"That's right," Souma nodded.
Ever since the end of the Second Great Ninja War, medical-nin had gradually been incorporated into combat squads under Tsunade's guidance, but in real battle, medical specialists were still somewhat limited.
"The Aburame clan are incredible support fighters. Any team with you around naturally feels safer. And if you gain medical capabilities on top of that…"
Souma smiled. "You'll become the perfect all-purpose support on the battlefield. A universal asset."
"That's… what do you think of us? Apologies, I—I didn't realize and just…"
Shino froze when he noticed he had unconsciously slipped into formal speech.
Souma waved it off. "It's fine. But if that's going to be your team role, you'll need medical knowledge. And if you could master medical chakra, even better."
"Yes. I'll work hard."
Shino adjusted his glasses, eyes firmly.
Medical chakra…
Indeed—until chakra-storage tools or sealing devices were widely available, the host himself learning medical chakra would be the most efficient approach.
Baicao stood quietly on the side, nodding repeatedly—
not even daring to interrupt, treating Souma almost like a superior officer.
Earlier, Shino had felt it was strange.
But now… it made perfect sense.
He finally understood why Baicao showed such respect.
This senior—only a year older than them—was truly exceptional.
His mindset was ahead of the times, and just speaking with him made one unconsciously straighten their posture.
"Yes! There are two months left before graduation. I'll use every day wisely."
Souma gave an approving smile before turning to Baicao.
"Senpai, I'll leave Shino to you. Please look after him."
"I will!" Baicao said, puffing up with pride.
He was participating in something that could change the future direction of medical-nin.
That was worth bragging about.
Seeing that everything was under control, Souma quietly excused himself from the laboratory.
He had barely stepped into the hall when—
"Are they doing well?"
"Hiss—!"
Souma nearly bit his tongue in shock.
Standing silently by the door was Aburame Shibi.
"Shibi-senpai! You were here—why didn't you go inside?"
"Shino works better alone," Shibi answered plainly.
For training purposes…?
Souma thought for a moment and nodded.
"Shino has excellent talent. He succeeded on his first attempt. I also advised him to practice medical chakra."
"Medical chakra… yes. If our insects can participate in healing, we won't need to learn full medical ninjutsu."
Shibi understood immediately.
Medical ninjutsu was notoriously difficult—even the most basic healing technique was near B-rank in complexity.
But Aburame didn't need ninjutsu—only medical knowledge.
Their insects could do the rest.
How efficient.
Shibi's normally stiff face seemed… faintly excited.
"I don't even know how to thank you…"
Souma paused for a moment, then asked:
"Shibi-senpai, I heard your relationship with the kikaichū is a contract, correct?"
"Yes. Our clan forms a pact with the insect clan. We provide chakra; they fight alongside us."
"I see. I'm not trying to pry into your clan's secrets," Souma said calmly. "Nor do I intend to collect favors. I simply want to propose a trade."
"A trade?"
Shibi's tone changed.
He already had a guess.
There was only one thing Souma would want:
The kikaichū.
And honestly?
Given how much Souma had helped them already, even if he did request insects outright, Shibi would have seriously considered it.
But since Souma explicitly said "a trade," Shibi was willing to listen.
"You know the cooperation I had with Master Dilu from the Fire Temple recently, right?"
"Yes. You helped them improve their barrier."
Shibi led Souma through the back corridor while releasing insects to patrol the area, ensuring no one overheard.
Souma continued:
"That cooperation also included another agreement. Because of it, I learned a special type of chakra."
He raised one finger.
Natural energy, physical energy, and spiritual energy twisted together—
and merged into a single, powerful flow.
Shibi's pupils contracted sharply.
Inside his body, his insects were agitated—on the verge of rampaging.
This chakra…
"I don't know its true nature," Souma said, "but the Fire Temple calls it the Gift of the Sage Clan."
"You mean…"
Shibi found himself speaking humbly without noticing.
"I want to attempt something," Souma stated clearly.
"To see if this chakra can trigger evolution in the kikaichū."
Shibi stopped breathing for half a second.
The Gift of the Sage Clan…
He knew the rumors—rumors of three great summoning sanctuaries.
Places said to contain unbelievable power.
If that was true, then—
If the kikaichū evolved…
He could not even imagine the consequences.
Shibi was a smart man.
He struggled for only two seconds before making his decision.
"What do you want in return?"
"I want to sign the insect contract."
Souma spoke without hesitation.
Shibi considered the request.
Then nodded decisively.
"If this works, then I agree."
"…You're not even going to ask why?" Souma blinked.
That answer came too fast.
"Souma," Shibi said seriously,
"you may not understand what your assistance means for our clan."
"You have already given us more than enough.
If you can help our insects evolve, there is no reason to refuse."
Souma froze.
Then realization dawned on him—
His help wasn't only improving Aburame's medical capabilities.
It might elevate them into one of Konoha's main clans—
a potential counterbalance to Hyūga now that the Uchiha were gone.
And Shibi…
Shibi knew more about the secret world of summoned beasts than he let on.
Souma smiled.
"Then—happy cooperation."
"Mm. This place isn't suitable for experimentation. When the time comes, I'll invite you to the Aburame compound."
Souma nodded, then added:
"But this power can't be learned by everyone. You may need to test it on many insects. There might even be casualties."
"That's fine. Insects reproduce quickly."
Shibi didn't seem troubled.
Everything was going far smoother than Souma had expected.
He was genuinely excited.
Standard kikaichū were limited in strength—mostly used for scouting and support.
But if they obtained sage-type chakra…
Their role would transform entirely.
Of course, Souma had no intention of hosting an entire swarm inside his own body.
Instead, he imagined something akin to the "insect king" concept from his past life—
a single, elite kikaichū attuned to natural energy, commanding the swarm externally.
If successful…
He could create a Sanctuary of Insects, a true holy ground.
The entire Aburame clan would benefit.
He might even unlock a new Saint Mark pattern on his Bodhi seed.
Souma's anticipation only grew brighter.
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