Back in Tsunade's courtyard, Reiki felt Tsunade's piercing gaze.
"Teacher, I know what you're wondering," he said with a sigh. "Hyuga Tetsu's condition isn't like typical bloodline diseases. If it were, it wouldn't have been so complex."
"'Typical bloodline disease'?" Tsunade repeated, narrowing her eyes. Reiki's casual tone, as if he were speaking of a trivial issue, made her want to give him a stern talking-to.
"Uh… I mean, most bloodline limits don't place this kind of strain on the body," Reiki clarified quickly. "Some special bloodline abilities can cause sudden power surges that the body struggles to handle. That's not really a disease; it's just pushing the body beyond its natural limits. This is why bloodline users need to build up their physique so rigorously."
"You've got an answer for everything, don't you?" Tsunade said with a wry smile. "Alright, go rest. And next time, don't push yourself so hard. The Hyuga clan isn't exactly easy to deal with."
With a sheepish nod, Reiki excused himself and returned to his room, where Shizune was already asleep.
"Hyuga Tetsu's Byakugan holds more answers than I thought," he mused to himself. "I'll know more in a couple of days."
As predicted, two days later, Hinata Nobu returned with a healthy, energized Tetsu in tow.
"Reiki!" Nobu greeted him with genuine warmth, and Tetsu looked thrilled.
"Hyuga Tetsu, looks like you're back to full health," Reiki noted with a smile, genuinely impressed by Tetsu's quick recovery.
"Not only that, but I feel stronger than ever," Tetsu said eagerly. "I finally mastered the Gentle Fist technique, something I struggled with before. And my Byakugan feels more powerful and responsive. Thank you, Reiki!"
Reiki took Tetsu's hand to check him over. **[Physique enhanced, chakra levels increased, foreign energy neutralized.]** The scan confirmed Tetsu's words.
"That mysterious energy really was affecting your Byakugan," Reiki thought. He asked Tetsu, "Do you notice anything specific that's different?"
"It's hard to describe, but my vision feels clearer, and my chakra flows smoother than before. I don't know exactly what changed, but it feels like… my eyes are stronger."
"Well, that's what matters," Reiki said, though inwardly he was deep in thought.
At that point, Nobu handed him a reward pouch. "This is for the mission and a small token of our gratitude. I apologize for doubting you earlier."
"Thank you, Nobu-sama, but no apology is needed. Tetsu's condition should still be monitored, though. If anything feels off, come see me right away."
After the two left, Reiki's composure faltered as his body began trembling involuntarily.
Fear.
"Just keep calm…" he whispered to himself as he briskly walked to the hospital. Moving kept his mind active, driving away some of the dread lingering from his encounter with that mysterious energy. Once at the hospital, he busied himself with his usual tasks until afternoon.
Back in the office, Shizune, who had been watching him closely, began massaging his shoulders. "Brother Reiki, teacher says you need to be careful about overdoing it. Pushing too hard could harm you."
Reiki took a deep breath, Shizune's words calming him. "Shizune, if you discovered something beyond your current abilities and it somehow involved you, what would you do?"
Shizune thought for a moment. "If it's beyond my reach, I wouldn't try to handle it yet. But if it affects me, I'd work hard to grow until I'm ready to face it."
Her words struck Reiki. Of course, he didn't have to confront it now. He could grow stronger and learn more until he was ready.
"Thank you, Shizune. You've helped me more than you know."
After she left, Reiki opened his system panel, feeling reinvigorated. "System, I'd like to buy an intermediate random treasure box."
**[Ding, purchase successful]** The box appeared before him, and Reiki opened it with eager anticipation.
**[Congratulations, you opened an intermediate random treasure box]**
- **Random Chakra +500**
- **Prime Immortal Jade**
- **Advanced Body-Building Potion Formula**
A smile spread across Reiki's face as he read the descriptions:
**[Prime Immortal Jade: A unique stone rich in natural energy that can recharge magical chakra. Can be recharged multiple times in sacred lands.]**
**[Advanced Body-Building Potion Formula: Ingredients needed—Dragon Bone Grass, Fengming Vine, and others.]**
The Immortal Jade was an incredible find. Though he couldn't use nature chakra yet, the stone could be essential later. And the body-building potion was exactly what he needed to improve his physical resilience.
Then reality hit. "…I'm broke," he realized, grimacing. His funds had gone toward past medical supplies, leaving him with nothing for the necessary herbs.