Naruto: Hidden Hokage

"Yorin,"

Nonō Yakushi reminded, "During the surgery, you must behave and not wander around or move unnecessarily."

"I understand," Yorin nodded.

"Let's begin," Tsunade said as she approached the operating table and put on her gloves.

Yorin stood to the side and observed.

Although he had the soul of an adult, the sight of open surgery still made him uncomfortable.

Fortunately, the more he watched, the more he got used to it—at least he didn't throw up on the spot.

Three hours later, the surgery was complete.

To Yorin, surgery in the ninja world felt like a combination of science and ninjutsu.

In simple terms, it was a traditional surgical procedure augmented by medical ninjutsu to save time and enhance effectiveness.

"Yorin, how do you feel?"

Tsunade removed her mask, revealing her delicate features.

"As expected of Lady Tsunade, you accomplished something others could never do," Yorin praised.

"You smooth-talking little guy," Tsunade chuckled. "That's not what I meant."

"I've learned a lot," Yorin replied honestly.

"You've got good mental resilience," Tsunade said as she walked out. "In that respect, you're well-suited to becoming a medical ninja."

"Tsunade-sama,"

Yamanaka Inoichi, who had been waiting outside, came forward.

"He's fine now," Tsunade nodded slightly and said, "But if you plan to read his memories, it's better to wait until tomorrow."

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade," Inoichi exhaled a sigh of relief.

"Well, the surgery's over. I need to get back to my own business," Tsunade said as she turned and waved. "Goodbye, everyone."

She was gone in no time.

Yorin couldn't help but admire her. As expected of Tsunade—resolute, efficient, and so cool.

But... the "business" she mentioned—could it be gambling?

Quite likely.

A saying suddenly came to Yorin's mind:

Even though she fights, drinks, and gambles, she's still a good ninja.

Yorin glanced at Inoichi and then followed Nonō Yakushi back to her office.

"Yorin," Nonō asked, "How are you progressing with the medical books?"

"I've pretty much gone through the basics," Yorin replied after some thought.

"Good."

Nonō took a test paper from her drawer and said, "Complete this within two hours."

Yorin's eyes lit up.

Was this the prelude to learning medical ninjutsu?

"Understood."

Yorin sat at the desk and started the test.

He finished it in less than two hours.

Basic medical books didn't require deep comprehension—just rote memorization.

"Not bad," Nonō nodded in satisfaction.

Yorin had only made two mistakes on the entire test paper, which was nearly perfect for a six-year-old.

"Learning medical ninjutsu requires extremely precise chakra control," Nonō said as she put away the test paper. "What you've learned in school is far from sufficient."

"What should I do?" Yorin asked with the demeanor of a model student.

"Practice with fish," Nonō replied softly.

Yorin's expression grew strange as he thought of nuns and fish.

Though the Nonō in front of him was more like a shrine maiden in motion.

"Wait here," Nonō said as she left the office.

A few minutes later, she returned, holding a scroll that contained a carp.

"Come over, I'll teach you," Nonō said, beckoning him over.

Under her guidance, Yorin extended his hands and released his chakra.

Suddenly, a few lines of text appeared before his eyes:

[D-Rank Talent: Medical Ninja.]

[Activation Condition: Possess three medical ninjutsu skills.]

[Current Progress: 10%.]

Yorin felt a surge of excitement.

Finally, a health bar appeared.

With a health bar, even gods could be defeated—let alone mere medical ninjas.

Similar to the D-Rank Talent: Genjutsu Adept, the condition for activation was learning three jutsu.

Although the required skill level wasn't explicitly stated, it was evident that even basic D-rank or C-rank jutsu would suffice.

Time flew, and soon it was noon.

"Take a break and have some lunch," Nonō said, pulling out two lunchboxes.

"Alright."

Yorin withdrew his hands and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Although he hadn't used much chakra, maintaining it for a prolonged period was exhausting.

No wonder training for medical ninjas began with fish.

"A bunch of scoundrels! Chasing me over such a small amount of money! It's not like I won't pay them back!"

A familiar, irritable voice echoed from outside, growing louder as it approached the office.

Tsunade stormed in, cursing under her breath.

"Tsunade-sama,"

Nonō reminded her, "Please keep your voice down in the hospital."

Tsunade plopped down on the sofa, her hips jiggling slightly as her legs crossed.

She wore high-heeled sandals, her delicate feet hanging in the air, with toenails painted bright red.

"Lost again?" Nonō asked casually, clearly used to this.

"Just bad luck today," Tsunade said sourly, pouting.

"..."

Nonō remained silent.

Just today?

You're unlucky every day—you simply aren't cut out for gambling.

"Got any extra lunch?"

Tsunade's eyes landed on the two lunchboxes on the table.

"Here," Yorin offered his own lunchbox without hesitation.

Tsunade blinked, momentarily stunned.

This scene felt oddly familiar.

"I'll get another one," Nonō said, standing up to leave.

"You eat," Tsunade said, patting Yorin on the head. "I'll wait for Nonō."

Another head pat!

Yorin fumed inwardly.

One day, he'd get even!

It wasn't long before Nonō returned with another lunchbox.

"Thank you," Tsunade said as she opened it and picked up the chopsticks.

The lunch was from the hospital cafeteria—mediocre in taste, but ninjas weren't picky.

Missions often involved eating far worse.

"Is Yorin already learning medical ninjutsu?" Tsunade asked, glancing at the scroll and carp nearby.

"Yes," Nonō explained. "He's mastered the basics."

"What a little prodigy," Tsunade said with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Yorin, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me."

"Tsunade-sama, are you planning to borrow money from me again?" Nonō asked directly, seeing through her intentions.

"I'll pay you back once I win!" Tsunade replied shamelessly.

"..."

Nonō, usually patient, couldn't help feeling exasperated.

Have you ever won?

She seriously doubted it.

"Can I go too?" Yorin asked, looking up.

"You're a child—you can't go to a casino," Nonō quickly interjected.

If Yorin got corrupted, it would be a disaster.

Tsunade glanced at him and suddenly thought of Hashirama Senju—the source of her gambling habits.

She had been brought to casinos by Hashirama since childhood.

"I'm very lucky," Yorin said, recalling a phrase from his past life:

Bet against Tsunade, and you'll own a villa by the sea.

He really wanted to try his luck.

"No way!" Nonō firmly refused.

Under the table, Tsunade nudged Yorin with her foot and gave him a look.

She wasn't planning to teach him gambling—just using him as a good-luck charm.

A child's luck?

Yorin froze for a moment before realizing her intent.

Was she planning to take him along?