Masahiko put the small notebook into his Ninja tool pouch, his composure undisturbed by Yakushi Kabuto's sudden approach.
Whether the other party was testing him, playing around, or had some other motive... none of that mattered.
Training and developing his own Bloodline Limit was the top priority right now.
Bloodline Limits needed to be developed as well.
Even the Hyuga Clan required arduous training and cultivation to truly master the abilities of the Byakugan.
The Shikotsumyaku was even more so; blindly waiting for the 'Bloodline Development Card' to take effect was purely the mindset of a lazy person.
His route hadn't changed, still passing by the outskirts of the Uchiha Clan Compound.
By briefly passing through, Masahiko could observe the state of the Uchiha.
They were clearly not doing well.
The Uchiha Clan had always been divided in opinion, and in recent years, the hawks had gradually gained the upper hand. The situation had only remained stable because Fugaku, Shisui, and Yashiro mediated between them.
Now that Shisui had 'passed away,' the original triangular balance had completely collapsed.
Fugaku and Yashiro alone simply couldn't suppress the situation, to the point that now, even Masahiko could feel that atmosphere just by passing by.
Hostility, oppression.
These people seemed to project their hatred and hostility onto everyone who was not of the Uchiha Clan.
It would be a miracle if they didn't perish!
Masahiko ran dozens of laps, his speed gradually slowing down, but not because his physical strength had reached its limit, but because... theoretically, he should have slowed down by now based on his past performance.
But now, he felt he still had plenty of physical energy.
After the Shikotsumyaku appeared on the panel, the improvement was greater than the cumulative gains of the previous three days, as if his very level of life had been elevated.
Is this the power of a Bloodline Limit?
Masahiko could hardly hide his excitement and had to admit—
In the Ninja World, bloodline truly is king; having a good birth is more important than anything else.
He wondered what the deal was with the Yagyu Clan.
He ran at a steady pace, finally stopping after a few more laps than usual, then switched from running to practicing punches, kicks, and sword swings... until evening, at an Izakaya on Tea Leaf Street.
"Sorry, I'm late."
Masahiko lifted the curtain.
Kanpō stood up to greet him, smiling. "No, I just arrived as well."
He sized Masahiko up.
"Been training?"
"I don't have much talent, so I have to be a bit more diligent."
Masahiko sat down with a smile, while taking out the notebook from his robe. "This thing helped me a lot. Now it's back to its original owner."
"Was it helpful? That's wonderful!"
Kanpō had originally been very nervous and uneasy, but hearing Masahiko's words, a joyful smile appeared on his face. "I was actually thinking about whether I should help you look through the materials together."
"Yeah, a crude version has been developed. The follow-up isn't a matter of Medical Ninjutsu anymore."
As Masahiko spoke, his hands formed seals—
Chakra emerged from his palms and flowed into Kanpō's body as their hands met.
Kanpō closed his eyes to sense it.
A moment later, he opened his eyes and nodded repeatedly. "Yes, that's it!"
He took a sip of sake and then sighed with emotion:
"This kind of technique isn't actually rare in Medical Ninjutsu, but one requirement is precise Chakra control, and the other is that it's not very practical."
"Current Medical Ninjutsu is too strong."
Masahiko nodded.
"Yes, as you said, demand drives creation."
Kanpō nodded.
For a medical Ninja, the Healing Jutsu and Chakra Scalpel can quickly heal most injuries; this kind of slow healing is simply useless.
Regarding internal injuries, this technique could be used, but there are many more alternatives, and the effects might even be better.
Precisely because of this... over the years, the Research Department has gained almost nothing.
Because the medical Ninjas in the Research Department are all elites of the village who have long since stopped accompanying teams into battle, how could they understand what is needed?
Kanpō leaned forward with a respectful expression.
"Masahiko-kun, I invited you to meet today because I actually have a favor to ask."
As he spoke, he took out an envelope from his robe. "Please take a look."
"What is this?"
Masahiko took it and looked up suspiciously.
The envelope was signed by 'Goszen'.
"Lord Goszen is a Jonin in the Research Department. He is very experienced and his Medical Ninjutsu is excellent."
Kanpō explained.
Masahiko understood and had some guesses about the contents of the letter.
After opening it—
Sure enough.
It was an invitation letter, and the most important sentence was:
"We sincerely invite you to serve as an Advisor for the Medical Research Department of Konoha Hospital..."
Masahiko put away the invitation.
"I'm grateful for the invitation from your side and Senior Goszen, but I don't know much about Medical Ninjutsu. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to join the Research Department?"
"You also know our situation. After my exchange with you, I spoke with Senior Goszen, and he very much agrees with your insights."
Kanpō explained with a sincere attitude. "We have been stagnant for too long; we desperately need new ideas and new blood."
He didn't use a kowtow or a deep bow.
In their current situation, such behavior might be misinterpreted as coercion, which was not the original intention of Kanpō or Goszen.
Masahiko looked at the invitation letter, and after studying it carefully, said, "I'm already serving as a Teaching Advisor at the Ninja Academy. This position can only be held concurrently at most, and I'll also need to ask for Hokage-sama's opinion."
"That's a given. We have already consulted Hokage-sama. As for holding it concurrently... that's fine too!"
Kanpō's attitude was firm.
Masahiko sighed softly. "Well then, actually, I don't have any great ideas either..."
He pondered for a moment and said, "Have you considered soliciting proposals from people within Konoha or Konoha Hospital who are skilled in Medical Ninjutsu?"
"Ah?"
Kanpō was dumbfounded.
Could it be operated like that?
He scratched his head. "Is this... compliant with the rules?"
"Many medical Ninjas have creative ideas but may not have the ability to realize them. We could hold a competition, or solicit ideas in the name of an event or a training class."
Masahiko explained.
Letting him think alone would be useless even if he racked his brain, not to mention... where would he find the time to waste on such things?
Afterward, Masahiko added:
"Of course, if there really are good ideas, the rewards must be implemented properly; otherwise, it would damage Konoha's reputation."
"It can even be done like this?"
Kanpō's eyes widened, his face full of astonishment.
"One person's wisdom is limited. You are far from the battlefield, and I don't think it's shameful to have the courage to admit your shortcomings, but the specifics depend on your decision."
Masahiko said.
Kanpō nodded repeatedly. "Yes, you're right... then, what form should the rewards take?"
"That's probably not for me to decide, is it?"
Masahiko shook his head, refusing to answer.
Kanpō was slightly taken aback, then nodded. "Yes, yes... let me take a note of that first!"
He hurriedly took out a pen and paper to record.
Afterward, Kanpō would occasionally ask for some details, very seriously.
For the sake of promotion, he was also working quite hard.
After asking about a few more confusing details, Kanpō had a good idea of what to do, and he admired Masahiko's intelligence and talent even more.
The other's Taijutsu and Ninjutsu might not be the strongest, but when it came to research and coming up with ideas, no one could surpass him.
An idea like this... he wouldn't have thought of it even if he died!
No wonder he was promoted so quickly.
Kanpō praised repeatedly, whispering to himself, "I knew it, I couldn't go wrong looking for you!"
"What?"
"Nothing, I'm just too happy."
Kanpō's gaze became increasingly fervent.
He didn't understand research, but finding an expert who knew the ropes was also a great achievement.
He was definitely going to stick with this guy!
"Please rest assured, I'll report and implement the compensation and benefits once I get back. Let's cooperate more in the future."
"It's all for Konoha, after all."
Masahiko replied with a smile.
Kanpō's eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, it's all for Konoha!"