Compared to the laughter and cheer over there, this side was shrouded in gloom. Haruno Sakura held the data she had received and had spent an entire night analyzing it with her master, Tsunade, yet they hadn't uncovered any meaningful results. Tsunade's headache was unbearable. The data Konan had provided was comprehensive beyond measure, yet no matter how many methods Tsunade tried, she couldn't determine the composition of the blood.
Without knowing what was in it, no targeted treatment could be formulated. What truly astounded her was that anything introduced into the blood—poison or medicine alike—would create new, unpredictable changes. Every attempt at detoxification produced entirely new results. In other words, any progress made was essentially zero.
"Sensei, there's no reason someone could survive a poison of this magnitude. Why?"
Sakura asked, her expression serious. As a doctor, after studying the data all night, her question was natural and inevitable.
Tsunade, exhausted, responded as if she had heard such questions countless times.
"That's the law of medicine. Nothing is absolute. The fact that she's still alive is proof of that."
"But if this continues, there's no way to respond. Without understanding the cause, treatment is impossible."
As a medic, Sakura was exceptionally competent.
"That's also why Orochimaru keeps injecting her with a stabilizer." Tsunade continued. The data suggested that the stabilizer was the only way to slow the deterioration of her body. Even if it fused into a new, unknown pathology, the stabilizer could allow her to survive precariously, as Zaraki Kita's body currently demonstrated.
"Orochimaru?!"
Sakura wasn't unfamiliar with the name. The man responsible for killing the Third Hokage three years ago was called Orochimaru. In her mind, such a person was inherently evil. Hearing his name from Tsunade's mouth was shocking. She knew that Orochimaru and her master were both considered part of the legendary Sannin, but she never expected to hear his name again in such circumstances.
Sakura's thoughts were easy to understand. In the mind of a youth, black was black, white was white—everything was clear-cut.
"The method of fighting poison with poison… only Orochimaru would use it. Sakura, you've been by my side for a long time. There are things I won't hide from you. This man is a potential danger to Konoha, but… we have no choice but to save her. You are a doctor. Healing the patient in front of you is your duty."
Growth doesn't come from a few words, and recognizing the gray areas of the world is even harder. In haste, Tsunade could only use these words to guide Sakura.
Indeed, Sakura was a competent medical ninja—or simply, a capable doctor.
"I understand, Sensei."
Her voice was firm and unwavering. Though only fifteen, her clenched fists displayed a resolute determination.
Treating a patient wasn't about effort alone, just as life couldn't be clung to through willpower. In Zaraki Kita's case, if Orochimaru's stabilizer couldn't be paused, any treatment would be meaningless. But stopping it meant the body would deteriorate again. Perhaps the decay-rebirth cycle would increase from five times to six, to ten—the pain of endless repetition.
Tsunade's reasoning: first, pause and observe. Observation is far better than staring at data.
When the case report was ready, Sakura attempted to sign her name in the responsible nurse section—but Tsunade stopped her.
"You… don't need to fill this in."
It wasn't inconsequential. Signing a document meant the person listed would be held responsible for any medical accidents. Konoha Hospital had been in operation for years without incident. The hospital only treated Konoha's people, and everyone there was rescued with utmost care. But this was the first time treating someone from another village.
"This isn't right. If both the attending physician and this section remain empty…"
Sakura began to sign. Tsunade stiffened, grabbing Sakura's wrist. Her amber eyes fixed on Sakura, serious.
"Sakura, don't push yourself. If something goes wrong, you'll be held responsible."
Sakura blinked, then laughed.
"Master, didn't you say a doctor unwilling to take responsibility isn't fit to be a medical ninja? I'm your student, yes, but I'm a doctor first. Don't worry—nothing will go wrong."
Tsunade's tension melted. The girl before her was no longer the helpless child of three years ago. As a doctor, she was qualified; as a medical ninja, she was competent. Slowly, Tsunade released her grip, and a bold signature appeared on the form:
Haruno Sakura.
"Then, Sensei, I'll handle their paperwork. Treatment will start tomorrow, right?"
Tsunade glanced at her increasingly composed student and nodded slightly. Sakura bowed and stepped out.
Is it just my imagination…? Why do I feel something ominous?
Naruto, who had seen Zaraki Kita before, had already been sent away. Kakashi knew but remained silent… Why… this uneasy feeling…
.....
Ichiraku Ramen in Konoha was indeed exceptional. Konan thought it natural that her partner praised it so much. Moreover, her usually small-eating lover had finished an entire bowl—just for this, she decided Ichiraku deserved a thousand points.
"I'm full, I'm full~"
Obito patted his rounded stomach with satisfaction. Empty bowls piled high—three from Konan, even more from Obito. For a ninja, such appetite was normal; chakra consumption was high. Ichiraku's owner had long been accustomed to this.
"You idiot Kakashi, pay up!"
Obito, forced to treat everyone for failing the target, pointed at Kakashi, who had done nothing but eat four bowls.
"Huh? Me?"
Kakashi looked confused. Obito counted on his fingers.
"We're your honored guests. Shouldn't you pay? Or should I?"
"Didn't you say to treat everyone to all-you-can-eat?"
"When did I say that? I don't remember…"
Obito started whining. Konan pushed him gently, amused.
"Alright, alright. Mind your position."
Though a rogue ninja, Obito's status as an Amegakure official meant mocking Kakashi could cause a diplomatic issue.
Obito pouted but reluctantly pulled out his wallet.
"Hmph, fine. This time it's on me. Next time, you pay, got it, Kakashi? Ah, not enough money…"
He turned to Konan with a pitiful look.
"Konan, is this considered an official expense?"
"If you want to get scolded, claim reimbursement," Konan said, smirking, pulling out her wallet. "If you beg nicely, I'll treat you this time."
"Eh, Konan~ you look so pretty today~"
Obito had zero shame. Kita laughed, smacked his head.
"You scum! Did you call her Konan? Say 'Sister'!"
"Eh eh eh, Kita-chan, why are you hitting me?"
"Did you call her Kita-chan?"
Konan laughed. Obito gawked.
"Hey, you two never stop showing off!"
Ultimately, whether Obito paid or Konan, including Kakashi's four bowls, it didn't matter. Kakashi thanked politely; Konan didn't care, her mood was bright.
After finishing, they laughed and left.
In a corner, a man in a black robe watched them leave, frowning. His expression was grim, but he didn't stay long; he turned and strode away.
Within a minute, two figures appeared from the direction he had left. Ichiraku's owner hadn't seen them yet when familiar voices called loudly.
"I'm telling you, Sasuke! A mission isn't complete until you eat ramen first!"
"You still have to hand over the mission first. Tail-end genin!"
"Damn it! Sasuke! Becoming a jonin doesn't make you great! If I were serious, I could be a jonin too!"
"Defeat me first, rookie fox."
"Hey, Sharingan brat, don't make that face!"
"Shut up, freeloading fool!"
The curtain lifted. Naruto Uzumaki in an orange tracksuit entered, the Nine-Tails perched on his head. Beside him, Sasuke Uchiha, in gray and dark blue, carried his sword, appearing freshly back from a mission.
"Yo, Naruto, Sasuke."
Ichiraku's owner greeted warmly. Naruto responded enthusiastically; Sasuke nodded. The Nine-Tails jumped down onto the table.
━━━━ ❖ ━━━
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