The actual combat training wrapped up soon after, and it was clear—these young ninjas were true geniuses!
Without a bit of creative strategy, there was no way to keep up with them. Reiki couldn't help but think that, left to pure skill alone, he'd be hard-pressed even to catch their dust. Even Uchiha Obito and Might Guy, the so-called "eternal stragglers," had made impressive progress. And they were only seven or eight years old! Given a little more training, they'd be ready for the genin exams.
Just then, a familiar voice called from the door.
"Reiki, can we talk?"
Reiki looked over to see Asuma, who looked uncomfortable yet determined, standing there. Reiki raised an eyebrow, surprised that Asuma was here looking for him.
"Sure thing, you guys take a break," he said to the others, then turned to Asuma. "Let's step outside."
After they found a quiet spot, Asuma spoke, looking somewhat embarrassed.
"Reiki, to be honest, I really didn't like you at first. You were always sitting next to Kurenai, and… she liked you." He paused. "But I get it now, why she does."
Reiki stood, listening without expression, curious to see where this was going. This didn't seem like something Sarutobi Hiruzen would push his son to say. Or would he?
Asuma continued, "You're strong and talented, everyone knows it. You're a genius, a medical ninja with Tsunade-sama's backing. You're becoming the stuff of legends." He rattled on, listing the titles Reiki had earned as though trying to process it for himself.
"Alright, alright," Reiki finally interrupted, more than a little exasperated. "What's your point, Asuma?"
With a look of stubborn determination, Asuma said, "I want to be your friend, to train alongside you. I want to beat you one day."
Reiki crossed his arms, smirking. "I refuse," he said bluntly. "And if that's all you came here for, I'm heading back now."
Asuma looked stunned. "What? Why—"
Reiki just gave him a cold stare. "Are you here to fight or to talk?" he asked sharply.
Asuma clenched his fists, torn between anger and defeat. The words Reiki left unsaid resonated loudly: if he wasn't there to challenge him directly, then he'd already lost. Reiki turned and walked away, leaving Asuma standing there with bitterness and frustration etched across his face.
---
**Later That Evening - Senju Clan Estate**
"Last dish—seaweed and egg soup!" Reiki placed the pot on the table with a satisfied smile. "Alright, everyone, dig in!"
He enjoyed these evenings. After a day's training, coming home to cook alongside Kurenai and Shizune, with Nozuki and Shisui helping out, was the perfect way to unwind. And Tsunade? Well, she waited for dinner with great enthusiasm—cooking had become off-limits for her after her last attempt nearly took down the kitchen.
Dinner went as usual, and afterward, Reiki saw Kurenai home before returning himself. But he stopped short by the stone table outside the house.
"Lord Morishita." He set down a bottle of sake and a bowl of braised pork he'd picked up on the way back.
"Ah, the boy brings gifts," a voice came from behind the table. Morishita, the hidden guardian of the Senju Clan estate, materialized, chuckling. "You don't usually bother with all this. Out with it, kid. What's troubling you?"
"Lord Morishita, I want to do something, but it's a risky move," Reiki admitted, his face serious. "I'm worried about the dangers."
Morishita poured himself a drink, his smile widening. "Come on, spit it out. If you're hesitating now, this must be something interesting."
After a brief pause, Reiki leaned in. "I want to help the Uchiha."
The old guardian paused mid-sip, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Reiki, evaluating him. He nodded slowly. "Interesting. Go on."
"I want to know… just how many Mangekyo Sharingan users the Uchiha clan has right now."
Morishita set his cup down, considering the boy's request. "Ah, so you're aware of the Mangekyo, then? Did Tsunade tell you about it?"
Reiki shook his head. "No, but the Mangekyo's abilities… they could counter some of my skills, even compromise my control."
Morishita sighed. "Very well. Currently, there are only two active Mangekyo Sharingan users. The current clan leader, Uchiha Tani, and—Uchiha Kagami."
"Uchiha Kagami?" Reiki's eyes widened. Kagami, the only Uchiha ever trusted by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju himself. This was someone who could be an ally—or, at the very least, someone with a unique perspective on the Uchiha's internal politics.
"I want to meet him," Reiki said, his voice steady.
Morishita raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable for a moment. But after a moment's pause, he simply nodded.
>>>>>
Gimme Power stones I'm Poor