After a simple meal, the team rested. Their journey had been filled with unexpected battles, and while Reiki's healing kept them free of injuries, fatigue was beginning to take its toll. Tomorrow's mission in Rouran was critical, so a good night's sleep was essential.
Late into the night, Reiki lay on the grass, gazing at the stars. Almost two years had passed since he arrived in this world, and his life had been more exhilarating than the twenty-odd years he'd experienced before. The excitement, the challenges—it was a life he'd grown to love. A smile crossed his face as he realized how deeply he'd become a part of this world.
"Can't sleep?" Minato's voice broke through the stillness, and Reiki turned to see his teacher standing nearby with a warm smile.
"Not really, just lost in thought," Reiki admitted. "Brother Minato, it's strange, but I feel a presence in Rouran that's almost identical to yours. Do you sense it too?"
Minato's smile faded into a contemplative look. "I thought it was just my imagination. You feel it too?"
Reiki chuckled, his mind racing. He remembered the anomaly from the story—a certain blond boy from the future. "Yeah, we'll find out tomorrow," he said, closing his eyes with a smirk. The thought of Uzumaki Naruto being here intrigued him. Considering Reiki's presence and how the timeline might have shifted, this Naruto might be different. Perhaps he even knew Minato.
Sleep overcame them, and the camp was silent for the rest of the night.
***
The next day, the team of four disguised themselves and entered Rouran. The city was full of life, with people bustling about and the air buzzing with excitement. The advanced puppet technology was evident in the mechas that moved seamlessly through the city, aiding with daily chores and safety.
"Are these puppets?" Obito's eyes widened, sparkling with awe. "They're amazing!"
A kind man passing by noticed Obito's excitement and smiled. "Yes, these are the puppets designed by Master An Lushan. They've made life in Rouran easier and safer. Thanks to them, we have such a prosperous city."
"Do you all like An Lushan?" Reiki asked, genuinely curious.
"Of course! And if you're visitors, you should come to the Queen's speech today. It's thanks to her leadership and Master An Lushan's efforts that we're all so happy," the man said before heading towards the central square.
"Reiki, looks like we're on the right track," Kakashi said, his eyes scanning the puppets. "To most, these puppets seem like simple tools. But if they're armed, they could become highly destructive weapons."
Reiki nodded. Kakashi's perceptiveness was unmatched, unlike Obito and Rin, who still approached things with youthful innocence.
"Let's head to the square and see this queen for ourselves," Reiki said, leading the way.
They found a vantage point on a rooftop overlooking the square, where the crowd was growing by the minute. The excitement in the air was palpable, and it was clear that Queen Sara was genuinely adored.
"It's impressive," Rin said, taking in the crowd. "The people truly love her."
Reiki's gaze shifted to the high platform, where a red-haired girl stepped out. His breath caught when he saw the familiar blond boy beside her. It was Naruto.
"So, he really did come here," Reiki thought, suppressing a grin. This was perfect. With Naruto here, the mission's success was practically guaranteed. After all, he was the protagonist.
"Reiki, look," Obito pointed out. "That boy next to the queen… he looks like Brother Minato!"
Kakashi squinted, noticing the resemblance as well. "It's uncanny. He has the same eyes."
Reiki bit his lip, trying not to laugh. Obito had unknowingly called Naruto his "big brother," not realizing he was talking about Minato's own son.
Suddenly, the group's focus shifted as they noticed suspicious puppets at the base of the platform. They moved subtly but were clearly undermining the platform's structure.
"I see them," Reiki said. "Those puppets are An Lushan's doing."
"Should we intervene?" Rin asked.
"No, not yet," Reiki replied. This was Naruto's moment, a part of the timeline he wouldn't disrupt. Instead, he scanned the crowd. There were civilians mixed with potential enemies, and if things went south, it would be an excellent opportunity to gain experience through healing.
The queen's speech began. Sara spoke earnestly, without the practiced grandeur of someone like Sarutobi Hiruzen, but with a heartfelt sincerity that resonated with the people.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 590 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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