Chapter 20: Ninja Vampire

The next morning, like yesterday, Dan left Ryu at Leaf Central Hospital. 

Ryu was ready to conduct some experiments this day.

The sterile air of the hospital library hummed with anticipation as Ryu, his brow furrowed in concentration, prepped for his experiment. Isao, his initial apprehension replaced by a burgeoning curiosity, stood by, observing the young boy's meticulous movements.

"Are you sure you don't need any help, Ryu?" Isao asked, watching the boy's nimble fingers arrange the equipment with surprising dexterity.

Ryu looked up, a small smile playing on his lips. "I appreciate the offer, Isao-san, but I think I've got this under control. However, if you could keep an eye on things and make sure no one disturbs the samples, that would be incredibly helpful."

Isao nodded, impressed by the boy's focus and independence. "Of course, I'll make sure everything remains undisturbed."

As Ryu began his work, the sterile environment of the library transformed into a makeshift laboratory. He took a cotton swab and took some samples of mould and also from the rotten and mouldy potato, as well as other common fungi found on old wood, decaying plants, and rotten animal waste. , which he carefully placed on the petri dish filled with starch and growth medium. He also took some of his musculature and saliva from his throat and placed them in multiple petri dishes. Each sample was meticulously labelled and placed in a petri dish filled with a specially prepared growth medium.

As Ryu worked, his mind raced with possibilities. He knew that in his previous life, some of the most groundbreaking medical discoveries had come from unlikely sources. The memory of Alexander Fleming's accidental discovery of penicillin from mould spores flashed through his mind, fuelling his determination.

"Nature has so many secrets," Ryu murmured to himself, carefully sealing another petri dish. "We just need to learn how to listen and observe."

Unlike yesterday's basic preparations, today's haul included a curious assortment of items—mouldy bread, rotten potatoes, and even some decaying leaves. Isao couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"What exactly are you going to do with all that, young Ryu?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Ryu looked at him and smiled.

He then said, "My body is not fighting with the illness on its own. In order to help my body fight it, I am looking for something different. I have collected some samples from my body. After the cultivation of moulds, i am trying to find which of my samples will try to fight the samples taken from my body. "

Isao's eyes widened in surprise. "That's... quite an innovative approach, Ryu. I've never heard of anyone trying something like this before. How did you come up with this idea?"

Ryu paused, carefully considering his words. "Well, I've always been fascinated by how things work in nature. And I've read a lot about different scientific approaches to medicine. I thought, why not try to combine some of these ideas?"

He gestured towards the unappetizing collection. "These moulds, these fungi—they're constantly battling each other in the natural world, a silent war for survival. My theory is, we might be able to harness that very competition to our advantage. By observing how these moulds interact with samples of my illness, I hope to find one that can act as a champion, suppressing or even eliminating the harmful pathogens."

Isao was surprised by this, but he didn't say anything to Ryu but watched him silently. This unorthodox approach, fueled by desperate hope and a mind brimming with knowledge, was unlike anything he'd ever witnessed. Trying to fight disease-causing pathogens with the help of other pathogens. This was not like anything he had ever experienced in the realm of ninja medicine, which mainly used methods based on concocting herbs and enhancing chakras. Yet, there was a raw intelligence in Ryu's words, a logic that resonated with a deep-seated curiosity.

"It's a bold theory, young Ryu," Isao finally admitted, a hint of admiration colouring his voice. "But a fascinating one. No one in the Leaf Village has ever dared to consider such a method."

Ryu then finished his work and said, "Thank you, Mr. Isao. Today's work is complete. "

"Now," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "we wait. And observe. The results, Mr. Isao, might just surprise you."

Upon completing the experiment, Ryu exuded a sense of quiet confidence, thanking Isao for his unwavering support. With a glint of excitement in his eyes, he shared his plans to analyse the outcomes and validate his theory. A theory, which he already knows is true from his memories of his past life, but he can't say that here. He needs to prepare the expert, show the results of his experience, and rediscover the core of this new world.

Ryu, a tremor of triumph coursing through him, offered a measured bow to Isao. "Thank you, Isao-san. Your steady hand has been invaluable."

"Now," Ryu pondered, his brow furrowing momentarily, "what next?" With a soft voice, he said, "Mr. Isao, let us go eat something, then I think I will do some more reading in the library," as he gave Isao a quick look.

Isao nodded, impressed by Ryu's dedication. "Of course, Ryu. You must be hungry after all this work. And it's important to take breaks and recharge your mind. Who knows? Sometimes the best ideas come when you're not actively thinking about the problem."

As they walked towards the cafeteria, Isao couldn't help but marvel at the young boy beside him. "You know, Ryu," he said softly, "I've worked with many researchers and doctors over the years, but I've never seen anyone approach problems quite like you do. Your curiosity and determination... they're truly remarkable."

Ryu blushed slightly at the praise. "Thank you, Isao-san. I just... I want to understand things. To make a difference, if I can."

They left for the cafiteria in the hospital. The sterile hum of the hospital corridors faded as they entered the bustling cafeteria. The clatter of cutlery and hushed conversations filled the hospital cafeteria as Ryu and Isao enjoyed their lunch. Ryu, ever observant, noticed an elderly gentleman across the room muttering disgruntledly to himself while poking at his food. Curiosity piqued, he nudged Isao.

"Mr. Isao," he whispered, gesturing towards the man, "what seems to be troubling him?"

Isao followed Ryu's gaze, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "Ah, that's Mr. Hashimoto," he explained in a low voice. "He's become a familiar face around here, unfortunately. Plagued by these strange rashes that erupt and vanish at will. It's quite vexing for him, you see. He believes the hospital is failing him."

Ryu's eyes narrowed in concentration as he observed Mr. Hashimoto. "How long has he been suffering from this condition?" he asked, his mind already racing with possibilities.

Isao sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's been months now. He first came in during the spring, I believe. At first, we thought it might be a simple allergic reaction, but..."

"But it's more complicated than that," Ryu finished, nodding thoughtfully. "Have you noticed any patterns? Does it happen more at certain times of day, or after he eats certain foods?"

Isao blinked, surprised by the depth of Ryu's questions. "You know, I'm not sure. We've been so focused on treating the symptoms that we might have missed some patterns. That's... that's actually a really good point, Ryu."

A wave of empathy washed over Ryu as Isao elaborated. "Mr. Hashimoto suffers from an agonising prickling sensation on his skin, recurring at unpredictable intervals. Sometimes, even sunlight seems to trigger a reaction, leaving his skin raw and inflamed. He arrives here in a state of distress, his rash flaring fiercely. Yet, as mysteriously as it appears, it vanishes while he's under observation, leaving him bewildered and frustrated." Isao paused, a sigh escaping his lips. "He's due for discharge today, but the man is understandably upset. There is no diagnosis, no cure, only a cycle of discomfort and confusion."

A jolt of surprise surged through Ryu. A vampire, here in this world of ninjas? But he quickly dismissed the notion. This was likely an allergic reaction of some sort, perhaps triggered by an unknown environmental factor.

"No one has been able to pinpoint the cause of his condition?" Ryu enquired, his voice laced with concern.

Isao shook his head grimly. "No, Ryu-kun. He's sought help at numerous facilities, but none have been able to help or diagnose his condition. That is why he is angry."

Ryu's brow furrowed in concentration. "Mr. Isao, do you think... do you think I could talk to Mr. Hashimoto? Maybe if we ask him some different questions, we might find a clue that's been overlooked."

Isao hesitated for a moment. "I'm not sure if that's appropriate, Ryu. You're not a doctor, and Mr. Hashimoto is quite frustrated..."

"I understand," Ryu said quickly. "I don't want to upset him further. But maybe you could ask him some questions? About his daily routine, his home, and any changes he's made recently? Sometimes a fresh perspective can make all the difference."