Naruto: The Medical Shinobi

Ryu woke up in the infirmary of the orphanage, his body still aching from yesterday's encounter with Kaito, the local bully. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room. He blinked, adjusting to the brightness, and slowly sat up in bed.

A delicious aroma wafted through the air, signalling the arrival of breakfast. With a warm smile, Hotaru, the lady cook, placed a tray of food in front of Ryu while securing her apron around her waist.

"Well, good morning, sleepyhead," she said with a gentle chuckle. "It seems like you're finally awake. Breakfast is ready!"

Hotaru placed the tray on the bedside table, revealing a simple yet appetising meal. Scrambled eggs, rice with pickled vegetables, and a cup of steaming miso soup. Compared to the fancy meals he'd seen in his past life, it was plain, but to Ryu, it was a feast.

"Thank you, Ms. Hotaru," he said sincerely, a genuine smile spreading across his face. Grateful for her kindness, Ryu thanked her before diving into the meal, savouring each bite.

"How are you feeling today?" she asked, her eyes crinkling at the corners with concern.

"Much better," Ryu replied, taking a tentative bite of the egg. It was fluffy and perfectly seasoned, a testament to Hotaru's culinary skills. "Just a few aches and pains from yesterday's... disagreement."

Hotaru's smile faltered slightly. "That Kaito is always causing trouble. Don't worry, I gave him a good earful this morning. He won't be bothering you any time soon."

"Let's hope so," Ryu chuckled, wincing slightly as he shifted in bed. "Though I'm starting to think he might have a crush on me. Why else would he keep coming back?"

Hotaru burst into laughter, shaking her head. "Oh, Ryu, you're too much sometimes. Eat up now, before it gets cold."

Just then, the door opened once more, revealing a familiar face. It was Mikasa, the girl who had bravely intervened on his behalf. A wave of warmth washed over Ryu as he remembered the memories of Ryu he inherited—memories filled with Mikasa's kindness and unwavering spirit.

Mikasa's eyes widened in surprise when she saw him, relief flooding her features. "Ryu! You're awake. I was worried sick."

She was Mikasa Watanabe, a few years older than him. He could still clearly recall their brief encounter, which had reminded him of her compassion and bravery. The memories of her flooded back to him; she had a brother of the same age as him who died, which is why she was close to him.

Despite his illness keeping him isolated from the others, Mikasa's presence provided a sense of comfort and companionship that he desperately craved.

"Are you okay, Ryu? I'm sorry, I couldn't stop Kaito," she said, her voice laced with guilt.

He looked at her and said, "It's okay. He was stronger than you. You did what you could. You're such a nice person, Mikasa."

Mikasa blushed at the sudden compassion she received from the boy. She replied, "No, I didn't do enough. I should have stopped him. You're like a brother to me; I should not have let him hit you like that."

He then looked at her and said, "You did enough. Only you stood up for me in the whole crowd." He paused and said something that surprised her. "Those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash."

Ken realised the weight of the words he had just spoken—words that belonged to a future yet to come.

"So what do you want to be when you grow up?" she asked Ryu, breaking the awkward silence.

Mikasa's question about Ryu's aspirations for the future prompted him to ponder his own hopes and desires. Ryu wanted to say scientist, but he doubted that she would understand what it meant. So he gave the most generic answer a kid would give in this world without thinking much.

He replied after a pause, "I want to be a ninja."

She was surprised by such a response. She never thought she would get such an answer from this sick kid.

She smiled and said with too much pride in her voice, "If you're going to be a ninja, then I'm going to be the first female Hokage."

For others listening to this conversation, it may seem like she was looking down on the sick kid, but actually she was encouraging him as she said those words, which were genuinely heartfelt, with a proud and innocent smile on her face.

Ken's mind raced at her declaration. He knew the future that awaited—Tsunade would become the first female Hokage. But here was Mikasa, full of determination and dreams. He felt a pang of sadness, knowing the challenges that lay ahead for her.

Ryu said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You don't think a scrawny kid like me could ever become one?"

Mikasa met his gaze, her eyes filled with unwavering confidence. She laughed and said, "Of course you can!"

"Well, if I do become a ninja," Ryu grinned. "I promise to be your right-hand man when you become Hokage. Every leader needs someone to do the paperwork, right?"

Mikasa giggled, playfully swatting his arm. "Hey! I'm not going to make you do all the boring stuff!"

"You know, having strategy and knowledge is just as important as physical strength when it comes to being a ninja," Ryu said, sounding thoughtful.

Mikasa nodded enthusiastically. "That's right! You're already so smart, Ryu. I bet you could outsmart any enemy!"

During their mutually admiring and understanding-filled conversation, Ryu found himself opening up to her in a way he had not with anyone else.

As they finished their breakfast, Mikasa told Ryu about her own struggles at the orphanage and how she had learnt to stand up for herself and others.

Ryu listened intently, admiring her strength and determination. They shared their dreams and other things. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, with hopes and aspirations shared between two souls bound by a common struggle.

"Why would anyone pick on someone for no reason?" she asked, her voice laced with anger.

She then questioned him about how unfavourable this life is, seeing how Ryu is bullied by Kaito for no reason.

Ryu sighed, a flicker of sadness crossing his features. "Kaito... he lost his parents a while back," he revealed softly, the memories of Ryu's past surfacing once again. "It's been hard on him. Sometimes, people lash out when they're hurting. Perhaps he desired other people's love and attention in order to heal the void in his heart."

Mikasa's anger softened into understanding. "He just wants attention?"

Ryu nodded. "Maybe. He wants to feel loved, to fill the emptiness inside him. But he's going about it the wrong way." He cast a wry smile at Mikasa. "Guess that's why he picked on me. The easiest target, right?"

Mikasa shook her head vehemently. "No! You're not weak, Ryu. Just because you're sick doesn't mean you deserve to be treated like that."

He paused and then continued, "No. I am bullied because I am weak."

He stared at Mikasa and said, "In this cruel world, the weak don't get to choose how they live or die. It's a privilege of the strong."

The statement she heard from Ryu shakes her.

Mikasa's brow furrowed. "That's not fair! Everyone deserves a chance."

A spark of admiration ignited in Ryu's eyes. He hadn't expected such fierce determination from a girl her age. "You're strong, Mikasa," he said, his voice filled with respect. "Stronger than you think."

"But you're right," Ryu continued, his voice taking on a more determined tone. "It's not fair. And that's why we have to change it. We have to become strong—not just for ourselves but for those who can't defend themselves."

Mikasa's eyes widened at his words. "You sound different, Ryu. More... grown-up."

Ken realised he might have let too much of his adult perspective slip. He quickly backtracked, "I've had a lot of time to think, being sick and all. Maybe it's made me a bit too serious."

"Well, being serious isn't always a bad thing," Mikasa said, giving him a gentle smile. "But don't forget to have fun too, okay? We're still kids, after all."

Ryu nodded, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude for her understanding. "You're right."

As they continued to chat, Ryu felt a warmth spreading through his chest. In Mikasa, he had found not just a friend, but a kindred spirit. Someone who understood the hardships of their life but refused to let it dim their hope for the future.

Ryu experienced a range of emotions during their conversation. He knew he had to be careful to balance his adult mind with the expectations of a child in this world.

But for now, he decided it was okay to just be a kid. To laugh, to dream, and to hope. 

#######

For viewers finding this chapter overly dramatic, I want to emphasise that the quotes used in this chapter originated from two of the most iconic characters in the manga world, Trafalgar D. Water Law and Obito Uchiha.

While these references may seem out of place now, they will play a pivotal role in Mikasa's future arc. Their significance will become abundantly clear in the future, creating a powerful and meaningful connection.

Please follow me on P@treon to get earlier access. 

You can read 25+ additional chapters on P@treon 5 of which are free: [email protected]/PageTurnerPJ

Your support is what gets this story going, so please donate power STONES to the story.

Please like and share your review to the story.

]