Naruto: Rise of the Medical Ninja

"Rin, what do we do now?" Kakashi asked softly.

"We're not invading, so we'll follow their arrangements," Kakashi replied, scanning the surroundings before heading toward the designated house.

*Click.* Dosuke found the wall switch and flicked on the light.

"Finally, I can rest!" Obito exclaimed, spotting the made-up beds and diving onto one. After a day of rushing and cliff-climbing, he was utterly exhausted.

Dosuke gently untied Fuu from his chest and laid her on a bed. "Is this kid still not awake?" he asked, noting her peaceful slumber.

"She's been like this for days," Rin said, deftly changing Fuu's diaper. "Sensei said she won't return to normal until her seal is perfected."

Dosuke nodded and pulled several military pills from his ninja pouch, distributing them. "Let's eat something simple. We haven't had anything since this evening. Afterwards, we'll take turns keeping watch tonight."

Kakashi accepted a ration pill. "Good idea. Until we fully understand their stance toward us, we should stay cautious."

That night, Dosuke, Kakashi, Rin and Obito took turns standing guard, and the night passed uneventfully.

At dawn, a knock stirred the group. *Tap, tap, tap.*

"Lord Takikage requests your presence," a voice called from outside.

The sound woke Kakashi and Dosuke, who had been dozing lightly. Kakashi shot Dosuke a glance, his hand inching toward the ninja pouch at his waist, ready to draw a weapon. Dosuke subtly formed a Water Barrier in front of himself and opened the door cautiously from far.

Standing two or three meters away was the gray-robed ninja with a breathing mask from the previous night, Mizusuke. The distance was too far for a melee attack but close enough to avoid seeming impolite.

"This is your breakfast. Lord Takikage invites you to the office building for a discussion after you've eaten," Mizusuke said, gesturing to a portly man dressed as a chef holding a food box behind him.

"My lords, your breakfast," the chef said with a warm smile, handing the box to Dosuke.

"Thank you, Mizusuke," Dosuke replied, taking the box and slowly closing the door.

"Takikage wanted to see us. Kakashi, what's your take?" Dosuke asked, placing the food box on the table. They'd all overheard Mizusuke's message.

"What choice do we have? We're on their turf. Those ninjas from yesterday could easily overpower us," Kakashi said quietly.

"We're at their mercy," he added.

"Mercy? At their mercy?" Obito asked, confused, staring at Dosuke.

Dosuke waved it off. "Never mind, Obito. Don't overthink it."

"What about the food? Wow, it's packed!" Obito said, opening the box to reveal an array of sushi.

Dosuke retrieved tweezers, syringes, and test tubes from his ninja pouch. He sampled bits of the food, placed them in a test tube, and shook it. The liquid turned light blue.

"It's safe, at least no deadly poison," Dosuke said, examining the test tube closely.

"Then I'm digging in!" Obito declared, unable to resist. He picked a piece of caviar sushi and ate it. "Wow, this is amazing! Rin, Dosuke, Kakashi, come on, eat!" After days of rough travel, the delicious meal was a treat.

Rin joined them at the table. "This is quite a selection."

"It looks yummy! Sister, I want some!" Fuu said, now awake and moving close to Rin's arms.

Rin handed her a piece of sushi. "Eat slowly, Fuu."

"No thanks," Dosuke and Kakashi said in unison.

Their refusal startled Rin and Obito, who glanced at the food in their hands.

"Mmff, guh," Obito mumbled, mouth full, still eating more sushi despite his garbled words.

After breakfast, Kakashi and Dosuke walked beside Rin, who held Fuu, as they moved. Obito trailed behind, rubbing his stomach and burping.

The group headed slowly toward the office building Mizusuke had indicated. Villagers of Takigakure watched them curiously, their gazes lingering on the Konoha forehead protectors. The Takigakure ninjas' eyes also fixed on the headbands.

As they were observed, Dosuke took in the surroundings. The previous night's darkness had obscured many details. Takigakure was set within cliffs. Waterfalls of varying sizes flowed around, filling the air with moisture and the scent of mist. A gentle breeze kept the atmosphere fresh.

Perhaps due to the humidity, the villagers' clothing was light. Shops along the road sold crops. Looking up, Dosuke spotted the cliff they'd climbed the day before. Facing it was a massive waterfall, which, according to the chunin's map, marked Takigakure's entrance.

Dosuke nodded to himself. As a Water Release ninja, Takigakure's environment suited him well.

After a short walk, they arrived outside the central office building. Two ninjas at the entrance halted them. "Stop. State your business."

"Mizusuke informed us that Lord Takikage requested our presence," Kakashi said, eyeing the guards.

A ninja in a dark green robe and breathing mask appeared instantly at the door. "Lord Takikage has ordered the Konoha ninjas to be admitted," he said, gesturing for them to follow. "This way, please."

As they approached the office building, Fuu whimpered in Rin's arms. "Sister, I'm scared."

Rin whispered comforting words, and the group followed the ninja inside.

As they entered, a transparent figure briefly materialized in the distance, watching them. With a *swish*, it vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.

*Tap, tap, tap.*

The lead ninja knocked on a door. "Come in," a voice called.

"Lord Takikage, the Konoha ninjas are here," the ninja reported.

"Good. You're dismissed. Let them in," Takikage replied.

*Swish.* The ninja vanished with the Body Flicker Technique.

Outside, Dosuke and the others exchanged glances.

"Come in," the voice repeated.

Dosuke opened the door and stepped inside. The room was clean and orderly.

"Take a seat," Takikage said, gesturing to a sofa nearby.

Seated behind a large desk, Takikage finally spoke. "Did you accept a mission to escort Fuu here?"