The three young ninjas had just exited the examination room.
"Tomorrow's the screening test and the first round of actual combat," Reiki said, stretching his arms. "The specific rules will be announced early tomorrow morning, so we need to prepare ourselves."
Reiki moved to sit in front of the exam hall. "Not heading back?" Nozuki asked, puzzled.
"No, I think there's something else we can do here," Reiki replied with a casual wave. "But if you two want to head back and rest, go ahead."
"No way, we'll stay with you," Shisui said, sitting beside Reiki. "Feels strange not to stick around." Naturally, Nozuki joined them.
Soon, other candidates began trickling out, some with confidence, others visibly downcast. Reiki approached one ninja from Iwagakure. "Hello! I'm Reiki from Konoha, a medical ninja. You seem mentally drained—would you like my help?"
Reiki's decision to stay was purposeful; his medical training detected numerous ninjas who hadn't suffered physical injuries but were mentally worn down, a prime opportunity for practice.
"Is that even possible?" the Iwagakure ninja asked skeptically.
"Of course," Reiki reassured him, placing a hand on the ninja's shoulder and releasing chakra. Almost instantly, the ninja's expression shifted to one of renewed energy. "Though I didn't pass the written test, next time I'll definitely succeed!" he said excitedly.
"The treatment fee is 1,000 Ryo," Reiki added with a smile.
"Only 1,000 Ryo? Take 10,000 Ryo!" the ninja laughed, shoving the cash into Reiki's hand before running off.
Seeing this, Nozuki laughed, and Shisui shook his head in amusement as Reiki continued to offer treatments. Soon, others approached, forming a line, each seeking Reiki's help.
Inside the examiner's office, Cangzi, a friend of Tsunade's, nudged her playfully. "Tsunade-sama, your apprentice is stirring up quite a scene."
"My apprentice?" Tsunade looked up. "Reiki?"
Following Cangzi outside, Tsunade spotted Reiki, surrounded by a line of candidates.
"Will it be our turn today?" some in line whispered.
"Don't worry. Didn't Reiki the medical ninja say he'll treat everyone?" another replied. A few skeptics muttered, "Relying on a kid's tricks? Even if he's Tsunade's disciple, he can't be that extraordinary."
But Reiki ignored the background chatter, entirely focused on his work. Tsunade watched with a hint of pride. "This boy..." she murmured, feeling a surge of pride. His dedication to medical ninjutsu reassured her that Reiki would grow to become an even greater medical ninja.
Seeing Tsunade's expression, Cangzi smiled. "Are you proud of him?"
"He's still young, but his love for healing makes me proud," Tsunade admitted with a grin.
Cangzi chuckled. "Are you going to keep watching, or are we heading to the casino?"
Tsunade shook her head. "No casino today. I'm staying with my students."
The day wore on, and by evening, an empty medicine bottle sat beside Reiki, who had been using chakra consistently. Shisui picked it up and looked at him. "Ready to head back?"
"Yeah, I'm done for today," Reiki said, his eyes shifting to where Tsunade and Cangzi stood nearby.
The three approached and stood before Tsunade. "Nice job passing the written exam today," she praised. "But prepare for tomorrow's battles—you'll be facing some of the people you treated today. Don't underestimate them; they're all skilled."
Reiki nodded, then glanced at Cangzi. "Teacher, is this your friend?"
Cangzi smiled. "Hello, I'm Cangzi, your teacher's friend."
Reiki suddenly looked at Cangzi closely. "Teacher Cangzi, you've been poisoned."
Cangzi's smile faded. "Poisoned?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow in surprise; she'd been with Cangzi for two days and hadn't noticed anything.
"Chakra poisoning," Reiki explained. "They've started eroding your meridians. Treatment should be done immediately."
Tsunade's expression turned serious. "Reiki, you take the lead. I'll assist."
She trusted her apprentice's keen medical sense completely. If Reiki detected something, it was undoubtedly real.
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