After a moment of contemplation, Uchiha Fugaku still held back from speaking. He knew certain things, but how much did Reiki know? Despite his talent, Reiki was just a medical ninja. Though his teacher held some status, it did not translate into real power within Konoha. Reputation alone wasn't enough.
"Tsunade, without the support of the Senju clan, is now simply a more independent presence in Konoha," Fugaku thought to himself.
"Lord Fugaku seems to distrust me," Reiki observed. "It's true that my position isn't suited to getting involved in such matters. That's partly why I came to see you, Lord Fugaku."
"I've delivered my message. What you decide to do is up to you. I'll take my leave."
Without hesitation, Reiki stood and exited. By the time Uchiha Fugaku stepped out to look for him, Reiki had already vanished.
"This kid…" Fugaku muttered. "Nagasawa."
"Deputy Minister!"
At Fugaku's call, Uchiha Ze appeared beside him.
"Prepare a report on our recent operations," Fugaku ordered. "And for now, instruct the security department to ease up. Be gentler in dealing with the villagers."
"Can… I mean, yes, understood." Though slightly puzzled, Uchiha Ze began preparing.
Returning to his study, Fugaku summoned a gray falcon, attached a note, and sent it off. Uchiha Valley needed to be informed about the situation here.
---
In Tsunade's courtyard, Morishita looked at Reiki with a mix of frustration and resignation.
"You're taking a huge risk," Morishita sighed. "This is hardly a village secret anymore. Families with some standing know the higher-ups are keeping Uchiha down. Why would you—?"
"Lord Morishita, I've studied Konoha's history thoroughly. Originally, the village was formed by uniting powerful clans. The Senju have all but disappeared; only my teacher and Nawaki remain. As one of Konoha's remaining strong clans, the Uchiha clan is crucial to the village's stability in both external wars and internal matters. They can't just disappear."
Reiki's voice was somber. He knew that if the village weakened, his own quiet path to growing stronger would be in jeopardy. War might provide more opportunities to grow, but it would also bring greater dangers.
"Very well," Morishita said after a pause. "Just get some rest."
After Morishita left, Reiki took a shower and began refining his chakra. Over the following days, he noticed a strange atmosphere enveloping the village. The Konoha Security Department, while increasing patrols, had softened their stance and even began actively helping villagers and fellow ninjas. In combat training, more security department members were involved, keeping Hatake Sakumo unusually busy.
Despite the shifts, Konoha's higher-ups made no visible moves. Even the interrogation department hadn't asked Reiki to assist. This eerie calm unsettled him. He sensed something significant was on the horizon.
---
"Reiki, accompany me to the Memorial Garden," Tsunade requested one afternoon after he'd finished a treatment.
"Memorial Garden?" Reiki felt a sense of dread. He knew the garden was reserved for paying respects to fallen relatives and friends. Despite her many losses, Tsunade had never brought him here before. He understood this could mean that someone important had been lost.
Upon arriving, Reiki noticed Uchiha Shisui and several other Uchiha members gathered with solemn expressions.
Could it be…?
"The leader of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Tani, died during this mission," Tsunade whispered, noticing Reiki's shock.
"Uchiha Tani?" Reiki clenched his fists, anger stirring within him. He glanced over at Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, and others. His suspicions intensified.
He didn't know the specifics of the mission given to the Uchiha clan, but he felt certain that Tani's death was linked to Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo. Uchiha Tani was the last major obstacle to Orochimaru's pursuit of becoming Hokage. Reiki believed Danzo had been manipulated by Hiruzen, with Namikaze Minato likely chosen as the next candidate to support Sarutobi's plan.
Being here, surrounded by real people and witnessing their loss firsthand, hit Reiki hard. In his eyes, dying honorably in battle was one thing, but losing lives to hidden agendas felt utterly wrong.
"Reiki!" Tsunade's voice brought him back. She held his hand firmly, sensing his turmoil.
"I'm fine, teacher," he said softly. "I only treated Lord Uchiha Tani a few months ago. And now…" he trailed off, sadness filling his voice.
They placed their flowers at the fresh graves and stood silently. After more than two hours, most began to disperse. Tsunade noticed that Shisui remained, and so did Reiki.
With a quiet sigh, she turned and left.
After half an hour, Reiki approached Shisui, who still looked somber.
"Shisui, did you take part in this mission?" Reiki asked gently.
"Yes," Shisui replied, his face heavy with grief.
"But…" Reiki began, but Shisui, sensing his question, sat down heavily, his face shadowed with sadness.
"I'm here to listen," Reiki said, taking a seat beside him.
>>>>>
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