Under the dim light, a pair of piercing eyes locked onto Reiki, giving him the distinct feeling of being hunted by a pack of wolves.
"Uchiha Sawa-sama?" Reiki addressed the leader, recognizing him as the elite Jonin of the Uchiha clan and guardian of the Uchiha Tani. His presence here underscored the seriousness of the Uchiha's intentions.
"Impressive—under such pressure, you remain calm. Doctor Reiki, you're quite remarkable!" Uchiha Sawa said with a chuckle, retracting his Sharingan as he stepped forward. Behind him stood seven other Uchiha ninjas, ranging in age and ability. Some were young, wielding a single-tomoe Sharingan, while others were seasoned, bearing the three-tomoe version.
"Sawa-sama, is it just the eight of you who've come for treatment this time?" Reiki asked with a smile.
"Yes. We know you're preparing for the Chunin Exams, so we wouldn't want to take up too much of your time. Just the eight of us today," Uchiha Sawa replied cheerfully.
Despite their often arrogant demeanor, Reiki could tell that these men harbored no ill will. They were straightforward and proud, but sincere.
"We can begin now," Reiki replied, playing along. He was methodical, systematically scanning the injured individuals nearby.
"Nakata, you're up first," Sawa said, gesturing to a teenage member of the Uchiha clan with a one-tomoe Sharingan.
"Doctor Reiki, I appreciate this," Uchiha Nakata said as he approached Reiki and extended his hand.
"No need for thanks. This is the path I've chosen as a medical ninja," Reiki said with a reassuring smile, placing his hand on Nakata's. A quick examination confirmed what he had suspected—there was indeed a lingering issue in the Uchiha bloodline.
The Sharingan, rather than simply being a powerful kekkei genkai, seemed to carry with it a subtle curse. While it granted strength, it also left a hidden, indelible mark on the soul.
"I'll start the treatment now," Reiki informed him. "Try not to resist the process. If you do, it may be painful."
Placing his hand on Nakata's head, Reiki activated his Blue Hand technique. Given Nakata's single-tomoe Sharingan, his soul damage was relatively minor and the progression slow—an illustration of the trade-off between power and price.
*Ding!* The system's notification echoed in Reiki's mind, indicating the completion of Nakata's soul debridement. "You have earned 5 medical points, 8 solid chakra, and unlocked the formula for the Spirit-Clearing Potion."
"Single-tomoe treatment is definitely quicker," Reiki thought, recalling that his initial treatment for residual damage had taken over half an hour. Now, fortune had also granted him a new formula.
**[Spirit-Clearing Potion: When used, it protects the soul from external invasion and grants clarity of mind for a limited time.]**
Reading the description, Reiki realized the potential power of this potion. It could serve as a potent defense for many Uchiha, particularly those who relied on genjutsu. By shielding the soul from intrusion, it essentially provided immunity to illusions.
"Wait…" Reiki's eyes widened as a treatment direction dawned on him.
"Ahem, Mr. Morishita, could I ask you for a favor?" he asked, turning to Morishita.
"Certainly," Morishita replied with his usual calm demeanor.
"I need about ten units of Soul-Calming Grass," Reiki stated, knowing this was the only ingredient he lacked for the Spirit-Clearing Potion.
"Soul-Calming Grass?" Morishita repeated thoughtfully. "The interrogation department should have some."
In an instant, Morishita disappeared, leaving Reiki to begin the next treatment. By the time Reiki finished with the second person, Morishita had returned, holding a large sack.
"This…?" Reiki raised an eyebrow, surprised by the volume of Soul-Calming Grass.
"I explained that you needed it, and this is everything they provided," Morishita replied. Even he seemed slightly amused. The interrogation department, notorious for guarding its resources, had apparently decided to be generous. Soul-Calming Grass was critical for keeping prisoners calm and coherent during questioning, making it one of the department's prized resources.
"Thank you, Morishita-sama. I'll prepare the potion now," Reiki said, setting up a small barrier around himself for privacy.
Once Reiki was secure, Uchiha Sawa turned to the two members who had already been treated. "Nakata, Shi, how are you feeling?"
"I feel great—much more energetic," Nakata replied, shaking his head. "But no other significant changes."
"Same here," agreed Uchiha Shi.
Sawa's expression shifted. Although he remained cautious, the clan leader had personally requested this treatment, so he decided to continue observing.
Within the barrier, Reiki set to work, pulling out the medicinal ingredients he needed. The system facilitated the process, producing fifteen bottles of Spirit-Clearing Potion from a single set of materials.
Once finished, Reiki deactivated the barrier and handed two bottles to Uchiha Nakata and Uchiha Shi. "Drink this. I believe it should help."
The two exchanged glances, then drank. A cool sensation spread from their throats to their minds.
"My perception…?" Nakata's eyes widened as his Sharingan activated involuntarily. Previously, activating his Sharingan would cause a slight fatigue and dullness, but now he felt sharper, with an expanded range of perception and no side effects.
"What kind of potion is this?" Nakata exclaimed. "It feels like my perception is stronger, and my Sharingan is clearer than ever."
"Same here," agreed Uchiha Shi, equally impressed.
"It's called the Spirit-Clearing Potion," Reiki explained. "A special elixir that shields the soul. Your issue is indeed connected to the soul."
Reiki had reached a clear conclusion.