The door was opened by a woman—Kurama Sōgyun's wife. Sougen remembered that her former surname was Aoyama, but she had changed it to Kurama Rin after marriage. About five or six years ago, they had met briefly on the battlefield. If he recalled correctly, she was then known as Aoyama Lin, a medical ninja in charge of battlefield first aid.
When she saw Sougen in a patient's gown, it took her two seconds to react. Her face, bearing an expression of lingering sorrow, showed a glimmer of hope. It was evident that the couple—or perhaps the family—had discussed the decision to invite Sougen.
"Rin, how are the test results?" Kurama Sōgyun asked anxiously.
"There's still no improvement, it's much the same as last time."
Kurama Rin's voice was soft.
Upon hearing his wife's reply, Kurama Sōgyun let out a sigh of disappointment. He knew that ordinary methods could not solve his daughter's problem. Now, their hope was pinned on unconventional means. With this thought in mind, his gaze shifted to Sougen.
"Let's take a look first."
Sougen gestured to the half-open door. "Can I go in now?"
"Yes! Please come in!"
Kurama Rin immediately opened the door wider and gestured for him to enter. Sougen stepped inside. The room's layout was similar to other medical areas, and an elderly woman, probably in her fifties or sixties, was crouched in front of a wheelchair, speaking to the little girl seated in it.
Sougen's eyes widened.
His pupils turned crimson as his Sharingan activated, allowing him to see past the surface and witness the immense, ocean-like spiritual energy within the girl.
"No wonder... this isn't a sickness. It's more like the world has showered her with too much favor. The heavens granted her too much, and it became overwhelming... It's almost like a joke!"
The female doctor, at Kurama Rin's request, stepped aside. However, the moment she saw Sougen's Sharingan, this experienced doctor wisely made way, knowing that even Danzo, the Hokage's assistant, was undergoing consultations in this very hospital. The Uchiha's power now was even more fearsome than before.
"Sougen, is there a way to cure Yakumo?" Kurama Sōgyun's heart raced with hope. The more hope he had, the more he feared disappointment, even though he had mentally prepared for bad news.
In truth, he still couldn't remain calm.
"You're asking someone like me to cure an illness? That's a joke, isn't it?"
The light of hope in Kurama Sōgyun's eyes dimmed.
It wasn't just him; Kurama Rin, Kurama Yunhai, and even the female doctor showed expressions of disappointment.
"I already said it—if you need a doctor, go to a doctor. If you need a killer, go to a ninja. If you need meat, go to a butcher. You're asking me, an outsider, to cure an illness... well, consider yourself lucky! If this were some incurable disease, I might not have a solution. But..."
"What? Sougen, do you really have a way?" Kurama Sōgyun interrupted, agitated.
"Let me finish! I said I'm no doctor, but this child's issue isn't some rare disease. Actually, Sōgyun, you already knew this, didn't you? That's why you specifically sought me out."
As he spoke, Sougen gave Kurama Sōgyun a sidelong glance.
"Sougen, do you really have a way?" Kurama Sōgyun, now excited, grabbed Sougen's sleeve.
"...Sigh! How many times do I need to repeat it?" Sougen sighed, shaking off Kurama Sōgyun's sweaty grip. "Like I said, this isn't a sickness. It's within my area of expertise, and if nothing unexpected happens, it should be solvable."
"As long as it can be solved, that's enough."
Kurama Sōgyun's emotions surged like a wave, rising and falling. After receiving a definitive answer, he sighed in relief. He didn't believe Sougen would lie. If Yakumo's problem couldn't be resolved, it wouldn't just cost them the Kurama clan's friendship—it could even create enmity.
Calming down and thinking clearly again, Kurama Sōgyun realized Sougen had played a bit of word games with him earlier. Yet, he couldn't even get angry. As long as Sougen truly could solve his daughter's problem, he didn't care about the teasing—though it was best not to give Sougen any opportunities. The guy had always been sly, and who knew what tricks he might pull next!
"Big brother, will I really be able to walk and run like everyone else?"
The girl in the wheelchair was Kurama Yakumo.
She was the daughter of Kurama Sōgyun, head of the Kurama clan. This five-year-old had inherited the clan's rare illusion technique, *Five Senses Control*, passed down through generations. However, this very power had been a source of torment since birth.
Her immense spiritual power had thrown her body and mind out of balance. Her underdeveloped body struggled to handle the burden of her innate abilities. So weak was she that even walking was exhausting. She often got dizzy after a few steps and had to rely on a wheelchair, moving like a puppet under someone else's guidance. For original chapters go to N0v3l.Fiɾe.net
"It shouldn't be a big problem."
Sougen crouched down, speaking gently as he looked at the frail little girl, whose pale face seemed so fragile that it made him wonder if she would faint at any moment.
"Can I also become a ninja?"
Kurama Yakumo's large eyes, possibly made to seem even bigger by her frailty, shone like black gems.
Sougen raised an eyebrow, curious. "Why do you want to be a ninja?"
"Because everyone else likes playing ninja games, but I can't play!"
"I see! Becoming a ninja shouldn't be an issue. With your talent, you'll definitely become one in the future. But… there's a condition," Sougen said with a smile like an older brother teasing his younger sister.
Despite her frailty, Kurama Yakumo was quick-witted.
Since she couldn't play outside with other children, she often stayed home listening to her parents read stories and picture books. So she understood what "condition" meant.
"You'll have to become my student!"
"Sougen?" Kurama Sōgyun exclaimed in surprise from the side.
But Sougen ignored him. In his mind, no one in the entire Kurama clan was more precious than Kurama Yakumo. Her natural talent for *Five Senses Control*, an ability rooted in the essence of Yin Release, had the potential to turn illusions into reality. It made her a perfect subject for studying Yin Release techniques.
"What do you think, little sister? Will you be my student? Don't be fooled by my youth—even your father isn't my match!"
"Alright! As long as you can make me a ninja!"
The little girl agreed without even consulting her parents.
"Don't worry! I always keep my promises!" Sougen said with a smile as he gently ruffled her hair. "And remember, from now on, call me Master!"