Resurrection of Spiral Blood.
During the night shift in the laboratory of the Hyuga Hospital, a lone multifunctional biocamera stood. Bubbles of green nutrient bioliquid were drawn in a slow chaotic dance through the cycle of filtering tubes. Through which oxygen was supplied, and carbon dioxide was removed. The laboratory filtering lamp of internal lighting flickered steadily in the semidarkness of the room, almost syncing its flicker with the beat of the primitive but functional Holter monitor's rhythm. Which, at the moment, was connected to the biocamera.
- Click … Tick. - Click … Tick. – The cardio rhythm beat quietly.
The electronic bio-beats, steadily accumulating from seconds into minutes, from minutes into hours, from hours into days and so on, … suddenly accelerated, and the pulse registration device began to more noticeably and audibly signal the start of the patient's awakening. And then, a couple of minutes later, the eyes peering from under the long bangs of thick crimson-red hair slowly opened, and the person inside the biocamera began actively blinking, clearly trying to figure out where he was and what was happening around him.
While Haero Uzumaki blinked – that was the name of the redhead in the biocamera, who was trying to check his functionality with inconspicuous contractions of the muscles in his fingers and toes, which, by the way, he was doing very poorly due to overall bodily weakness – the door to the office with the biocamera inside opened neatly and quietly. And a man in a hospital robe thrown over body armor and tabi (shinobi sandals) entered and stood opposite Haero.
The man in the hospital robe waited some time, letting Uzumaki come to his senses, then quietly tapped the biocamera glass with the pad of his index finger, thereby drawing the patient's attention to himself. Looking at Haero's face with his white eyes, the iryonin – it was him – began communicating with the red-haired resident of the "glass box" using standard gestures.
"Haero Uzumaki-san?" The white-eyed man asked affirmatively, and then, after the patient's confirming nod, the white-eyed iryonin switched to shinobi sign language. "Congratulations, Haero-san, I was able to fully heal your body and successfully resuscitate you. It's night now, October 23rd, year 50 since the founding of Konoha." Here, the iryonin glanced briefly at the calendar, then gloomily continued the news summary. "As a result of the Nine-Tails Demon Fox's attack, you were injured. They found you badly wounded. Essentially, on the threshold of death. You were in a deep coma for almost two weeks. You had the following injuries: severe liver contusion, perforation of the left kidney and lung. Swelling of the right lung. Multiple limb fractures. Plus, traumatic brain injury. Along with it, rupture of the eardrums, and … yes, a lot more. From burns to C-D rank. If you're interested, later I'll give you the full list to read." At this point, the iryonin suddenly perked up, blinked a few times, and his expression became somewhat guilty. Then, clearly snapping out of professional deformation, he said.
"Oh, excuse my manners, Haero-san, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Ichiro Hyuga. I'm a B+ rank iryonin. And I'm responsible for your treatment and resuscitation. With your subsequent emergence from the coma." Here the white-eyed man activated Byakugan, looked at the patient for a while, then continued. "From your pupils, facial mimicry, and other body reactions, I see you've awakened sane and fully understand me. Please blink twice, Haero-san, as confirmation." The redhead blinked twice in response. "Good, Haero-san." The Hyuga iryonin turned to the panel instrument board, clicked something there, then continued communicating with his patient. "Haero-san, it will take another half hour to get you out of the biocamera. Please endure this time. Meanwhile, I suggest we discuss a few boring but nonetheless important points." Glancing at his patient, the doctor noticed the redhead's gaze had become tense and his heartbeat quickened. Seeing this, Ichiro Hyuga sighed heavily and continued more slowly. "Uzumaki-san, to make communication easier, let's agree on conditional signals. Blinking twice means answer – Yes. Blinking once – No. Accordingly, three times – I don't know. Do you understand me, Haero-san?" In response, the redhead slowly blinked twice. "Excellent, then let's start our conversation. And yes, Uzumaki-san, please sincerely forgive this manner of awakening, but believe me, I'm doing it for your benefit. In half an hour, you'll see for yourself. So, let's begin!"
"Haero-san, first question for you. Did you know a woman named Uzumaki Minami?" After ten seconds of concentrated thought, Haero Uzumaki slowly blinked twice, to which the iryonin nodded satisfiedly and continued. "That's exactly why you're alive, Haero-san! Or rather, partly why!" The white-eyed man corrected himself. "Uzumaki Minami was my grandmother. And I, with my own money, arbitrarily saved you. I'll say it straight, Uzumaki-san! I'm not a rich man. And just a tokubetsu-jonin. The biocamera you're in now cost me almost one and a half million Ryo. And first and foremost, for your 'resurrection,' I spent that money so urgently. Unfortunately, I bought the biocamera publicly. The Hyuga clan leadership, the senior medical staff of this clinic, and possibly a few Utatane people know about it." Here Ichiro Hyuga noticed Haero Uzumaki's gaze was still tense, so the iryonin sighed deeply for show and apologized.
"Please understand me correctly, Haero-san. Right now, I'm speaking to you frankly. When you have grandchildren, I wanted your granddaughter to marry my son. Life for Life! All fair. I saved you! In return, you'll support me in the good endeavors of our ancestors, reuniting the Hyuga and Uzumaki families with a blood tie. Through the marriage of our descendants. And yes, don't worry! I belong to the main Hyuga family, so our descendants' children won't bear the 'Soka no Juin' of the branch house on their foreheads. I'm saying this straight, and this fact is easy to verify. That's it! Essentially, why I resurrected you. Not counting familial ties, … however distant," here Ichiro Hyuga slyly narrowed his eyes, clearly selecting gestures for the next words, "but yes, those are biologically and, albeit minimally, morally inherent to me. Believe me, the wisdom of the Sengoku Jidai still speaks for itself through hereditary blood and is passed on in the Hyuga clan people! And ultimately, that saved the Uzumaki clan and its head in your person. Yes, you understood correctly.
"As I already said, Haero-san, Life for Life!" But here, the white-eyed man interrupted the thread of conversation and unexpectedly voiced another point. "However, Uzumaki-san! You're free to act as you wish. I can't, and believe me, absolutely don't want to force you! You can refuse. And that won't have consequences. We'll just complete your awakening process, and you'll leave freely. Without any harm." Ichiro Hyuga turned away from the redhead, looked at the clock, then unexpectedly asked. "What do you think, Haero-san? Have I given you an honest choice?" Uzumaki, not rushing for an answer, slowly blinked twice. "Excellent. You'll think about this topic in a calm setting. And now, I suggest moving to pressing circumstances. So, Haero-san, did you sense that Kyuubi no Yoko attacked Konoha?" This time, the redhead nodded relatively quickly, and a second later, with a grim face, blinked twice. "You'll rehabilitate quickly," Ichiro Hyuga continued, "including your memory. But let's get into the details. As I said, when you exit the biocamera, we'll do an emergency muscle rehab course, restoring your mobility to standard condition. After that, you're free! You can stay or leave. However!" The white-eyed man emphasized this word particularly. "I strongly recommend you not leave the Hyuga Hospital. And as an iryonin and, … as some kind of relative. Because you might not survive this night! Especially if you leave the Hyuga quarter!" At such information delivery, the patient blinked three times twice in concern, trying to clarify the situation that way, then stared intently at Hyuga, awaiting a response. "Yes, you understood correctly, Haero-san! That I healed you and urgently resuscitated you is a secret at the moment. And only four Hyuga know about it, including our clan patriarch. And yes," the iryonin interrupted himself, "all the information I shared, you can disclose, but as a shinobi, you must understand its value! So it's good to know when it's safe and politically advantageous – to stay silent!" The redhead's eyelids lowered and rose twice. "Uzumaki-san, straight talk. I love my clan! However, I also perfectly understand that trusting relationships, however banal it sounds, are built on trust, so I'm saying it upfront. Your clan – the Great Uzumaki Clan – during the Nine-Tails Demon Fox's attack, was completely destroyed within Konoha. Including you, Haero-san, we managed to find four more Uzumaki, but they're all in critical deep coma states! So they've been placed in a 'medical scroll' for living people. By the way, a symbolic moment! This scroll is also an inheritance from Grandmother Minami! And, Haero-san, for whatever reasons, naturally, and with your consent, but I'll apply my modest efforts to resurrect them! Fuinjutsu must – Live!" The redhead read the last phrase exclusively from the iryonin's lips. "However, I hope you realize this information is confidential! And that with it, albeit softly, they'll manipulate you. From the Hyuga side!" Ichiro silently continued with lips alone. "They might outright forbid me from further Uzumaki clan resuscitation! And against the patriarch's word, I won't go. At most, I'll leave the 'medical scroll' with the four patients! Now do you understand the situation's complexity, Uzumaki-san?" The redhead nodded slowly twice. "Haero-san. Konoha, after the 'Kyuubi Tragedy,' is preparing for a power redistribution for the Hokage position. And listen to this iryonin's humble opinion! The 'old top's' plans don't include a rich Uzumaki Clan! Logical! At least, the bodies of all Uzumaki were brought last! (And not ANBU people and NOT," the redhead read from lips). And if not for Hyuga initiative, … well, you get it?!" All the news is hard, but needs digesting! So I'll step away for ten minutes. Meanwhile, calmly assess your position.
"Thank you for the talk. I have other patients waiting." After which the white-eyed man lowered the Holter monitor volume, pointed at Byakugan to Uzumaki, and showed the number three! Then, the iryonin turned off the chakra filter. And, … with a sour face, left the dark office.
***
October 24. Konoha public park.
Charm of a woman's smile.
A lone couple strolled through the morning park of Konoha. A fresh breeze blew. Foliage rustled around, through which bright sun rays broke. And quite often, October leaves from red Maples and white Ginnals fell underfoot.
The harmony of colors around was symbolic. The walking man and woman fit perfectly into the surroundings. White traditional kimono with the Hyuga mon, and a red women's haori over a white yukata with the Kurama mon. Ayumi Kurama and her companion – Ichiro Hyuga.
The couple walked close to each other, … on narrow paths, inadvertently brushing shoulders. They simply talked quietly between themselves and sometimes sank into the park's silence. And also, leisurely, munched on sweet dango and, though rarely, smiled.
"… And still, Ichiro-san! Why did you invite me to the park for a walk?" The beautiful woman emboldened, squinting slyly, and posed the question. "Is this a date, by any chance? Has the iryonin finally become a romantic? And woken with warm feelings?"
"Well, to be honest, Ayumi-chan! Around me, only missions and hospital business. And such bright moments as our meeting are quite rare! Inevitably, you start hardening. But luckily, I got a day off and immediately invited you!"
"On a date?" The woman smiled playfully.
"Yes. A friendly date, Ayumi-chan. Though we've known each other since childhood. I think we shouldn't rush? So first, I decided to check on you as your iryonin. And find out how you're doing."
"Well," the woman drawled pretend-sadly, "just as boring, iryonin-san! I'm recovering, my leg doesn't hurt anymore. I started using chakra, as you told me a week ago."
"Ayumi-chan, let me examine your leg. Let's sit for five minutes on that bench over there. Will you allow me to use Byakugan?"
"And you won't peek, Ichiro-san? I'm an honest woman." Ayumi said languidly. "I don't need rumors."
"Kurama-san, I'm not a voyeur!" Ichiro chuckled cheerfully. "For peeping syndrome, that's Jiraiya! Sexual deviations are his personal thing."
"Pity." Ayumi whispered quietly, cheeks blushing, then waved her hands defensively. "You misunderstood me! I'm glad you're not like Jiraiya. He's tall, shaggy like a porcupine, and with a nasty smirk." Meanwhile, Ichiro ran Shosen over Ayumi's ankle, relieving ligament tension, smiled, and adjusted Kurama's yukata.
"Ayumi-chan, want me to draw your portrait, … like in childhood?!" Suddenly, with a kind smile, Hyuga asked, pulling a tablet, charcoal, and paper from a seal.
"Really?" Ayumi clarified incredulously, then nodded. "Let's. How should I sit? Is my hair okay? I remember you drew well." The white-eyed man nodded, crumbled the charcoal, and got to work with chakra threads and fingers.
Three, five minutes, ten passed, and then, smiling, he showed the portrait to the woman. From the A3 paper, a brunette with wavy long hair and an inspired face looked. Plump lips, Greek nose, thick lashes over large and surprisingly almost white eyes, plus an open forehead framed by black curls falling to the collarbones, pinned with kanzashi (long hairpin).
From the paper, it seemed beauty itself gazed at the viewer.
"Amazing." Ayumi drawled faintly, whispering. "I'd forgotten how beautifully you draw. Lashes, veins in the eyes, even in the hair, … individual hairs and kanekalon visible. Is this with the 'Chakra Thread' technique you achieved such beauty? I didn't know you'd become so skilled in it!"
"Well, we're shinobi, have to learn something to survive! And you can find art in work even in such trifles." Fixing the drawing with "Chakra Burning," Ichiro sealed it and gave the scroll to the woman.
"Here, Kurama-san, the portrait is yours now! In exchange, I'd like a reward too." Squinting slyly, the white-eyed man winked and glanced at her half-bared shoulders, swallowing, quietly asked. "Will you teach me something, Ayumi-chan?"
"There can't be relations between us, Ichiro-kun! Official ones!" The woman lowered her eyes embarrassedly. "And you know that!" She added reproachfully and falteringly. "No, I like you, honestly."
"Wait!" Hyuga stopped her and rephrased himself. "Ayumi-chan, sorry, I got carried away looking and … misspoke! I need a teacher, but in Genjutsu. Nothing vulgar meant! I respect you. And admire you!"
"Oh, I see!" The woman snorted and squinted suspiciously. "You just respect me? That's all?" Then, pursing her lips, she calmly replied. "Knew it, I'm just a resource to you."
"Ayumi-chan, don't rush! I like you. That's why I invited you on a date!" Ichiro placed his palm over her hand and asked. "Think about it! Would I stoop so low? No! If I wanted D-rank genjutsu, I'd buy it in the jonin library."
"Then I don't understand." The woman blushed with a questioning gaze. "Why me, a mere chunin? Don't confuse me, Ichiro-kun, or I'll leave."
"Ayumi-chan," Ichiro stroked her palm again and, kindly looking into her eyes, said, "No! I need precisely you! Don't deprive me of at least this 'Illusion'," denoting his interest in Kurama clan techniques, "as my patient and good friend!" The woman sighed regretfully, looking into his eyes, and said.
"I know I'm too kind. But even if I agree, we both know Hyuga are absolutely incapable of illusions!" Ayumi stated seriously. "And I can't give the technique to outsider hands!"
"Visual illusions!" Ichiro corrected. "I need auditory! 'Lullaby.' D-rank."
"Really?" Ayumi smiled incredulously, then unexpectedly asked again. "Wait, Ichiro-kun! Are you planning to become a father? Seriously?" And immediately, Ayumi's face hardened and posed the "cold question." "This isn't Yuko! The poor girl died. Then, who is this woman? Do I know her? Tell me."
"Calm down, Ayumi-chan." He lightly hugged her shoulder like in childhood. "I have no one. And won't for the next two years. Well," he looked into her eyes, "maybe except you. I won't lie, you're a very beautiful woman and I like you. But we're both clan."
"I know." The woman chuckled sadly and lowered her eyes with a sigh. "Since the academy, I had my eye on you. But it didn't work out, Ichiro-kun. And fate separated us. Then war started. And another. And now, … bijuu Kyuubi!" "Ichiro?" Kurama peered into Hyuga's eyes. "Are we cursed?"
"No, Ayumi-chan. We're just weak." Ichiro showed sympathy with a corner of his mouth and asked again. "So, what do you say, Kurama-san, will you become sensei to one Hyuga? And in return, I'll teach you to be stronger! And," here he intriguingly drawled the clarification, "become a sensor! But only you, and only!"
"You're serious, Ichiro-kun?" The iryonin nodded affirmatively to the woman. "Of course, I agree!" Actively, with a shy smile, the companion shook her head with an open question in her eyes. "And, … what next?"
"Then, take this personal technique. And start training on it! With your brains," here the white-eyed man chuckled cheerfully, "and I've seen them, natively! You'll succeed, beauty. And become a sensor! In a year. Well, maximum two!" Ayumi incredulously took the scroll from the iryonin's hands, then clasped his arm with her palms, whispering.
"Thank you, Ichiro-kun. This means a lot to me! Now I can become a tokubetsu-jonin! Probably. And, … I'll help you with techniques too, true," Ayumi smiled coquettishly and erotically bit her lip, "and not just genjutsu! Believe me, iryonin-san, I can teach you something extra too!"
"I very much hope so." Hyuga closed his eyes and quietly said. "Meanwhile, there's time, and the weather favors, I suggest going to Kuro Sushi together. Today, they're making tomato udon and chicken takoyaki in batter." Hyuga smacked his lips and ran his hand along his companion's body. "Miss, will you keep a hungry iryonin company? For a meal?"
"With pleasure, iryonin-san." Still coquettishly, she rose and nodded playfully, Ayumi, then erotically swaying her hips, walked ahead slowly.
Beautiful, the vixen! And she knows it well! – Ichiro Hyuga thought. And, satisfied with the date, even if a small but pleasant victory, hurried after his childhood friend – Ayumi-chan.
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: patreon.com/Granulan