The final step remaining was the third stage of the technique: the precise severing of nerves within the target's body. Mastering this would mark the true completion of the Chakra Scalpel.
"Looks like I'm having a full fish feast tonight." Glancing at the ten lifeless fish strewn before him, Aoshi shook his head with a sigh of helplessness.
Fortunately, he was a ninja. Eating more than average wasn't anything unusual for someone burning chakra on a daily basis.
The next morning.
As always, Aoshi arrived early at Konoha Hospital. His initial plan was to consult Tsunade about the challenges he faced during yesterday's training—but she was nowhere to be found.
Left with no other option, he waited.
That wait lasted until 11 a.m.
In the meantime, he treated three patients, earning two explosive tags and one soldier pill from the system.
"Lady Tsunade, you're really late today."
Hearing Aoshi's subtle complaint, Tsunade looked slightly sheepish. She had gone gambling after work yesterday, followed by an evening of drinking, and struggled to wake up this morning.
"Alright, just ask your questions quickly. It's almost lunchtime," she said, casually brushing off the topic.
So you do know it's almost lunchtime, Aoshi thought silently. Of course, he didn't dare say that out loud.
He had no intention of testing her monstrous strength. One punch might send him flying across the room—and that was if she didn't faint from her hemophobia first.
He kept things brief, asking only what he needed to.
"Thank you very much, Lady Tsunade." Just as Aoshi exited her office, he ran into Uncle Kosuke, who was preparing for discharge.
"Uncle Kosuke, you're being discharged today?"
The old swordsman nodded with a proud smile. "By the way, are you free after work? I'll be waiting for you at the usual spot."
The 'usual spot' referred to the training ground where Kosuke had once taught Aoshi swordsmanship.
"I've got time," Aoshi replied.
Although his focus was currently on medical ninjutsu, the guidance from Tsunade had cleared up much of his confusion. He was confident he could complete the third stage later.
And, a bit of sparring wouldn't hurt.
[Successfully treated Nahito Saonji. Reward: 1 Blue Magic Orb.
Congratulations! Gained 100 Chakra.]
Another patient healed. Another boost in power.
[Chakra: D-Rank (1400/10000)]
Seeing his chakra reach 1400, Aoshi was quite satisfied with the day's progress.
But before heading to the training ground, he first returned home to retrieve his ninja sword.
By the time Aoshi, now carrying the blade on his back, arrived at the rendezvous point, Kosuke was already waiting.
"Sorry, I'm late, Uncle Kosuke."
The older man smiled warmly. "It's fine. I just got here myself."
"It's been a few years since I last taught you swordsmanship."
Back during the Second Great Ninja War, they had both been far too busy. And once it ended, Aoshi had focused on developing his medical skills.
"So let's test where you currently stand. We'll spar—a friendly match against my shadow clone, of course."
As he spoke, Kosuke performed a rapid sequence of hand signs and summoned a Shadow Clone, which drew its ninja blade and stepped forward.
The Shadow Clone Jutsu, a B-rank technique, created a duplicate with real physical form, shared consciousness, and genuine combat ability.
"I'll limit the clone's strength to Chūnin level. You'd better give it your all—or you'll lose."
In past matches, Kosuke had always set the clone to Genin level. But those were training sessions from years ago.
Now, after surviving a war and intense training, Aoshi's strength had grown significantly. No reminders were needed. He already intended to go all out.
This was the perfect opportunity to assess how far he'd come.
"Please guide me, Uncle Kosuke." Without further delay, Aoshi drew his sword and lunged forward.
Despite focusing on medical techniques in recent months, he had never abandoned his sword practice. He shot forward like a released arrow, crossing ten meters in a blink. With both hands gripping his sword, he swung downward with strength and momentum.
This strike could easily overwhelm a Genin. Even a Chūnin would need to react quickly to defend.
But the clone stood unfazed.
Clang! In a flash, the clone raised its blade and blocked the strike cleanly.
Though Aoshi had moved swiftly, the clone's reactions were sharper.
He wasn't discouraged. He'd expected this. Even limited to Chūnin-level power, Kosuke's clone retained the refined skill and battle instincts of an elite jōnin.
This clone, created by such a seasoned warrior, could likely hold its ground even against a Special Jōnin.
Without hesitation, Aoshi shifted tactics and slashed horizontally.
Though chakra made ninjas powerful, they were still human. A clean strike from a well-forged ninja sword could end a fight in an instant.
And clones, being chakra constructs, were even more fragile—one clean hit and poof, they'd disperse into smoke.
The clone, recognizing the danger, chose evasion over defense. Even while dodging, it launched a counterattack with flawless timing.
A silver flash—its blade curved in from the side, faster than Aoshi's last attack.
If Aoshi didn't move immediately, he'd be the one getting hit. He had to admit, Kosuke's swordsmanship was sharp, polished, and relentless.
But don't underestimate me either. Just before the incoming blade could connect, Aoshi's body flickered and vanished.
Body Flicker Technique!
In the shinobi world, any high-speed movement technique was considered a form of Body Flicker. Variants existed, such as Water Flicker or Konoha Flicker.
Aoshi used the standard D-rank Body Flicker, channeling chakra to his feet for a sudden burst of acceleration. Though simple in design, it could create the illusion of teleportation—and in the right hands, turn the tide of battle.
Aoshi reappeared behind the clone and thrust his blade forward.
If this landed, the clone would be eliminated in one clean hit.
The clone showed no sign of reaction.
Got you. A confident smile spread across Aoshi's face.
"Too naive." The clone's calm voice rang out.
Without even turning around, it tilted its upper body aside, allowing the sword to pass just inches from its ribs.
The strike missed.
Aoshi's grin froze mid-expression.
In the next moment, the clone retaliated. Its blade shimmered with deadly light as it slashed toward him in a blinding arc.
Clang!
Aoshi barely managed to pull his sword back in time to parry the blow. But the impact forced him several steps backward, nearly throwing him off balance.
"As expected of Uncle Kosuke… even as a shadow clone, he's ridiculously strong."