Chapter 122: Sensei, Making Money Isn’t Shameful

In the farthest corner of Sunagakure, near a pond in the back mountains— Sasori of the Red Sand flicked his fingers, sending three puppets soaring into the air. From their mouths spewed black mist, wind, and senbon. However. Soon, they reassembled themselves. One of them spat out a scroll, while the "Father" and "Mother" puppets clasped their hands together, forming an encirclement. A sealing formula spread across the ground, and in the center, the character for "seal" emerged. The modified Lion Closing Roar instantly covered the area between them. Above, a figure extended wooden hands, binding the imaginary enemy and dragging it into the circle. The next moment, all three puppets landed simultaneously. Sasori felt no excitement—only profound disappointment. Too easy! There was no sense of accomplishment at all. He stared at the lifeless puppets, his eyes filled with disillusionment. After a moment of silence, he sealed them away. "Boring." Sasori turned and walked back into the house. If he wanted to, he could easily create his own version of the Ten Puppets of Chikamatsu. But in his eyes, such a task held no challenge anymore. What truly interested him was crafting human puppets. "Magnet Release..." Longing flickered in Sasori’s eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. Just then, footsteps approached from outside. Rasa’s voice called out, accompanied by a few subordinates. A faint sense of foreboding crept into Sasori’s mind. After waiting briefly and receiving no response, Rasa spoke again from outside: "Sasori." Sasori opened the door, his expression indifferent and detached. "Only you came back? The front lines must have suffered a crushing defeat. So now you need my help? Give up. The fact that I’m not causing trouble for you is already me showing restraint." His tone was cold, but his words came from the heart. Thanks to Chiyo’s dying wish, he had been keeping himself in check. Rasa’s gaze was complicated. He knew full well that a few ANBU operatives could never truly restrain Sasori. That’s why. He hadn’t even stationed any surveillance squads around Sasori. What truly bound him were Chiyo’s last words and Ebizō’s influence. But now... Chiyo was dead. Ebizō was dead. He couldn’t imagine how Sasori would react in the future, but the truth couldn’t be hidden forever. The Third Kazekage and Ebizō were village heroes—their funerals would be grand and public. Rather than letting things explode then, it was better to tell Sasori now. Rasa took a deep breath. "The Third Kazekage and Elder Ebizō are dead." Sasori froze for a moment. Then, he chuckled softly. "Oh? The ’Strongest Kazekage’ truly is pathetic, dying at Konoha’s hands. As for Ebizō, what did he expect, charging into battle at his age? His death was inevitable." "Sasori! Have you no conscience?!" Iso roared in fury. Having served under Ebizō and the Third Kazekage for years, he deeply respected them. Hearing Sasori’s mockery, his anger flared uncontrollably. "Conscience? Of course I cherish them. That’s why I suggest turning them into puppets—so they can protect the village forever." Sasori smiled. "Living beings are so fragile. If they were still alive, they’d surely agree with my idea." Having said that, he calmly looked at the two of them. "If there’s nothing else, you can leave. Don’t disturb my puppet-making." "Don’t create human puppets." Rasa issued the warning, then turned and walked away. ... At Kikyō Castle, Yūhi Kurenai wiped the sweat from her forehead, exhaustion etched on her face. Most of the wounded had finally been treated. Yet despite the medical team’s efforts—and her own healing abilities—many still succumbed to their injuries, limited by chakra, stamina, and skill. She stared at her hands, her eyes dim with sorrow. "What’s on your mind?" Suddenly, Kyōhiko’s voice came from beside her. Kurenai blinked in surprise, then turned to see him sitting next to her. Kyōhiko settled down. Thanks to his bloodline and the reserves of the Yin Seal, even after using a large-scale Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees, he still retained considerable energy. The cost, however— Was that the chakra he had painstakingly stored was nearly depleted. Over the past few days, he had noticed Kurenai’s troubled expression. But with official duties keeping him busy, he hadn’t had time to talk. Now, seeing her sitting here in low spirits, he decided to strike up a conversation. Kurenai nodded but continued voicing her frustrations. She felt utterly powerless. She lacked too many skills. Kyōhiko listened quietly. When she finished, he smiled. "How long have you been training? Even Tsunade-nee has limitations—let alone you." "I know that. But watching lives slip away... it’s still painful." Kurenai sighed. Back at Konoha’s hospital, most of the patients she treated were elderly or ill. Deaths occurred, but nothing like the front lines. Here. So many ninja perished! Dozens in a single battle—genin, chūnin, even jōnin. An individual’s strength was so insignificant! "If this mindset continues, your mental state could become dangerous." Kyōhiko said. Kurenai gave a self-deprecating laugh. "Yeah..." Having studied Tsunade’s theories on psychology, she knew exactly what state she was in. "A single person’s power is limited. That’s precisely why you must strive harder—to become a great ninja who can nurture future talents for the village." "Nurture..." Kurenai thought of Tsunade’s instructions. What path should a medical ninja like her take? She still had no clear answer. But. Now, she understood why Tsunade had chosen this direction. Medical ninja were far too rare! Those capable of frontline support were even scarcer. Standard medical ninja had to follow the Three Rules, staying in the rear during missions, unable to aid their teammates directly. In comparison, her abilities were far more versatile. "Kyōhiko, who do you think is more skilled—me or Shizune?" "Huh?" Kyōhiko turned, confusion flashing across his face. Kurenai and Shizune... Were they seriously competing over who was the "better" student of Tsunade? That didn’t seem like them! After a pause, he asked, "You mean in terms of medical ninja paths?" "Yes, exactly!" Kurenai nodded. Resting her chin on her hand, she explained the dilemma Tsunade had presented. "What do you think?" "For a ninja like me, how should I choose? It’s too hard!" She sighed. If she had the answer, she wouldn’t be so troubled. Kyōhiko said, "Actually, it’s simple." "Simple?" "A ninja’s abilities—setting aside talent and comprehension—come down to time allocation and priorities. Those switching paths mid-career can start with the essentials: mastering basic treatment for external and internal injuries." Kyōhiko spoke with ease. Then, he couldn’t help adding: "Actually, some medical ninjutsu can also be used in combat." "Oh?" Yūhi Kurenai thought for a moment. "Chakra Scalpel?" "Exactly. An overdose of Mystical Palm Technique can knock someone unconscious too. Medical ninja can develop defensive abilities suited to their expertise." Kyōhiko said with a smile. Kurenai nodded repeatedly before sighing: "Using Chakra Scalpel in combat requires deep understanding of muscles and chakra pathways—only specialized medical ninja can pull that off." "Those transitioning mid-career already have combat or support skills. They can learn just enough medical knowledge and techniques based on team needs—no need for mastery..." Kyōhiko then used himself as an example. He only knew one healing technique—Mystical Palm. Yet with just that, he could treat most external and internal injuries, covering the majority of wounds encountered on missions. "But many injuries can’t be healed by Mystical Palm or basic medical ninjutsu... Ah, I see. With limited time and ability, we must prioritize based on needs." Kurenai quickly grasped the point herself. Take her own case. Devoting over a year to medical ninjutsu had kept her from joining Kyōhiko’s missions. Only through relentless training had she barely caught up to regular medical ninja standards. For average ninja without exceptional talent, mastering advanced medical ninjutsu was simply impossible. This was precisely why medical ninja remained scarce. Kurenai mentally mapped out Konoha’s current ninja system. Academy tiers, elective specializations... "Genin promotion to chūnin?" She recalled Kyōhiko’s past remarks—the Academy didn’t need to teach excessive specialization. After mission experience revealed their aptitudes, ninja could delve deeper into chosen fields. Following this logic, the genin-to-chūnin transition period—whether one, two, or even four years—could be used for medical training to supplement core skills. Basic combat foundations from genin days, combined with supplementary medical ninjutsu, would create competent field medics. Technically, she fit this prototype. As her thoughts crystallized, Kurenai smiled. "Kyōhiko, thank you. I’ve found the key! Now I just need to refine the details." "Good, glad you figured it out." Kyōhiko stood up. With Kurenai’s enlightenment achieved, he needed rest to recover his energy. Before leaving, he added one last reminder. "We’re departing Kikyō Castle tomorrow to reinforce Jiraiya-sensei up north. Make sure you’re prepared." "Understood." ... The next day, the four set out northward. En route, Kurenai pondered which ninja types shared her suitability for medical cross-training. Glancing at Kyōhiko, she recalled his "deconstruction" approach and gradually formed ideas. Undoubtedly— Ninja with excellent chakra control adapted best to medical training! Like genjutsu specialists. Though genjutsu belonged to Yin Release—opposite medical ninjutsu’s principles—its practitioners possessed precise chakra manipulation. Next would be— The Yamanaka clan. Their formidable mental abilities made medical transition smoother. However. Such clans typically maintained rigid training traditions, making medical redirection difficult. Kurenai weighed potential solutions. Kyōhiko, Kakashi and Minato respected her contemplation in silence. Upon reaching the Land of Grass border— Minato halted and clapped for attention. "Sensei’s stationed in Grass Country. We may encounter other villages’ ninja from here onward—stay alert." "Roger!" Kurenai understood. This warning primarily targeted her. But having resolved most conceptual hurdles, she only needed practical refinements—details better left to experts. Her teacher would handle those. Shaking off residual gloom, Kurenai sharpened her focus. Kyōhiko had visited Grass Country before. Yet now— The nation had transformed. Trade routes to Konoha had widened, bridges multiplied, merchant caravans bustling along the roads. Near Grass Village, Kyōhiko sensed Jiraiya’s presence. The sannin lingered just outside the village, closer than the temporary housing zone. Approaching further, Kurenai’s expression turned curious. Having trained under Tsunade, she’d heard tales of Jiraiya’s... proclivities. She’d braced herself accordingly. But this— A bookstore? Minato exhaled discreetly before smiling. "Let’s head over." After a few steps, he added: "Don’t judge Sensei by appearances—he’s actually an aspiring author. Always talks about writing a masterpiece." "Writing? Him?" Kakashi blinked, then eyed Minato skeptically. "The... readable kind?" "Of course! Sensei says his debut will be inspirational, substantive literature." Minato’s smile radiated sincerity. His faith in Jiraiya’s literary integrity remained unshaken. Thus, he walked in unprepared. "I’ll bet he’s not reading anything wholesome." Kyōhiko declared— Jiraiya’s lecherous chuckles carried clearly from afar. That tone guaranteed questionable content. "Deal." Minato agreed. The quartet advanced. A single street separated them. Within steps, visibility improved. Jiraiya’s reading material— "Yikes! Maybe we should come back later." Minato whispered urgently. The book’s cover illustration left little to imagination. Kyōhiko chuckled. "Relax, it’s not illegal." He strode forward. By the time they neared, Jiraiya had swapped to another title. The sannin coughed awkwardly. "You’re here! Got Snakeface’s letter last night. Not bad, kids!" Jiraiya deflected. Kurenai peeked at the replacement book. Secrets of the Capital. What even—? She leaned closer. Jiraiya instantly slammed another book atop it. "Just killing time with some light reading while waiting. Now that you’re here—food’s on me!" Kurenai bit her lip to suppress laughter. Minato sighed in resignation. As they followed Jiraiya, Kyōhiko fell into step beside him. "Enjoying the read, Sensei?" "Mediocre writing. Too much virginal fantasy—real men of experience know better. If I wrote it—" Jiraiya’s auto-prompt answer betrayed him. He froze mid-sentence. "You little—setting traps for your sensei now?" "My point is, since you think you can outperform it, why not write your own? Especially after Tsunade-nee borrowed your savings." Kyōhiko reminded. Jiraiya’s face reddened. "A Sannin writing that trash?" "Sensei, making money’s nothing to be ashamed of!" Kyōhiko intoned sagely. Jiraiya coughed violently, glancing at Kurenai. This wasn’t teacher-student conversation material. Reading was one thing—being caught and encouraged to write it? That crossed dignity lines. Kakashi remained stoic. Hmph. Pathetic. He’d never waste time on such drivel. (TLNote: How do we tell him.jpg) His resolve was absolute.