After being praised for their efforts, the children at the orphanage felt a surge of confidence. Some even joked that they wanted to come back the next day for more sparring with Reiki.
Reiki addressed Ma Chuan and the other newly appointed leaders, outlining the group's challenges. The primary issues included poor physical fitness, basic taijutsu deficiencies, ninja tool handling, chakra control, and extraction basics. These were fundamental problems that needed urgent attention.
The typical timeline for building a solid foundation would be at least a year, but with Reiki's resources, specialized training methods, and the availability of high-quality medicines, this time could be significantly shortened. Reiki's motives weren't just about boosting his reputation, as Hiruzen Sarutobi might think. He genuinely wanted to create a brighter future for these children while also gathering valuable training experience for himself.
After setting everything in motion, Reiki left the orphanage. His responsibilities were piling up: medical work, treating Hyuga clan members, assisting other clans with old injuries, and managing unique medical cases—all experience that contributed to his growth. He knew he had to become stronger to face the likes of Danzo, who wouldn't hesitate to act ruthlessly.
"Reiki!"
Reiki turned to see Nozuki running up to him. "Brother Minato asked me to find you. He wants you to join our team and go on missions with us."
"Minato-sensei?" Reiki asked, eyes widening. Then he softened. "How are you feeling? Any lingering pain or discomfort?"
"I'm almost fully recovered. Brother said we'd rest for a few days before heading out, so I came to talk to you first," Nozuki replied with a smile.
"Alright," Reiki said. "I need to check in with Sensei first, just in case."
Last time he had come back without informing Tsunade, the tension had been palpable. He didn't want a repeat of that.
Together, they walked to Tsunade's courtyard. Reiki's eyes fell on the empty task board at the hospital as they passed by, and he chuckled wryly. "I might have messed up by motivating those medical ninjas so well," he muttered. The flood of motivated medics meant there were no more tasks left for him.
In the courtyard, Tsunade was sitting, enjoying a drink with a content smile.
"Sensei," Reiki and Nozuki said, bowing in greeting.
"Ah, Reiki! You've been exceptional lately," Tsunade said, slightly tipsy but proud. "The hospital's been praised nonstop, and I heard about your little bet with Qiu. Just don't use patients as wagers again, alright? And remember, keep steady. When the data on medical ninjas in combat comes in, I'll need you for more tasks."
"Sensei, Minato-sensei has invited me to join his team for missions," Reiki said cautiously. He knew Minato's reputation as a mission-focused leader, and he wasn't sure how Tsunade would react. The idea of leaving the village to join Minato's team filled him with mixed feelings: excitement and a touch of dread.
"Go," Tsunade said, surprising him. "If you're with Minato, I won't worry as much. Jiraiya may be unreliable, but his student isn't."
"Really?" Reiki asked, unable to hide his astonishment.
"Quit second-guessing me." Tsunade downed her drink and then slumped over the stone table, drifting into a nap.
"Actually, Sensei, I could still—"
*Bam!*
Before he could finish, Tsunade's fist landed on his head, sending him flying. "Too noisy," she muttered in her sleep.
Groaning and rubbing his head, Reiki thought wryly, *Is her real last name Senju or Munch?*
"I'll take Sensei inside to rest. Brother Minato will be pleased, and I'll let you know the mission details soon," Nozuki said cheerfully, hurrying off.
Reiki sighed, brushing the dust off his clothes as he stood. "I really just wanted to stay in the village," he said aloud, shaking his head.
---
"Brother Reiki, are you going on a mission again?" Shizune's voice called from the doorway. She had overheard part of the conversation and felt a pang of disappointment.
"It seems so, but not right away. I'll be in the village for a few more days," Reiki said. Then an idea came to him. "Shizune, I have an important task for you—an S-rank mission, actually. Are you up for it? The reward is ten bottles of high-grade body-enhancing potion."
"S-rank?" Shizune's eyes widened in disbelief. "But I'm only a Genin…"
"You can handle it," Reiki assured her, leaning in and whispering the details into her ear.
Her initial uncertainty shifted to determination as she listened. By the time he finished explaining, Shizune's eyes sparkled with confidence.
---
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 420 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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