Yakushi Nonou was soon led away by Chiwa—but Natsuki, who should have left with them, stayed behind.
"Natsuki, is there something else?"
Tsunade looked at him curiously.
During Chiwa's introduction of Nonou, she had briefly mentioned Natsuki's situation as well.
To summarize: he had little talent as a medical ninja.
"Lady Tsunade."
Natsuki chose his words carefully. "Nonou is currently a student at the Ninja Academy. Won't learning medical ninjutsu conflict with her studies?"
"She's young—there's no need to rush."
Tsunade considered the question. "Her academy studies should come first. She can come to Konoha Hospital after school or on weekends."
"Lady Tsunade, I have a suggestion."
Natsuki continued.
"A suggestion?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"Do you believe medical ninjas are important?"
Natsuki asked.
"Naturally. They're extremely important."
Tsunade answered without hesitation.
"But Konoha doesn't place enough importance on them."
Natsuki shook his head. "Not nearly enough."
"If you have something to say, speak freely."
Tsunade's interest sharpened. She had assumed Natsuki was simply worried about Nonou's schooling—but clearly, there was more to it.
"I believe Konoha should establish medical ninja training classes."
Natsuki stated his objective directly. "Students who want to learn medical ninjutsu should have a clear path to do so."
Tsunade's eyes widened slightly.
It was, undeniably, an excellent suggestion.
She thought of Yakushi Nonou.
Because no formal channels existed to learn medical ninjutsu, Natsuki had been forced to improvise—posting a mission to hire a tutor.
If he hadn't thought of that workaround, Nonou would have had to wait until after graduation to even begin learning.
And even then, it would still be difficult.
Everything would depend on whether her assigned Jonin instructor happened to be a medical ninja.
Tsunade suddenly realized: Konoha's medical ninja training system was practically nonexistent.
"Additionally, a medical ninja should be permanently assigned to every squad."
Natsuki added. "Once students graduate from the training classes, they can fill those roles."
To ensure mission efficiency, Konoha required ninjas to operate in three-man squads.
But beyond the headcount, there were no specific requirements for squad composition.
Tsunade's expression grew serious.
She was an intelligent medical ninja. She understood immediately.
Natsuki's two suggestions would bring enormous benefits to Konoha's medical training infrastructure.
"You're six years old?"
Tsunade snapped back to the present.
"I turned six in March."
Natsuki replied.
"Your suggestions are excellent."
A smile spread across Tsunade's face. "As my teacher would say—at such a young age, you're already thinking about problems from the perspective of a Hokage."
In the original timeline, Sarutobi Hiruzen had used those exact words to praise a seven-year-old Uchiha Itachi.
Children in the ninja world matured early.
The sooner they displayed mature thinking or exceptional talent, the more likely they were to be called a genius—or said to possess the aptitude of a Hokage.
This was precisely why Natsuki had dared to propose these suggestions at age six.
"Come see me again tomorrow."
Tsunade stood. "I'm going to the Hokage's office to discuss this with my teacher."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade."
Natsuki suppressed his excitement and nodded.
The plan had been executed perfectly.
But it wasn't surprising.
These two suggestions had originally been proposed by Tsunade herself—just years later, during the Second Shinobi World War.
A thought occurred to him: would Sarutobi Hiruzen actually agree?
In the original timeline, when Tsunade first raised these ideas, she had been met with opposition.
Only Kato Dan had stood up to support her. That shared conviction had brought them together as a couple.
Natsuki considered the circumstances carefully.
The suggestions hadn't been rejected because they were bad—but because they'd been proposed during wartime, when implementation was impossible.
After the war ended, both ideas had received strong support from the village.
Right now, the Second Shinobi World War was still years away. Sarutobi Hiruzen would most likely approve.
Thinking this through, Natsuki relaxed.
As long as his suggestions were accepted, he'd earn Tsunade's favor and protection.
At the very least, he wouldn't have to worry about Shimura Danzo anymore.
As for Kato Dan... well, good luck to him.
After all, Natsuki was a kind-hearted person. He couldn't bear to see Tsunade become a widow.
He shook his head, dismissing the stray thoughts.
With Nonou gaining Tsunade's recognition, her strength would advance rapidly. He couldn't afford to fall behind.
Natsuki headed to a nearby training ground and began practicing the Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique.
It was only a D-Rank ninjutsu, but since he was self-teaching, progress was painfully slow.
Meanwhile, Tsunade arrived at the Hokage's office.
At this point in her life, she wasn't as casual as she would become later.
She knocked on the door and waited for permission before entering.
"Teacher."
Tsunade got straight to the point and presented Natsuki's two suggestions.
After listening, Sarutobi Hiruzen fell into thought.
The suggestions were sound. But as Hokage, he had to consider every angle.
For example: how much additional expense would medical training classes add to the village budget?
"I agree."
Sarutobi Hiruzen ultimately gave his approval.
The costs would increase, yes—but the benefits of having more medical ninjas far outweighed the drawbacks.
Most importantly, Konoha could currently afford the expense.
It had been over a decade since the last Shinobi World War ended.
From the current political landscape, there were no signs of another war on the horizon.
"Where do you plan to start?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen asked.
"I'll establish the medical training classes first. The location will be Konoha Hospital."
Tsunade replied. "I'll select candidates from the Ninja Academy and from among the Genin."
"It seems you've already thought this through."
Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled. "I'll leave this matter to you. I hope it improves our shortage of medical ninjas."
"Understood."
Tsunade paused, then added: "These two suggestions were proposed by Natsuki."
"Natsuki?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked surprised. "You mean the Natsuki from Class 1-A?"
"Yes."
Tsunade nodded, equally surprised. "So you've already noticed him, Teacher?"
"He placed fourth in the final exams. I have an impression of him."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's brow furrowed with curiosity. "Why did he come to you with these suggestions?"
"It has to do with Nonou."
Tsunade briefly explained the sequence of events.
After hearing the full story, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt like he'd struck gold.
A medical ninja prodigy as a bonus?
Excellent.
What Sarutobi Hiruzen loved most was the bond between geniuses.
Because that bond was one of the purest expressions of the Will of Fire.
"When you see him tomorrow, ask him on my behalf—what reward does he want?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen considered for a moment before speaking.
Natsuki's two suggestions constituted a genuine contribution to the village.
As Hokage, he always made clear distinctions between reward and punishment.
Tsunade nodded.
Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't mentioned it, she would have asked anyway.
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