Ryu's voice trembled slightly as he spoke. "You mean to say that the hospital will pay for all of my medical expenses?"
Dr. Nono offered a reassuring nod. "Yes," he confirmed, his voice carrying a quiet sincerity.
"But why?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
He knew that even the normal people were not particularly nice. and he understood that this world is cruel, even to children, and that there are many people who are just like Danzo and Orochimaru. The greatest example was Naruto's situation, where he was rejected by the village even though he had done nothing wrong. In addition, every village has a practice where ninjas kidnap children to use for experiments, information gathering, or to get their special bloodline.
Dr. Yuki's eyes softened as she watched the emotions play across Ryu's face. She saw the struggle within him, the hope at odds with doubt, the gratitude tangled with confusion, and she knew that after his experience at the orphanage with the Root- Division, he was suspicious of new people.
"Because your insight helped a man where the hospital failed," Dr. Nono retorted. "Your selfless act of helping someone in a time of need serves as a testament to why we are compelled to reciprocate that kindness," she said after a brief pause.
Dr. Nono clarified in response to Ryu's perplexed question how Ryu's clever actions had ultimately assisted a person in dire need by filling a critical gap where the hospital had failed.
Then, Dr. Yuki stated, "Ryu-kun, Dr. Nono is correct. I spoke with Dr. Sato about your case in great detail. You have pneumonia, tuberculosis, and peptic ulcers, all of which are dangerous on their own. Additionally, because your body rejects the immunity boosters, things become extremely dangerous."
The realisation of his condition caused Ryu's shoulders to droop a little. His illness, which had been momentarily overlooked due to the surprise of the hospital's offer, returned to weigh heavily on him.
Ryu nodded and shook his head slightly, saying, "I know my condition is very serious. i was just asking."
"We are just returning that goodwill a little," Dr. Yuki continued, "because that patient also donated to the hospital after his treatment based on your diagnosis."
Dr. Nono added, his eyes shining, "It is a cycle of kindness. Your actions inspired generosity in others, which in turn allows us to help you. Really, it is quite lovely."
Dr. Yuki chimed in, corroborating the sentiment by highlighting how the patient Ryu had assisted had, in turn, demonstrated gratitude by making a donation to the hospital. As a result of this friendly exchange, the hospital felt obliged to help Ryu further in recognition of his generosity.
Dr. Yuki said, "Ryu, please accept this good will from us," as she glanced at him.
"I do not know how to thank you," Ryu stammered, his voice heavy with emotion. His eyes flickered between the doctors.
"Dr. Sato may seem stingy, but he is very generous and kindhearted," Dr. Yuki remarked, smiling mischievously as she leaned back in her chair.
"Don't let his gruff exterior fool you," she added with a wink. "Beneath all that bluster is a heart of gold."
"Hi there! Who are you calling stingy? I am your superior, damit." Dr. Sato, who had up until then maintained a reserved manner, joked around when he was called "stingy," providing a brief break from the serious conversation. Dr. Nono merely giggled a little, while Dr. Yuki laughed at his reply.
The laughter that filled the room seemed to lighten the atmosphere. Taken in by the sudden humour, even Ryu could not help but smile.
Dr. Sato placed a hand on his arm. He was usually quiet, but when he reached out to give Ryu a helping hand, a rare flash of warmth and encouragement broke through his exterior.
"Ryu," Dr. Sato began gently, "I expect great things from you. We give permission for all of your future medical costs to be covered by the hospital. Do not say 'thank you,' just take it, boy."
Dr. Sato let out a sigh. "It's the least we can do. You've endured so much."
"More than any child should have to," Dr. Yuki said quietly, admiration and sadness mixed together in her eyes.
Interrupting them was a knock on the door. A voice then said, "Dr. Sato. Your patients are waiting for you, and your appointments have also arrived at your office.".
The intrusion of reality seemed to break the spell that had fallen over the room. Dr. Sato straightened, his professional demeanour sliding back into place.
Dr. Sato glanced at Ryu, a touch of concern lingering in his eyes. "Well, I suppose that's my cue to get back to work," he said, rising from his chair.
He reached over to shake hands with Ryu; this was not a handshake between a patient and an authority figure, but rather a sign of respect between equals. It was a silent acknowledgement by Dr. . Sato of the strength and resilience Ryu had displayed.
Ryu hesitated for a moment, surprised by the gesture. Then, gathering his courage, he reached out and grasped Dr. Sato's hand firmly. A hesitant smile played on his lips, a flicker of warmth replacing the exhaustion that had clouded his face.
Dr. Sato, with a flicker of concern in his eyes, said, "Dr. Yuki. Take good care of him."
"I would have done so even if you had not asked. He may have been adopted, but he is still my child," Dr. Yuki said gravely, her eyes meeting Dr. Sato's.
Dr. Sato and Dr. Nono gracefully exited the conference hall, leaving behind a sense of anticipation that lingered in the air, enveloping Dr. Yuki and the young Ryu.
As the door closed behind them, a moment of silence fell. Ryu exhaled and grinned broadly; at this point, any help was greatly appreciated. He can now request medical supplies in the name of medical treatment for his experiment, so he will not have to worry about them anymore.
Just then the door burst open, revealing Isao. Curiosity sparkled in his eyes, and his face practically creased with intrigue. "Whoa, what's going on here? I've never seen Dr. Sato so happy! Ryu, spill the beans! What's got everyone grinning?"
"Nothing," Ryu retorted. "I did not do anything and just stood there. Ask Mother Yuki."
Isao, bewildered, asked more questions: "I do not believe you. Something big must have happened. I've never seen Dr. Sato smile like that. It was almost scary!"
Before Ryu could respond, Dr. Yuki intervened, her words carrying a weight of responsibility: "The hospital has decided to shoulder the costs of his treatment moving forward. Their presence here was to convey this momentous news to him."
Isao's face lit up with genuine happiness as he exclaimed, "What fantastic news! Congratulations, Ryu."
A faint smile graced Ryu's lips as he humbly replied, "Thank you, Mr. Isao."
Dr. Yuki, with a serious face, said, "Let's cut the small talk now."
A glint of anticipation shimmered in her eyes as she focused her attention solely on Ryu, quizzing, "Isao mentioned your experiments on seeking an alternative treatment. I would like to know what the two of you are doing. Could you please provide more details about these experiments?"
Ryu paused, trying to figure out the best way to explain what seems like unusual experiments to them. "It is an experiment; that is a departure from the norm, something that not many people have explored yet," he remarked.
He explained his theory about the existence of microorganisms that could combat other bacteria, a concept entirely foreign to this world of potions and herbal remedies.
Then he described his attempts to recreate a specific kind of substance that microorganisms release as a defence mechanism against other microorganisms. He also talked about the petri dish experiments he had carried out in the library's makeshift lab.
Dr. Yuki, raising an eyebrow, said, " Interesting. So your goal is to use the fungus that grows on rotten bread to make some sort of artificial antibacterial agent?"
When Ryu explained his novel idea about using microbes as possible defences against bacterial infections, a world of unconventional but potentially useful creativity opened up. His commitment to developing an antimicrobial agent that utilised the body's natural defences demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to healthcare that went beyond conventional methods.
Dr. Yuki's intense curiosity about Ryu's research suggested that there was unrealised potential in his unusual approaches, which set off an exciting scientific exploration. She thought, "May be it could work. The idea of using pathogen against pathogen never even occurred to me. It has never been attempted by anyone before.
Ryu hesitated, then met her gaze. "Yes, something like that. It might sound unorthodox, but I believe it has the potential to be incredibly effective."
Dr. Yuki leaned back in her chair. "Let me see what you've got."
Isao and Ryu exchanged a look, and Ryu said, "Do not worry, we will not disappoint you, mother."
[A/N:
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