Chapter 89: The Healer's Legacy

Ryu's impassioned speech lingered in the air as the classroom fell silent. Instructor Tanaka's weathered face betrayed a mix of surprise and admiration, his eyes fixed on the young student who had just delivered such profound words.

The tension that had built up during the exchange between Ryu and Kenji slowly dissipated, replaced by a thoughtful silence.

With a hint of curiosity mixed with challenge, Instructor Tanaka said, "Ryu, you have stated that you want to become a medic-nin. But tell me, how are you going to manage the demands of the rigorous combat training that all shinobi must undergo with the demands of medical ninjutsu? Medical ninjutu is also very demanding."

Ryu took a deep breath, his voice steady as he replied, "Instructor Tanaka, I believe the path of a medic-nin is not separate from that of a shinobi, but rather an extension of it. My goal is to become a combat medic, one who can heal on the battlefield and protect those in need. I will get there by working hard."

Instructor Tanaka thought to himself, "There is something special about this boy."

Kenji, still standing at the back of the class, his face a mask of conflicting emotions, couldn't let the matter rest. His voice, tinged with a hint of frustration and perhaps a touch of envy, cut through the quiet. "Still, what a waste of talent."

Instructor Tanaka's brow furrowed, his curiosity piqued by Kenji's persistent opposition. "Kenji, please explain yourself. Why do you think Ryu's decision is a waste?" he demanded.

Kenji hesitated for a moment, his dark eyes darting around the room before settling back on Ryu. "It's just... he may be one of the best in this class, despite his lower ranking," Kenji remarked quietly. The words seemed to pain him as they left his mouth, as if admitting this was a personal defeat.

A ripple of surprise passed through the classroom. Several of the top-ranked students exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement while others looked sceptical. Saya, sitting next to Ryu, raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between Ryu and Kenji with newfound interest in Ryu.

Instructor Tanaka remained silent, his expression unreadable. He had been briefed about Ryu's potential by his superiors, but hearing it acknowledged by a student, especially one as prideful as Kenji, was unexpected.

Ryu, for his part, remained calm and composed, neither confirming nor denying Kenji's claim.

"This level of calm is uncommon in someone so young." Tanaka mused. His silence spoke volumes, and the instructor made a mental note to observe the young Hamura more closely in the coming weeks.

Encouraged by the lack of contradiction, Kenji went on, "And he will never be able to make a name for himself in the ninja world by concentrating on medical ninjutsu. He'll be forgotten, just another faceless medic in the background."

A flicker of emotion passed across Ryu's face, quickly replaced by his usual serene expression. A small smile played on his lips as he turned to face Kenji. "Is that what you think, Kenji? That only those who fight are remembered?"

Ryu's voice took on a contemplative tone, his eyes seeming to look beyond the classroom walls. "What do you think will happen 30 or 50 years from now, Kenji? Even if you become an exceptional ninja, a beast on the battlefield, how many people will truly remember you, and for how long?"

Ryu's eyes seemed to look beyond the classroom walls as he continued, his voice taking on a contemplative tone. The air in the room seemed to thicken, every student hanging on his words.

"If you kill someone, does the dead remember you? The family of the dead might resent you for a while, but even they will forget you in time. Like how all legends are eventually forgotten," Ryu remarked.

Ryu paused, his gaze sweeping across the room, making eye contact with each of his classmates before settling back on Kenji. His voice took on a gentle, almost lyrical quality as he posed his next question. "But do you know who will remember me?"

The question hung in the air for a moment before Ryu answered it himself. "Those lives I save, they will remember me. They will live on with their families, and those families will remember me. They will have children, and those children's smiles will carry a part of me forward."

Ryu's voice grew stronger, filled with conviction. His hands moved as he spoke, emphasising his points with gentle gestures. The passion in his words was palpable, filling the room with an energy that was almost tangible. "And one day, even when I turn to dust, those children will still lead the future while remembering me. A part of me will live alongside them in every life I touch and every person I heal."

As Ryu finished speaking, a profound silence settled over the classroom. Saya's eyes were wide with admiration, her pen frozen mid-sentence in her notebook.

"This is the kind of shinobi Ryu wants to be?" She thought, her heart racing with a newfound respect for her classmate. Many other students had similar thoughts, as they were clearly moved by Ryu's words.

Even Kenji seemed at a loss for words, his earlier bravado had evaporated, replaced by a thoughtful frown as he mulled over Ryu's words. He opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again, clearly reconsidering his stance.

Instructor Tanaka found himself deeply moved by Ryu's words. As a taijutsu instructor and combat ninja specialising in close combat ninjutsu and taijutsu, he had never considered medical ninjutsu in such a profound light. He looked at Ryu with newfound respect, recognising a maturity that far exceeded the boy's years.

The classroom was dead silent now, every student hanging on Ryu's words. Even Instructor Tanaka leaned forward, captivated by the young boy's speech. The air seemed to thicken with anticipation, as if everyone present sensed they were witnessing something extraordinary.

Tanaka said to himself, "This is what it means to have a true calling. This boy might just change the way we think about ninja roles. If he's as talented in medical ninjutsu as he is in articulating his thoughts, he could indeed become an exceptional medic."

The tense atmosphere was suddenly broken by the shrill ring of the bell, signalling the end of the class. Students began to stir, gathering their things and chattering excitedly about what they had just witnessed. The air was filled with a mixture of awe and contemplation.

Instructor Tanaka cleared his throat, drawing the class's attention once more. "We'll continue with the basics of taijutsu in our next session," he announced. "Class dismissed."

As the students filed out, their excited chatter filling the air, Tanaka's mind was already racing ahead. 'I need to inform the Hokage about this,' he thought. 'Ryu's perspective on medical ninjutsu... it's something the Hokage needs to know to guide him properly in the future.'

As he gathered his materials, Tanaka couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The future of Konoha's medical corps seemed brighter than ever, and he had a feeling that young Ryu Hamura would play a significant role in shaping it. 'Perhaps,' he thought, 'we're witnessing the birth of a new legend in the making.'

With a satisfied nod, Instructor Tanaka left the classroom, the echoes of Ryu's impassioned speech still ringing in his ears. 

The day's lesson had taken an unexpected turn, but in doing so, it had revealed a promising glimpse of the future—a future where the value of healing was recognised just as much as the power to fight. 

Ryu gathered his things slowly, lost in thought. 'Did I say too much?' he wondered. 'Will they understand what I'm trying to achieve?' As he stood to leave, he found Saya waiting for him, a look of admiration in her eyes.

"That was... incredible," she said softly, her notebook clutched tightly to her chest. Her voice trembled slightly with emotion. "I've never heard anyone talk about being a ninja like that before. You've given me a lot to think about."

Ryu smiled. "Thanks, Saya," he replied, his voice warm with gratitude. "I just said what I believe. I think it is critical that people recognise the importance of healing rather than just fighting."

As they walked out together, Ryu caught sight of Kenji lingering by the door. For a split second, their gazes locked, and Kenji gave a tiny, nearly imperceptible nod of approval before looking away.

An overwhelming feeling of success washed over Ryu. He had expressed his dreams, maintained his position, and maybe even won over some people. As he stepped out into the sunlight, he felt more certain than ever about his chosen path. Taking things one step at a time, Ryu Hamura was prepared for the difficult and protracted journey ahead of him as a combat medic.

##PoWeR StOnEs##

I don't know if the audience will like this kind of chapter with too much emotion in it. Last time also, I got mixed reactions. Some were harsh. I am hoping that more people like it than dislike it.

I take breaks on weekends, but should I space them a day apart? Or should I take breaks as per my week and as per me rather than fixing them? Mondays are typically busy, which is why I am asking.

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