Avoiding Kitagawa's gaze, Tsunade pouted. "Fine. Later, leave me a strand of hair—with the follicle."
Kitagawa tested, "Wouldn't blood be more convenient?"
Tsunade's heart was somewhat flustered. She snorted coldly, "What I say goes. Stop arguing!"
Kitagawa immediately backed down. "Tsunade-sama decides everything!"
Shizune couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle.
Then Kitagawa raised his hand, waving the torn fabric. "Tsunade-sama, the results are in~"
Tsunade looked displeased. "What do you want?"
Kitagawa looked toward Tsunade's chest.
Tsunade felt his gaze and immediately bristled, about to get angry, when Kitagawa said, "Tsunade-sama, can I borrow your necklace to study for a while?"
"I sense something special about it."
Tsunade lowered her head, looking at the necklace in her cleavage, feeling inexplicably annoyed. Is this little pervert really looking at the necklace?
Wait... should I really give it to him?
Tsunade frowned, suddenly realizing that deep down, she didn't actually reject his request.
This made her feel conflicted and irritated.
"Why do you want this necklace?"
Tsunade looked up. "This was left to me by my grandfather."
Kitagawa said, "An heirloom from the First Hokage. I just sense something special—there seems to be unusual chakra hidden within."
Tsunade was quite surprised. "You have sensing ability?"
Kitagawa nodded. "A little."
Shizune's expression became odd. "Again with 'a little'..."
"Before, Teacher Kitagawa said he knew 'a little' medical ninjutsu, but his level... while not as advanced as Tsunade-sama, it's not inferior at all."
"Plus, he teaches better than Tsunade-sama."
Thinking this silently, Shizune sneaked a look at Tsunade, hoping her inner thoughts weren't detected.
"Losing a bet is losing. The necklace is yours. But take good care of it."
Tsunade spoke, removing the necklace and casually tossing it to Kitagawa as if unconcerned.
Kitagawa quickly caught it. "Thanks~"
But Tsunade had already turned, gesturing to Shizune. "Shizune, let's go!"
"Yes!"
Shizune waved goodbye to Kitagawa before hurrying after Tsunade.
Kitagawa watched them fade into the sunset, unable to suppress his smile.
Finally got it!
Looking at the necklace in his hand, Kitagawa felt secretly excited.
This was arguably the equipment that took the longest and most careful effort to obtain.
All that hard work!
Sighing at his own difficulty, Kitagawa's eyes welled with tears.
After wiping them away, he immediately stored the necklace in his equipment inventory and acquired its traits.
Wood Release Bloodline Limit, and Super Kage-Level Chakra Control!
The former felt like nothing, but chakra control—Kitagawa felt it deeply.
He only tried a few times, and his single-instant burst count jumped from 15 to 18 times.
"Huh?"
Suddenly, Kitagawa paused. "Tsunade's speed wasn't that much faster than mine. With my current Super Kage-Level chakra control, I'll improve further soon. Then my speed will definitely exceed what Tsunade showed."
"Either Tsunade didn't use full power, or..."
"Tsunade's chakra control ability isn't as strong as mine currently. Her talent hasn't fully manifested."
Kitagawa felt the latter was more likely.
Currently, Tsunade's only in her twenties—not even thirty!
The Hundred Seals Technique probably hasn't been developed yet.
That's the peak of chakra control.
"Cheating is really satisfying!"
Kitagawa felt delighted internally.
Though improved chakra control wouldn't instantly boost combat strength, the impact would be profound.
"I need to get Kushina's Senju body. Then my chakra weakness would be partially compensated."
Kitagawa thought to himself while picking up his vest. Then he felt like he'd forgotten something.
"Right, the hair!"
Kitagawa immediately teleported away.
He quickly found Tsunade and Shizune eating, then without hesitation sat beside Shizune and motioned for the server to add more dishes.
"This meal is on me!"
Kitagawa announced.
Tsunade glanced at the necklace hanging on Kitagawa's neck, then lowered her head to continue eating.
As long as she wasn't paying, it was fine.
Shizune whispered with a smile, "Thank you, Teacher Kitagawa!"
Kitagawa chuckled and picked up serving utensils to serve her. "Eat more. You need it."
Shizune nodded repeatedly.
Tsunade watched, then pouted.
Kitagawa was also hungry, eating silently.
Half an hour later.
The satisfied trio drank tea.
Kitagawa finally spoke. "Tsunade-sama, remember what I mentioned before? Are you interested?"
Tsunade looked confused. "What?"
Kitagawa said, "Medical ninjutsu teaching."
Tsunade folded her arms across her chest. "Establishing a medical course in the ninja academy isn't realistic—that's where foundations are built."
"As for founding a separate medical ninja school outside the academy, also unrealistic. It involves funding and personnel—very troublesome."
"In current circumstances..."
Tsunade shook her head.
Years ago she'd suggested assigning a medical ninja to each squad but was rejected. The reason—wartime made it impractical.
Looking back, she understood. New systems require time to explore. Changing suddenly during war could cause unpredictable losses.
As for now.
Medical ninja were far harder to train than regular ninja. Assigning one to every squad was an unrealistic ideal.
Kitagawa smiled. "Tsunade-sama, you're overthinking this."
"The ninja academy is indeed foundational, but we must admit—many graduate without needing all six years."
"Those capable of becoming medical ninja surely have talent and would graduate early anyway."
"Instead of letting them graduate early, why not have medically-talented students focus on medical studies?"
"The hospital could also serve as their internship site."
Tsunade frowned and fell silent.
Shizune's eyes lit up—she thought it was good.
Kitagawa continued, "This way, no new school is needed. The academy doesn't need a separate system. Just a few more teacher salaries."
"Initially with few students, you and I as teachers would suffice."
"Gradually, hospital physicians could teach part-time at the school."
"Only with sufficient medical ninja can we ensure every squad has one."
"Additionally, the Shave version you mastered suits medical ninja perfectly. Most won't reach our level, but improved movement speed greatly increases battlefield survival."
"Can't beat enemies? Use speed and evasion instead!"