Haruto had been steadily keeping up with his duties at the hospital, and with only a week left before the academy resumed, he had learned more than he ever anticipated. The hands-on experience offered him insights into the medical practices of Konoha, and every day expanded his understanding of chakra pathways, anatomy, and healing techniques. Chakra networks—the invisible highways within the body through which chakra flowed—had fascinated him more than anything. These pathways could be manipulated, healed, or even damaged, and understanding them was key to mastering medical ninjutsu.
The way chakra was stored and moved in the body was entirely new to Haruto. He had read plenty of books about the human body, but chakra added a layer of complexity he had never considered. Watching the medical-nin work, he marveled at their ability to direct chakra to specific areas to accelerate healing, but he couldn't shake the feeling that their understanding was too superficial. There's so much more potential here, Haruto thought, though he knew he still had a long way to go before he could challenge what was already established.
Despite his growing confidence, Haruto had also been exposed to the darker side of the medical world. The worst injury he had seen so far haunted his thoughts—a shinobi who had been brought in with severe burns covering over 70% of his body after being struck by a powerful fire ninjutsu. Haruto had watched from the sidelines, unable to assist, as the medical team worked frantically to save the man's life.
The Worst Injury: Burns from Fire Ninjutsu
The shinobi had been rushed in late one evening, barely conscious, his body covered in blistering, charred flesh. The smell of burnt skin hit Haruto as soon as they wheeled the man into the emergency ward. His breath caught in his throat, the stench making his stomach churn. It was unlike anything he had ever encountered before.
The shinobi's face was barely recognizable beneath the burns, his skin blackened and peeling away. His entire torso was scorched, with deep burns spreading across his chest and arms, seeping blood and fluid. The medics quickly realized that the fire jutsu had affected not only his skin but had burned deep into his muscle tissue as well.
Haruto stood in the corner of the room, watching the chaos unfold. He wasn't qualified to assist in such a critical situation, so all he could do was observe as the senior medics rushed to stabilize the man.
"Third-degree burns across 70% of his body," one of the medics muttered grimly as they hovered over the patient, applying chakra-infused bandages to try and stem the damage. "We'll be lucky if he survives the night."
They worked quickly, trying to cool the burns and prevent further tissue damage. A specialized technique was used to extract the residual fire chakra that still clung to the wounds, eating away at the man's body like an insidious poison. Sweat poured down the faces of the medical-nin as they struggled to keep the man alive.
Haruto's heart pounded as he observed the scene, feeling utterly helpless. He knew enough to understand the severity of the burns and how difficult it would be to stabilize the shinobi. The medical-nin were working diligently, but Haruto remained a spectator, feeling the weight of the reality of this world. This is the world of shinobi, he thought, a stark reminder of the deadly consequences that came with their power.
A Simpler Case: Haruto Steps In
Later in the week, Haruto had an opportunity to provide assistance on a less dire, but still challenging case. A shinobi had come in with a deep gash on his leg from a training accident, and while the injury wasn't life-threatening, it required careful treatment to avoid permanent damage.
The medic treating the shinobi was working to close the wound using a combination of chakra and medical bandages. However, the shinobi's muscle had been partially torn, making the wound difficult to heal properly. Haruto, who had been observing, saw the struggle in getting the chakra to fully mend the torn muscle fibers.
"I've read that focusing on the muscle's natural contraction points can help guide the chakra more efficiently when trying to heal a tear like this," Haruto suggested, his voice calm but respectful.
The medic glanced at him, considering the advice. "Natural contraction points, huh?"
Haruto nodded. "Yes, I came across it in a medical text. If you guide the chakra along those lines, the muscle fibers might regenerate in a more natural pattern."
The medic, curious but willing to try, adjusted the flow of his chakra, concentrating on the areas Haruto had mentioned. Slowly but surely, the wound began to close more smoothly, the shinobi's leg muscles knitting back together with greater precision.
The shinobi winced slightly, but as the wound healed, his pain lessened, and the tension in the room eased.
The medic turned to Haruto, nodding in approval. "Not bad, kid. You've got a good eye for this."
Haruto gave a small, humble smile. "I just like reading a lot. There's always something useful in books."
The Fascination of Chakra Pathways
One of the most surprising aspects of Haruto's time at the hospital was how chakra pathways worked. He had read plenty about how chakra moved through the body, but seeing it applied in medical treatments was entirely different. The intricate way the body stored chakra and moved it through its pathways was unlike anything he had encountered before.
Each day, his understanding of these pathways deepened. He learned that chakra didn't just flow randomly; it followed specific networks within the body, and how these pathways were blocked or damaged could drastically affect a person's health. The way chakra was stored in a person's core, ready to be drawn on when needed, was another revelation.
As his knowledge grew, Haruto couldn't help but feel that if he could combine what he had learned from books with the chakra techniques used by the medics, he might be able to make significant strides in improving medical treatments. But for now, he remained focused on mastering the basics and refining his own chakra control.
Haruto's experiences at the hospital had taught him more than he had expected. He had seen both the beauty and the brutality of medical ninjutsu, and while there were moments where he could help, there were still situations—like the severe burn victim—that reminded him how much he had yet to learn. Each day, his respect for the medical-nin grew, as did his determination to improve his own skills.
One afternoon, as Haruto was reviewing medical scrolls, the receptionist approached him with a note. Haruto unfolded it and quickly recognized the neat handwriting.
Takeda-kun,
You've been approved for volunteering. You'll help three days a week after academy classes and four hours every Sunday. Keep up the good work.
—Shizune
Haruto smiled as he tucked the note into his jacket pocket. His place at the hospital was secured, and his understanding of both chakra and anatomy was growing daily. He knew he had a long way to go, but the experiences so far had been invaluable.
This world is more complex than I ever imagined, Haruto thought, but he was ready for the challenges ahead.
Haruto sat quietly in his small, dimly lit room, the night outside calm and still. The academy was set to resume tomorrow, marking the beginning of his second year, but Haruto's thoughts were elsewhere. His eyes rested on the worn photo of his parents he had placed beside the shabby mirror. The familiar objects in his room seemed more distant than usual, his mind entirely focused on something else—the system.
He had been counting down the days, anticipating his six-month system reward. Every six months like clockwork, the system offered him choices based on his progress, and this time, he was more confident than ever in what was to come. The last time he had chosen to enhance his stamina, he had unlocked Tier 2 Stamina, and now, Haruto was set on improving his cognitive abilities.
He had calculated that his consistent focus on mental sharpness and chakra control would lead him to Tier 2 cognitive abilities—something that had been on his mind for months. If he could push his mental clarity to the next level, it would give him a significant edge, both in his studies and in his training.
Haruto shifted slightly in his seat, feeling the familiar tingle in the back of his mind. It was happening.
The feeling crept over him slowly at first, like the familiar hum of the system coming to life deep within his core. Then, all at once, it surged, offering him the usual three choices. Haruto didn't need to hesitate—he knew what he wanted. With a calm, decisive breath, he selected Cognitive Boost.
The moment he made his choice, the real change began. A wave of sharp, burning pain coursed through his head, so intense that he clenched his fists and pressed them into the floor. He had experienced this kind of pain before when he had unlocked Tier 2 Stamina, but this felt different—more powerful, more overwhelming.
It was as if his mind was being pulled apart and put back together all at once. His vision blurred, and for what felt like hours, Haruto was trapped in a relentless cycle of pain. Every second felt like an eternity, his body tense as he rode out the intense sensations coursing through him.
Finally, after what felt like forever, the pain began to subside. Haruto lay back against the wall, panting heavily, his skin slick with sweat. Slowly, he opened his eyes and blinked. For a moment, everything felt… sharper. It was as if his whole life he had been looking through a foggy screen, and now, for the first time, it was lifted. His surroundings felt brighter, clearer, and more defined. The dim room suddenly seemed vibrant, every detail standing out in stark contrast.
He stared at the wooden beams of the ceiling above him, noticing the fine grain of the wood, the tiny imperfections he had never bothered to see before. Had his senses always been this dulled?
His heart raced as he processed what was happening. His mind—his very thoughts—felt faster, clearer. He could feel it: Tier 2 Cognitive Ability. And it wasn't just about seeing or noticing things differently. It was as if his brain had unlocked some hidden potential.
Then something incredible happened. Haruto began to recall things from his previous life—vague memories, distant thoughts that had once felt fuzzy and unclear now snapped into sharp focus. It was like pieces of a puzzle that had been scattered for years suddenly clicked into place. Old lessons, forgotten skills, random facts he hadn't thought of in years—everything was there. It was almost overwhelming how clear everything became.
It wasn't just the past that came into focus either. His ability to retain information, his understanding of concepts, and his perception of time itself seemed to have changed. This must be what a photographic memory feels like.
He stood up slowly, his legs shaking from the strain of the process, and walked over to his desk. He could still feel the remnants of the system's upgrade buzzing in his mind. The stack of books and scrolls he had been reading through seemed to call to him now, promising him deeper understanding and clarity. Haruto knew that this would give him a significant advantage in his training and studies.
He looked around his room again, this time taking it all in with fresh eyes. The dull ache in his head from the process was fading, but the clarity remained. Every memory, every moment he had ever experienced, seemed more vivid. He could almost feel the layers of his mind expanding, making space for the flood of new information and connections that were forming.
It was intense—almost too intense—but it was worth it.
Haruto took a deep breath, feeling a surge of confidence. With this new ability, he could approach his training and studies from a completely different angle. Everything he had learned in his past life and everything he had studied in this world would be at his fingertips, ready to use at a moment's notice.
Tomorrow, the academy would begin again. And with this new power, Haruto knew he was more prepared than ever.
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