After they returned to the residence, Tsunade looked at Reiki with a smile.
"So, to clarify, during the last mission, you decided to sell them some potions?"
"Yes, and I also went to the Land of Grass to gather more ingredients," Reiki explained quickly, sensing Tsunade's curiosity. "My experiments used up a lot of medicinal supplies."
"Did you really make this potion?" Tsunade asked, taking out a bottle. She had also discovered the potions Reiki was using and even bought a few bottles herself to test for effectiveness, side effects, durability, and resistance. To her surprise, everything checked out perfectly. She found it hard to believe a child could make something so refined.
"Uh, sort of," Reiki replied. "But it's not just my work…"
"Your special bloodline limit?" Tsunade asked, recalling Reiki's earlier mention of his unique ability to heal and interact with souls. His methods of treatment differed from those of other medical ninjas, which had already hinted at something unusual.
Reiki nodded.
Tsunade's curiosity grew. There were many unusual bloodline limits, but this one was particularly astonishing. She had never encountered anything like it in ninja history.
"Could you… show me?" she asked gently. "Of course, only if you feel comfortable."
"Sure," Reiki agreed, pulling out various medicinal herbs. "These are the ingredients needed for a recovery potion. Then…"
As Reiki gathered the materials in his hands, a special energy surged around him, transforming the herbs into a complete potion with the bottle and all. Tsunade watched in stunned silence. This ability to seemingly create something out of nothing… Reiki wasn't just a prodigy; he was a marvel.
"Reiki, listen carefully," Tsunade said firmly. "Never let others see this ability. If someone insists you make a potion on the spot, tell them you and I prepare them together. Just say I help with some of the techniques and formulas. Understood?"
She knew that if this ability became widely known, Reiki would become a high-priority resource to be exploited, like a jinchūriki.
"I understand, Tsunade-sensei."
Reiki was relieved, especially as Tsunade seemed less concerned about his secret and more focused on protecting him. Not that he feared punishment; he mostly feared Tsunade's unique 'training.'
"Now, go rest," Tsunade instructed. "We're heading to the Land of Taki the day after tomorrow, so be ready. And remember, keep up your performance."
"Of course, Sensei," Reiki replied with a smile. "I—oh, Captain Morishita?"
As Reiki was about to return to his room, Morishita appeared in the courtyard.
"Everything's set up, Reiki. Are you ready?" Morishita asked, glancing at Tsunade.
"Yes," Reiki answered. "Sensei, Mr. Morishita and I are going to tend to a few injuries. I'll be back soon, and it won't affect our schedule."
"Go ahead," Tsunade nodded, understanding Reiki's dedication to healing. This focus was essential for a medical ninja, and she would never discourage it. After she gave her approval, Morishita disappeared with Reiki.
---
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office…
"This potion… it's unique," Orochimaru said, examining a bottle Sarutobi Hiruzen had given him. "I've analyzed the ingredients, and the formula seems straightforward, but the pharmacology and preparation methods…"
"Are challenging?" Sarutobi Hiruzen finished, understanding Orochimaru's frustration.
"Yes," Orochimaru admitted. As Konoha's top scientist, he had obtained a sample as soon as he heard about this special potion on the market. However, he hadn't known at the time that it came from within Konoha itself. After discovering Reiki's involvement, Orochimaru's interest in the young ninja grew. Reiki was shaping up to be a genius that, if not carefully nurtured, could slip beyond control.
Sarutobi Hiruzen considered Orochimaru's dilemma thoughtfully. "Perhaps you could try connecting with Reiki. If possible, gain an understanding of how to prepare this potion."
Tsunade's rejection had made it clear to Hiruzen that she wouldn't cooperate easily. But since she and Orochimaru had a longstanding friendship, perhaps he could succeed in obtaining the recipe.
"I'll do my best," Orochimaru replied, though he knew the request would likely anger Tsunade. Reiki's standing with her was now nearly as important as that of her brother Nawaki.
"Very well, you're dismissed," Hiruzen said, turning his attention back to the documents in front of him.
As Orochimaru left, Danzo entered the room.
"Hiruzen, it's time to take action," Danzo began. "The Uchiha, and certain promising young talents—if we don't establish control…"
Danzo's gaze was steely as he named off individuals like Hatake Sakumo, Reiki, Shisui, and Kakashi. They were all currently outside the reach of direct control. If this continued, it would disrupt the balance of power and threaten the interests they had long worked to secure.
"I'm aware," Hiruzen responded, not looking up. "Just ensure it doesn't go too far."
A smile played at the edges of Danzo's mouth as he turned and left. When he was gone, Hiruzen raised his head, a trace of bitterness in his eyes. He knew the state of Konoha well, but it was too late to enact real change. Perhaps, once these new powers were secured, they could…
Contemplating the documents on his desk, Sarutobi Hiruzen began forming a private plan. For this one, he didn't intend to involve the other senior advisors.
---
At that same moment, Reiki and Morishita arrived in a secluded forest. As they stepped into the clearing, Reiki immediately sensed the presence of numerous people waiting within the shadows.