The monster's initial plan was to provoke Maitreya, create an opening, and then completely consume her. However, it quickly realized that Maitreya showed no reaction. In fact, there was even a hint of sarcasm on her face.
"Hmm?"
The demon sensed something was amiss. It noticed that its energy was not replenishing but instead being steadily consumed. Although the depletion was slow, if it continued, it would have serious consequences.
"What have you done?!" the demon demanded, glaring at Maitreya.
"Done? Instead of questioning me, you should worry about how many more years you'll be sealed away if you continue depleting your core energy," Maitreya replied with a confident smile. She was pleased that her plan was working better than expected. Beyond her preparations, Reiki's impressive medical ninjutsu played a critical role, far surpassing her expectations.
Thanks to the forbidden mark placed on Reiki, Maitreya could sense his condition and that of the others. Therefore, she chose not to confront the monster directly but waited. If Reiki and the others maintained their current pace, the monster would soon reach a weakened state. At that point, completing the seal would make it last even longer.
"So that's it, huh?" the demon muttered. "But did you forget? I can leave too."
"Dead body!"
A man emerged from the cave behind the demon, his body free of curse marks.
"Dead body? How did you…?" Maitreya's face turned pale. The man was one of her guards, as powerful as a jounin. If he betrayed the Land of Ghosts, he would become the vessel for the demon. If the monster managed to escape, Reiki would be in grave danger.
"Should I act now?" she thought. "Too late."
The demon injected purple-black energy into the guard's body.
"Just wait—your efforts are meaningless! This time, I will be reborn into this world!" A chilling voice emerged from the guard's mouth, then vanished. Maitreya felt a wave of panic. If Reiki fell, the other ninjas would be in peril.
"No!" Determined, Maitreya raised her hand. "Reiki!"
…
Back on the battlefield, Reiki felt a pulse of energy in his hands as Maitreya's voice reached him.
"Lady Maitreya? What's happening?" he asked, startled but quickly composed himself. He knew the seal Maitreya had placed might have additional effects.
"The sprite's essence has taken over one of my guards and broken free of the seal. You need to be vigilant," Maitreya's voice conveyed urgency. "His energy is still being drained slowly. Keep up this pace, and I can reseal him in a day."
"Understood!" Reiki responded firmly.
"Nozuki!" Reiki called out across the field.
"What is it, Reiki?" Nozuki appeared at his side.
"Notify Shisui and Uncle Sakumo that the demon has broken free using Lady Maitreya's guard as a vessel. Tell them to be on alert, and only inform them—no one else," Reiki instructed seriously.
"Got it," Nozuki replied before dashing off to deliver the message.
"Reiki," a nearby medical ninja asked, "why not share this news with the others? Wouldn't it ensure everyone's safety?"
Reiki maintained his calm expression, hands still busy with treatment. "They're already injured, and I can promise they'll be treated well. Nozuki and the others have other tasks and can't be distracted. Besides, if I spread this information, how many of the fighters would remain focused instead of panicking?"
The medical team exchanged glances, respect growing on their faces. Reiki's dedication exemplified what it meant to be a medical ninja. Even amidst the crisis, his hands continued their work without pause.
"Don't just stand there. Set up a secluded area for basic emergency treatment. I'll have Nozuki bring over those in need. Staying here puts you at risk—the monster might be targeting me," Reiki reminded them, refocusing on treatment. The team nodded and moved a short distance away to work.
"Reiki? Where are the other medical ninjas?" Nozuki asked, returning with an injured soldier.
"I moved them to a safer area. The monster may be after me," Reiki explained. "Stay alert, and if a fight breaks out, help me immediately. My life is in your hands," he said with a light smile.
Nozuki's eyes widened. She knew the demon was free, but she didn't expect Reiki to acknowledge the danger so calmly.
"Don't worry. Our enemy isn't as formidable as you think. And Lady Maitreya will do her part, so trust in her," Reiki added, resuming his work. Nozuki hesitated but then disappeared into the field.
Soon, Shisui and Hatake Sakumo received the message.
"Reiki is confident, so we stick to his plan. We must trust our comrades," Sakumo said, continuing his search for the wounded.
"Has Reiki ever put his life in true jeopardy?" Shisui mused with a grin. They knew Reiki well. If things became genuinely dire, he'd be the first to retreat, faster than anyone else.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 520 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
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