Behind the Konoha camp.
In a makeshift field hospital cleared only two months earlier, groans rose and fell.
Weariness lined Tsunade's brow as she lifted her hand from a middle-aged Jonin's shoulder.
"The injury is stable. Don't take any missions for a while."
"During the two weeks of dressing changes, don't overuse that arm, or the damage will flare up again."
"Worst case, you'll lose permanent mobility in the joint."
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade, but no missions for half a month..."
The Jonin said with a wry smile.
"Seven days at minimum."
"Come back for a follow-up then, and I'll treat it further."
"Much obliged."
"No problem."
"Nono, write his prescription; I'll go help Lady Biwako."
Tsunade rose from the bedside and headed off.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade!"
A bespectacled, gentle-faced girl hurried over.
Heavy casualties meant many wounded, and even Tsunade couldn't single-handedly heal an army.
Only the severely injured or vital Jonin received her personal care.
Konoha's medical system didn't yet exist, so she had roped in Sarutobi Biwako and a few Genin with medical aptitude to help.
When Uchiha Gen pushed aside the tent flap, Tsunade's eyes lit up—here was a trained aide, ready-made.
"Lady Tsuna—"
Before he could finish, Tsunade dragged him off.
"Less talk, move."
"You know the Healing Technique?"
"Immobilize that leg."
"If you can, staunch the bleeding and repair the tissue while I operate."
Gen could only comply, working silently under her orders.
Hours passed before the rush finally eased.
"Your Healing Technique is textbook, every step exactly as my notes prescribe."
"Have you been practicing lately?"
Watching him, Tsunade felt a flicker of familiarity.
Why does it feel like watching myself... even my childhood self?
Then again, she had trained him, and he had studied her notes; the similarity was natural.
"I practice when I have time," Gen answered.
He could have used the Mystic Palm Technique for better results, but revealing it now would raise questions he couldn't yet answer.
Merely performing the Healing Technique at this level was already dazzling.
"Only in your spare time?"
"Medical Ninjutsu can't be your main study under Orochimaru, yet you've reached near parity with my younger self from my notes alone."
She looked at him in frank amazement.
"With talent like this, following Orochimaru is really..."
She bit back the words "a waste."
Remembering his other aptitudes, only a polymath like Orochimaru suited him.
"Fine—no slander."
"He won't hold you back, but your gift shouldn't gather dust."
"Later, I'll map out your next lessons; you're more than ready for advanced arts like the Mystic Palm Technique."
"When you're free and off-mission, come help here."
"Will assisting count as a mission?"
"Sure."
"These Genin earn one C-rank mission every five days; I report it to Elder Homura."
"Master the Mystic Palm Technique, and I'll credit you with one B-rank mission every three days."
"If the old man balks, I'll make him sign."
Anyone wielding the Mystic Palm Technique would rank among Konoha's top medics, second only to Tsunade herself.
Currently, only Sarutobi Biwako in the whole Land of Rain could manage it besides her.
One B-rank mission every three days?
Without calculating, Gen knew it beat routine patrol pay.
Even devoting half his time to Fire Release Nature Transformation meant one B-rank every six days.
Compared to two C-ranks, the difference in experience was significant.
"Rest assured, Lady Tsunade, I'll master the Mystic Palm Technique in the shortest time possible."
His tone was absolute.
Tsunade arched a brow.
"Confidence is good, but the Mystic Palm Technique isn't child's play."
"Manage it within a month, and I'll really have to steal you from Orochimaru."
"No joke—I'm fairly sure I can do it in half a month."
His seriousness made her look again.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes."
"Then how about a bet?"
"Bet with me?"
"You're already conceding I'll master it in a month."
Gen pressed a hand to his forehead—the Legendary Sucker indeed.
She scowled.
"Don't gloat, brat; the wager is a test."
A delicate finger lifted before his eyes.
"If you succeed, your Chakra control gift is proven."
"I'll teach you a Jutsu tied to it."
"Coupled with your Sharingan, few ninja could fight you toe-to-toe."
Gen knew she meant the Chakra Enhanced Strength—he already had it, but the lesson would legitimize his use of it.