The money she had saved was what gave Gide the chance to attend the ninja school.
This was the harsh reality for ordinary people in Konoha!
Not just this case—there were many others. Even Shisui had to start taking missions at a young age to support his family due to his father's illness.
"I can afford it,"
Uchiha Hazuki nodded firmly.
She had already prepared herself for being overcharged by Kiyoshi again.
Her parents had also been ninjas, and during their lifetime had saved a considerable amount from missions.
As long as she could pay for Yamada Daiyu's medical expenses, Hazuki was willing to part with the money without hesitation.
Seeing her dedication, a slight smile appeared on Kiyoshi's lips.
Uchiha were persistent like this—once they set their mind on something, they had to follow through.
Hazuki took out a sum of money from her ninja tools bag and offered it to Kiyoshi:
"This is my sincerity."
She looked at him expectantly.
But Kiyoshi shook his head instead, pushing the money back.
"I took your money before because of our past conflicts. Now that we are clan members, it's not appropriate. Please return. Miss Hazuki, I cannot perform this surgery under these circumstances."
He gestured for her to step back.
Hazuki knelt at the low table, fingertips slightly curled.
She looked up at Kiyoshi, determination and stubbornness mingling in her gaze.
"Kiyoshi… I know you can do it. No matter the cost, as long as I can—"
Her words faltered, but she forced a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
"I have a method to increase the surgery's success rate. Are you willing?"
Kiyoshi tapped his fingers on the table, eyes serious.
"Of course,"
Hazuki immediately agreed—any advantage was worth it.
"That is… you helping me train,"
Kiyoshi beckoned her over.
But the condition he set made Hazuki's heart sink with apprehension.
...
At Konoha Hospital, Hazuki lowered her head as she entered, filled with worry.
Kiyoshi's demands were so severe, she found them almost unbearable.
All she wanted was to see Yamada Daiyu.
"Are you his friend? The patient's condition isn't improving; you should persuade him."
Hazuki froze.
She was surprised to see a girl with short hair, a few stickers or makeup on her face, appearing in the ward.
But the urgency in her words made Hazuki rush inside.
Soon, she saw Daiyu, his face nearly colorless, looking weak and frail.
"If the patient undergoes a direct meridian system incision, he could survive,"
Nozomi Rin said.
For ninjas, meridian systems were as important as a second life, so they couldn't decide to cut them without consent.
There had been many disputes in the past; now patient or family consent was required.
"Decide quickly," Rin said before leaving.
She didn't understand why the surgery was being delayed—survival was priority—but it was the patient's choice.
"You're here, Hazuki,"
Daiyu's voice weak, aided by oxygen.
"Mm."
Hazuki felt a pang of helplessness seeing him so frail, recalling Kiyoshi's strict conditions left her torn.
...
Next day,
Hokage Tower.
Minato Namikaze and Mizunotsuki Yuki looked at the same C-rank mission assignment.
"Third Hokage, is this the mission you assigned me?"
Yuki asked.
"Yes, your team is now all Chunin. You can take this mission."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a drag of his smoke.
Yuki led the team including Kiyoshi, Asuma, and Kurenai—sending them out to gain experience was wise.
"Understood,"
Yuki replied.
"Minato, your team has new graduates, but with veteran Kakashi alongside, there should be little danger."
Hearing this, Minato nodded.
The mission was to protect a mysterious land of demons.
The shrine maiden there had sensed unrest, hinting at a possible reemergence of spirits.
How powerful these spirits were, Minato didn't know.
But they could only be sealed, not easily defeated.
"Third, we will complete the mission,"
Minato nodded.
Yuki relaxed—this mission involved two teams, Minato's presence ensured strength.
Facing a minor local spirit, there was little pressure.
...
"Still haven't decided?"
Rin checked on the patient.
She often helped around the hospital, especially with the influx of patients.
"I… need a bit more time,"
Hazuki sighed.
Daiyu refused to give up his ninja qualification, opposing the meridian incision.
But no capable medical ninja was available.
Forcing them would result in less than 10% success—a gamble with life.
"Then hurry, Kiyoshi will leave for his mission soon."
Rin had learned they were heading to the Land of Demons for a protection mission.
"Mission?"
Hazuki was startled, asking for details.
Patiently, Rin explained and reminded Hazuki to persuade Daiyu, leaving a note in the medical record before leaving.
Hazuki, standing alone, clenched her lips—deciding to speak with Kiyoshi once more.
"Kiyoshi is on the fifth floor now. You should hurry."
Rin's reminder was well-intentioned.
"…Alright."
Hazuki thanked her and headed upstairs.
Not long after, Kiyoshi heard a knock on the fifth floor.
"The door isn't locked,"
Kiyoshi said.
With Nonou on a mission, the office was his alone for now.
"It's you, Miss Hazuki. Have you made up your mind?"
Kiyoshi's voice was like a low, demonic whisper.
"I… I have,"
Hazuki took a deep breath.
This was all for… Daiyu.
Thinking of their past moments, Hazuki crouched instinctively.
But Kiyoshi stopped her, lifting her up.
"Hazuki-nee, it's not done like that."
Kiyoshi shook his head.
If you pursue thrill, you must see it through.
He changed into his surgical attire, called in a few nurses to bring Daiyu into the operating room, and prepared to begin.
"You… alone?"
Hazuki was stunned.
Kiyoshi had dismissed everyone, leaving only her and Daiyu.
"With my Sharingan, others would be a hindrance,"
Kiyoshi said calmly.
The medical ninjutsu here relied on chakra—different from conventional medicine. He alone could handle the operation.
"Then… let's begin. Help me train, and improve the surgery's success rate."
Kiyoshi administered the anesthesia, waiting until Daiyu was under, then spoke.
With enhanced ocular power, his Sharingan's insight would increase.
He stood over the operating table, performing surgery while watching Hazuki.
He signaled her to release his seal herself—an essential step for the procedure.
Hazuki's face changed constantly, staring at Kiyoshi pausing mid-incision, trembling as she whispered:
"I… I will do it…"
Through tears, Hazuki summoned Kiyoshi's unique summon, the "Unicorn Beast."
A vast shadow began to spread.
(End of Chapter)