"Soul?"
Hearing Reiki's words, the surrounding Uchiha members were taken aback.
Since awakening the Sharingan, members of the Uchiha clan had dealt with numerous issues, from emotional shifts to the side effects of their dojutsu. They had always assumed these problems stemmed from their bodies' inability to handle the Sharingan's power. But now, Reiki was suggesting it might be an issue with their intangible, invisible souls.
"The Spirit-Clearing Potion can shield the user's soul from intrusion for a short period, keeping them clear-headed," Reiki explained. "If Uchiha clan members use this potion while activating the Sharingan, it might help them avoid some of the downsides that come with their bloodline limit. This should also make it easier for me to treat you."
With that, Reiki distributed the remaining six bottles to the other clan members. Seeing how well Uchiha Shi and Uchiha Nakata had responded, the remaining ninjas accepted their treatments without hesitation.
*Ding!* "Mental debridement complete…" *Ding!*
As the soft chime of system notifications sounded in his mind, Reiki completed the treatments for all eight Uchiha members just as the horizon brightened with dawn's first light. They had worked through the entire night.
"Treatment is finally done," Reiki said, smiling. "By now, you should all feel the difference. Any questions?"
"I feel stronger and more alert, like I did in my youth. Thank you, Dr. Reiki," Uchiha Sawa said, visibly relieved. Before, he had assumed Reiki's reputation was exaggerated. As Tsunade's disciple, he'd figured some of Reiki's prestige was just a result of that connection. But now, he realized Reiki's skill was entirely genuine.
"In the future, if I experience these symptoms again, can I come back for more treatment?" Sawa asked.
"Of course. I can also prepare more of the Spirit-Clearing Potion for you. However," Reiki continued, "for treatments and potions, there will be a fee."
Sawa blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected a charge, as no one had mentioned payment. But, seeing that Reiki was a medical ninja providing them with ongoing treatment, they couldn't exactly refuse.
"The cost for single-tomoe treatment is 10 yen, double-tomoe treatment is 20 yen, and triple-tomoe treatment is 50 yen," Reiki explained as he recorded the details for all eight of them. Out of the group, three had single-tomoe Sharingan, three had double-tomoe, and two had triple-tomoe.
As the others watched in slight disbelief, Reiki collected the payments, pocketed the money, and walked off.
"Well, that's that. You should probably make up your minds soon," Morishita said, watching the ninjas who had been hidden in the dense forest, observing.
It was clear that the Uchiha clan leader had given the green light for this treatment, yet they still insisted on testing Reiki's skill. Now, with the results confirmed, they'd have to pay for future treatments.
Sawa, who had initially been skeptical, now looked determined and quickly disappeared. Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Ryukan, and a few others emerged from the shadows, their faces tinged with embarrassment.
"Well, it seems it's time to go speak to Reiki about getting more of that potion," Morishita advised before vanishing. "The price will only go up from here, especially with limited supplies of Soul-Calming Grass."
"Yes, we should have taken him up on that offer sooner," Uchiha Fugaku said, preparing to track Reiki down. "Soul-Calming Grass is essential, and the interrogation department won't always part with it."
"Let's hold off for now," Sawa interjected. "Let's report to the clan leader first and take things from there." With that, he turned and headed back toward the Uchiha compound.
---
Returning home, Reiki greeted Tsunade briefly before heading to his room.
"Release!" He unsealed a scroll and set up a barrier.
"System, display panel!" he commanded.
**Host:** Reiki [7 years old]
**Ninjutsu:** 189
**Body:** 276
**Chakra:** 419
**Solid Chakra Reserve:** 182/3321
**Abilities:** Primary Thunder Release, Fire Release (Little Serpent), Basic Chakra Extraction Technique, Basic Healing Technique
**Sword Skills:** Master Level
**Bloodline Limit:** Wood Release [Progress: 59%]
**Items:** Primary Healing Potion, Primary Stamina Potion
**System Functions:** Portable Space [1000 cubic meters]
**Special Trait:** Holy Hands of Benevolence [Lv2] - Healing points and effectiveness boosted by 20%, with a 50% increase in related item drop rates.
Seeing the improvements, Reiki finally grasped how his stats could increase. Although chakra refinement was possible, it was a slow process. However, treating eight Uchiha members in one night had significantly boosted his stats, including chakra.
With his remaining medical points, Reiki accessed the system shop, purchasing a few affordable, single-use items to help in the Chunin Exam. He felt more prepared, but a nagging thought remained.
"No, I'm still not ready enough," he mused. "There's bound to be something unexpected at the Chunin Exams. I should get more healing items."
Determined, Reiki exited his room and sought out Tsunade.
"Oh?" Tsunade asked, raising an eyebrow. "You say you can't sleep because you're worried about injured people?"
Tsunade studied him closely, sensing his intentions. Since taking him under her wing, Reiki's routine had remained consistent—training and treatment by day, chakra refinement at night. This sudden concern seemed unusual.
"Yes, Sensei," Reiki replied, doing his best to sound convincing. "I'm a young medical ninja, after all…"
"Be honest," Tsunade interrupted, cutting him off.
"All right, all right. I'm just a bit excited, I can't sleep, and refining chakra doesn't feel productive right now," Reiki admitted. "So, I'd like to keep practicing my medical ninjutsu. Besides, the sun will be up soon, and chakra refinement won't yield much at this point."
Tsunade, recognizing her disciple's persistence, gave in with a smile. She only reminded him to take care of his health and balance his training.
Once she agreed, Reiki quickly picked up Uchiha Shisui, who was still asleep, and headed out for another round of early-morning training.