Orochimaru paused, his thoughts swirling. Reiki's words had struck a nerve. Indeed, the operations he had orchestrated were designed to secure more experimental subjects, but Reiki's straightforward approach was out of character. Typically, one would need to decode Reiki's indirect hints. Did something urgent cross his mind just now?
Orochimaru, still tired from the intense treatment, found himself unable to pinpoint why Reiki's demeanor had changed so abruptly. Regardless, his body was now perfectly healed, and Reiki had shown no interest in discussing the assassination plot against Sarutobi Hiruzen. That was enough for him. Whatever Reiki intended to do next had nothing to do with him.
With a decision made, Orochimaru summoned a few small snakes and melted into the shadows. If Reiki disapproved of certain methods, Orochimaru would respect that. Maintaining their collaboration was far more valuable than any experimental gain. The healing services Reiki provided were unmatched, and Orochimaru needed him.
Back in Konoha, Reiki returned to Tsunade's courtyard.
"Senior Brother Reiki?" Shizune's drowsy voice called out. She rubbed her eyes, surprised to see him.
"Reiki-kun?" Kurenai Yūhi, now staying with Shizune, peeked out, equally puzzled. Ever since becoming close friends with Shizune, Kurenai had moved in to train with her.
"It's nothing. Go back to sleep," Reiki said, gently calming them. His soothing chakra touch helped lull them back into peaceful slumber.
Once they were asleep, Reiki set up a barrier and pulled out the scroll. "System, synthesis!" he whispered, activating his panel.
**[Special Fairy Land Fragments] [Synthesis Available]**
A smile crossed Reiki's face as he tapped the synthesis button. A glow enveloped the scroll, and moments later, a complete map appeared, intricate and ancient in design.
Yet as Reiki inspected it, confusion replaced his excitement. The details were foreign to him.
**[Time and Space Wonderland Map: Use to automatically locate and overlay onto current maps]**
Reiki let out a sigh of relief as he read the description. This would be invaluable for someone like him, known for his poor sense of direction. He took out a specially crafted map of the ninja world from his ninja tool bag—an S-rank mission he had issued under Tsunade's name to obtain a detailed, proportionate map.
"Overlay," he commanded.
The glowing map merged seamlessly with the special map, revealing a previously hidden location.
"The Land of Wind?" Reiki's eyes lit up. The Immortal Land lay within the territory of the Wind Country. Sunagakure, while formidable, was not as powerful as Kumogakure or Iwagakure, making this discovery even more exciting.
One spot on the map caught his attention: Loulan, its name shining brightly.
Loulan? Time and Space Wonderland? A sudden realization struck Reiki—Minato Namikaze had once undertaken a critical mission there. If the timeline aligned, that mission would happen soon. The dragon vein, said to control time and space...
His curiosity piqued, Reiki decided he would have to wait until Minato returned to Konoha to ask him about it. For now, he folded the map and resumed his training. Loulan was a powerful country, and as a Konoha ninja, he couldn't just march in and claim the dragon vein. Careful planning was essential.
---
The next morning, Reiki visited the hospital to find Tsunade.
"Minato's mission?" Tsunade's eyebrows lifted. The mission involving Minato and Kushina was top-secret, with far-reaching consequences for the village. She looked at Reiki with mild irritation. "Why do you want to know about that?"
"I need to ask Brother Minato to accompany me on an important mission," Reiki said, choosing his words carefully.
"A mission? Outside the village?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed. Usually, Reiki avoided missions beyond Konoha's walls, always finding reasons to stay. What had changed?
"It's about this..." Reiki pulled out a document detailing Loulan and handed it to her.
"Loulan? Isn't that in the Land of Wind? What does it have to do with Konoha?" Tsunade scanned the paper, her confusion deepening. She couldn't help but wonder where Reiki kept getting these sudden flashes of information.
"A few years ago, a man named An Lushan appeared in Loulan. He wasn't from this world," Reiki explained. "His goal was to harness the power of the dragon vein and create a puppet army capable of conquering the ninja world."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed as she took in Reiki's explanation. "Wait. Where did you get this information?" she demanded, cutting him off. She was done with vague answers; it was time for direct questions.
"Well, teacher..." Reiki hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "I've been working with the Sanada Chamber of Commerce. They helped gather intelligence on various matters..."
He had anticipated this moment and prepared his explanation in advance.
"The Sanada Chamber of Commerce? So you're saying you want Minato to join you on this mission?" Tsunade folded her arms, eyeing him skeptically. "Why not let them handle it? Why do you need to go?"
Tsunade's gaze turned playful, and Reiki felt a shiver run down his spine. She wasn't going to let him off easily.
---
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 550 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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