Early the next morning, after Reiki finished his morning training, he headed to the public training ground.
"So many people today?"
Reiki was surprised to see many of his former classmates gathered there. The day before, only four or five had shown up, but now there were over twenty—almost the entire class.
"Reiki, your training methods are really effective," said Tanaka Rilu, eyes glimmering with excitement. "I can feel myself improving, and after talking to the others, they all wanted to join in."
"Yes, we all want to get stronger! My goal is to be the best among the fighting ninjas..."
…
After about ten minutes, the initial excitement turned into groans as everyone struggled with the intense regimen. Reiki patiently assisted each student but refrained from pushing them any further since he had other tasks to handle.
After training, Reiki went to the orphanage, where he received a light scolding from Machuan and the others before giving them quick medical treatment. He then rushed to the hospital.
Upon arriving, he noticed a group of medical ninjas gathered at the entrance.
"Doesn't anyone have any medical tasks?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
A few chuckled awkwardly. "Reiki, are you going too far?" one said.
Before he could slip away, Qiu grabbed his clothes, a frown etched on his face. "Reiki, what did you do this time?"
Reiki smiled sheepishly. "Master Qiu, I just got here. What could I have possibly done?"
Qiu sighed. "Shizune took over all the medical assignments and is currently managing basic treatments. Don't tell me you had nothing to do with this!"
A mix of frustration and disbelief showed on Qiu's face. While Reiki had been pushing for practical training alongside medical duties, Shizune's handling of the tasks left others with nothing to do. The past few days had been a frenzy of trying to secure tasks around the village, and now, even those opportunities had vanished.
"Alright, I'll speak to Shizune. I'll make sure she knows," Reiki said, flashing a smile before slipping away.
"Hey, wait—" Qiu began, but the others had already disappeared.
Now, tracking down a patient with an untreated injury was more challenging than completing an A-rank mission. Except for ninjas on external missions, most were pre-registered at the hospital, and Shizune had claimed all those cases. It left the medical staff disgruntled, questioning their luck.
In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked over a complaint with a perplexed expression.
"Reiki, you…" He hesitated. On paper, Reiki had done nothing wrong. Completing assignments efficiently was commendable, but doing so to the point that others struggled for work was problematic. Even Tsunade couldn't defend Reiki this time; the frustration among the medical ninjas was evident.
"I understand. I'll leave a few tasks for the others next time," Reiki muttered, feeling a mix of guilt and amusement at how far things had gone.
Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed lightly. "Tsunade, handle this situation. Reiki, be more mindful."
Reiki nodded, and the matter was settled with a cautionary dismissal.
…
In the following days, Reiki focused on his medical duties and resumed his combat practice with members of the main clans. A week passed quickly.
"Reiki, come with me to the Uchiha clan," Tsunade ordered one morning, pulling him away before he could finish his training. They arrived swiftly at Uchiha Fugaku's home.
"Tsunade-sama, Reiki," Fugaku greeted them, visibly worried. "Mikoto is weak. She's given birth, but now she's in a coma."
Before he could continue, Tsunade rushed inside, Reiki following closely behind. A female medical ninja briefed them on the situation—Mikoto's labor had been normal, but the cause of her current state was unknown.
"I see. Leave us," Tsunade instructed softly and began her examination.
Reiki felt uneasy. A faint, almost imperceptible presence lingered nearby.
"Did they sense me?" A distant murmur reached his ears before the presence vanished.
"Reiki…Reiki!" Tsunade's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Huh? Yes, sensei?" Reiki blinked, realizing he'd zoned out. "Is Mikoto-sama okay?"
"Her body is fine, just drained. I replenished her chakra. You handle her mental fatigue," Tsunade directed.
"Understood," Reiki said, deciding to keep his strange encounter to himself.
After finishing the treatment, they stepped outside.
"Mikoto will be fine with some rest," Tsunade assured Fugaku.
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama, Reiki," Fugaku said, relief washing over him. "Please stay for dinner; everything is prepared."
"Tsunade excused herself. "Reiki, you stay to monitor her. I have other matters to attend to," she said before leaving him behind.