Masahiko tucked the small notebook into his ninja pouch, entirely unfazed by Yakushi Kabuto's sudden approach.
Whether the boy was probing him, merely playing around, or driven by some other motive... none of that mattered right now. The priority was training—specifically, the development of his Kekkei Genkai.
Even a bloodline limit required cultivation. The Hyūga clan, for instance, had to train rigorously to truly master the capabilities of the Byakugan. The Shikotsumyaku (Dead Bone Pulse) was no different. Sitting around and waiting for a [Bloodline Development Card] to do all the work was the mindset of the lazy.
His running route remained unchanged, taking him past the perimeter of the Uchiha compound. Even in passing, Masahiko could gauge the state of the clan.
They clearly were not doing well.
Opinions within the Uchiha had always been fractured, but in recent years, the Hawks had gradually gained the upper hand. The situation had only been stabilized thanks to the mediation of Fugaku, Shisui, and Yashiro. But now, with Shisui "dead," that triangular balance had collapsed. Fugaku and Yashiro alone couldn't suppress the rising tide.
Even just running by, Masahiko could feel the atmosphere radiating from the district: hostility and repression. They seemed to project their hatred onto anyone who wasn't an Uchiha. If they didn't get wiped out behaving like this, that would be the real miracle.
Masahiko completed several dozen laps. His speed eventually slowed, not because his stamina had hit its limit, but because... well, theoretically, he should be slowing down by now.
In reality, his physical reserves were still overflowing. Since the Shikotsumyaku had appeared on his status panel, the boost to his constitution felt greater than the cumulative gains of the past three days combined. It was as if his very tier of existence had been elevated.
'Is this the power of a Kekkei Genkai?'
Masahiko couldn't hide his internal excitement, nor could he deny the cold reality of this world—in the ninja nations, bloodline truly was king. A good pedigree mattered more than anything else. He wondered what the deal was with the Yagyū clan's lineage.
He maintained a leisurely jogging pace for a few more laps—just enough to exceed his previous record—before switching his routine to practicing punches, kicks, and sword swings.
By evening, inside an izakaya on Tea Street.
"Sorry, I'm late."
Masahiko lifted the noren curtains and stepped inside.
Hanpō rose to welcome him, smiling. "No, no, I just arrived myself." He looked Masahiko up and down. "Been training?"
"I don't have much natural talent, so I have to make up for it with diligence," Masahiko replied with a modest smile as he sat down. He pulled the notebook from his chest pocket. "This was a huge help. I'm returning it to its rightful owner."
"It actually helped? That's wonderful!" Hanpō, who had been nervous and uneasy, beamed with relief. "I was actually wondering if I should offer to help you look up more materials."
"No need. I've managed to work out a crude version. The rest isn't really a matter of medical ninjutsu anymore," Masahiko said, bringing his hands together to form a seal.
Chakra surged from his palms. Pressing his hands together, he guided the flow into Hanpō's body.
Hanpō closed his eyes to sense the energy. A moment later, his eyes snapped open, and he nodded repeatedly. "Yes! That's exactly it!"
He took a sip of sake, sighing in admiration. "Techniques like this aren't actually rare in medical ninjutsu theory, but they require exquisite chakra control, and frankly... they aren't considered very practical."
"Because modern medical ninjutsu is too powerful," Masahiko noted.
"Exactly. As you said, necessity drives creation." Hanpō nodded in agreement.
For a standard medical ninja, the Healing Jutsu or Mystical Palm Technique could rapidly cure most injuries. There was no need for this kind of slow, deliberate healing. As for internal injuries, while this technique could work, there were plenty of alternatives that were likely more effective.
That was exactly why the Research Department had produced almost nothing in years. The medical ninja there were the village elite; they hadn't served on the front lines in ages. How could they understand what the common ninja actually needed?
Hanpō leaned forward, his expression respectful. "Masahiko-kun, the truth is, I invited you here today because I have a favor to ask." He pulled an envelope from his robe. "Please, take a look at this."
"What is it?" Masahiko took the envelope, looking up with feigned suspicion.
The signature on the letter read: Gozan.
"Lord Gozan is a Jōnin from the Research Department. He has vast experience and his medical ninjutsu is exceptional," Hanpō explained.
Masahiko nodded, already guessing the contents. He opened it.
Sure enough. It was an invitation, and the key sentence stood out immediately:
We cordially invite you to serve as a Consultant for the Konoha Hospital Medical Research Department...
Masahiko folded the invitation. "I appreciate the offer from you and Senior Gozan, but I don't know much about medical ninjutsu. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to join a research department?"
"You know our situation. After speaking with you, I talked to Senior Gozan, and he completely agrees with your insights," Hanpō said earnestly. "We've been stagnant for too long. We desperately need new thinking and new blood."
He didn't bow or perform dogeza. In the current political climate, such extreme gestures might be misinterpreted as coercion, which wasn't their intent.
Masahiko studied the invitation again before speaking. "I currently hold the position of Teaching Consultant at the Academy. At most, I could only take this on as a concurrent post. Furthermore, I would need to ask for the Hokage-sama's opinion."
"Of course! We've already petitioned the Hokage-sama. As for a concurrent post... that is perfectly fine!" Hanpō replied firmly.
Masahiko let out a light sigh. "Alright then. Though, honestly, I don't have any brilliant solutions myself..." He paused, appearing to think deeply. "Have you considered soliciting proposals from others within Konoha or the hospital who are skilled in medical ninjutsu?"
"Huh?" Hanpō looked dumbfounded. You can do that? He scratched his head. "Is... is that allowed?"
"Many medical ninja have creative ideas but lack the capability to realize them. We could organize a competition, or perhaps solicit creative concepts under the guise of an activity or training seminar," Masahiko explained smoothly.
Asking him to come up with ideas alone? He'd bang his head against the wall for nothing. More importantly... he didn't have time to waste on this.
Masahiko added, "Of course, if there are genuinely good ideas, the rewards must be substantial and real. Otherwise, it would only damage Konoha's reputation."
"It can be done like that?" Hanpō's eyes went wide, his face a mask of shock.
"One person's wisdom is short," Masahiko said philosophically. "You are far removed from the battlefield. Admitting one's shortcomings requires courage, and I don't believe it's shameful. However, the specific decision is up to you."
Hanpō nodded furiously. "Yes, yes, you're absolutely right... Then, what form should the rewards take?"
"I don't think that's something for me to decide, is it?" Masahiko shook his head, refusing to answer.
Hanpō froze for a second, then nodded again. "Right, right... I'll make a note of that first!"
He hurriedly took out a pen and paper to scribble down notes. Throughout the meal, Hanpō would occasionally ask about specific details, his attitude incredibly serious. For the sake of his promotion, he was giving this everything he had.
After clarifying a few more points of confusion, Hanpō felt a surge of confidence. His admiration for Masahiko's intellect grew even deeper. The man's Taijutsu and Ninjutsu might not be the strongest, but when it came to research and strategy, he had no equal.
Ideas like this... Hanpō could have thought until his dying day and never come up with them! No wonder Masahiko had been promoted so quickly.
"I knew it," Hanpō murmured, full of praise. "Coming to you was the right choice!"
"What was that?"
"Nothing, I'm just too happy." Hanpō's gaze became fervent. He might not understand research, but finding an expert who did was a massive achievement in itself. He was going to cling to this golden thigh for dear life!
"Please rest assured, the moment I get back, I will report this and finalize your compensation and benefits. I look forward to our future cooperation."
"Well," Masahiko replied with a charismatic smile, "it's all for the sake of Konoha."
Hanpō's eyes lit up, and he nodded vigorously. "That's right! It's all for the sake of Konoha!"