Talent Reborn
Episode 10: A Vow to Mastery
The Weight of Failure
For the past three nights, Haruto hadn't slept.
Instead, he had buried himself in medical books, surgical videos, and case studies.
His mistake in the ER had shaken him. He had been overconfident in his ability, relying too much on copying talent rather than understanding the why behind each technique.
"If I keep going like this, I'll never be a real doctor."
He needed more than talent.
He needed mastery.
And mastery required hard work.
A New Determination
The sun was barely rising when Haruto walked into the hospital.
Dr. Yuki Sato noticed him first. "You look like a zombie."
Haruto gave a tired smile. "I want to learn. Properly this time."
She raised an eyebrow. "You already know a lot."
Haruto shook his head. "Not enough. I don't just want to perform procedures. I want to understand them."
Yuki studied him for a moment before sighing. "Fine. If you're serious, you can start by following me on rounds today. No shortcuts, no tricks—just real medical work."
Haruto nodded. "I'll do it."
This time, he wouldn't just borrow talent.
He would earn it.
Haruto vs. Renji
Later that day, Haruto was assisting in another surgery when Renji Kujo walked in.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Renji wasn't just the best young doctor in the hospital—he was Haruto's biggest rival.
The older doctor eyed him coldly. "Still here, Aizawa? I thought you'd run away after what happened in the ER."
Haruto met his gaze. "I don't run."
Renji smirked. "Then prove it."
A nurse looked between them nervously. "Uh… we still have a surgery to perform, Dr. Kujo."
Renji didn't look away from Haruto. "Fine. I'll make this interesting." He turned to the patient's chart.
"This is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. You think you can assist without messing up?"
Haruto squared his shoulders. "I can."
Renji handed him the scalpel. "Then show me."
A True Test
The surgery began.
Haruto focused completely.
He had copied this procedure before, but this time—he relied on his own knowledge.
Every incision was made with purpose.
Every decision was backed by understanding.
Renji watched him closely.
Haruto could feel his rival's piercing gaze, looking for a single flaw, a single hesitation.
But this time—Haruto didn't falter.
When the surgery ended, the room was silent for a moment.
Then Renji smirked. "Not bad."
It wasn't a compliment.
It was a challenge.
Haruto exhaled, gripping his gloves.
"This is just the beginning."
A Promise to Himself
That night, Haruto stood outside the hospital, staring up at the sky.
He clenched his fists.
"I won't just copy talent anymore."
"I will become a doctor worthy of standing in the operating room."
"I will master this field with my own hands."
From now on, Haruto Aizawa's second life was truly beginning.
And this time, he would reach the top on his own.
End of Episode 10.