I, Konoha's Sage of Life

Tsunade had gained a lot from this.

She had always vaguely understood that psychological issues could lead to physical illness—her own hemophobia being a prime example. However, she had never considered psychology as a standalone field of medical study.

Now, she was eager to dive into research.

But…

Mental health was a vast and complex field. Conducting proper research and establishing it as a legitimate discipline would require extensive case studies and a long-term commitment.

Besides…

At the moment, there was something far more pressing for Konoha.

The Chūnin Exams.

Today was the third round.

All jōnin in Konoha were required to attend so that the daimyō could witness the village's current strength firsthand.

Kyoichi was among them.

But, honestly, he didn't find it all that exciting.

One-on-one arena battles didn't reveal much about a ninja's true abilities—they were mostly just for spectacle.

It was all a performance.

The daimyō, however, seemed completely engrossed, watching even the most basic genin match with full concentration.

"This tournament—there's no way the matchups weren't arranged in advance."

Tsunade scoffed, unimpressed.

The pattern was too obvious!

The first match featured two ordinary genin from Shisui's team.

The second match pitted Raido Namiashi against Ebisu.

And the third…

With each match, the fighters' skill level increased, and the spectacle became more thrilling. By the fourth match—a battle between two kunoichi—the hype had reached its peak.

Shisui, meanwhile, had conveniently received a bye.

"It's just a show."

Kyoichi chuckled.

No one plays their strongest card right at the start, do they?

The daimyō, after all, was enjoying himself.

"They're finally up!"

Shizune clapped her hands excitedly.

Tsunade shot her a sharp glance, making her immediately lower her hands in embarrassment. A moment later, Tsunade spoke.

"It's not like you're the one fighting. Why are you so excited?"

"Well… it's a rare chance to see medical ninja in battle…"

"Kurenai isn't a medical ninja. Her specialty is genjutsu—medical ninjutsu is just a secondary skill. I plan to train her as a battlefield medic."

Most medical ninja lacked combat ability.

While they played a crucial role in the field, they were rarely assigned to four-man squads for fear of being targeted and eliminated.

But Kurenai was different.

Tsunade fell into thought, nodding slightly.

She had advocated for this approach in the past, but unfortunately, for most people, mastering medical ninjutsu alone was already a monumental challenge—let alone learning enough combat skills to hold their own in battle.

Now, her interest was piqued.

In the arena, Kurenai Yuhi and Rin Nohara exchanged the "Seal of Confrontation" before simultaneously weaving hand seals.

Moments later…

Chakra scalpels flickered into existence in both their hands.

"Chakra scalpels?"

Shizune was astonished.

This was an A-rank technique primarily used for surgery. Could it really be applied in combat?

She turned to Tsunade for an answer.

Tsunade furrowed her brows.

"Chakra scalpels can sever muscles and blood vessels. I suppose they could be weaponized, but it's a risky choice for a fight."

"It's fine. I already told them—the essence of this match isn't strength but strategy and spectacle."

Kyoichi smiled.

Raw power didn't mean everything.

After all, in the Chūnin Exams, Naruto had won his match…

Yet the only one promoted was the guy who forfeited—Shikamaru Nara.

Tsunade clearly understood the logic.

Shizune, on the other hand, was a bit lost.

But she didn't dwell on it. Right now, she was fully focused on the battle.

Despite its seemingly simple nature, the fight was riddled with hidden dangers.

"Hokage-sama, what technique are they using?"

The daimyō was puzzled.

Even within Konoha, the combat use of chakra scalpels was unheard of—so much so that even Hiruzen took a moment to process what he was seeing.

However…

The Third Hokage was quick to catch on.

At first, he was just as confused, but in no time, he figured it out.

"Chakra scalpels can sever muscles and blood vessels. In the past, medical ninja were considered vulnerable in direct combat…

But we later discovered that this technique could be adapted for battle. That's precisely what these two are demonstrating."

Hiruzen explained.

"I see."

The daimyō nodded in understanding.

This technique was powerful!

Whoever landed the first strike would gain a massive advantage.

Yet, Kurenai's relentless assault was met with Rin's impenetrable defense—neither could gain the upper hand.

Then, suddenly…

Kurenai made an unexpected movement—

She started shaking her head side to side.

"…What is she doing?"

Shizune was baffled.

"A secret technique—'Side-to-Side Shuffle,'" Kyoichi joked.

Tsunade, however, sat up straight and observed carefully.

The moment she saw Rin abruptly avert her gaze, she immediately realized what was happening.

"Genjutsu! She's using the reflection from her forehead protector's metal plate to cast an illusion."

A brilliant technique!

It felt familiar…

After a moment of thought, Tsunade finally recalled—

Elsewhere, a certain scapegoat ninja was also watching intently, deep in thought.

Konoha-Style Willow!

Although the execution was different, this genjutsu was at the core of Willow swordsmanship.

"Rin!"

Obito stood up anxiously, yelling.

"She's been caught in an illusion—Konoha-Style Willow's genjutsu."

Gosuke commented.

"Konoha-Style Willow?"

Kakashi was taken aback.

He remembered…

That was a sword technique.

Could genjutsu be extracted from it?

Rin quickly dispelled the illusion, but in the brief moment it took, Kurenai had already closed the distance.

Her chakra scalpel sliced—

And Rin's right leg buckled as she collapsed.

However…

Mid-air, Rin rapidly formed hand seals.

In the next instant—

Two water clones appeared beside her.

Water clones!

Unlike flesh-and-blood bodies, water clones didn't have muscles that could be severed. One clone engaged Kurenai, while the other helped Rin retreat.

Moments later, Rin transitioned from chakra scalpels to the Mystical Palm Technique.

Rolling to the ground, she immediately pressed her glowing hands to her injured leg.

"Not bad. I have to wonder—did you plan this out in advance?"

Tsunade smirked.

Move for move, this felt like a turn-based strategy game.

But in a real battle?

Kurenai wouldn't have gone for the leg—she would've severed vital arteries instead.

"It's a performance."

Kyoichi didn't answer directly.

He hadn't choreographed the fight—he had simply told them to showcase the combat potential of medical ninja.

Clearly…

They had taken that advice to heart.

"So, medical ninja can be this formidable in battle."

Many spectators were astonished.

Both Kurenai and Rin had displayed exceptional combat awareness and tactical execution. Rin's water clones, in particular, had been brilliantly utilized.

But…

In the end, Rin was still injured.

Though she quickly healed herself with the Mystical Palm, the brief delay had given Kurenai enough time to catch up.

This time, Kurenai didn't hold back.

She lunged—

Her right hand's chakra scalpel sliced through Rin's leg muscles once more.

And her left hand—

Boom!

A devastating punch shattered the ground.

"Chakra Enhanced Strength?!"

Tsunade was stunned.

Was Kurenai really forcing herself to use this?

But…

A moment later, she realized her concerns were unnecessary.

Kurenai swiftly withdrew.

Her left hand's tendons were strained, but she could still manage hand seals—and with the Mystical Palm, she quickly healed herself.

"I never taught her this strategy—she figured it out herself."

Kyoichi smiled.

Kurenai's battlefield awareness and tactical thinking had improved dramatically!

She no longer needed guidance—she had learned to make her own decisions.

Since her tendons couldn't fully recover in a short time and couldn't withstand repeated use of the Chakra Enhanced Strength, she simply adapted—splitting its use strategically.

That was her answer.

"I... surrender."

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