Facing Youko's gaze, which was half-pleading and half-determined, Dr. Takayanagi finally spoke the truth.
"Youko, your condition has worsened. The leukemia cells have developed resistance to the current treatment, allowing them to proliferate rapidly in your bone marrow."
"As a result, your internal organs will suffer even more severe damage in the coming days."
He avoided using overly technical medical terms and explained in a way that everyone present could understand.
"The leukemia cells are attacking your organs, causing them to deteriorate and malfunction."
"This means your body could experience various issues—fever, headaches, chest pain, joint pain, unnatural swelling and bruising, sudden bleeding from your gums or nose."
"These symptoms will only worsen over time."
"Right now, you're still able to breathe on your own through sheer willpower, but soon, you may need to be transferred to the ICU and rely on a ventilator just to breathe properly."
"Youko, you need to be mentally prepared for this."
Hearing these words, Kazusa staggered.
Fortunately, Miyoko reacted quickly and caught her, preventing her from collapsing onto the floor.
Youko took a trembling deep breath.
The treatment had been showing good results until now. She had even dared to hope that her condition would continue improving.
Had she been too naive?
"Dr. Takayanagi, even if you say that… there must still be a way to cure the president, right?"
Miyoko's eyes were moist as she desperately sought a glimmer of hope in the doctor's words.
Kazusa, too, held her breath and stared at him intently.
Norimasa nodded.
"Of course. The root cause of leukemia is bone marrow failure, which leads to an excessive production of abnormal blood cells that cannot function properly."
"In this case, if a bone marrow transplant is successful, Youko's condition could improve significantly."
Both Youko and Miyoko understood what he meant.
The doctor had used the word "improve" instead of "cure."
In other words, even if the bone marrow transplant were successful, Youko would never fully regain her previous health.
"Then… What is the success rate of this procedure?"
Miyoko's voice trembled as she asked.
Norimasa fixed his gaze on Youko and remained silent for a long time.
As a doctor, he had delivered tragic news to many families throughout his career.
No matter how many patients or their loved ones broke down in tears, he had always maintained his professionalism—bowing slightly and saying,
"Please stay strong," before turning and leaving the ward.
He never let himself feel sadness over such moments. At most, he felt a faint sense of regret.
Because as a seasoned doctor, he knew he had to keep a clear mind and not let emotions affect his duty to other patients.
But this time, he wavered.
Though now in middle age with a family of his own, seeing the woman he once admired in his youth lying weakly on a hospital bed, looking as though she might disappear at any moment, made his heart ache unbearably.
For the first time, he could truly empathize with the grieving families he had encountered in the past.
"Considering Youko's current condition, organ function, immune response, the transplant process, potential complications, and the genetic compatibility between the donor and the recipient… the success rate is about…"
"..thirty percent."
Norimasa lowered his gaze to the floor, unable to continue looking into Youko's eyes.
He feared seeing disappointment, helplessness, or fear in her expression.
He had once confidently assured her that he would cure her.
But now, all he could offer was a hesitant and uncertain answer.
Even the thirty percent he mentioned was an optimistic estimate.
If he were to be completely objective, the actual success rate would be closer to twenty percent—or perhaps even lower.
"Mom…"
Kazusa clung to the edge of Youko's hospital bed, letting out quiet sobs.
Miyoko covered her mouth and turned to face the window.
Norimasa watched as Youko weakly lifted her hand to stroke her daughter's head. His chest tightened painfully.
"Youko, get some rest. The nurses will bring your medication later. Take it and try to sleep. I'll go discuss the surgical details with the other doctors."
With that, he turned to leave.
"Norimasa-kun."
Youko called out to him. A few coughs interrupted her words, but when she spoke again, her voice was still gentle.
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself."
Norimasa hesitated for a moment, then left the room without looking back.
After going through the trouble of requesting leave from his homeroom teacher, Chisato ended the call and happened to pass by the doctor in the hallway.
Before he could open the door to the hospital room, he heard Kazusa's stifled sobs.
Her sorrowful cries felt like a serrated blade, sawing painfully at his heart.
He also heard Youko's voice. After a moment of hesitation, he finally knocked on the door and entered after receiving permission.
"I'm so glad, Suzumiya-kun, you came to see me too."
Youko turned to look at him.
Like the last time they met, she wore a smile.
But in her current frail state, that smile no longer held the warmth it once did. Instead, it only deepened the sorrow of those who saw it.
"You came at just the right time. Hurry and take your crybaby girlfriend away from me. No matter how much I try, I can't comfort her. Only you can handle this now."
Chisato nodded, walked over to the bedside, and took Kazusa's hand.
He led her to the room's private bathroom.
When they came out, her tears had been wiped away, and she had changed out of her pajamas into casual clothes.
"Alright, stop looking so sad. Don't act like I'm going to die tomorrow—it's such a mood killer."
"Suzumiya-kun, take Kazusa out for a walk. I need to have a private conversation with Miyoko."
Following Youko's instructions, Chisato took the silent and deeply depressed Kazusa to the grassy area inside the hospital.
Having gone nearly a whole day without sleep, the harsh sunlight made her feel a bit dazed.
Chisato found a bench under the shade of a tree and pulled her to sit down beside him.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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