Naruto: You Call This A Medical Ninja?

After Reiki extended his perception through his hands, he found the situation to be less straightforward than expected.

Hashirama could technically be considered a deceased person. Yet, the cell activity and vitality within his body were extraordinarily strong.

In truth, his body had been completely overtaken by the vigorous and uncontrollable Wood Release cells.

The most concerning issue was the frailty of Hashirama's spirit. His soul was so weak that it would have been undetectable if not for Reiki's advanced perception abilities. The only reason Hashirama's condition hadn't completely deteriorated was due to Uchiha Madara's persistence in treating him with vitality potions, which had brought about some recovery.

"Disaster…" Reiki muttered, withdrawing his hands with a look of helplessness.

While he wanted to help Hashirama recover, the situation was unprecedented. It wasn't a case of injury or illness. Instead, Hashirama's body was entirely dominated by the overgrowth of Wood Release cells.

Even if Reiki were to wound Hashirama, the Wood Release cells would rapidly repair the damage. To make matters worse, treating him wasn't about healing in the traditional sense.

If they couldn't eliminate a significant portion of the Wood Release cells in a short period of time and simultaneously reawaken Hashirama's own cells, there was no way to resolve the issue.

"Disaster?"

"Does that mean there's a solution?" Madara asked, his voice tinged with urgency.

Reiki explained, "His body has been completely overtaken by Wood Release. Madara-sama, since you've mastered Wood Release, you should understand its unique traits. Now, Hashirama-sama's body is the same.

"To bring him back, we must first remove at least half of the Wood Release cells, but without damaging his essence. Only then can we awaken his original vitality and spirit."

Madara's initial excitement gave way to contemplation. He knew the intricacies of Hashirama's unique abilities better than anyone, having fought countless battles alongside—and against—him. Removing those cells would be no small feat.

"Let me think about it," Reiki said, sitting down on the ground. He stared at Hashirama, deep in thought.

Madara didn't interrupt. He stood silently, but the pressure weighed heavily on him. After two days, unable to endure it any longer, Madara left the seal to gather his thoughts.

Outside the barrier, he encountered Tsunade.

"Tsunade?" Madara greeted her calmly. "Here to ask questions?"

"No, not exactly," Tsunade replied. "The situation in Amegakure has been left to Yahiko and the others. Thanks to your actions removing certain obstacles, things are stabilizing over there."

Though she was speaking to Madara, there was an unmistakable tone of respect in her voice. He was, after all, one of her elders.

"You're not here for me, are you?" Madara asked, already turning to leave.

"Madara-sama," Tsunade called out, stopping him. "Is Reiki in there?"

"Yes," Madara replied. "But if you need him, you'll have to wait. He's figuring out how to treat Hashirama."

"Healing Grandfather…" Tsunade murmured, her gaze softening.

She then pulled out a scroll. "Madara-sama, I need your help with something."

"This is information from the Sanada Chamber of Commerce, related to a matter Reiki arranged earlier. It's about the Kara Organization."

"Kara Organization?" Madara's lips curved into a faint smile. "Does Reiki want to eliminate them?"

"I'm not sure of his exact plans," Tsunade admitted. "But I want to make contact with them. However, given their strength, it would be dangerous for me to go alone."

Madara took the scroll and said decisively, "I'll handle it. Stay here. You'll be of more help to that brat than I would."

Without waiting for her response, Madara disappeared into the distance.

Meanwhile, inside the barrier…

Reiki was still lost in thought, his gaze fixed on Hashirama. Seeing this, Tsunade quietly sat down beside him, choosing to wait.

Elsewhere in Konoha…

Madara didn't leave the village immediately. First, he sought out Namikaze Minato.

"What's this?" Minato asked, looking at the report in front of him. "Madara-sama, are you suggesting that the Uchiha handle this?"

"Precisely," Madara replied. "The Uchiha clan excels at combat. Konoha needs its ninjas here to defend the village. Let us take care of this mission."

Minato considered Madara's proposal. It was true that the Uchiha clan's potential wasn't being fully utilized in their current role as the Security Department.

"Very well," Minato said, approving the mission sheet. "But please, Madara-sama, ensure the safety of the other village's ninjas as much as possible."

Madara nodded, taking the scroll. "Understood." With that, he disappeared.

At the Uchiha Compound…

Back at the Uchiha residence, Madara quickly summoned the strongest members of the clan, including Uchiha Fugaku.

After explaining the mission briefly, Madara led the group out of the village.

Madara's decision signaled a shift in the Uchiha clan's role in Konoha. The Security Department no longer suited their strengths. Born warriors, the Uchiha were meant to fight, to stand at the forefront of Konoha's conflicts.

In his mind, Madara had already decided: upon returning, he would advocate for the Uchiha to fully transition into a combat division. No more routine security work. Instead, they would focus entirely on training, missions, and war efforts.

The Uchiha would become Konoha's sharpest blade—unleashed only when needed, but devastating when wielded.