Medical-nin Exclusive Quarters
Lounging on a sofa, Ryuku silently immersed himself in reading the special book on Jutsu Ritual Surgery.
It was an advanced level of Medical Ninjutsu that involved the use of Fūinjutsu before initiating treatment.
As the name suggested, it functioned like a ritual—you had to set it up before proceeding with the surgery.
Like any other Medical Ninjutsu, the primary purpose of Jutsu Ritual Surgery was to repair damage within the body.
However, if that was all it could do, it wouldn't be considered an advanced-level technique. What truly made it exceptional was its ability to assist in repairing heavily damaged internal organs, no matter how severe the injury. Even so, the Jutsu Ritual was extremely chakra-intensive, meaning it required a large amount of chakra for the process.
Not to mention, medical-nin had to be extremely careful and focused throughout the surgery.
One mistake could be fatal during the delicate procedure. In the worst-case scenario, if chakra ran out mid-way, the medical-nin would be left with no choice but to forcibly extract their own lifespan for more chakra.
That's why this technique was permitted only to high-ranking medical-nin.
Half an hour passed quickly.
Ryuku finally finished the book, releasing a yawn at the end.
My Shadow Clone is still active, huh… Well, I did put half of my chakra into him, so it'll probably last another hour…
Ryuku had already spent four hours in the hospital. From treating the child's injured leg on his own to assisting Hosho in a lung surgery, he had lost track of time while working.
To the point that he'd long forgotten about the disturbing smell permeating the corridors.
Glancing at the clock, he saw it was nearing five and decided to call it a day.
I'll have to remake my schedule today… After tomorrow's Genin Test, I'll be mostly busy during the day, and I still need to spend some time in the hospital in the afternoon… That leaves me with limited time for myself and for training…
Stretching his muscles, Ryuku eventually sighed in defeat and left the quarters to inform Hosho of his departure.
While high-ranking medical-nin had flexible working hours and two days off each week, low-ranking medical-nin had a completely different story. They were forced to work ten hours a day with only a single day off per week.
As for the monthly income?
Low-ranking medical-nin earned 200,000 Ryo with limited hospital benefits.
High-ranking medical-nin, on the other hand—those with over ten years of experience or advanced-level skills—earned 500,000 Ryo monthly, plus extra based on the high-level surgeries they participated in. Not to mention, they enjoyed all the privileges that came with being a top medical-nin at the hospital.
A true jackpot for anyone seeking a normal life filled with luxury and respect.
Since Hosho had personally spoken with the Hospital Manager, and Ryuku was an exceptional genius, he was allowed to decide his own schedule.
Although his pay remained the same as that of a low-ranking medical-nin, all he needed to do was show up, mark his attendance, spend an hour or two at the hospital, and improve his skills under Hosho's tutelage.
That was all that was expected of him—an arrangement possible solely because of his talent.
However, what Ryuku didn't know was that, just yesterday, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had a quiet discussion with the Hospital Manager—an old friend from the past. Even Hosho was unaware that if not for Hiruzen's involvement, Ryuku's current situation wouldn't have been nearly as favorable.
After a minute of searching, Ryuku finally found Kyoka on one of the balconies protruding from the back of the hospital… smoking a cigarette?
…This was not what I was expecting.
"Kyoka-san?" he called out.
Kyoka, surprised, quickly threw the cigarette away and coughed slightly before turning to meet his gaze. "What is it, Ryuku-kun?" Her black eyes blinked a few times in panic, though her expression remained as teasing as ever.
Not minding her behavior, he asked, "Is Sensei not here?"
At his question, Kyoka suddenly remembered that Hosho had told her to inform Ryuku about his sudden departure. But she had forgotten all about it.
"Yes, he had to leave for the next town with a small crew, all of a sudden," she answered quickly.
"Do you need something from Hosho, perhaps?"
Shaking his head, he replied, "No, I just wanted to let him know that I'm leaving. That's all."
Kyoka let a smile play across her lips. "I see. Well then, since he isn't here, no need to concern yourself. Take your leave anytime."
He gave a nod. "Good evening, Kyoka-san. I'll see you tomorrow."
Kyoka waved her hand in response. "Tomorrow, then." But she added a few words under her breath, "Don't tell Hosho what you saw."
Ryuku stopped and turned his head slightly. "Obviously, Kyoka-san," he said with a sweet smile, then eventually left.
Releasing a deep sigh, Kyoka pulled out another cigarette and resumed what she had been doing.
Her gaze settled quietly on the bird's nest in the distance.
How long before I can have my own child...
----
Exiting the hospital, Ryuku was about to head home using Body Flicker when he suddenly stopped.
What's he doing here...?
Out on the street, he noticed an acquaintance from the early morning.
Black hair and eyes, a red-and-white fan crest on the back of his high-collar shirt, and short white pants.
"Hey, Sasuke, what are you doing here?"
He appeared behind him with a sudden flicker, startling the boy slightly.
"Wh— How did you..." Sasuke's eyes widened as he struggled to find the right words.
Ryuku chuckled at his expression. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you."
Sasuke quickly regained his composure and replied calmly, "How did you get behind me?"
With a faint smile, Ryuku answered, "A movement jutsu, of course."
Sasuke went quiet for a moment, then glanced around cautiously before speaking in a serious tone.
"I have something to ask—"
But Ryuku cut him off.
"Let's talk at my place. We can have all the discussion you want there, not out in the street."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and began walking away, signaling Sasuke to follow.
"Wait—! I didn't agree to—" Sasuke protested, but Ryuku didn't stop or even glance back.
Damnit... what's wrong with this guy...
He cursed under his breath, gritting his teeth in frustration.
But he needed answers.
His instincts told him there was something strange about this Ryuku.
He wholeheartedly wanted to turn around and leave, yet...
Before he even realized it, his legs had already begun following the gray-haired boy in silence.
Tch. If he wastes my time... I'll show him why no one messes with an Uchiha...