C 41

"It's rare for you to come to me. Is there something I can help with?"

As Tsunade spoke, she poured herself a glass of wine and downed it. After a busy day at Konoha Hospital, a quiet night was a rare chance to unwind. She finished the glass, then asked, "Is someone bothering you?"

"Not exactly. But there's something I'd like to ask. Of all the people I know, you're the best in medical ninjutsu," Kain replied, taking out several case histories detailing terminal illnesses from his bag and handing them to Tsunade. "Is there any possibility of developing a cure for these diseases?"

Tsunade said nothing, taking the documents Kain offered and reading them with deep concentration. After almost half an hour, she rubbed her forehead, closing her eyes for a moment to think. The day had been long, and without much rest after work, she spent the next half hour reviewing Kain's documents.

"It's not impossible to cure some of these, but developing an outright cure will take extensive research and testing. The first two conditions aren't overly difficult; I recall my grandfather did some studies that may be helpful. I'll need to track down some records."

"Did the Second Hokage also study medical ninjutsu?"

Kain was genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected the Second Hokage to have researched illnesses like cancer or high blood pressure.

"It wasn't medical ninjutsu exactly, but some of his research overlaps with what you're asking about." Tsunade seemed unwilling to elaborate and shifted topics, saying, "Lately, I've been focused on developing medical ninjutsu. This will have to wait."

"Is this about your brother?" Kain asked gently. Over the past year, news had quietly circulated that Tsunade's younger brother, Nawaki, might not be able to become a ninja. Yakushi Nono had mentioned it, sharing rumors from the village.

"I'm surprised that you, who are rarely in Konoha, know about this."

Tsunade's tone became more subdued, and she poured herself another glass, clearly frustrated. Nawaki's struggle at home was a source of anguish, pushing her to accelerate her regenerative medical ninjutsu research. Even Mito Grandma couldn't fully console him; Nawaki's inability to pursue the ninja path weighed heavily on him.

"The second reason I wanted to speak with you is actually related to Nawaki. You might want to hold off on the wine; it could cloud your mind for what comes next," Kain said.

Tsunade reluctantly set down her glass, her pride prickling slightly. She didn't think a few glasses would faze her, but when Kain mentioned Nawaki, she composed herself quickly.

"Here, take a look at this," Kain said, handing her a document on the Extremis virus. The details were technical, but based on her understanding of human physiology, Tsunade would comprehend it.

"What is this…?" Tsunade began, her curiosity piqued. The document contained detailed information on the development and theory behind the Extremis virus, including algorithms and experimental results. Explanations of technical terms were provided, and the last sections held crucial experimental data.

For the next two hours, as the izakaya's customers dwindled, Tsunade was engrossed in the material. The shop was now closed to the public except for their private room, but since it was Kain's establishment, no one rushed them.

"I see you've done animal trials. Next would be human trials," she murmured, though more to herself than Kain. She recalled that her grandfather had been the foremost proponent of human experimentation, and although she resisted such methods herself, she found her resolve slipping when she thought of Nawaki.

"This project is remarkable," Tsunade finally said. "In many respects, it surpasses the medical ninjutsu I know. Some aspects even resemble my own regenerative ninjutsu research."

Her evaluation was high, and then she leaned in, eyes sparkling. "You're looking to collaborate, right? To perfect the Extremis virus together?"

"Yes, that's exactly it. The virus doesn't just repair physical damage—it can enhance human limitations. If perfected, the Extremis virus could benefit us both."

Kain didn't hide his ambition. Perfecting the virus was essential, not just for Nawaki's sake, but for the potential advancements it could bring to Konoha's medical system. If they succeeded, Nawaki could not only return to his path as a ninja but potentially become stronger than he had ever hoped.

The document outlined the main challenge with the Extremis virus—the host's self-regulation. Test subjects, whether plant or animal, couldn't achieve the level of self-regulation required, something that would hopefully change with human trials. If self-regulation was still unachievable, alternative approaches to enhance human metabolism and prevent cellular overload would be necessary.

A memory came to Tsunade. Her grandfather's cells—cells that were known for their extraordinary vitality and regenerative capabilities—might offer a solution to the Extremis virus's risk factors. Her grandfather, the First Hokage, had cells that could potentially enhance the virus's fusion with human tissue, improving cellular metabolism and organ function.

Could this really work?

Tsunade chewed her lip thoughtfully. The possibility of a breakthrough was within reach, but using her grandfather's cells felt… complicated. She wondered if she should consult Grandma Mito first.

"Tsunade!"

Kain's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "So, are you interested? Would you like to collaborate?"

"I'll have to ask for permission first. But I think Grandma Mito would approve."

Tsunade rubbed her brow, feeling the weight of a long day. Reading dense documents while tipsy had left her slightly dizzy.

"If that's the case, I'll wait for your answer, Tsunade."

Kain noticed her hesitation but was confident that with Uzumaki Mito's approval, any remaining doubts would dissolve.

"Are you leaving already? It's late, but I haven't even had dinner yet," Tsunade remarked, slightly tipsy as she stood to leave. She paused at the door as Kain handed her a food box.

"Inside are packed food and some wine; take it home and enjoy. Kushina also brought back a large cake today, so I'm sure there'll be plenty left for you," Kain said with a smile. "Alright then, I'll be heading back."

With that, Kain exited. When Tsunade walked out of the izakaya into the cool night air, the breeze sobered her up a little. She looked down at the food box in her hands, hearing the clink of the wine bottles inside. A faint smile crossed her lips.

"This guy really does know how to look after people," she thought to herself.

….

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