After permanently disposing of the Root operative in the forest, Kei returned to the quiet sanctuary of the Sanatorium. With Kabuto diligently studying the dark arts of vivisection, Kei knew he would soon have a flawless surgical assistant to shoulder the grueling hours in the laboratory.
Kei spent the remainder of the day treating his civilian patients. Just as evening settled over the village and he prepared to lock the doors for the night, an ANBU operative materialized in the courtyard. Lord Third requested his immediate presence at the Hokage Tower.
Upon arriving at the Tower, Kei knocked politely on the heavy oak door before stepping inside. "Lord Third. You sent for me?"
In truth, as he had methodically cultivated Hiruzen Sarutobi's trust, his summons to the Hokage's office had become incredibly frequent. He navigated the halls as easily as if he lived there. Previously, he had relied entirely on his sensory web to map the room. Now, he could see the aging Hokage perfectly with his own physical eyes. However, it was not yet time to reveal his miraculous recovery. Kei maintained his flawless disguise, leaning heavily on his white cane and keeping his gaze unfocused.
Sitting behind his desk, Hiruzen looked up. As he prepared to speak, the old man paused, his gaze catching on Kei's dull, gray eyes. For a fleeting, unsettling second, Hiruzen felt as though the young doctor was staring directly into his soul. But he quickly dismissed the sensation with a silent shake of his head. Kei was completely blind; it was simply a trick of the light.
"Kei," Hiruzen smiled warmly. "I called you here tonight regarding Anko Mitarashi."
"Lord Third?" Kei tilted his head, a slight frown touching his features. "Has her condition failed to improve?"
After utilizing the stray cats to violently shatter Anko's psychological deadlock, Kei had largely pushed the matter out of his mind. Based on his clinical calculations, her probability of a full recovery was absolute.
"No, Anko has recovered beautifully," Hiruzen reassured him. "But... did you happen to say something offensive to her? Or did you have an unpleasant interaction at the end of your session? She asked me to relay a rather colorful message to you on her behalf."
Kei pretended to ponder the question seriously, then shook his head in innocent confusion. "That is impossible, Lord Third. My bedside manner is famously gentle. I have operated my clinic for months, and I have never received a single negative review from a patient."
Hiruzen chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "That is true. It must simply be a misunderstanding on Anko's part."
The Hokage believed he had an excellent read on the young doctor. Kei had cultivated a flawless, sterling reputation among the villagers. A man who radiated such pure, selfless kindness could surely get along with anyone.
Choosing not to dwell on Anko's fiery temper, Hiruzen opened a secure drawer and retrieved a heavy, wax-sealed dossier. "Do you recall my hypothetical question a few weeks ago? Regarding the cure for severe hemophobia?"
Kei stepped forward, accepting the document. "I do. But a phobia of that magnitude is exceptionally difficult to cure."
"This dossier contains the complete medical history of the patient suffering from the condition. I had it prepared using specialized sensory seals; you can read the contents by channeling your chakra into the paper." Hiruzen's expression turned grave, his voice dropping to a cautious whisper. "Remember, Kei. This information is absolute top secret. It concerns a wildly important asset to this village."
Kei bowed respectfully, perfectly playing the role of the loyal physician. "I understand, Lord Third. I will study the patient's history immediately and formulate a viable treatment protocol."
Hiruzen smiled softly, deeply satisfied with the boy's earnest dedication. "Thank you for your hard work, Kei. And remember, not a word of this to anyone."
Kei nodded, turned around, and began tapping his way out of the office.
Hiruzen watched the doctor leave, a heavy, hopeful sigh escaping his lips. Orochimaru's horrific betrayal had made Hiruzen realize exactly how old and fragile he truly was. He needed to prepare the next generation to take the mantle in advance. But for now, the village was too unstable to let go. If Kei could truly cure this patient, it would change everything.
As Kei stepped out of the Hokage's office and gently closed the door, his enhanced hearing picked up a very familiar sound echoing down the dimly lit corridor.
Clack. Clack. Clack.
It was the heavy, rhythmic tap of a wooden cane.
Danzo Shimura emerged from the shadows. However, the Root Commander's expression was noticeably different tonight. A deep, heavy paranoia was etched into the lines of his face. He was radiating a suffocating aura of foul anger.
Danzo walked forward and stopped directly in front of Kei, mirroring their exact encounter from weeks ago.
Kei stopped as well. He tilted his head, his dull, gray eyes 'looking' blankly at the old war hawk. This time, however, Kei didn't have to rely on a sensory outline. He could see every wrinkle of stress, every twitch of barely suppressed fury on Danzo's miserable face.
During their last confrontation, Kei had been confident because he knew the Hokage would protect his favorite new asset. Danzo hadn't dared to retaliate, proving Kei's political armor was solid. But tonight, the dynamic was entirely different. Possessing the Kage-level power of the evolved Zero-Tails sleeping in his spine, Kei no longer needed to hide behind Hiruzen's robes. He had the raw, overwhelming power to slaughter Danzo where he stood.
Smiling warmly, Kei broke the silence. "Lord Danzo. Are you here to beg Lord Third for another favor?"
Danzo's lone visible eye narrowed into a lethal slit. "Do you think you are humorous, boy?" he hissed, his voice dropping to a freezing temperature. "I let you walk away last time. And yet, you dare to provoke me again?"
"My deepest apologies, Lord Danzo. I was merely stating a observation. I had no idea the truth would wound your pride so deeply," Kei replied smoothly, his polite tone dripping with absolute mockery. "However, even if I apologize... facts remain facts. And the facts will not change, will they?"
"Very well. I will remember you, doctor," Danzo suddenly laughed. It was an ugly, grating sound that held absolutely no humor. As a psychiatrist, Kei knew exactly what that meant. When a man like Danzo abandoned his anger for a cold laugh, his murderous intent had reached its absolute peak.
Kei showed no fear. Standing casually outside the Hokage's door, he offered a bright, sympathetic smile. "It is an absolute honor to be remembered by you, Lord Danzo. However, looking at your complexion... I sense you are not well. You are radiating symptoms of severe, chronic anxiety. Mental decay is a serious affliction. If you find yourself unable to cope with the stress, please, feel free to visit my Sanatorium. We have plenty of empty beds. A stay might do wonders for your paranoia."
Danzo's ugly smile vanished instantly. Kei was blatantly mocking him to his face. The humiliation was agonizing, but the political reality was even worse: he couldn't touch the blind doctor right now. The frustration burned like acid in his chest. He was already spiraling from the terrifying rumors of Shisui's survival, and now this arrogant brat was twisting the knife.
Danzo glared at Kei, then glanced at the Hokage's door. He remained entirely silent, his white-knuckled grip tightening on his newly purchased wooden cane.
Hearing the wood begin to creak under the pressure, Kei happily delivered the final blow. "You really should consider upgrading your equipment, Lord Danzo. Given your rapidly deteriorating condition, that cheap wood simply cannot bear the strain. How about I lend you mine? All you have to do... is ask."
Kei tilted his head, his dead eyes staring blankly at Danzo, waiting for the explosion.
Danzo's chest heaved. He was a fraction of a second away from entirely losing his legendary composure. But just as he opened his mouth, a muffled, rattling cough echoed from inside Hiruzen's office.
The sound of the Hokage was a bucket of ice water. Danzo swallowed his killing intent, his face turning an ugly shade of purple.
"It is alright, Lord Danzo," Kei smiled, turning to leave. "If you ever find yourself needing a proper cane in the future, do not hesitate to ask."
Danzo glared at the doctor's back, his jaw locking. He opened his mouth to deliver his parting threat.
But Kei spoke first, his voice echoing cleanly down the hall.
"Danzo. You'll regret this."
Danzo froze, utterly stunned. He hadn't expected the boy to have the sheer audacity to steal the words right out of his mouth. The absolute, staggering disrespect shattered the last of his restraint.
With a sharp crack, Danzo clenched his fist, and his brand-new cane exploded into a shower of wooden splinters across the floor.
Kei sensed the destruction, gave a casual shrug, and walked away completely satisfied. Honestly, stealing Danzo's iconic line and leaving the old tyrant entirely speechless felt magnificent.