After regaining some strength, Reiki slowly sat up. He held out his hands and began to heal the injuries across his body. Though they weren't serious, the pain was still sharp.
Reiki glanced at Shisui, who was nursing his own bruises. He had initially felt sorry for Shisui, but upon hearing that Shisui laughed while he was getting beaten by Tsunade, Reiki thought, *Well, he deserved it.*
After finishing his treatment, Reiki looked at Shisui. "You deserved that, you know."
"Yeah, yeah," Shisui replied, a smirk playing on his lips as he winced. "But at least I didn't get beaten as badly as you."
Both of them chuckled lightly and stood up, heading into the house.
"Go and cook!" Tsunade's voice, still holding an edge of irritation, greeted them as they stepped in.
"Yes, ma'am!" they answered in unison, making their way to the kitchen.
"Reiki-kun!"
"Brother Reiki!" Shizune and Kurenai Yuhi were already in the kitchen, and they had set out the ingredients for him.
"Thanks, Shizune, Kurenai," Reiki said. "Shizune, help me keep an eye on Shisui. Make sure he doesn't touch anything. Kurenai, help me prep the vegetables."
Reiki knew from experience that letting Shisui anywhere near the kitchen was asking for trouble. The man could manage ration pills, but anything beyond that and he turned into a culinary catastrophe.
Soon, delicious aromas wafted through the house as Reiki brought out dish after dish.
**After Dinner**
Tsunade fixed Reiki with a serious look. "Reiki, I hope this is the first and last time. If you trust your teammates, then trust them completely. Don't face dangers alone. Your partners are alive and willing to stand by you for a reason. Remember that."
Reiki met her gaze and nodded. "Yes, Sensei. There won't be a next time."
He then stood up, turned to Nozuki, and bowed deeply. "Nozuki, I'm sorry. I should have trusted you more. There won't be a next time."
To show his sincerity, Reiki pulled out piles of potions and ninja tools. His apology was practical, as always.
Nozuki's eyes widened, but she quickly broke into a smile. "Alright, I forgive you. But there better not be a next time."
"Hey, what about me?" Shisui interjected, feigning indignation. "I took just as many hits for you. Don't I deserve something too?"
Laughter filled the room, lightening the mood and dispelling the lingering tension.
**In the Hokage's Office**
"Hokage-sama, Minato Namikaze and Uchiha Fugaku have grown quite close lately. Danzo has taken notice and started making moves. Should we intervene?" An Anbu operative reported to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, a small smile forming. "No, this aligns with my plans. Let them strengthen their bond. It will keep Danzo occupied. Speaking of which, any updates on Orochimaru?"
"Orochimaru-sama has been taking on C and B-rank escort missions, frequently leaving the village. Surveillance hasn't revealed any suspicious behavior. When he is here, he trains or stays at home."
Hiruzen nodded, a shadow of worry crossing his face. Orochimaru was still his apprentice and former candidate for Hokage. "I see. You're dismissed. Have Morishita report to me."
The Anbu operative vanished, and Hiruzen turned back to the paperwork on his desk, most of which were reports from the field. The state of the ninja world brought a satisfied smile to his lips. Konoha's development was leading, bolstered by the potions developed by Tsunade and Reiki, and by Hiruzen's diplomatic measures that had reduced conflicts.
Soon, Morishita appeared. "You called for me, Lord Hokage?"
"Yes. Keep an eye on Reiki's activities. I don't mean surveillance—just keep me informed about who he's interacting with."
Morishita raised an eyebrow. "Reiki? Understood."
In Hiruzen's mind, Reiki wasn't a threat, but his actions often reflected Tsunade's will. He wanted to gauge her stance on Konoha's future.
With Morishita gone, Hiruzen began preparing a speech to emphasize the strength and prosperity Konoha had achieved under his leadership. Such speeches were crucial for inspiring the younger generation with the Will of Fire.
**The Next Day**
Hiruzen's speeches were announced:
- [Speech at the Ninja Academy]
- [Village-wide Address]
Reiki, meanwhile, was too busy to care about speeches. After his long absence, he was determined to make up for lost time. He threw himself into work at the orphanage, the ninja academy, the hospital, and even at the compounds of the major clans, offering treatments and gaining valuable experience. Ninjas returning from missions even began booking appointments with him in advance.
**A Month Later**
At the orphanage training ground, a group of children over the age of eight stood in formation. The training area had been completed under Reiki's supervision, and the orphanage itself had been renovated.
Younger children watched from the sidelines, envious but eager for their turn. Only those who had passed the genin assessment could train on the new grounds.
Reiki looked at the group, pride swelling in his chest. Months ago, these children had little hope for the future. Now, they stood ready and determined, proof of what a dedicated medical ninja and pharmacist could achieve.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 520 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
Also, leave a review FFS