CHAPTER 16: The Unsung Heroes
The hospital was in disarray when they saw Director Iwai, pale and distraught, running down the hallway. She was known for being tough, even borderline eccentric, and had performed exceptionally during the Third Ninja War. But without Tsunade-hime, the Medical Department in Konoha had become a complete mess. There was no one who could come close to replacing her. The cracks grew, but the doctors kept marching on.
They couldn't stop, not when it meant lives were at stake. They couldn't take a pause, as too many children had already been orphaned, and too many parents had to bury their own sons and daughters. So even if the ceiling fell apart, they marched on. Director Iwai was determined not to let the storm raging outside claim any more brave frontline ninjas who put their lives on the line to protect them all.
She fought alone, in the rain and under the scorching sun, only to realize that there were others fighting the same fight. When Chief Fujimura Ren recommended her to become the Hospital Director, she knew it was just the beginning of the uphill battle.
Etiquette, rules, and pride meant nothing to her if they got in the way of protecting the hospital and its patients, her new family. She fought in meetings, challenged the councils, and tried to build alliances. Even when no one listened to her, belittled her, or silenced her, she kept on fighting.
She believed that every resource mattered. Every crumb, every drop, and every grain could potentially save a life. She endured the winds, the sneers, the glares, and the pitying looks, never letting it bother her.
But then, everything suddenly stopped.
An Anbu appeared at her doorstep, requesting her presence before the Commander in Chief of the village. It was an odd day, to say the least. But nothing could compare to the bizarre event that took place in their brief meeting. The Hokage handed her three large scrolls and three thick folders, telling her she could handle it however she saw fit before ushering her outside.
Dumbfounded, she began reading through the scrolls. The tidy, clean, and near-artistic handwriting style belonged to her new friend. The plans and ideas for improving the hospital were well-written, documented, and reasoned. She was in awe of his plans. Haruki had gone above and beyond in preparing the necessary documents, leaving no stone unturned. The scrolls contained a carefully outlined strategy for different aspects of the hospital, covering everything from the expansion of medical facilities to the recruitment and training of new staff members. Haruki's foresight was evident in the way he had considered every potential challenge and devised solutions to overcome them. As she continued reading, she couldn't help but be impressed by the level of dedication and expertise reflected in each proposal. It was clear that Haruki had poured his heart and soul into these plans.
And then she opened the folders. Inside, she found the same plans, but now with the Hokage's seal of approval and a sizable budget, to be expanded in the future. It was an extraordinary moment for her, yet her brain struggled to accept it. Her hands, now covered with patches of blistering blue bruises from her incessant pinches, tried to wake herself from what she thought was a cruel dream.
Overwhelmed, she sought out the only person she could turn to, the person who showed up one day out of nowhere, whispering promises that seemed too good to be true. The person who offered salvation wherever he went.
With every step, Mari felt an odd and foreign sensation coursing through her veins. It was as if a weight she had carried for far too long was finally lifted, and her burdens were lightened. Each breath no longer stung with anxiety and exhaustion, and her mind was surprisingly void of the constant worries that had plagued her every waking moment. Her body moved with a newfound energy, and she ran through the bustling crowds of Konoha, ignoring the calls and odd looks from passersby. The tiredness in her legs was inconsequential compared to the overwhelming sense of purpose driving her forward.
Her destination was clear – the office that now housed him, the enigmatic Saint of Embers who had appeared like a beacon of hope in her life. As she sprinted through the village, her heart raced with anticipation and disbelief. Could it be true? Could her long-standing fight for the hospital finally be bearing fruit? Her mind whirled with doubts, but the scrolls she held tightly in her hands were undeniable evidence of a turning point.
Ignoring the burning sensation of blue bruises on her hands from her incessant pinches, Mari kept bolting through the bustling streets, never looking back until she arrived at the office. And there it was – the grand plaque adorning his office, personally written by the ruler and owner of the land. The Rising Bird, a symbol she now related to more than ever, stood tall and proud in the corner of the room. It was a symbol of hope and resilience, and Mari couldn't help but feel a kinship with it. It represented her own journey – the rise from the depths of despair to newfound heights.
With determination in her heart, Mari mustered all her courage and decisively busted down the door. Tears streamed down her face, pride be damned. She allowed the dam to break. For the first time, she felt what it was like to be protected too. No words could express the overwhelming stir and warmth pulsing in her chest as she broke down in her savior's office.
Everything would be okay. The hospital will be okay. The village will be okay. She will be okay. Because he was here now.
As Haruki headed towards his office, reading the papers in his hand, he suddenly stopped before immediately bolting towards the ER. He deftly dodged and weaved through the facilities and staff before arriving at the ER. He called out with urgency in his voice, enhanced with chakra, "Hold on, everyone! Stay back! Do not approach the emergency entrance!" The doctors and nurses, taken aback by his sudden command, quickly heeded his warning and stepped back, allowing Haruki to approach the three mysterious men who had just arrived. Haruki looked towards the three men, one of whom was being carried by the others. They all wore dark glasses that hid their eyes and were garbed in high-collared clothing that covered nearly all of their skin.
For a second, Haruki noticed one of the men with the largest chakra among the three, and he registered his relatively young face – Shibi Aburame, the current head of the Aburame clan. "All of you, leave. Call Team 911. Code Dark Purple," he ordered the staff. Trained to think and work on their feet, they quickly moved to execute the boss's orders. A soft but clear voice reverberated across the hospital through the basic and archaic broadcast system he had scrounged the hospital's budget to purchase, clearly making use of it. "Code Dark Purple. Assemble Team 911."
He exited the ER, ushering the three towards a small isolated building outside the hospital. "Brief me," Haruki quickly said as they walked towards their new destination. "Shikuro Aburame. 28. Specializes in the Aburame hiden, specializing in Rinkaichu." Haruki had already guessed it, but he was still surprised, his eyes slightly widening. It seems Torune's father hasn't died yet. Key word, hasn't.
The Aburame clan head lifted a brow at the healer's response, who was now looking at the patient once more. As they entered the small building, the three Aburame noticed that it must've been a makeshift Isolation Ward of the Hospital. "I'm sorry, the hospital's old isolation ward wasn't... Completely isolated," he awkwardly smiled at the irony.
"It must've been difficult," Shibi responded, acknowledging the deteriorating condition of the hospital and Haruki's recent reign as Chief. Concise and to the point, he could work with that. "We do what we can," as he helped the two Aburame lift the patient onto the bed in the middle of the relatively empty room. They both flinched and wanted to stop Haruki from touching the fatally poisonous, skin-melting-inducing Shikuro, but Haruki's chakra immediately pulsed strongly at them, as if chastising kids.
They belatedly realized that, despite holding Shikuro's skin, he was completely unaffected by the rampaging Rinkaichu's poison. Thankfully, despite their immense surprise, they still managed to move Shikuro to the examination bed. The two were only able to touch Shikuro's special chakra-woven clothing, not his bare skin. Haruki narrowed his eyes at them, clearly challenging their doubts about his abilities and judgment. Then, in a flash, the famous visage of Konoha's Princess snapped their focus back. 'Right, The Slug Princess's disciple,' they both swallowed painfully.
Fortunately for them, several people entered the room in a rush, breaking the previous awkward situation. A Hyuga, an older gentleman Shibi recognized as Fujimura-san, the previous Chief and Haruki's predecessor, a woman in her 30s still removing her scrubs, and finally an older gentleman, roughly resembling the previous woman. The team consisted only of individuals with exceptional abilities and experience in the field of medical ninjutsu. All four of them had a chakra tag that cloaked their entire bodies with a thin layer of chakra, serving as an isolation suit. As long as they weren't too close to the patient, they were well protected from the poison.
Haruki wasted no time and ordered them to commence the 'Healing Resuscitation Regeneration Technique,' a renowned iryo ninjutsu that resembled a ritual in its intricacy and complexity. However, as they began to start the process, much to the surprise of the team, Haruki effortlessly expedited the completion of the technique near instantaneously as the technique completed itself. It dawned on them that the Chief had summoned them not to seek their assistance, but to impart his knowledge and skills to them. What would've taken time and effort to construct the formula, needing the hair and blood samples of the patient as mediums, and an immense amount of chakra one would need backup iryo-nins to commence, were all completed with a mere flick of the Saint's hand.
As the team members absorbed this realization, Haruki delved into the treatment of Shikuro. Through his expert medical knowledge and mastery of chakra control, Haruki discovered the underlying cause of the Rinkaichu's rampage within Shikuro's body. The poisonous insects, normally obedient and symbiotic with their host, had inexplicably turned against Shikuro, resulting in a lethal situation for both the insects and their owner.
As the Healing Resuscitation Regeneration Technique reached its culmination, the room filled with a palpable sense of anticipation. The team members observed Haruki's every move, eager to learn from his expertise and witness the extent of his abilities. Haruki's voice carried with a calm confidence as he audibly narrated the situation, guiding the team step by step through his analysis.
"Take a closer look," Haruki began, his gaze focused on Shikuro's weakened form. "Notice the subtle signs of organ failure and the disruption within his chakra network. It's a perilous state, and in any other circumstances, he would be on the brink of death." His words resonated with a sense of gravity, underscoring the dire situation at hand.
Haruki's attention shifted to the cause of the Rinkaichu's rampant behavior within Shikuro's body. He meticulously explained, "The insects' aggression likely stems from a disturbance in their symbiotic relationship with the host. It's an extraordinary circumstance, as the insects are typically harmonious and beneficial to the body they inhabit."
He continued, stressing the main point, "As the Rinkaichu is running out of control, not only the entire skin of the patient becomes fatally toxic, but his every breath and his bodily fluids become poisonous". Yet they looked at the Chief who only wore a surgical mask and usual attending clothes, clearly unaffected in the slightest, awe glimmering in their eyes. What they didn't know was that the (Multilayer Barrier) subskill was constantly activated at all times, manifesting as an impossibly thin, invisible to the eye, sheath of energy layer protecting him from all forms of attacks, including poison.
Drawing upon his vast knowledge and unparalleled ingenuity, Haruki unveiled an innovative jutsu and treatment that he had developed specifically for such cases. With a clear and methodical voice, he delved into the intricacies of his approach, ensuring the team understood the complexities involved.
"With the Chakra Harmony Pulsing Technique in conjunction with the Chakra Pathway Rectification Jutsu," Haruki revealed. "By utilizing precise chakra manipulation and specialized seals, we can calm the chakra, then proceed to restore balance to the disrupted chakra network and finally reestablish a symbiotic connection with the Rinkaichu."
Haruki went on to explain the intricate details of the treatment, emphasizing the precise control of chakra flow and the delicate synchronization required to subdue the rebellious insects. With each step, he demonstrated his expertise, showcasing the unique hand movements and seal combinations that were essential to the success of the technique.
The team listened with rapt attention, their eyes widening in awe and amazement. The sheer impossibility of the patient's survival in any other hands but Haruki's became evident as he outlined the dangers and risks involved.
As the treatment proceeded, Haruki paused momentarily to provide additional insight into the unique challenges they faced. His voice resonated with a blend of expertise and determination as he elucidated the reasons why other iryoninjutsu would falter in this particular situation.
"Existing iryoninjutsu, while remarkable in their own right, would fall short in addressing the unique complexity of Shikuro's condition," Haruki explained, his tone unwavering. "The aggressive nature of the Rinkaichu and the disruption within the chakra network require a specialized approach that surpasses conventional techniques."
With precision and clarity, Haruki continued his narration, detailing the intricacies of his treatment plan. He delved into the underlying principles of chakra manipulation, organ restoration, and insect synchronization, providing a comprehensive understanding of his groundbreaking methodology.
"As I synchronize the chakra flow and stabilize the disrupted organs, the Rinkaichu gradually begins to respond," Haruki described, his voice filled with conviction. "It's a delicate balance between coaxing them into harmony and quelling their hostility. Every movement, every infusion of chakra, must be executed with utmost precision."
The team members hung onto Haruki's every word, their eyes trained on his every motion. They marveled at the precision and finesse with which he manipulated the delicate chakra threads that wove through Shikuro's body, mending the intricate web of disrupted energy pathways.
Haruki's narration continued, elucidating the strategic placement of specialized seals that aided in the stabilization and restoration process. He emphasized the importance of timing, the critical moments where his swift and calculated actions could mean the difference between life and death.
"With each seal I activate, a surge of restorative energy permeates through Shikuro-san's body," Haruki explained, his voice carrying a sense of wonder. "It's as if every seal holds the power to breathe life back into his weakened organs, revitalizing them and urging them to regain their natural functionality."
"The risks are immense," Haruki admitted, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "Without the utmost precision and timing, the patient's life hangs in the balance. A single misstep could lead to irreversible consequences."
With unwavering confidence and focus, Haruki embarked on the treatment, the team members closely observing his every motion. He navigated the intricate dance of chakra manipulation and insect synchronization, his hands moving with practiced expertise.
As the treatment progressed, the room fell into a hushed silence, the tension mounting with each passing moment. The team witnessed firsthand the remarkable fusion of medical knowledge, chakra control, and sheer determination that defined Haruki's unparalleled skill.
Slowly but surely, the rebellious Rinkaichu yielded to Haruki's touch, their aggression quelled, and their harmony with Shikuro's body restored. It was an extraordinary feat—one that defied the boundaries of conventional medical practice.
As the final stages of the treatment unfolded, Shikuro's weakened form showed signs of stability and recovery. The team members stood in awe, deeply humbled by the sheer brilliance and innovation displayed before them. Haruki had not only saved Shikuro's life but had demonstrated the immense impact of his unique techniques and unwavering determination.
Fourteen hours had passed before anyone could realize. Their gazes too enraptured by his every move, their focus latching on to every single word he uttered, knowing that it might just make them even a tiny bit better as an iryo-nin.
In that moment, the team members recognized the unparalleled expertise of Suzaku Haruki, a medical prodigy who had pushed the boundaries of medical ninjutsu to unimaginable heights. Their respect and admiration for him soared, and they were filled with an unyielding determination to learn from his teachings and carry his legacy forward.
"The treatment is a success," he looked at the two Aburame whose hands were clenched tightly into fists, unable to hide their emotions despite their neutral faces. "But he's not completely out of the woods," he stressed, noticing everyone else's relaxed bodies. "He needs to stay here to be monitored for the next week." Fujimura took a step forward, "We can handle it from here, Chief Haruki. You already worked nearly an entire shift before getting into this case," the other healers nodding at Haruki's slightly pale face and tired visage.
"The room—" Haruki continued, "We've got it. You've handled all the hard parts, we can take care of the rest," now the older man, Toba Kenmaru insisted. Haruki looked at the four of them before the Aburame approached him and bowed deeply. "I am extremely grateful for your help, Saint-sama," Haruki slightly frowned at the choice of honorifics. As much as he'd disagreed with the concept, the Aburame are still considered one of the four noble clans of Konoha, after all.
"Apologies for the late introduction. My name is Shibi Aburame, Head of the Aburame. The Clan is in great debt to the Saint, and we will surely repay it in any way we can," the usually quiet man stated firmly. Haruki palmed his head with his hand, "Okay then, maybe we need to have a discussion about how to safely execute and handle such occasions next time."
Shibi's poker face cracked, eyes comically widening behind his dark glasses. The implication was clear. The Saint was willing to collaborate with the Aburame clan to bring down the unfortunate high casualty rate of the clan's hiden, possibly even improving it. Guaranteeing their children the best medical care upon starting to learn their treacherous and life-endangering clan's hiden. Effectively raising the overall power of the entire clan, without asking for direct benefits, instead addressing it as a way for the Aburame to return the favor.
The Aburame clan's hiden involves forming a symbiotic relationship with a variety of special chakra-eating insects. The members of the Aburame clan host colonies of these insects within their bodies.
The technique is risky because it requires the Aburame clan members to allow the Kikaichū to live and feed off their chakra. The insects feed on the chakra of the host as well as that of their opponents during battles, making them a formidable and unique combatant. However, if the insects were to consume too much chakra or the host loses control of them, it can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
During the adaptation process, every single one of the Aburame clan member's life is in danger, with death at every corner. While they have tried to perfect it over centuries, it is still an extremely risky operation where there is a real and tangible risk of death.
Haruki hated how batshit insane their hiden is. And he's not talking about how he used to vehemently resent and be disgusted by bugs in his past life, still retaining some leftover sentiments of it in this life. But forcing children to essentially be gnawed on by insects as it makes the children's body their nest and home. The thought made him instinctively cringe on the inside. For what? More power? So they could meaninglessly die in wars? To protect a village that only forces your family to induct their young innocent and naive children into Root? To be brainwashed, used, and disposed at some fucked up old guy's whims. While still being overlooked and forgotten by everyone else? He wanted to strangle them, demanding answers while expressing his frustration at their situation.
Shibi was a stoic man who never needed to showcase his feelings or intentionally revel in them. But he was deeply moved. A befitting title to an incomparably kind person, he considered. He bowed, somehow even deeper, "The Aburame Clan is forever grateful to our benefactor." A short, concise single sentence that conveyed all the things the Saint and he needed to know. Especially since Haruki understands the characteristics and personality of the said clan. His words were more than just polite exchanges. It was a declaration.
The Aburame shall now work, cooperate, and stand fiercely alongside the Saint.
And that's more than he could ever ask for.