The morning class was dedicated to Konoha's rich history and the impressive achievements of the Third Hokage. While most students listened with varying degrees of interest, Reiki found it difficult to pay attention. His mind wandered as he thought about more practical matters—like training and becoming a medical ninja.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Reiki stood up, ready to find his teacher and ask about the path to becoming a medical ninja.
"Reiki, next class, move to the back."
An arrogant voice cut through the chatter of the classroom.
"Hm?" Reiki turned to see Sarutobi Asuma glaring at him.
It clicked immediately. Asuma was annoyed because Reiki sat next to Kurenai Yuhi, who Asuma had liked since they were kids. Being the Hokage's youngest son, Asuma had been training for years and had confidence far exceeding most of his peers. He was used to getting his way.
But if he thought Reiki would back down easily, he was mistaken.
"Just a spoiled brat living off his family's name," Reiki muttered, loud enough for Asuma to hear.
The effect was instantaneous. Asuma's face flushed with anger. He despised being seen as someone who only succeeded because of his father. Seeing Kurenai glance over only made him angrier. Without another thought, he lunged at Reiki, determined to put him in his place.
A swift kick using the standard Konoha Fluid Technique was aimed at Reiki, but he sidestepped smoothly and retaliated with a kick to Asuma's waist, sending him skidding across the floor.
The classroom erupted in gasps. Only Might Guy moved to intervene, but even he hesitated as the scuffle moved from the classroom to the playground outside, drawing a crowd.
Asuma, now humiliated and blinded by rage, shouted, "You're done for!"
He charged again, and soon the two boys were grappling and trading blows. For all his bravado, Asuma's combat was fueled more by emotion than skill. Reiki's training and focus put him in control, but Asuma wasn't about to give up.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Asuma yelled, forming hand seals. A wave of heat erupted as a fireball shot towards Reiki.
Reiki barely dodged the searing blast, his heart pounding. This was no longer a simple brawl—Asuma had escalated it dangerously. Determined not to be outdone, Reiki tackled him, landing precise blows at pressure points and sensitive areas.
Before either boy could do more damage, the teachers arrived and pulled them apart. By then, both boys were panting on the ground, bruised and bleeding.
"The Hokage's son just used ninjutsu to try to kill me…" Reiki gasped dramatically, his voice full of raw emotion.
The students murmured, glancing nervously between Asuma and Reiki. The teachers exchanged worried looks, knowing this had become more than a schoolyard fight.
"Get them to the hospital," the senior chuunin said, his tone grave. "We'll need to inform the Hokage."
---
**Inside the Hokage's Office**
"Asuma was knocked unconscious by another student?" Sarutobi Hiruzen repeated, his brows furrowing as he read the report.
"Yes, by a boy named Reiki," the ANBU operative confirmed.
Hiruzen knew the students of Class A well. Other than Kakashi Hatake, there shouldn't have been anyone capable of taking on his son. The fact that Reiki had managed it—and incurred serious injuries himself in the process—suggested a risky strategy. Sacrificing his own body to ensure victory was an advanced tactic, one that revealed more about Reiki's mindset than Hiruzen had anticipated.
"Shall we take action, Hokage-sama?" the ANBU inquired.
"No, there's no need. I'll visit them and show my concern," Hiruzen said, waving his hand dismissively. "It's not worth escalating. A child's actions, even if impulsive, mean little in the grand scheme."
---
**At Konoha Hospital**
The hospital was bustling with activity due to the ongoing Second Ninja War. Medical ninjas rushed from one patient to another, overwhelmed by the sheer number of wounded. Reiki and Asuma were placed in a large ward alongside other injured shinobi.
"Sister, I'm fine. Look…" Reiki said, moving his limbs to prove his point.
The medical ninja examined him skeptically, then looked surprised. When Reiki had been brought in, his bones were fractured. Now, it seemed he had healed remarkably fast.
"Stay here for observation. I'll report your condition to the senior staff," she said, shaking her head as she left.
Asuma, still unconscious, was laid out on a nearby bed.
A familiar chime sounded in Reiki's mind: **"Ding, an injury has been detected. Please treat the host quickly."**
Reiki's eyes lit up. The hospital was a treasure trove of experience.
Walking up to a weary-looking ninja with a heavily bandaged arm, Reiki put on an innocent expression. "Uncle, why isn't anyone treating your wound?"
"There aren't enough medical ninjas," the man said, grimacing. "Most are deployed to the front lines, and those here are spread thin. We have to endure."
"I know some medical ninjutsu. May I help?" Reiki offered, not waiting for an answer. He activated his healing technique, energy flowing into the wound. Though he didn't use his more advanced abilities openly, the basic treatment worked well enough.
The man's eyes widened as he felt the pain subside. "Kid, you… you really can heal."
Ten minutes later, Reiki wiped the sweat from his brow. "I did what I could, but you'll need more comprehensive treatment later. Now, I need to check on others."
With that, he moved on to another injured ninja. Word spread quickly, and soon no one hesitated to accept his help. Every successful treatment, no matter how minor, brought a system reward. By the end of the third treatment, Reiki had gained 12 physical points and 39 solid chakra points.
For Reiki, this was more than just helping—it was a golden opportunity to grow stronger.