Chapter 48

Actually, the local medicine here is two-thirds focused exclusively on treating wounds after or during battles, rather than the full range of services typically available in hospitals from my previous world. The exception here is Tsunade, who didn't limit herself to available knowledge and conducted her own research, which allowed her to combat Chiyo's poisons so effectively.

"Well, now he won't bother you for at least a few more months," I reported satisfactorily while the manager adjusted her bandage.

"Thank you, Ryo-kun."

"Don't mention it, Sasaki-san—I help where I can," I nodded in response to her deep bow.

"You can just call me Suzuka," the manager sighed with feigned annoyance, "how many times do I have to repeat that?"

"Considering your merits, quite a while," I replied in the usual manner, smiling back.

It's a routine we repeat each time. And I truly respect this crippled woman a lot—surviving encounters with three enemy Kage (albeit not simultaneously) face-to-face in battle isn't something everyone can do, and that's just what I've heard about her adventures, not including classified ones.

"Would you like a cup of tea perhaps? I have your favorite cookies here."

"Unfortunately, not this time—business won't allow me to stay long, so I must bid farewell," I declined with noticeable regret. "They really do bake delicious cookies here."

"Take care of yourself and our wards," she bid me farewell.

"Hopefully, next time I'll have more free time, our rascals have been pestering me with 'when will Ryo-nii-san come?'"

"I think I can create a clone for a few hours of active play next time," I smiled in response.

After a slight bow, I turned and walked towards the door, leaving behind a small chubby envelope on the chair. Another established tradition. But at the threshold, I suddenly stopped.

"Oh, by the way, Suzuka-san, if I happen to come across a suitable eye after one of my 'troublesome' missions, would you be interested?" Startled after finally hearing her name, the manager froze in place upon hearing such an unconventional offer.

Of course, organ surgery and transplantation in Konoha are conducted under the table, and targeted hunting for "spare parts" is highly frowned upon, unlike in Kiri. But if it's not prohibited and doesn't result in punishment, why not help a good person using another missing-nin or bandit?

"I... am interested," the former kunoichi squeezed out after a pause.

"That's the answer I wanted to hear," I beamed and disappeared from the office.

Outside, I created a shadow clone to play with the kids while I left the shelter's premises. Now, visiting the others will meet this month's quota.

***

"Doton: Moguragakure no Jutsu!"

With a small chakra release, I sank knee-deep into the earth and froze in that position. Damn, why can't I get this right! Pulling out my legs, I stepped aside and formed the necessary seals again.

"Doton: Moguragakure no Jutsu!"

Again, I sank only knee-deep and stopped there. Damn it, what am I going to do?! It's just not working! It's been half a day since I tried to learn this relatively simple but very useful C-rank Doton jutsu, but the movements are nowhere to be seen. And the problem isn't even the amount of chakra I'm releasing, which I have enough of, it's something else.

The wall technique goes up quite well for me, but this jutsu just won't yield. The reason hasn't been understood yet. Could it require a greater affinity with the element, not just chakra? If so, that's bad, because ways to quickly disappear from the battlefield are absolutely necessary.

Shunshin is relatively easy to trace, but movement underground won't be detected by every sensor. Well, except for half of Iwa's shinobi, but there are still three other great villages, not to mention the smaller ones or even samurai and monks. And considering my chakra volume, hiding underground will be even more effective than just plain vanishing.

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