Tokyo, 1994, starting with medical training

Chapter 72: The loyal dog of the medical bureau

It was already 2 PM.

Normally at this time, everyone would be taking a lunch break or preparing for afternoon surgeries.

But today is different.

Starting in the afternoon, all clinical work will be suspended, and everyone except those on emergency duty will begin the annual deep cleaning.

In Japanese workplace culture, this is not just about cleaning and hygiene, but also a ritual.

It signifies sweeping away the bad luck of the past year and welcoming the new year with a fresh look.

"Alright, everyone, stop what you're doing!"

Mitsuma Mizutani stood in the center of the medical room, clapped his hands, and spoke in a loud and clear voice.

"Today is the day of the imperial envoy's visit; we must sweep away all the bad luck of the past year."

"Everyone, let's get moving and begin the spring cleaning!"

The doctors, who had been engrossed in writing medical records or organizing data, put down their pens, their faces showing expressions that they had expected.

This is a regular feature of the program every year.

The medical trainees were assigned to the dirtiest and most tiring jobs.

Wipe the windows, mop the floor, clean the dusty filing cabinets, and move the old periodicals that have accumulated over the past year to the storage room.

Kazusuke Kiryu was about to go and clean up the old newspapers in the professor's office.

But Mitsuma Mizutani suddenly appeared and blocked his way.

"Go do something else."

"I will clean the professor's office myself."

"There are some important documents inside. You guys are too clumsy and might mess them up."

After saying that, he ignored everyone else's reactions, walked directly to the professor's office door, opened it, went in, and then locked the door.

Click.

The crisp sound of the latch popping out.

Kenji Tanaka curled his lip and said in a low voice, "See, this is the resolve of a loyal dog."

"Isn't that great?" Kiryu Kazusuke smiled. "It saves us the work."

He picked up a rag, soaked it, wrung it out, and then walked to his desk to wipe away the dust that had accumulated on the surface.

Mizutani Mitsumasa's little scheme is obvious to everyone.

The professor's office contained not only documents, but also well-wishes sent from various channels throughout the year.

Envelopes, gift certificates, and "Year-End Greetings" that haven't been dealt with yet.

Mizutani Mitsumasa wanted to organize everything in an orderly manner before the professor returned, hiding what needed to be hidden and arranging what needed to be arranged.

This was his duty as the "head steward," and also a means for him to consolidate his position.

Four o'clock in the afternoon.

The spring cleaning is finally over.

The entire medical facility has been completely renovated, with bright and clean windows and a faint scent of cleaning agents in the air.

Although this cleanliness won't last more than a few days before the first emergency surgery after the New Year brings a fresh smell of blood and chaos, at least for now, it looks quite presentable.

Mizutani Mitsuma finally emerged from the professor's office.

He unbuttoned his cuffs, a thin layer of sweat on his forehead, but his expression was very satisfied.

It seems that everything inside has been settled.

"Everyone has worked hard."

He glanced at the newly renovated medical facility and nodded in satisfaction.

"Cough cough."

Professor Nishimura appeared at the door at some point.

She changed out of her usual white lab coat and put on a dark coat, with a cashmere scarf around her neck.

"professor!"

Everyone immediately stood up straight and greeted each other in unison.

"Everyone has worked hard."

Professor Nishimura looked around and then walked to the center of the medical office.

Everyone consciously lined up in rows according to their seniority.

"Everyone worked very hard this year."

"..."

"I hope that in the coming year, everyone can continue this momentum, strive for excellence, and provide better medical services to patients."

"above."

Professor Nishimura briefly reviewed the year's achievements and then outlined the plans for next year.

It's all platitudes, with no substance whatsoever.

"Thank you, Professor!"

Everyone bowed in unison.

Professor Nishimura raised his wrist and glanced at his watch.

"It's almost time."

"Tonight's banquet is a token of Congressman Okawara's goodwill, and also our department's year-end party."

"Everyone, relax and enjoy yourselves."

"Of course, don't drink too much. Those who have to be on duty tomorrow should take care of themselves."

After saying that, she turned and walked towards the elevator.

Mizutani Mitsuma immediately followed, keeping pace with him.

The atmosphere in the clinic suddenly relaxed.

"Phew—it's finally over!"

Kenji Tanaka plopped down on the freshly wiped-clean table and let out a long sigh.

"Hurry up and get ready to leave!"

"I heard there's a geisha performance at the Matsuno residence tonight!"

"Really? I need to change my clothes right away!"

The doctors, who had been listless, suddenly became energetic, taking off their white coats and changing into their casual clothes.

Even Kenji Tanaka took out a suit from the closet that looked like it was something he would wear to his wedding.

Kazusuke Kiryu also took off his white coat and hung it on the hanger.

He was wearing a dark black turtleneck sweater underneath a gray wool coat.

Simple, neat, and dignified.

Kenji Tanaka was tying his tie in front of the mirror when he saw his outfit and was somewhat surprised.

"Kiryu-kun, are you really going to wear this?"

"Anyway, we're just going to sit down, nobody will care, so let's dress comfortably."

Kiryu Kazusuke straightened his collar and said calmly.

In such situations, the medical trainees are merely background figures, responsible for pouring drinks, lighting cigarettes, and creating a pleasant atmosphere.

No matter how flashy your clothes are, you can't become the main character.

On the contrary, if you dress too formally and steal the limelight from your superiors, you're just asking for trouble.

"Too."

Kenji Tanaka thought about it and agreed that it made sense, but he still couldn't bear to take off his suit.

He had to consider whether this was the only chance he would ever have to wear this suit.

……

Matsunoya, a high-class ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) in Maebashi City.

This is a typical sukiya-style building, hidden behind a bamboo grove in the suburbs, with several black pines pruned in a very Zen style planted at the entrance.

There were no noisy neon lights, only a few dim stone lanterns.

This is the location for the year-end party arranged by Representative Okawara.

Several waitresses dressed in kimonos were kneeling and respectfully welcoming each distinguished guest.

The doctors in the First Surgery Department, who usually reeked of disinfectant, now wore cologne and donned dark formal attire instead of white coats, looking quite respectable.

The crowd filed in.

Kazusuke Kiryu followed at the very back of the group.

Welcome!

Several attendants led the group through a stone-paved courtyard to a spacious banquet hall.

A long, low table was set on the tatami mat, on which were laid out exquisite kaiseki appetizers and aperitifs.

At the front of the room is a niche with a painting of red plum blossoms, which is not common in this season, hanging on it, and the flowers are daffodils, which are appropriate for the season.

Every detail is costing a fortune.

Representative Ōkawara did not attend in person; instead, his chief secretary, Eiichiro Kobayashi, represented him.

He was probably around fifty years old, thin, with high cheekbones, and his skin was pale from lack of sunlight.

"Professor Nishimura."

Secretary Kobayashi immediately stood up and quickly came over, showing her great respect.

"Thank you for your trouble."

Professor Sumika Nishimura also quickened her pace, a smile on her face.

(End of this chapter)