CHAPTER 7: The Tale of the Utterly Saintly Healer
He gazed up at the unfamiliar, impeccably crafted ceiling of his new house. It was strange to think that he, a twelve-year-old, could afford such a mansion. Taking a moment for his brain to catch up, he groaned and rose from the bed, making his way to the equally enormous bathroom. Today was bound to be a grueling day.
As he descended the stairs, he caught sight of Shizune humming and gracefully maneuvering around the kitchen. His sensei was nowhere to be seen, likely still recovering from last night's escapades as usual. "Good morning, Haruki," she greeted him. He mustered a smile and replied, "Morning, Shizu-nee." Grateful that a fresh pot of coffee awaited him, he grabbed a glass and poured in an abundance of milk. Two lives and he was still enslaved by the bean juice.
A clacking sound snapped him out of his daze. Before him was a plate of salmon, accompanied by various side dishes, a bowl of miso soup, and a serving of rice. Another set was prepared for Shizune. The side dishes appeared almost too professional, like miniature works of art, comprised of a vibrant and appetizing assortment of ingredients. No offense to Shizune, but it seemed unlikely she had enough time to prepare them herself. Sensing his curiosity, she explained, "Oh, right. Someone from the Hyuga clan dropped it off. I stored the rest in the fridge." He nodded in acknowledgment.
With a synchronized clap of their hands, they both expressed their gratitude, saying, "Gochisousama." They ate in silence for a while before Shizune asked, "Are you nervous?"
"Yeah... I'm not good at this... meeting new people. I feel like I'm going to do something stupid and embarrass myself," he confessed. She chuckled at his admission. "Well, you don't have to worry. They're already scheduling surgeries for you today. You'll probably be too busy to feel nervous," she reassured him. Instantly, a wave of relief washed over him, dampening some of his anxiety. "Besides," she added, "once you're in the operating room, you'll be so focused on the surgery itself that everything else will fade into the background."
Shizu-nee had an uncanny ability to encourage him during moments like these. She wouldn't hesitate to offer a supportive word when she believed it would help. Equally important, she knew when not to push or intervene, understanding when her words alone couldn't provide direct assistance. He sighed, realizing how much he would miss her.
She was right, of course. The reason he enjoyed working as a medical ninja was the exhilaration of triumphing against all odds. Every patient presented a medical enigma. He had to decipher their symptoms, listen to their firsthand accounts, analyze blood panels, and much more. Once he identified the problem, he would devise treatment plans, procedures, and medications. Each patient was a unique case, with no two sets of symptoms or diseases being exactly alike.
Time and the lack of concrete information were against him every step of the way. Nevertheless, he fought on, diligently deciphering each medical mystery that came his way. He fought for his patients' lives, more often than not, emerging victorious. His goal was to see them reunited with their families, able to resume their lives and cherished routines, now with a renewed sense of purpose after narrowly escaping the brink of death.
When he was engrossed in his work, the surroundings faded away. The bustling hospital, the curious glances from onlookers, the eyes filled with despair, expectation, and a glimmer of hope—all of it ceased to bother him. He simply fought, his training guiding him with precision. Success wasn't his obsession; failure was his greatest fear. After all, he was the one who had to deliver the news of his own shortcomings to the families and loved ones of his patients. He dreaded the thought of admitting that his incompetence had taken someone's life and forever shattered their world, tearing apart their family.
Yet, he remained unfazed. He recognized that these same hands capable of causing calamities were also equally capable of saving lives. He found joy in being a doctor, even if some believed he had ulterior motives. As far as he was concerned, his patients chose him because they believed he offered them the best chance at recovery. So he tirelessly honed his skills, keeping his mind open to countless possibilities and choices, and nurturing a resilient heart that could weather the storm when failure struck.
Suddenly, loud footsteps and a heavy groan pulled him out of his thoughts. "Good morning, Tsunade-sama. Your food is ready," she called out. The medical pioneer groaned in response, clutching her head in pain and demanding his assistance. "Sometimes I regret creating the hangover pill," he murmured, summoning a bottle from one of his storage seal tattoos.
He finished his dish and savored his latte, observing his sensei slowly waking up and devouring her food. Damn, he was really going to miss this.
Waiting in front of the hospital was a man in his late 50s, his face etched with wisdom and a slight wrinkling of time. The corridors were unusually crowded today, as everyone eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Saint and the Princess. This wasn't the first time he had encountered the prodigious medical talent, though. A few years back, he had pleaded with him to join Konoha upon hearing the growing rumors of his accomplishments.
He had witnessed firsthand the capabilities of this extraordinary individual, and damn, he was truly remarkable. No, he was beyond exceptional. Quick on his feet, concise yet never impersonal, caring without becoming overly emotional—he could put the best doctors in the hospital to shame, and he was younger than them.
The Saint of Embers had taken the esteemed status of medical ninjas to new heights. He was bestowed with nobility for his achievements, adored by ninjas, civilians, and nobles alike, and had single-handedly revolutionized the medical world. He seamlessly carried on the mantle left by his teacher, surpassing all expectations and never ceasing in his pursuit of greatness.
The moment he heard that the Saint was actually planning to move and work in Konoha, he willingly gave up his own job without a second thought. He was an impeccable healer, with decades of experience under his belt, but no one could remain unhumbled when witnessing the Saint's work. He wasn't mourning his early retirement; he was ecstatic that change was finally coming. He knew better than anyone just how stagnant things had become in Konoha, and the Saint of Embers was the perfect catalyst for transformation. May his fire burn away the decaying branches, transforming them into fertile ground for a promising future.
And then he saw them—the peculiar trio consisting of a boy, a teenager, and a young woman. He clenched his hands. The future had finally arrived, and he would be damned if he became an obstacle or, worse, a mere bystander, oblivious to the angel that had descended into their midst. He was ready to fight, prepared to challenge and confront anyone who dared to stand in the way.
A crowd of doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff who were notattending to emergency patients had gathered in a large hall, squeezed together like sardines in a can. At the top of the stairs stood an elderly man and a young teenager. One could catch a glimpse of the Slug Princess lingering at the back. The older figure nodded at the younger one. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Haruki Suzaku, an iryo-nin who has worked in numerous hospitals across the Land of Fire," he began, his voice gentle yet commanding, capturing everyone's attention. With a touch of chakra, his voice effortlessly reached every corner of the spacious hallway, demonstrating his mastery over chakra control. Perhaps it also showcased a hint of one of his sub-skills, proudly on display.
"Starting today, I will serve as an Attending, and soon I will replace the Chief when he resigns from his position," he announced, causing a buzz of hushed voices to ripple through the crowd. Fortunately, most seemed excited and unfazed by the news. "I'm sure there may be questions about my qualifications and whether I possess the skills necessary to lead my fellow iryo-nins. That would be a fair point. All I ask is for you to give me a chance to prove myself. I have scheduled four surgeries, and the patients have kindly agreed to allow them to be observed by the iryo-nins in this hospital as a learning opportunity. I invite all of you, or as many as the room can accommodate without hindering our work or the care of the patients, to join us," he continued. Despite his youthful appearance, his voice exuded a calm certainty, devoid of prickliness or arrogance.
"I look forward to working with all of you. That will be all for now," he concluded with a smile. "I'll see you around." He nodded at the crowd before people slowly began to disperse. Many looked at him with curious expressions—some filled with excitement, while others appeared too sleep-deprived to care. He couldn't detect anyone displaying outright hostility towards him. I suppose the Princess's legacy still runs deep here in Konoha, he thought. As his sensei approached, he teasingly whispered, "That went way too well. Seems like you're still worshipped here, sensei." Both adults gave him odd looks.
"It seems Suzaku-sama isn't aware of his own reputation," the Chief replied, his expression one of confusion. "Well, I have only worked mostly with civilian clients, Chief Ren. I'm not sure if the iryo-nins within the confines of Konoha is even fully aware of my past works" he voiced his perspective, causing the strange looks to transform into something absurd. "Advancements in Chakra-Induced Cellular Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques and Limitations," the older man began, continuing with a rapid-fire recitation, "An Examination of Chakra Biofield Therapy: Enhancing Recovery in Postoperative Care," "Understanding the Impact of Chakra Imbalance on Autoimmune Disorders: Novel Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies," the stream of words seemed never-ending, "Advancing Antidote Formulation through Chakra Chemistry: A New Frontier in Poison Treatment," "Optimized Chakra Use in Critical Care: A Study on Life Saving Techniques in Battlefield Conditions," he couldn't even interject, "Utilizing Chakra Fields in Neuroregenerative Therapies: Future Directions for Spinal Cord Injury Treatments," "Inno-"
"Okay! Okay!!" He raised both hands in defeat, shouting for him to stop. It couldn't be normal for people to remember all those medical journal article titles, right? And why was his boss's heart racing so fast? Was he having a heart attack? "I understand your point. But that means I'm just a name on paper. None of them have actually seen me next to a real patient. And my age is still a controversial subject. Regardless, I expected more resistance. The lack of it feels odd and suspicious," he trailed off as he noticed the Chief's face growing even more suspicious. "What did you do?" he whispered, his eyes glaring at the man who had once relentlessly pursued him to work at this very hospital he now stood in.
The Chief's face quickly adopted a neutral expression, devoid of any emotions, before he coughed discreetly. "Your surgery is up next," he said briskly, leading the way to the operating room. His sensei laughed at the comical situation. "I like him," she remarked. He rolled his eyes. "Let's not encourage sus behaviors, shall we?" he replied, quickly following his boss.
Making a beeline for the operating room, he entered to find the patient being prepared for anesthesia. "Sadao-san, have you finally settled on a gift yet?" he playfully teased his patient. "No! Oh god, I'm such a terrible father, aren't I?" the man dramatically lamented, his tone compensating for his nervousness. "Sadao-san, they're about to put you under, okay?" he gently reassured the anxious patient.
Leaning closer, he whispered, "The next time you see me, we can brainstorm gift ideas together for your daughter." He held the father's hand as the man on the operating table looked at him, the worry melting away as he nodded. "See you soon," they whispered to each other. He stepped back to scrub in, all the while receiving impressed gazes from the staff.
……
Haruki stood at the epicenter of the surgical theater, surrounded by a constellation of Konoha's most esteemed medics. The room buzzed with excitement as they prepared to witness Haruki's groundbreaking first operation in Konoha.
"We are tackling a case of Spiral Chakra Stenosis," Haruki began, his voice resonating in the hushed room. "This rare but severe condition causes the individual's chakra pathways to narrow and twist, leading to a range of complications, from organ failure to neuromuscular breakdown. Traditional approaches, such as Sequential Chakra Dilation or Tsunade-sama's Genesis Rebirth, though effective, are time-consuming and pose significant challenges in post-operative recovery."
A gentle glow emanated from Haruki's hands, casting a soothing light on the patient. "Today, we will be implementing the Spiral Chakra Rectification Technique."
With the grace of a seasoned practitioner, Haruki's hands moved deftly over the patient. A ripple of chakra flowed from his fingertips as the chakra scalpel made its precise incision, marking the beginning of the operation. Surprised gasps rippled through the room. Haruki's chakra scalpel made no sound and possessed a flawless appearance, unlike the jagged ones others possessed. It glided silently, its perfect form akin to a sharp blade without a single imperfection.
"Next," Haruki announced, "we will localize the affected chakra pathway using the Chakra Resonance Imaging Jutsu. This method provides a more precise and swift means of mapping the chakra network."
Lines appeared on the patient's skin, softly glowing. The lines twisted and coiled, illustrating the severity of the disease.
"Now," Haruki continued, "I will employ my newly developed Chakra Pathway Rectification Jutsu. This procedure involves utilizing coalesced chakra to directly untwist and dilate the stenosed pathways."
As he spoke, he extended his hand over the incision. A brilliant glow ignited, illuminating the surgery with an ethereal radiance. The glow pulsed in rhythm with the spiraling pathways, as though engaged in an intricate conversation.
Under Haruki's precise control, the twisted lines gradually began to straighten and untangle. The glow surrounding his hand faded as the lines returned to their normal state. The room fell silent for a moment before erupting into a flurry of whispered discussions, a mix of admiration and wonder filling the air.
"We are not only rectifying the stenosed chakra pathways, but we will also be implementing the Chakra Equilibrium Reconstruction Procedure," Haruki added, his authoritative voice captivating the audience, who hung on his every word and movement.
"In the conventional procedure, we employ Chakra Pathway Systemic Regulation, which, although effective, is time-consuming and physically demanding for both the patient and the surgeon. However, with the Chakra Equilibrium Reconstruction, we not only save time but also minimize risks."
Haruki invoked the Healing Hands Jutsu, enveloping his hands in a soothing green aura. "This," he explained, "is to mitigate the side effects of the stenosis, preserving the body's basic functions while the core operation is underway."
As he continued, his hands moved gracefully, forming a series of one-handed seals—Dragon, Rat, Monkey, Bird—as he invoked the Rectification Jutsu. He then positioned his hands above the patient, allowing the jutsu to infiltrate the intricate chakra pathways, further untangling and dilating them.
Haruki initiated the Chakra Equilibrium Reconstruction, molding his chakra into an intricate web of pulsating energy. He introduced this web into the patient's system, where it latched onto the recently rectified chakra pathways, reinforcing them and preventing future stenosis.
"The Chakra Equilibrium Reconstruction," Haruki emphasized, "creates a harmonious chakra balance within the patient's system. This not only prevents relapse but also reduces strain on the chakra system, leading to faster post-operative recovery."
The entire process unfolded swiftly, smoothly, and with far less invasiveness than traditional methods, leaving the observers in silent awe.
Haruki concluded, his voice resounding in the room, "Today, we have demonstrated that innovation can greatly enhance our medical practice. We have performed a complex operation in half the usual time, minimizing risks and marking a significant advancement in our medical capabilities."
"With this approach," Haruki said, lowering his hand, "we not only drastically reduce operation time and decrease the risk of complications and chakra exhaustion, but we also ensure a swift recovery, as the trauma to the chakra network is significantly minimized."
As he finished, the room erupted into a cacophony of applause and hushed discussions. The medic-nins marveled at the technique they had just witnessed. Haruki, however, remained calm, acknowledging their applause with a nod. He earned this job, alright..
"Chief Ren, I was hoping to talk to you," Haruki said, picking up two glasses of steaming coffee and grabbing some sugar and cream packets, just in case. His glass was already lightly brown from the added milk. A faint trace of exhaustion etched onto his face. He had just completed four back-to-back surgeries, none of them easy cases. All the patients had been high-risk, and without his presence, they might have faced death sentences.
"There's no need to call me chief anymore, considering the job is practically yours," the man smiled excitedly. He checked his chakra and confirmed that his fellow healer was genuine. My goodness, does he want to retire that badly?
"You're still the Chief, Sawaki-san. You have held the position for the last decade. While I'm grateful that you gave me the opportunity to take on more responsibility in the hospital, I am quite curious. Why did you resign when you could easily continue in the role for more years?" he asked straightforwardly. He respected the man enough to be direct with him. There was no easy way to broach the subject, and he needed to know why.
"If I were half as good as you, I might be arrogant enough to resent you for taking my job," he smirked teasingly. "You simply earned it. There's no other reason. And with the power you'll wield with the title, you can finally bring about effective change," he continued. "The director will certainly support you as well. She's been fighting the council for more funding and support, but no one seemed to care enough."
He pondered his senior's words for a moment before exhaling the breath he had been holding. "That's good to hear," he said, drawing a curious look. "If you're serious about making effective change, I hope you won't retire too quickly," he smiled. The Chief's attention was fully focused on him, awaiting further explanation. "I want to offer you another position—a teaching role," he explained, causing the Chief's face to contort in confusion.
Unknown to everyone else, they engaged in discussions and plotted. Their meetings were filled with diabolical laughter and snickering, like two mischievous children conspiring for world domination. Ah, it seemed he had stumbled upon an accomplice, someone who shared his mischievous nature.