บท 16: Chapter 16 - Learning
Ryu wandered the dimly lit halls of the clinic, his curiosity piqued by the rustic wooden walls and creaky floorboards beneath his feet. The scent of antiseptic hung heavy in the air, mingling with the faint smell of aged wood.
As he continued his exploration, a thought crossed his mind. This clinic was expensive, almost absurdly so. It made sense given the quality and importance of their services, but considering their target demographic consisted mainly of escaped criminals, Ryu couldn't understand how they managed to stay in business.
Weren't most criminals broke? Didn't they go into hiding with only what they could carry, just like him? How could they possibly afford treatment here?
Determined to satisfy his curiosity, Ryu decided to ask a patient about the clinic's mysterious clientele. As he approached a door slightly ajar, he peeked inside to see a single patient lying on a bed with crisp white sheets.
The room itself was modest in size and sparsely furnished, with a small bathroom and sink tucked into one corner. A narrow, weathered window beside the bed allowed a sliver of sunlight to illuminate the otherwise dim space, casting shadows that danced along the rough-hewn walls.
Upon the bed lay a middle-aged man with unkempt brown hair and a beard that had seen better days. His green eyes, framed by a face etched with smile lines, held a mixture of weariness and resilience. The man had a somewhat muscular build, suggesting he had once been capable of great physical feats.
It was a tragic sight to see that only one arm and one leg remained of his four limbs. His torso was wrapped in bloody bandages, which extended to the points where his limbs had been severed — his left shoulder and right upper thigh, specifically.
As Ryu entered the room, the man's gaze shifted to him, and his eyes lit up with mild surprise. He seemed to assess Ryu for a moment before breaking the silence.
"Oh, a visitor? What brings you here, young one?" The old man asked, his voice deep and calm. Ryu hesitated for a moment, wondering how to broach the topic.
"Hi, I'm Ryu. What's your name?" he asked, trying to sound friendly.
"Ah, I'm Amida," the man replied, his voice softening slightly. "Nice to meet you, Ryu."
"Amida, I hope you don't mind me asking, but what happened to you?" Ryu inquired, genuinely curious.
Amida let out a small sigh, but didn't seem to mind the question. "Well, Ryu, I used to be a farmer. I had a pretty big farm where I grew tomatoes, cucumbers, and cabbages. One day, some injured refugees from the Land of Lightning came to my farm, and I took them in. They worked for me while they healed, and after about a month, they moved on. I thought that was the end of it."
"But how did you end up here?" Ryu asked, his curiosity growing.
Amida's eyes clouded over as he continued. "The Mist found out what I'd done and declared me a wanted man. They took my farm and captured me. They tortured me for their own amusement until I managed to escape when a group of some other village's Anbu attacked the facility. I stumbled across this place, and, well, here I am."
Ryu frowned, still puzzled. "But how can you afford the treatment if you don't have your farm or any belongings anymore?"
Amida chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "You're a sharp one, aren't you? I paid some of the cost with what I had left, but now I'm in debt to the clinic. They want us to repay our debts with interest when we leave. Those with combat experience work as security or hunters, tracking down anyone who tries to escape without paying. The rest of us either pay with money we earn or join their information network if we have connections. I'll probably end up doing the latter."
Ryu absorbed the information, thinking aloud. "So the former Anbu guys are in debt too?"
Amida shook his head. "No, they're actually paid employees. They started working after the clinic saved them, and they're well-compensated. After all, the clinic needs a strong backbone in case the 'volunteers' decide to quit. They need someone powerful enough to keep everyone in line, and they need to keep those people loyal and satisfied." He paused, looking at Ryu intently. "Does that answer your question, kid?"
"Yes, thank you... So, how's your treatment going?" Ryu asked, his curiosity still not sated.
"It's going really well, actually. I was devastated when they said they needed to amputate two of my limbs, but the doctor here is an expert Medical Shinobi. My wounds were treated expertly, and I should make a full recovery, or as full as it can be, in a month or so," Amida said with a touch of gratitude in his voice.
Ryu hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Can I ask a more personal question?"
Amida gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Go ahead."
"How does it feel to lose your limbs? I've heard about phantom pains, but I never really understood it. Are you experiencing them, and if so, can you tell me how it feels?" Ryu inquired gently.
Amida sighed, his expression somber. "You don't shy away from tough questions, do you? Well, it's probably just like you've heard. I feel pain from my amputated limbs even though I know they're not there. It's a strange sensation – hot and cold, itching, cramping. But the pain isn't the worst part; it's the constant reminder of what I've lost." He paused, sadness creeping into his voice.
Ryu, feeling the weight of Amida's words, changed the subject. "Do you know how many staff members work here? If Arakan is an expert Medical Shinobi, do they have more like him, or is he the head doctor?"
Amida shook his head. "Unfortunately, they're severely understaffed. Skilled doctors are paid well by legal establishments, so they don't need to resort to working in a place like this. Honestly, if it wasn't for Arakan, this whole clinic would've crumbled long ago."
"I see... Well, thank you, Amida. I need to go and rest now, but I'll make sure to repay you later for answering all my questions," Ryu said gratefully.
Amida smiled warmly. "Goodbye, kid. Have a good rest."
---
Ryu walked down the hallway, his mind racing with the stories and insights Amida had shared. He couldn't help but feel a connection with the man, as he too had his life practically ruined by the mist.
As a former farmer, Amida had lost not only his limbs but also his livelihood, and Ryu wanted to express his gratitude for the knowledge the man shared and to help him in the tough journey ahead of him.
As Ryu pondered how he could help Amida, several ideas came to mind. Perhaps he could fashion a small wooden model of a farmhouse, complete with miniature crops and fields, as a reminder of Amida's past. Or maybe he could make him a scythe that'll serve as a weapon for self-defense.
While these ideas were meaningful, Ryu realized that they weren't particularly practical. Amida needed something that would tangible assistance in his new reality. And then it hit him: a walking cane.
Ryu envisioned a beautifully crafted wooden walking cane for Amida. The cane would provide support as Amida adjusted to life with one leg, and its intricate carvings would make it a personal and thoughtful gift. Ryu could carve symbols and images that represented Amida's farming background. This way, the cane would not only be practical but also remind Amida of his roots.
Ryu entered his modest room. As the flickering candlelight danced upon the worn walls, Ryu pondered which material he should use for his new creation.
In the end, Ryu chose African Blackwood for its durability, beautiful dark color, and smooth finish. Taking a deep breath, he performed the Transformation Jutsu, conjuring a straight, finely sanded piece of African Blackwood, roughly two meters in length and two inches in diameter. The wood felt smooth and solid in his hands, exuding an aura of timeless elegance.
He also used the Jutsu to summon the necessary tools: a set of sharp wood carving chisels, a mallet, a fine-toothed saw, sandpaper, a set of rasps and files, and finishing materials. Laying out the tools on a small table, Ryu felt a wave of determination wash over him as he prepared to begin his labor.
Ryu began the design process by immersing himself in the world of Amida's memories, recalling the scenes of lush farmland, ripe crops, and the lovingly tended fields that the farmer had once cherished. He wanted to create a design that would transport Amida back to those days, invoking the familiar sights and smells of his past life.
As he sketched, Ryu envisioned a continuous spiral winding around the shaft of the walking stick, each turn revealing a different aspect of Amida's agricultural journey. He incorporated symbols of various crops, from wheat and rice to corn and cabbage, their leaves and stems intertwining to form a rich tapestry of life and growth.
The farming tools – a plow, a hoe, a rake, and a scythe – were seamlessly woven into the pattern, representing the dedication and hard work that had once shaped Amida's world.
To breathe life into his vision, Ryu meticulously shaded and highlighted the sketches, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality that would later guide his carving. He carefully considered the flow and balance of the design, ensuring that each element had a purpose and that the overall composition was harmonious and visually captivating.
Ryu added subtle flourishes, such as a butterfly fluttering near a ripe ear of corn and a small bird perched atop a bountiful stalk of wheat, infusing the scene with an air of tranquility and natural beauty.
With the design for the walking stick complete, Ryu began the delicate process of carving the African Blackwood. The rich, dense wood was a deep chocolate brown, its subtle grain patterns promising to lend an air of refinement and elegance to the finished piece.
Ryu selected a sharp gouge from the tool set he conjured, its curved edge ideal for making precise cuts, and held it firmly in his hands.
Ryu started at the top of the shaft, carefully tracing the outline of the first spiral with the gouge. He applied gentle pressure, letting the tool glide smoothly through the wood, the scent of freshly carved wood filling the room.
With each stroke, the spiral came to life, revealing the various crops and tools that formed the heart of Amida's world. Ryu's hands moved with a steady, unwavering rhythm, the wood yielding willingly beneath his touch.
As he continued his work, Ryu found himself lost in the intricate details of the carving. The leaves of the wheat and cabbage seemed to sway gently in an unseen breeze, while the plow, hoe, rake, and scythe appeared to shimmer with the promise of hard work and a bountiful harvest.
Ryu delicately sculpted the butterfly and the small bird, their presence adding a sense of natural beauty to the scene.
Ryu's focus was unwavering as he carved, each chisel stroke imbued with purpose and intention. The hours slipped by unnoticed, his hands moving with a grace and precision that belied the complexity of the task.
As the final details emerged from the dark wood, Ryu stepped back to admire his handiwork. The walking stick was a symphony of texture and shadow, humming with the energy of a living, breathing, world that Ryu had brought to life with his artistry and skill.
With the shaft of the walking stick complete, Ryu now turned his attention to the handle. He knew that it had to be comfortable to grip, yet strong enough to support Amida's weight, all while maintaining a sense of harmony with the beautifully carved shaft.
He conjured a piece of African Blackwood that mirrored the shaft's deep hues and intricate grain patterns, and with a renewed sense of purpose, he began the process of transforming it into the perfect handle.
Ryu carefully sketched the outline of the handle onto the wood, envisioning a smooth, flowing curve that would conform naturally to the hand. He then picked up the coping saw he conjured, the ideal tool for cutting the gentle arc he had in mind.
With a steady hand, he guided the saw along the outline, the blade moving seamlessly through the wood. The soft, melodic sound of the saw's teeth biting into the wood filled the room, creating a soothing backdrop to Ryu's work.
Once the handle's basic shape had been cut, Ryu turned to a set of rasps and files to refine and smooth the edges. He started with a coarse rasp, working methodically to remove any imperfections and rough spots.
The rasp's gritty sound provided a rhythmic counterpoint to Ryu's focused movements, the handle gradually taking on a more polished appearance. As he moved on to finer files, the handle's surface began to gleam, the wood's natural beauty shining through.
Satisfied with the handle's appearance, Ryu held it to the wooden shaft he made and used the Transformation Jutsu to alter the two pieces of wood and combine them into one.
With the two pieces combined, Ryu focused on the final touch – a subtle, elegant engraving that would connect the handle to the shaft's richly detailed design. He decided to carve a small sun, a symbol of life and growth, its rays reaching out to the carved crops below.
Next, Ryu now turned his focus to the finishing touches that would ensure the walking stick was not only beautiful, but also durable and functional. He knew that a proper finish would not only enhance the wood's natural beauty but also protect it from the elements, ensuring the walking stick would last for years to come.
Ryu began by meticulously sanding the entire walking stick, starting with a coarse grit sandpaper and gradually working his way to finer grits. The rhythmic back-and-forth motion of his hand as it glided over the wood was almost hypnotic, the soft scraping sound filling the room with a sense of calm.
As he progressed through the various grits of sandpaper, the wood's surface became increasingly smooth and polished, the intricate carvings and engravings appearing even more striking against the now-gleaming wood.
Next, Ryu decided to apply a protective oil finish to the walking stick, one that would bring out the rich, dark tones of the African Blackwood while safeguarding it from moisture and wear.
Ryu carefully applied a generous layer of oil to the wood, massaging it gently into the surface, paying particular attention to the carved details. As the oil soaked into the wood, it seemed to come alive, the deep, ebony hues taking on a lustrous sheen, the carved crops appearing even more vibrant and lifelike.
Finally, Ryu turned his attention to the very bottom of the walking stick – the point that would come into direct contact with the ground. Knowing that this area would be subject to the most wear and tear, he decided to attach a small brass ferrule to protect the wood and provide additional stability for Amida.
He carefully measured and marked the appropriate spot on the stick, then used a small chisel to create a shallow recess for the brass ferrule to fit snugly. With a few gentle taps of a mallet, the ferrule was securely in place, completing the walking stick's transformation from a simple piece of wood to a functional work of art.
Ryu stood back, his eyes sweeping over the completed walking stick, feeling a mixture of pride and anticipation. He could hardly wait to see Amida's reaction to this gift. He chuckled imagining the farmer's eyes widening in surprise as he took in the intricate details of the carving.
Ryu hoped that the walking stick would not only serve its practical purpose but also remind Amida of the life he once cherished and inspire him to keep moving forward. With great care, Ryu wrapped the walking stick in a simple cloth, protecting the delicate carvings from damage during transport.
As he approached Amida's room, Ryu could hear the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds, the peaceful atmosphere reflecting the tranquility he had tried to capture in the walking stick's design.
Ryu opened the door to Amida's room, causing the latter to look in interest. "Ryu, what brings you here? Another set of questions?" Amida asked, curiosity lighting up his eyes.
"I have something for you," Ryu said, gently unwrapping the cloth to reveal the breathtaking walking stick. He held it out to Amida, watching the farmer's eyes widen in astonishment as they took in the intricate carvings, the symbols of his past life lovingly etched into the wood.
Amida reached out hesitantly, his fingers trembling slightly as they traced the delicate contours of the carved crops and tools. As he gripped the smooth handle, his eyes filled with tears, the memories of his days in the fields coming back to him in a flood of emotion.
"Ryu, this... this is incredible," Amida whispered, his voice thick with gratitude. "I can't believe you made this for me. It's a masterpiece..."
"I hope this can help you with your current situation. It won't be easy getting used to walking on one leg, so I thought I'd help you a little," Ryu chuckled awkwardly. He thought it'd be funny to see Amida's reaction, but when the moment came he felt awkwardness more than anything.
Amida pulled Ryu into a tight embrace, the walking stick held securely between them. "Thank you, my friend," he murmured, his voice full of emotion. "I will treasure this always, and I'll never forget the kindness and thoughtfulness you've shown me."
As they stepped back from the embrace, Amida grasped the walking stick firmly, a newfound sense of determination shining in his eyes. Looking at Amida, Ryu thought that maybe creating this gift wasn't all that bad.
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