CH_65

"Right—this war should be coming to an end soon. They've sent us over here to help with the cleanup." Haruka spoke as she began examining Tōji.

"Come to think of it, aside from being on a squad with Natchi and the others, I've known Auntie Haruka longer than anyone else on the battlefield." Tōji couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity.

In truth, he hadn't been that close to Haruka before—just a temporary superior-subordinate relationship, both of them busy in their respective areas, one inside the tent and one outside.

But in times of great change, running into familiar faces again always stirred up that feeling of reuniting with old acquaintances.

Tōji was no exception.

"You little rascal—how did you end up so banged up? Aren't you supposed to be on rescue duty? And you still took this many cuts." Haruka scolded him like a neighborhood kid, her tone laced with genuine concern.

"Rescue squads get ambushed too…" Tōji mumbled. After all, he was still a kid under twelve—it was only natural to act a little more childish around an elder.

During wartime, even ten-year-olds were often treated like adults. But once the war was over, kids were kids again.

Haruka kept up her steady stream of maternal nagging while treating Tōji.

Tōji thought to himself, 『I wonder if I can learn some medical ninjutsu from Auntie Haruka after we get back. I'd love to become a full-fledged medical-nin—get a steady job at Konoha Hospital… instead of being a medic in a combat squad, constantly terrified.』

"You've got decent potential as a medical-nin. Thinking of continuing your training?" Haruka asked casually—but it was practically an open door for Tōji.

"Auntie Haruka—would you be willing to teach me?" Tōji was thrilled.

There were other "civil service" paths—like intelligence analyst in the Information Division, cipher translator, or barrier team member in the Defense Tactics Department… There were all kinds of safe "bureaucrat" ninja jobs.

But Tōji's family had none of the right connections. On his own, it would take years to climb into one of those positions.

Unless he was a chūnin with exceptional skills in a particular area—or had connections… Otherwise, with so many people competing for those "bureaucrat" spots, an eleven- or twelve-year-old wouldn't stand a chance.

Kakashi was hardly a reference point—Hatake clan, White Fang's son, Hokage faction, genius prodigy, jōnin at twelve…

So for Tōji, the quickest way into a safer role was the medical unit at Konoha Hospital. After all, Tsunade had done him a favor before she left—she'd left the door open for him.

『But I still need to get promoted to chūnin first!』

『Without that status, connections are the only way—even if I had the skills, it wouldn't matter… Konoha is a military institution that runs on connections and pedigree.』

『Kakashi's father got torn apart by public opinion precisely because he didn't have a strong enough backer. If Minato had done the same thing as Konoha's White Fang, would things have turned out the same? Even if Danzo wanted to undermine Minato, the Third could have shut it down, right?』

Tōji had figured out his next move.

"If you come to the hospital whenever you're free to help me out, you can learn as much as you want." Haruka said with a warm smile.

Haruka genuinely believed she could mentor Tōji. In the village, having more "friends" meant more paths open to you. It was a win-win.

There was certainly an element of mutual benefit—but mostly, Auntie Haruka just liked the kid.

Someone as cold and distant as Neru? Haruka wasn't a fan. Cute kids were easier to like—whether they were cute on the outside or just put on a likable personality.

"Thank you, Auntie Haruka!" Tōji could see a new path ahead.