While Orochimaru and Danzo were finalizing their secret agreement elsewhere, Hirakawa Seisui concluded his lecture at the Ninja Academy.
He stood at the front of the classroom, calm and composed, his presence alone enough to command attention.
"That concludes today's lesson," he said warmly. "Starting next week, I will open a special medical training class at the Academy. It will meet once a week."
A soft murmur spread through the room.
"Any students who wish to learn Medical Ninjutsu may apply through Teacher Matsuo."
This was only a trial program for now. The Ninja Academy's primary objective remained the cultivation of combat-oriented shinobi. If the medical training class produced strong results, then Medical Ninjutsu might eventually be integrated into the official curriculum.
For now, the focus would be largely theoretical.
Medical Ninjutsu required a sharp mind before it required precise chakra control.
"Goodbye, Brother Seisui!"
As soon as class ended, Kurenai Yuhi hurried forward with bright eyes.
Seisui smiled gently and patted her head.
"See you next time, Kurenai."
The sight left the rest of the students stunned.
That was Hirakawa Seisui—the Hero of the Leaf.
Everyone wanted to speak with him. Everyone wanted even a moment of personal interaction. Yet none of them dared approach him so casually.
This lecture had been their first time seeing him in person.
Ignoring the envious stares, Seisui left the classroom.
Immediately, Kurenai found herself surrounded.
"Kurenai, how do you know Lord Hirakawa?"
"What's he like in private?"
"Does he have a girlfriend?"
The barrage of questions came nonstop, making it impossible for Rin Nohara and Shizune to get close.
Only when Matsuo Seitaro entered to begin his next class did the students reluctantly disperse.
"I understand everyone is excited about meeting Lord Hirakawa," Matsuo said with a chuckle. "To be honest, I am as well."
A few students laughed.
"But if you don't focus on your studies, and everyone else graduates while you fail, that would be a real embarrassment."
That sobered them instantly.
No one wanted to be left behind.
The Academy's coursework was not overly demanding, and soon the day ended.
After School
As Kurenai walked home, Rin Nohara and Shizune caught up to her. Unsurprisingly, Obito Uchiha trailed closely behind Rin. Asuma Sarutobi walked alongside Kurenai.
"Kurenai, wait!" Rin called. "We wanted to ask you something."
Kurenai stopped.
"What kind of person is Lord Hirakawa?" Rin asked directly.
Before Kurenai could answer, Obito frowned.
"Rin, why are you so concerned about that Hirakawa Seisui?"
He failed to use an honorific, drawing an immediate scolding.
"Obito!" Rin snapped. "He's the Hero of the Leaf. You shouldn't speak so rudely."
She then explained, "Shizune and I want to join the medical training class. But we've never interacted with him before. We've only heard rumors. Since you know him, we wanted to understand what he's like."
Shizune nodded.
In the ninja world, children matured quickly. It was only natural for them to be cautious.
Some people wore respectable masks.
Kurenai smiled reassuringly.
"You don't need to worry. Brother Seisui is a very good person."
She had met him at Konoha Hospital before, and later her father, Kurenai Shinku, had deliberately fostered contact between them.
As a Jonin, her father possessed political insight. It wasn't difficult to notice that Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to be grooming Seisui as a future Hokage candidate.
Even if that assumption proved wrong, building a relationship early with a rising hero could never hurt.
Rin and Shizune visibly relaxed.
"We've decided to apply," Rin said. "Kurenai, will you join us?"
Before she could answer—
"I will too!" Obito shouted enthusiastically. "Rin, we can study together!"
Rin hesitated.
"Obito… shouldn't the Uchiha focus on Fire Style and Genjutsu?"
She had researched Medical Ninjutsu. It required immense theoretical study.
And Obito… was not exactly academically gifted.
But Obito misunderstood completely.
"Don't worry!" he declared proudly. "I won't neglect Fire Style or Genjutsu!"
Shizune and Kurenai covered their mouths, trying not to laugh.
Asuma, however, showed no mercy.
"With your academic ability? Forget it. There's no way you'll pass the theory."
Obito bristled.
"It's just theory! I can learn it!"
Rin tried gently, "There's no need to force yourself if it's not your strength."
But that only made Obito more determined.
"Once I awaken my Sharingan, I'll master it instantly!"
A quiet snort came from nearby.
Obito turned.
Kakashi Hatake stood there.
"You—!"
Before Obito could protest further, Might Guy appeared dramatically—walking on his hands.
"Kakashi, my eternal rival! Let us engage in a youthful contest!"
Kakashi sighed.
"I have a mission," he said flatly before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
Guy remained pumped regardless.
"As expected of my rival!"
After the brief chaos, Rin looked at Kurenai again.
"So?"
Kurenai nodded.
"I'll join."
The Academy curriculum wasn't difficult for her. And Medical Ninjutsu genuinely interested her.
Tsunade's Research Base
Meanwhile, Seisui made his way not to the hospital—but to Tsunade's private research facility.
Inside, Tsunade stood before a series of containment tanks, reviewing notes and experimental results.
She remained obsessed with researching White Zetsu cells.
More precisely—she remained obsessed with Wood Release.
It was understandable.
If Seisui didn't know the deeper truth behind Wood Release's rarity, he would likely chase it just as obsessively.
In fact, he intended to help her one day.
If Yamato could awaken Wood Release, then surely Tsunade—granddaughter of Hashirama Senju—possessed even greater potential.
Lost in thought, he approached her quietly.
Tsunade did not notice until strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind.
She stiffened slightly—then relaxed instantly.
"You're back," she said without turning.
Seisui tilted her chin gently and kissed her.
The research base was quiet, filled only with the soft hum of equipment.
Tsunade's hands rose to rest against his shoulders.
"You're impossible," she murmured, though her tone lacked irritation.
He lifted her effortlessly and sat her on the edge of an empty research table.
The sterile scent of chemicals mixed strangely with warmth and closeness.
"This is a research base," she reminded him.
"And you've been working all day," he replied.
Her lips curved faintly.
Tsunade had long grown accustomed to battlefields and bloodshed. Yet moments like this—quiet, stolen, intimate—felt almost unreal.
For a while, the outside world ceased to exist.
No politics. No conspiracies. No looming threats.
Only warmth.
Only closeness.
Eventually, she rested her forehead against his shoulder, slightly breathless.
"You really don't know how to behave in proper places."
Seisui chuckled softly.
"Then let's move somewhere more proper."
He carried her toward the adjacent washing room.
The cool water provided contrast to the heat of earlier moments. Laughter echoed faintly in the tiled chamber.
Tsunade leaned against him, unusually relaxed.
"You're becoming more daring," she said.
"Only with you."
For a brief time, Tsunade allowed herself to forget responsibilities.
But Seisui's mind never fully rested.
Wood Release.
Orochimaru.
Danzo.
The fragile balance within Konoha.
He would need strength—far more strength—to protect what he intended to protect.
As Tsunade looked up at him, she noticed that fleeting seriousness in his eyes.
"Don't overthink everything," she said quietly.
He smiled.
"For now… I won't."
Outside, Konoha remained peaceful.
Inside, plans were forming.
And beneath the surface of calm, the currents of fate continued to shift.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)