Chapter 14 - The Hidden Clinic

Ding Dong

The door creaked open as Ryu pushed it inwards, causing a small bell to chime gently above his head.

He paused, taking in his surroundings. The dimly lit room had a cozy, if somewhat worn, appearance. Faded couches were scattered about, and a receptionist's desk occupied the far end. Behind the counter stood an older woman who appeared to be in her sixties. Her white, curly hair framed a kind face, and she wore a well-worn doctor's robe.

"Oh, a customer!" The old lady turned around upon hearing the bell, a look of surprise on her face as she caught sight of Ryu. "My, little one, what brings you to a place like this?" she asked, genuine curiosity in her voice.

Ryu furrowed his brow. "This is a clinic? Why is there a clinic here? How do you even get patients?"

The old lady chuckled softly. "Ah, so you didn't know? Our clinic is called The Hidden Clinic. We primarily treat fugitives, be they shinobi or ordinary people. I must say, I'm surprised you found your way here. The building is meant to be concealed by an artificial hill. You can understand that we need to keep this place secret, so if you can't provide a valid explanation, we may have to take drastic measures." As she spoke, Ryu noticed her hand making a subtle gesture, as if signaling to someone unseen.

Ryu scratched his head, looking sheepish. "Well, I was looking for a place to sleep and started hollowing out part of the hill. I didn't expect it to be hollow, so I accidentally exposed this place. But if you treat fugitives, then I guess I'm one too. How much for treatment?"

The old lady raised an eyebrow, her demeanor suddenly more relaxed. "You're a fugitive? Interesting. I heard that the Hidden Mist has mobilized a significant number of Jonin and Anbu to locate a child. I assume that's you?" At her words, Ryu tensed up. Information about Anbu was typically top-secret. If she knew that much, what else did she know?

The old lady shook her head with a smile. "Relax, kid. If you're worried about what else I know, don't be. I don't have any other intel on that case, which is surprising considering our intel network's reach within the Hidden Mist. I doubt you'd give me a straight answer anyway, would you? Now, about the treatment, the cost depends on the severity of your situation. Our services are quite unique, so our prices are higher than regular hospitals. But you don't look too hurt; is it a virus or some other illness?" she inquired.

Ryu grimaced. "No, it's a physical injury. I'm just hiding it right now... Can I see a doctor?"

The old lady nodded. "Of course, but it'll cost you. I think it's better if you let me have a look first, and then I can advise you on what to do. I am a doctor myself, after all."

"Fair enough," Ryu agreed, hesitantly removing his shirt and undoing the Transformation Jutsu. His face contorted in pain as his injuries became visible once more. "Damn, kid, did the Anbu do this to you?" The old lady's eyes widened in concern as she examined Ryu, who turned slowly to give her a full view of his wounds. "The one on your right shoulder looks the most serious, but all of them need quite a bit of treatment. Honestly, I don't think you can afford it," she concluded.

Ryu clenched his fists. "How much are we talking about?"

"I'd give a rough estimate of around half a million Ryo, though it could be a bit higher or lower," she replied.

"Half a million?! That's the value of a mid-difficulty A-rank mission!" Ryu exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.

The old lady shrugged. "Illegal services come at a premium, kid. We run a business here. So, can you afford it?" she asked, her tone matter-of-fact.

Ryu frowned, deep in thought. 'Ugh, Dad didn't give me nearly enough money for that... Maybe I can rent a place to stay, though. Then I can work on the permanent effect modifier,' he pondered. The realization that he couldn't afford the treatment weighed heavily on him, but he knew he had to find a way to heal his injuries and continue his journey.

"I... I can't," Ryu admitted, causing the old lady to raise her eyebrow quizzically. "However, I'd like to rent a room for a while until I recover. Is that possible?" he asked.

The old lady considered his request. "So you're looking for an actual room, not just a place with a hospital bed, right? We have a couple of staff rooms available for rent. I could charge you... let's say ten thousand Ryo."

Ryu's eyes widened. "That's... surprisingly affordable," he remarked, unintentionally irritating the lady.

"If someone offers you a good deal, just accept it, you brat!" she snapped. "S-sorry, I was just surprised..." Ryu stammered.

The old lady sighed. "I feel for you, kid. I can't lower the price for the treatment, but renting out an empty room shouldn't be a problem. You'll have to get your own food, though, or I'll charge you extra," she warned.

"Thank you so much! I can handle finding food on my own, so don't worry. By the way, may I ask your name?" Ryu inquired.

"It's Akina. And yours?" she asked in return.

"I'm Ryu. I really appreciate your help, Akina. I'll be able to treat myself much more easily now, thanks to you," Ryu said with genuine gratitude.

Akina looked puzzled. "Treat yourself? You have some serious injuries there, kid. How do you plan to do that without the proper equipment?"

Ryu offered a small smile. "Let's just say I have my ways. I just need to refine them a bit before putting them into practice."

"Well, that's not my concern. Here, take this," Akina said as she handed Ryu a silver key. "The room is the third one on the left on the fourth floor."

"Thanks, Akina! I'll see you tomorrow!" Ryu called out, waving goodbye as he made his way up the stairs.

Akina watched him go, shaking her head with a smile. "Such a peculiar kid. On one hand, he has this innocent, childlike side. Yet those injuries... It's hard to believe he's the same child the Mist wants so desperately that they'd send nearly all of their Anbu and Jonin to capture him," she mused quietly.

"I can't help but wonder how he managed to escape when they've clearly had at least one significant encounter, judging from the extent of his injuries. How could he have possibly evaded those elite ninjas?" Her curiosity piqued, Akina pondered the information she had gathered, trying to piece together the mysterious story of the young fugitive.

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I have blessed you with a chapter, PRAISE ME! Though my stockpile is running low now, I guess I'll do some intense writing sessions tomorrow, I'm too tired to do it now.