"Shino… you came early!"
When Genya arrived, he saw Shino Aburame waiting and couldn't help but smile. "Come with me!"
With that, he led Shino into the Uchiha Hospital.
Seeing the comings and goings of the common people inside, he was struck once again.
These civilians looked poorly dressed, yet their eyes shone with life!
In fact, many of them weren't even from Konoha. People from outside the village had come to Uchiha Hospital for treatment.
For someone like Shino, born into a prominent ninja clan, this was something rarely seen. These people were his responsibility now.
"Genya… do you always treat civilians like this?" Shino asked, his tone serious, his gaze filled with awe.
These were people without money. Treating them brought no profit, yet Uchiha Hospital welcomed them and gave them hope.
"Curious why I help them?" Genya said calmly, clearly seeing through Shino's thoughts.
It wasn't just Shino who was surprised. Others who learned about Uchiha Hospital's operation were equally stunned.
A hospital that doesn't aim to make money… it could only mean one thing: winning people's hearts.
Many assumed the Uchiha were trying to gain favor among the villagers to secure the position of Hokage.
Because of this, some of Konoha's leaders looked down on the Uchiha's actions.
To them, what the Uchiha were doing now was petty.
"So… you do this without profit. Why open this hospital?" Shino asked curiously, still puzzled.
Why… why would Genya run a hospital that seemed like a losing venture?
You have to understand, the Uchiha Merchant Association was already a profit-driven organization. But Uchiha Genya seemed different.
Genya smiled faintly. "So, which type do you think I am?"
He looked at Shino Aburame, as if he wanted to see what he thought of him. What did he think of the Uchiha clan? Perhaps his answer would determine his attitude toward him.
Shino was straightforward. He looked at Genya seriously and said, "I think the Uchiha clan is plotting to become Hokage, and the Uchiha Hospital has gained the hearts of many civilians for them."
What Shino said was similar to what Genya had heard before. Of course, he also believed that opening a hospital without seeking profit was meant to win the people's trust.
"Haha… you're right to think that!" Genya laughed suddenly. He continued, looking at Shino, "Of course, our Uchiha clan wants to strive for the Hokage position, but it's also for these civilians suffering from illness and pain!"
In the past, Genya might have cared about that position. But now, that position didn't matter to him. What he wanted now was simply to see his father take that position.
Saying this, Genya let out a sigh and continued, "One reason I built this hospital was so that members of the Uchiha Merchant Association would have a hospital to treat them if they were in danger while traveling. Another reason… was to hide the laboratory beneath it."
"In the past, the Uchiha clan was still weak. If you conducted experiments openly in front of others, the higher-ups in Konoha would target the Uchiha clan directly."
"As for treating civilians, giving them access to medical care, that was my promise to the doctors."
Back then, to win over Toshi, he made that promise. It not only left Toshi feeling satisfied, but it also brought considerable benefits to the Uchiha clan.
Honestly, the Uchiha clan didn't need a hospital to make money for themselves.
But this hospital directly redeemed much of the Uchiha clan's tarnished reputation, earning them immense recognition from the people.
"I see now!" Shino's eyes flickered with surprise. He looked at Genya, a bit astonished. He hadn't expected him to speak with such confidence.
Thinking about it again…
The old hospital in Konoha was something ordinary people could never afford. Civilians weren't even allowed inside. He had never seen such energetic, hopeful patients anywhere before!
Sure enough,
It was the Uchiha Clan who brought hope to them!
Compared to before,
He almost wished the Uchiha could become Hokage, giving ordinary people something to look forward to. Unlike now, after the establishment of the Sarutobi Police Force under the Sarutobi Clan, Konoha was getting more chaotic by the day.
Even under Hiruzen Sarutobi's leadership, he felt more lost about the future.
Their Aburame Clan was under the jurisdiction of the Sarutobi Police Force. They could see things more clearly. It seemed even Hiruzen Sarutobi no longer held the same sincere care for the village.
In the future,
If the Sarutobi Clan continued leading the village, the village would inevitably decline. Even the great achievements established by the First Hokage might be completely wasted.
"Let's go. Talking about this won't help. Come with me and see your bugs!"
Genya looked at Shino, who seemed a bit lost, and spoke slowly, his tone slightly relaxed.
He knew Shino respected him, but his words earlier were meant to strengthen Shino's resolve, subtly guiding him to follow and help create a new future.
Now that the bugs had evolved, Shino's potential could reach the level of a Zodiac. If he performed well, Genya didn't mind giving him a spot among the Zodiacs.
As he spoke, Genya led Shino into his office and then opened the entrance to the basement.
"This is…?"
Shino stared at the suddenly revealed dark opening, his eyes filled with confusion and shock.
Genya had really built a secret area in the hospital?
"A secret area… for experiments," Genya said calmly, noticing Shino's shocked expression. "All sorts of experiments happen here, including the evolution of your bugs."
Bugs…
As the basement door opened, Shino felt a faint tremor, sensing the movement of the bugs he had separated out. Yet, strangely, they felt unfamiliar.
Countless images flashed in his mind. He imagined how far the bugs had evolved under Genya and his subordinates' evolution.
Excitement mixed with a hint of fear.
Excitement, because the bugs might trigger his transformation. Fear, because he worried he might not control the evolved bugs.
"Go on in."
Genya spoke slowly and stepped forward first. Shino took a deep breath and followed.
Taking another deep breath, he stepped in.
****
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