章 34: The Hyuga Medical Research Institute

As Hikari arrived at his destination, the 'Hyuga Medical Research Institute' stood in front of him, marking a significant spot amid the Side Branch living area's daily hustle and bustle.

The institute's location in the heart of the Side Branch area was no accident; it was a strategic choice, reflecting the Side Branch members' dominance in the various roles of what would fall under the collective umbrella of supporting and auxiliary-type shinobi forces.

The building combined the traditional Hyuga style with the practical needs of a medical center. Its entrance was highlighted by the clan's symbol, gracefully carved into the dark wood, showing the institute's key role in the clan's health and wellness and research.

Though not as large or definitely fancy as some of the buildings in the Main Branch, the institute carried an air of quiet dignity. Its design included large windows to let in plenty of sunlight, making the inside feel welcoming and warm. The roof's design reminded me of an old temple, adding a touch of sacredness appropriate for a place aimed at healing and research.

Meticulously kept gardens around the building provided a serene backdrop, with medicinal herbs and plants interwoven into the landscape.

This not only beautified the area but also served a practical purpose, as these plants were often used in the treatments and studies conducted within the institute.

However, despite its serene surroundings and the diligent upkeep of its medicinal gardens, the air was heavy with the weight of the war's toll on its people. The influx of those needing care added a sense of urgency to the institute's daily workings.

Side Branch members, bearing the physical and emotional scars of battle, entered in the hope of healing and support. Their presence, marked by bandages, support limbs, and the quiet strength with which they carried their wounds, painted a vivid picture of the war's impact on the clan during this period.

The institute's staff, consisting of medical ninjas and researchers, moved with a heightened sense of purpose, their faces set in concentration as they navigated the challenges of treating complex injuries.

Their dedication was evident in the way they tended to each patient, striving to provide not just physical healing but also emotional support, acknowledging the profound effects of war.

Inside the Hyuga Medical Research Institute, Hikari was set to attend a specialized workshop he had eagerly signed up for. This wasn't just any class; it was a focused study group dedicated to the art of healing battlefield injuries swiftly and efficiently.

The scope of this training was deliberately narrow, concentrating on injuries that were severe but not to the extent that they required long-term or slow medical attention.

These were wounds that could be realistically addressed in the heat of battle, allowing shinobi to return to action with minimal downtime, perfect for Hikari's needs.

Hikari's motivation for joining was mainly about equipping himself with the knowledge to protect himself more effectively when the time came to join such battles in the future. He understood that the ability to quickly heal could be the difference between his victory and defeat and even life and death. It was only one of the specialized programs offered here.

As Hikari stepped into the building next, his arrival didn't go unnoticed. Under the surprised gazes of many within the facility, he moved with a calm and noble-like demeanor that belied his young age.

At just 6 years old, a Main Branch member wandering alone through this bastion of medical excellence was an uncommon sight. Yet, Hikari carried himself with an assurance that commanded respect, his focus undeterred by the attention he attracted.

He soon discovered the interior of the institute. It was segmented into specialized areas, each dedicated to a different aspect of medical jutsu guidance and practical shinobi healthcare.

There was an area focused on the study and cultivation of medicinal herbs and another devoted to pharmacological research, where Hyuga scientists and medical ninjas worked on developing new medicines and antidotes.

Another significant section functioned as the Hyuga clan's own mini-hospital. This area was equipped to handle a wide range of injuries and ailments, allowing the clan to treat many of its members without needing to seek assistance from Konoha's main medical facilities.

It was a testament to the institute's capabilities that it was considered the second-best medical center in Konoha. Indeed, outside of the legendary, recently crowned Sannin Tsunade's expertise, there was hardly a better place in the village for medical care.

Recognizing the value of their services, the Hyuga clan even extended their medical assistance to other clans, sending their skilled practitioners to treat those in need at their respective headquarters.

Hikari's exploration also revealed that the workshop he was about to join was just one among many advanced programs offered by the institute. Each program was designed to specialize in different facets of medical-shinobi-related matters, catering to a wide range of interests.

Among these, the practice and perfection of Chakra Scalpel Techniques also stood out, although Hikari wasn't very interested in it. This area was dedicated to practitioners who honed their abilities to use chakra as a precise surgical tool.

The training involved not just mastering the technique but also learning to minimize chakra consumption to promote efficient healing.

This particular workshop took place in a specialized surgical department equipped with advanced equipment. This facilitated the real-world application of these delicate surgeries, pushing the boundaries of medical ninjutsu in practical, life-saving scenarios.

Another compartment focused on the Medical Application of genjutsu. Here, ninja medics were trained in the nuanced use of genjutsu for medical purposes, including pain management and patient sedation, and as an integral component of all psychological treatment strategies.

This innovative approach demonstrated the clan's understanding and application of genjutsu beyond traditional combat scenarios, showcasing a creative melding of ninjutsu disciplines for healing.

Additionally, the institute strongly emphasized 'Research and Innovation', particularly among its more advanced students. This initiative encouraged the development of new medical techniques and remedies, with a special focus on leveraging the unique capabilities of the Byakugan.

This area of study aimed not only to advance the clan's medical prowess but also to explore the full potential of their kekkei genkai in medical applications. The Byakugan, known for its extensive visual and perceptual abilities, offered untapped possibilities in diagnosing and treating illnesses, potentially revolutionizing medical ninjutsu.

Amidst the bustling activity and the focused endeavors of the institute's inhabitants, Hikari's presence was an unusual yet intriguing anomaly. The fact that someone so young, from the esteemed Main Branch, had chosen to immerse himself in such rigorous and specialized training spoke volumes about his character and his ambitions.

As Hikari Hyuga made his way into the large room designated for the advanced workshop on emergency battlefield healing, the atmosphere was charged with a focused intensity. This particular session, centered on quickly managing injuries on the battlefield, was of special interest to Hikari.

The room was already filled with individuals, all of whom were significantly older than Hikari, who was just a 6-year-old. They were seated around the space, which was designed to facilitate both observation from experts and practical application.

The room itself was expansive and well-equipped, with medical practice dummies arranged at intervals, each accompanied by a set of medical tools and scrolls.

Tables and benches were organized in a layout that allowed everyone a clear view of the demonstration area at the front, where instructors would showcase techniques and conduct simulations.

Charts and diagrams detailing human anatomy and chakra points adorned the walls, serving as educational aids.

Hikari's entrance into this space was a moment of mild disruption, not due to any commotion but because of the recognition that followed him. Despite his youth, he was the sole Main Branch member among a group entirely composed of older-than-him Side Branch members.

Under other circumstances, a child of his age might have seemed misplaced among seasoned practitioners dedicated to mastering such a critical aspect of shinobi medicine.

However, Hikari was no ordinary child; he was already known within the clan as a prodigious talent, and his dedication to advancing his skills was evident in his choice to attend this workshop.

As he walked in, the room's occupants turned their attention towards him. Realizing who he was, several immediately stood up, their actions a blend of surprise and deep respect. "Hikari-sama," they greeted him, using an honorific that acknowledged both his status within the Main Branch and the exceptional promise he held as a future leader and protector of the clan.

This respect was not merely due to his lineage but was a direct acknowledgment of his unique abilities and the maturity he displayed by choosing to engage in such advanced training at a young age.

Hikari responded with a quiet nod, acknowledging their greetings but also signaling his desire to focus on the day's lessons.

Despite the differences in age and branch affiliation, his presence brought a unifying respect for the pursuit of knowledge and skill.

As he found his seat among them, the room settled back into an anticipative silence, ready to commence with the workshop.

Hikari understood that it was truly unusual for someone from the Main Branch, especially a kid his age, to dive deep into medical training.

That's why the real respect he got from everyone in the room didn't surprise him. He knew he earned his spot in this advanced class through hard work, not just because of who he was.

Hikari had to demonstrate not just a theoretical understanding but a practical mastery of several key ninja skills.

To get into this class, Hikari had to pass tough tests. He needed to show he was really good at using Yang Release, which is important for healing quickly.

His Byakugan had to be sharp enough to see very small details inside the body, which was crucial for medical work.

He also had to be skilled at controlling his chakra and know the Gentle Fist technique well. These skills were all must-haves for this advanced training.

Securing a place in this advanced lecture series, therefore, was a clear indicator of Hikari's exceptional abilities despite his tender age. He once again proved his reputation as a genius.

As Hikari's gaze wandered around the room, it paused, drawn to a girl who was also looking his way. She was slightly older than him, with medium-length, somewhat messy brown hair that fell to her small shoulders.

Her light eyes, a hallmark of the Hyuga, looked back at him curiously. Her bangs were a bit longer than usual, draping over her forehead in a way that Hikari guessed was meant to conceal the Cursed Seal, a sign of her being a Side Branch member unlike himself.

She was dressed in simple white robes, echoing the traditional Hyuga style, yet something about her appearance stood out to Hikari. Her features were delicate and well-formed, showing a quiet grace even at her young age.

Hikari looked at her a bit longer because she was the only one close to his age in the entire room. Everyone else was at least in their teens, making these two the youngest participants in the workshop.

'She has to be exceptionally talented to be accepted into this class while being so young...', Hikari thought before retracting his gaze and just nodding toward her politely. After all, he did stare for too long, so he showed some manners.