Reiki stood abruptly, eyes shifting to Shizune, who slept peacefully nearby.
"Barrier, activate," he whispered, unfurling a scroll and casting a protective barrier around her.
Prepared, he vanished from the room.
Moments later, two masked Root agents entered the courtyard.
"Quickly. Tsunade isn't here, but she's still in the village. If we're delayed, it'll be trouble," one whispered, unsheathing a short blade and fixing his gaze on the room.
"All this for a Chunin? Danzo-sama is too cautious," the other scoffed and teleported into the room.
A smirk formed as the intruder observed Reiki deep in chakra refinement. "Diligent, aren't you?" he muttered, before swinging his blade at Reiki without hesitation.
"Ding!"
Reiki's kunai deflected the blade, though the force sent him sprawling. The agent's eyes narrowed. "Impressive reflexes, but you won't escape me!" He surged forward, only for Reiki to vanish in a puff of white mist.
"A shadow clone?!" The agent's eyes widened. Instinctively, he prepared to retreat, only for a flash of light to slash his arm.
Recoiling, he clutched the wound and leapt out of the room. "He knew… this kid is skilled."
"Be careful!" he warned his partner. "He uses a unique stealth technique—I couldn't sense his chakra."
The injured ninja gulped an antidote as a precaution, feeling the creeping sensation of poison from his wound. His partner, Zero Four, tensed as he released his senses fully, searching for Reiki.
Suddenly, Zero Three dropped dead with a silent thud. Zero Four's eyes widened in horror. "What... dead?!"
"Ding!" The clash of steel forced Zero Four to block a surprise strike. The force broke his jaw, drawing blood. His eyes locked on Reiki as he emerged from the shadows, Murasame gleaming under the moonlight.
"Reiki…" Zero Four muttered, the chill of fear prickling his skin. It was clear: killing Reiki silently was impossible now.
"Thunder Release: Thunder Speed!" he shouted, lunging at Reiki with electrified speed. The short blade swung wildly, each strike more desperate than the last.
"Ding, ding, ding!" The ferocious exchange intensified, but Reiki's calculated movements kept him one step ahead. Zero Four's mind raced—how could an eight-year-old surpass Jonin-level combat with such poise? This wasn't medical training; this was pure combat prowess.
Thoughts of retreat filled Zero Four's mind. This was beyond a simple mission. "Tsunade… what are you hiding?"
Reiki's voice cut through the chaos, cold and clear. "Never lose focus in battle. The enemy won't give second chances."
A glint of silver flickered as Reiki moved. Before Zero Four could react, searing pain shot through his arms. Blood sprayed as both arms were slashed. Realizing he was outmatched, he turned to flee.
"Swoosh!" He disappeared into the night, leaving behind Zero Three's lifeless body.
Reiki watched him go, exhaling. Facing two elite Jonin alone had been risky. Though he'd managed to suppress them with surprise, a prolonged fight would have tipped the scales.
"No point pursuing. They might have reinforcements waiting," he reasoned. He glanced at the body of Zero Three. "This corpse… it'll send a message. Tsunade-sensei won't need it."
With that, Reiki vanished from the courtyard.
---
Back at Root headquarters, Danzo's eyes widened at the sight of the wounded agent.
"Zero Four… what happened?" he demanded, stepping forward as Zero Four, pale and armless, trembled.
"Danzo-sama… Reiki… he isn't just a medical ninja. He's a combat specialist. His strength rivals Jonin… and he's only eight. He… he killed Zero Three. If I hadn't… amputated…" Zero Four's voice trailed off as he collapsed.
"Medic! Take him for treatment!" Danzo shouted, eyes narrowed.
This mission was supposed to be straightforward. But now, Reiki's capabilities had changed everything. A disciple under Tsunade, with hidden strength beyond any medical ninja—what was Tsunade planning?
Danzo's mind raced. This boy's existence, this power, threatened the balance. If Tsunade had raised such a student in secret, she must have grander intentions.
"Reiki... What are you and Tsunade plotting?"
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 360 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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