After hearing Reiki's words, Morishita stayed silent for a while.
"My teacher… he no longer concerns himself with Uchiha affairs. Are you sure this is what you want to pursue?"
Morishita looked curiously at Reiki. He knew his teacher's character well. Even if Kagami Uchiha were approached, it likely wouldn't yield much. Deep down, Morishita didn't want his teacher involved in the clan's inner turmoil again.
"I don't intend to get involved or interfere in Uchiha's internal matters," Reiki replied. "But, Morishita-sama, are you maybe a little too on edge?"
Reiki looked up at him, wide-eyed. "I'll only be eight years old next month."
For a moment, Morishita was stunned… then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, you little rascal… you're right. Guess I've been in this tense state for so long I forgot what it's like to relax."
Reiki smiled, watching as Morishita's usual guarded stance softened.
"I'm a medical ninja," Reiki explained. "I want to continue improving my medical skills. Uchiha has a few unique conditions, and I thought I'd learn more about them from Kagami-sama."
"A sickness in the Uchiha?" Morishita's expression shifted. "Wait… is this about Shisui?"
Reiki nodded. "Yes, but Shisui's condition is mostly managed. I just need to continue monitoring it. Still, if we could learn more about it, it could benefit Konoha greatly."
Morishita looked at Reiki thoughtfully, his brow furrowing slightly. People in his position didn't get fooled easily, but Reiki's sincerity seemed to win him over.
"All right, I'll speak with my teacher and tell him your intentions," Morishita finally said. "Whether he agrees to meet you, though, isn't up to me."
He took a sip of the wine Reiki had brought and disappeared into the shadows. Reiki got up and walked back inside the estate.
---
**The Next Morning - Interrogation Department**
"Where's Reiki?" Tsunade asked, noticing his empty place at the breakfast table.
"Apparently, he got called in last night to the interrogation department to help with some cases," Shisui replied.
"The interrogation department?" Tsunade's brow furrowed. "Are they treating him like a free tool?"
At first, Tsunade had been pleased that Reiki's talents were recognized enough to assist the interrogation team. But calling him in every so often with no real reward—this was crossing a line.
After breakfast, she headed straight for the interrogation department.
---
**Inside the Interrogation Department**
"Sensei?" Reiki looked up from the prisoner he'd just finished interrogating, looking tired but relieved to see Tsunade.
"Tsunade-sama!" The head of the interrogation department, Yihe, looked up from his desk as Tsunade walked over. He seemed in a good mood, and for good reason. Since Reiki had been helping, his work had become a lot easier. In fact, thanks to Reiki's skills, the department had achieved results at an unprecedented rate, uncovering critical intelligence about spies within Konoha's ranks.
"Tsunade-sama, please come in," Yihe said, gesturing to his office. "We can discuss your visit in private."
"No, Reiki stays," she said firmly.
Reiki looked confused but stayed where he was, sensing something serious was happening. Once they were seated inside, Tsunade went straight to the point.
"Yihe, how many interrogations has Reiki helped with in total?"
"Ah, well, he's assisted with fifty-two so far," Yihegang replied proudly. "And with a one-hundred percent accuracy rate too, might I add! You've got yourself quite an apprentice, Tsunade-sama."
"Then why hasn't he been compensated for it?" Tsunade's tone was sharp.
Yihe looked taken aback. "Compensated? Well, we've treated him as part of the department, so it's… all in-house, I thought?"
"Let's call each interrogation a C-rank mission, at the very least. With over fifty missions completed, that's more than enough for a B-rank, don't you think?"
Yihe shifted uncomfortably, realizing the oversight. "Y-Yes, of course. That makes perfect sense."
"Good. Process the missions, and I want Reiki's commission and reward delivered within three days."
Yihe nodded, clearly rattled. He was well aware that they'd benefited significantly from Reiki's assistance. And given the recent successes, they could likely manage the payout without any issue. As he left the office, Yihe began organizing the paperwork, hoping Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't question him on the sudden influx of mission credits.
---
**Later, Outside**
As they walked back, Tsunade ruffled Reiki's hair.
"Sensei, you really didn't have to go through all that trouble," Reiki said, looking up at her gratefully.
"You're my disciple," she replied firmly. "No one uses my students as a free resource. Got that?"
Reiki laughed, feeling immensely grateful for his teacher's unwavering support.
>>>>>
Gimme Power stones I'm Poor