"Mm-hmm," Sasuke murmured in acknowledgment.
Kurama Yakumo continued, "Sasuke-kun once told me that ninjas, having experienced so much bloodshed and witnessed countless deaths in war and missions, often develop... uh..."
"Right, what Sasuke-kun called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Medical ninjas can heal physical wounds, but psychological trauma can't be cured."
"Illnesses of the body are easily treated, but those of the mind are far more difficult to heal. That's why I want to become the village's—no..."
"The Ninja World's first Medical Ninja capable of healing people's hearts and spirits."
"Just as Sasuke-kun said, 'Every talent has its purpose.' Perhaps the gift Heaven bestowed upon me was precisely for this purpose."
Kurama Yakumo spoke with a gentle smile, her voice calm, but her eyes shone with unprecedented resolve and a sacred aura.
Sasuke stared, a slight ripple stirring in his heart.
He never imagined that the girl from his original timeline, who had once been obsessed with becoming a ninja and had even succumbed to obsession and inner demons, would undergo such a profound transformation after years of acquaintance with him, blossoming with such an ambitious dream.
What Kurama Yakumo aspired to do was to completely expand the scope of the ninja profession. To say she was blazing a new path, founding a new school of thought, would be no exaggeration.
If Kurama Yakumo could truly achieve this, her accomplishment would rival that of Lady Tsunade, who perfected the medical system.
Medical Ninjas would then be divided into two categories:
Physical Medical Ninjas: Those who understand the human body's structure and master Yang Release.
Mental Medical Ninjas: Those who understand the human psyche and master Yin Release.
After a moment of silence, Sasuke finally spoke. "So, you want to leave the village and see the outside world."
"Yes," Kurama Yakumo nodded softly. "Sasuke-kun, you once told me that knowledge gained only from books remains shallow, and true understanding requires practice. You spoke of reading ten thousand scrolls and traveling ten thousand miles. Since I'm determined to become the Ninja World's first Mental Medical Ninja, I must venture beyond Konoha to witness the world's myriad forms, the tapestry of humanity. Only then can I broaden my horizons, combine theory with practice, and apply my knowledge effectively."
At this point, Kurama Yakumo couldn't resist teasing, "Though you always say you learned these philosophies from books, I've scoured countless scrolls in the Ninja World and found no such passages. Could it be that Sasuke-kun discovered these truths himself?"
Sasuke smiled faintly and explained, "Indeed, I learned it from a book, but the author isn't from this world."
"I see," Kurama Yakumo nodded gently, assuming Sasuke was referring to an unpublished work by a deceased Uchiha ancestor.
After a moment of silence, Sasuke continued, "Yakumo, while the overall trend in the Ninja World is towards peace and war hasn't broken out, you still need to be careful when traveling outside Konoha."
"Don't worry," she replied. "I've already discussed this with my parents, and they understand completely. In a few days, my uncle will accompany me to explore the areas outside Konoha."
Clenching her small fist, Kurama Yakumo added confidently, "And Sasuke-kun, don't underestimate me! I'm quite strong too!"
Sasuke nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
The uncle Kurama Yakumo mentioned was a retired Jonin from the Kurama Clan whom she had nearly killed in the original timeline. Sasuke had met him a few times himself.
As a Jonin, he was undoubtedly one of Konoha's elite shinobi.
Moreover, Kurama Yakumo's inherent abilities were formidable. Now, free from resentment and darkness, her heart was filled with unwavering faith and determination. No split personality fractured her innate talent and power.
Having practiced yoga for over four years, Yakumo's physical condition far surpassed her original-timeline self. Consequently, her combat prowess was significantly enhanced.
Among her peers, only Sasuke could truly be considered her rival.
In fact, some Jonin in Konoha were no match for Kurama Yakumo.
Against Jonin like Yuhi Kurenai and her uncle, skilled in Genjutsu but completely vulnerable to it, Yakumo could even secure instant victories!
Therefore, with her current strength and her uncle's protection, Kurama Yakumo faced virtually no danger in the Ninja World, unless she encountered members of the Akatsuki organization.
"Keep going, Yakumo!" Sasuke encouraged her. "I'm looking forward to it, and I believe you can create an entirely new medical system—one tailored for Yin Release ninjas—to realize your dream!"
Over their four years of companionship, Kurama Yakumo had arguably become the person in all of Konoha who knew Sasuke's secrets best.
Yet, there was little trace of youthful infatuation or romantic ambiguity between them.
They were friends, true companions, embodying the saying, "The friendship of gentlemen is as light as water; the camaraderie of the wise is as plain as water, devoid of pretense."
That, perhaps, best described their bond.
Yakumo covered her mouth with a hand as she smiled, "Then thank you, Sasuke-kun, for your well wishes."
____
Time flew by, and a month passed in the blink of an eye.
In March of Konoha Year 61, the Ninja Academy welcomed its new graduating class for their final graduation exams.
The exams were no different from previous years, testing the basic Three Body Techniques that Sasuke had long since mastered.
"Congratulations, Sasuke. You've earned the top score on the graduation exam."
After the assessment in the examination room, Iruka handed Sasuke a headband with a complicated expression.
"Thank you, Teacher Iruka," Sasuke replied, accepting the headband and offering a polite bow.
Iruka smiled warmly. "Starting tomorrow, you'll officially become a ninja. Keep pushing forward!"
A faint smile curved Sasuke's lips. "I will, Teacher Iruka."
"Sasuke-kun, remember to visit the academy often when you have time," Mizuki suddenly interjected from his seat nearby, flashing Sasuke a sunny smile.
Sasuke nodded curtly. "I will, Teacher Mizuki."
'If you're still around by then, we'll see.'
Mizuki smiled warmly and turned to Iruka. "Let me personally escort Sasuke to the school archives for registration. The top graduate deserves special treatment, don't you agree?"
Iruka's lips twitched. Though he didn't agree with Mizuki's assertion that the top student deserved special treatment, he couldn't contradict him in front of Sasuke.
He could only nod faintly. "Alright, then you take Sasuke to the archives. But return as soon as possible—I can't handle everything alone."
"Don't worry," Mizuki smiled faintly, then beckoned to Sasuke. "Come on, Sasuke. Follow me."
The two walked ahead, one behind the other, toward the school's records office.
"Next! Uzumaki Naruto!"
"Yosh!"
Outside the examination room, Naruto, who had been fidgeting impatiently, immediately let out an excited yell.
Hearing his name called, he strode into the classroom without hesitation.
"This examination will consist of—"
Before Iruka could finish his sentence, Naruto had already eagerly unleashed the Shadow Clone Technique, creating ten identical clones.
"How's that? How's that, Teacher Iruka? Did I pass?"
Iruka smiled warmly and nodded gently. "Congratulations, Naruto!"
______
This Sasuke Is Strange 150 advanced chapters: (5 ch updates everyday)
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