Chapter 20: In-House Dominance!

Chapter 20: In-House Dominance!

"Young Miss!"

"She's fine. Just rest and don't cause any more trouble for her."

But as Hinata worked on the surgery, Hyuga Ao suddenly recalled how he had fainted. 

So, the next moment, he sprang up, eager to take over Hinata's task, even remembering he needed to fetch protective equipment.

Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly intervened to stop him.

Upon hearing this, Hyuga Ao paused and looked back at Hiruzen Sarutobi, nodding and saying, "Yes, Hokage-sama."

With that, he could only sit back down and rest.

Since the Hokage had spoken, it was best not to cause any more trouble for the young miss.

Now that Hyuga Ao had calmed down, he had a clearer understanding of his own condition. His awareness was still hazy, his body weak, and his skin tingling painfully. He was likely to collapse again soon. 

It was best he didn't try to help; not causing trouble was already a win.

Seeing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed in relief, glad that Hyuga Ao had listened.

"Impressive," said Kurama Yuu, observing Hinata from a distance, his eyes cold and full of undisguised hostility. 

He hadn't fainted initially; he was prepared to take over Hyuga Ao's position as the lead surgeon when he saw him collapse. Kurama Yuu wanted to showcase his skills to the Third Hokage, believing himself to be just as capable as Hyuga Ao!

But he hadn't expected Hinata to actually handle the surgery with such skill, with no errors in the procedure! She was only ten years old.

Such a terrifying genius—or rather, monster—could this truly be the Hyuga family's young miss?

Even when the Third Hokage had pulled him out, he was dazed, still unsure of what had happened.

"My goodness!"

Shortly after, the nurse, who had also fainted due to shock and the ninja poison, woke up. Seeing Hinata performing surgery at the operating table, her face was filled with astonishment and she let out a surprised exclamation.

She couldn't believe her eyes! Hinata could actually perform surgery?!

The scene was shocking enough, regardless of Hyuga Ao's earlier descriptions. She couldn't comprehend how extraordinary Hinata's abilities were until she saw them firsthand.

Seeing this young prodigy at work, they were all awestruck! It was incredible, absolutely incredible!

"Hokage-sama, I told you! The young miss would definitely succeed! I knew she could do it!"

Hyuga Ao's face was beaming with joy, like a child eager for praise, proudly showing off what wasn't his accomplishment but feeling genuinely pleased.

If not for his poor condition, he might have jumped up and cheered.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction.

His eyes were thoughtful, as if deep in contemplation.

His wrinkled, age-spotted face relaxed, and he instinctively reached for his pipe but then remembered they were in the operating room and put it away.

"We're in the final stages. If possible, please help with the cleanup," came Hinata's voice.

Hearing this, the nurse promptly got up and entered the operating room.

"I'll assist you!"

The same nurse in blue scrubs, who had previously fainted due to shock and the poison, was now recovering and promptly moved to assist Hinata.

"All done." Hinata said, cutting the sutures with a genuine smile of satisfaction.

With the suturing complete, the only thing left was to ensure a supply of oxygen.

"I'm on it!" The nurse quickly gathered the oxygen mask and bottle and brought them to Hinata, helping the injured person with the mask and then adjusting the ventilation system to remove the ninja poison.

Ninja poison dissipates quickly once exposed to air, so it wasn't a major issue.

After leaving the surgical area, Hinata sat down in a chair next to Hiruzen Sarutobi to rest.

Hiruzen Sarutobi observed her with a look of satisfaction and sympathy.

Hinata's breathing was steady, and her complexion was normal, seemingly unaffected.

Hyuga Ao approached, somewhat limping with excitement, and said, "Young Miss, you were amazing! I knew you would help me! You're just so outstanding!"

His flushed, excited expression made Hinata feel somewhat helpless. Being praised was nice, but she didn't fully grasp the magnitude of what she had accomplished. 

She decided it was better to remain silent and maintain her expert demeanor.

The room fell into an awkward silence.

Kurama Yuu, on the other hand, clenched his fists, opened his mouth, and after a glance at Hiruzen Sarutobi, chose not to lash out.

"Oh! Kurama-san, right? How are you feeling? Scared?"

"If I recall correctly, ninja poison can be detected by the purple spots that appear before it manifests. If we consider the time and location..."

"What are you implying?"

"I'm saying, is it possible someone noticed the ninja poison but didn't inform us?"

"You're talking nonsense! Do you have any evidence that I discovered the poison?"

Suddenly, Hinata seemed to remember something and began mumbling to herself.

Kurama Yuu, feeling guilty, mumbled back, avoiding eye contact with Hinata and looking uneasy, as if parched and uncomfortable.

Hinata narrowed her eyes and smiled, "I didn't say you discovered the ninja poison. But I do have evidence that there were traces of it before the surgery started, and you might have noticed it but didn't inform anyone!"

For someone who engages in in-fighting like Kurama Yuu, Hinata seized the opportunity to deal a decisive blow. She wouldn't wait until her back was turned and a knife was plunged into it to understand his true nature.

"You're suggesting I discovered the poison? Show me your evidence," Kurama Yuu said, startled, and quickly composed himself, even as sweat trickled down his face, maintaining a facade of calm.

He was confident that Hinata would produce no evidence!