NARUTO: Ninja World Scientific Revolution

"Alright, your wound has been successfully treated. From now on, come back every other day for a dressing change. In about two weeks, we can remove the stitches." 

Hyuga Mirai looked at his handiwork with satisfaction as he spoke. The ninja before him, who had initially doubted his abilities, now sincerely expressed his gratitude. 

"Thank you, young man. I was wrong to judge you earlier, and I apologize." 

Waving his hand dismissively, Mirai replied with a smile, "No need for that. Just make sure to pay the fees." He treated the man's initial remarks with indifference, his mind too focused on his work to be bothered by trivial disputes. 

"Well done." 

A voice came from behind him as the injured ninja left. Mirai turned to see Dr. Nakano standing there, a look of approval on his face. 

"You performed that procedure exceptionally well. Although it was a minor suturing operation, your proficiency is already on par with some medical-nin." 

Nakano had arrived midway through the procedure, but he had observed enough to be impressed. Mirai's steady hand, fluid motions while applying medication, and precise bandaging spoke volumes about his skill. It was hard to believe that this was only Mirai's eighth time performing a suturing procedure. 

A true genius. To achieve this level of expertise with such limited experience—it was no wonder people said he was destined to be a medical-nin. 

"Thank you, Dr. Nakano," Mirai replied modestly, scratching the back of his head. "It's all thanks to your guidance that I've improved so much." 

"Don't sell yourself short. Others are already envious of me for having you as my assistant," Nakano said with a chuckle. There was no exaggeration in his words. Mirai's skills in treating external injuries had become an invaluable asset, and his diligence had made him indispensable at Konoha Hospital. Nakano often found himself with extra free time thanks to Mirai's capable handling of tasks. 

Although medical ninjutsu like *Healing Jutsu* and *Mystical Palm Technique* could heal injuries quickly, they drained chakra considerably. Outside of emergencies or wartime, these techniques were rarely used, as most patients preferred non-chakra treatments due to the significant difference in costs. 

Since discovering Mirai's extraordinary aptitude for medical knowledge, Nakano had begun delegating smaller surgeries to him. This arrangement freed up Nakano's schedule, making him the envy of his colleagues. Some even approached him privately, hoping to recruit Mirai as their own assistant. 

But Nakano firmly refused every offer. A talented protégé like Mirai—someone with a natural gift for medicine and an eagerness to learn—was a treasure. With proper training in medical ninjutsu, Mirai could not only assist with complex cases but also enhance Nakano's reputation and income. 

Only a fool would give him up. 

Patting Mirai on the shoulder, Nakano grinned. "You still have classes at the Ninja Academy this afternoon. Let me treat you to lunch, my treat." 

"Are you sure? Thank you, Dr. Nakano!" Mirai beamed with excitement. He quickly cleaned up the operating room and followed Nakano to a sushi restaurant. 

During lunch, Nakano showered Mirai with praise, commending his solid foundational knowledge and meticulous work ethic. As they ate, Nakano revealed an exciting piece of news—he would begin teaching Mirai medical ninjutsu the very next day. 

Upon hearing this, Mirai was so delighted that he finished thirty plates of sushi. By the time he returned to the academy that afternoon, his face was still lit with a satisfied smile. 

Unconcerned with concealing his talent, Mirai later mentioned his progress to Kiyo Hyuga on the way home after Taijutsu and Ninjutsu classes. He believed that once the main family learned of his abilities, they might increase their investment in him—perhaps providing higher-level medical techniques or financial support. 

Either option would suit Mirai just fine. 

Nakano was merely a medical Chunin, and his repertoire of medical ninjutsu was limited. When the Hyuga clan had arranged for Mirai to apprentice at Konoha Hospital at the age of six, it was unlikely they would assign him a medical Jonin mentor. However, if word of his talent spread, the Hyuga main family might see fit to increase their support—especially since Mirai was still Kiyo Hyuga's personal bodyguard. 

The next morning, Mirai stepped out of his house to find Zosuke Hyuga waiting for him. 

Was this about his medical skills? 

"Zosuke-sama?" 

"You've done well. The Fourth Elder has taken notice of your abilities," Zosuke said, his sharp gaze resting on Mirai. "In the Hyuga clan, talent never goes unrewarded. The Fourth Elder has decided to increase your monthly allowance by ten thousand ryo. This should save you the time you'd otherwise spend hunting and fishing." 

"Truly? Thank you, Zosuke-sama," Mirai replied with feigned enthusiasm. Inwardly, he felt disdain. 

An increase in allowance that didn't even match the reward for a single C-rank mission, coupled with a condescending attitude—it was clear the main family viewed the branch family as nothing more than tools. 

'Here's a bone; you'd better wag your tail and be grateful. If you so much as hint at dissatisfaction, you'll regret it.' 

A meager token like this, and they expected unwavering loyalty. Those unwilling to comply were simply discarded. 

Zosuke's demeanor epitomized the main family's arrogance. Because of the *Caged Bird Seal*, no matter how talented a branch family member might be—even with the potential to rival the legendary Sannin—they were destined to serve the main family. 

"You don't need to thank me. This is a gesture of goodwill from the main family," Zosuke said solemnly. "Use your talent wisely, Hyuga Mirai. Train hard and repay the clan. This is the purpose of the branch family and the meaning of your existence." 

Ah, the Hyuga clan's mastery of manipulation. When it came to training people like dogs, not even the Inuzuka clan could compare. 

The Inuzuka clan trained actual dogs; the Hyuga clan turned humans into dogs. 

"I understand, Zosuke-sama. I will strive to improve and dedicate myself to serving the clan," Mirai replied cheerfully, his face calm and sincere. 

But beneath that calm exterior, a fierce resolve burned. 

No matter how strong the chains, he would find a way to break free. 

(End of Chapter)