Outside the forest, Guzma's heart sank as he saw a body thrown at his feet. He barely glimpsed the red figure responsible, and a dread filled the air as the figure vanished.
"Muke!" Guzma called out, rushing to the fallen ninja's side. But it was too late; his comrade was already dead. Guzma's frustration boiled over. Was this a warning?
One of his teammates spoke up, her voice shaken. "Guzma, that aura… it's not from those kids. It might be an elite guard Tsunade sent to protect them. We should abandon the mission."
Reluctantly, Guzma gave the order. "Fine. But we need to retrieve our fallen team members. Even if it's just their bodies, they deserve a proper rest."
---
Soon, they reached the site of the ambush, only to find something unexpected: Reiki was there, kneeling beside the wounded ninjas, healing them. His focus was unwavering as he worked to stabilize each one's condition.
"You... Reiki?" Guzma couldn't hide his shock.
Reiki barely looked up. "Are you planning to interfere now?"
Guzma hesitated, then knelt. "No. We've abandoned the mission. Please… save them. I'll give you any reward you ask."
Reiki blinked, momentarily surprised. He had pegged Guzma as ruthless, someone who'd discard his comrades to achieve his goals. This display of loyalty felt unexpected, even to Roy.
"I'm a medical ninja. Treating the injured is my duty, regardless of where they come from," Reiki replied simply. "But remember, chaos only brings suffering. Consider this a temporary truce."
He returned to his work, carefully applying medical jutsu and a mix of potions to heal the injured ninjas. Meanwhile, Guzma remained on guard, watching Reiki's skillful techniques and realizing that this young ninja possessed remarkable strength and wisdom.
As Reiki took a breather, Guzma handed him a potion, excitement in his eyes. "Here. It's a special recovery drink from a powerful source."
Reiki chuckled inwardly. He recognized the formula; it was one of his own designs, already making its way through the ranks of the ninja world. Taking a sip, he felt his energy recover quickly and resumed his work.
Within an hour, Reiki had stabilized all the ninjas. Though still a bit woozy, they could now move without risk of collapse. Guzma expressed his gratitude, his demeanor noticeably softer.
"Take it easy," Reiki advised, finishing his treatment. "You'll risk lasting injuries if you push yourselves right now."
But as Reiki turned to leave, a sinister aura flooded the forest, sending shivers down everyone's spine. The ninjas around him froze in fear; this was the same presence that had attacked them earlier.
"Why?" a deep, resentful voice echoed from the shadows as the red-skinned figure emerged, eyes blazing with malevolence. The forest seemed to darken around him, exuding an unnatural gloom.
The sight of this powerful being made Reiki's mind race. Thanks to his medical system, Roy instantly recognized the figure's identity—Han, a member of the fabled Chiluo clan. Roy had long suspected a link between the Chiluo and the special abilities of the Chongwu clan. Now, seeing Han in person, Roy felt even more certain.
"Was this due to an overload of natural energy?" Reiki muttered, piecing things together. "It's like a more extreme form of the curse Chongwu faces…"
"Reiki, run!" Guzma shouted, his loyalty now extending beyond his own comrades. "We'll hold him off!"
He and his team stood protectively in front of Reiki, each downing potions and readying their weapons. Yet, Roy stepped forward, sensing that Han's hostility might not be as impenetrable as it seemed.
"They're not your enemies," Reiki spoke calmly, meeting Han's gaze. "You're safe. There's no need to fight anymore."
Han paused, his red eyes flickering. Gradually, the fury and resentment faded, replaced by a reluctant calm. Guzma and his team watched in astonishment as Han slowly turned, his violent aura retreating like mist dissipating in the morning sun. With one last, solemn nod toward Reiki, he vanished back into the shadows.
In the silence that followed, Guzma's team exchanged looks of relief and awe. Reiki had not only saved their lives but, with a few words, had quelled a seemingly unstoppable force.
Guzma broke the silence, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Reiki. You've shown us what it truly means to be a shinobi."
Reiki merely nodded, already preparing to reunite with his friends. As he departed, he left Guzma with a final thought. "Remember, loyalty to those you care about is more powerful than any mission. Remember it well."
>>>>>
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