the practical side."

She stood and motioned for Haruto to follow her down the hallway toward the medical training area. There, several large water tanks sat, filled with live fish—standard practice for testing medical ninjutsu control.

"Here's how this works," Tsunade said, gesturing to the tanks. "You're going to use medical chakra to stabilize the fish's chakra system and heal a minor wound. Fish are difficult because they have smaller, more delicate chakra networks. Let's see if you can handle it."

Haruto stepped forward, feeling the pressure. Healing a fish was much more complicated than working on a dummy, and it required exceptional chakra control. He had practiced stabilizing chakra flows, but now it was time to prove himself.

He approached the tank, focusing on the small fish swimming inside. Slowly, he extended his hand, directing his chakra toward the water. His chakra slipped beneath the surface, wrapping around the fish as he concentrated. He could sense the fish's chakra network—small, fast-moving, and fragile.

Carefully, he used his chakra to stabilize the fish's flow, slowing it down and calming the small creature. Once it was stable, Haruto directed his chakra toward a small incision on the fish's side, focusing on healing the wound. His hands glowed faintly as his chakra moved with precision, sealing the wound and returning the fish to a healthy state.

Haruto withdrew his chakra, stepping back to let Tsunade inspect his work. She observed the fish carefully, noting the steady swim and the healed wound.

Tsunade turned to Haruto, her expression impressed but guarded. "You did well," she said, her tone holding approval. "Not many your age can stabilize chakra on something that delicate."

Haruto stood quietly, waiting for her final judgment.

"How did you learn this?" Tsunade asked, narrowing her eyes. "Just reading and watching?"

"Yes," Haruto replied. "I read everything I could and practiced chakra control."

Tsunade stared at him for a moment, clearly impressed but also cautious. "You've got talent, kid. Not many people pick this up so quickly."

She turned to Shizune, who was watching with a proud smile. "He's approved to perform basic medical jutsu under supervision. Make sure he stays within his limits."

Haruto bowed and left Tsunade's office, feeling the quiet satisfaction of success settle over him. He had managed to pass the test, and not just pass, but impress Tsunade herself—a major step forward in his progress. As the door clicked shut behind him, Tsunade leaned back in her chair, watching him leave with an appraising look.

Tsunade turned her attention to the now-healed fish swimming calmly in the tank beside her. She wasn't one to be easily impressed, especially by academy students, but there was something about Haruto that caught her attention.

"He really did learn all that just by reading and watching," she muttered, slightly surprised. Not many kids his age could perform medical jutsu with that level of control, especially on something as delicate as a fish. It had taken her weeks to perfect this particular technique when she was young.

Shizune, still standing nearby, smiled softly. "I told you he was impressive, Tsunade-sama. He's been quietly working away in the hospital for months. I've never seen someone his age with that kind of focus."

Tsunade nodded slowly, still deep in thought. "He's talented, no doubt about that," she said. "His chakra control is excellent, especially for someone so young. It's not something I see every day."

Shizune hesitated for a moment before speaking. "He's more than just talented. He's driven. I've watched him—he's always observing, learning, even when he's not being directly taught. He never wastes time."

Tsunade drummed her fingers lightly on her desk. "That kind of drive is what sets people apart. He's picked up things that most kids wouldn't have figured out until later in their training."

She stood up from her desk and stretched, still contemplating. "It's rare to see someone that young with such natural skill in medical ninjutsu. He didn't just perform the jutsu—he understood what he was doing. That's impressive."

Shizune nodded in agreement. "He's got potential to go far, especially with the way he's progressing. I think we'll be seeing more of him."

Tsunade glanced at Shizune, then back at the tank. "We probably will," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Let's keep an eye on him. I'm curious to see just how far he can go."

With that, Tsunade turned back to her desk, brushing aside the paperwork in front of her. Haruto was an unusual case—one worth watching closely. It wasn't often she came across a student with this much potential, and she wasn't going to let it slip by unnoticed.

"Impressive kid," she muttered to herself as she picked up her pen, her thoughts still lingering on the young boy who had just walked out of her office.