Shisui felt uneasy seeing the tense expressions on Tsunade's and Reiki's faces.
"Teacher, do you not support my joining ANBU?" he asked, apprehension in his voice.
Tsunade sighed. "It's not that I don't support it, but I'm concerned. When you join ANBU, be careful. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, remember you can always leave."
Shisui nodded thoughtfully. The weight of Tsunade's concern was not lost on him.
"Understood, teacher," he said.
"Good. Go get some rest. And Reiki, don't push yourself too hard with the potion-making. I'll handle procuring more materials," Tsunade said, waving them off.
"Thank you, teacher," the three said in unison before departing.
---
On the busy streets of Konoha, Nozuki turned to Reiki. "It felt like you were talking about something serious back there. Can you explain it to me?"
Shisui, also curious, glanced at Reiki. Of the three, Reiki was closest to Tsunade and knew her thoughts best.
"Tsunade-sensei is worried that joining ANBU might expose Shisui to Konoha's darker side, which could be hard for him to handle," Reiki explained. He decided not to reveal his suspicions about Sarutobi Hiruzen's motives; there was no solid proof, and it wasn't necessary to speculate.
Nozuki's expression softened. "Don't worry, Shisui has a strong heart. He'll manage."
Shisui smiled, grateful for her confidence. "Speaking of which, I need to tell the clan leader about joining ANBU. I'll head back now," he said before disappearing in a blur.
Reiki turned to Nozuki. "What about you? Coming home with me or heading to your place?"
"I'm going home. Kushina-sensei is probably lonely," she replied, waving as she walked away.
As they parted, Reiki continued to his residence, only to pause a few moments later.
"Am I being followed?" he wondered, feeling a subtle yet persistent presence shadowing him. While he couldn't pinpoint their exact location, he was sure he was being watched.
He changed course, heading into a secluded alley and masking his presence using the demon's shadow technique.
Moments later, two masked figures appeared where Reiki had just been.
"Root agents," Reiki thought, recognizing the attire and feeling a chill run down his spine.
"It seems we were discovered. Let's go," one of the operatives said before the two disappeared.
Reiki emerged from his hiding place, frowning. "Why would Root be after me? Is it because of Tsunade-sensei?" He shook his head and decided to go home first to regroup.
---
Back at his residence, Reiki began processing the medicinal materials left by Tsunade. "Make!" he commanded, and the system panel appeared before him:
[Elementary Recovery Potion], [Elementary Physical Strength Potion], [Elementary Strengthening Potion], [Elementary Antidote Potion], [Advanced Strengthening Potion]...
Potions materialized quickly, thanks to the system's efficiency.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully creating 10,000 bottles of potions and unlocking the title: Pharmacist.]
[Pharmacist: Enhances potion-making, offering a chance for improved effects, attribute mutations, and greater resource efficiency.]
[Unique ability: Restores and optimizes potion formulas.]
Reiki's eyes lit up with excitement. Having a system that could now optimize potion formulas was an invaluable asset.
"Wear it!" he said, and a warm sensation coursed through him. Though it didn't change his physical strength, it felt as if he had gained a subtle new skill.
---
Meanwhile, at the Root headquarters, Danzo frowned as two agents reported back.
"Discovered?" he questioned. "By a Chunin?"
"No sign of other strong figures. He entered an alley and seemed to vanish," one agent said reluctantly.
Danzo's expression darkened. The names Tsunade and Reiki were becoming thorns in his side. Tsunade's influence already disrupted his plans, and now her disciple was proving difficult.
"Eliminate him," Danzo ordered coldly. "Let's see if Tsunade continues her meddling when her prized student is gone."
"Understood," the agents replied before vanishing.
---
As night fell, two figures stealthily approached the Senju Clan compound where Reiki resided. Inside, Reiki was deep in chakra refinement, enhanced by a perception potion that allowed him to sense even the smallest disturbances.
"Someone's here," he thought, feeling two subtle chakra signatures creeping closer.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 360 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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