The nurse had already set up an IV, the tube connecting to Shun's arm. Itsuki prepared her tools.
"Hima-san, the injection and knife."
The nurse obeyed. Shun closed his eyes, unwilling to watch. He felt the sting of a syringe in his arm, his body growing heavy. Words rose to his lips, but before he could speak, darkness claimed him, pulling him into a deep slumber.
------------
Shun opened his dark eyes, confusion clouding his gaze. As he awakened from his deep slumber, memories of the recent events rushed back. His hand instinctively moved to his forehead, brushing against the texture of a bandage. His eyes wandered around the ward, searching for the med-nin who had healed him.
The nurse, Hima, was busy changing the IV of another patient when she noticed his wandering gaze settle on her. Calmly, she walked toward his bed.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, scanning his face for any sign of discomfort.
"I'm… fine for now," Shun muttered. His eyes locked onto her face, as if trying to read an emotion there, but he failed miserably.
"So, if the treatment is complete, can I go home now?" he asked, shifting uncomfortably in the hospital bed.
"What's the hurry?" A firm voice cut in from the doorway.
Itsuki stepped inside and approached his bed, her brows furrowing as she added in a warning tone, "Don't tell me you're trying to ditch the hospital bill?"
Shun's eyes widened as sweat trickled down his temple. "W-wait a minute…" He frantically searched his pockets for money.
"Pfft—haha!" Itsuki burst into laughter at his panic. The commotion stirred a few patients awake, their irritated grumbles ignored by her as she wiped tears from her eyes.
"You really don't understand jokes, do you?" she teased, smiling at his annoyed expression.
"Don't worry. We're not so cruel as to make a child pay. The bill will go under your father's tab, with a few discounts added." She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Thought so… this body's father is a ninja. Of course his family gets benefits, Shun concluded inwardly.
"If you're done joking, I'm going home," he declared grumpily, still sour from her prank.
"No, you're not going anywhere until my treatment is complete." Her tone softened into a smile as she pulled up a chair beside his bed.
Her hand glowed faintly with green chakra. "Now, give me your hand." Her expression shifted into professional seriousness.
Why does this feel like I'm a dog obeying commands? Shun thought reluctantly. His cheeks burned as an indecent thought made way into his mind.But… she really is beautiful. Should...I...No, no—don't become a simp.He tried hard to reign his thoughts.
Trying to avoid looking at some.. things as she leaned forward, he turned his head sideways, while complying to her 'request', as she gently unwrapped the bandages from his arm. Her glowing palm hovered over his cuts and bruises, and before his eyes the wounds closed without leaving a trace.
"This is truly amazing," he whispered.
Itsuki's lips curved into a faint smile, his words sparking an odd warmth in her chest.
She continued, healing his remaining injuries before moving to his forehead. "I've already stopped the internal bleeding. The fracture is minor, so I'll let it heal naturally. But let's close this cut—wouldn't want a scar ruining your cute face."
His eyes narrowed. "Hello, miss—I'm a man. Men are not 'cute' they are manly." He deepened his voice, puffing his chest in mock pride.
"Yeah, yeah… you're a manly boy. Now sit still." She chuckled and gently tilted his chin down. "What a drag you are."
Under her hand, the surgical cut knitted itself back together. Fresh pink skin replaced the wound. When she was done, she handed him a mirror. "The wound is fully healed. See for yourself."
Shun touched the spot in wonder. The scar was gone, as if it had never existed. This world really is incredible.
"You're free to go now. And don't worry about the bill." She stood, smiling faintly. "Also—stay away from those trees. They can be dangerous." Her words carried an edge, hinting she knew more than she let on.
Of course she knows. A skilled medic like her must have noticed that this is not from a tree fall, while examining me, Shun thought, not so surprised by her words.
"Thank you for your care." He bowed to both Itsuki and Hima before leaving.
Just as he reached the door, Itsuki called out, "If you ever find yourself in trouble, you can always come to me."
A small smile tugged at Shun's lips. "She's nice," he muttered, shutting the ward door behind him.
---
Outside, the noon sun beat down as he stood before a small, shabby house.
"So this is my new home…" His heart sank with sadness, memories of his past life pressing heavily on him.
He fished out the key he'd found in his pocket and unlocked the door. A messy, dust-coated room came into view. Unwashed dishes piled high in the sink, filling the air with a foul smell.
He wrinkled his nose. "Looks like the cleaner took a long vacation. Guess I'll have to deal with it."
Muttering under his breath, he slipped on gloves, dragged a stool over, and began scrubbing the dishes. Water splashed everywhere as he leaned back awkwardly to avoid getting wet. "I hate doing dishes," he grumbled.
Once finished, he threw open the windows to let fresh air in. The stench faded, leaving the place somewhat livable. Exhausted, he collapsed into a dining chair. His stomach growled in protest.
With a sigh, he dragged himself to the kitchen. He rinsed a pot, poured in the milk from a carton, and set it on a low flame. Then he cracked two eggs into a pan, whipped up an omelet, and sandwiched it between slices of bread with a spread of sauce. Finally, he stirred sugar into a glass of hot milk.
His simple meal complete, Shun devoured it eagerly, savoring the flavors until every bite was gone. He leaned back, a burp finding it's way through his throat, as he rubbed his stomach with satisfaction.
"Now…" he murmured, "…time to sort out my thoughts on this whole transmigration thing."