When Ren woke up, it was already dawn.
He stretched, and still in his pyjamas, went to wash up.
Today… I should first go to the Ninja School and ask my Yamanaka Sensei for a leave of absence, otherwise, I won't have enough time.
Ren arranged his schedule for the day while brushing his teeth.
After washing up, he took a set of clothes from the wardrobe, changed out of his pyjamas, and looked at his energetic self in the mirror.
Although he was only seven years old, with continuous training, Ren's height had already reached 1.4 meters, half a head taller than his peers. His black Ninja uniform added a touch of aloofness, but the soft lines on his face combined with a smile gave him a more sunny disposition.
Black hair and black eyes; with this appearance, if he were to add a pair of Sharingan and claim to be from the Uchiha, people would believe him.
After admiring his peerless beauty, a satisfied Ren grabbed his backpack and headed out.
By then, it was already bright, and pedestrians gradually started appearing on both sides of the street.
Without wasting time, Ren rushed to the Ninja School and headed straight for his Yamanaka Sensei's office. At this time, his Yamanaka Sensei should have already arrived.
Pushing open the office door, Yamanaka Ryo, who was preparing lessons inside, looked up towards the doorway. He had expected another teacher to arrive but saw Ren instead.
"Hmm? Ren, why are you here? There's still more than half an hour until class starts. Did you come so early to see me about something?"
A puzzled Yamanaka Ryo looked at Ren. Teachers' working hours were half an hour earlier than students'; they needed to arrive at school early to prepare lessons.
"Good morning, Yamanaka Sensei. I came today to ask for a leave of absence. I have some matters to attend to at home. I request one day off, and I hope you will approve it."
Ren respectfully greeted him first, then got straight to the point. He had a lot to do today and no time to waste here.
"One day off…? Alright, your i approves it. Be careful outside of school."
Yamanaka Ryo thought for a moment before agreeing. After all, Ren was usually a very diligent child who made him worry little, and his studies were among the best in his grade. One day off was easily granted.
"Thank you, Yamanaka Sensei. I will. Then I won't disturb you any further."
Relieved to get the day off, Ren turned and walked out of the office.
Walking on the street, Ren headed towards his destination while pondering the smartwatch on his wrist.
After this matter is settled, I'll go contact Orochimaru. It's time to gain something from him.
Ren had long coveted Orochimaru's Ninjutsu reserves.
Currently, he has Shinku Yuhi for Genjutsu and Might Dai and Might Guy for Taijutsu. As for Ninjutsu, Ren only knew a few C-rank Ninjutsu he found at home.
This was the sorrow of a commoner Ninja. Compared to the geniuses of large clans, all secret Ninjutsu inheritances were monopolised, making it difficult for commoners to rise.
At the same age, how could a commoner Ninja compete with clan members?
To gain something, one must pay something. Ninjutsu of any level had to be exchanged for contributions.
Without resources, even the best talent could not be monetised.
As for the Ninjutsu scrolls in Ren's home, the higher-ups turned a blind eye to such matters. After all, his parents had sacrificed themselves, and it was only natural for them to leave something for their family.
For so many years since Konoha was established, the only commoner Ninja who truly made a name for themselves were Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Minato Namikaze.
Although Ren's parents were Konoha Jonin, he was the only one left in his family now, so he wasn't much better off than children from commoner families.
"Resources, huh…"
Ren came back to his senses, touched his nose, and stopped.
He had arrived.
The Konoha Hospital.
Before him stood a three-story building, located in the most prosperous area of Konoha Village, covering tens of thousands of square meters. It was the busiest place in all of Konoha, where Ninja or civilians injured on missions gathered daily, always bustling with people.
Ren walked into the hospital and, with practised ease, headed to the second floor. At this time, there weren't too many people, making it seem a bit deserted.
Upon reaching the second floor, Ren walked straight to an office at the very end of the corridor.
The sign on the doorframe read: Deputy Director's Office.
Stopping in front of the door, Ren raised his hand and knocked.
"Hello, is anyone there?"
Soon, a female voice came from inside the room.
"Please come in."
Ren pushed the door open and entered, then turned to close it. He walked to the desk and smiled at the woman standing by the window with her back to him.
"Aunt Kana, long time no see."
The woman turned around, her lustrous black hair tied into a ponytail behind her, her eyes clear and bright, and a white lab coat accentuating her slender figure.
She exuded a capable aura.
"Oh, Ren, it's been a long time since you came to see your aunt. How have you been during this time?"
Kana Maiko looked at Ren with surprise. This little guy hadn't been seen for a long time; their last meeting was last year when Ren brought a pile of things to visit her for the New Year.
Kana Maiko was Ren's mother Hiwa's direct superior, but in their personal lives, they were like best friends. After Ren's parents sacrificed themselves, Kana Maiko took great care of Ren when he was in the hospital. She was one of the closest people to Ren besides his parents.
Ever since Miaten and Hiwa sacrificed themselves, this little guy had matured a lot. Fortunately, his personality hadn't become reclusive. After observing him over the past two years, she knew Ren had made friends and hadn't fallen into despair.
She felt much more at ease.
Not having seen Ren for over half a year, she had been quite worried about him.
"I'm doing very well, Aunt Kana. After all this time, you're still as beautiful and charming as ever."
Ren launched a sugar-coated cannonball with a smile, and it seemed to have a good effect.
Kana Maiko covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
"You rascal, stop praising your aunt. Just tell me what you need."
"Cough, cough."
Exposed, Ren used a cough to cover his embarrassment.
"It's like this, Aunt Kana, I want to learn Medical knowledge and Medical Ninjutsu."
"Hmm? Why do you suddenly want to learn this? Aren't you studying at the Ninja School?"
Kana Maiko was puzzled, wondering why Ren suddenly wanted to study medicine for no apparent reason.
"Because…
I want to inherit my father's and mother's will. I want to learn medicine because I don't want to see anyone perish in front of me again while I am powerless!"
Ren clenched his fists and shouted with his head down.
The memories of the two souls had long merged, and he felt the same sorrow for the loss of his parents. On one hand, it was for sentiment, and on the other, it was for his own sake.
Medical Ninjutsu could be used to treat the Ninja. Famous Medical Ninjas included Tsunade, Yakushi Kabuto, Chiyo, and Sakura Haruno. The prerequisite for mastering Medical Ninjutsu was to have extremely precise Chakra control.
His spiritual power, far exceeding that of his peers, affirmed Ren's idea.
Ren wanted to develop into a well-rounded warrior; any weakness on the battlefield could lead to his losing his life.
"Parents, huh…"
Kana Maiko fell silent, looking at the boy before her, as if she saw the vibrant young girl from the past again.
"…Good!"
Ren suddenly looked up.
His eyes met the smiling eyes of Kana Maiko, who had unknowingly walked closer.
Her soft hand caressed Ren's head.
"Miaten, Hiwa, it seems you've left Ren a wonderful legacy."