Chapter 5: The youngest medical ninja in Konoha
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In the world of Naruto, Muzan faced a unique and crippling weakness: his inability to walk in the sun. Unlike other realms, Naruto's lacked any means to repair such genetic flaws. Thus, Muzan had to rely solely on his own efforts to save himself. Driven by determination, he set out to master medical knowledge and hone his chakra control, aspiring to become a formidable medical ninja.
"Director Harano has agreed to let you work as a doctor's assistant, but the condition is that you can't miss any classes. You can only intern at the hospital on Saturdays and Sundays," stated Nobiwei.
Nobiwei's conditions were clear. Muzan needed to excel in medical ninjutsu to achieve the prowess of the legendary Konoha White Fang, without neglecting his regular ninja training. As the dean of the Ninja Academy, Nobiwei couldn't afford to let Muzan's progress falter.
"An internship? That's not bad," Muzan mused.
"Muzan, you must be prepared," Nobiwei cautioned, noticing Muzan's hopeful expression. "The hospital isn't as glamorous as you might think. Medical ninjas hold a lower status in Konoha Village. If it weren't for Tsunade-sama, Konoha wouldn't have developed medical ninjutsu at all."
Muzan knew this well. Tsunade had been the driving force behind Konoha's medical advancements. After the Third Great Ninja War, her departure left medical ninjutsu in decline. Precise chakra control was essential, and few were willing to commit to such a demanding field when they could be mastering powerful combat techniques.
Among Konoha's renowned ninjas, only Tsunade was celebrated for her medical skills, though she was more famous for her immense strength and combat abilities.
"Thank you, Nobiwei-sensei. I believe I can elevate Konoha's medical ninjutsu to new heights," Muzan declared with determination.
The following days were fulfilling for Muzan. He was the first to report to the hospital every Saturday and Sunday, though initially, no doctor was willing to take him on as an assistant. If not for his connection to Sakumo Hatake, he might have been dismissed. Eventually, Muzan found Director Harano, who assigned him to Dr. Hayashi.
"Just stay there," Dr. Hayashi said, pointing to a corner. He had an operation to perform and didn't want to deal with a novice. "Don't make a sound while I'm operating."
Muzan felt underestimated, but he remembered Nobiwei's warnings and didn't take it personally. As the operation progressed, a layer of sweat formed on Dr. Hayashi's forehead. He needed to carefully suture the patient's wound and habitually called out, "Prepare the blood bag..."
After the operation, Dr. Hayashi was exhausted. Noticing Muzan with blood on his body, he changed his attitude. "You have solid medical knowledge, enough to be an assistant. Study with me during this time."
A qualified medical ninja needed not only medical ninjutsu but also proficiency with various medical equipment, especially on the battlefield. Dr. Hayashi, though a chūnin, had top-tier medical skills, which greatly benefited Muzan.
The morning passed in a busy blur. Muzan assisted in operations and recorded problems. "Phew! Good job, little guy," Dr. Hayashi praised, handing Muzan some food and a book. "Recover your strength and practice medical ninjutsu in the afternoon. These are basic hospital techniques. There will be no problems."
The book contained basic medical ninjutsu, such as the chakra scalpel and hemostasis techniques. Most doctors only mastered the basics, as advanced techniques required strong chakra control and a significant amount of chakra to sustain long surgeries.
In the afternoon, Muzan practiced medical ninjutsu behind the hospital. He captured a rabbit and used his chakra to stimulate its regenerative abilities. "No wonder there are so few medical ninjas," he muttered, realizing the precision required.
Muzan diligently studied and practiced. During lunch breaks, he read about cellular biology and Tsunade's research. "Tsunade is truly a genius," he thought, admiring her work on stimulating cells to heal wounds quickly. However, he knew he couldn't follow her path exactly to address his genetic defects.
"I don't want to be associated with a deadbeat," he decided. While Orochimaru's genetic research was cutting-edge, Muzan didn't trust his intentions.
Just as Muzan pondered contacting Orochimaru, Dr. Hayashi burst into the room. "Hurry, Muzan, there's an emergency operation that needs your help!"
He dragged Muzan into the operating room, where a large number of injured people lay. Doctors were scrambling to save them. "What happened?" Muzan asked, shocked.
"They were ambushed by Sand Ninja while on a mission," Dr. Hayashi explained briefly. They dove into the operation.
After hours of intense work, many doctors were exhausted. Dr. Hayashi fell to the ground, his chakra depleted. "I can't hold on any longer. There are still so many patients!"
At that moment, Muzan stepped forward. "I'll take over. I've learned medical ninjutsu."
"How can you control and practice chakra without equipment?" Dr. Hayashi exclaimed, baffled. "Medical talent alone isn't enough for such precise control."
"I can do it. Trust me," Muzan replied confidently, a soft layer of chakra appearing on his hands. He had mastered medical ninjutsu skillfully, a fact that would soon speak louder than words.
As he worked, the blood gushing from an arterial wound was quickly blocked by a layer of chakra. Under Muzan's treatment, the wound healed rapidly.
"Incredible boy," one of the doctors murmured. "Dr. Hayashi found a treasure this time."
Another doctor chimed in, "If you feel Muzan isn't useful, you can ask him to be my assistant."
"It's amazing. Konoha's youngest medical ninja shows up," marveled a third.
Dr. Hayashi, embarrassed by his initial skepticism, focused intently on Muzan's hands as he treated the patients. Muzan, able to perform the surgery alone, soon had several patients under his care. His dedication and skill impressed even Director Harano.
"He's simply a natural medical ninja," Harano observed. "In the future, there will be a medical ninja in Konoha as good as Tsunade-sama. We must cultivate our medical talents well."
After several hours, the intense rescue operation finally came to an end. Patients were wheeled out one after another, and it became evident that the person who saved them was none other than Lord Sakumo's son.
Dragging his exhausted body, Dr. Hayashi pulled Muzan aside, wary of other doctors wanting to claim Muzan as their assistant. "You've made a great contribution this time. The youngest medical ninja in Konoha is much more dazzling than your brother."
Muzan, however, was more concerned about the root cause of the injuries. "Is war coming?" he asked.
Dr. Hayashi hesitated before nodding lightly. "It has not reached the level of war, but the surrounding villages are eyeing us. No one knows when the next ninja war will happen."
He went on to explain the precarious situation Konoha faced due to the absence of top-level ninja like Tsunade and Jiraiya. Despite the looming threat, he assured Muzan, "As medical ninjas, we don't have to rush to the front lines of the battlefield. If we are captured by the opponent, our lives will not be in danger."
Muzan nodded, understanding the unique position of medical ninjas. Their value lay in their healing abilities, not in combat.
"Have a good time in the hospital during this period," Dr. Hayashi added. "Director Harano has noticed you and will give you a formal doctor's salary."
"Thank you, Dr. Hayashi," Muzan replied. "But I am still a student at the Ninja Academy, and I usually focus on studying."
Dr. Hayashi, realizing Muzan's young age, covered his forehead in disbelief. "Students of the Ninja Academy, I'm sorry, I actually ignored this. But rest assured, such talent will not go unnoticed."
After finishing at the hospital, Muzan returned to the Hatake residence. Only Kakashi was there, holding instant noodles.
"Brother, you came back so late. I thought you were missing," Kakashi said, noticing the troubled look on Muzan's face. "Did something happen?"
Muzan explained the situation at the hospital and the potential threat of war. Kakashi, seeing the seriousness, showed him a notice.
"It's a notice of early graduation from the Ninja Academy, signed by the Hokage himself. I can become a genin tomorrow," Kakashi announced proudly.
Muzan's calm demeanor faltered. "You brat, you can't even beat me, but you still want to become a genin? Go away and train hard!"
Kakashi, unfazed, pointed to the signature. "You can't stop me! Even Father can't stop this exam!"
Determined to prove himself, especially after hearing about Muzan's achievements, Kakashi resolved to pass the test and become a qualified genin.
"What a headache," Muzan sighed, knowing the path ahead would be challenging for both of them.
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