NARUTO: Ninja World Scientific Revolution

One main body and three shadow clones—Hyuga Mirai's training progressed in an orderly and efficient manner. After inventing a healing seal, he easily received approval from Hiruzen Sarutobi for a one-month leave. During this time, he wouldn't have to return to Akimichi Fuu's squad for missions.

With Mirai absent, the squad had two options: either supplement the team with another ninja—since Konoha still had a few Genin without assigned squads—or wait until his leave was over. When Akimichi Fuu informed Kiyo Hyuga and Kurenai Yuhi about the situation, they both chose to wait for Mirai's return before resuming missions.

Fuu agreed with this decision. The original three-person squad had developed a high level of synergy after completing several missions together. Hyuga Mirai, in particular, had demonstrated qualities nearing Chunin level. With a few more missions, he could potentially be promoted and lead his own squad. Introducing a new team member at this stage would only disrupt their hard-earned harmony, requiring months of readjustment.

There was also some buzz about Mirai's invention of the healing seal, which Fuu had heard of. Initially, he suspected Mirai might pivot toward a career in Konoha's medical corps instead of returning to the squad. However, since the Third Hokage hadn't issued a transfer order, the squad technically remained intact. For now, Kiyo Hyuga and Kurenai Yuhi could only take on minor D-rank missions within the village or dedicate their time to training.

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"Tsunade-sama, if Yang Release chakra can both promote and slow cell division, could we use sealing techniques to channel it into every acupuncture point in the body? This would maintain a state of slowed cell division, potentially extending lifespan."

"Brat, don't be ridiculous!" Tsunade shot back. "Where do you think chakra comes from? Didn't they teach you that at the Ninja Academy? Generating Yang Release chakra requires refining and merging physical and spiritual energy. That process inherently triggers cell division. Your idea is—"

"I've already conducted experiments," Mirai interrupted. "If the chakra generated by the 130 trillion cells in the human body is converted into Yang Release chakra, it can extend each cell's division cycle by threefold. Based on these calculations, every ninja could theoretically live twice as long. Considering Konoha's average non-combat lifespan, this could raise the life expectancy to about 162 years."

"That said, further research is still necessary." 

Before Tsunade could finish her reprimand, Mirai produced experimental data that effectively silenced her objections. This had become a daily routine ever since Mirai began learning sealing techniques and medical ninjutsu under her guidance. Due to a wager, Tsunade was obligated to answer his questions, though she often peppered her lessons with jabs, calling him a "brat" or an "idiot."

Despite her tough demeanor, Tsunade was inwardly amazed by Mirai's learning ability. The Third Hokage had assigned him three sealing techniques, and under Tsunade's tutelage, Mirai had nearly mastered two of them, leaving only the Four Symbols Seal. 

His grasp went beyond basic application. Mirai constantly delved into the principles behind the seals and their symbols, forcing Tsunade to adopt a serious attitude when answering his probing questions. Every day, after learning the techniques, Mirai would pose even more profound questions, often debunking her initial responses with empirical data.

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Today was no exception. Before Tsunade could finish her answer, Mirai presented yet another experiment, practically slapping her arguments aside with cold, hard facts. Tsunade, who hadn't even had her first drink of the day, flushed with frustration.

*Bang!*

"Brat, send your real body here if you want to debate!" she barked, dispelling the shadow clone with a single punch.

The sudden feedback from the clone's dispersal momentarily paused Mirai, who was practicing the Body Flicker Technique in a forest ten kilometers south of Konoha. The pain was brief but enough to make him frown.

"That violent, big-chested woman," he muttered. "From now on, I should stop training at this time." The unexpected feedback from a shadow clone could be dangerous, especially when practicing high-speed taijutsu techniques. Even with medical ninjutsu to heal himself, avoiding unnecessary injuries was still preferable.

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"The thirty days are almost up," Mirai mused. "Returning to the squad for missions has its pros and cons. If I can get promoted to Chunin and lead my own team, the advantages would outweigh the drawbacks. Looks like I need to accelerate my promotion."

There were two paths to becoming a Chunin: the Chunin Exams or a direct evaluation issued by the Hokage. The former was an inter-village affair held at irregular intervals, while the latter depended on individual performance, as seen in the case of Kakashi Hatake.

In the past month, Mirai had made every second count, training in Gentle Fist, physical conditioning, the Body Flicker Technique, and medical ninjutsu without neglecting any aspect. His deepening research into Yang Release chakra had yielded several practical benefits.

For instance, by using Yang Release chakra to stimulate and protect the digestive system, Mirai had developed a method to accelerate digestion and energy absorption. This innovation allowed him to extract energy from food more efficiently. The idea had been inspired by Tsunade and another individual: during the Pain invasion, Tsunade had restored her chakra reserves by consuming massive amounts of food. 

Mirai spent three days experimenting and confirmed the viability of this approach. By rapidly digesting food and nurturing his cells with Yang Release chakra, his chakra reserves had increased significantly—now approaching the level of a Jonin.

Checking the time, Mirai decided it was about time to return. 

"Let's rejoin the squad the day after tomorrow and start taking on missions. I wonder if Orochimaru has looked at my research report yet. Doesn't he monitor Konoha Hospital?" 

Although he had gained substantial knowledge from Tsunade, her departure from Konoha was imminent. Once she left, the only person who could hold a meaningful scientific discussion with him would likely be Orochimaru.

After all, they were both advocates of the scientific approach! 

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(End of Chapter)