CHAPTER 14: You Make Me Brave
"Today," Haruki's voice boomed, commanding the attention of every person in the room, "marks the turning of a page in our journey—a chapter brimming with unwritten stories and untapped potential." The air crackled with anticipation as his staff leaned in, their hearts pounding in sync with his words.
Gazing into the eyes of each member of his team, Haruki's voice grew stronger, resonating with unshakable conviction. "We are more than mere healers," he declared, his voice echoing through the hall. "We are the guardians of life, the sentinels of hope in the darkest of nights. In the face of despair and suffering, we rise as caregivers, educators, advocates, and researchers—a force that will never waver in the pursuit of healing and compassion."
The room seemed to hold its breath, hanging on Haruki's every word. His voice carried the weight of countless lives that had been touched by their hands, by their unyielding commitment to serve. The flickering flames of willpower danced in his eyes, igniting a fire within each member of the medical team.
"We stand not just for ourselves, but for every villager, every neighbor, every friend who has ever sought our solace in their most vulnerable moments," Haruki declared, his voice resonating with fierce resolve. "Our duty goes beyond the confines of this hospital. It extends to every corner of our beloved village, reaching out to those who yearn for healing, for relief from their burdens."
With each word, the room seemed to pulsate with energy, the very air crackling with the collective heartbeat of the medical team. They stood taller, their chests swelling with pride, as they realized the profound impact they could make on the lives of those entrusted to their care.
"Every patient who walks through our doors carries their own unique story, their own struggles," Haruki emphasized, his voice filled with empathy. "It is our duty to listen, to truly understand, and to provide solace in their darkest moments. We hold the power to mend, to restore, and to bring hope to those in need."
As his words reverberated through the room, an overwhelming wave of willpower washed over his staff and colleagues. They saw in Haruki's relentless belief the potential to redefine what it truly meant to be healers, to be members of the Konoha medical community.
"So we fight in their stead," Haruki declared, his voice resolute. "We fight so fathers and mothers can return to the loving embrace of their family. We fight so sons and daughters can go back to the warmth of their parents' care. We fight because every single patient, regardless of their story, history, or past, entrusts their lives to us. We are healers, and when they place their trust in our hands, we will fight until the bitter end."
A surge of passion filled the room, as if a flame had been ignited within the hearts of each member of the medical team. They stood taller, their eyes shining with a newfound purpose. The weight of their responsibility transformed into a driving force, propelling them forward with staunch commitment.
"We will not falter in the face of adversity," Haruki continued, his voice resonating with tenacious grit. "We will push the boundaries of medical knowledge, explore new frontiers, and constantly strive for excellence. Together, we will create a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Our commitment to healing and empathy will be the guiding light that illuminates the path for those who are lost and in need" the tension mounting.
"So we'll keep on fighting. Because when we stop, then all hope is lost. And when all hope is lost, darkness prevails. But we are the warriors of light, the beacons of hope in this world. We will not let darkness consume us or those we serve. We will be the ones who bring forth the dawn, who usher in a new era of healing and kindness."
The room was filled with a renewed sense of drive, a collective energy that's palpable in the air. The medical team felt a deep connection to Haruki's words, as if he had tapped into the very essence of their souls. They knew that their path would not be easy, that challenges and hardships lay ahead. But they were ready to face them head-on, fortified by their duty to their patients and to each other.
Haruki's gaze swept across the room, his eyes meeting those of his colleagues. In each pair of eyes, he saw resilience and the inextinguishable spirit of a true healer. They were a team, bound by a common pursuit and a shared mission. They were ready to make a difference, to leave an indelible mark on the lives they touched.
"Remember this day," Haruki's voice resounded with uncompromising will, slicing through the jubilant atmosphere. The room hushed, entranced by his commanding presence. "Remember the light that burns within each of you, the essence of your ideals that led you to this noble calling. Let it guide your every action, your every decision. For together, we shall etch our names into the annals of greatness. Together, we shall redefine the very essence of caregiving," his words resonated, captivating the room with their power.
The room seemed to glow with newfound ambition, their eyes shimmering with uncompromising belief.
"In this sacred hall, we embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of ordinary healers," Haruki's voice thundered, resonating with unyielding conviction. "We are the torchbearers of hope and the architects of miracles. In our hands lies the power to mend shattered bodies, to mend shattered souls. Our every touch, every word, can bring solace to those in their darkest hour."
A wave of emotion swept through the room, as tears of pride and anticipation shimmered on the cheeks of those who had devoted themselves to this noble calling.
"Let us not be defined by the limitations of the past," Haruki continued, his voice infused with tangible passion. "Let us rise above the ordinary and transcend the boundaries of what is known. Through tireless dedication, unyielding perseverance, and boundless compassion, we shall reshape the narrative of healing. We shall leave an indelible mark upon the annals of history, forever changing the lives of those who walk through our doors."
The room erupted in thunderous applause, the sound rippling off the walls like a chorus of victory. Hearts swelled with a renewed sense of higher meaning, as each member of the medical team realized the magnitude of their collective strength.
"We stand united in this noble mission," Haruki proclaimed, his voice a rallying cry. "Our legacy will be one of heart and unwavering dedication."
As the echoes of his words faded, the room stood in reverent silence, the air heavy with the weight of their shared purpose. The glow of camaraderie and steadfastness enveloped them, forging an unbreakable bond among the medical team.
And so, with hearts ablaze and spirits alight, they embarked on their sacred mission. Their journey had just begun, but their impact would echo through the ages. In this hallowed moment, they were bound by their commitment to redefine the very essence of healing, to etch their names in the tapestry of greatness, and to illuminate the world with the brilliance of their care.
At the age of 12, Haruki Suzaku cemented his place in history as the youngest Chief of any hospital, leaving behind yet another enduring legacy.
And in that room, on that day, a new era of healing and compassion was born, guided by the words and the unwavering spirit of 'The Saint of Embers', the shining light that would lead them all to greatness.
One would think that after experiencing something multiple times, it becomes easier to cope with. But Haruki knew better. He had lost so much, said too many goodbyes, yet he never seemed to get better at handling it. Despite having lost an entire life, he persisted in holding himself together, refusing to let his emotions consume him.
As he tightly embraced his sensei, he clung to her warmth, as if trying to etch it into his memory. Overwhelmed by a flood of emotions, his throat choked with unspoken words. But amidst the jumble of sentiments, there was one sentence that encapsulated it all: "I'm gonna miss you," he whispered.
Why did he subject himself to this pain over and over again? He despised every second of it—letting people in, allowing them to have such a hold on him, only to tear away a piece of himself when they inevitably departed. For a moment, he contemplated whether he should stay. His resolve wavered, uncertain of his own path.
As memories from his past life and this world intermittently resurfaced, his perspective shifted. Sometimes he felt compelled to fight, to save the innocent. But there were also moments when he believed that those who met unfortunate ends were the architects of their own demise. He wasn't Naruto, an endlessly forgiving fool who would save everyone regardless of their actions.
He acknowledged his pettiness, his judgmental nature, and the fact that he could be unreasonable. He didn't want to jump at the chance to solve other people's problems just because he could. He wasn't willing to risk himself or inconvenience his life to be someone else's hero. Everything he had done was either a result of careful planning or spontaneous decisions made in the heat of the moment, with the belief that they would benefit him at the time. So what if he was selfish?
No one in this world had the power to force him to act against his will. He was an orphan from a dead clan, belonging to no nation and owing loyalty to no one but himself. He could leave at any moment's notice, just as he had promised his sensei.
But therein lay the dilemma. Why had he been brought to this world? He had spent his life wandering through a desert, with no clear direction or home to return to. So he lived in the present moment—learning the skills of the Slug Princess, making plans for a more comfortable future.
He had everything he could possibly desire. Enough wealth to sustain him for a lifetime of luxury without needing to work. His unique abilities made him one of the most powerful individuals alive. He wasn't delusional enough to believe he was invincible, but he possessed enough strength to walk fearlessly through the world if he chose to abandon his facade. He had gained significant fame, becoming one of the most influential figures in the Land of Fire. He held economic sway, political influence, and the ears and favor of the ruling class.
He had met countless people, made numerous friends, and apparently done enough to earn fame and trust. But none of it truly registered with him. Like a balloon tied to a string, he felt as though he could be blown away at any moment, lacking any grounding or stability.
Perhaps that was why he identified so strongly with his sensei. Both of them had lost everything, wandering aimlessly through life. Tsunade-sensei filled a significant void within him. Yet, he grew weary of that existence—constantly moving from one place to another, from one casino to the next, from one bar to another. It may be her life, but not his. He likes routines; they give him a sense of control, delusional though it may be. But in a situation where many of his choices were already ripped away, it's the only solace he could find.
That was why he had chosen to be in Konoha. Spending months meticulously designing his house, even though part of him resisted admitting it. Deep down, he wanted to try something new, to establish roots. It would be more convincing if he didn't own properties all over the world, or if he genuinely considered making friends, but he pushed those thoughts aside.
He didn't drink, although he occasionally wished he did. He envied those who could drown their sorrows in alcohol. But he detested the feeling of losing control. So instead, he buried himself in work—engaging in one medical mystery after another, day and night. He never allowed himself a moment of respite, a chance to reflect on his own thoughts and emotions.
The three of them had a sleepover in the spacious living room. Haruki and Shizu-nee cuddled on the couch, hiding beneath a shared blanket. At first, sensei seemed repulsed, but when Haruki woke up, she was nestled beside them. They reminisce about their journeys together—the mishaps, the peculiar patients, the accidents. They laughed, they cried, they cheered, they sneered, they booed, they teased each other.
Sensei protested when she learned that Haruki had only left enough money for basic necessities with Katsuyu-nee. They both knew that Tsunade-sensei respected Katsuyu-nee too much to try to swindle her and win. The Slug Sage could be terrifying when she wanted to be. It was a dysfunctional family, but it was his chosen family.
How did it pass by so quickly? The years they had spent together felt like mere minutes to him. Their final night together went by too quickly; it felt like he blinked, and suddenly it was all over. The next morning, as he watched their backs turned against him, he felt that familiar drop in his stomach—the sinking feeling he knew all too well. He berated himself for allowing these emotions to consume him, rendering logic and reason futile. If anyone dared insinuate that he had emulated the First Hokage for even a second, he vowed to crush their bones to dust and feed it to the Koi fish in the pond at his home.
As Haruki stood on the quiet gates of Konoha, his eyes fixated on Tsunade's retreating figure, a profound sense of despair washed over him. The world seemed to blur around him, the sounds of the the world fading into an indistinguishable hum. It felt as if time had slowed down, elongating each passing second, amplifying the ache in his heart.
Every fiber of his being yearned to reach out, to grab hold of his sensei and never let go. But he knew deep down that it was impossible. Their paths were diverging, pulling them apart, and all he could do was watch as she disappeared into the distance.
A whirlwind of emotions consumed him, a storm of high-strung emotion that threatened to engulf him entirely. Conflicting feelings tugged at his soul, tearing him apart from within. He felt lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty. The weight of his sensei's absence bore down on him, a heavy burden that seemed insurmountable.
His mind raced with questions, doubts, and fears. What would he do without her guidance, her unwavering support? How could he fill the void left by her departure? The future loomed before him, vast and unknown, and he felt utterly unprepared to face it alone.
Tsunade had been his anchor, his source of strength and inspiration. In her absence, he felt as if he had been cast adrift, severed from the stability she provided. The prospect of navigating the treacherous waters of life without her by his side filled him with a profound sense of unease.
Desperation clawed at his chest, fueling a deep-seated yearning to turn back time, to rewind the clock and savor every precious moment they had shared. But time was unforgiving, unyielding, and it swept them apart without mercy. He exposed himself, allowing others to hurt him. He knew better; people disappoint, always, for that's in their nature. They're imperfect, so even if they had the best intentions, they will always eventually lie or hurt you. And now here he is, hurt again. When exactly did he allow them in? Two broken people finding solace in each other's brokenness. What a pair.
But before his mind could catch up, before he could fully comprehend his actions, he found himself standing in front of her. Words spilled out uncontrollably, ignoring the prying eyes of onlookers.
"Take better care of yourself," he urged, the words escaping before he could register them. "Don't drink too much, and for kami's sake, you've never honestly won a single gamble, so stop wasting money you don't have. Your grandpa was really no good for you," his voice quivering through tears. It was the first time Tsunade had ever seen him like this—so vulnerable and open, like a child. "Exercise regularly, even if you're not an active kunoichi. The bingo book says otherwise," he chided, his voice catching as he choked back a sob. "You're a doctor, so act like one and eat your vegetables. Bar food isn't real food." Sensei wiped away his tears, so he returned the gesture.
He, who always stood alone, now felt like an idiotic clinging piece of messy garbage. But he couldn't resent himself for letting them in, for choosing to rely on them as they relied on him. However, he couldn't help but think he was the world's biggest idiot for crying publicly like a trainwreck.
"That's rich coming from Mr. Workaholic," she retorted, chastising him in return. "You practically live at the hospital, buried under a mountain of paperwork and medical charts. I've seen you pull all-nighters without even realizing it. You need someone to shove food down your throat and drag you home when you've been working non-stop for days," she bitterly smiled. Tears that once only fell for her family and deceased lover now flowed for him too. "Make sure you actually eat, and not just live off coffee. You need sleep; otherwise, you look like shit," she laughed through her tears. He nodded, his gaze soft yet serious, signifying the gravity of what he was about to say.
"You're my person," he paused briefly. Maybe that means we still have so much more to learn, to find our paths and our own corners. And we can do it because we have each other.
"I need you alive," his voice falters. This isn't goodbye because we have so much more to do. So much more bitching, snarky complaining, and sarcastic quipping to trade.
"You make me brave," he whispered to her. So you have to come back, because we are all we have.
No further words were needed. They shared a long, warm hug, both refusing to acknowledge the tears streaming down their faces.
A man clad in a white robe and a red hat stood next to a silver-haired masked ANBU atop a building, observing the heartfelt goodbyes between his former student and her own. Despite having lived a long and fulfilling life, he couldn't help but feel his age in this moment, reminded of the sacrifices he had made.
As a leader, he had to make difficult choices, some of which had caused pain and suffering for the village he was sworn to protect. Yet, he couldn't afford to dwell on the past; he had to press forward and continue safeguarding the fragile peace.
He had lost so much along the way, sacrificing everything for the sake of his duty. His wife, his eldest son... and he still couldn't bridge the gap with his remaining son. But he had always believed that he was doing the right thing, upholding the responsibility passed down to him by his sensei. So he persevered, no matter the cost.
For the first time in his life, he found himself questioning whether he had truly achieved what he set out to do. A sense of despair washed over him as he grappled with this realization. Could he have inadvertently become the very monster that destroyed the bridges of hope within the village, as well as the one tree he was meant to nurture?
The elderly man shunshined towards his office, with Hatake Kakashi silently following a step behind. Upon entering, he saw his trusted right-hand man organizing the papers scattered across his desk. The Nara, Shikaku, glanced up at his entrance, his expression quickly shifting to one of concern. "Lord Third, are you okay?" he asked anxiously.
Letting out a deep sigh, the Hokage made a handsign that silently signaled all the hidden ANBU to leave the room, granting them privacy. "Kakashi, you stay," he instructed, and the silent ANBU moved to stand beside Shikaku.
The Third Hokage sighed once more as he gazed out the window, his eyes taking in the view of the village below. He reached for his pipe, but as his hand neared it, the heartfelt words of the young boy echoed in his mind. Reluctantly, he placed the pipe back on the table, surprising the two remaining guests.
"If Minato were alive, I wonder how much better the village would be today," he mused with a wistful tone, sighing audibly once again. "Have you met Haruki Suzaku, Shikaku?" he suddenly asked. Shikaku paused for a moment, considering the question, before responding. "Yes, he's a gifted cook who managed to win Choza over with his recipes," he replied, slightly amused and intrigued.
"And what do you think of him as a person?" the most powerful man in the village continued his inquiry. Shikaku pondered for a moment before answering. "There's no need to discuss his skills. Konoha has always been fortunate to have exceptional medical-nin due to the legacy left behind by Tsunade-hime. However, every report from the hospital doctors and personal assessments from the ANBU all come to the same conclusion: Haruki Suzaku is undoubtedly the best medical-nin in Konoha, and perhaps even the world. Some even speculate that he surpasses Tsunade-hime herself, a sentiment she has publicly endorsed," he reported.
But the question remained unanswered, prompting the Third Hokage to press further. "His patience and kindness towards his patients are well-known. He treats each one as if they were family and will go to great lengths in the operating room to exhaust every possible option in an effort to save them. Although there are rumors that he can be quite snarky when faced with unreasonable individuals," Shikaku remarked, his tone steady but a smile playing on his lips.
"His charitable work was established even before he arrived in Konoha. Several reports confirm his involvement in numerous projects throughout the land, often with a focus on orphanages, likely stemming from his own experiences," he added.
"The recent picnic he initiated further emphasizes this point. Although not fully confirmed, there have been sightings of numerous orphanage directors and matrons at the hospital a few days ago. Since then, there have been some changes, including increased procurement of basic necessities. We believe the Saint may have gifted the orphanages across Konoha with a substantial one-time sum of money or is planning to provide ongoing funding to support them," Shikaku swiftly briefed the Hokage on the updates regarding the highly talked-about individual in Konoha.
Taking a deep breath, Shikaku prepared to deliver the final point. "From my brief interactions with Haruki Suzaku, he appears to be a kind-hearted person who genuinely enjoys helping others, especially when it comes to solving medical mysteries. He possesses wisdom far beyond his years and is quick on his feet, ready to face any challenges head-on. He knows how to build bridges and rally people to his cause, effectively uniting the hospital staff under his leadership. He is an exemplary leader who inspires others to work towards a noble purpose," Shikaku concluded.
Silence settled in the room as the weight of the information sank in. The Third Hokage nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on the view outside the window, lost in contemplation.
"I became Hokage at a young age. Sometimes I still wonder if I have lived up to Tobirama-sensei's expectations," his voice faltered for a moment. "I have lived for a long time," he continued, turning towards a picture of the bright and hopeful Fourth Hokage. "Perhaps longer than I should have," he added with a tinge of regret. Shaking his head, he refused to let the others interrupt him. "I am no longer in my prime, and as you, Shikaku, have long noticed, my fighting spirit has faded," his voice filled with melancholy. "So many things could have been done differently, so many lives that could have been saved," he reflected, his somber eyes once again surveying the bustling village. Seconds and minutes ticked by.
"He would make an excellent Fifth Hokage," he suddenly mused out loud, the authority befitting a man who had witnessed three ninja wars returning to his voice. The insinuation dropped like a bomb in the office, leaving Shikaku Nara, the Jonin Commander, and Hatake Kakashi, shocked and speechless. The implications of such a statement reverberated through their minds, causing their thoughts to race.
"What the village needs now, more than ever, is unity. We need a healer who can mend old wounds and bring together the neglected pieces of our community," his words took both of them by surprise. "I will buy us time, enough time until his influence can encompass the entire village," a flicker of the Saint's embers began to rekindle his frozen spirit.
...
Little did Haruki know that someone had dug a pit for him.
NOTES:
Yes, the parting words between Haruki and Tsunade-sensei were taken from an episode of Grey's Anatomy. I couldn't resist using them as they perfectly captured the emotions Haruki and Tsunade were feeling at that moment.
This chapter marks my first attempt at creating a more emotionally charged narrative. I apologize if it doesn't reach the high climax you might expect. ;-; I rewrote it so many times at some point I just became sick of it. Idk
Regarding Haruki's candidacy, it's important to note that things are subject to change. At the moment, he is SIMPLY on their radar for future consideration. However, direct references to this may not occur for some time. This approach allows me to eventually tie up loose ends without creating too many plot holes. Hopefully, it will be done in a way that you didn't expect.