After hearing Tsunade's explanation, Rorin felt incredibly fortunate that he had come to the Hidden Leaf Village in the first place.
Even though he had obtained the Byakugan, if the hidden illness in his body remained untreated, he would still just be a sickly person—at best using the Byakugan to prolong his life. But now, with Tsunade able to treat him, once his body fully recovered, he could then plan to seize Ao's Byakugan and solve everything once and for all.
As for Tsunade's warning that it would be best not to use the power of Shikotsumyaku in the future, that was only because she didn't know the Byakugan could offset its drawbacks.
No matter what, cooperating with Tsunade's treatment was the top priority for now.
After settling on a treatment plan with Tsunade, the treatment officially began.
Tsunade worked directly, using her medical ninjutsu to locate the diseased hematopoietic cells within Rorin's body. She then used chakra to envelop the abnormal cells, separating them from the healthy ones before destroying them with ninjutsu. Throughout the process, Rorin endured immense pain—if compared to sensations from his previous life, it was akin to undergoing chemotherapy.
But no matter how intense the pain, Rorin clenched his teeth and endured it. He didn't scream or cry out; his unwavering will even moved Tsunade.
This boy was truly extraordinary. Then again, thinking about Rorin's past, Tsunade felt she could understand a little.
After all, he had been wandering the ninja world alone since the age of seven or eight. To survive alone in such a cruel world required an incredibly strong heart.
After nearly two hours of treatment, Tsunade was already drenched in sweat, and Rorin's face had turned noticeably pale.
"Whew."
Tsunade let out a long breath and said softly, "That's enough for today. No need to rush—this illness can't be cured overnight. Rest for now and recover your condition. The next treatment will be in two days."
Rorin slowly opened his eyes and nodded.
"Thank you very much, Tsunade-sama."
After giving instructions to the nurse about Rorin's daily care and diet, Tsunade left his hospital room. As soon as she stepped outside, she saw Sakura standing at the door of the room next door. She thought for a moment—that was Naruto's room, wasn't it?
"Here to visit a patient? Your information travels fast," Tsunade remarked.
Startled, Haruno Sakura turned around, saw Tsunade, and hurriedly bowed.
"T-Tsunade-sama."
Without further words, Tsunade opened the door and saw Naruto and Shikamaru inside the room.
"Looks like you're recovering well," Tsunade said with a smile, one hand on her hip.
Naruto froze for a moment. Looking at Sasuke's forehead protector on the bed, memories of Team 7 flashed through his mind, and his expression suddenly darkened.
He blamed himself for being so weak. He had been just one step away—if he had defeated Sasuke, then even if he had to tie him up, he would have brought him back.
Damn it. If only I were stronger.
Naruto then apologized to Sakura, saying he had failed to keep his promise. But being his usual optimistic self, he quickly bounced back and once again vowed that he would definitely bring Sasuke back.
Watching Naruto's smile, Tsunade and Shikamaru understood that the boy had regained his spirit. The two then left the room, giving Naruto and Sakura some space.
At that moment, Rorin walked out of his room and spotted Tsunade and Shikamaru next door. He raised a hand in greeting.
Tsunade frowned and scolded, "Didn't I tell you to stay in bed and rest properly?"
Rorin scratched the back of his head, standing obediently like a child being scolded, and explained softly,
"Lying in bed is too uncomfortable. Walking around a bit is better for recovery."
Beside them, Shikamaru's pupils shrank slightly—he recognized Rorin as the boy he had seen at Ichiraku Ramen yesterday.
Yesterday, he had mentioned the name "Kaguya Rorin" to his father, but Nara Shikaku had said he had never heard of him.
Of course, Rorin had only arrived in the Hidden Leaf Village yesterday, so very few people knew about him.
It wasn't strange that Shikaku had no information on him.
Tsunade ignored Rorin's reasoning, stuffed him back into bed, and instructed the nurse to keep a close watch on him—he was not allowed to get out of bed again. His body was still extremely weak; this was precisely the time he should be resting, yet he still wanted to run around?
After arranging everything, Tsunade closed the door again and left the hospital with Shikamaru.
"Um, Tsunade-sama? There's something I'd like to ask."
"You want to know about Rorin, don't you?"
Shikamaru nodded. Tsunade then told him the story Rorin had shared with them.
"Something about it feels a bit off." After hearing it, Shikamaru had some doubts, but being someone who disliked trouble, he didn't investigate further. For now, it was true that Rorin had come to the Hidden Leaf Village seeking treatment.
Thinking back to their encounter yesterday, Shikamaru looked up at the window of Rorin's room and fell silent.
Meanwhile, Rorin lay helplessly on his hospital bed. He had just overheard some gossip from the nurses—what a coincidence, the patient in the room next door was actually Naruto.
Just as he had been about to sneak over to meet Naruto, he had been caught by Tsunade.
The door opened again. Rorin thought Tsunade had come back, but to his surprise, it was Hyūga Hiashi.
"Rorin, how are you feeling?"
Rorin adjusted himself slightly, sitting up straighter, and replied softly,
"Thank you for your concern, Hiashi-san. I'm already improving. Tsunade-sama has begun treating me."
Hiashi nodded, then got straight to the point. "Rorin, I came today to ask for your opinion on something."
Rorin immediately understood and nodded. "Please, go ahead."
"Would you be willing to join the Hidden Leaf Village?" Hiashi stated his purpose. Naturally, he meant joining as a ninja, not merely as a civilian.
After returning yesterday, he had thought it over carefully. He liked this child very much and didn't want to see him continue wandering the ninja world alone.
Perhaps once his illness was cured, Rorin would leave the Hidden Leaf Village. To Rorin, Hiashi was already like half a family member—otherwise, he wouldn't have sought him out upon arriving.
Of course, he had already consulted Tsunade about Rorin staying in the village. She neither agreed nor refused, which was essentially tacit approval.
Now it depended on Rorin himself. If he didn't wish to stay, Hiashi wouldn't force him.
Rorin pondered for a moment before slowly giving his answer.
"Without the Hidden Leaf Village, without Tsunade-sama, without you, I'd probably just be waiting to die right now. It was the Hidden Leaf Village that gave me a new life. If possible, I'm willing to join as a ninja."
Hearing his response, Hiashi smiled in relief. He then stood up, said his farewell, and left.
Hiashi arrived at the Hokage office building and, after requesting an audience with Tsunade, relayed Rorin's answer.
Tsunade smiled faintly, looking out the window as a gentle breeze passed by and leaves drifted through the air.