Hatake Sakumo and the others fell silent after hearing Reiki's words. It was rare to see Reiki with such a serious expression.
"Reiki, if things are too dangerous, we can return to the village now," Sakumo said with concern. "You've already pushed yourself to the limit."
Reiki glanced at Sakumo, appreciating the worry in his eyes. "I know, Uncle Sakumo, but there's something I need to confirm."
"If you're going, we're going too," Shisui interrupted, stepping forward with a reassuring smile. "We're partners, aren't we?"
"Exactly. Don't think you're leaving us behind," Nozuki added, her smile bright and unwavering.
Sakumo looked at the three of them and couldn't help but chuckle. His caution was always based on safety, but he realized youth thrived on risk.
"Reiki, share what you know," Sakumo said, turning serious. "We need a plan."
"This situation involves the Sage of Six Paths," Reiki began. "He left behind several weapons capable of world destruction. One of these is what we're dealing with now: the Box of Misery—Sleep."
"The Sage of Six Paths?" Shisui repeated, eyes widening. "The Box of Misery?"
"Yes," Reiki said. "The Sage of Six Paths was one of the first to master chakra and spread its teachings across the world. He founded ninjutsu and created powerful seals. The weapon we face is one of those remnants."
Reiki quickly explained the nature of the weapon and its capabilities.
"You all understand?" he asked, noticing their blank expressions.
"We understand… somewhat," Nozuki said. "But how do you know all this?"
Shisui nodded. "These are ancient secrets, Reiki. You're not even nine years old."
Reiki felt a hint of embarrassment. "On a past mission to the Land of Grass, I treated an elderly man who didn't have the money to pay me. Instead, he gave me a scroll. When I read it, the scroll disintegrated into dust."
The explanation left the others staring in stunned silence.
"I see," Nozuki said, still a bit uncertain. "But, if this was the Sage of Six Paths' weapon, do we really stand a chance against it?"
"The entity's body is already destroyed and sealed by Lady Maitreya," Reiki said. "This is our best chance to finish it off before it recovers any strength."
Sakumo nodded. "Reiki makes sense. If we delay, it might become an even bigger threat."
"Wouldn't it be incredible to face off against something tied to the Sage of Six Paths?" Shisui said with excitement.
Sakumo took a breath and nodded. "If Lady Maitreya holds any crucial information, we need to speak to her. If she refuses, we'll leave it at that. Is that acceptable, Reiki?"
Reiki nodded. "Yes. Let's go."
The four vanished into the night, heading back to Fengcheng.
At that moment, Maitreya stood in her courtyard, her body exhausted from sealing the demon. Now, her focus was on giving birth to the child she carried. She had never wanted to pass on the burden of protecting the world, but fate had a different plan.
A black line, like a shadowy root, coiled around her arm. It pulsed ominously, a reminder of the demon's lingering chakra. Maitreya frowned, knowing that this was the cause of her earlier physical issues.
When Reiki treated her before, his attention had been on purging the demon's chakra. But within the statue, a dark force had hidden itself, unnoticed by Reiki during the treatment. Maitreya's body had temporarily recovered, enough for the treatment to seem successful.
"Maybe this is my fate," she whispered. "If you want my body, you'll have to wait."
With a determined look, Maitreya formed a seal, preparing to suppress the entity further.
"Lady Maitreya!" Reiki's voice called out from outside.
Startled, she lowered her hands. "Reiki? You're back…"
"Yes, and as a medical ninja, I'm here because you're unwell," Reiki said with a smile.
Maitreya's eyes welled with tears. He was so sincere, so willing to help even after all that had happened.
"No, I—" Maitreya began, but Reiki was already at her side, grasping her arm gently.
"I'm a medical ninja, Lady Maitreya. If I say you're sick, then you are," Reiki said, his expression firm.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 520 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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