THE UCHIHA ASCENSION

As Uchiha Kiyo's group dispersed and returned to their respective homes, their activities for the day were reported to the Third Hokage.

This time, Danzo did not send anyone to interfere. Previously, he had been warned by Hiruzen and forced to restrain himself. However, he still received the report through official channels, as the Third Hokage did not conceal it. The information was also shared with other high-ranking officials.

Danzo was not the only elder in Konoha's leadership; Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado also received the report. In addition to them, the young "Sannin" were present when the Anbu delivered the information. As the Hokage's disciples, they were not excluded from such discussions.

At first glance, there was nothing particularly important—just confirmation that all the children were safe. However, one detail caught the attention of the village's leadership: Uchiha Kiyo had mastered hemostasis jutsu.

Most students at the Ninja Academy had only just refined chakra, let alone learned ninjutsu. Even the standard Three Basic Techniques were a challenge for many. Yet, Uchiha Kiyo had not only learned ninjutsu but had already grasped one of the most difficult types—medical ninjutsu.

This news was a significant development for Konoha. The Third Hokage ensured that only the village's leadership was informed, preventing any unnecessary spread of the information.

At this time, Danzo had not yet suffered the loss of his right arm, nor had he begun large-scale human experiments. He had little immediate use for medical ninjas and, therefore, showed little interest in Kiyo's abilities. He simply left the matter in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hands.

The Third Hokage, however, saw things differently. Previously, Uchiha Kiyo had only shown interest in medical ninjutsu, and no one had been certain of his actual talent. Now, having mastered hemostasis at such a young age, it was clear that his aptitude in medical ninjutsu was exceptionally high—perhaps even on par with Tsunade's. Of course, Tsunade had been dividing her time between medical ninjutsu and combat techniques such as her monstrous strength. On the other hand, Uchiha Kiyo appeared to be investing himself entirely in medical studies—at least from an outsider's perspective. This made it difficult for the Third Hokage to determine who had greater potential in the field.

Regardless of whose talent was superior, what truly mattered to the Third Hokage was the fact that a member of the Uchiha clan possessed an extraordinary gift for medical ninjutsu. He now hoped to guide Kiyo further down this path. The previous plan to subtly shape Uchiha Kiyo's mindset toward the village's interests was abandoned entirely.

Why was the Third Hokage so focused on Uchiha Kiyo's medical abilities?

It was still only Konoha Year 28, and the Second Great Ninja War had yet to break out. Tsunade had not fully developed her medical techniques. While Konoha's medical expertise was superior to other villages, the gap was not significant. Tsunade had repeatedly advocated for the expansion of medical ninja training, but due to limited village funds, her proposals had not been fully approved.

The Third Hokage was a shrewd politician. Under his leadership, Konoha reached its peak. He fully understood the strategic value of developing medical ninjutsu. Though financial resources were tight, he ensured that progress was still made. He had already established Konoha Hospital, which was proving effective and generating revenue. The profits were reinvested into medical research and training. Additionally, he had tasked Tsunade with compiling medical knowledge and refining the village's medical system. One outcome of these efforts was the "Konoha Basic Medical Ninjutsu Encyclopedia," which directly benefited students like Uchiha Kiyo.

Beyond compiling knowledge, Tsunade and her team spearheaded a series of medical reforms. Several foundational medical jutsu were developed, including a simplified version of the Healing Jutsu, which lowered the entry barrier for aspiring medical ninjas.

Yes—entry-level techniques. Learning jutsu like Healing Jutsu marked the true initiation of a medical ninja. Hemostasis was more of a supportive technique, albeit a mandatory one.

Techniques such as Chakra Scalpel were also results of these reforms, but their widespread adoption was hindered by the limited number of elite medical ninjas.

At this stage, Tsunade was already the foremost medical ninja in Konoha, but she had not yet created a significant gap between herself and other skilled practitioners. While her talent ensured rapid progress, true mastery required time.

Uchiha Kiyo's emergence provided an unexpected solution to this problem. If he continued to grow, his development could accelerate the advancement of Konoha's medical ninjutsu. With two top-tier medical ninjas, the likelihood of securing funding for further research would greatly increase.

Additionally, in the event of war, Konoha would be facing multiple battlefronts. Tsunade alone could only cover a single battlefield. Having another elite medical ninja would alleviate some of that pressure.

Uchiha Kiyo, however, remained unaware of how highly the Third Hokage valued him. He simply returned home to continue his daily training. Despite mastering hemostasis, he chose not to rush into learning other medical jutsu. His chakra reserves remained a limiting factor. Moreover, most healing techniques involved Yang Release chakra manipulation—a concept he had yet to grasp, as he had not even mastered the nature transformation of a basic elemental chakra.

Meanwhile, at the Uchiha Clan's main residence…

Uchiha Fugaku's father, the clan leader Uchiha Suke, sat in his study, reviewing the report from the Hokage. His expression was contemplative.

He was already aware of Uchiha Kiyo's unique nature. Uchiha Xiong had not hidden the boy's progress, regularly reporting on his training. The clan had not criticized Kiyo for his reserved personality. On the contrary, they were tolerant of his differences. Aside from his reclusive nature, Kiyo was treated like any other clan member. Now, seeing the Hokage's report, Uchiha Suke knew he had to act.

He had never expected an Uchiha to excel in medical ninjutsu. While the Hokage saw this as proof of extraordinary talent, Uchiha Suke knew better. Kiyo's achievements were not due to raw talent alone but also to his relentless dedication. Since the age of two, Kiyo had spent countless hours studying in the clan's archives. Uchiha Xiong had closely observed his progress, noting his meticulous approach to learning. It was clear that Kiyo had earned his abilities through sheer effort.

Given this, Uchiha Suke quickly accepted the idea that Kiyo had mastered his first medical ninjutsu.

"Kiyo is an Uchiha. Since he has shown promise, we will nurture him. Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi had not taken an interest, we would have supported him.

A skilled medical ninja can save countless Uchiha lives in battle. Moreover, this could improve our clan's standing with the village."

Uchiha Suke had lived through the Warring States era. Like the Third Hokage, he cherished peace and sought to improve relations between the Uchiha and Konoha. Even his chosen successor, Uchiha Fugaku, was a pacifist.

"Summon Kiyo to see me," he ordered.

A black-clad figure vanished into the night.

At home, Uchiha Kiyo, in the middle of his training, sensed an approaching presence. He tensed—until he noticed the clan emblem on the visitor's attire.

"The clan leader wishes to see you."

"The clan leader?" Kiyo was momentarily puzzled. However, sensing that the messenger would not elaborate, he refrained from asking further questions. He speculated on the possible reasons behind the summons but found no clear answers.

"Well, I'll find out soon enough. The clan leader won't summon me without reason, and it's probably something beneficial."

Upon arriving at the clan residence, he was led into Uchiha Suke's study. Unlike Kiyo's small personal study, this room was expansive, lined with bookshelves and scrolls.

Kiyo approached, bowing respectfully.

"You asked to see me, Lord Clan Leader?"

Uchiha Suke studied him carefully. Unlike many Uchiha, Kiyo lacked an air of arrogance. His demeanor was composed and measured. The clan leader nodded approvingly.

"I summoned you to discuss your future."

Kiyo remained silent, listening attentively.

"I hear you have an interest in medical ninjutsu and have already mastered hemostasis."

Kiyo was taken aback. How did the clan leader know?

Yet, it made sense. He had not been particularly secretive about his training.

With a calm smile, Uchiha Suke reassured him, "The clan supports its talented members. From now on, we will provide you with resources. Each month, you will receive ten medicinal baths to aid your recovery. Additionally, you may select a ninjutsu from the clan archives at your discretion."

Kiyo's heart surged with excitement. This was more than he had expected.

A hidden smile formed in his mind. The clan had given him exactly what he needed.