CH_130

"Dad, Mom—I understand what you're saying. I'll think it over carefully." Tōji had expected this outcome, so he only showed a hint of disappointment.

"Well…" His mother wanted to say something more.

"I'm heading out now—I'll be back for dinner." Since he hadn't come home for lunch today, he made a point of confirming he'd be back for the evening meal.

"Oh… just don't be too late. I'll have your dad make you something good." His mother's smile returned.

After all, their son was probably going to follow their wishes—and besides, he'd just been officially promoted to chūnin today!

…

…

『I wonder what those lousy Naruto fanfic writers are thinking—every one of them writes protagonists who get dropped into the Naruto world and immediately unlock Susano'o and Buddha…』 Tōji now truly understood how difficult it was being a transmigrator. Forget about making something of himself—right now, he didn't even have the freedom to choose his own path.

It was nearly four in the afternoon. A thick layer of clouds had temporarily blocked the scorching sun, making it less blistering than at noon.

But the weak breeze did little to ease the stifling heat.

Tōji decided to head to the hospital and share his good news with Haruka—he'd been promoted to chūnin today. He also wanted to feel out her opinion on things.

Familiar with the hospital by now, Tōji just asked the receptionist and learned that Haruka was on duty. He headed to her break room on his own.

Before he reached it, he saw Haruka walking toward him with a cup of water.

"Auntie Haruka—I finished the exam!" Tōji knew she wasn't as busy as before.

"I heard—you got promoted even without fighting the second round. Lucky little thing, aren't you?" Haruka was much easier to get along with outside of work.

"Not sure if I'd call it lucky." Tōji muttered.

"Come on in—I've got time today. Let's sit down and chat." Haruka took his hand and led him into the break room.

"Auntie Haruka—I actually have a question, and I'd like to hear your take on it." Tōji was testing the waters.

"Go ahead." Haruka set down her cup and sat down, waiting.

"I was planning to come to you to learn the 【Healing Palms Technique】 now that I'm a chūnin, and then apply to join the hospital—to become a skilled medical-nin like you." Tōji sat properly, hands on his knees. "But my parents don't seem to support the idea."

"They don't support it, huh… Then do you genuinely want to become a medical-nin?" Haruka thought for a moment, then turned the question back on Tōji.

Tōji hadn't expected that question.

Because he didn't love the profession—he just wanted a steady job where he could coast through life.

Seeing Tōji hesitate, Haruka said, "You don't really seem that set on being a medical-nin, Tōji."

"Huh? No—I do want to!" Tōji quickly denied it.

He didn't love the work or feel passionate about saving lives—but he genuinely wanted to become a medical-nin!

Haruka smiled but said nothing.

"I think helping patients and treating injuries at the hospital is a good thing…" Tōji could tell Haruka had already formed an opinion, and his voice grew less confident.

"Tōji—this isn't your only option, and it's not your best one either." If this were truly a peaceful era, Tōji would have thought Haruka was genuinely looking out for him.

But knowing Haruka's temperament, he couldn't exactly tell her that the real reason he wanted to hide in the hospital was to avoid "serving the village" and "bringing glory to the clan"!

"But… isn't the village still short on medical-nin?" Tōji pressed on.

"The war's mostly over—the shortage isn't as acute anymore. And I can teach you some medical techniques, but what about your parents?" Haruka said gently.