Konoha Hospital.
It was built after the founding of the village, personally designed and overseen by Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage.
During the Warring States period, the lack of medical resources meant that countless wounded shinobi from every clan died from injuries that could have been healed.
To prevent such needless deaths from repeating, Hashirama decreed the creation of a medical facility independent of any clan or department—one that could operate with full autonomy.
However, due to the ongoing wars and immature medical techniques, the number of medical-nin was limited. Many illnesses remained incurable. Another reason was cultural—most shinobi still valued powerful combat abilities over medical ninjutsu, which was often looked down upon as "non-combative." As a result, very few were willing to study it.
---
After Hoshino Kaede lost consciousness, he was swiftly taken to Konoha Hospital.
Being the son of an elite jōnin, the hospital took his case extremely seriously. The director herself handled his treatment, and he was placed in a private room—an honor few patients received. It was one of the privileges that came with his father's rank.
After a thorough examination, the diagnosis was simple: severe fatigue leading to temporary fainting.
Hoshino Yota finally exhaled in relief. For a moment, he'd feared it was the onset of Bloodline Disease—a genetic curse that had claimed his father's life.
---
The next day.
Kaede's eyelids twitched, and he slowly opened his eyes, his vision blurry and unfocused.
Everything felt hazy. His last memory was from the day before—just before he had blacked out without warning.
"This is… the hospital?" he muttered, recognizing the familiar white walls. He'd been here before when he'd caught a fever.
Kaede frowned, forcing himself to recall what had happened before he fainted.
"That blue light… What was that? Why did I suddenly pass out?"
"Could it be… the Bloodline Disease?"
The more he thought about it, the wilder his imagination ran—until he couldn't help but laugh at himself.
"Yeah, right. Bloodline Disease doesn't appear that fast."
He tried applying his old-world logic to explain the strange event but came up with nothing.
"Forget it. My body feels—wait, what the—?"
Kaede paused, focusing inwardly. His expression twisted in disbelief. He rubbed his eyes hard, convinced he was hallucinating.
"TF?! My chakra just skyrocketed!"
He couldn't hold back his shout. The surge was unbelievable—like a video game cheat gone wrong.
The chakra that had been as thin as silk threads yesterday now coursed through him like a steady stream. By rough estimation, his reserves were already at the level of a chūnin—no, closer to an elite chūnin.
After a moment of stunned silence, joy overtook him.
"Unbelievable! I really have a cheat ability!" he thought, grinning ear to ear. "At this rate, becoming a damn godly being won't just be a dream!"
Ahem.
"Okay, calm down. Don't get cocky, or fate will slap you right back down," he reminded himself—but the silly grin on his face refused to fade.
Just then, the sound of a creaking door pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Kaede! You're awake!"
The voice was filled with relief and trembling joy—it was his mother, Kinomoto Sakura.
"I'm fine, Mom." Kaede quickly composed himself, pretending as if nothing unusual had happened.
Overcome with emotion, Sakura rushed forward and hugged him tightly, rubbing her cheek against his. Kaede froze, his earlier elation evaporating into silent embarrassment.
After her affection finally subsided, she took a step back to examine him more closely—
and then her expression changed.
"Kaede, what's wrong with your eyes?"
"Huh?" Kaede blinked in confusion.
He reached for the mirror on the bedside table.
The reflection staring back at him was familiar yet alien. He had inherited his father's features and normally had deep black eyes—but now, they were a brilliant sky-blue, clear and luminous, like polished sapphires.
It was as if endless stars shimmered within them.
Kaede's lips parted slightly. He was utterly captivated by his own gaze. These eyes emanated a strange, awe-inspiring power—an unmistakable sign of transformation.
"This must be… the effect of awakening a Kekkei Genkai, right?" he blurted out, improvising on the spot. The timing at least lined up perfectly.
Sakura's surprise faded into understanding.
She nodded, her expression turning from shock to wonder.
"They're so beautiful," she whispered.
"Like twin blue gems… shining with life."
Her voice was soft, filled with pride and joy. As a former tokubetsu jōnin, she knew full well how rare and powerful a Kekkei Genkai could be. In the entire shinobi world, such bloodline abilities were exceedingly scarce—and her son had just awakened one.
As expected of my child, she thought proudly.
"Mom, where's Dad?" Kaede asked, glancing toward the door.
"He was summoned by the Hokage," she replied. "It's probably about what happened to you."
At the mention of the Hokage, Kaede's mind immediately conjured that legendary figure—
Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage.
The man known as the God of Shinobi. His strength stood at the absolute summit of the shinobi world—only Uchiha Madara could ever stand as his equal.
Kaede actually admired his character even in his previous life. Hashirama's compassion and idealism had inspired him deeply.
Together with Madara, he had ended the chaos of the Warring States period, founded Konoha, and brought peace to the Land of Fire—paving the way for stability across the entire ninja world.
A man like that… how could Kaede not revere him?
War might sound like a distant word, but only those who have truly lived through it can grasp the preciousness of peace.
Thinking of the hardships his own world had endured, Kaede's admiration for Hashirama grew even stronger.
---
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office.
Hoshino Yota stood respectfully before Hashirama Senju, answering a formal summons.
In the Konoha of this era, Kekkei Genkai were still incredibly rare and valued. Unlike the corruption that would plague the village in later generations, the newly founded Konoha brimmed with vitality and idealism—like a young sapling reaching toward the light.
"Yota, you've got yourself quite the son," Hashirama said with his usual bright smile, his Hokage robes flowing loosely around him.
There was nothing distant or authoritative in his tone—only warmth.
Beside him stood his younger brother, Tobirama Senju—the man who would one day become the Second Hokage. But for now, Tobirama was far from the stern, iron-fisted leader history would remember.
"Thank you for your praise, Lord Hokage," Yota replied, bowing deeply. His heart pounded with excitement.
After all, the First Hokage wasn't just a leader—he was an idol to nearly every shinobi alive.
Hashirama chuckled. "Ayako already told me what happened. Your son's sudden awakening must've put great strain on his body, but don't worry—he'll be fine."
Ayako was the director of Konoha Hospital, a member of the Senju clan herself, and a master of medical ninjutsu.
"I'm deeply grateful for your concern, Lord Hokage," Yota said sincerely, bowing again.