Ryu opened the patient's file quickly and looked through it with curiosity, his eyes shining and flickering. There were extensive reports, test findings, and a patient history describing the man's dietary habits, occupation, and even his favourite brand of cigarettes. His mind raced with intensity, processing information at lightning speed.
Projections of the information he had gathered from the patient's file, including personal details, employment history, and medical reports, appeared on a transparent screen before him. Texts appeared one after another as he flipped through the file. But no one else could see it but him.
He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, the sterile room seemed to vanish, replaced by a cool, grey expanse. Before him, the patient's data unfolded as a vast, translucent screen of glowing information, crisscrossed by connecting lines and calculations that visually mapped every clue and inference. This place—his internal data theatre—was the creation of multiple mental abilities all working together in tandem.
It was a place inside of his mind where he could think, reflect, and speak freely without fear of discovery, and the time at his place moved slowly.
His fingers followed the text's lines, stopping now and then to focus on a specific detail. The doctors were fascinated by the little boy's closed-eye expression, which suggested that he was meditating or thinking. But in actuality, he was processing information at an astonishing rate.
With unsettling speed, he skimmed through the data in front of him and cross-referenced it with other data, his real-life brow furrowing with concentration. Then, with a faint, internal click of perfect certainty, he returned. With a hint of suspicion in his eyes, Dr Sato leaned forward, but Dr Nono Yakushi was mesmerised, staring at Ryu with barely disguised amazement.
Finally, after a minute of thinking with a decisive snap, Ryu closed the file. "I think this patient is probably suffering from chronic lead poisoning," he said, his voice ringing with newly discovered certainty.
The room went silent as everyone held their breath, but Yuki Sarutobi raised an eyebrow and remarked, "Would you please elaborate?"
Ryu replied, "Certainly…. The frequent headaches mentioned in the file could be a symptom of lead poisoning. Additionally, the tremors and the decline in cognitive function align perfectly with documented effects."
He pointed to a specific page. "See here," he said, his voice sharp with focus, "it mentions the patient works in a factory that uses lead paint."
Dr Nono leaned in and said, "But Ryu-kun", she interjected, "couldn't those symptoms be indicative of other conditions as well? What made you zero in on lead poisoning specifically?"
Ryu nodded, acknowledging the question. "You're right, Dr Nono. While these symptoms could indicate various conditions, the combination of factors that led me to this conclusion includes the patient's occupation, the specific pattern of symptoms, and their progression, all strongly indicating lead poisoning. However, it's important to consider other possibilities as well."
Dr Sato said, "Although there is lead in his system, the tests did not show just above the normal levels but below the threshold deemed hazardous, but the severity of the symptoms exhibited suggests a more pronounced exposure to lead than the tests indicate. Besides, the fact that other employees in the same factory do not display such severe signs."
Ryu's eyes brightened up at the challenge, and his lips curved slightly into a smile. He had already connected dots that others may have overlooked and ruled in the lead poisoning for a particular reason instead of ruling it out like others had.
"You raise a valid point, Dr Sato," he acknowledged, surprising everyone with his calm composure. "However, the patient's diet also suggests a significant calcium deficiency." He tapped the file again. "Calcium acts as a barrier, limiting how much lead the body absorbs. A lack of it could explain the severity of his symptoms; the lead is intensifying the adverse effects even while his lead in blood level is below the dangerous threshold."
Dr Sato's eyebrows shot up, clearly taken aback by the depth of Ryu's analysis. "That's... actually a very sharp observation," he admitted, a hint of grudging respect creeping into his voice.
Dr Nono couldn't contain her excitement. "Incredible!" she exclaimed. "Ryu-kun, how did you make that connection so quickly?"
Ryu blushed slightly at the praise. "I... I just see patterns," he explained hesitantly. "When I look at the data, it's like everything connects in my mind. The calcium deficiency jumped out at me because it perfectly explained the discrepancy Dr Sato pointed out."
A tense silence descended upon the room. Yuki exchanged a knowing glance with Dr Nono, whose eyes shone with newfound respect for the young man before him. Even Dr Sato's posture softened, a hint of grudging acceptance.
Dr Nono finally spoke, her voice full of admiration, "Your ability to synthesise information and identify patterns is truly remarkable, Ryu-kun."
Dr Sato cleared his throat once more, this time with a hint of intrigue battling with his usual scepticism. "Impressive," he muttered, the word a grudging compliment. "However, a theory, however well-constructed, remains just that—a theory. It could be something else."
Ryu nodded, acknowledging Dr Sato's point. "You're absolutely right, Dr Sato. In medicine, we can never be 100% certain without proper testing. My analysis is not perfect, but it is based on the information at hand and reasonable inferences. It could be something else, but the patient's symptoms, combined with his work environment and dietary habits, paint a strong picture of lead poisoning," he countered. "Further blood tests, specifically designed to detect deeper lead deposits, would solidify the diagnosis."
He leaned forward and said, "Dr Sato, a clue-based diagnosis is inherently inaccurate. There are many assumptions involved, and they are removed by conducting tests. It is like the elimination of suspects in a crime by picking up clues from the crime scene. I picked up clues and made a list of suspects from the medical history and test results. Eliminate them one by one. And finally, I came to the last suspect. When down to the last suspect, one simple test can confirm the diagnosis."
Ryu gave such a detailed yet simple explanation that Yuki could not help but smile. She had always known he was special, but seeing him hold his own against seasoned professionals was truly inspiring.
Dr Sato's initial scepticism gradually melted away, replaced by a glimmer of respect that softened his gaze. The realisation that Ryu's unconventional methods might hold the key to unlocking the puzzle before them dawned upon the seasoned physician, prompting a subtle shift in his perception.
A stunned silence followed Ryu's explanation. Yuki broke the silence. She straightens in her chair, her serious expression now touched with hope. "Ryu-kun, your demonstration today was more than just a diagnosis. It was a clear display of the potential we've only heard rumours about. It's talent we can't afford to lose."
Dr Nono, her voice brimming with enthusiasm, chimed in, "He's a genius, just like Lady Tsunade!"
"I do not think I am anywhere near Lady Tsunade's level; I just try my best to understand what I see," Ryu said in response to the comparison.
Dr Sato remained pensive, his brow furrowed in thought. While a hint of scepticism still lingered in his eyes, it had been undeniably shaken by Ryu's insightful analysis.
Dr Sato thought, 'This boy… maybe there is something to be learnt from this unusual viewpoint.
Yuki continued, her voice carrying a weight of purpose. She gestures toward Dr Sato, who gives a curt, affirming nod. "Director Sato and I have come to an agreement regarding your own medical treatment."
Ryu's eyes grew wide. "You mean...?" he stammered out an exclamation, shock registering on his face.
"Yes," Yuki confirmed. "The hospital will bear the full expense of your medical bills."
Ryu's hands trembled slightly as he processed the news. "I... I don't know what to say," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "When I woke up this morning, this is not what I expected to happen."
Dr Yuki's eyes softened with compassion. "You deserve this chance, Ryu-kun. Your brilliance shouldn't be hindered by circumstances beyond your control."
Dr Nono, "Yes! We want to see what incredible things you can achieve with your unique talents."
Finally, a broad and genuine smile lit up Ryu's serene countenance. He knew the herbal remedies were nothing more than a palliative measure, a financial drain he couldn't sustain built on the fragile hope his body might somehow develop immunity. It had been a desperate gamble, trusting in a Lady Luck who had always been a harsh mistress. But now, with the hospital's support, that desperate gamble had been replaced by a concrete path to recovery.
But one question remained. Why this generosity? Yuki may be, but what do the hospital and its director get for it?