As Han recounted his story, a faint sadness flickered across his usually calm face.
"I'm considered the genius of my family," he began quietly. "By the time I was two, I had already mastered the transformation of Nature energy... But…" He trailed off, bitterness tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Han explained that he belonged to the mysterious Chiluo clan. They had a unique physique capable of absorbing natural energy—known to Reiki as the energy needed for the legendary Sage Mode. Only a rare few, such as Jugo, naturally possessed this ability, and it was usually acquired through intense training in mystical places like the Sage Lands. But the Chiluo clan, like Jugo, could harness this energy from birth.
However, Han;s family paid a harsh price for this power. Despite the clan's unique gifts, those who completed the transformation of energy usually withered within twenty years. Han, a prodigy who managed his transformation at an unusually young age, faced symptoms far sooner. His body was already deteriorating, and had he stayed near his clan's homeland, the constant influx of natural energy would have consumed him in a matter of years.
"Does your condition worsen even when you're not absorbing the energy?" Reiki wondered aloud, pondering a potential treatment.
Han nodded as Reiki extended his hand with a gentle smile. "I'd like to try something," he said softly.
Han's eyes lit up with a flicker of hope. "Okay," he replied with a quiet eagerness that belied his young age.
Reiki summoned his chakra, letting it flow through his hands. As he activated his healing abilities, the damaged tissues in Han's body began to mend, and his battered meridians slowly reconnected. Ten minutes later, the system alerted Reiki with a chime.
*[Ding! Treatment complete. Treatment points +12, Chakra points +21, vague clues to a special Sage Land]*
Reiki's eyes widened. He hadn't expected such a difficult injury to be treated so quickly, even with his medical training. The system's notification of a "special Sage Land" intrigued him as well. The possibility of discovering a new Sage training ground held endless potential for his development.
As Han stretched his arms experimentally, a look of disbelief crossed his face. "My body... It feels… normal," he murmured, almost as if afraid the sensation might disappear.
"You're stable for now," Reiki said, "but the immortal energy inside you is still strong. Unless you find a way to control it, the same issues could return."
Han nodded solemnly. "At this rate, I think I have more than ten years left, as long as I avoid using this power. I've decided I'll spend this time as an ordinary person. Maybe… maybe I'll travel the world."
At only five years old, the young boy harbored dreams of exploring the world, even with a fragile body and a weighty burden.
"Take care of yourself, and if you need more help, come find me," Reiki encouraged. "Next time, though, there might be a fee," he teased with a grin.
Han chuckled, appreciating Reiki's lightheartedness. "I know. Thanks for everything," he said, before leaving with a renewed purpose in his eyes.
---
The next morning, Shisui shared the latest news. "Tsunade-sensei said she'll stay behind a bit longer, so we should head back to Konoha on our own."
Reiki chuckled at Tsunade's insistence on gambling, even though it left them to complete the mission solo. "Tsunade-sensei will catch up. This is probably part of her way of training us." After a quick breakfast, the three set off on their return journey to Konoha.
---
Back in the village, two shadowy figures watched them depart.
"The Konoha brats have left, and Tsunade's distraction worked as planned," a lanky ninja said with a sly grin. "We'll strike tonight."
"Yes. They carry chakra metal and clues about where to find more," his partner, a female ninja, replied, displaying a vial of Reiki's healing potion. "These potions will be useful for us. We can't let this opportunity pass."
With sinister smiles, the two melted into the shadows, tracking the unsuspecting trio.
---
As Reiki, Shisui, and Nozuki journeyed back, they remained blissfully unaware of the looming threat. However, a familiar figure emerged from the village, keeping his distance as he followed them.
"Looks like I'll be lending a hand," the mysterious man muttered before vanishing in a blur.
Not long after, Jiraiya stepped out from the shadows, having quietly observed the unfolding events. "Perhaps Tsunade's right. Those three can handle a challenge." With a smile, he turned toward the village bathhouse, leaving Reiki's group to face their next trial.
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Gimme Power stones I'm Poor