Chapter 31: CHAPTER 31 - Obtaining the Gene
After leaving Konoha Hospital, Hyuga Mirai returned briefly to the Hyuga clan compound. He informed Kiyo Hyuga about the healing talisman, intending for her to relay the matter to the Hyuga main family.
If the healing talisman could be perfected, it would undoubtedly become as lucrative as explosive tags. However, due to the complexities of Yang Release chakra and sealing techniques, crafting healing talismans wouldn't be an easy task. While the Hyuga clan had a few medical ninjas, none were proficient in sealing techniques, making it impossible for them to produce such talismans.
As expected, the elders of the Hyuga main family summoned Mirai immediately after learning of the development from Kiyo. The Fourth Elder brought Mirai to meet the clan head—father of the next clan head, Hiashi Hyuga—as well as Hiashi himself and the other three main family elders.
After extensive questioning, they concluded that the Hyuga clan's involvement in the healing talisman business would be limited. Konoha's experts in sealing and medical ninjutsu resided within the Sealing Corps and Konoha Hospital, leaving the Hyuga clan barely able to produce enough talismans for their own shinobi. Unlike the Uchiha clan, whose fire affinity and basic sealing knowledge allowed them to produce explosive tags with relative ease, the Hyuga lacked such an advantage.
"Mirai, your father was once a formidable ninja. Although you didn't inherit his Gentle Fist talents, your aptitude for medical ninjutsu far surpasses others in our clan," the Hyuga clan head remarked solemnly.
In the room, apart from Mirai, only members of the main family remained. The atmosphere demanded respect and formality, compelling Mirai to sit upright and maintain a tense demeanor.
"You flatter me, Clan Head. It's all thanks to the main family's guidance," Mirai replied steadily.
"That will be all for today. Kiyo, escort Mirai back. I'm sure Konoha Hospital still has plenty of work for him," the clan head instructed. He was aware that the Third Hokage would likely pressure Mirai to expedite the healing talisman's development. Rewards for Mirai's achievements would be delivered later. Though the talisman might not bring significant material gains to the clan, it would undoubtedly enhance the Hyuga clan's reputation.
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On their way back, Kiyo Hyuga cast several glances at Mirai, her tone tinged with begrudging admiration. "I didn't expect you to come up with something like the healing talisman. Did you plan this when you applied for the lab?"
"I had the idea a while ago, but our squad's missions kept me busy. I could only test it during extended breaks," Mirai explained. Turning to Kiyo, he added, "By the way, I should be able to repay you soon."
Kiyo frowned, clearly annoyed by Mirai's formality. "Forget it. Consider it support from the main family."
"Well, alright then. But Kiyo-sama, could I ask for a sample of your cells?" Mirai's voice turned serious. "I've recently noticed that Yang Release chakra affects individuals differently. If I can analyze these variations, it might lead to a standardized, scalable medical protocol. That could be groundbreaking—"
Mirai deliberately bombarded Kiyo with complex terminology, banking on her impatience to get her to agree without overthinking. Having spent years with Kiyo, Mirai knew her personality well. Though raised under the main family's strict protocols, she had an independent spirit, idolizing strength above all else.
Irritated by Mirai's lengthy explanation, Kiyo cut him off. "Fine, I get it—just some cells, right?"
She pulled out a kunai, frowning as she made a shallow cut on her arm. Mirai swiftly took out a culture dish, carefully collecting the sample before healing her wound with the Mystical Palm Technique.
Feigning excitement, Mirai said, "Thank you, Kiyo-sama! Once I collect enough samples, I'll have some solid results!"
Kiyo raised an eyebrow. "You're planning to collect Kurenai Yuhi's cells too, aren't you?"
"Of course! The more samples I gather, the better my research will be."
"You don't need to bother her. I'll gather enough samples for you myself!"
Mirai hesitated, pretending to be polite. "That's a lot to ask of you, Kiyo-sama—"
But before he could finish, Kiyo scowled, her frustration evident. Mirai immediately changed his tone. "Then I'll leave it to you, Kiyo-sama. It'd be even better if the samples came with basic information about the donors."
By the time their conversation ended, they had reached Kiyo's residence. After exchanging farewells, Mirai left, pleased with his success.
Kiyo's social circle was almost entirely within the Hyuga clan, meaning all the samples she gathered would likely come from Hyuga members—an immense boon for Mirai's research. As for concerns about arousing the main family's suspicions, Mirai had already considered the risks. The main family might question his intentions but would never suspect him of attempting to break the Caged Bird Seal.
To them, the centuries-old technique was unbreakable. The only "solution" they recognized was death.
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Mirai's schedule was about to get much busier. It was unlikely he'd join his squad's missions for a while, given that perfecting the healing talisman held far greater strategic importance.
Before heading to Konoha Hospital, Mirai stopped by Kurenai Yuhi's home to explain the situation. When he mentioned repayment, Kurenai simply waved it off with a cheerful smile, joking that she'd accept interest in the form of a barbecue feast later.
After leaving her home, Mirai made his way to Konoha Hospital, where Chūnin medic Nakano immediately dragged him off to see Vice Director Kimura.
"You've done it this time, kid. I hear the vice director's already arranging personnel to assist you," Nakano said as they walked. "He even brought back a pile of scrolls from the Third Hokage—your reward, apparently."
When they reached their destination, Mirai was surprised to find themselves outside Tsunade's office.
"Nakano-senpai, why are we here?" he asked, puzzled.
"Well, Tsunade-sama's still the head of Konoha Hospital. It's only proper to inform her," Nakano explained sheepishly. Though Tsunade had been inactive for some time, her role as the founder of the village's medical system made her presence hard to ignore.
Knock, knock!
A brief pause followed before a voice called out from inside. "Come in!"
(End of Chapter)