CHAPTER 18: You Are Not My Enemy
During an afternoon off, Haruki meandered towards the edge of Konoha, eventually reaching the vast expanse of the Nara Estate. This sprawling area, which included the natural habitats of deer—creatures closely associated with the Nara clan—offered a refreshing change of scenery. Despite the fresh air, Haruki found himself grappling with a persistent unease.
The Nara clan, well-known for being part of the 'Ino-Shika-Cho' Trio, was recognized globally. This powerful alliance, consisting of the heads of the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans, boasted a history that stretched back to the tumultuous warring periods. What nagged at Haruki, however, were the ties these clans had with the Sarutobi clan. It was a well-established tradition for each generation of the Sarutobi clan to present earrings to the successors of the three clans—relics that were cherished and passed down from generation to generation.
There was nothing Haruki was more wary of than the Third Hokage, the Elders, and their leeching clans. He remained uncertain about the Hokage's reasoning behind his swift approval of Haruki's budget proposal. Was it due to a sudden realization of their past negligence in underfunding the hospital, or were there hidden motives lurking beneath the Hokage's actions? Hiruzen always exuded a 'for the greater good' aura, albeit with noticeably less intelligence and an additional layer of cowardice. His sensei, however, had alluded to the connections between the three clans and the Sarutobi not being as 'symbolic' as Haruki might initially believe.
Still, Haruki remained guarded around the Nara clan. Renowned for their intelligence, the Nara, and particularly Shikaku, had been scrutinizing his intentions ever since their initial encounter. This was an annoyance, particularly as he found himself in the position of needing to form alliances with them. Politics was something Haruki thoroughly detested.
Additionally, the Nara clan held an expansive knowledge of medical practices. They were the custodians of possibly the world's largest collection of medical textbooks, and many iryo-nin and medical researchers at the hospital came from their ranks. While he had not interacted with them extensively up to this point, Haruki understood that their presence would inevitably become a regular part of his future.
This was one reason he had taken particular care with the Toba clan. Even though they were a minor clan, their natural affinity for the healing arts was undeniable. He discreetly pushed their clan members forward, providing them with opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities. In doing so, he was prepping them for future key appointments, all the while aiming to curtail the influence of less desirable clans.
Haruki's ascension to the role of Chief ushered in a day of reckoning for many senior members of Hospital Management. Corrupt older members were promptly forced into retirement, pending investigations, while those who were complicit yet fundamentally decent were relocated to less influential roles. The rest were shuffled into non-critical positions. This sweeping reshuffle left numerous vacancies, all of which fell within Haruki's discretion to fill, and he didn't hold back.
Regrettably, he couldn't significantly impact the likely Yamanaka control over the psychology department. Had the Uchiha shown even a trace of likability towards the general public, he would have assigned more of them to these key departments. The sharingan and genjutsu could be potent tools for dealing with trauma. Instead, they were stuck with stoic, bitter individuals who felt betrayed by the village. It seemed as though nothing in the village was playing out in his favor.
As Haruki neared the entrance to the Nara Clan's area, he observed a pair of guards stationed at a post. They smiled and offered lazy nods in his direction. 'Ah, they can't even stand straight for an entire day, can they?' he mused, considering this lack of discipline a fortunate blessing. The thought of motivated Naras was chilling, given the damage they could inflict with their intelligence.
Continuing towards the clan's main building, he acknowledged the curious onlookers with polite nods. 'Be cordial, Haruki. You need them on your side,' he internally advised. At times, he pondered the worthiness of all his efforts. Why was he subjecting himself to such burdensome responsibilities? Perhaps he could identify with the Naras and their fondness for leisure.
Abruptly, Haruki felt a gaze fixated on him. He turned to his left to see a young man, a few years older than himself, lazily observing him. He suppressed the reflex to raise an eyebrow and instead offered a smile and nod. To his surprise, the man reciprocated with a raised eyebrow of his own, a reaction that irritated Haruki. He slowly approached the man.
"To what do we owe the Saint's presence?" the young man drawled in a surprisingly deep voice for his age. Haruki bristled internally at the potential sarcasm. "I was invited by Nara-sama for tea," he responded calmly, which was met with an intense, scrutinizing look from the young man. To defuse the tension, Haruki tilted his head, feigning innocence and questioning the other's rudeness. The Nara's eyes narrowed, seemingly deep in thought.
Just as Haruki was about to excuse himself and continue on his way, the young man interjected, "I'll take you, Saint-sama." Haruki found this patronizing. He was no child in need of an escort. The man's presumptuousness provoked him, reminding him of nobles who had punished others for similar affronts.
As they both strolled towards the Nara Clan Head's residence, the young man continued to sneak glances at Haruki. His gaze was prolonged, almost piercing. "Can I help you, Nara-san?" Haruki asked politely. "Ensui. Call me Ensui," came the response in the typical deep, monotone Nara tone. Haruki's eye twitched at the noncommittal response, and he had to suppress his annoyance to avoid escalating the situation. He wracked his brain, trying to recall where he might have heard the name Ensui before.
Haruki began, "Ensui-san—" but was abruptly cut off, "No need to be so formal, Haruki-kun." He froze for a brief moment, struggling to swallow his annoyance. Collecting himself, he subtly amped up his (Sacred Charisma) subskill. His clothes and robe rippled as the wind picked up, and he turned to face Ensui. Positioned with the sun perfectly aligned behind him, he offered Ensui his best 'Saintly' smile. His voice was soft, barely louder than a whisper, "Ensui-kun."
It was a typical angelic ploy he used right before he disassembled his adversaries, both literally and metaphorically. After all, why glower menacingly when you could dismantle someone with a smile? This was the smile they witnessed as he mindfucked them, applying the full scope of his medical knowledge to realize the phrase 'worse than death.' It was a smile that haunted their worst nightmares. Could there be anything more terrifying?
Oblivious to this development, Ensui's eyes widened in surprise, his mouth falling slightly open. He even drew a sharp breath, seemingly taken aback by Haruki's abrupt shift in demeanor. "Ensui-kun," Haruki repeated, snapping Ensui from his daze. "Can I help you?" he asked, leaning slightly forward in a perfect imitation of an innocent child's posture.
For a moment, the boy didn't respond. Internally, Haruki allowed himself a smile. He projected an air of innocent youth, as if he were merely a kid invited to make friends within the Nara clan. Through his demeanor, he silently broadcasted a message: 'Don't overthink. The innocent child you see here is just that - an innocent child. There's nothing more to see.'
After a few minutes of the standoff, he noticed Shikaku's chakra signature approaching them. He turned his head towards the Clan Head, before slowly waving his hand at the man, acting childish to imply they were having a 'secret conversation.' For a fleeting moment, he perceived a shift in Ensui's previously lazily burning chakra. It had frozen momentarily at his antic before radiating a gentle, soothing energy reminiscent of morning dew in the forest, and for some unknown reason, it pulsed gently in his direction. The fuck?
"Haruki-san, Ensui," Shikaku beckoned them, giving Ensui an odd look. Despite being called, Ensui was still staring at Haruki, acting as the world's most distracted guide. "Ensui," Shikaku tried again, only to be ignored. In response, Shikaku sent a sudden flash of chakra towards Ensui, causing him to flinch and finally turn his attention back to Shikaku.
Shikaku's eyebrows were furrowed in clear disapproval of Ensui's discourteous behavior towards their guest. Haruki couldn't help but revel inwardly at the sight. "It's okay, Ensui was showing me the way to your home, Shikaku-san," he kindly interjected, pretending to 'cover' for Ensui. "Clearly," Shikaku replied, his tone thick with sarcasm. Haruki nodded at him, silently hoping that Ensui would be reprimanded later.
Shikaku soon led them both to his house. But he noticed that the two Naras were having a full-on conversation through their chakra patterns. This was exactly why Haruki had never told anyone in Konoha that he was a naturally gifted sensor, and one of the best at that. Yet Ensui still had the audacity to cast glances at Haruki, earning him even more puzzled looks from Shikaku.
"I'm curious," Haruki's words suddenly captured everyone's attention. "May I ask where the deer are?" His eyes glimmered with interest. He'd been to Nara, Japan, once and loved the polite and tame deer there. Although, one had tried to ram him from behind when he was too slow at giving out treats. The thought nearly made him laugh out loud. Perhaps Ensui was like that one unusually rude deer.
"I can take you to see the deer," Ensui quickly responded, the laid-back drawl gone from his voice. Haruki had to turn and look at him in surprise at the sudden change in tone. Shikaku gave him another peculiar look before addressing Haruki. "We can visit them whenever you want," he replied politely. Haruki nodded in excitement.
The Nara Clan Head's house was relatively large. However, the furniture was modest, focusing on comfort and creating a homely atmosphere – something Haruki respected. A woman around Shikaku's age, carrying a baby, greeted them at the entrance. "Welcome to our home, Saint-sama. I'm Yoshino, Shikaku's wife."
He warmly greeted her back before gushing over their child. Yoshino promptly started complaining about how her son was sleeping all day, to which Haruki laughed, "like father, like son," causing Yoshino to burst out laughing so loud that Shikamaru woke up and glared at her with his tiny beady eyes. He gave the house owner several gifts, considering it was his first visit. They looked confusingly at the set of beautifully woven blankets, an odd choice for a gift. "It's weighted blankets," Haruki explained, "A special type of blanket filled with small weights, such as plastic pellets or glass beads. The added weight creates a gentle pressure on the body, providing a comforting and calming sensation." The three Naras were now clearly processing its purpose before slowly coming to a realization. Their eyes widened, the laziness dissipating as they began to sparkle.
Haruki smiled at their insight, "The blankets enhance the feeling of being hugged or cuddled, which can promote relaxation and better sleep. The deep pressure stimulation from the blanket can soothe your nerves, alleviate stress, and create a sense of security, making it easier for you to drift into a peaceful slumber." Shikaku all but ripped one of the blankets from his hand, feeling the material and weight, his eyes still glistening in anticipation before Yoshino coughed loudly, mumbling "Lazy Naras" under her breath.
As they drank tea, they talked about everything going on lately in the village, most of which Haruki was unaware of, considering he was busy all the time. "Of course. I heard from the Naras working at the hospital that the Chief rarely leaves the hospital unless he was literally forced out," Shikaku mused. Haruki rolled his eyes, "Death doesn't clock out, Shikaku-san. I try to fight when I can," he responded to Yoshino's concern. He was just ignoring the other guy who thought he was slick enough to steal glances at him without him knowing.
"And the hospital, despite the new rounds of investments, is still severely understaffed," he exasperatedly sighed. "It's an all-hands-on-deck situation all the time. How cruel is it to allow our fighters to die not from sacrificing their lives on the frontlines, but because we simply don't have enough healers to save them? It's a complete failure at every level," he sounded both outraged and lethargic at the thought.
Shikaku grimaced, painfully nodding. After all, he was a high-ranking member of the Hokage's administration. The hospital's failure was their negligence and oversight. "I've been asking around in the clan if anyone might consider joining the medic corps. Hopefully, we'll get a positive response soon," Shikaku continued, "I've also asked the Yamanakas as well." Haruki approved of his lack of attempt at trying to justify their complete dereliction of duty; instead, he was a problem solver. He can work with that.
As much as he was wary of the two clans, unfortunately, they really needed more helping hands. Haruki slightly bowed, to the house owner's surprise and dismay, "I am grateful for your help on this matter, Shikaku-san. Countless lives will now have a better chance of surviving due to your help." Shikaku quickly countered, "It's our delinquency that caused the problem to deteriorate to this rate in the first place. If it were not for you, Haruki-san, I shiver to even imagine what would've eventually happened."
Haruki didn't deny his words, "Recognizing one's mistake takes courage that most don't have, Shikaku-san. I am glad to know that most of the villagers are actively trying to rectify the situation." Shikaku understood Haruki's implication. Apparently, the Saint was wary if they, the high-ranking members of Konoha, might be incentivized or complicit in allowing the hospital to fall apart. That the Saint had considered that the village might've undermined, if not sabotaged his efforts. The Saint was skeptical of the village.
Ironically, Shikaku couldn't outright deny his words as it held some truth. With the orphanage and the hospital situation clearly brought to the surface by the Saint himself, any reasonable person might consider that the village simply doesn't care for them or has motivations to keep the status quo. In fact, the Nara would even reason that maybe in some cases or individuals, that might be true.
He had to internally sweatdrop at the fierce side of the Saint. Spoken like a true noble, poison hidden in his words. But he wasn't offended or put off in the slightest bit. In fact, Shikaku greatly respected him for it. The Saint was saying all of these on behalf of the most vulnerable. Picking up fights, cleaning up their mess, and offering salvation to those left behind by the village themselves. The Saint was protecting them when they, the supposed guardians, failed. He would gladly offer his support and fight alongside him too. In fact, he thought the fierce side of the Saint quite cute and lovable. Who wouldn't?
"Then I guess we just have to find more ways to alleviate the issue, don't we?" he lazily said with the classic Nara grin. Haruki could clearly tell that this was him, waving his white flag and declaring that the Nara was not his enemy and more than willing to help him. Haruki gave his bright smile, "Then you need to cut off your nap time, Shikaku-san. We have so much to do. Yoshino-san, please make sure of it."
Shikaku instantly flinched before lazily laying his head on the table in defeat, Yoshino laughing up a storm confirming her agreement to be Haruki's 'partner in crime,' and somehow the younger Nara's gaze became sharper. Why was no one telling him off?!
As the conversation continued, Shikaku asked Haruki to play a game of shogi. "I've never tried it before," he hummed, "Though I know some Nobles also enjoy it as their part-time hobbies." Shikaku came back, bringing the shogi set with him.
Shikaku sat across from Haruki, a Shogi board positioned between them. As Shikaku outlined the game's rules, there was a glint of anticipation in his eyes. It wasn't just about the game; observing a new opponent across the board was like peering into their psyche. He relished these initial games, they were a unique way to unravel a person's thought process.
When they began to play, Shikaku settled himself for a leisurely game. But his composure was disrupted by Haruki's electrifying speed. It seemed that Haruki was aimlessly shuffling pieces around, not really invested in the game. Yet, as Shikaku observed closely, a pattern emerged. Beneath Haruki's swift moves, there was a hidden strategy taking form.
Haruki was undeniably a novice, sometimes blundering and occasionally getting the rules wrong. But there was a certain intrigue to his unrefined and audacious playing style that fascinated Shikaku. Haruki was not afraid to experiment and take daring leaps, pushing the conventional boundaries of Shogi, almost trying to rupture them.
Shikaku was bewildered by Haruki's immediate response to each of his moves. Even the most experienced players didn't usually play with such fervor and intensity. Haruki seemed to have an innate understanding of the game's intricacies. His moves appeared instinctive, almost as if he had the ability to visualize several steps ahead and strategize his moves with astounding speed.
The round ended swiftly due to Haruki's exceptional pace and the latter's defeat. A surge of joy sparked within Shikaku and he eagerly proposed another round. It had been a long time since he had relished a game so much. However, the thrill of the game was soon tinged with a hint of dread as Shikaku struggled to keep pace with Haruki's rapidly evolving strategies.
In every successive round, Haruki completely overhauled his strategy. He used different tactics, showcasing a remarkable ability to learn and adapt from his previous moves. Shikaku was utterly captivated by this enigmatic player who defied all norms. His usual banter was replaced with silence, every ounce of his energy and focus channelled into the game, to keep pace with this extraordinary novice turned Shogi prodigy.
Shikaku felt increasingly helpless against Haruki's rapidly changing tactics. Haruki was a conundrum, unpredictable and always pushing the boundaries of the game. Each move was an exploration of uncharted territories, implementing strategies that Shikaku hadn't even conceived possible.
The entire experience was both exhilarating and terrifying. Haruki's relentless pursuit of novelty demonstrated his unyielding determination to challenge the norms of Shogi. He showcased an uncanny ability to think outside the box, bending the rules to his advantage.
Shikaku was left awestruck by Haruki's capacity to learn and adapt instantaneously. It seemed as if he assimilated the essence of each move made by his opponent and converted that insight into his next masterful play. Shikaku felt as if he were up against a prodigious savant, someone capable of discerning patterns and possibilities that were otherwise invisible.
Haruki's novel tactics challenged the very foundation of Shogi. His audacious maneuvering was akin to a bold dance on the board, where the boundaries of the game were continuously probed, stretched, and frequently broken. Shikaku felt as though he was witnessing a revolution in the world of Shogi, spearheaded by this extraordinary young man.
Shikaku's horror wasn't driven by the fear of defeat. Instead, it was the realization that he was in the presence of an authentic genius. Haruki's mind was an astonishing vortex of ingenuity, and he employed his intellect with a deftness that was beyond comprehension.
Their games were a thrilling symphony of innovation, with each move standing testament to Haruki's distinct approach. He displayed a level of adaptability and creativity that Shikaku had never seen before, leaving him both fascinated and humbled by the depth of Haruki's intellect.
In the end, their encounter transcended beyond the conventional borders of Shogi. Haruki had taken Shikaku on an exhilarating journey, redefining the essence of the game. This enigmatic young man's brilliance and audacity commanded Shikaku's deep respect and admiration.
With disbelief and exhilaration contorting his features, and a tinge of fear he couldn't mask, Shikaku gazed at Haruki. Unperturbed, Haruki simply smiled, his eyes skimming over the Shogi board. "One final time," he challenged Shikaku, who responded with a hearty laugh and a nod of agreement.
As they commenced their final rounds, Haruki began to draw a comparison. "You know," he started, his voice steady but imbued with fervor, "being a surgeon isn't so different from our little game here."
Shikaku raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Haruki's comparison. "How so?" he inquired, genuine curiosity lacing his words.
Haruki leaned back, his gaze fixated on the Shogi board as he responded. "When I step into the operating room, I am met with challenges and uncertainties. Each patient's life is at stake, and I need to think quickly, much like this game. The decisions I make can mean the difference between life and death."
He picked up a Shogi piece and twirled it between his fingers, his gaze distant yet intense. "In surgery, I can't afford to stick to traditional methods alone. Sometimes, I need to push the boundaries of what's considered standard practice. I have to be creative, adaptable, and willing to persist until I find the most effective solution."
Shikaku had nodded thoughtfully, beginning to grasp the parallels. "So, you're implying that you need to come up with unorthodox strategies, just like the ones you're employing in our game?"
Haruki had smiled, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. "Exactly. It's all about liberating oneself from the expected and uncovering new strategies that could save lives. In Shogi, I found myself consistently exploring different paths, even if they initially seemed unconventional."
He had drawn a deep breath, with memories of high-stress surgeries cascading through his mind. "There were moments when everything felt chaotic and unpredictable, much like our game. But during those moments, I needed to trust my instincts, relying on my training and experience to make split-second decisions."
Shikaku had watched as Haruki's gaze became intense, as if he was reliving a particularly demanding surgery. "That sounds incredibly challenging," Shikaku had remarked, acknowledging the seriousness of Haruki's profession.
"It is," Haruki had admitted. "But it is also incredibly rewarding. Successfully navigating those challenges and saving a life, the feeling was unparalleled. It's like winning a fiercely contested battle on the board."
He had gestured towards the Shogi pieces with a modest smile. "In both surgery and Shogi, the key was to embrace the uncertainty and learn from each move, even if it didn't play out as anticipated. I applied that same approach in my profession, just as I did on the board."
Shikaku had nodded in understanding, a newfound respect for the young surgeon's perspective taking root. "I see. It requires courage and determination to confront those uncertainties head-on."
Haruki had nodded, his eyes locking onto Shikaku's. "Yes, it does. But that's what made being a surgeon so fulfilling. And, just like in our game, I intend to continue challenging the boundaries and exploring new possibilities, irrespective of how daunting they may have seemed."
In their final round, the tension between Shikaku and Haruki had reached its pinnacle. Every move was meticulously calculated, every decision made with absolute precision. But as the game had escalated towards its climax, Shikaku's confidence had instantly evaporated. The room had taken on an icy chill, the tension and weight were tangible. A sinking feeling had settled in his stomach as he realized all the pathways he had meticulously crafted for victory had been masterfully negated by Haruki. It was as if the young prodigy had spun a web of intricate strategies, leaving no room for escape, and all the while, Shikaku had been blissfully oblivious of the impending danger.
The noose had tightened around his neck, a metaphorical weight that threatened to suffocate him. Though it was just a game, the intensity of the moment had been tangible, and Shikaku found his breath hitching at the gravity of the situation. His sharp eyes had locked onto Haruki's, and in that gaze, he saw the brilliance and complexity of the man before him.
Haruki's 'Saintly' smile, although captivating, carried an air of foreboding. It was a smile that haunted countless enemies of his all the way to the 'Pure Land'.
With each move, Haruki demonstrated his profound understanding of the Nara clan's traits, their laziness, and aversion to troubles. In fact, he resonated with their ideals, yet his smile stood as a stark reminder that he was not one to be underestimated or trifled with. The noose had served as a terrifying symbol of the power he held, a power he didn't wish to unleash but would if forced to protect what he valued. The Saint showed what he was more than capable of.
Then, in a sudden twist, the game had shifted. The noose around Shikaku's neck seemed to loosen, offering him an unexpected chance to clinch a victory, as if his temporary sense of looming doom were merely a lie. Haruki's strategic maneuvering had allowed the Nara Clan Head to seize the moment and win.
At the peak of his triumph, Shikaku grasped the profound message Haruki was conveying without uttering a single word. "You are not my enemy," the aura around the Saint seemed to echo. This silent communication was a testament of understanding and respect, a declaration that despite being a formidable force, Haruki harbored no hostility towards Shikaku. The noose, a symbol of potential danger, was never meant for him. This sobering revelation etched itself deep into the bones of Konoha's foremost tactician, born from a clan renowned for their intelligence.
Suddenly, Shikaku crumpled to the ground, utterly soaked in sweat, his hands trembling uncontrollably as he gasped for air. This alarming sight finally triggered Yoshino's concealed worries. As he observed Haruki depart from his house with Ensui at his side, a wave of relief washed over Shikaku. His gratitude towards the Saint, the enigmatic figure who could have easily been a fearsome adversary, was boundless. Haruki's actions echoed louder than words, and by sparing Shikaku from the metaphorical noose, he had gifted him a newfound sense of appreciation for the young prodigy's intricate nature.
In the silence that followed their intense game, Shikaku was left with a deep understanding that he had brushed paths with an individual of rare caliber. Suzaku Haruki, the Saint, was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Yet, he had consciously elected not to pose as a threat to the Nara Clan. Shikaku discerned in this mysterious prodigy a valuable ally in the convoluted game of life, where every move bore significance and every decision held potential consequences.
In the wake of their intense Shogi encounter, Shikaku made a silent vow never to cross the Saint of Embers. He had experienced firsthand the young prodigy's strategic prowess - perpetually several step ahead, gradually tightening the noose around his victory while Shikaku remained blissfully unaware. This encounter instilled in him a sense of awe and a touch of terror towards Haruki's dormant power.
Haruki's affable demeanor effectively masked the formidable force he could morph into when provoked. Shikaku realized that the Saint had shown mercy universally, opting not to use his more aggressive and monstrous facet. The fact that he chose to reveal this side to Shikaku exemplified the Saint's stance towards him. This stark realization that the compassionate healer harbored such an intimidating aspect incited a profound respect in Shikaku. From that day forth, he approached the Saint with a blend of caution and respect, fully aware that their paths would intertwine again. He harbored a silent hope to remain an ally of this unpredictable, yet undeniably powerful figure, in the village they both presumably held dear.
NOTES:
Unique Skill [Analyst]
- Thought Acceleration: Raises thought-processing speed by a thousand times.
- Analytical Appraisal: The ability to analyze and appraise a target. The user's analysis capabilities are enhanced.
- Chant Annulment: When using magic or ninjutsu, the chant or hand signs is no longer necessary.
- All of Creation: The ability to comprehend any non-concealed phenomenon in this world. Depending on the things the user understands and the information the user knows about, additional information can be inferred. In other words, the user needs to see it (the phenomenon) at least once.
- Law Manipulation: Enables the manipulation of the laws of the world from either magical or scientific perspective.