---

  "Hanekawa."

  Yakushi Nonō's voice cut through the sterile quiet of the hospital corridor. "You must remain calm during the operation. No wandering around."

  "Understood," Hanekawa replied with a polite nod.

  He followed her into the operating theater, where Tsunade was already preparing. She moved with the confidence of someone who'd performed this procedure a thousand times, her movements economical and precise. Hanekawa positioned himself to the side, out of the way but with a clear view.

  Well, this is going to be interesting.

  Despite his adult mind, watching someone's abdomen being opened still made his stomach turn. He forced himself to breathe through it. After the first few minutes, the initial shock faded into clinical observation. By the time Tsunade was an hour into the surgery, he'd settled into a strange state of detached fascination.

  The ninja world's approach to medicine was unlike anything from his previous life. Tsunade combined traditional surgical technique with medical ninjutsu—using chakra to accelerate healing, seal blood vessels, and repair tissue with precision that no mundane surgeon could match. It was science elevated by supernatural ability.

  Three hours later, it was done.

  "How are you feeling?" Tsunade asked, peeling off her surgical gloves. Her delicate features were flushed from concentration, a few strands of blonde hair escaping her bun.

  "Exactly as expected from Lady Tsunade," Hanekawa said smoothly. "That was remarkable."

  "Smooth talker," she said, but she was smiling. "That's not what I meant. How are you feeling? Watching all that?"

  "I learned a great deal," he answered truthfully.

  Tsunade studied him for a moment, then nodded. "You've got good composure. That's a valuable trait in a medical ninja."

  Medical ninja? Hanekawa filed that away as Tsunade stripped off her mask and headed for the door. "I have other matters to attend to. Nonō, he's all yours."

  She was gone before anyone could respond.

  Yamanaka Inoichi, who'd been waiting outside, immediately approached. "Is the patient stable?"

  "Completely," Nonō confirmed. "Though I'd recommend waiting until tomorrow before attempting any memory extraction."

  Relief washed over Inoichi's face. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade. Thank you both."

  Hanekawa watched Tsunade disappear down the corridor and couldn't help but smile. Decisive, capable, and probably heading straight to a casino. He'd bet money on it—if he had any.

  ---

  Back in Nonō's office, the Yakushi pulled out a thick stack of papers from her desk drawer.

  "How are you progressing with the medical texts?" she asked.

  "I've completed most of the foundational materials," Hanekawa said.

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  "Good. Two hours. Let's see what you've actually retained." She handed him the exam.

  Hanekawa settled into the chair and got to work. The questions were straightforward—anatomy, chakra pathways, basic treatment protocols. Nothing that required deep understanding, just solid memorization. He finished in ninety minutes.

  Nonō reviewed his answers, her expression growing more satisfied with each page. "Only two mistakes. Impressive for a six-year-old."

  "What's next?" Hanekawa asked eagerly.

  "Medical ninjutsu requires exceptional chakra control," Nonō explained, setting the test aside. "School training isn't nearly sufficient. You need practical work."

  "How do I start?"

  "Fish," she said simply.

  Hanekawa blinked. Fish? He'd expected something more... mystical. But then again, this was the ninja world. Practical often trumped dramatic.

  Nonō left and returned a few minutes later with a scroll. She unfurled it to reveal a live carp, its scales gleaming under the office lights.

  "Come here," she instructed. "I'll guide you."

  Following her directions, Hanekawa extended his hands and let chakra flow outward. It was a gentle, controlled stream—nothing like the explosive power of combat jutsu. The moment his chakra touched the fish, text blazed across his vision.

  [D-Rank Talent Entry: Medical Ninja]

  [Trigger Condition: Obtain three medical ninjutsu entries]

  [Current Progress: 10%]

  Oh, this is good. A health bar meant healing. Healing meant survival. And survival meant everything.

  They worked through the morning, Hanekawa maintaining his chakra output while Nonō corrected his form and technique. It was exhausting in a way combat training wasn't—less explosive, more sustained. By the time noon rolled around, sweat was dripping down his temples.

  "Break," Nonō announced, producing two bento boxes. "Eat."

  Hanekawa gratefully withdrew his hands and wiped his forehead. No wonder they start with fish. This is brutal.

  They'd barely opened their boxes when a familiar voice erupted from somewhere down the corridor.

  "A bunch of bastards! You chased me over that little debt? I'll pay you back!"

  Tsunade stormed into the office like a hurricane, her expression thunderous. She collapsed onto the sofa with dramatic flair, her high-heeled sandals dangling as she folded her legs.

  "Lady Tsunade," Nonō said mildly, "this is a hospital."

  "I know it's a hospital," Tsunade snapped, then seemed to notice the bento boxes. "Are those bentos?"

  Without hesitation, Hanekawa offered her his. "Please, Lady Tsunade."

  She paused, studying him with an odd expression—like she was seeing something familiar. Then she reached over and ruffled his hair. "You're a good kid."

  I'm going to get revenge for this, Hanekawa thought darkly, even as he accepted the head pat.

  Nonō excused herself to fetch another bento, leaving Hanekawa and Tsunade alone. The Sannin opened her box and ate with the practical efficiency of someone who'd consumed far worse on missions.

  "You're already learning medical ninjutsu?" she asked, glancing at the scroll and carp.

  "His foundation is solid," Nonō said when she returned with the replacement bento.

  Tsunade's eyes gleamed with sudden interest. "A little genius, huh?" She leaned forward conspiratorially. "Hanekawa, if you need help with anything, you can always ask me."

  "Lady Tsunade," Nonō said dryly, "are you about to ask him for money again?"

  "Only if I win!" Tsunade protested, completely unashamed.

  Nonō sighed—a sound of long-suffering patience.

  "Can I go with you?" Hanekawa asked suddenly.

  "Absolutely not," Nonō said firmly. "You're a child. Casinos are no place for children."

  But Tsunade was already giving him a meaningful look under the table, her foot nudging his leg. A wink followed. Ah. Hanekawa understood immediately. She didn't want to teach him to gamble—she wanted to use him as a luck charm.

  "I'm quite lucky," he said carefully.

  Nonō's expression hardened. "No."

  Tsunade's grin widened.

  The Yakushi looked between them, clearly recognizing a conspiracy forming before her eyes. "Absolutely not. I will not have Hanekawa corrupted by gambling."

  But Hanekawa could already see the calculation in Tsunade's eyes. She was planning something. And despite Nonō's firm refusal, he had a feeling the Legendary Sannin usually got what she wanted.

  This should be interesting.