Naruto: The Medical Ninja

Chapter 94: Chapter 93: Seeds of Innovation

In the Hamura household, the aroma of a freshly prepared meal wafted through the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ryu and his adoptive grandfather, Dan, sat across from each other at the dining table, their plates filled with steaming food.

Dan watched his grandson with a mixture of pride and curiosity as they ate. The boy’s rapid progress had not gone unnoticed, and Dan felt it was time to push him further. Clearing his throat, he set down his chopsticks and fixed Ryu with a serious gaze.

”Ryu,” Dan began, his voice carrying a hint of excitement, ”I’ve been observing your leaf-sticking exercises, and I must say, I’m impressed by your focus and dedication.”

Ryu’s eyes lit up at the praise, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ”Thank you, Grandpa,” he replied, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Internally, Ryu was just acting his part as a child. Ryu acted like he felt a surge of pride, knowing that his efforts hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Dan nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. ”I believe you’re ready to begin training in chakra nature manipulation. Although it is earlier than most academy students would begin, you seem like a good fit for the task.”

Ryu asked, ”Really?” as he focused entirely on Dan, hardly able to contain his excitement.

Ryu said, ”I promise I’ll give it my all, Grandpa. Two hundred percent effort, no less!”

Dan chuckled at the boy’s enthusiasm, a warm smile spreading across his weathered face. ”Two hundred percent, eh? That’s quite a promise, young man.”

He made a playful remark, saying, ”You are giving 200 already by sticking two leaves at a time instead of one, but you have not reached the two-hour mark with it.”

With a pout, Ryu said, ”Grandpa, I am almost there. It will only take me another day or two to reach the two-hour mark.

Dan laughed and said, ”I am just kidding. Keep your efforts at maximum.”

Dan’s eyebrows rose in surprise. ” Most children from ninja clans can barely manage half an hour at your age. ”

Dan said continue after a pause, ”But you can now maintain for more than an hour, even with two leaves, but the leaf still falls sometimes. But that’s fine; it is more difficult to control it when your chakra is growing and the capacity changes slightly every day. You are subconsciously attempting to control it by mentally recalling the chakra capacity from yesterday. Once you grow up and the chakra no longer increases, the chakra control also becomes easy. But if you achieve superior chakra control now, then your justus will be twice as powerful and efficient when you become an adult.”

Ryu said, ”Is that so? I didn’t know.”

Dan replied, ”That is why most ninjas who perform poorly at young age still manage to achieve chunin ranks when they grow up. But that doesn’t mean you should lax with chakra control exercise.”

Ryu replied, ”I would never.”

Dan’s expression grew more serious as he continued, ”Before we begin training for nature manupulation, I need to prepare a few things before we. In the meantime, continue with your leaf-sticking exercises until you can maintain it for two hours without much effort. Let me also share with you an additional chakra-control exercise that you can do in conjunction with leaf-sticking exercises: tree climbing.”

As Dan began to explain the intricacies of the tree-climbing exercise, Ryu listened intently. He is told how this technique could be applied in various combat situations as well, providing a tactical advantage in both offensive and defensive manoeuvres.

”The key is to maintain a constant flow of chakra to your feet,” Dan emphasised, his hands moving animatedly as he spoke. ”Too little, and you’ll slip off. Too much, and you’ll damage the tree bark and be repelled. It’s all about finding the perfect balance.”

Ryu nodded, absorbing every word. ”It sounds challenging, but I can’t wait to try it,” he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. ”How long did it take you to master it, Grandpa?”

Dan chuckled, a nostalgic glint in his eyes. ”Ah, it took me a good week of practice. But I have a feeling you might pick it up faster. You are a quick learner.”

Ryu felt a mix of pride at his grandfather’s words. ”I’ll do my best,” he said modestly. ”But I’m sure it’ll take me some time too.”

Dan nodded approvingly at Ryu’s humble response. ”That’s the right attitude. Remember, it’s not about how quickly you learn, but how well you understand and apply what you’ve learnt.”

As they continued their meal, Dan’s expression turned serious. ”Ryu, before you start practicing the tree climbing exercise, I need you to tell me where you plan to train. I want to make sure the area is safe for you.”

Ryu looked up, surprised by the request. ”Oh, I was thinking of using the large oak tree behind our house. It’s secluded and has sturdy branches.”

Dan nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes. ”Good choice. I’ll make sure to clear the area of any debris that might hurt you if you fall. And don’t worry, I’ll use an earth-softening jutsu to make the ground safer for your practice.”

Ryu’s eyes widened with interest. ”Earth-softening jutsu? That sounds amazing, Grandpa! Can you show me how it works?”

Dan chuckled, ruffling Ryu’s hair affectionately. ”Good attempt. But for now, let’s focus on what is at hand. Besides, you need to have earth affinity for that.”

After a few moments, Ryu looked up at Dan. ”Grandpa, I was wondering... could I get some books on medical ninjutsu?”

Dan’s expression softened. ”Ah, I understand your interest, Ryu, but it might be best to wait for Dr. Yuki to return. She’ll be handling your medical ninjutsu training, and I don’t want to risk confusing you with potentially outdated information.”

Ryu’s brow furrowed in disappointment, but he understood the logic. After a moment of contemplation, a new idea struck him, one that aligned with his long-term goals while still appearing innocent.

Ryu said thoughtfully, ”I see. If so, Grandpa, would you mind getting me some crafts and technology books? Specifically, about electrical instruments?”

Dan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. It was an unusual request from a young ninja-in-training, and he couldn’t help but wonder about the motivation behind it. ”That’s... an interesting choice, Ryu. May I ask why you’re interested in such topics?”

Ryu’s mind raced, carefully constructing his response. He knew he had to tread carefully to present his interest in a way that wouldn’t raise too many questions at the same time sounds logical.

”Well,” he began, his voice measured, ”I’ve been thinking about how technology could revolutionise the medical field. Imagine if we could create devices that could diagnose illnesses more accurately or even assist in performing complex surgeries. Understanding technology could give me an edge in unexpected situations. Plus, I’m just curious about how things work.”

Ryu smiled, relieved that his explanation had been accepted. Inside, though, his thoughts were far more complex. He had noticed the gaps in this world’s technology—there were electric bulbs, refrigeration, and even CCTV, but no telephones or automobiles. The same was true for healthcare. There were ninjutsu that could revive the dead, but still there were untreatable diseases that clamed even the strongest of the ninjas, like Itachi and Kimimaro.

The technology was fragmented, and Ryu couldn’t help but wonder why. Lack of research, he thought. The ninja world is too focused on developing ninjutsu than technology. That’s what’s holding them back. I bet all this technology was developed in the last fifty-sixty years or so, after ninja villages came into existence.

He thought about changing it, but for that he needs to learn about the current standing of technology in this world.

Dan’s expression shifted from surprise to intrigue. He leaned back in his chair, studying Ryu with newfound interest. ”You never cease to amaze me, Ryu,” he said, a hint of pride in his voice.

Dan thought, ”This boy sees the world differently. Perhaps that’s exactly what this world needs.”

”Very well,” Dan said with a nod. ”I’ll see what I can find for you. It’s not a common interest among Shinobi, but who knows? It might prove useful in ways we can’t foresee.”

Ryu beamed, his eyes shining with gratitude and excitement. ”Thank you, Grandpa.”

As they finished their meal, Dan couldn’t help but marvel at the boy sitting across from him. Ryu’s thirst for knowledge, his dedication to training, and his unconventional interests all pointed to a unique path ahead. He wondered, not for the first time, what kind of Shinobi Ryu would become.

Later that night, as Ryu lay in bed, his mind buzzed with plans and possibilities. He thought, ”If I can combine chakra with technology... Ryu thought, his mind racing. There’s so much potential. Medical devices, communication tools, even weapons... The possibilities are endless.”

The tree-climbing exercise, the promise of nature manipulation training, and the potential to explore technology all swirled together in an exciting blend of opportunities.

The seeds of innovation had been planted, and with each passing day, they grew stronger, nurtured by Ryu’s determination and Dan’s unwavering support.