Medical Ninja Nonou followed her gaze to the thick volumes stacked on the desk.
A quick glance revealed Histology and Embryology, Illustrated Cell and Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, Systemic Anatomy, Clinical Microbiology Manual…
Each was as thick as a brick. Together, they formed a towering mountain of books.
A medical ninja needed not only precise chakra control but also extensive professional knowledge, as well as a flexible, sharp mind and perseverance. Among all ninja arts, medical ninjutsu demanded the most intellectual dedication.
"If he can master them, that would be excellent."
Nonou looked up; a strand of blond hair fell across her face, giving her a striking, mixed-race beauty.
Ordinary medical ninjas would take months or even years to memorize these texts. If Kiyoshi's claim was true, it was clear he had a remarkable memory—a rare prodigy indeed.
Kiyoshi nodded silently. The knowledge was vast, likely too much for one hand to grasp alone. Out of respect, he glanced at her briefly before quickly averting his eyes.
His dōjutsu rippled for an instant, then he suppressed it. He was the master of his vision, not its servant.
"Today, shall we follow the usual textbook study?"
He picked up a book. Unlike commercial editions, it contained numerous annotations.
Ninjutsu science advanced rapidly, and medical ninjutsu evolved alongside it. With systematization, theories were regularly updated, and older ones overturned and revalidated. Nothing in the books was absolute; the essence of science was constant revision and reconstruction.
To truly master medical ninjutsu, one needed to stay at the forefront of knowledge, guided by a reliable mentor. Otherwise, memorizing outdated material for years would be futile.
"No, we have something else to do today."
Nonou put down her pen, pausing her notes on a case report.
"Follow me."
She rose, stepping out of the office. Kiyoshi, in his white ninja-medical coat, followed.
They left Konoha Hospital. Nonou led him to a nearby experimental facility, separate from the hospital, where medical ninjutsu research and experiments were conducted.
Entering a spacious room, Kiyoshi looked up. Glass cases lined the walls, containing pale green liquids, each holding bizarre creatures.
"This is Konoha's research lab. There was a time when the village was obsessed with the First Hokage's Wood Release, trying to replicate it to dominate warfare."
Nonou explained. All test subjects were consenting adults, but none could survive the power of Wood Release; the experiments were stopped for being too cruel. This history faded from public knowledge.
Now, Kiyoshi was a medical ninja, her disciple. Nonou wanted him aware of the darker sides of the ninja world, lest he be naive and taken advantage of once she left.
"I see…" Kiyoshi nodded. Though he already knew the plot, he feigned surprise, occasionally showing astonishment. His acting did not escape the experienced spy, Nonou. Yet his astonishment was at the strange creatures, not the hidden history.
"Teacher Nonou, are these… summon beasts?"
Kiyoshi asked.
The ninja world had countless bizarre creatures, many enormous, some capable of human speech, even using ninjutsu. The strongest developed civilizations, could refine chakra, and harness natural energy to balance Sage Mode chakra.
Three clans stood out: snakes, slugs, and toads—their habitats were the "three sacred lands." Once a ninja contracted with a summon beast, they could summon it via Summoning Jutsu.
"Yes, these come from Summoning Island in the Land of Waves," Nonou confirmed.
"Some are remnants of the Uzumaki clan, which has maintained contact with island ninjas, conducting experiments to breed 'ultimate summon beasts.' Many exceptional lifeforms there are suitable for ninja summoning."
Though the Uzumaki appeared extinct in Konoha, only Kushina remained. In reality, she was the clan's most valuable remnant, with enormous chakra and the ability to suppress tailed beasts. Hence, she was sent to Konoha, entrusted to Uzumaki Mito, trained to become a tailed beast vessel.
Other Uzumaki scattered worldwide, like Karin and Nagato—one in the Land of Grass, one in the Land of Rain. Many chose anonymity, just as Nagato's parents hid the clan's history to let him live as an ordinary person.
"I see, that's how it is."
Kiyoshi nodded. In the original story, Naruto's team visited Summoning Island, encountering a deceased Uzumaki Hienoka, killed by an out-of-control ultimate summon beast.
Now, it appeared she might still be alive, recently introduced into research.
"These summon beasts were purchased from Summoning Island for research and summoning purposes," Nonou continued, leading Kiyoshi to the center.
"小 Kiyoshi, pick one as a reward for becoming a Chunin."
She smiled maternally.
"But I'm not a Chunin yet."
"Teacher believes in you."
Nonou patted his shoulder, having even read a parenting guide to encourage children, build confidence, and help them progress further—though she wondered how much effect it had on someone Kiyoshi's age.
"Thank you, Teacher Nonou," Kiyoshi said with a modest smile. His handsome features combined traits of the Uchiha and Yozuki clans, giving him a sunny charm.
(End of Chapter)