Talent Reborn
Episode 33: Under Investigation
A Whisper of Suspicion
Haruto had barely started adjusting to his new reality when a storm hit.
It began with a single rumor—quiet at first, but growing louder with each passing day.
"Dr. Aizawa's skills… they're unnatural."
"How did he go from failure to prodigy overnight?"
"Something doesn't add up."
At first, Haruto ignored the whispers. He had bigger concerns—his failing ability, his struggle to perform without it. But then, an email arrived.
Subject: Internal Review – Dr. Haruto Aizawa
He read the contents twice.
The hospital board was launching an investigation into his medical career.
Someone had filed an anonymous complaint against him.
And suddenly, everything was falling apart.
The Board's Questions
Two days later, Haruto sat in a conference room, facing three senior board members. Dr. Kuroda, the head of surgery, sat in the center, watching him with sharp, calculating eyes.
Renji and Ayaka stood outside, waiting for him, but inside this room—Haruto was alone.
Dr. Kuroda folded his hands. "Dr. Aizawa, do you know why we've called you here?"
Haruto met his gaze evenly. "Because someone thinks my skills are suspicious."
A faint smirk. "At least you're aware."
Another board member, an older woman with glasses, tapped her pen on the table. "Your surgical ability has improved at an unprecedented rate. In less than a year, you went from an average medical student to performing complex procedures rivaling world-class surgeons."
Haruto's heart pounded.
Another member leaned forward. "We have reviewed your records. There is no logical explanation for your growth. So tell us, Dr. Aizawa—how did you do it?"
A Dangerous Line
Haruto took a slow breath.
They were testing him. Fishing for inconsistencies.
If he said the wrong thing, his career—his entire life—could be over.
"I studied harder than anyone else," Haruto said smoothly. "I spent every waking moment practicing, observing, and perfecting my techniques. There's no trick to it—just hard work."
Dr. Kuroda's gaze didn't waver. "And yet, many of your colleagues, including experienced doctors, claim you perform like someone with decades of training."
Haruto's fingers curled under the table.
He couldn't reveal the truth. But he couldn't sound too perfect either.
"I won't deny that I improved quickly," he admitted. "But medicine isn't just about talent—it's about understanding. I learned from the best, adapted, and refined my skills. Is it really so hard to believe that someone can evolve beyond expectations?"
Silence.
Then, Dr. Kuroda smiled.
A smile that sent a chill down Haruto's spine.
"Very well," he said. "But the board will be keeping a close eye on you. If we find any sign of misconduct… you will be removed from this hospital."
Haruto nodded, standing up. "Understood."
As he walked out, his pulse raced.
This was just the beginning.
A Bigger Threat
Outside the room, Renji and Ayaka were waiting.
"That was fast," Renji noted.
Haruto exhaled. "They don't have proof, but they suspect something."
Ayaka frowned. "This isn't normal. Who would file a complaint against you?"
Haruto already had an idea.
The shadowy organization.
The people who had warned him to stop searching for the Tenshin Research Institute.
They weren't just threatening him anymore.
They were trying to destroy him.
Renji sighed. "You're in trouble, huh?"
Haruto glanced at him. "You don't sound surprised."
Renji smirked. "I told you before—when you rise too fast, people start asking questions."
Haruto clenched his jaw.
If his ability was gone, he was already vulnerable.
But now, the world wasn't just questioning his skills—
They were hunting him.
End of Episode 33.