After closing his stats panel, Reiki pulled out a sheet of paper and began planning his next steps. Healing was his top priority, followed by physical training. Given his advanced swordsmanship, Reiki knew he could still fight effectively even if his chakra was depleted, as long as his physical strength held out. Plus, with his cursed blade, which could kill with a single strike, combined with his sword skills, he had a weapon more potent than any scythe.
He then considered the next big milestone: mastering Wood Release. The power it held was immense, and if he could learn it, his physical abilities would see a substantial boost.
"Wood Release, huh?" As he thought about it, Reiki realized there was someone he could seek out. With his current strength, meeting this person shouldn't pose too much of a risk, and he'd likely still be in the village.
Just then, his room door burst open, and a group of his friends poured in.
"Reiki! You alright?"
"We knew you'd be up by now. Let's get out for some training—it's the weekend!"
"Reiki, I brought you breakfast."
"Thanks for helping me recover, Reiki. I'm more motivated than ever."
Reiki quickly stashed his notes. Smiling, he said, "I might not be able to join training just yet, but I'll come watch. Are you all headed to the practice grounds?"
Having friends like this was a blessing. Even though Reiki had grown significantly stronger than them, their friendship was unwavering.
"Yeah, let's head over," Kakashi said coolly. "My dad was wondering if your sword skills have gotten rusty since you became a chunin."
"Yeah, Boss, Kakashi's gotten way better," Obito added seriously. "You better watch out—he might finally be able to keep up with you."
Laughing, the group left Reiki's house and made their way to the training grounds, which were packed, as was typical on weekends. Any ninja without a mission would come here, whether to train or just to watch the action.
When they arrived, Reiki headed to the medical station—a spot reserved for medical ninjas.
"Reiki? Shouldn't you be resting?" a fellow medic asked, surprised.
"I'm feeling better now, so I thought I'd get some fresh air," Reiki replied, exchanging a few polite words before settling in to watch the sparring matches.
Hatake Sakumo was as fierce as always on the training field. Watching the intense matches made Reiki want to jump in, but he knew his recovery wasn't complete just yet.
"Why come here instead of resting?" A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
Reiki turned to see Orochimaru, who added, "You're even more persistent than Tsunade was. In a few years, Konoha might have another medical sage."
"Lord Orochimaru!" Reiki quickly rose and bowed as the others around him paid their respects.
"Relax. I just came by to chat with a friend's disciple. Reiki, would you like to take a walk with me?" Orochimaru asked, smiling.
Reiki agreed immediately. He had been wondering how best to approach Orochimaru, and now the opportunity had come to him.
The two soon arrived at a quiet park. Due to the weekend and the focus on the training grounds, only a few people were around.
"Morishita, give us some privacy," Orochimaru ordered, his voice low.
An ANBU named Morishita appeared from behind a nearby tree. "Lord Orochimaru, please avoid unnecessary risks," he said before disappearing again, though he stayed close enough to watch from a distance.
"Well, boy," Orochimaru said, giving him a sharp look. "You seemed to be looking for something the moment you arrived at the training grounds. After spotting me, you agreed to come right out here. What's on your mind?"
Reiki, feeling caught out, admitted, "Lord Orochimaru, I'm interested in learning about Wood Release."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, momentarily caught off guard. "Wood Release, you say?"
He quickly regained his composure, though a spark of interest flickered in his eyes. "The First Hokage's Wood Release—a rare bloodline that allowed the Senju clan to dominate the ninja world. But as far as I know, only the First Hokage himself could wield it. What's drawn your attention to it?"
"Well, my teacher is from the Senju clan, but she doesn't have Wood Release. I was wondering if Wood Release is something that could be learned or inherited," Reiki replied, feigning innocence.
Orochimaru's lips curved into a small smile. If it were possible to learn Wood Release, the technique wouldn't be such a mysterious and feared bloodline in the ninja world. "Wood Release can't be simply learned or acquired. The only way to wield it is by possessing the unique genetics of the First Hokage."
Despite his neutral tone, Orochimaru's mind was racing. This young ninja's interest in Wood Release meant he was on the verge of something significant. And, sensing potential, Orochimaru seized the moment to extend an offer.
"Reiki, you have remarkable talent," Orochimaru said, his tone inviting. "Why don't you apply to leave the hospital and become my assistant? I could teach you much more than medical ninjutsu. Konoha could certainly benefit from someone with your skills by my side."
The invitation was clear: Orochimaru saw Reiki's potential, not only for his abilities but as a potential ally to Tsunade, which could bring them closer to his own ambitions of becoming Hokage.