76. The Kindly Spirit of the Ghost Shark

"Young master, please come with us and leave this place."

In the blink of an eye, Fuji's two bodyguards appeared and whisked him away from the scene.

Kisame, however, was completely unruffled. This was merely a small-scale tsunami, not particularly large—most likely triggered by an earthquake in the nearby sea. It was said that such events occurred two or three times every year.

As a water-style ninja and a human shark, how could Kisame possibly fear a tsunami?

Still, the wave had arrived too suddenly, and with so many tourists on the beach today, it was inevitable that someone would be injured.

Sure enough, the crowd, already packed tight, panicked and began to flee. In their haste, people fell and were trampled.

When the tsunami struck the shore, it caused even more injuries.

Bang!

Kisame summoned a shark, riding it through the waves unscathed.

Glancing around, he saw that Tsunade and Shizune had also managed to evade the tsunami, standing calmly on the water's surface not far away.

The tsunami had come quickly—and left just as swiftly. Within minutes, the waves receded, leaving behind chaos and a multitude of wounded, crying out for help.

"Shizune, help them immediately!"

Tsunade's voice rang out as she charged toward the injured on the beach.

Despite her reputation as a gambler and a notorious debtor, wherever Tsunade went, she was always addressed as "Lady Tsunade" with respect.

The reason? Tsunade possessed a kind heart. As a doctor with exceptional skill and moral integrity, she never hesitated when it came to healing others.

Kisame, though not a medical ninja, joined in to help.

It was said he had a good heart, though few believed it.

Swiftly, Kisame moved about the beach, searching for those with minor injuries. Like carrying sandbags, he transported them one by one to safety.

"Lady Tsunade!"

Not far away, Shizune called out anxiously to Tsunade, "There's someone here who's badly hurt—I can't handle it. But..."

"But what?"

Tsunade responded as she rushed over, only to see that the person's abdomen had been slashed open by a wooden plank and was bleeding profusely.

At the sight of so much blood, Tsunade's hemophobia struck again. She grew dizzy, her body swaying.

Just then—

"Let me handle it."

A voice came from behind. Kisame stretched out his large hand, steadying Tsunade before she could collapse.

He strode up to Shizune.

"Tell me the patient's condition," Kisame said, crouching beside her.

"...Alright."

Shizune blinked, then quickly explained, "I've already disinfected the wound—it needs immediate suturing. But it's a difficult procedure; a mistake could easily damage the internal organs."

As soon as she finished, Kisame flicked his finger, launching a suture needle with a swift motion.

He had been practicing with the suture blade for nearly half a year, training daily in his "Thread Style." He was now highly skilled with both the needle and chakra threads.

Mastery achieved.

Under Kisame's control, the suture needle, trailing a chakra thread, danced across the wound like a butterfly, leaving Shizune dazzled.

In moments, the large and deep wound was expertly stitched, without harming any internal organs.

Such was the precision of Thread Style.

Afterward, Kisame and Shizune worked together, tending to many more wounded.

Most injuries were scrapes and bruises, with occasional bleeding. Shizune handled disinfection and routine care, while Kisame sutured wounds—his only area of expertise.

A perfect partnership.

After half an hour of effort, every injured tourist had been treated, and, to their relief, no one died in the tsunami.

"Thank you!"

The injured gazed at Kisame and Shizune with gratitude, eyes moist.

Once the wounded were settled, Kisame said to Shizune, "Go check on your teacher."

The two found Tsunade sitting on a bench on the sand, head bowed, hands trembling, fingers quivering.

Her face was pale, her eyes filled with fear.

Everyone knew Kisame was truly a warm-hearted man.

So he decided to try and comfort Tsunade.

"How long have you suffered from this hemophobia?" he asked, though he already knew, opening the conversation.

Tsunade ignored him, her head down and silent.

Kisame sat beside her, offering a smile. "I don't understand what's so frightening about blood. I rather enjoy it—its scent always excites me. Just a whiff and my whole body feels ablaze."

A true shark—disturbingly odd.

Shizune, overhearing, silently complained to herself.

Tsunade remained silent.

"Let me guess—your hemophobia is because of those two men who died, isn't it?"

Seeing her silence, Kisame cut straight to the point, naming the cause of Tsunade's affliction. "If you're blaming yourself for their deaths, there's really no need. After all, you gave me that so-called death necklace three months ago, and look at me—I'm still here."

At his words, Tsunade finally looked up and replied coldly, "You're nothing like them. If you died, I'd be delighted. And I didn't give you the necklace—you took it from me."

By now, she'd given up hope of recovering the necklace from Kisame.

Let it be.

"Lady Tsunade, is there really no way to cure your hemophobia?" Shizune couldn't help but ask, worry etched on her face.

In her heart, Tsunade was the greatest doctor in the ninja world—her idol.

But now, Tsunade's hemophobia prevented her from treating patients, and she might have to give up her identity as a medical ninja.

It was heartbreaking.

Since learning of Tsunade's condition, Shizune had already persuaded her to try various treatments, but none had been truly effective.

"It's useless. Her hemophobia isn't congenital—it's a mental affliction."

Kisame rose from the bench, pointing out the real issue to Shizune with sharp clarity. "Your Lady Tsunade is mired in the pain of the past—she's never moved on."

"Shut up!"

Tsunade snapped, fists clenched, as if she might punch Kisame into the distance at any moment.

Yet Kisame only smiled warmly, extending a calloused hand to her:

"Tsunade, why not try working out with me? Fitness is a wonderful lifestyle—it might help you escape your pain."

"What did you say—working out?"

Tsunade stared at Kisame's smile, momentarily stunned, her mind conjuring memories of him sweating it out on film sets and in his own courtyard.

"Yes. You have remarkable talent—I'm sure you'd excel."

Kisame appraised her gifted physique, offering heartfelt praise.

He added, "And your temper is far too volatile. Fitness can help cultivate your character. In time, you might even achieve the same calm and gentle spirit as myself."