We arrived at Hokkaido University's open campus.

There, we reunited with Dr. Tetsuro Iida, a super-doctor and veterinarian.

He walked us all the way to the veterinary school building.

Hokkaido University apparently has separate buildings for each faculty.

The vet school building looked quite old-fashioned, giving off a sense of tradition.

"It was just like this back when I was a student too—no change at all."

Dr. Iida said with a bright laugh.

"What brings you to Hokkaido University, Dr. Iida?"

I recalled him saying he was busy and couldn't make it back to Japan often.

"Heard a rare case came to the university hospital, so I'm here to examine the patient animal."

He's respected both as a physician and a vet; this man is truly impressive. "……"

Nanako was fidgeting with her hands, seemingly on the verge of asking something.

"Sorry, Iida-san. I appreciate you showing me around, but may I ask a quick question?" "Oh? Sure, go ahead."

Nanako's face lit up all at once. I gestured for her to proceed, and she spoke.

"What... what kind of person is suited for being a vet... I mean, who would that be?" "Hmm... let me think."

Could it be someone with dexterous hands? Or perhaps someone who likes animals?

"Well, the number one trait, I'd say, is social skills." "So-cial-skills...?"

"That's right. The ability to get along with people. That's the most important part."

Nanako froze. It was understandable. Nanako had a hard time talking to others.

It must have felt like I said she lacked talent, hurting her feelings.

"What about having good hands or liking animals? Do those not matter?"

"Well, it's not that they don't count at all, but social skills come first. Connections second. And third... parents."

...None of those seem to have much to do with being a vet.

"But if you're an animal doctor, isn't getting along with animals the key?"

"Actually, it's quite the opposite. Quite different, even. If you can't get along with people, you can't do your job as a vet."

...What the hell is he on about all of a sudden?

"For instance, the one who comes to the hospital suffering from an illness is the animal. But it's the owner who pays the bill, right?" "Well, that's true..."

"Besides, animals don't say things like 'this part hurts' on their own. You have to be good at drawing out the details of the patient's symptoms from the owner who is by its side."

Of course. This is reality. Animals can't complain about where it hurts, and humans are the ones paying the money.

"You need to talk well with the owner, find out what's wrong with the animal, keep the owner in a good mood so they'll happily pay the high consultation fee. What a clinician needs is the ability to communicate well with people—meaning, the owners. In all my experience, I don't know a single person practicing as a clinician who doesn't have that skill."