Hearing the ANBU's summons, Reiki reluctantly stepped into the courtyard, looking noticeably weary.
"Is there something specific Hokage-sama needs?" Reiki asked, sounding worn-out. "I've been working around the clock and honestly feel exhausted."
The ANBU was unfazed by his apparent fatigue. "My mission is to summon you. Come with me," he said coldly.
Reiki shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I won't be going," he said, turning to head back inside.
"Reiki, this isn't optional. Even Tsunade-sama is required to answer Hokage-sama's summons…"
Suddenly, the ANBU was interrupted as a hand firmly gripped his shoulder.
"ANBU shouldn't resort to bullying villagers," Morishita said, appearing beside him.
"You… Morishita Jonin?" The ANBU was taken aback. "You realize interfering with ANBU operations—"
*Boom!* Morishita cut him off with a swift kick that sent him tumbling. Then he tossed a mission scroll onto the ground beside the ANBU.
Seeing the contents, the ANBU's eyes widened. "I apologize, Morishita-sama. I was only following orders…"
"Reiki needs to rest," Morishita stated firmly, landing another kick to send the ANBU out of the courtyard. He glanced back at Reiki, giving him a knowing smile before disappearing.
Reiki couldn't help but laugh and shake his head, unsure whether to thank Morishita or reprimand him.
---
Meanwhile, at the Sarutobi residence…
Sarutobi Hiruzen reviewed the situation. "Ah, I hadn't considered this," he muttered, recalling that Morishita's duty was to protect Reiki, even if that meant deflecting Hokage orders under certain circumstances.
"Master," said Sarutobi Biwako, glancing anxiously at Asuma, who lay on a bed, looking frail and pale. Tsunade would have been the first summoned, but with her absence, several senior med-nins had already examined Asuma, with no success.
"Very well. We'll take him to see Reiki," Hiruzen agreed. "Perhaps this mysterious illness will yield to his methods."
As he carried Asuma and set out with Biwako, Hiruzen couldn't help but feel slightly concerned. He had heard of Reiki's rigorous workload lately and hoped he wasn't imposing too much on the boy.
---
Back at the courtyard, Reiki sat, quietly reflecting on Morishita's interference. *Originally, I was hoping to create a bit of leverage by forcing the ANBU to take me in, but now…* He sighed, realizing Morishita's interference had cut off that opportunity.
Morishita reappeared, snapping Reiki out of his thoughts. "Reiki, the Hokage is here," he said seriously.
"He is?" Reiki's eyes sparkled with an idea. He straightened his posture, then quickly let himself appear drained and unwell.
Morishita watched in disbelief as Reiki's energy visibly dissipated, his face going from alert to pale and drawn in mere moments.
"Reiki, you…" Morishita stammered, sensing the drastic shift in Reiki's chakra. He began to worry that maybe Reiki really had been overexerting himself.
As Hiruzen entered, carrying Asuma, he paused, surprised at Reiki's appearance. "Reiki, you haven't been resting?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "I heard you were unwell…"
Reiki's face was convincingly pale as he straightened, coughing slightly. "I'm fine, Hokage-sama. If you've come for a medical reason, I'm happy to help."
"Reiki, you're obviously not fit for this," Hiruzen said, shaking his head. "If Tsunade-sama returns to find you overworked, I'll be the one in trouble. Surely, there's medicine—"
Before he could finish, Shizune rushed out, placing herself between Reiki and the others.
"No more medicine!" she exclaimed, her voice wavering with concern. "Reiki's already been using potions beyond his limits. Another dose could cause serious harm."
The elder Sarutobi glanced at her, taken aback by her fierce protectiveness. "Shizune…"
Tugging gently on Reiki's arm, Shizune tried to lead him inside. "You need to rest," she said softly.
Reiki sighed, allowing her to pull him away. "Hokage-sama, I'll take a look at Asuma, but I can only diagnose him. I might not have the strength to treat him at the moment." His face grew even paler, and he steadied himself with a deep breath.
Sarutobi Hiruzen studied him, both concerned and impressed by Reiki's dedication despite his apparent condition.
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