Shizune had taught Sakura the use of the Ninja Tool: Poisoned Kunai to assassinate Sasuke. After cutting across Naruto's cheek, the poison quickly took effect, paralyzing him and leaving him immobile.
In the ninja world, using poison isn't limited to medical ninjas.
For example, the puppeteers of Sunagakure often coat their puppets with toxins as a standard tactic. Coupled with intricate traps and lethal poisons, their specialty is inflicting pain and torment.
Then there was Hanzo the Salamander, the man who defeated Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya working together. Even Tsunade struggled against his poisons. His expertise in toxins was unparalleled.
However, acquiring such poisons is difficult. They either come from venom within summon beasts or are specially concocted.
Kiyoshi picked up his scrolls and chatted briefly with Medical Ninja Nonou before departing. Nonou had her own work and couldn't be with him at all times.
...
Uchiha District.
"That Byakugan… she's from the Hyuga clan."
Mikoto, returning from shopping, noticed a girl in a maid outfit walking down the Uchiha streets. She kept her head low, seemingly trying to hide her Byakugan.
"What's she doing in the Uchiha district?" Mikoto wondered. Curious, she followed Hyuga Natsu to see why a Hyuga had come.
Natsu stopped in front of a slightly run-down house and knocked.
"Is Kiyoshi home?" she asked, carrying a basket of pastries—an offering from the Hyuga main family to confirm a scheduled visit. Such etiquette reflected the rigid training and noble bearing of the Hyuga main family.
However, Natsu found it cumbersome; branch families weren't so strict. While the main family received elite-style education, branch families had a more ordinary upbringing, learning only a few secret techniques. The core Gentle Fist techniques were exclusive to the main family.
"Kiyoshi?" she knocked again, waiting patiently. No response. Disappointed, she realized Kiyoshi wasn't home and decided to check if Kushina Uzumaki was around instead.
Mikoto glanced up; this was Kiyoshi's home. Judging by her appearance, Natsu was likely his peer.
"Heh, this kid…" Mikoto mused. Young people's affairs, she thought.
"I and Fugaku should be next," she considered. Within a year or two, they'd likely marry. She hoped the escalating tension in the ninja world wouldn't interfere. A war could prevent her from even retiring in peace. If fighting worsened, even a housewife like her might have to return to the frontlines.
By the time Mikoto snapped back, Natsu had already returned with her basket. Kiyoshi wasn't home. Mikoto shook her head, smiling at her own pre-retirement musings, and carried her groceries back.
...
Before returning home, Kiyoshi stopped by Akane Yuhi to practice taijutsu, providing assistance and receiving payment in gratitude.
Later, he returned home, reviewing the new scrolls he had studied that day. With a medical knowledge foundation, his understanding of toxicology advanced rapidly, many concepts interconnecting.
Kiyoshi obtained the entry:
[Apprentice Poison Ninja (White)]
• Requirement: Learn one basic poisoning method.
• Progress: 1%
• Effect: Accelerates mastery of poisons and toxin-related techniques by 5%.
• Note: Can be further advanced.
He closed the entry and continued reading. With [White Reading Absorption], [Basic Memory (White)], and an accumulated 10% Yang-nature chakra boost, Kiyoshi's thinking and learning abilities had grown significantly.
He planned to acquire Wind-nature entries next. The more ninjutsu he mastered, the more adaptable he'd be to various terrains.
...
"Let's leave it here."
Uchiha Hazuki turned back. She and Yamada Hiroshi were standing at the border between Uchiha District and Konoha streets.
"Alright, be careful." Even knowing the Uchiha district was safe with Konoha patrols, Hiroshi waved goodbye, showing his healed arm.
Earlier, he and Hazuki had visited Cat Granny to purchase ten more sets of chainmail for upcoming missions, as enemy ninja had been appearing more frequently. Hiroshi supported her decision—her safety was paramount. Every day spent with Hazuki was precious to him.
"…Okay." Hazuki nodded lightly, letting Hiroshi go. Once his figure faded under the dim streetlights, she hugged the district edge, heading to Uchiha Kiyoshi.
...
"This is your first time at my place, Hazuki-san?"
Hearing the knock, Kiyoshi put down his scroll, placed the white snake on the tatami, and stepped out in wooden sandals. He had just acquired the Green Medical Genin entry, now a perfect opportunity to study a new Genjutsu scroll.
The green medical entry's effects were similar to the Lightning Genin entry, both providing a 20% boost. Kiyoshi's meridian system, however, adapted particularly well to Yang-nature chakra, which is central to medical ninjutsu.
Medical ninjutsu essentially manipulates Yang-nature chakra for physical development, while Yin-nature chakra is used for spiritual or mental techniques. Both types are rarer and higher-level than standard ninjutsu. Most belong to secret clan techniques inaccessible to ordinary ninjas.
Medical ninjutsu is among the fairer and more open paths for advancement. With Yang-nature chakra and talent in chakra control, a ninja could undergo selection at Konoha Hospital and learn these valuable techniques.
(End of Chapter)