The hospital room was quiet, but the atmosphere was tense. John, still in Lee's body, sat on the bed, stretching his fingers as he tried not to grimace. Gai paced the room energetically, Tenten stood by the window holding a tray, and Neji leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
Doctor 1, a calm middle-aged man with spectacles..
He adjusted his spectacles and cleared his throat. "Mr. Lee, your recovery… it's… unprecedented. The spine injury you suffered was extremely severe. Normally, a patient would require months, even years, of gradual rehabilitation. Yet here you are, almost fully mobile in a fraction of the time."
Doctor 2 nodded. "We've monitored your healing closely. There are no signs of permanent damage. Your mobility is exceptional, but we caution that full-strength combat could still stress the spine. Even with this extraordinary progress, careful training is necessary."
"Mr. Lee," Doctor 1 began carefully, "I know the past month has been extremely difficult. The injury to your spine was severe… but given the absurd recovery progress, combined with your young age and the therapy regimen we've maintained, I can confidently say your body is mostly healed. You should be able to regain full mobility and strength, eventually."
Gai clapped his hands, nearly startling the doctor. "Ha! I knew it! Youth and spirit cannot be contained! Even the harshest injuries bow to a determined heart!"
Doctor 1 gave a small, almost hesitant nod. "Yes… though I should mention, your recovery was very fast, it's unlike anything we've seen. Some… subtle factor seems to be accelerating cellular repair. Very unusual. We've never observed anything like it."
John swallowed, eyeing the doctors suspiciously. Subtle factor? His chest tightened. Could it be… the system? He didn't need to ask; he could feel its presence in his body, the strange hum of enhanced energy subtly guiding his muscles, nerves, and even bone repair.
Doctor 2 interjected, a little more seriously. "Of course, Mr. Gai, it's important to note that while healing is almost complete, there will still be limitations at first. Full combat training should be gradual. Spine injuries of this magnitude can flare up if stressed too soon."
Tenten sighed, relief flooding her voice. "That's… incredible news. Will he really recover fully?"
Doctor 1 nodded. "Yes. With time, proper physical training, and patience, your prognosis is very positive. Your strength, stamina, and overall body coordination will improve steadily."
Neji, silent until now, finally spoke. "So the reports were accurate. His body will hold. That confirms the medical evaluation." His pale eyes softened slightly. "Just… don't let pride push you too hard. Recovery is not synonymous with invincibility."
Gai spun on his heel toward Lee, fists pumped. "Young Lee! You hear that? Your body is ready for training again! I expect nothing less than total dedication!"
John swallowed, nodding. So it's not a plothole. I can actually fight again… but I have to ease in.
The doctors exchanged nods. Doctor 2 added, "We'll clear you for light training and controlled sparring. But remember, the first exercises must be monitored and incremental."
Gai's grin stretched from ear to ear. "Incremental? Nonsense! But… I suppose we can start small. That's where our story begins!"
John exhaled slowly, a mixture of relief and anticipation coursing through him. The first step beyond recovery had been cleared. He flexed his hands again, feeling the subtle pull of chakra trying, and failing to rise fully. His system interface flickered faintly in his vision, reminding him that while his body was healed, true power still had limits.
Somewhere in his vision, the faint system interface flickered.
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The hospital doors slid open with a soft clang, letting in the afternoon sunlight. John stepped out into the courtyard, the cool breeze brushing against his bandaged arms. His back still tingled faintly, a reminder of the long months of recovery, but the pain was now manageable. He was healed, physically at least.
Floating before his eyes was the system screen, crisp and neutral as ever.
[Ultimate Fighter System – Status Update]
Healing: 100%
Rokushiki Skills: 10% mastery
Stats:
Strength: 40
Vitality: 39
Stamina: 40 (Replaced Tenacity > Stamina)
Chakra: 8
Wisdom: 28
Luck: 5
Daily Task: None
John blinked. Rokushiki, 10% mastery. His body was capable, but these moves, while unlocked, were far from usable at their full potential. He flexed his fingers experimentally, trying Kami-e. His body shifted slightly, but the movement was clumsy, almost instinctual.
He crouched, trying Soru, but only a tiny hop carried him a few inches forward. Geppo gave him a faint lift into the air before gravity reclaimed him. Each skill was imperfect, unpolished, a whisper of the power he would one day wield.
Still… progress, he thought, gripping his fists. The system didn't tell him how to use them, didn't guide him, didn't even care. It simply existed. He liked it that way.
The village outside bustled, villagers moving about without noticing him. A breeze lifted leaves across the courtyard, and John's gaze followed them, mind racing. He imagined what training would look like, the challenges he would face, and the growth that awaited.
A sudden pulse from the system made him flinch.
[Story Quest Available – Title: "Shadows of the Chūnin Exams"]
Objective: Test your limits in controlled combat against a capable opponent.
Reward: Skill Upgrade, unlock advanced training opportunities.
John's pulse quickened. Controlled combat… finally, a real challenge. Not just recovery exercises, not just small stretches and shuffling steps. A proper test.
He rose slowly, flexing and feeling each muscle, each joint. Tekkai stiffened his limbs instinctively, Geppo and Soru twitched, Kami-e shifted him just slightly. The motions were imperfect, but alive.
This is it, he thought, fists tightening. The system healed my body, gave me tools, but now it's up to me to break every limit this body has left.
Outside, the Konoha courtyard basked in sunlight, unaware that one of its young shinobi had been reborn, ready to test himself for the very first time beyond recovery.