Chapter 11: The Pinnacle of Humility
Turning to Koharu watched Kai demonstrate the revised version of the Chakra Needle technique and even tried out his written modifications herself. To her amazement, it actually worked.
She could hardly believe it.
"Can such a brilliant child really exist?"
"Kai, how did you manage to do this?" Hanpou was stunned, unable to comprehend what he had just witnessed.
"It's nothing special," Kai responded modestly. "I have a stronger sense of perception than most, so I experimented with each hand sign one by one, noting what effect each had on the jutsu. Then, I paired them accordingly."
"…"
Hanpou was dumbfounded.
Perception? How... can someone perceive chakra like that?
Koharu was equally astonished. "Do you mean to say you also have sensory abilities?"
"They're not particularly strong," Kai clarified. "The range is fairly limited, and it's difficult for me to sense other people's chakra fluctuations. I can mostly just feel my own very clearly."
What Kai didn't mention was that within half a step's range, he could distinctly perceive the flow of chakra in someone's body. During Koharu's demonstration earlier, he could sense how her chakra was moving through her meridians as she formed the hand seals. If he had intended to attack, he could have targeted her chakra network directly with pinpoint precision using a chakra needle.
However, Kai dismissed this as an inefficient method. If someone managed to get that close to him, why bother with chakra needles at all? A direct strike would be far more effective.
Koharu fell silent for a moment.
"Not particularly strong," he says… Sensing chakra isn't something you casually come across. The humility of this boy!
Still processing what Kai had shown them, Koharu continued experimenting with the new version of the technique. It wasn't perfect—some attempts failed—but she succeeded often enough to confirm the method's validity. She couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. "Child, you are a genius! Why not stay at the hospital and take on a permanent role?"
Kai shook his head. "No, thank you. I still want to pursue my path as a shinobi. I came to the hospital to learn more about medicine and the human body, not to become a full-time medical ninja."
Both Hanpou and Koharu sighed with regret.
They exchanged glances, sharing the same sentiment. Kai's refusal was understandable. Even though his precision with the chakra scalpel and needle techniques was exceptional, he still lacked the essential healing ninjutsu needed to become a true medical ninja. Without those skills, his potential would be wasted in that field.
And truthfully, making him a medical ninja would be a disservice to his talents. He had so much more to offer beyond that.
"I see," Hanpou finally said. "But your modified version of the Chakra Needle—though simpler now—still ranks at A-level difficulty. Not many medics in the hospital will have your precision and control to use it effectively."
"Nevertheless, Kai," Koharu interjected, "you should still accept the special position we've offered. It won't tie you down, but it will give you more opportunities to pursue your goals and participate in what you enjoy."
"That's right," Hanpou added. "You'll receive a salary comparable to half that of a regular medical ninja. Whether you're at the hospital or not, you'll be paid."
Kai couldn't help but smile at this. "Thank you both, Advisor and Hanpou-sensei."
Getting paid was a huge relief!
Kai had talent, sure, but as an orphan in a village at war, his income relied on the occasional village stipend. While it was enough to live on, it wasn't enough to fund his experiments or purchase the necessary equipment for training.
He didn't know exactly how much his new salary would be, but anything was better than being paid in promises.
With that matter settled, Koharu spent some more time giving Kai the standard motivational talk. She droned on and on about his bright future until her throat was dry. Kai, out of respect (and perhaps a little because of the paycheck), forced himself to listen patiently.
Once he left the office, Kai made his way to see Kitayama Suzu. Sure enough, he found her practicing the Chakra Needle as well. When she noticed him, she blushed slightly, perhaps embarrassed at being caught secretly practicing her student's technique.
Kai pretended not to notice and instead used the opportunity to trade his improved Chakra Needle technique for a medical ninjutsu scroll—Fine Illness Extraction.
The Third Hokage's words had inspired him.
Even if Kai couldn't master all ninjutsu, many of their principles could be adapted. Fine Illness Extraction was one such example. He couldn't use it to draw out toxins or disease-causing agents, but he could potentially adapt its "extraction" mechanism for other purposes, such as pulling blood or even chakra from his opponents.
Of course, this was merely a conceptual idea, and he had a long road ahead of him before making it a reality.
With no immediate assignments and no classes scheduled, Kai found himself wandering around the medical unit, a book in hand. He felt a sudden sense of freedom, an odd lull in the usually hectic pace of life.
The afternoon brought an operation, and Kai was asked to assist. Being a "special ninja" now, the medical ninjas didn't hesitate to involve him.
He didn't yet wear a headband, nor had he undergone the official ninja exam. But with this new position, none of that seemed to matter. Even if he didn't stay in the medical field for long, this experience was invaluable to his development.
In time, the buzz surrounding his extraordinary surgical skills died down, and Kai gradually became just another familiar face in the hospital. He wasn't constantly being hounded with questions or stared at in awe anymore.
Over the next few months, Kai immersed himself in various medical texts, furthering his understanding of anatomy and chakra pathways. He even dabbled in creating his own herbal medicines and strengthening tonics—though so far, the results were… lacking.
No matter how much he experimented, his mixtures always seemed to fall short. Eventually, through some casual inquiries, he discovered that the Nara Clan was renowned for their mastery of herbal remedies. Many of Konoha's foundational medical techniques were derived from their research.
As luck would have it, Kai had previously saved a member of the Nara Clan, and had become somewhat acquainted with Shikaku and Shikamaru. Although his last interaction with Shikamaru wasn't exactly the most pleasant, they were at least familiar enough to approach.
...
"Shikamaru," Shikaku began, "Haven't you ever considered putting in a little more effort? Maybe graduating early and learning from another department?"
Shikamaru lazily leaned his head on his hand, looking completely uninterested. When faced with the question, he didn't respond immediately but let a few seconds pass before answering, "I did at first."
"With your intelligence, you'd excel."
"It's too troublesome," Shikamaru sighed. "Graduating early would be nice, sure. But when I think about all the additional studies, tests, reports, and evaluations that would come after it, I just don't see the point."
"…"
Shikaku was at a loss for words.
Other children saw early graduation as an honor, a chance to play more or bask in the glory of their achievement. Only Shikamaru could see it for what it truly was—more work and responsibility.
Sometimes, being too smart really was a curse.
After thinking for a moment, Shikaku was about to continue when he sensed something approaching. With a knowing smile, he said, "Weren't you asking about Yagyu Kai earlier?"
"Huh?" Shikamaru was confused.
He had only asked about Kai once, after their brief encounter when Kai had forced him back into school. Why was his father bringing him up again?
"You'll have a chance to meet him today."
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