Talent Reborn
Episode 4: Shocking the Medical World
The operating room was silent except for the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor.
Haruto stood beside the lead surgeon, his hands steady, his breath even. The scalpel in his grip felt natural, as if he had been doing this for years.
But this was his first real surgery.
Sweat dripped down his back. One wrong move, and the patient's life could be lost.
"Calm down," he told himself. "I've copied the best. I know what to do."
The attending surgeon, Dr. Arata, gave him a sharp glance.
"Student, I want you to assist with the sutures. Do not mess this up."
Haruto nodded. "Understood."
Renji Kujo stood nearby, arms crossed. His sharp eyes followed Haruto's every move, skepticism clear on his face.
"Let's see if you're really as good as you're pretending to be."
Haruto took a deep breath and moved.
His hands were swift but controlled. The suture went through smoothly, the technique executed flawlessly.
Dr. Arata's eyes widened slightly. "…Not bad."
Renji's brows furrowed.
"That wasn't just good. That was perfect. But how?"
The last stitch was placed. The surgery was a success.
Haruto stepped back, exhaling quietly. He had done it.
For the first time in his two lives, he had assisted in a real surgery.
And he hadn't failed.
A New Reputation
The next day, whispers spread across Teito University Hospital.
"Did you hear? A student assisted in a real surgery last night!"
"A student? That's impossible!"
"No, I heard it was Haruto Aizawa—the guy who failed before."
"Wait… isn't he just a dropout?"
Haruto walked through the halls, ignoring the stares and hushed conversations.
He knew this was only the beginning.
If people were talking, that meant they were paying attention.
"Good. Keep watching. I'll prove I belong here."
As he entered the medical library, he spotted Renji Kujo leaning against a bookshelf, waiting for him.
"You got lucky yesterday," Renji said, arms crossed. "But skill isn't just about imitating others."
Haruto met his gaze evenly. "I never said it was."
Renji's eyes narrowed. He was suspicious.
But before he could say more, the door opened.
Dr. Arata stepped in, glancing between them. "Haruto, you've been assigned to assist in another operation this afternoon."
Renji stiffened. "Another one? So soon?"
Haruto blinked, surprised. "Me? Why?"
Dr. Arata smirked. "Because the attending surgeon requested you. Looks like you impressed someone last night."
Haruto's heart pounded.
This was it.
Another step forward.
And he wasn't stopping anytime soon.
A True Test Begins
That afternoon, Haruto found himself in Operating Room 3.
This time, the case was a complex appendectomy—removing an inflamed appendix from a patient in critical condition.
The lead surgeon, Dr. Kazuki Kuroda, a strict and renowned doctor, eyed Haruto as he entered.
"I've heard about you," Kuroda said. "A student who thinks he can keep up with real doctors."
Haruto kept his expression neutral. "I'll do my best."
"Hmph. We'll see."
The procedure began. Haruto observed every move, his ability automatically absorbing the surgeon's skill.
Then—disaster struck.
The patient's blood pressure dropped dangerously low.
A complication.
The room tensed. The assisting surgeon hesitated.
Dr. Kuroda barked, "We're losing time! We need to act now!"
Without thinking, Haruto moved.
His hands reached for the surgical tools—and performed the precise maneuver needed to stabilize the patient.
Everyone froze.
Dr. Kuroda's head snapped toward Haruto, shock flashing across his face.
The assisting surgeon stammered, "H-How did you—?"
Renji, watching from the observation room, stood up from his seat.
"That move… even experienced doctors struggle with it. But he did it—without hesitation."
Dr. Kuroda stared at Haruto, then let out a sharp breath.
"…Hmph. Well done."
Haruto exhaled slowly, his heart still racing.
He had done it again.
But as he looked around at the stunned faces, he realized something.
His ability was no longer just a secret.
People were starting to notice.
And that meant his real challenge was just beginning.
End of Episode 4.