As Ryu and Isao were enjoying their meal, a figure approached them in the cafeteria.
"Mind if I join you, Gentelmen?" Dr. Yuki Sarutobi asked the two, enjoying their meal. She gracefully interrupted their exchange, her demeanour radiating warmth and genuine interest.
A broad smile spread across Ryu's face as he spoke, "Mother Yuki, By all means, please join us." He gestured to the empty seat opposite him. "We could use the extra company, and the more, the merrier, right, Mr. Isao?"
Isao nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely, Dr. Yuki. Your company is always welcome."
Dr. Yuki smiled warmly at both of them. "Thank you, both. It's refreshing to see both of you are mixing well."
Isao chuckled and shuffled to make space. Dr. Yuki, with her neatly tied hair and bright eyes, sank into the seat with a grateful smile. "Thank you. Lunch break seems to vanish faster than ever lately."
After a series of polite pleasantries regarding the day's tasks, Dr. Yuki redirected her attention to Ryu, her gaze filled with curiosity. "How is your work progressing? Have any of the unusual experiments you have been carrying out in the temporary laboratory you set up in the library produced any encouraging findings?" There was a hint of curiosity and expectation in her voice.
Ryu's smile faltered slightly, a nervous energy sparking in his eyes. He mumbled, "Ahh," as he chewed his food. We have completed our preliminary work. Tomorrow, we may verify the results. It might save lives if it works," he remarked.
Dr. Yuki leaned forward, intrigued. "Save lives, you say? That's quite a claim, Ryu. Can you elaborate without compromising your research?"
Ryu hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Let's just say we're exploring new frontiers in combating infections. Even though the project is just getting started, there is a lot of potential in our work."
Dr. Yuki smiled at his response and then said, "Speaking of work, I can't help but overhear whispers about some rather unconventional diagnosis you did the other day in this cafiteria. It seems to have left an impression on many, including me."
Ryu's expression changed a little, showing a hint of surprise mixed with modesty, and he said, "Oh, that. It was merely an observation that caught my attention, and I shared it with that person."
Dr. Yuki countered his modesty with a reassuring smile. "Observations others failed to make. Even the professional doctors in many hospitals."
With a smile that was full of pride and appreciation, she said, "Well, it appears your 'observations' are gaining quite a reputation around here; it's the talk of the town." about how you diagnosed Mr. Hashimoto. The man who stumped every department?"
Surprise flickered across Ryu's face. "News travels fast, huh?" he commented with a hint of amusement
Dr. Yuki nodded. "Lightning fast, especially when it involves a misterious young man defying all odds and doing what others couldn't, solved the mystery of the strange illness of Hashimoto."
"I didn't mean to cause such a stir," Ryu said, a touch of embarrassment colouring his cheeks. "I just wanted to help."
"And help you did," Dr. Yuki affirmed. "But it's raised quite a few eyebrows, Ryu. People are curious about you."
Dr. Yuki found herself lost in thought as she tried to shake off the weight of the conversation she had with Hiruzen earlier that day.
But as she shifted her focus to Ryu, a young and remarkably insightful individual, a newfound sense of intrigue sparked within her.
Dr. Yuki focused on Ryu. "You see, I admire a good mystery," she stated, her voice gentle yet firm. "But attracting too much attention, especially of the wrong kind, could be detrimental to your research."
Ryu met Dr. Yuki's gaze and pondered for a moment before responding, "I thought that too, but would you have hesitated knowing you could alleviate a man's suffering?"
He continued, "Don't you have a sacred oath to treat your patients with the utmost care?"
Dr. Yuki retorted, "I am a doctor; I am bound by the principles of medicine, but you are not. What compelled you, someone not bound by such obligations, to offer your help?"
Ryu, his earnestness shining through his words, confessed, "I couldn't turn a blind eye. Initially, I doubted that anyone would believe my findings, so why bother? Yet the man's agony was palpable, and I had the power to change that."
Dr. Yuki, taken aback by the young man's seriousness, leaned forward, her gaze intent. "Tell me, Ryu," she prompted, her voice gentle yet laced with a thirst for understanding, "how did you arrive at your diagnosis?"
Taking a deep breath, Ryu set his fork down with a soft clink. "Dr. Yuki," he began, his voice gaining momentum, "the problem with traditional medical diagnostics is that they sometimes have blind spots. Mr. Hashimoto was a perfect example. The tests revealed nothing amiss, yet he was clearly suffering because everyone ."
A flicker of understanding crossed Dr. Yuki's face. "So you looked beyond the results," she mused, her interest piqued.
"Exactly!" Ryu exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with a passion for this unconventional approach. "I call it the art of holistic diagnosis. It's about considering all the external factors—the patient's environment, their daily routines, even the things they might not think to mention. Sometimes, the key details lie outside the realm of standard procedures." He paused, letting his words sink in before adding, "It's about looking beyond the obvious, thinking outside the box."
Dr. Yuki nodded slowly, her mind racing with the implications. "It's an intriguing approach, Ryu. But it's also highly subjective. How do you ensure accuracy?"
Ryu leaned forward, his enthusiasm palpable. That is, Mother Yuki, where the medical examinations are relevant. We use these observations as a starting point, then verify with targeted tests. It's a blend of intuition and empirical evidence."
As Ryu elaborated, Dr. Yuki listened intently, and Ryu next explained his diagnosis to her.
"The old man had subtle changes in skin tone, barely audible wheezing, and a faint aroma clinging to Mr. Hashimoto's clothes. Each detail, when pieced together, formed a picture invisible to standard tests. Although everyone was aware that something was wrong, the cause could not be identified in the end." He then paused, a grin on his face, and continued, "Until you look at his shoes.".
By the end of his explanation, Dr. Yuki sat in stunned silence.
Ryu said, "When I looked at his shoes, they were covered with fine white dust. He told me he bought a new house near Quarry."
Dr. Yuki asked, "What's the connection between Quarry and his illness?"
"Everything," Ryu replied. With a smile, he went on, "There was once an old limestone mine. It was the cause of his illness. He used to go to walk early in the morning before the sun was up; it entered his system specifically through skin pores and lungs, but it did not show any signs of allergic reactions immediately."
Ryu then continued, "He returns home when the light is dim. He then continued with his day. He takes a bath and washes away all evidence of skin contamination. However, he gets a severe allergic reaction when he walks outside in the intense sun, and his blood tests revealed nothing, and his perspiration erased all of the evidence."
Ryu chukkled and said, "I almost believed he was a vampire before; anyone would. but it was just a simple double exposure that triggered a severe allergic reaction. there was no mistry there. "
Dr. Yuki's eyes widened in amazement. "That's... remarkable, Ryu. The level of detail, the connections you've made... it's incredible."
Isao, who had been listening silently, whistled low. "I've never heard anything like it. It's like you're a detective and a doctor rolled into one."
Ryu blushed slightly at the praise. "It's not that special, really. It's just about paying attention and connecting the dots."
He said that, but he knew deep down that his sharp mind could draw those conclusions because of his abilities. His [Peripheral Awareness] and [Improved Eyesight] were to thank for it.
"But that's precisely what makes it special," Dr. Yuki countered. "The ability to see those connections where others don't. It's a rare gift, Ryu."
As the conversation unravelled its layers, Dr. Yuki found herself captivated by Ryu's innovative thinking and meticulous attention to detail, forging a new path in medical exploration. His ability to decipher the unseen connections between symptoms and surroundings showcased a blend of intuition and scientific acumen that challenged the conventional boundaries of healthcare practice.
Intrigued by the narrative that unfolded before her, Dr. Yuki realised that Ryu's method of diagnosis extended beyond the confines of textbooks and lab results. It delved into the nuances of human existence, recognising that true healing lay not just in treating symptoms but in understanding the intricate interplay of individual experiences and environmental influences.
The depth and breadth of his knowledge, coupled with his unconventional approach, left her speechless.
"Ryu," she began, a mixture of awe and concern in her voice, "you are a fascinating mystery."
Ryu shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. "I'm just trying to help, Dr. Yuki. That's all."
A moment of understanding passed between them, unspoken but profound.
[A/N :
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