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Yagura watched the proceedings like a spectator, observing the unfolding debate—until Shimomura invoked the name of Gengetsu Hōzuki. Only then did he raise a hand to cut off the argument.
No matter what stance the Security captain took on the paper, he couldn't afford to challenge Gengetsu's legacy.
Not only was the Hōzuki clan one of Kirigakure's most influential families—a pillar of the village—but Gengetsu himself held an irreplaceable status. The very framework he had established for Kirigakure remained in use to this day.
Yagura wouldn't dare disrespect such a predecessor.
"Enough. Both of you, stop here." Yagura silenced the debate. "Principal Imō, what are your thoughts?"
The Ninja Academy principal lifted his gaze from the paper, stroking his graying beard before clearing his throat.
"Different individuals excel in different jutsu. Placing them in suitable roles is the most efficient use of their talents. After carefully reviewing this paper, I believe its argument holds merit. If a field medic can save even one shinobi's life—or simply prevent the loss of combat strength—it would be a tremendous boon to Kirigakure. However… this cannot be achieved overnight."
"How so?" Yagura asked.
"The optimal approach would be to tailor instruction at the Ninja Academy based on students' chakra affinities. But they must still face the graduation exam—and medical ninjutsu is vastly inferior to other disciplines in solo combat. If we wish to cultivate more medical-nin, the Academy itself may need reform."
Old fox!
Before Imō even finished speaking, Shimomura had already mentally branded him with that label.
He had intended to use Midorima's paper as a stepping stone for medical-nin reform—yet this sly old fox was now using 'him' as the stepping stone to push for Academy reform instead.
How shameless…
If you're so capable, why don't you write a damn paper yourself? I'll eat my hat if I don't oppose it.
Though inwardly seething, Shimomura maintained a composed facade.
The workplace was a battlefield—one had to tread carefully and avoid making enemies unless absolutely necessary.
Yagura was equally frustrated. At this rate, even a week of meetings wouldn't yield any concrete conclusions.
"Deputy Commander Igawa, what is your opinion?"
Instantly, every eye in the room turned to Igawa Bu.
Imō stroked his beard, shaking his head slightly. He knew that once Igawa spoke, the matter would effectively be settled.
The paper's proposal was sound—but Igawa's son had died, and there 'had' been a field medic in the squad.
From Igawa's perspective, arguing that field medics were expendable would be entirely justifiable.
Shimomura, too, closed his eyes slowly, thinking: "It's over. All of it…"
Igawa gently closed the paper.
"The merits of a paper cannot be judged by a single aspect—one must consider the bigger picture. It is true that Midorima Asachi, the author, failed to save Tai's life despite accompanying the squad. But I must ask: Had Midorima 'not' been there, would Tai have survived? The outcome would have been the same. We should not be too harsh on a child who has not yet come of age… If not for him, Terumi Mei might also have… In that sense, the field medic fulfilled his purpose."
As he spoke, Igawa pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his tears.
The others, who had been arguing fiercely just moments ago, lowered their heads in shame.
Here was a man who had lost his son, yet could still see reason. Compared to him, their petty squabbles over personal interests were disgraceful.
Shimomura's eyes widened as if he were dreaming.
Since when did Igawa become so… reasonable?
No—since when did he change his temperament?
"If more medical-nin could accompany squads, perhaps more lives could be saved?" Igawa's gaze lingered on Shimomura, who inexplicably felt it carried a hint of… affection?
"That's correct," Shimomura replied cautiously, wary of a trap.
"However—!"
Igawa suddenly raised his voice, startling Shimomura so badly he nearly slid off his chair.
What the hell is this bastard doing? Scaring people out of nowhere!
Shimomura pressed a hand to his chest, his face pale.
"Is the Medical Division even adequately staffed?" Igawa's tone was aggressive.
"Not yet, but we can wait for the next batch of graduates—"
"Are the current medics even qualified for fieldwork? Forget supporting combat units—can they at least avoid becoming dead weight? Does the Medical Division have any experience treating injuries in active battle zones? After forced marches, can they still make accurate diagnoses while exhausted?"
"Probably… yes…" Under the barrage of questions, Shimomura's confidence wavered.
"Captain Shimomura, words like 'probably' and 'yes' have no place here. Any mistake on the battlefield costs lives."
Shimomura curled his lip, mentally flipping Igawa off.
Of course it was too good to be true.
"Deputy Commander Igawa, what do you propose?" Yagura asked.
"No new system can be implemented overnight—especially one as significant as medical-nin reform. My personal suggestion is twofold: First, conduct small-scale trials to identify potential flaws. Second, intentionally train field medics within the Medical Division. Midorima Asachi possesses both medical skills and self-defense capabilities. I propose making him an exception—allowing him to accompany squads on suitable missions. Once the time is ripe, we can expand the system."
Igawa's fists clenched so tightly they nearly drew blood—yet his face remained calm, even smiling.
He wanted Midorima dead, but couldn't afford to act directly.
Assassination?
Too beneath him. If it failed, it would only make Midorima more cautious.
Better to take a step back—assign him dangerous missions and let "accidents" happen naturally, just as they had with Tai.
More importantly, his performance today—prioritizing the village over personal vengeance—earned him considerable prestige.
Killing two birds with one stone…
True enough, even Shimomura couldn't find a rebuttal and could only nod in reluctant agreement.
"Since no one objects, we'll proceed accordingly. Now, the next matter…"
Yagura, relieved to have found a compromise, formally settled the issue.
By the time the meeting adjourned, dusk had fallen.
Shimomura stepped out of the conference room in a daze, his usual instincts failing him. Deciding he should at least inform Midorima, he hurried to the boy's residence—only to find no answer after repeated knocking.
After a moment's thought, his lips curled into a smirk.
"How foolish of me… I actually believed him. He's obviously out on a date. That brat! Well, good for him—good for him~"
Whistling cheerfully, Shimomura strolled away, hands clasped behind his back.