Chapter 14: The Enigmatic Doctor Kuraha

The sky had begun to darken as Gin and his mother arrived at the secluded house nestled deep in the heart of the western district. The wooden door, oddly polished for such an old building, gave off a faint herbal aroma.

Knock. Knock.

A moment later, a raspy yet sharp female voice rang out from inside."Who's there?"

Skreeek!

The door creaked open, revealing an elderly woman with silver hair bound into a high bun. Despite her age, she stood upright with an imposing presence. Her kimono, though simple in cut, was embroidered with ancient medical symbols—some even Gin couldn't recognize.

Her hawk-like eyes quickly scanned them."One has an innate deficiency. The other's source has been damaged... yet recovering rapidly. So tell me, why are you wasting my time?"

Gin's eyes sparkled with admiration."As expected from the famed Dr. Kuraha. You assessed us perfectly at a glance! Truly remarkable."

"Pfft—ha! You think flattery will earn you treatment?" Kuraha scoffed, turning to close the door. "You don't need me. Off you go!"

"Wait!" Gin stepped forward quickly, holding out a small leather-bound book. "Please, just look at this before you decide!"

Kuraha paused. Her curiosity twitched.

Gin knew well enough that his and his mother's recovery could proceed without her—using Sea King's meat, proper chakra training, and his own developing medical skills. Even the soul source deficiency could be slowly rebuilt. But this wasn't just about healing. This was about learning. About gaining access to a master's secrets. About the fabled Elixir of Longevity that Kuraha had allegedly developed.

"Hmm?" Kuraha narrowed her eyes at the book, then snatched it from his hands.

"Hoh... interesting." She flipped through it rapidly, her amused expression transforming into one of focused intrigue. "Come. You've piqued my interest."

She turned and walked inside without another word.

Gin and his mother exchanged a brief glance before hurrying in behind her, not forgetting to shut the door.

Inside, the home was dimly lit by soft-glowing chakra crystals. Scrolls, medical instruments, books, and jars of preserved organs littered every surface. Half the living room doubled as a medical lab, and the scent of incense mixed with disinfectant filled the air.

Kuraha served tea for her guests, then casually poured herself a small cup of green plum wine. She took a sip and gestured toward the book again.

"Where did you get this?" she asked, eyes piercing. "The concepts inside don't belong to any known school in this world—or era. They're too advanced. Too... foreign."

Gin blinked, hiding his surprise.

"Why assume it's not from our time? It could've been sealed away in my clan archives. You haven't read every book ever written, have you?"

Kuraha cackled."Oh, child. There may still be a handful I've missed. But something as revolutionary as this? I'd know. These theories don't belong to this world at all."

She set the book down and leaned forward.

"But enough of that. You interest me. I'll treat you both. But in return, I want everything. Every book, every scroll of this 'system' you have."

Gin's eyes lit up, but he remained calm.

"In that case," he said, lifting three fingers, "I want three additional conditions added to our deal."

Kuraha raised a brow. "Go on."

"First," Gin began, "in addition to treatment, you'll develop a nutrient-rich tonic and a physical enhancement elixir to accelerate my training progress."

"Second, we share our medical skills equally. No refusals."

"Third," Gin said, his tone firm, "I want the formula for your Elixir of Longevity. Or, at the very least, you help me create it using my own ingredients."

Kuraha stared at him for a moment... then burst out laughing.

"Hundreds of books? Thousands, you say?" she said. "I accept! The body-enhancing elixirs, the exchange of skills—fine. As for the Elixir of Longevity... you'll need the bones of a thousand-year-old dragon. Nothing else will do."

Gin nodded without hesitation."I know where to find them. The Gunkai Trench holds ancient remains. One still lives there."

Kuraha blinked, clearly surprised. Then she laughed again, louder this time."Hah! You came prepared! I like you!"

She poured herself another glass of wine.

"Anything else, boy? Now's the time."

Gin shook his head."No. That's all. Asking for too much spoils the trade."

Kuraha smiled slyly."Good answer. Then the pact is made."

In that moment, two masterful minds—one aged by wisdom, the other burning with potential—entered a bond that would shake the very foundations of medical ninjutsu in the years to come.