"Souma, what were you talking about with Kabuto?"
Tsunade stepped out of the Medical Corps office and immediately noticed that Souma was nowhere to be seen. After asking around, she learned he had gone to find Yakushi Kabuto.
"Kabuto-senpai isn't strong in direct combat," Souma explained calmly, "but he's talented in medical ninjutsu and research. I had him help me study a medical technique."
"A new medical jutsu?"
Tsunade's eyes lit up. "Tell me about it. I might've had a similar idea myself."
"Using chakra to simulate nerves."
"Simulate nerves?"
Tsunade frowned slightly, then fell into thought.
"That's extremely difficult. Why would you even consider a technique like that?"
"At first, it was because I saw patients whose injuries weren't treated in time," Souma said. "Their nerves had already deteriorated. I wondered if chakra could temporarily replace neural signals to assist recovery."
"And later?" Tsunade asked, intrigued.
"The Sharingan."
Souma didn't hide it, only adjusted the explanation slightly.
"My teacher, Hatake Kakashi—you know him, right?"
"Of course," Tsunade said with a smile. "After Minato, he and Might Guy are Konoha's top jōnin. In terms of overall ability, Kakashi is even slightly above Guy. If I ever retire in a few years, I might consider recommending him as Hokage."
"Kakashi-sensei is powerful and talented," Souma continued, "but the Sharingan places an enormous burden on him. His chakra reserves were already decent, but the eye constantly drains them."
Tsunade listened without interrupting.
She slowly understood what Souma was trying to do.
This wasn't just treatment—it was liberation.
Removing the Sharingan from the body's constant consumption…
Turning it into something external.
"But is that even possible?" she wondered silently.
Souma continued, "At first, it was just a concept. I asked Kabuto-senpai to research it. Then, during the Chūnin Exams, I noticed a Sand Village technique—the 'Eye of Sand.'"
He smiled lightly.
"I obtained it through ninjutsu exchange."
"I see…"
Tsunade nodded and grew quiet.
The idea was frighteningly brilliant.
Using chakra to simulate neural transmission, externalizing the Sharingan, reducing its constant drain—
Turning it into a ninja tool that could be activated only when needed.
If perfected, it wouldn't just help Kakashi.
It could change how all Sharingan were used.
But—
Using human organs as tools…
Ethically, it was walking a dangerous line.
Yet at the same time, this technique couldn't be classified as forbidden.
For disabled shinobi, if chakra-based neural simulation could be mastered, prosthetics could advance far beyond their current limits.
Tsunade's thoughts branched endlessly.
"…If this technique succeeds," she said at last, "secrecy will be a serious problem."
Souma laughed softly.
"It's fine. The Uchiha clan is basically gone. In Konoha, there's only Sasuke. Even if the idea leaks, others won't be able to obtain Sharingan anyway."
"..."
Tsunade stared at him.
What kind of dark humor was that?
She decided not to respond.
Still, she had to admit—the idea had real value.
After a moment, she said, "I have a technique—Body Pathway Derangement. It directly interferes with neural signals. It might help you."
"That's perfect," Souma said immediately.
That's exactly what I was waiting for, he added silently.
"Come on," Tsunade said. "I'll check my temporary residence, then meet the old man."
She had already formed a decent impression of the Medical Corps—
Better than expected, even.
Though, admittedly, most of what impressed her was still connected to Souma.
Souma returned to the Research Institute.
From here on, the political shifts didn't require his direct involvement.
During the Third Hokage's later years, aside from the Uchiha massacre, Konoha's structure had barely changed. Most of the real changes had already been guided by Souma.
Now, the transition was becoming clear.
The Third was preparing to hand things over.
For example—
The reform of the Military Police Force.
Tsunade's return excited many clans.
Opportunity had arrived.
That same day, clan heads began visiting her residence one after another—
Inuzuka. Aburame. Others soon followed.
Tsunade, now informed about Konoha's internal balance, made no rash promises. She focused on equilibrium.
The Aburame clan had already benefited greatly—medical, ANBU, research. It was natural that their gains in the Police Force would be limited.
Fortunately, Aburame Shibi only requested that some of the younger members be allowed into the Police Force for experience.
A reasonable request.
By nightfall, most discussions had concluded.
Later that evening, Kabuto arrived at the Research Institute.
He delivered extensive documentation—Otogakure techniques, secret jutsu, and Orochimaru's research notes.
As Souma reviewed them, Kabuto spoke cautiously.
"Lady Tsunade's ascension seems… smoother than expected. Will this affect your future plans?"
"Plans?"
Souma glanced at him, amused.
He had none.
He just advanced step by step—researching as he went.
Still, he answered calmly, "Don't worry. Tsunade and I reached an understanding. As long as I avoid forbidden research, she'll support me."
"I see."
Kabuto lowered his head, understanding more than he said.
Reforming Otogakure wasn't just about power—it was also about removing potential liabilities.
If Orochimaru's remnants were left unchecked, they'd eventually become a stain.
Now, it was a merit.
Souma wouldn't fall.
Kabuto likely wouldn't die—at worst, he'd be imprisoned.
Kabuto thought deeply, then said, "Everything seems to be within your expectations."
"So far," Souma replied. "Tsunade's return is all benefit. Especially with Akatsuki looming—I need every usable force."
Kabuto froze slightly.
"You're interested in the Tailed Beasts?"
"Who isn't?" Souma smiled.
"They revive after death. If we understand that mechanism, immortality wouldn't be a fantasy."
Kabuto's eyes gleamed.
Unlike Orochimaru's grotesque path—
This was clean. Logical.
He bowed deeply.
"You've illuminated my path."
After Kabuto left, Souma reviewed the materials alone.
Too much data.
Even with his mind, memorizing everything was impossible.
What weighed on him most were Orochimaru's records—
Especially those tied to Living Corpse Reincarnation and Ryūchi Cave.
After extracting what he needed, Souma burned the rest.
He would never use those techniques.
One thing, however, caught his attention—
Tayuya's sound-based genjutsu.
Simple. Effective. Highly adaptable.
He spent the next day refining sound techniques—
Some adapted into ninjutsu like Vacuum Blade, others into support applications.
Most required ninja tools.
That gave him an idea.
By the third day, he completed the Otogakure revisions and handed them to Kabuto.
"I'll also spread this technique in Konoha," Souma said.
"So don't copy it directly. Have them modify it based on the principles."
"Understood."
Kabuto departed.
Souma finally rested.
I wonder how Tsunade's inauguration is going, he thought.
And the Police Force reform…
He checked the time.
Midday.
"Good. Time to visit the Hokage Tower."
Inside the Hokage's office—
Tsunade sat beside the Third Hokage, veins bulging on her forehead.
Across from her were Homura and Koharu.
"Tsunade," Koharu said gently, "reforming so much at once will cause unrest."
"Yes," Homura added. "Stability—"
Bang!
The desk cracked.
"I've had enough!" Tsunade snapped.
"You've been clinging to 'stability' for decades! And what did it accomplish? Did Konoha become stronger?"
"This isn't a strategy issue!" Homura panicked.
Tsunade sneered.
"Stability breeds mediocrity. I'm not calling for radical upheaval—but necessary reform must happen."
"So many techniques distributed—what about leaks?" the Third said calmly.
"And coordination between ANBU, Medical, and Research divisions won't be easy."
"I've thought about that," Tsunade replied coldly.
"Low-level techniques only. Even if they leak, we know how to counter them."
"As for coordination—"
She paused, then smiled.
"Souma just arrived, didn't he?"
At that moment, footsteps approached.
"…Am I interrupting?" Souma asked from the doorway.
Tsunade's smile widened.
"No," she said brightly.
"Souma—you came at the perfect time."
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