The numbers on the genins' number cards weren't fixed but varied based on each individual's perceived strength. This meant that the younger Konoha trio, due to their age, had the highest values assigned to their cards.
"We should focus on that medical ninja," a Hidden Cloud ninja suggested. "His number card is 10, the highest in the group. Forget about the other two—he's our target." Without another word, they pursued Reiki's trail.
---
By a small creek, Shisui stood alone when a muscular figure emerged from the trees across from him, sneering. "So, you're here all by yourself. Think you're tough enough to just stroll in like this? You're looking down on the Chunin Exams, aren't you?"
"The Iwagakure ninja, Orange, right?" Shisui replied coolly, eyeing the figure. "And your teammates are Weihe and Zhaoyun, correct? Just the three of you?"
Orange's face twisted with irritation. "A brat acting this cocky, huh? I was only going to take your card and let you go, but now...you're not leaving!"
He quickly formed hand seals. "Earth Release: Explosive Rock Shot!" Placing his hand on the ground, he released his chakra, causing the earth to crack. Massive rocks shot out like cannonballs toward Shisui.
As the explosions echoed, dust billowed, engulfing the scene. Orange smirked, thinking he had overwhelmed Shisui.
"When you don't even understand your opponent's strength, acting impulsively is foolish," a voice spoke calmly from within the dust cloud. Slowly, Shisui emerged, unscathed, his clothes perfectly clean.
"Impossible!" Orange's expression changed, realizing the danger. His teammates assumed defensive positions, though they still believed Shisui was no real threat.
"You should know," Shisui's voice sounded behind them, "don't always trust what you see. The eyes can be deceiving." In a flash, a kunai struck, but it hit only a phantom image.
"Behind me?" Orange turned, only to find himself kicked away by another Shisui clone. Simultaneously, his teammates were also attacked, leaving them vulnerable.
"As I mentioned, don't rely on your eyes alone," Shisui said as he swiftly incapacitated each of them. "I might not be interested in your cards, but I am interested in Reiki's reward, so I'll take these."
Before they could react, they were downed one by one.
"We lost…" Orange muttered, throwing his number card to Shisui. "You're strong…"
But Shisui didn't allow them to continue talking; his precise strikes left them all unconscious within seconds. "That should be enough," he said, binding the trio before dragging them to their fate.
---
Ten minutes later, Shisui reached the first meeting point Reiki had designated. "Three Iwagakure shinobi. All unconscious," Shisui announced, noting that Nozuki hadn't arrived yet.
"Good timing," Reiki said, gesturing to the three figures nearby. "You three, bring these people over. You're free for now, but if you want a passing score, you know what to do."
The dejected figures complied reluctantly, knowing their encounter with Reiki wouldn't be a pleasant one. "Someone already came after you?" Reiki asked Shisui with a grin.
"Yep, thought I'd check in here first. Guess I'll get moving." Shisui vanished with a nod.
Moments later, Nozuki appeared, dragging three more unconscious ninjas and tossing them at Reiki's feet. "Shisui already brought his back? As strong as ever," she muttered before disappearing again.
Within half an hour, they had dealt with twelve ninjas, including six from Konoha. Reiki could hardly wait to see how the day would unfold.
---
The continuous treatment Reiki administered had a gratifying outcome.
**[Ding! Heal trauma, damaged organs, mental strain; gained 26 healing points, 30 stable chakra, Wind Release: Swift Movement]**
**[Ding! Heal fractures, mental strain; gained 19 healing points, 27 stable chakra, Lightning Release: Spark]**
As the system notifications kept sounding, Reiki's smile widened, pleased with the progress. With this pace, his recovery items would hardly be depleted.
"Konoha's medical ninja, Reiki… are you…" Orange murmured after coming to his senses. He stared at Reiki in disbelief, realizing the boy with the highest number card was healing his own opponents.
"Hold on," Reiki said, cutting him off as he moved to treat the last ninja. The six genin wore expressions of confusion, each plagued by the same lingering question.
"Alright, treatment's done," Reiki said, rising. "Your number cards are in my possession now. If you want them back, you have two options."
The genin looked at him, bewildered.
"First, go find others, defeat them, and bring them here to exchange for your number cards. Second, you can defeat me," Reiki said with a cheerful smile.
The six genin exchanged uncertain glances, wondering if this kid truly understood the gravity of what he was proposing.
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