The Sanada Chamber of Commerce had gained significant status in the ninja world due to its profitable potion business, and its power was on the rise. However, the new venture into the employment business made President Sanada uneasy. The black market was notorious, and any attempts to encroach on its domain, especially in money exchange operations, came with severe risks.
"What, is the black market untouchable?" Reiki asked, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. "With money exchanges already out there, running a few ourselves shouldn't be a problem. Is the money I left with you not enough?"
President Sanada shook his head. "There's enough, and we're still profiting from the potion sales. But... you'd better see this for yourself." Sanada pulled out a large stack of documents from the carriage behind him.
Reiki flipped through them, noting each mission report.
"In Hidden Cloud Village, Steger's team of four targeted Konoha's Inuzuka Claw team and was captured—Kakuzu. A hired group of ten ninjas attempted to ambush Akimichi Choza's team and were captured—Kakuzu. Wandering ninjas..."
Page after page detailed Kakuzu's involvement in intercepting missions. Some of the entries bore names that Reiki had never encountered before, and many of them appeared to be fabricated identities. The pattern became clear: wherever Konoha's teams traveled, there were always people trying to ambush them, often orchestrated through dubious means.
"I understand," Reiki said finally. "I'll handle these matters. President Sanada, I hope there's no betrayal on your part. We've worked together for too long for that."
Sanada watched as Reiki drove the carriage away, releasing a long sigh of relief once he was out of sight.
"Reiki is just a young medical ninja, yet..." Sanada muttered, feeling the immense pressure the boy projected. It was a pressure that even he, a veteran Chamber of Commerce president, found suffocating.
"President," came a voice. A dozen ninjas emerged from the shadows, all members of the Sanada Chamber of Commerce's private guard.
"Let's head back. And remember, if Reiki needs any help, you are to follow my orders without question," Sanada instructed. "It's time to rectify some issues within the Chamber of Commerce."
With the rapid expansion of the Sanada Chamber of Commerce's power, internal divisions and distractions were inevitable. Sanada knew he had to act decisively to prevent any missteps that could lead to their downfall.
---
Meanwhile, Reiki had reached a secluded riverbank.
"Lord Orochimaru, choosing such a hidden place for our meeting suggests you have something significant to share," Reiki said with a smile, taking out a fishing rod from the carriage and settling down to fish.
"You could say that," Orochimaru responded, his expression unreadable. "But that's not my main reason for seeing you. There's an issue with my body."
Reiki's brows lifted in surprise. "Lord Orochimaru, you're practically falling apart. Why come to me for treatment now?" he asked, turning to scrutinize Orochimaru curiously. The Sannin, as a scientist, surely understood the state of his body better than anyone. So why now?
"Yes," Orochimaru admitted. "I need your healing skills. But... are you willing?" His voice was steady, but there was an edge of urgency.
Reiki's eyes widened, and he couldn't suppress a grin. "Lord Orochimaru, your body's been deteriorating for ages. Why wait until now for treatment?"
"I've been too focused on my research to spare the time for self-care," Orochimaru explained. "The experiments, along with the support from your potions, have kept me going. But the toll on my body... it's catching up to me faster than expected."
Reiki shook his head, marveling at the irony. "Of course, Lord Orochimaru. As a medical ninja, helping others is part of my way of the ninja. Let's begin."
Reiki placed his hands on Orochimaru, sensing the extent of his condition. His eyes widened in shock.
"I'm aware of my state, Reiki. If you can't fix it, at least stabilize me long enough for me to find an alternative. Wait... why are you shaking?" Orochimaru asked, noticing Reiki's reaction.
"It's fine," Reiki replied, regaining his composure. "Let's get started."
Orochimaru's body had been exposed to countless toxic substances from his experiments, leading to severe organ damage and failure. His internal organs were decaying, on the brink of collapse. There were also numerous issues within his chakra pathways, each minor but collectively problematic.
Reiki focused, channeling healing energy through his hands and using his medical expertise, enhanced by the mystical properties of his potions. The process was long and arduous, extending late into the night. By the end, Reiki was exhausted but satisfied with the work he had done.
"Lord Orochimaru, I need to rest now," Reiki said, breathing heavily. "Did you bring what I asked for?"
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Up to Chapter 550 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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