After receiving Obito's eager consent, Reiki led him inside the house. Meanwhile, Shizune headed off to prepare a meal.
"Obito, this special training might leave you with a bit of a psychological scar," Reiki said with a grin. "But I think you're up for it. Isn't that right, Shisui?"
Uchiha Shisui, who had just entered, nodded, and Obito turned to him in surprise.
"Shisui? Why are you here?"
"I'm here to help with your special training," Shisui replied, his expression serious. "But, Obito, I want you to understand that this training could be dangerous. Are you absolutely sure?"
"Of course! Boss wouldn't put me in harm's way!" Obito replied confidently, puffing his chest. "Bring it on!"
Reiki chuckled. "Alright, Shisui, take it from here."
"Wait—what?" Obito began to protest, but suddenly, he jerked awake, sitting up abruptly in his bed.
"Huh? A dream?" Obito muttered, looking around with disappointment. Out of everyone, he knew his skills were the weakest. Even Gai had him beat, not to mention Kakashi or Reiki. If only the dream had been real and Reiki had truly offered him special training…
Obito sighed, got dressed, and left for morning training.
…
After the usual physical warm-up, the group met at the training ground.
"How about we try something new today?" Reiki proposed, looking around at everyone with a smile.
"A new kind of training?" Gai asked, his curiosity piqued.
Kakashi, always determined to improve, agreed. "Whatever it is, I'm in."
"Boss, what kind of training is it?" Obito asked, looking eager.
"Real combat," Reiki said, glancing toward the village gate with a smirk.
"Isn't that what we do every day?" Gai looked confused.
"You mean… leave the village?" Kakashi guessed, his face growing serious. As academy students, they weren't permitted to leave the village unsupervised. If caught, there'd be serious consequences.
Reiki nodded. "I'm a Chunin now, which means I can lead you around in the secure zone outside the village. And I know a place where we won't be seen leaving."
After a bit of internal struggle, Kakashi, Obito, and Gai agreed. Even if they didn't face any actual threats, the experience alone would be worth it.
…
Soon, they reached a patch of tall grass near the wall. "There's a hole here," Reiki said, pointing. "I found it during training. Beyond it is a forest, and a little further, there's a river. It's safe from guards."
"Reiki, are you saying we might encounter enemy ninjas?" Kakashi asked, his voice mixed with excitement and caution.
Reiki nodded. "It's a possibility. But if we run into anyone dangerous, I'll handle it."
One by one, they slipped through the hidden gap and out into the forest beyond Konoha's walls. The thrill of being outside the village set their nerves on edge, but they pushed on, knowing Reiki was with them.
"Relax," Reiki said, noticing their tense shoulders. "Your breathing is all over the place. Keep calm."
With a nod, they adjusted their breathing, getting into a more focused mindset. Once they had composed themselves, Reiki led the way to a small creek.
"Clear so far," Reiki noted. "Let's rest for a moment and then keep moving. And be prepared—we may need to stay out overnight."
Suddenly, several kunai whizzed through the air toward them, forcing them to leap out of the way just in time.
"Konoha ninjas?" a voice called out mockingly. Three figures emerged from the trees, their Mist Village headbands glinting under the light. The leader, a tall, thin ninja, sneered at the group. "Looks like some Konoha brats decided to play ninja today."
Reiki's gaze sharpened. "They're from Kirigakure!"
"Run!" Reiki commanded, stepping forward to face the Mist ninja. "I'll hold them off. Go get help!"
"No, Boss, let's fight together!" Obito shouted, panic on his face.
"Kakashi!" Reiki barked. "Take them and go!"
Kakashi, recognizing Reiki's resolve, grabbed Gai and Obito, dragging them away toward the village.
"Think you can stop us, kid?" the lead Mist ninja jeered, licking his kunai as he charged at Reiki. "You two, go after the runners."
The two Mist ninjas nodded, sprinting after Kakashi, Obito, and Gai. Obito, stumbling as he ran, was consumed by fear and doubt. *Why did we come out here? Why did Mist ninjas have to show up? Why are they trying to kill us?*
In the distance, the village walls finally came into view. Their hearts lifted. *If we can just make it back, someone can help Reiki!*
>>>>>
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