Naruto: Uchiha Rejects Konoha

Asuma's incident did not stir up much trouble, and the Third Hokage didn't summon Yagami for questioning. After all, Asuma had initiated the confrontation, issuing the challenge himself, and the entire fight was open and transparent.

With so many people watching, it would have been impossible for the Third Hokage to act against Yagami without compromising his own position.

As Hokage, he had to set an example in such matters; otherwise, he would risk a backlash from public opinion. Having faced the challenges of public scrutiny before, the Third Hokage knew better than to dig a hole for himself.

Of course, the embarrassment was unavoidable. Yagami had defeated Asuma using the Sarutobi clan's own ninjutsu, with a gap in skill so clear that everyone noticed it. This left the Third Hokage feeling humiliated.

But what could be done? Having witnessed Yagami's power up close, the Third Hokage realized that even he might not be able to match Yagami in battle.

Rather than creating more trouble, he opted to let it go. People would talk, but that was inevitable.

Since Asuma's life wasn't in danger, he focused instead on how to mend his relationship with Tsunade. Despite sending people to find her, none had succeeded in even catching a glimpse of her.

The Third Hokage didn't concern himself, and Yagami cared even less. He was occupied with organizing the Uchiha clan to receive Tsunade's medical training.

The medical training involved selecting Uchiha clan members with a natural aptitude for medical ninjutsu to form a dedicated team. However, Yagami wanted every clan member to be exposed to medical ninjutsu.

Not everyone needed to become a master, but they should at least be capable of handling moderately severe injuries.

Medical ninjas were always in short supply, and most of the time, it was impractical to assign one to every team. Training all Uchiha members in basic medical skills would give their comrades a greater chance of survival.

The Uchiha clan's dedication to learning medical ninjutsu intrigued Tsunade.

After her younger brother Nawaki's death on the battlefield, she proposed establishing a professional medical corps for combat zones. Unfortunately, the village's senior leadership dismissed her idea, fueling her disillusionment with Konoha.

Now, the Uchiha's commitment made her feel recognized, so she gave her all in training and paid no attention to the Third Hokage.

Yagami was pleased to see this development. He meticulously kept the Third Hokage's envoys at bay, making it nearly impossible for them to approach the Uchiha compound, let alone meet with Tsunade.

Though Tsunade had returned to Konoha, Yagami didn't want her to get too close to the Hokage faction. The recent battle outside the village had proven that she was incredibly powerful.

If someone like Tsunade aligned herself with the Third Hokage, it could create a major obstacle for the Uchiha. The best outcome would be for Tsunade to remain distant from Konoha's leadership.

Of course, such isolation couldn't last forever. Eventually, Tsunade would represent Konoha in the Daimyo's mansion. After all, she had grown up in Konoha, making her connection to it different from that of the Uchiha.

The disappearance of the Senju clan in Konoha might have been influenced by the Third Hokage and Danzo, but it was the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, who initially set the course. Over time, the Senju clan integrated into Konoha, eventually fading as a distinct name.

But the Uchiha were different. They had truly been wronged by the village, particularly by Danzo, and there was no undoing that betrayal.

Although Yagami couldn't change Tsunade's loyalties, it didn't stop him from subtly sowing seeds of distrust.

Tsunade was already disappointed with the current Konoha.

As long as this disappointment continued to deepen, even if she ultimately chose to stand with Konoha, it would be a relationship that remained neither close nor distant.

As long as the Uchiha clan didn't do anything to endanger Konoha, her most likely stance would be to simply observe from the sidelines—or even lean slightly in favour of Uchiha.

"Hey! Kid, why are you so lost in thought? Aren't you afraid someone might sneak up on you?"

While Yagami was deep in thought, Tsunade's voice sounded from behind him. He curled his lips and pointed to the passing clan members, saying:

"Here, in the clan's territory, I don't have to worry about surprise attacks. If anyone tries, they wouldn't be able to get close, even if I'm distracted."

Tsunade took a deep look at Mingfeng, not responding to his remark.

"Hey! If you want to form a medical team, medical equipment is indispensable. Everything on this list is essential. But let me warn you in advance, this equipment isn't cheap."

Medical ninjutsu, such as the Healing Jutsu and Chakra Scalpel, are powerful tools but aren't all-encompassing. At best, they can help save lives in critical moments.

The true effectiveness of medical ninjutsu often depends on equipment support.

For example, in the original story, when Neji had a critical heart injury, it was only with the assistance of medical ninjas and advanced equipment that he was saved using his own hair. That type of situation cannot be handled by Healing Jutsu alone.

"How many sets do you need? Would ten sets be enough?"

Yagami glanced over the costs and handed the list to a nearby clansman to take to Fugaku, who was better suited to handling purchases of this scale.

"Damn! I know you, Uchiha, are loaded, but do you have to flaunt it in front of me? You're tempting me to rob you all and run off..."

Tsunade rolled her eyes in exasperation. Konoha had always been reluctant to invest in medical infrastructure due to the high costs, and the senior officials simply didn't want to spend on it.

For the equipment on her list, Konoha Hospital had only a single set, underscoring how expensive it was.

And here was Uchiha, casually promising ten sets right off the bat—talk about arrogance!

"Three groups came to the Hokage's office today. So, are you truly the top medical consultant?"

Yagami changed the subject playfully, noticing Tsunade's clear irritation with the matter.

"I'm too lazy to bother with it! Didn't you suggest having Shisui replace Itachi? I don't think that's necessary.

I'll just go to the Daimyo's mansion myself…

The clan members with medical talent have already been screened.

Once you prepare the equipment, I'll start the next stage of training and head to the Daimyo's mansion during that time."

Tsunade snorted and turned away, clearly displeased with something.

What I, Tsunade, want to do is my own choice, not because I'm following someone else's orders! That's just who I am!

"Hey! This has nothing to do with me. It's just something she didn't want to do."

Once Tsunade was out of earshot, Yagami shrugged and spoke toward a nearby corner. Jiraiya stepped out, looking a bit helpless.

"I hope it's just you stirring things up—then I wouldn't be so worried. She still needs to work through this situation herself."

Jiraiya sighed, but he knew there wasn't much he could do about it.

"Come on! Let's go see Naruto. He seems to be struggling with his ninjutsu training; it might be related to the Nine Tails."

Hearing that it involved Naruto, Jiraiya's expression turned serious, and he quickly grabbed Yagami, pulling him toward the backyard.

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