CHAPTER 6: Unspoken Words
His new home, or rather, mansion, was immensely large. It had been constructed by demolishing four houses and combining them into a single grand residence, smack dab near the heart of Konoha. There was ample space for an entrance, a garden, the mansion itself, and a training area behind the house, complete with a small lake and many more. It was likely larger than the ancestral home of a minor clan's leader. One of the houses that had been demolished had belonged to the Hyuga clan, and they had given it to him as a "birthday gift." He had initially tried to politely refuse due to social etiquette, but eventually accepted it reluctantly. Oh, the burdens of being a successful lifesaver.
The exterior of the mansion exuded a traditional feel that drew inspiration from the grandeur of feudal Japan, with a touch of modern influences from his past life. The result was a unique fusion of classic and contemporary elements that added a sense of familiarity and comfort to the overall aesthetic, yet it stood distinct from the other houses. The mansion's grand entrance welcomed guests with a sturdy wooden gate adorned with intricate carvings depicting mythical creatures and symbols of good luck. A stone pathway led visitors through a well-manicured garden, showcasing vibrant flowers, neatly trimmed hedges, and a small koi pond. The gentle sound of trickling water from a traditional stone fountain provided a soothing ambiance.
Stepping inside, guests are greeted by a spacious foyer, where sliding shoji screens create a sense of openness and allow soft natural light to filter through. The walls are adorned with tasteful paintings and calligraphy, paying homage to the rich artistic traditions of the Land of Fire. The interior of the mansion offers various rooms, each meticulously designed to evoke a cozy and homey atmosphere. A ceremonial tea room serves as a serene oasis, featuring tatami mats, low tables, and elegant tea sets displayed on wooden shelves. The room's aesthetic combines the gracefulness of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies with a touch of modern minimalism, ensuring a tranquil space for contemplation and relaxation. Adjacent to the tea room, a spacious library beckons with rows of shelves holding a vast collection of books, scrolls, and ancient texts. Comfortable seating arrangements, including plush armchairs and cozy reading nooks, invite visitors to delve into the realms of knowledge and escape into captivating stories.
The master bedroom upstairs boasted a grand canopy bed adorned with luxurious silk drapes, offering a haven of tranquility and rest. Soft ambient lighting cast a warm glow, creating an atmosphere of comfort and intimacy. The room featured a private balcony overlooking the garden, providing a peaceful retreat for reflection and appreciation of nature's beauty. Throughout the mansion, intricately woven tapestries and carefully selected decorative pieces, many of which were gifts from other nobles, added splashes of color and texture, carrying with them the memories contained in each gift. His home embraced the inviting essence of coziness and provided a sanctuary for its inhabitants.
He nodded, silently approving the house he had painstakingly prepared for a while. After carefully checking the manor, he focused his attention on summoning four large scrolls from his storage seals. With a sense of overflowing excitement and anticipation, he meticulously arranged the scrolls in a specific formation, laying them out in the shape of a square aligned with the four cardinal directions.
As he unrolled each scroll, revealing their captivating contents, intricate combinations of words and runic symbols adorned the parchment alongside the vivid ink illustrations. The first scroll showcased a majestic tiger, its fierce presence leaping off the page, accompanied by ancient words and powerful runes that conveyed strength and courage.
Next, he carefully unraveled the scroll depicting a resilient turtle, encircled by intricate runic inscriptions that symbolized longevity and wisdom. The combination of carefully chosen words and ancient symbols brought forth the essence of protection and stability associated with the turtle.
As he unrolled the third scroll, an elegant eastern dragon gracefully emerged, its sinuous form accentuated by meticulously crafted runic languages that evoked power and wisdom. The words danced alongside the dragon's intricate ink illustration, infusing the symbol of the dragon with a sense of awe and reverence.
Finally, he unveiled the fourth scroll, revealing a regal bird with outstretched wings. Alongside the captivating ink illustration, ancient runic languages adorned the parchment, representing freedom, aspiration, and a profound connection to the divine. The combination of words and runes brought forth the essence of soaring ambition and higher perspectives.
With a precise hand seal, he infused chakra into the ink, causing the illustrations of the four animals to come to life, their vibrant forms animated with a mesmerizing energy. The words and runic languages on the scrolls shimmered with power, enhancing the symbolism and significance of the summoning. The arrangement of the scrolls in the formation of a square aligned with the four cardinal directions further added to the sacred and balanced nature of the ritual.
Gasps of astonishment filled the room as the ink flowed with purpose, weaving its way along the walls, ceiling, and floor. For a brief moment, it seemed as if the interior of the house was being vandalized, but the ink seamlessly seeped into every crevice, merging with the surfaces. This was his latest and ultimate creation, the pinnacle of his fuinjutsu knowledge and other arts taken to the extreme, the 'Compound Sealing Barrier: Four Symbols.' It had taken weeks, if not months, of meticulous preparation by dozens of clones at a time, but the effort was undoubtedly worthwhile. A fraction of the time it took him to invent the jutsu.
As the ink flowed, the symbols and runes on the scrolls interacted with the surfaces of the mansion, imbuing them with protective enchantments. The ink continued its mesmerizing dance, etching invisible layers of protection throughout the mansion. Each room and corridor were imbued with its unique seal, tailored to their specific purposes. The ceremonial tea room, a tranquil oasis, was now enveloped in a subtle aura that promoted serenity and heightened spiritual awareness. The library, a sanctuary of knowledge, received an extra layer of preservation to safeguard its valuable contents from decay and deterioration.
Moving through the mansion, the ink reached the master bedroom, infusing the space with a subtle but powerful sense of tranquility and safety. The warm glow emanating from the enchanted lighting created an atmosphere conducive to rest and relaxation. Even the private balcony, overlooking the serene garden, benefited from the sealing barrier, providing an added layer of privacy and shielding from prying eyes.
The sealing barrier he had erected was an all-encompassing, versatile, and permanent defensive and offensive mechanism with a multitude of uses. Among its many capabilities, it rendered the house impervious to scrying or clairvoyance, ensuring privacy and protecting against the piercing gaze of the Byakugan wielders next door. The barrier could withstand direct major attacks, acting as a shield against external threats, and even possessed an automatic defense system, ready to repel any would-be invaders. Any unfortunate soul foolish enough to breach this barrier would face dire consequences, as the house's automatic defense mechanisms would be unleashed upon them.
The sealing barrier itself was virtually invisible to the naked eye, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Only a select few individuals possessed the keen perception to detect its presence. Even without feeding it his own chakra, the barrier drew upon the natural energy in the air, subtly replenishing its own energy reserves. It was a testament to his ingenuity and resourcefulness, utilizing the principles of natural energy manipulation in ways that likely no one has ever even attempted or thought of. Enough to redefine Tsunade and Katsuyu-sensei's understanding of the potential of natural energy.
The mansion now stood as a testament to both his aesthetic sensibilities and the epitome of his accumulated knowledge and capabilities. As he observed the completion of the sealing barrier, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The mansion had transformed into more than just a dwelling; it had become a reflection of his aspirations and a sanctuary, slowly molding to what could be his home. With a satisfied smile, he stepped back, admiring the intricate ink patterns that slowly seeped into the walls. The compound sealing barrier was a testament to his skill and dedication, ensuring that his new home would be a place of tranquility and security for years to come.
Tsunade couldn't help but roll her eyes at his display of preparedness. "Of course, you had to go all out with this," she muttered, clearly both impressed yet slightly annoyed. He shot her a glare in response. "Unlike a certain someone," he pointedly stared at her, "I prefer to be ready for anything." She sneered at his comment, "Prep perv" resorting to childish name-calling. He brushed off her jibe, refusing to engage in a petty argument. After all, his extensive preparations were born out of thoughtfulness and careful consideration, not paranoia. Yes, definitely.
Shizune, ever the peacemaker, attempted to defuse the tension and expressed admiration for the impressive mansion and grand fuinjutsu work. Tsunade, with a snort, corrected her, stating that it wasn't just nice—it was smart. She went on to explain the strategic decision behind choosing a house in close proximity to the Hyuga compound. Not only was it cost-effective due to the reluctance of others to live under the watchful eyes of the Hyuga clan, but it also provided an opportunity for him to utilize his barrier techniques to safeguard his home against prying eyes. The mansion became a fortress of sorts, keeping the ANBU and anyone else seeking to spy on him at bay.
Shizune's smile faded as she processed this information. "But they wouldn't actually..." she began, her voice trailing off unsure. Tsunade interrupted, her tone firm and serious. "Oh, they could and would," she confirmed. He interjected, his casual tone belying the weight of his words, "It is what it is. I'm prepared, and they know that they can't directly touch me without causing irreparable damage to the village. Konoha may be the strongest village, but now there are ways for me to paralyze, if not destabilize, the village should the need arise" he tilted his head to the side and smiled innocently.
Tsunade burst into genuine laughter, her boisterous guffaws filling the room. "Yeah, just destroy everything and leave the village in chaos," she managed to say between fits of laughter. He shrugged nonchalantly, unaffected by her reaction. "A Hokage is replaceable. When Hiruzen dies, someone else will be appointed to fill his chair. But if I were to leave or meet an unfortunate end, who would assuage the Daimyo and ensure his ongoing health?" His deadpan gaze met Tsunade's teary-eyed laughter, their silent communication speaking volumes. Shizune paled at the implications of his words, realizing the immense weight of his words.
He turned sharply to his teacher, his expression questioning. Tsunade sighed, her laughter subsiding, and sank onto the couch, surprised by its softness and plushness that embraced her tired body. From her storage scroll, she produced a hitai-ate, several papers, and a dark green vest. "Congratulations," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of pride and resignation, "from today onwards, you are officially recognized as a Tokubetsu Jonin of Konoha." He didn't reach out to accept the items, instead meeting her deadpan look with one of his own, silently questioning her intentions and what this new title truly meant for him. Was it even okay for him to skip all the formalities? What the hell. Is this what a 'nepo baby' feels like?
She shrugged nonchalantly, leaving the items on the couch before delivering another bombshell of news. "Also, I've registered you into the Senju family register," she stated matter-of-factly. His eyebrows shot up in surprise, eyes widening at the unexpected revelation. Before he could utter a single word, she anticipated his questions and swiftly continued, "Even if you don't plan to take on missions as a ninja, holding a rank is a minimum requirement if you wish to eventually run the hospital here."
Without pausing, she moved on to her second point. "Strength alone doesn't make you immune to the world of politics or the deceitful ways it operates," she warned. "From this moment forward, whether or not you choose to use the name, you are officially a Senju. You have the ability to serve as the clan's representative in my absence, wielding that power in any manner you see fit and enjoying the protection it affords," she remarked wryly, acknowledging the irony of her statement.
He watched and listened intently, absorbing every piece of information despite the flurry of questions swirling within him. Tsunade knew the gravity of the situation and continued to provide clarity. "The old man won't send you on any missions as per your request. Starting tomorrow, you will work exclusively at the hospital as the next Chief Attending, pending some paperwork and a trial period of one week. The current chief has been searching for a replacement, and you have been offered higher positions in hospitals across the land," she informed him, taking a sip from the tea that Shizune had brought, her disappointment apparent that it wasn't alcohol.
She handed him his working contract, directing his attention to a specific page. As he quickly skimmed the paper, disbelief colored his murmured response, "That's... generous." Tsunade let out a snort at his reaction and continued, "You will receive a personal percentage from your VIP clientele. Your presence alone will transform Konoha's hospital into a hub for medical tourism. The daimyo, nobles, and anyone in dire need of top-tier medical services will seek you out. This influx of wealthy clientele will contribute significantly to Konoha's economy, generating revenue through accommodations, services, food, and more. You deserve your share," she emphasized.
"All profits from your VIP clientele, beyond your personal percentage, will be at your disposal for the betterment of the hospital. It will be excluded from the general budget, and no one, not even the Hokage, can interfere with it. This contract ensures that the money can only be used to improve the hospital and its services, at your total discretion," she explained. He took a deep breath, realizing the extent of his importance as a strategic asset. How had she managed to convince the Hokage? Ah, right, he recalled their confrontation in the old man's office.
Haruki's mind swirled with a mixture of confidence and uncertainty as he grappled with the weight of the responsibility placed upon him. Deep down, he knew he had the skills and expertise to excel in his role as the Chief Attending. He believed in his abilities and the impact he could make on Konoha's healthcare system. Yet, the magnitude of the task at hand, combined with the unfamiliarity of a new and foreign environment, cast a shadow of doubt over his plans.
Amidst these swirling thoughts, Haruki found himself hoping that the paperwork and administrative tasks wouldn't completely overwhelm him. The bureaucratic side of the job wasn't his favorite, and he worried about the time and energy it would consume, even with clones helping. He understood its importance in running a smooth operation, but he yearned to focus on what truly mattered—the cutting-edge medical care itself.
Additionally, the idea of navigating a new and foreign place, where enemies and friends lurked around every corner, added another layer of complexity to his role. While he knew he had the support of Tsunade and the Hyuga Clan, the unknown variables and potential pitfalls created a sense of unease within him. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, as his actions and decisions could have far-reaching consequences for himself.
Yet, despite these doubts and concerns, Haruki's determination remained unwavering. He reminded himself that he had been taught by the best, worked twice as hard, and became the best. Even with his 'cheats' and advantages, he had dedicated his blood, sweat, and tears to excelling in everything he did. He didn't take what he was given for granted. He had fought and earned his way here. He knew he was ready.
He would face the challenges head-on, knowing that he had the resilience and expertise to overcome them. He had been preparing for this moment, honing his skills and knowledge, and building relationships along the way. While the road ahead wouldn't be easy, Haruki had faith in his abilities and the bonds he had forged. He understood that he would need to navigate uncharted territories, both in the medical field and in his personal and professional relationships. However, he drew strength from the conviction that he had earned his place and had the support of those who believed in him.
"There's more to the contract, but you can read it later. Just remember..." Her gaze softened as she spoke, her words imbued with sincerity, "You're free. If you ever feel that they're mistreating you or taking advantage of you in any way, you have the freedom to leave this damn village. I know that if you truly wish to, no one could possibly stop you." He moved closer, settling on the couch beside her, his gaze fixed ahead. "You do whatever you want. And if they dare to make a move against you," he heard a distinct clenching noise, "Burn them," her eyes blazed with determination. Meeting her fierce gaze, he responded with warmth, "I wouldn't have it any other way," he tilted his head, resting it against her arm. Slowly, she draped her arm over him. "Awwww", they both tacitly agreed to ignore the gushing Shizune, who was cooking in the kitchen, giving them room to talk.
No further words were necessary. In that quiet moment, their unspoken understanding filled the space between them.