Chapter 79: Medical Ninja
Shikai was somewhat annoyed. All this time, he had been trying to get closer to a talented Uchiha for his future plans, but the only notable Uchiha who appeared in the manga was Izumi. Even though she was half-Uchiha, Shikai still hoped for a surprise. But in reality, she was really a piece of shit. Fortunately, he had already taken measures by getting close to Mikoto. She had given birth to two geniuses, and those genes would surely not disappoint.
"Congratulations," he said sincerely, despite his inner disappointment.
Izumi, not noticing the brief change in his expression, continued to speak enthusiastically.
"I want to become stronger, Shikai. Maybe not as strong as you, but I want to be able to protect those dear to me."
Shikai stared at her silently for a moment, then slowly moved closer.
"You know," he said, his voice becoming softer, "I've missed your beauty and your smile."
Izumi's eyes widened, her face turning crimson.
"Shikai..." she murmured, unable to look away.
He moved even closer, his hand gently brushing her cheek.
"I'm glad to see you again," he added, before softly pressing his lips against hers.
The kiss was brief but intense, leaving Izumi completely stunned. She touched her lips with her fingertips, her cheeks as red as cherries, while Shikai straightened up with a slight smile.
"That was... unexpected," she murmured, her voice trembling but joyful.
"I had to surprise you after all this time," he replied, his tone amused.
'I don't have time for this nonsense, I'm getting out of here.' Shikai disappeared using his Hiraishin seal.
Izumi laughed softly, still in shock but visibly happy. Unaware that Shikai had already given up on helping her, leaving Itachi to slit her throat on the night of the massacre. After all, he had a vengeance to fulfill, and he had no time for useless sentiments like love.
***
Shikai walked through the calm streets of the village, his mind preoccupied. He was thinking about his future, about the idea of acquiring a house far from the Nara estate. While he didn't mind staying, he yearned for personal space, a place where he could truly feel free. But for now, he had to head to the hospital, where his medical skills were needed.
As he approached his destination, a sudden pain seized him.
A sharp cramp exploded in his head, making him stop abruptly. His eyes began to roll back, and he felt a metallic taste invade his mouth before spitting out a mouthful of blood.
"Damn..." he murmured, leaning against a wall to keep from falling.
It was the backlash of his own genjutsu, "Kage no Sasayaki," which he had used earlier against Fugaku. Not only had he not yet fully mastered this technique, but the Uchiha clan leader was much more powerful than him. Shikai cursed himself internally for being so reckless.
"Byakugō no Jutsu," he murmured, activating his seal.
The purple mark illuminated on his forehead, and a wave of medicinal chakra spread through his body, quickly repairing his damaged organs. He wiped the blood still flowing from the corner of his mouth and took a deep breath.
Despite this, his mind was in turmoil. Fugaku had tested him, but why? Was he really involved in the coup that the Uchiha clan seemed to be plotting? In this timeline, would Fugaku fight his own son or make the same choices as his destiny?
Shikai clenched his teeth in pain. He ended the technique, and his seal faded. He straightened up and headed towards the hospital entrance.
Upon entering, Shikai was greeted by other doctors. One of them, an older man with a deep voice.
"You must be Shikai Nara... You're assigned to a highly monitored area," he said, his tone indicating that he couldn't reveal any more.
Shikai furrowed his eyebrows. It was unusual for a doctor to be assigned to such an area without an explanation.
"I'll take you there," the doctor added, inviting him to follow.
They walked down a long corridor lit by torches. At the end, two ANBU, masked and motionless like statues, guarded a metal door.
"This area is off-limits," said one of the ANBU in a cold voice.
The doctor stopped, nodded, and turned around, leaving Shikai alone.
"I'm Shikai, Tsunade's disciple," he stated calmly.
Shikai was dressed as a Jonin, and he had received the file on the character.
The ANBU exchanged a silent glance before opening the door for him. He was led to an office where a familiar figure awaited him.
Inside, a brunette woman in a medical coat was busy at a cluttered desk. She raised her eyes and seemed slightly surprised, setting down her piglet.
"Shikai, I presume? I don't believe we've met before," she said in a professional yet friendly tone.
Shikai, however, knew her very well.
"You're Shizune, right? Tsunade's assistant."
She nodded with a smile.
"Correct. So, you're her famous nephew and disciple."
Shikai replied with a light smile.
"What do I need to do?" he asked, ready to get down to business.
Shizune's face darkened slightly, and she leaned against her desk.
"This won't be an ordinary mission. We're the only two assigned to this service, and there's a reason for that. Hiruzen asked Tsunade to handle it personally, but she sent me in her place."
Shikai listened in silence.
"The patient is in critical condition... and honestly, my skills aren't enough to save him," she admitted with a hint of regret.
Shikai crossed his arms, his gaze serious.
"Show me," he said simply.
Shizune nodded and stood up.
"Ah, I forgot to properly introduce myself," she added, extending her hand. "I'm Shizune."
Shikai shook her hand with a professional smile.
"And I'm Shikai Nara or Senju. That'll do."
Shizune smiled slightly, looking visibly relieved to be working with someone competent.
As they walked through the dark corridors, Shizune explained the situation.
"The patient has been in a coma for several years. His condition is stable, but..." She paused, searching for the right words. "His body is strange. It's not a condition we often see."
"Strange, how?" Shikai asked, intrigued.
Shizune hesitated before answering.
"You'll understand when you see her."