At this point, only the third and final stage of Chakra Scalpel training remained.
That final stage was also the most difficult.
It required the user to precisely sever nerves inside the target's body without damaging surrounding tissues—an ultimate demonstration of chakra control and finesse.
Only after completing this step could the Chakra Scalpel truly be considered mastered.
Aomizu glanced at the pile of fish lying beside him and couldn't help but sigh.
"Looks like I'll be having a full fish feast tonight…"
Ten fish.
All sacrificed in the name of progress.
Fortunately, as a ninja, having a slightly larger appetite than ordinary people was completely normal. Otherwise, this kind of training would have been unbearable for both the stomach and the wallet.
After cleaning up the training ground, Aomizu returned home, ate dinner, reviewed the Chakra Scalpel scroll once more, and then fell into a deep sleep.
---
The next morning, he arrived at Konoha Hospital early, as usual.
His original plan was to consult Tsunade about the issues he encountered during his training the previous night. Although he felt confident, he knew better than to rely on confidence alone when dealing with an A-rank medical ninjutsu.
However…
Tsunade didn't show up.
Nine o'clock passed.
Ten o'clock passed.
By the time the wall clock pointed to eleven, there was still no sign of her.
During that time, Aomizu didn't waste a second.
He completed three medical treatments, earning the following rewards:
• Two Explosive Tags
• One Military Ration Pill
While none of these were chakra rewards, they were still extremely practical.
Finally, just as he finished organizing his notes, Tsunade arrived—late and completely unapologetic.
"Lady Tsunade," Aomizu said helplessly, "you're really late today."
Tsunade paused slightly, then coughed.
"…I had a long night."
After gambling, she had gone drinking until nearly dawn. Naturally, getting up early was out of the question.
Instead of explaining further, she waved her hand impatiently.
"Alright, hurry up and ask whatever questions you have. It'll be lunchtime soon."
Aomizu silently agreed with her assessment.
So you do know it's almost lunchtime…
Of course, he didn't dare say that out loud.
He had absolutely no intention of personally testing the destructive power of Monstrous Strength.
If Tsunade punched him once, she'd have to kneel on the ground afterward and beg him not to die.
…Though more realistically, she'd trigger her hemophobia and collapse first.
Either way, it wasn't worth the risk.
Aomizu asked his questions concisely.
Tsunade answered just as concisely.
Her explanations were sharp, accurate, and to the point—cutting straight to the core of the issue.
As expected of the world's greatest Medical Ninja.
After everything was resolved, Aomizu bowed respectfully.
"Thank you very much, Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade waved him away, clearly eager to go eat.
---
Leaving her office, Aomizu happened to encounter Maruboshi Kosuke, who was in the process of being discharged.
"Uncle Kosuke, you're being discharged today?"
Kosuke nodded.
"Yes. My body's already recovered."
He paused, then added,
"By the way, do you have time after work today? I'll be at the usual spot."
The "usual spot" was the secluded training area where Kosuke had once instructed Aomizu in swordsmanship.
"I have time," Aomizu replied immediately.
After consulting Tsunade, he was already confident about completing the third stage of Chakra Scalpel training. Practicing swordsmanship first wouldn't interfere with his progress.
If anything, it would help balance his overall combat ability.
---
[Completed the treatment of Saionji Naohito.]
[Reward: One Blue Orb.]
[Congratulations on acquiring: 100 Chakra Points.]
---
With that, Aomizu's chakra increased once more.
---
[Chakra: D-Rank (1400 / 10000)]
---
Looking at the number, Aomizu nodded in satisfaction.
Fourteen hundred.
His growth speed was terrifyingly fast.
Ending his work for the day, Aomizu didn't head directly to the training ground. Instead, he returned home first and retrieved the ninja sword he usually kept there.
Soon after, he arrived at the agreed location.
Kosuke was already waiting.
"Uncle Kosuke, sorry for being late."
Kosuke smiled warmly.
"It's fine. I only just arrived myself."
He looked at Aomizu thoughtfully.
"It's been several years since I last taught you swordsmanship."
During the war, neither of them had time to train properly.
After the war ended, Aomizu devoted himself entirely to medical ninjutsu.
"Before we resume training," Kosuke continued,
"let's first see how much your swordsmanship has changed."
As he spoke, Kosuke formed hand seals.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
A puff of smoke appeared.
A Shadow Clone holding a ninja sword stood opposite Aomizu.
"This clone's strength will be set at Chunin level," Kosuke said calmly.
"Fight seriously."
"If you don't, you'll lose."
Previously, when Kosuke tested Aomizu, he always limited the clone's strength to Genin level.
But that was years ago.
After surviving a war, Aomizu's growth was inevitable.
Aomizu nodded solemnly.
"This is exactly what I wanted."
Drawing his ninja sword, he took a deep breath.
"Please guide me, Uncle Kosuke."
---
Aomizu launched the first attack.
He dashed forward like an arrow released from a bow, crossing more than ten meters in an instant.
Both hands gripping the hilt tightly, he slashed downward with full force.
If this strike were aimed at an ordinary Genin, it would have ended the fight instantly.
Even a Chunin would be forced to retreat.
But the Shadow Clone Kosuke remained completely calm.
Clang!
With a simple horizontal block, the clone stopped the attack effortlessly.
Aomizu wasn't disappointed.
He understood the gap clearly.
Although this was only a Shadow Clone, it was controlled by someone with Elite Jonin-level experience. Even at Chunin strength, its combat instincts far exceeded those of ordinary ninja.
Without hesitation, Aomizu shifted his stance and swept his sword horizontally.
In the ninja world, even a single kunai could be lethal—let alone a full-length ninja sword.
And Shadow Clones were even more fragile.
One solid hit would cause it to disperse.
The clone retreated to evade—but at the same time, it counterattacked.
Its blade flashed, slashing toward Aomizu with even greater speed.
If Aomizu didn't dodge, he would be injured first.
As expected of Uncle Kosuke…
Aomizu admired the timing even as he reacted.
At the moment the blade was about to strike—
His figure vanished.
Body Flicker Technique!
Chakra erupted from his legs, propelling him forward in a burst of extreme speed.
This was the most basic D-Rank Body Flicker, but when used properly, it was more than enough to decide battles.
In an instant, Aomizu appeared behind the Shadow Clone.
He thrust his sword forward.
If this hit—
The clone would disperse immediately.
Aomizu's lips curved slightly.
Got him—
"Too naive."
Kosuke's mocking voice rang out.
Without even turning around, the Shadow Clone shifted its body and narrowly avoided the thrust.
Aomizu's expression stiffened.
Before he could retreat, the clone's sword slashed back, trailing white light.
Clang!
Aomizu barely managed to block in time.
Even so, the impact sent him stumbling back several steps.
His arms trembled slightly.
"…As expected of Uncle Kosuke," Aomizu said with a wry smile.
"Even just a Shadow Clone is this strong."
Kosuke laughed softly.
"Good."
"Very good."
"But don't get complacent."
"This is only the beginning."
Aomizu tightened his grip on the sword.
His blood was boiling.
This was exactly the kind of pressure he needed.
The path to strength—
Had never been easy.