Chapter 34: Doctor's oath

Dr. Yuki excused herself and, carrying a great deal of responsibility, embarked on a mission to acquire the desperately needed resources. As Ryu and Isao bent over their improvised laboratory, they laboriously drew schematics and generated concepts for the manufacturing apparatus.

Dr. Yuki went straight to Director Sato's office, inviting him to lunch outside so that she could speak with him in private. The choice of venue was deliberate: Yakiniku Q, a popular Yakiniku restaurant known for its private booths and discreet atmosphere.

The cool afternoon breeze rustled through the trees as Dr. Yuki made her way through the bustling streets of Konoha along with Dr. Sato for a lunch meeting. She was nervously fidgeting with the hem of her lab coat as her mind raced with ideas of the conversation that lay ahead.

As they settled into their seats, the rich aroma of grilling meat filled the air. The sizzle of the grill provided a comforting background noise, ensuring their conversation wouldn't be overheard.

"Dr. Sato, thank you for meeting me here on such short notice," Dr. Yuki began, the weight of her revelations already apparent in her demeanour.

Dr. Sato, ever the composed figure, replied, "No problem at all, Dr. Yuki. It is unusual for you to request a meeting outside the hospital. Is everything alright?" His piercing gaze seemed to look right through her, sensing the underlying tension.

Dr. Yuki said, "I apologise for the unconventional setting, but there's a matter of considerable importance that I wish to discuss in private. You know about Ryu's condition." She paused, taking a sip of tea to steady her nerves.

Dr. Sato, "Yes, I am familiar with his condition. It's a truly unfortunate situation." 

As the flickering lights of the restaurant illuminated their faces, Dr. Yuki hesitated before delving into the crux of the matter. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the revelation.

"I think I may have stumbled upon a breakthrough—a potential medicine that has shown remarkable promise in its initial tests," Dr. Yuki stated, a glimmer of hope lighting up her eyes.

Intrigued, Dr. Sato leaned forward, prompting Dr. Yuki to continue. The grill hissed as he absently placed a few pieces of meat on it, his full attention on his colleague. She revealed that the initial tests had been successful, and the medicine showed great potential. 

Dr. Sato raised an eyebrow, recognising the gravity of the situation. "A new medicine? That's certainly good news. But Dr. Yuki, you know that any promising new medicines need to go through proper channels." His tone was cautious, yet tinged with curiosity, as if he knew what she was trying to rush things..

Dr. Yuki said, "Yes, I know. We are starting to conduct in-vivo tests soon. We are positive they will show promising results." Her voice gained confidence as she spoke, fueled by the excitement of their potential breakthrough.

Dr. Sato asked, "Was it you who discovered it?"

Dr. Yuki said, "Yes, I was trying to find an alternative treatment for Ryu's. I accidentally discovered it." She fidgeted with her chopsticks, avoiding direct eye contact.

Dr. Sato asked, "Why didn't you approach a big pharmaceutical company or any big private hospital? I am sure they could offer a better deal to you than me." 

Dr. Yuki replied, "I know. Time is of essence. Ryu's condition is not getting any better. we need a faster solution. and those big companies need valid results properly documented to reach an agreement. and time is what we are lacking."

A knowing glint appeared in Dr. Sato's eyes as he carefully flipped the grilling meat. " So this vaccine is not from the makeshift lab you had Isao build for Ryu in that abandoned room in the library that is quarantined by you? Does it? " Dr. Sato mused, his keen intellect piecing together the puzzle. 

Dr. Yuki was shocked but didn't say anything and only stared back at Dr. Sato, her eyes widening in surprise.

A knowing smile played on Dr. Sato's lips as he leaned back in his chair. "So, it was Ryu all along, wasn't it?" he chuckled softly.

Dr. Yuki's surprise was evident. "Director Sato, how did you...?" she stammered, her voice laced with disbelief.

"Let's just say," Dr. Sato replied with a knowing glint in his eyes, "that since our last encounter with Ryu, I've come to recognise his exceptional talent. And it's in my best interest to stay informed about the happenings within my own hospital, wouldn't you agree?"

With a heavy sigh, Dr. Yuki confirmed Dr. Sato's suspicions and revealed that the brilliant mind behind the medicine was none other than Ryu. She explained how Ryu had made remarkable progress but required their assistance to elevate the project.

Dr. Sato's expression softened, a mix of admiration and concern crossing his features. He looked at Dr. Yuki and said, "You could have told me. I thought we were friends."

Dr. Yuki replied, "We still are. Ryu asked me not to share this with anyone."

Dr. Sato asked, "Is there any specific reason for him to hide this from the world? I mean, if what you say is true, then this vaccine will revolutionise how we treat diseases. It will open doors to new fields of medicine. Ryu could make a name and fortunes for himself."

Dr. Yuki said, "Ryu have already crossed paths with the Root Division. I am aware, and he is well aware of how things will turn out if he ever comes back into their line of sight."

Dr. Sato was surprised to hear about Root Divion suddenly. After a moment, he became serious and said, "The Root ANBU. Nothing good comes when they are involved. You and Ryu are right to be cautious of them. If his intelligence had not already surprised me, I would be shocked. It was only his selflessness that caught me off guard."

Dr. Yuki said, "Not too long ago, he was an orphan. He just wants to give better chances to the other orphans who are not so lucky to be adopted."

Dr. Sato asked her, "Is it just that, or is there something else also, like a hidden movement behind it?" 

Dr. Yuki sighed and replied, "There is. He just doesn't want any kid to end up in the root. He didn't say it, but I know. He watched his only friend taken by the root."

Dr. Yuki shared Ryu's altruistic motives and his desire to protect other vulnerable children from the perils he once faced, shedding light on his past experiences with the Root ANBU. 

The sizzle of the grill seemed to fade into the background as the weight of Dr. Yuki's words settled between them.

"That is sad," Dr. Sato remarked.

"I knew he was smart, but he is too smart and cautious for his age," he said after pausing briefly.

Dr. Yuki replied, "He should be. As long as there is Root ANBU in this village, it is criminal to be both too talented and orphaned at the same time."

Dr. Sato's brow furrowed as he processed this information, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. He realised that Ryu wanted to eliminate the orphanage's need for funds by cutting the most basic need and making such an offer. Not much remains after paying for food and medical care. They cannot keep stealing the orphanage's supplies forever, and no matter how much Root threatens the lives of the children, they actually can't hurt them.

If word gets out, even if he is an elder and council member, the council will be forced to take action. Because Dr. Yuki carries the Sarutobi name. Even if she and Lord Hokage are not on good terms, he will be forced to take action as the leader of the village. If her orphanage is attacked, it would not look good on the Sarutobi Clan, as she is also a clan elder, just like Lord Hokage.

"You can seek help from Lord Hokage. I have no doubt he would assist you," Dr. Sato suggested, his voice cautious but hopeful.

Dr. Yuki then said, "You may be right, but I can't count on him. We need to take precautions for ourselves. I think that is what Ryu is doing."

Dr. Sato then inquired, "Then why stand out? "

Dr. Yuki was suddenly surprised by the sudden question.

Dr.Sato clarified, "I am talking about my patient, whom Ryu helped. Why help him and stand out?"

"He could not walk out on someone he knows he can help," Dr. Yuki said with a sigh.

Dr. Sato said, "That is very benevolent for a kid. He feels like he has sworn a doctor's oath in his past life and is still upholding it."

Dr. Yuki chuckled and said, "That was a good one," breaking the silence for a moment.

With a burst of laughter, the tension between Drs. Yuki and Sato vanished from their conversation. Little did they know just how accurate their words were.

[A/N: 

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