After days of constant care, even a ninja's body could not endure the strain. Fortunately, Shizune was present, allowing Sakura brief rest during her shifts. And, luckily, there was a considerate junior in the office who reliably prepared meals for her.
The lunchbox was warm, which meant the food inside was hot. The rice balls weren't particularly delicious, but they were filling. The corn chowder couldn't be called visually or aromatically perfect, yet its warmth soothed the stomach. During her shifts, Sakura ate only these two items—saving time and avoiding strong smells. Everything was for the patients' sake, whether they were from Konoha or not, whether human or non-human.
With that thought, Sakura let out a long, quiet sigh, tinged with resignation.
Why would her master risk so much to treat a non-human? Honestly, after two days, Sakura still couldn't find a reason. But it no longer mattered. Human or non-human, Konoha ninja or Amegakure ninja, the patients in front of her—disguised as Kita—were under her care. For a medical ninja, there was only patient or non-patient.
Speaking of which, the poison she had been exposed to was truly tricky. Two days had passed, and there was still no progress. We really should have collected data during the poison's active phase… Sakura swallowed the salty rice ball and paused. Hmm, why does today's rice ball taste slightly sweet?
"Sakura."
The door to the duty room opened, and Shizune's voice followed. Sakura looked up, slightly dazed at the visitor.
"Finished eating? Tsunade-sama wants you to prepare for this afternoon's surgery."
"Eh? Surgery? How come I didn't know?"
Sakura's expression was a mixture of surprise and innocence.
"A spinal replacement surgery. Didn't Tsunade-sama tell you?" Shizune handed her the file. Sakura flipped through it, saying, "No, she didn't… wait, is this real? Master is performing surgery directly? That's too fast! If it fails, she'll have suffered for nothing!"
The file indeed pertained to the spinal replacement surgery. Sakura's concern stemmed from memories of previous reports on spleen replacement results.
"There's no other way. Her poison cannot be treated with standard methods—it must be a trial treatment," Shizune explained, resigned. From a medical perspective, Tsunade's decision was hasty, but given the patient's condition, there was no alternative.
"Oh… I see. I'll get ready right away."
"Finish your meal first. You've been working hard the past two days. I'll ask Tsunade-sama to delay the surgery slightly."
"No, no! I'll finish quickly!"
Sakura hurriedly stuffed the rice ball into her mouth, cheeks puffed, mumbling between bites, "Mm, I'll prepare right away. The patient comes first." She even finished the corn chowder in the lunchbox in a single gulp, then asked, "By the way, is Master performing the surgery this afternoon?"
"You'll be the lead surgeon. Tsunade-sama has other matters and will record the data."
"Understood. I'll get ready now."
Sakura stood and moved toward the door, Shizune's reminder following behind her.
"Don't forget to brief the patient's family."
"I know, Senpai! I'll take care of it!"
Despite her hurried pace, Sakura's movements were precise and steady. Whether checking the spinal bank or coordinating with medical staff, she displayed the poise of someone far older than sixteen. Even a misplaced decimal on a report would catch her attention. Being a trusted assistant to the Fifth Hokage seemed no exaggeration.
Indeed, even the usually critical Konan could find no fault. As Konan's gaze swept over the focused young ninja, it lingered on the file once more. Spinal replacement was beyond her expectation. Konan had some understanding of how Orochimaru treated Kita, but seeing how the Fifth Hokage intended to handle it gave her pause.
"Since… you've come, I'll trust them," Konan said.
Kita's voice was soft, weak as she reclined in bed, so fragile that even opening her eyes seemed taxing. Cold sweat coated her body; her face was pale as paper. From the conversation, it wasn't simple to discern their discussion—but even without looking, Konan could sense hesitation. At this moment, the cause of her hesitation was clear.
A fleeting disappointment passed, invisible to anyone but Sakura.
"Since you say so," Konan added, signing the document.
"Thank you," Sakura said, bowing slightly as she received the file. "I will be your lead surgeon for the upcoming operation. Please guide me."
"You?"
Konan raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised.
"Yes. Though I started late, I've performed 236 surgeries. Konan-sama, rest assured." Sakura spoke with calm confidence. In this small village, many doubted her young age, but Amegakure's respected figure was no exception. A few jabs from others wouldn't faze her. She was mentally prepared for mockery.
"No, I apologize… I'm a little surprised. You truly are Tsunade's student."
Uh…
A slight blush spread across Sakura's face. She bowed again quickly. "Overpraise, my apologies. I'll prepare immediately."
…Not everyone in small villages is unreasonable…
Even after leaving the room, Sakura kept that thought. Once in the operating room, her mind focused entirely on the procedure. From carefully storing the spinal matter, preparing the replacement machine, to arranging all tools according to her habits—everything was ready. Anesthesia needles, blood bags, data collectors—everything in place.
The timing was perfect. Only Sakura as lead surgeon and supporting staff were in the room. As she donned sterile gloves, she noticed red spots appearing on her skin. Suddenly, she felt her strength draining, vision blurring, double images forming. Her head felt heavy, her legs light. She tried to remain upright, but her strength failed.
This feeling… peanuts!
No… I can't faint like this… this person… their identity…
━━━━ ❖ ━━━
If you're enjoying the journey so far and want to read ahead, you can check out 100+ advance chapters on Patreon: Patreon.com/Crimson_Lore
Every 100 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter
Add to Library!