Chapter 19: A Drama of Three Women

Chapter 19: Three Women, One Drama

"Tsk tsk, a genius like you—if I weren’t several years older, I’d be tempted to marry you myself."

"If it were the teacher, I definitely would!"

"Bah, bah, bah."

Fujimasa Kitayama never expected the boy to respond like that, his ears turning red from embarrassment. He couldn’t help but gently pat Chiba’s head.

“Your formula has become quite famous this time. By the way, several clans have sent people over, secretly asking if there are any better prescriptions. What do you think?”

“Teacher, you decide. I won’t get involved in that. Just make sure I don’t miss out on the benefits when the time comes.”

Chiba smiled slightly.

Kitayama breathed a sigh of relief and nodded repeatedly. “Then I’ll submit it for you. Later, Lord Hokage will make the final judgment.”

“But I do have one suggestion.”

Chiba mentioned the long queues forming outside and added, “The line stretching outside looks bad and wastes their time. It’d be better to distribute tickets by number, so people can come and buy what they need.”

“Hmm, that’s a good idea.”

Kitayama pondered for a moment, realizing the merits of Chiba’s proposal.

After some thought, she added, “Our current production is limited. After issuing a certain number of tickets, we can ask others to disperse to avoid wasting their time.”

“Yes, and there must be a purchase limit too. Otherwise, someone with money might buy ten or so doses at once, leaving none for those behind.”

“Exactly.”

Kitayama nodded vigorously.

This medicine was so sought after that buyers surged unprecedentedly, not counting the amounts secretly diverted by some clans, which would have increased the total even further.

Hence, the old rules no longer applied.

After a moment’s reflection, Kitayama stepped out and spoke briefly with the medical ninja in charge of sales, then quickly arranged for notes to be distributed. The long line at the door immediately thinned considerably.

Chiba cautiously peeked out and saw that the chaos outside had subsided.

However—

As the doors opened...

“Hey! Young man, are you married? Want me to set you up?”

Chiba shivered but quickly realized the voice was youthful, definitely not from some older men or women.

He turned and indeed saw Tenten hiding near the door.

“Did you get the medicine?”

“Yes, heh heh heh, sorry about earlier.”

“No worries, we were just joking.”

Chiba smiled in return, then glanced toward a nearby figure. “Wasabi, what brings you here?”

“I... came to thank you.”

Moonlight Wasabi bowed lightly, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

“Thank me?”

Chiba looked at her curiously.

Her surname was Moonlight, likely related to Moonlight Hayate’s clan, but her personality was quite different.

“I want to ask you something!”

Moonlight Wasabi bowed again.

“We’re friends and classmates—feel free to ask anything. No need to be so formal.”

Chiba quickly reassured her.

“I heard this medicine can strengthen the body, so I bought it for my uncle. His health is poor. Also, I wanted to ask if you could take a look at his condition…”

Moonlight Wasabi looked up at Chiba cautiously.

“Your uncle is?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce him. My uncle is Moonlight Hayate, a special Jonin, but he’s always been in poor health.”

She apologized quickly.

Tenten tilted her head and shook it gently; she didn’t recall the name Moonlight Hayate.

Chiba, however, had seen him.

Moonlight Hayate often visited the hospital, so Chiba had encountered him during his rounds.

After some thought, he said, “Your uncle’s condition is quite special. First, he’s naturally frail; although he can be supplemented later, he still lacks some strength. Second, he has lung disease. I’m not very clear on the other details.”

“Yes, yes, exactly!”

Moonlight Wasabi’s eyes shone brightly, realizing Chiba had met Moonlight Hayate and accurately described his condition.

Excitedly, she asked, “Chiba-kun, is there a way to help him?”

“No, and I advise him not to misuse the medicine. He must use it cautiously, under medical supervision, to ensure there’s no harm before continuing.”

Chiba explained the pharmacology.

Some medicines are beneficial and harmless to healthy people but might be ineffective or even harmful to the weak.

“I see. Sigh, even Chiba-kun can’t help…”

“Well, I’ve only studied medical knowledge and pharmacology for a while; I’m far from a true medical ninja. Besides, Lord Hayate’s condition is too complicated. Probably only Lady Tsunade could have a chance of curing him.”

Chiba saw her disappointment and directed her to another person.

In the world of Naruto, Moonlight Hayate did not live long enough to meet Tsunade, so whether Tsunade could cure him remains unknown. Congenital diseases are hard to cure; even Tsunade might only alleviate symptoms.

Moonlight Wasabi had heard of Tsunade’s reputation.

However—

That lady had not returned to Konoha for many years. Even if she could cure him…

She sighed silently, her mood low.

With some free time, Tenten asked, “Does this medicine really work?”

“It does. I have a formula with better efficacy, but those ingredients are rare and expensive, so there’s no mass production yet. What you bought is the best cost-effective option.”

Chiba explained.

“Impressive. If it were me, just coming up with one formula would be amazing.”

Tenten sighed admiringly.

Moonlight Wasabi remained silent, watching quietly.

“I’m going to train now. I thought after the exam I’d just wait for the assignment, but there’s another test. I have to prepare well and try out the medicine.”

Tenten held up two doses.

Chiba nodded lightly.

No matter how good the medicine, it’s only an aid; the main factor is one’s own effort. Otherwise, even the best medicine is useless.

After Tenten left, Moonlight Wasabi said, “Chiba-kun, we’re friends now, right? P-please guide me in the future!”

“Uh, yeah... sure.”

Honestly, Chiba was a bit bewildered and didn’t quite understand this little girl’s state of mind, but politeness was necessary regardless.

He didn’t dwell on these little episodes. After seeing her off, he returned to the medical unit and sat down. After reading for a while, his thoughts drifted to the commotion outside—

So many people affected by the formula, the Bodhi Seed should have improved as well.

Thinking this, he secretly visualized and checked the state of the “Bodhi.”

“The markings have deepened quite a lot.”

“Hmm?”

“What’s this feeling...”

Chiba had expected the improvement to be in spiritual power as before, but upon closer reflection, it seemed different—his physical strength appeared to be recovering faster.

No!

It wasn’t just physical strength, but also energy.

He couldn’t help but rejoice.

Chakra consists of physical energy and spiritual energy. Physical energy can be restored in many ways—ration pills, food, and so forth—but spiritual power can only be restored through rest.

This gift from the Bodhi Seed, though not a direct enhancement, was still quite significant for him.

If it continued improving, who knows—one day he might rival the Sage’s body.

(End of Chapter)