"We understand, Teacher Qingshui."
The three responded in unison, their voices firm and filled with anticipation.
Qingshui nodded slightly, satisfied with their attitude.
"Good. Then follow me."
Without wasting any time, he led them deeper into Konoha Hospital.
For the three young ninja, this was their first real exposure to the inner workings of the medical department. The sterile scent of disinfectant filled the air, mingling with the faint metallic smell of blood that lingered despite constant cleaning.
Patients were being wheeled through the corridors. Nurses and medical ninja moved quickly yet calmly, each of them focused on their own responsibilities.
Everything here operated with precision.
Unlike the battlefield, where chaos ruled, the hospital demanded discipline and control.
"This," Qingshui said as he gestured around them, "is where lives are saved—not taken. Every decision you make here carries weight. A single mistake can cost someone their life."
His tone was calm, but his words carried an undeniable gravity.
The three nodded, their expressions turning serious.
Kurenai clenched her fists slightly. She had always been confident in her genjutsu abilities, but here… she was starting from zero.
Beside her, the other two were equally focused, absorbing every detail.
Qingshui continued walking, occasionally stopping to explain different sections of the hospital—emergency care, recovery wards, supply rooms, and finally…
The operating room.
He stopped at the entrance and turned to face them.
"This will be your first real test."
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
Even though they had trained beforehand, nothing could compare to actual surgery.
"Remember," Qingshui said, his gaze sweeping across the three of them, "once we step inside, you are no longer students—you are medical ninja. Follow my instructions precisely. If you don't understand something, ask immediately."
"Do not hesitate."
"Yes, teacher!" they replied.
Qingshui pushed open the door.
Inside, a patient lay unconscious on the operating table, their condition critical. Several assistants were already preparing tools, while chakra-infused medical instruments emitted a faint glow.
"Positions," Qingshui ordered.
The three quickly took their places, their movements slightly stiff but determined.
The surgery began.
At first, their actions were cautious, almost overly careful.
Kurenai focused intensely, her hands trembling slightly as she controlled her chakra. Sweat formed on her forehead, but she didn't dare wipe it away.
"Steady," Qingshui instructed calmly. "Control your chakra flow. Don't let it fluctuate."
"Yes…"
Gradually, under Qingshui's guidance, their movements became smoother.
Minutes passed.
Then hours.
The tension never truly faded, but their confidence slowly grew.
Finally—
"It's done."
Qingshui stepped back, removing his gloves.
The patient's condition had stabilized.
The surgery was a success.
The three exhaled almost at the same time, as if they had been holding their breath for the entire procedure.
"Well done," Qingshui said with a faint smile.
"For your first surgery, that was impressive."
Hearing his praise, their faces lit up with excitement.
"You've passed the initial stage," he continued. "It won't be long before you're officially part of Konoha Hospital."
The three exchanged glances, unable to hide their joy.
But while everything seemed calm and hopeful within the hospital—
Elsewhere in Konoha, darkness was quietly stirring.
Konoha Prison
Deep within the heavily guarded prison, the atmosphere was suffocating.
The walls were cold and damp. The air carried a faint stench of rust and decay.
And inside one of the cells—
Danzo sat in silence.
Or rather… in suppressed fury.
Even after more than two years, he remained imprisoned.
Two years.
No—almost three.
Time had done nothing to diminish his anger. Instead, it had sharpened it, turning it into something far more dangerous.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu had tried to help him.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi had personally rejected their efforts.
At first, Hiruzen had hesitated.
Old feelings had lingered.
He had even considered releasing Danzo after some time.
But as the months passed, something unexpected happened.
Konoha became… peaceful.
Without Danzo's interference, conflicts decreased.
The tension with the Uchiha clan eased.
The village stabilized.
It was a realization that shocked even Hiruzen.
And so, he made a decision.
Danzo would remain imprisoned.
Indefinitely.
All for the sake of the village.
Surely, Danzo would understand.
…But Danzo did not understand.
Not at all.
Each passing day only deepened his hatred.
Toward Hiruzen.
Toward Aokiji.
Toward everyone who had abandoned him.
"What is Orochimaru doing…?"
Danzo muttered under his breath, his voice cold and hoarse.
"How long has it been? Why hasn't he acted yet?"
His patience was wearing thin.
Just as his frustration reached its peak—
A voice echoed through the cell.
"Heh… Danzo. You're as impatient as ever."
The voice was hoarse, almost serpentine.
Before Danzo could react, a small snake slithered into the cell.
Its body twisted unnaturally—
And then—
A figure emerged from its mouth.
Orochimaru.
Danzo's eyes narrowed.
"You're finally here."
Orochimaru smiled faintly.
"To ensure success, preparations must be flawless."
His tone was calm, as if the two-year delay meant nothing.
Danzo snorted but said nothing more.
After all, Orochimaru was his only option.
Homura and Koharu were useless.
Fence-sitters.
Cowards.
Only Orochimaru had the ability to act.
"Since you've come," Danzo said, his voice low, "you must have good news."
Orochimaru's smile widened slightly.
"Of course."
"I've completed all necessary preparations."
"It's time to begin."
A flicker of excitement appeared in Danzo's eyes.
Finally.
Revenge.
"Good," Danzo said. "I'll have Ryoma lead a Root team to assist you."
Though he trusted Root, he would never hand full control to Orochimaru.
Their alliance was built on mutual benefit—
And mutual distrust.
Aburame Ryoma was his most loyal subordinate.
With him present, Danzo could keep an eye on everything.
Orochimaru saw through his intentions instantly.
But he didn't care.
Danzo… was short-sighted.
In Orochimaru's eyes, Danzo lacked true vision.
Someone like him could never become Hokage.
Still, their interests aligned—for now.
"How do you plan to proceed?" Danzo asked.
Orochimaru licked the corner of his lips, his golden eyes gleaming.
"Qingshui is strong."
"Very strong."
"To kill him, we must prepare an inescapable trap."
"I've already arranged cooperation with Kusagakure."
"We will act at Hozuki Castle."
Danzo frowned.
"Kusagakure?"
A small village.
Could they really handle someone like Qingshui?
Orochimaru chuckled.
"Never underestimate them."
"The lord of Hozuki Castle possesses a sealing technique."
"One that can completely suppress a ninja's chakra."
Danzo's eyes flickered.
Chakra… sealed?
"That's right," Orochimaru continued. "No matter how powerful he is, without chakra…"
"He becomes nothing more than prey."
A ninja without chakra was barely stronger than an ordinary human.
Hearing this, Danzo's doubts finally faded.
With Orochimaru's involvement—
Success seemed inevitable.
"Good," Danzo said. "Then proceed."
After a brief pause, he added:
"What about the Wood Release experiments?"
This was his true obsession.
Power.
Ultimate power.
Orochimaru's expression remained unchanged.
"No progress."
"All test subjects have failed."
"Including the recent batches."
His tone was indifferent.
As if he were discussing broken tools rather than human lives.
In truth, hundreds—perhaps thousands—had died.
But neither of them cared.
Danzo frowned.
"I need results."
Orochimaru smiled slightly.
"After we eliminate Qingshui, I can focus fully on the experiments."
"Then… results will come."
Danzo hesitated.
But in the end, he nodded.
"I hope so."
Back at Konoha Hospital
While darkness gathered in the shadows—
Light still shone within the hospital.
The operation had ended successfully.
Qingshui looked at the three students, his expression calm but approving.
"As newcomers, your performance was excellent."
"You've exceeded expectations."
The three straightened instinctively, their hearts pounding with excitement.
"It won't be long before you're officially assigned here."
For a moment—
All three of them smiled.
They had taken their first real step forward.
Unaware…
That a deadly storm was already closing in.
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