Reiki's physical condition was no longer just a matter of inconvenience—it was dire. If he continued like this, he might not only lose his ability as a medical ninja but might even struggle to remain a functioning shinobi.
"Reiki, what exactly are you trying to achieve here?" Tsunade's voice was taut with frustration. "If I had come back any later, would you have continued to push yourself to treat the Third Hokage?"
"Teacher, I know my limits, and I'm not being reckless," Reiki responded, a little aggrieved. "There really is something wrong with Hokage-sama's health. If we don't treat it soon, it could escalate into something serious. If other villages catch wind of this, it could cause significant issues for Konoha."
Tsunade was momentarily at a loss for words. She knew that the health of the village leader was critical—but risking one's own well-being like this was beyond what she could condone.
"Fine, then," she sighed. "Tell me, what exactly is wrong with the Third Hokage's health?"
Reiki paused, then admitted with a small, guilty smile, "Actually… there's nothing wrong. I lied."
"*What?!*" Tsunade and Shizune exclaimed, equally stunned.
"So the problem you mentioned was made up? But how did Sarutobi Hiruzen fall for it?" Tsunade's face was a mixture of shock and curiosity. "And how did you get the rest of the medical ninjas to miss this 'diagnosis'?"
Reiki nodded, ready to explain. "It started with Asuma. I used some techniques to weaken his defenses, triggering a series of symptoms and making him collapse. When the other medics were stumped, I stepped in, claiming I could help. Once I had Asuma under treatment, I let it slip that Hokage-sama also seemed unwell. After I finished treating Asuma, I repeated the concern, which led Hokage-sama to believe there was a problem with his health, too."
Tsunade stared at him, struggling to believe what she was hearing. She was amazed that Reiki, a mere child, could come up with such a plan—and that it had actually worked. The other medics, rather than questioning the lack of evidence, accepted the possibility that Sarutobi Hiruzen's condition was too complex to detect, while Hiruzen himself, already burdened with village responsibilities, began to believe the symptoms Reiki had hinted at.
"Alright, but why all this deception?" Tsunade asked, still confused about his ultimate goal.
"By gaining his trust through treatment, I hope to find information about Kato Dan's whereabouts," Reiki revealed. "If the Third truly doesn't know, then it will at least clear things up for you."
Tsunade wanted to scold him but stopped herself. She gently pulled Reiki into a hug. "Reiki, you don't need to go through all this. We'll find him one way or another, without putting you at risk."
But Reiki's resolve didn't waver. "Teacher, this is the last step. I can handle it."
Just then, Shizune's soft voice interrupted them. "Teacher… Brother Reiki… about my uncle…"
Realization dawned on Reiki's face as he turned to Shizune, panicking. He'd forgotten she was present when he'd discussed Kato Dan, her own uncle, as the target of this mission. Not wanting to hurt her, he quickly tried to explain.
"Shizune, during a mission to the Land of Taki, Kato Dan allied with the local shinobi to betray Teacher Tsunade. If it hadn't been discovered in time, she would've been in grave danger. So… you understand why we have to do this, don't you?"
Shizune's head dropped as she murmured, voice trembling, "If my uncle really did something so horrible, then… then he deserves to face the consequences."
Tsunade placed a comforting hand on Shizune's shoulder. "Shizune, I had to ask. If I take action, will you be able to accept it?"
"I understand," Shizune replied quietly. Although her heart ached, she could not excuse betrayal, even from her own family.
Reiki gently touched Shizune's head. "Shizune, it's better if you don't remember any of this."
With a soft hand seal, Reiki cast a jutsu that put Shizune to sleep, temporarily clearing her memory of the night's events. He carefully carried her to her room before returning to the living room, where Tsunade was waiting.
"So, when do you plan to take action?" Tsunade asked, studying him closely.
"Now's as good a time as any. After all, you've 'cured' my health issues, so I can act normally," Reiki replied with a grin.
Tsunade watched as Reiki used his hands to apply chakra, demonstrating his renewed strength. She couldn't help but smile. Her disciple was certainly resourceful, though she wished he'd avoid so many risky maneuvers.
Her proud smile softened. "My student really is…" she thought to herself, feeling a mixture of pride and protectiveness.