The next day, as Isao and Ryu walked into the makeshift lab, a mess of equipment, test tubes, and beakers covered the tables. Ryu reviewed the experiments they did yesterday.
"What is that?" Isao enquired as they looked at the petri dish they prepared yesterday.
Ryu turned towards Isao and responded nonchalantly, "Well, that is what is trying to kill me, and it's growing faster than I expected."
Isao felt a chill despite the warm room. "Ryu, you shouldn't joke about something like that. Is it really... inside you?"
Ryu's smile tightened. "It is, Mr Isao. And it could very well be the end of me if I do not act soon. I won't go down without a fight."
Isao said, "Ryu, your determination is admirable, but... are you sure this is safe? If what you say is true, then we may be dealing with very dangerous pathogens in this lab, and we are not properly equipped."
Ryu nodded solemnly. "I understand your concern, Mr Isao. But this might be my only chance. I've studied this extensively, and we're taking all necessary precautions. Trust me."
It may not take long for him to find a pathogen suitable for treatment, Ryu was hoping for, thanks to knowledge of his previous world. Ryu then examined the mould samples he had put in a petri dish with growth medium for cultivation, which he had left to grow earlier; at this point, the moulds were fully developed and visible to the naked eye.
He looked at Isao and said, "Mr Isao, grab some gloves and help me." He paused before continuing, asking, "I cannot do everything by myself, can I?"
"Mother Yuki assigned you to assist me, correct?" he asked with a grin.
Isao then turned to face him and said, "You are the liveliest sick person I have ever met."
He smiled and said, "But because you are right. I will assist you. Just say, What do I need to do?"
"First," Ryu said, snapping on a glove with professional precision, "we suit up. This equipment might be crude, but our procedure won't be. Let's make sure our seals are tight."
Ryu smiled and said, "Let us prioritise precaution by properly using gloves and masks—our safety is paramount, and we cannot afford to risk exposure to any deadly pathogens in our pursuit of unravelling this mystery. We would not want you to contract a deadly disease. Could we?"
Isao shuddered at the thought of getting exposed to something as dangerous as this. With a sigh, he said to himself, "What have I got myself into?"
As Isao saw Ryu's commitment and the impending task in front of them, he could not help but experience a wave of anxiety mixed with a sense of obligation to help this kid in need. He agreed to Ryu's request with a slight nod, and he was ready to help with their endeavour.
"Alright," Isao said, his voice steady despite his internal turmoil. "Gloves and masks on. What should I do now?"
"Everything is labelled, Mr Isao," he began, his voice betraying a hint of excitement. "What I need you to do is grab a microscope, carefully examine each sample, and note down what you observe. Next, using a cotton swab, carefully place some of these fungal samples onto the bodily samples that were taken. Label everything with the appropriate serial number, date, and time to ensure proper documentation. Periodically observe any alterations or oddities in their behaviour and patterns on the dishes."
Isao nodded, his hands steady as he reached for the microscope. "I understand. But Ryu, what exactly am I looking for? How will I know if I've found something significant?"
Ryu leaned in and said, "Great question, Mr Isao. We're looking for any signs of interaction between the fungi and the bacteria. It could be changes in shape, colour, or movement. Anything out of the ordinary could be a hint."
He paused, then added, "And don't worry if you're not sure. Just note down everything you see, no matter how small. Sometimes the most important discoveries come from the tiniest details."
Isao steadily picked up the microscope and meticulously examined each specimen. Isao then took Ryu's advice and meticulously removed tiny fungal samples in order to prepare them for exposure to the controlled environment of Ryu's body samples, which was a crucial step in their pursuit of scientific understanding.
A shadowy figure wearing a mouse-like mask was silently observing them while they were occupied with making important scientific discoveries. For the past day, he had been tracking Ryu and keeping an eye on all of his movements. He has been so careful that Ryu has not noticed him. His intense focus on the experiment—a necessity for his survival—had created a tunnel vision that temporarily suppressed his innate observational abilities. Against a trained ANBU agent like Mouse, his preoccupation with healing became his greatest vulnerability.
Codenamed Mouse, the ANBU agent remained perfectly still in the high rafters, observing the intense, focused activity below. This boy is operating at the absolute edge of his ability, Mouse thought, a blend of dangerous recklessness and undeniable genius.
Knowing that the old leader would be keenly interested in these developments, he mentally made a note to include every detail in his report to the Hokage.
After they were done with their work, they finally relaxed.
Isao then said, "That's some dangerous work."
Ryu then said, "Killing something that the best medical minds here declared unkillable is a dangerous undertaking."
Isao wiped his brow with the back of a gloved hand. "We're making breakthrough medical discoveries in what feels like a kitchen, next to a spice rack and the electric kettle. It's odd to talk about 'sterile procedure' when I can smell stale bread."
Ryu smiled faintly. "It's about to get even more interesting, Mr Isao. Now we wait."
Ryu finally forced himself to move away from his workbench, a mix of exhaustion and excitement evident in his weary but determined expression after hours of intense scientific exploration.
"I think we're done for today, Mr Isao," Ryu declared, stretching his stiff muscles. A deep ache settled in his lower abdomen, a constant reminder of his condition. The pain was getting harder and harder to bear every day. His condition was deteriorating little by little.
Ryu winced, trying to hide the pain from Isao. But his observant friend noticed.
"Ryu, are you alright?" Isao asked, concern etched on his face. "Maybe we should call it a day. You've been pushing yourself too hard."
Ryu forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mr Isao. Just a bit tired. But you're right, we should wrap up for today."
Ryu then said, "Mr Isao, how about we grab something to eat? My stomach's starting to rumble like a volcano on the verge of eruption."
Isao laughed. "Sounds good to me," he said, as his stomach too was growling in agreement. "After all that brainwork, we deserve a proper refuel."
Isao contemplated a well-deserved meal as they left the laboratory behind, a sense of accomplishment mingling with the anticipation of further discoveries awaiting them.
After finishing their experiments, they left the lab to eat in the cafeteria, taking a break from their scientific endeavours.
As they entered the cafeteria, they could hear gossip circulating about Ryu's recent medical diagnosis success and its impact on the hospital's hierarchy. Everyone still remembered the incident from yesterday, when Ryu identified the elderly man's condition when other, more qualified medical professionals were unable to.
Both Isao and Ryu tried to ignore it. Isao and Ryu made their way through the busy cafeteria, where they briefly disappeared into a quiet bubble amidst the commotion.
After working long days, the two of them were quietly enjoying their meal. The sudden absence of sound beside their table made them both look up, just as a figure approached them from behind.