Reiki's unexpected assault made Xin frown, unsettled by the young ninja's unyielding resolve.
"I'm not exactly trained in interrogation," Reiki began with a smile, "but I have a special talent. I can sense chakra fluctuations to determine if my subject is lying. So, if you keep lying, I'll keep 'questioning' you. Each lie will cost you a piece of your body…"
He grinned as he explained, sending a chill down Xin's spine.
"I told you—I did this for money. There's no other reason, I swear…"
*Thunk!* Before Xin could finish, Reiki drove a kunai deep into his thigh.
"Hold off on the lies," Reiki said, unfazed. "I haven't even fixed your arm yet." He resumed healing Xin's arm, and then, as if adding insult to injury, poured a Soul potion into Xin's mouth.
"The stronger the mind, the sharper the perception of pain," Reiki noted casually. "So, enjoy this experience."
He continued calmly, "Now, we'll start on your leg. It'll take about five minutes. In that time, you might want to consider telling the truth. I've got plenty of time to spare tonight."
Five minutes later, Reiki completed the treatment.
[Ding, treat primary metal injuries and gain 1 healing point]
"Only one point?" Reiki thought, annoyed. "System, don't tell me you're shortchanging my rewards!"
But the system stayed silent.
"All right, let's continue. Your story?" Reiki asked, kunai ready.
"I… I told you, I only did this for—"
*Slash!* Reiki stabbed Xin in the shoulder, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Your lying skills are lacking, especially for a ninja of your level." Reiki's smile faded as he leaned in. "Xin, I know it's about the money, but I want to know who sent you."
As the kunai hit its mark, Reiki chose not to heal him this time.
Xin's eyes narrowed. "Kid, do you even know who you're messing with? You may be underestimating ninjas like me…"
*Splurt!* Blood spilled from Xin's mouth, his expression twisting in pain as his life force began to fade. Within seconds, his breathing stopped.
"Suicide?"
Tsunade appeared behind Reiki, giving him a pointed look. "You weren't prepared for that, were you? This isn't Konoha; these mercenary ninjas have their own code. They're willing to die rather than betray their employer. It's what keeps their reputation intact."
Reiki didn't look discouraged. Instead, he continued to work on Xin's body, determined to restore him.
"You may have just died, but your soul is still here, and your body functions haven't shut down yet. With a few techniques, we can bring you back," he murmured, hands moving rapidly to revive Xin. In moments, his jutsu reconnected Xin's spirit with his body.
Xin gasped, his eyes wild with terror. He'd experienced death only to be yanked back to life by this boy. "H-how?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Xin, this is your last chance. Tell me what I want to know, or I'll make you a living puppet, conscious but without control of your own body."
Reiki's voice was steady and calm, his expression unreadable, and that alone terrified Xin more than the threats. Even Tsunade looked at her disciple with a hint of apprehension.
"I…" Xin opened his mouth, defeated, but before he could speak, blood spewed from his mouth as dark curse marks began to snake across his body. The curse spread rapidly, forcing out even the senbon Reiki had embedded.
"A curse seal?" Reiki frowned.
"Silence curse seal," Tsunade explained. "A unique seal that activates if the user tries to betray their employer, devouring both body and soul."
"Shisui, dig a hole," Reiki said calmly, setting about burying Xin.
Shisui glanced at the other mercenaries, who were now awake but chakra-bound. "Do you want to question them too?"
"No need," Reiki replied. "They're just foot soldiers. They wouldn't know anything useful."
Reiki walked over and removed their chakra restraints.
"Are you… really letting us go?" Zhi stammered, surprised.
"Yes. You're free to leave," Reiki replied nonchalantly, stepping back.
Not wanting to question their fortune, the mercenaries quickly scattered into the night.
Yahiko approached Reiki with a curious expression. "Why let them go?"
"Is it really a reason to keep them just because they attacked us? Is that enough reason to create hatred?" Reiki replied, his tone thoughtful as he glanced at Yahiko.
Yahiko, who saw a sense of justice in all things, seemed taken aback but pondered the question.
"Yes, hatred is everywhere in the ninja world," he admitted, finally understanding. "And it's what drives most conflicts."
Reiki nodded, moving to sit in meditation. "I just didn't see a need to add to that hatred."