Naruto: The Medical Ninja

Chapter 254: Chapter 251: Ryu’s Grand Pitch

Ryu told Tsunade about his rough plan. He talked about the strange steps he was going to take, how he had given each choice a lot of thought, and what inspired him to go in that particular direction. The plan was great because it took a calculated risk and had a huge stroke of luck. It was Tsunade’s turn to listen. She did so quietly, her golden eyes fixed on him as she took it all in.

”I don’t doubt you,” Tsunade told Ryu after a long pause. It was one of the few times she really believed what she was saying, even though she knew how hard the job was. ”But this kind of thing isn’t simple or easy. It’s... the first of its kind.” Her gaze held a profound seriousness as she considered the audacious scope of Ryu’s proposal.

”Yes,” Ryu agreed with Tsunade, his gaze steady, acknowledging the monumental challenge. ”That’s why I’m not doing this alone. This time, I will take time and involve other experts I know.”

Ryu thought about where the idea came from and said to himself, ”I should thank the ninjas who tried to kill me for giving me such a gift. It will now be used to help someone instead of hurt them.

Tsunade let out a soft sigh, her expression a mix of concern and contemplation evident in her eyes. ”For a moment, I was thinking you were considering tissue grafts...” Her voice trailed off, and there was a hint of fear in her tone as she thought about how cruel these kinds of experiments are and how often terrible results happen as a result.

Immediately, Ryu dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand and a firm shake of his head and said, ”With the technology that we have today, that is not possible. There are four primary outcomes that can occur as a result of using that method: tissue rejection, cancer, an even more messed-up brain condition, and insufficient improvement at all. If we are fortunate, he might get better for a few years after surgery, but then all of those other possibilities will eventually catch up to him.”

Ryu’s scientific mind, honed from his past as a physician and scientist, vividly recalled the dangers of brain tissue grafting and understood why Tsunade wasn’t sure about brain surgery. However, he was determined to find a way to use his knowledge for good, not harm.

Tsunade nodded solemnly, her demeanour grave as she contemplated the dangers at hand. ”The risks significantly outweigh any possible benefits.”

”Exactly,” Ryu confirmed to Tsunade, his gaze hardening with a silent vow to prioritise safety. ”But I would never put my patients at such risk just for glory. So, I will not recommend any dangerous treatment.”

He paused, his eyes reflecting a determined glint of ambition, offering a glimpse into the future he was resolute to create. ”But I promise you, Auntie Tsunade, in a decade, I will make it possible. An artificial organ, without the risk of rejection and free of the lifetime need for immunosuppressants.”

With a confident smile, Tsunade placed a hand on Ryu’s shoulder, pride evident in her eyes. ”I have no doubt that you will achieve that goal, Ryu. And when you do, it will revolutionise the field of medicine.”

Ryu smiled and said, ”For now, this is the safest option, and with some help, I can do it. Later I will replicate my idea with technology rather than Fuinjutsu.”

Tsunade then remembered Ryu is also good with technology and replied, ”Showoff.”

Ryu smiled, looked at her and then asked, ”Are you going to help me?”

Tsunade sighed, a soft sound of resignation mixed with palpable pride, a small smile playing on her lips. ”Of course. This is a learning opportunity for me as well.”

At Hamura Compound, in Leaf Village

Yuki came to talk to Dan and bring Ryu’s message to him. She walked up to the door of Hamura Home. She put out her hand to knock, but the door opened quietly before her knuckles could touch it. As Yasashii stood there and bowed, his small size didn’t hide the sharp intelligence in his eyes. He said, ”Lady Yuki,” in a soft voice.

Dan’s calm voice came from deeper in the study and asked, ”Yuki, is there news?”

”Yes, Dan,” Yuki replied, stepping inside. ”I received a message from Ryu. He has a patient he needs our help with, and he says he can’t do it alone.”

Dan’s eyes snapped open, and he stood up straight in an instant. He lost all of his focus. He didn’t hesitate or look scared; all he felt was a strong desire to help his beloved grandson. ”Ryu needs my help.... I will go.” He looked at Yasashii. ”Yasashi, please help me pack my bags.”

”Wait, Dan,” Yuki interjected, ”you have a bounty on your head. It’s dangerous. We need a bodyguard, at least for the journey.”

Dan looked at her for a moment, his face showing a thoughtful expression. Then he let out a short sigh that showed he agreed with her sensible suggestions. ”All right, Yuki. Your caution is valid.”

Just as Yasashii was about to leave to pack bags, Dan looked at the door and said, ”Yasashii, go open the door.”

The subtle chakra barriers around the compound indicated the presence of an unexpected visitor. A moment later, a polite but resolute knock resonated through the halls.

Yasashii opened the door. Standing there, his familiar Hokage robes slightly askew, a faint smile on his face, was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

”Hiruzen,” Dan greeted, a slight surprise in his voice, quickly stepping aside to welcome him.

Hiruzen’s aged eyes held a knowing glint, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. ”Any news from Ryu?”

Dan chuckled with a genuine warmth in his tone. ”He’s doing fine, Hiruzen, and back at his antics.”

Hiruzen tilted his head, a silent question in his gaze, inviting elaboration.

”He’s found a new patient to treat,” Dan explained, a hint of pride in his voice. ”And he’s asked for help from both Yuki and me.”

”Excellent,” Hiruzen replied, a weary smile touching his lips, the lines around his eyes softening. ”I will join as well.”

Dan and Yuki exchanged surprised glances, conveying a silent understanding as they shared a moment of unspoken communication. Then, Yuki, ever practical, spoke. ”You’re going to save us a lot on guard missions then, Hiruzen.” The sheer security of having the Professor, the Third Hokage, accompanying them was immeasurable, an unexpected boon.

”Hiruzen, you don’t need to do this,” Dan insisted, concern in his tone, knowing the burden of the Hokage’s office. ”You’ve already done enough for us.”

Hiruzen waved a dismissive hand, a twinkle in his eye. ”Nonsense, Dan. I need a vacation. And the Land of Rivers has good scenery this time of year.” He finished with a wink, a flash of his old, mischievous self that rarely surfaced anymore, a reminder of the man beneath the robes.

Dan sighed, his apprehension giving way to a genuine smile as he finally conceded to the inevitable course of action. ”Alright, then.”

”We’ll leave first thing in the morning,” Hiruzen announced, his tone brooking no argument. With Hiruzen in tow, the group now had the maximum security anyone could ask for—a walking fortress. Dan and Yuki looked at each other, a shared understanding passing between them, and accepted it.

Hiruzen then went directly to Shikaku Nara’s home. The Nara clan head, known for his strategic brilliance and equally legendary laziness, was likely immersed in a game of shogi, a half-eaten bag of chips beside him.

”Shikaku, you have to look after the village as acting Hokage for a few days,” Hiruzen informed him, his voice calm, yet carrying the weight of authority.

Shikaku groaned, already sounding utterly exhausted, and enquired, ”Are you going on a vacation?” His voice conveyed a low grumble of complaint.

Hiruzen coughed delicately, a subtle attempt to mask his true intentions, a faint smile playing on his lips, ”No, no. You know what happened in the Land of Rivers. I’m merely going to meet the Daimyo to discuss the matter.” He thought about how fast he could get rid of this paperwork and enjoy some fresh air, a small, private victory already forming in his mind.

Even in his casual state, Shikaku’s sharp eyes narrowed with suspicion. He caught the subtle tremor in Hiruzen’s voice, the too-smooth explanation. ”Like anyone will buy that excuse,” he thought, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

”Fine. I’ll do it,” he finally grumbled, ”But don’t take too long, Lord Third. This mountain of paperwork is such a drag...”

Hiruzen simply nodded with a faint, knowing smile, then swiftly used shunshin to vanish. He entrusted Shikaku with the challenging task of overseeing Hokage-level paperwork, knowing full well of Shikaku’s exceptional capacity for efficient and precise management.

Shikaku sighed again, resigned to his fate as he settled in for a long day ahead.

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