Naruto: I am the Hokage

Kyohiko returned home and opened his system panel.

[Creating new ninjutsu is also a way to strengthen the village]

[Under your leadership, a widely applicable "Five Gates" forbidden tenketsu technique has been developed]

[Reward: Tenketsu Proficiency Upgrade]

"Another upgrade in tenketsu techniques."

After developing the Wild Lion's Mane Technique combined with tenketsu strikes and the chakra stimulation method for the Tanzhong tenketsu, Kyohiko's tenketsu proficiency had already reached Expert level. Now, with another upgrade…

Master-Level Tenketsu Techniques.

After receiving and integrating the new knowledge, Kyohiko was both shocked and exhilarated—he immediately understood the advancements of Master-Level.

His control over tenketsu strikes had become more precise and refined, and he now possessed additional techniques for healing and recovery, many of which were discoveries from the past month of research.

However…

Some of them stemmed from knowledge in his previous life.

For example—

Acupuncture!

In his past life, acupuncture was already a widely practiced medical technique. Theoretically, it should also be applicable in this world—Kyohiko just hadn't known how to implement it before.

But now, with the newly integrated memories, he could replicate acupuncture treatments.

Kyohiko sat up abruptly, excitement coursing through him.

However…

A few seconds later, he decided to wait a little longer.

Neither he nor Tsunade had much free time right now—there were still too many things to do.

It would be better to compile the Five Forbidden Tenketsus and Acupuncture into a complete theoretical framework before presenting it to Tsunade.

---

Hyuga Clan Compound

Hyuga Hizashi worked tirelessly, finishing his report without regard for the late hour or clan taboos, and went straight to the main house where the clan head resided.

"Hizashi-sama, what brings you here so late?"

"I have urgent matters to report."

Hizashi spoke solemnly.

The attendant nodded and immediately went inside to inform the clan head.

Before long, in the Hyuga clan's meeting hall, Hyuga Hiashi sat formally dressed, posture rigid.

Hizashi entered, bowed first, then stated his purpose.

"Clan Head, this is the compiled research conducted alongside Orochimaru and Kyohiko. The matter is critical, so I could only deliver it in person tonight. Please review it."

He respectfully presented a bound report.

Hiashi nodded slightly, took the document, and began reading carefully.

A few minutes later, his face showed surprise.

The Five Forbidden Tenketsu.

A weaker version of the Eight Gates…

After a moment of thought, he asked, "What are the effects of these five tenketsus?"

"Each has different effects. For our Hyuga Clan, the most important are the four tenketsus from the Gate of Pain to the Gate of Wonder. These can enhance our taijutsu capabilities, but the side effects are also significant..."

Hizashi's expression was grave.

Strictly speaking, this was a forbidden technique derived from the Eight Gates.

In the past, the Hyuga Clan's weakness was their lack of overwhelming power—when facing opponents with strong defenses or high mobility, the Eight Trigrams Palms often fell short.

But now…

With this technique, they could temporarily push past human limits.

As for the side effects?

When it's a life-or-death situation, who cares about side effects?

Hiashi's face broke into a rare smile, and his gaze toward Hizashi became noticeably warmer.

"Though the Hyuga are one of Konoha's most prestigious clans, there are still many in the shinobi world who surpass us. Yet, some in the clan have forgotten this."

"If we wish to regain the glory of Hyuga Heavenly Nobility, we must strive for greater strength. But this cannot be achieved by one or two individuals alone."

Hiashi's tone and expression softened as he stood and helped Hizashi up.

Meeting his brother's eyes, he smiled faintly.

"Hizashi, we are brothers. We must stand united and work together."

Then, he leaned in slightly.

"Some things are difficult to change in our generation… but for the next, or the one after, it may not be impossible."

Hizashi's head snapped up, eyes widening in shock.

What…

What did that mean?

His heartbeat quickened—hope and disbelief warring within him.

Was Hiashi truly willing to…?

"R-Really?"

"As the Clan Head, I must prioritize the clan's stability—so I may not have given the best impression. But I have been searching for ways to change things."

Hiashi spoke seriously. "Recent developments in Konoha have given me some ideas."

"What ideas?"

Hizashi asked cautiously.

He feared Hiashi's plans might be too radical—or worse, that this was just empty placation.

But Hiashi was sincere.

He knew that within the clan, the only one who could truly help him—while remaining firmly loyal—was Hyuga Hizashi.

They were brothers, and…

He held the key to Hizashi's Caged Bird Seal.

Hiashi said, "What was Konoha like under Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō's rule? And what is it like now?"

"You mean…"

"We are still young. We shouldn't be shackled by the old ways. The times are changing—the Hyuga must change as well!"

Hiashi's voice was firm.

Hizashi was stunned, yet it made perfect sense—

In the past, the main family elders had repeatedly obstructed Hiashi's decisions.

Hiashi must have long been dissatisfied.

He was thrilled that Hiashi was willing to act, but…

"What's your plan? We can't afford to rush this!"

Hizashi's emotions were conflicted.

On one hand, the Branch Family system had trapped them in despair.

But on the other, it had preserved the Hyuga Clan's survival.

Without it…

Given the Byakugan's value, they might not have lasted this long.

Hiashi said, "I cannot abolish the Main and Branch Family system—it is the clan's foundation. But I can modify its rules."

"Many of those in the main family do nothing but leech off our legacy, yet they look down on the Branch Family as if they were nothing."

Hiashi's voice turned cold. "Thanks to recent events, their authority has weakened. With Kyohiko and Orochimaru's cooperation—and your help—I can seize more influence!"

His eyes flashed with disdain.

"Bloodline and birthright shouldn't guarantee lifelong privilege. Why should the incompetent rule, while the deserving remain beneath them?"

Hizashi's lips trembled, heart pounding.

"The deserving…"

Did this mean future Main Family status could be earned through merit?

But then—

He realized a flaw.

"This benefits the Branch Family, but Main Family members don't fight on the frontlines. How would they earn merit?"

"…That is a problem."

Hiashi frowned.

The Main Family's purpose was to avoid battlefield deaths—preventing the Byakugan from falling into enemy hands.

If merit became the standard, the Main Family would be at a natural disadvantage.

What about strength?

No—if power alone decided status, the clan would descend into chaos.

Hiashi fell silent.

He wanted a system where the capable rose and the weak fell, but designing fair rules was harder than he thought.

After a moment, he sighed.

"Alone, my vision is limited. I need someone to discuss this with—Hizashi, let's both think carefully. This concerns the future of the Hyuga."

"Yes, Clan Head!"

Hizashi's heart raced.

He could tell—Hiashi was serious.

If they could devise a proper system…

Future generations of the Branch Family might break free from the seal.

Even the mere hope of change was enough to make Branch Family members fight with their lives.

Who wouldn't want their children to live unchained?

---

Hokage's Office, Konoha

Tsunade stared at the scroll in her hands, deep in thought.

Another forbidden technique.

No—

To be precise, this was an expansion of the previous one.

The complete version.

"These five forbidden tenketsus each have different effects, but their applications aren't limited to just this. Used correctly, they can achieve other results."

Kyohiko reminded her.

Tsunade nodded slightly and continued reading.

Then, she reached the Acupuncture Section—her expression immediately tightening.

Needle therapy?

She read every word carefully before finally setting the scroll down after a long silence.

"Have you tested this?"

"Only on a few tenketsus so far, but the results are consistent. Needle therapy can also be used for detoxification and internal injury treatment—reducing bodily strain in the process."

"Kyohiko spoke."

Then, he pointed to the Gate of Life tenketsu.

"If Gekko Hayate's illness can be treated in its early stages with acupuncture, can we use it to suppress the frequency of his coughing and prevent the condition in his lungs from worsening?"

"If what you're saying is true, then yes, it's definitely worth a try."

The sooner Gekko Hayate's condition is addressed, the better. Even if it can't be cured outright, it must at least be suppressed before it worsens.

Moreover—

If it really works like that…

Then this would undoubtedly be a major breakthrough in medical science.

Tsunade realized:

The value of tenketsus was far greater than she had imagined. No wonder Kyohiko had gone to such lengths to acquire the Hyuga clan's closely guarded techniques.

After a moment's thought, she said, "Kyohiko, are you confident?"

"If it's the Gate of Life point, yes, I'm confident."

Kyohiko nodded.

Tsunade stood up. "Let me be the test subject first. I've been staying up late and arguing with those old geezers lately—my throat's a bit sore."

Then she muttered,

She nearly smashed another table at yesterday's meeting.

Those three old men were just too stubborn. After much persuasion, they finally accepted the proposal without any more objections or complaints.

"Alright."

Kyohiko didn't hesitate.

If it had been yesterday, he might have had some doubts, but today…

There was no such concern.

He didn't have a proper needle, but he did have a very fine steel wire, which immediately stiffened with a surge of chakra.

And then—

He inserted the needle!

Shff—

A soft sound echoed as the barely visible "needle," infused with chakra, pierced Tsunade's Gate of Life tenketsu.

A gentle, warm flow of chakra spread from the needle's tip along her chakra pathways, gradually permeating her throat and upper lungs.

Tsunade's first reaction—

Comfort!

Her throat instantly felt smooth and clear!

For a minor condition like this, she wouldn't normally need any medical intervention. With her constitution, she'd recover in a day or two.

But for children or the elderly, it was a different story.

Their bodies and immune systems were weaker, so this kind of method would be just right for them.

Tsunade's eyes lit up.

"Let's go!"

"Start with basic conditions—let's test it on ordinary throat inflammations and coughs first."

…

"Sensei, will this really work?"

Yūhi Kurenai asked nervously.

Tsunade nodded with full confidence. "It definitely will. Don't worry."

Kurenai glanced anxiously at the door.

Even if it works…

They'd better act fast—if they were delayed even a little, another round of chaos could break out.

She sighed inwardly.

By now, Kyohiko had prepared his makeshift equipment.

After disinfection and other preparations, he swiftly inserted the needle, instinctively hitting the tenketsu with pinpoint accuracy. Chakra surged in and spread.

Tsunade was actually quite nervous too.

While she had basically confirmed Kyohiko's claims through prior testing—

When it came to real patients, things were entirely different.

Would it work?

One second, two seconds—

Cough, cough—

The elderly patient on the bed began to cough violently.

Using his sensory skills and monitoring the chakra flow, Kyohiko quickly assessed the patient's condition.

After three seconds, he helped the patient up.

"A spittoon."

"Yes!"

Kurenai immediately brought over a spittoon.

Just then, someone stormed in angrily from outside.

"Tsunade, what do you think you're doing?! Have you forgotten you're a medical ninja?!"

Utatane Koharu's restrained anger finally burst forth as she reached Tsunade's side.

Tsunade was about to respond—

But from inside the room came a sudden fit of coughing, and just by listening, she could tell the patient's condition was improving.

Where previously there had been damage to the throat and lungs, now the sound was clearly better.

"Quiet!"

Tsunade turned and glared at Koharu.

Then she focused fully on listening to the patient.

Koharu was stunned into silence. Several seconds passed before she could react. Just as she was about to scold them again, she saw Kyohiko in the room, fully concentrated as he performed acupuncture.

Two tenketsus at once.

The elderly man who had been coughing violently was now rapidly improving.

A few seconds later—

Kyohiko withdrew the needle, a relaxed and satisfied look on his face.

He didn't know how acupuncture worked in his past life—

But combined with medical ninjutsu and chakra, the results were astonishing. In just a short time, the illness had essentially been eradicated at the source.

"Incredible!"

As a seasoned medical ninja, Koharu naturally understood the implications of what she had just witnessed—

The man, who had been on the brink of death just minutes ago, had now completely recovered. All he needed now was rest.

Even more impressive—

This method didn't significantly drain the patient's life force.

She looked at Tsunade in disbelief.

"This…"

"Elder Advisor, as a medical ninja, I know exactly what can and cannot be done. I let Kyohiko treat him because I had full confidence."

Tsunade said solemnly.

Koharu's face flushed. She was at a loss for words.

This technique was simply beyond her understanding.

"Kyohiko, can you keep going?"

"Of course. This method isn't very taxing."

Kyohiko smiled.

With his master-level acupuncture skills, this was effortless.

He paused and asked, "What about the Hyuga girls?"

"They're training somewhere else," Kurenai replied.

Then she realized what he meant and added, "I'll go call them right away!"

"Just one or two is fine. Too many and we won't have space."

Kyohiko said.

For regular medical ninja, mastering this method might take time, but for members of the Hyuga clan—whose skills already centered on tenketsus—it would be much easier to pick up.

Soon, Hyuga Yuka arrived with another clan member.

By the time they got there, Kyohiko was already treating a second patient.

Tsunade pointed, indicating that Yuka should activate her Byakugan and observe.

She gave a slight nod—

And then, astonishment and disbelief filled her eyes.

What perfect chakra control!

His chakra seeped into the lungs and throat like water, gently soothing every injured part.

A little more or a little less, and the effect would have been far weaker.

Over the past while, she'd seen many medical ninja at work—but none could match Kyohiko's precise and elegant technique.

Without a doubt—

If Kyohiko were to pursue medicine, he'd be another Tsunade.

And perhaps—

In the future, even surpass her!

Truly extraordinary.

Hyuga Yuka marveled inwardly, but her attention remained sharply focused.

And if she was this focused, the other Hyuga girl was even more so—completely immersed in observing and memorizing Kyohiko's technique.

This kind of live teaching wouldn't happen often.

Miss it once, and it's a lost opportunity.

After watching for a while, astonishment flashed in her eyes.

Kyohiko turned to ask, "Did you memorize it?"

"Yes, but…"

Hyuga Yuka hesitated, then said, "Your technique is too refined and fast. We couldn't fully understand it."

"That's fine. Take your time."

Kyohiko moved to the next room.

Before long, another treatment was done.

This time, Hyuga Yuka understood.

This was tenketsu manipulation!

Kyohiko's acupuncture techniques were even more precise and perfect than those of the Hyuga clan itself. Of all the people she'd seen, maybe only Hyuga Hiashi could compare.

Unbelievable!

Her gaze was bright and filled with awe, though also a little embarrassed. "Kyohiko-kun, your tenketsu techniques are too advanced. We may never reach your level."

"That's fine. You don't need to match me exactly—as long as you can achieve a similar effect, you can still save lives."

Kyohiko replied gently.

On the side, Tsunade and Kurenai were deeply shaken.

Outsiders saw the spectacle.

Insiders understood the technique.

They understood medicine—but not the nuances of tenketsu control. They only knew it was a Hyuga clan specialty.

So how could it be that Kyohiko, an outsider, was even more skilled than the Hyuga themselves?

"This brat…"

Tsunade took a deep breath and forced down her excitement, a complex emotion surfacing in her heart.

If Kyohiko's talent were just a little less broad and overwhelming, he would've been her ideal successor!

But now—

Making him her successor would only hold him back.

Seriously…

She sighed quietly, yet also felt joy for Kyohiko—and for the future of the Leaf.

Having a genius like him was truly Konoha's good fortune.

As for Koharu, she could barely make sense of what was happening anymore. All she knew was that Kyohiko's methods were astonishing, each needle stroke curing even serious illnesses with incredible speed.

These kinds of conditions could be treated with conventional methods too—but not this fast. Even after recovery, elders and children would usually need a long time to fully regain their strength.

Then, something dawned on her.

A few months ago, Kyohiko had been working closely with the Hyuga clan on something. Could this be the result of their research?

Koharu grew thoughtful.

And then—

She turned to Tsunade.

"Tsunade, can this technique be used on that child?"

"To cure the illness using just acupuncture and tenketsus? That's unlikely. But we can use it to suppress the symptoms and begin slow healing, laying the groundwork for the future."

Tsunade replied.

Koharu nodded, her expression complicated.

If Kyohiko's treatment method truly revolved around tenketsus, then this might evolve into a whole new category of medical ninjutsu.

How many years had it been since something like this emerged?

Truly remarkable.