---
After hearing Namikaze Minato's proposal regarding mission rewards, Tsunade couldn't help but feel a bit self-critical for her earlier suspicions.
"Alright," she finally said, managing a smile. "Once you're officially Hokage, we'll proceed with your ideas. For now, I have a mission to prepare for."
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama," Minato replied, his bright and polite demeanor easing any lingering tension.
As Tsunade left the Hokage's office, she decided to delay informing Jiraiya and Orochimaru about the upcoming journey. Instead, she headed toward the hospital.
---
**At the hospital.**
Tsunade found Reiki in a ward, busily treating a patient. As always, he was fully immersed in his work. Seeing her arrive, Reiki gestured to her as if to say, **"Just give me a moment."**
Tsunade waited patiently as Reiki finished the treatment. After half an hour, he wiped the sweat from his brow and approached her.
"Teacher, what brings you here?" Reiki asked curiously, knowing how much was on Tsunade's plate these days.
"In five days, we'll accompany the acting Hokage to the Daimyo's mansion," Tsunade explained. "This could also give you an opportunity to discuss Yucun with the Daimyo."
"Really? Alright, I'll prepare for it," Reiki said. Then, looking at the clock, he added, "If there's nothing else, I still have several patients to treat."
Tsunade followed him as he moved toward another ward. "Recently, I've noticed an increase in the number of injuries," she remarked. "What's your take on it?"
"While it might not mean much, I've noticed similarities in the injuries across different patients," Reiki said absentmindedly. "They weren't injured at the same time, so it's likely someone is deliberately targeting Konoha. Investigations have already been initiated."
Tsunade's tone turned cold. "The hired ninja from Kakuzu's organization—does this have anything to do with you?"
Reiki froze for a moment before stammering, "I... uh…"
"Save it," Tsunade interrupted. "We'll talk tonight." With that, she left the hospital.
Reiki scratched his head, realizing he had let too much slip. However, with more patients waiting, he quickly resumed his work.
---
**That evening.**
Reiki returned to the courtyard, where Tsunade was waiting. A meal had been prepared, but she gestured for him to speak first.
"Alright, let's get this over with," Reiki began. "I founded the Awakening Organization. Kakuzu and his associates are part of it. The organization is relatively new, and its members are mercenaries motivated by profit."
Tsunade listened intently, her disbelief clear. Despite knowing Reiki's capabilities, the idea of him leading a group of high-level hired ninjas seemed surreal.
"Are they reliable?" she finally asked, her concern evident.
"They're bound by contracts, resources, and the promise of significant rewards," Reiki replied confidently. "They won't betray me. The Sanada Chamber of Commerce alone generates enough wealth to maintain their loyalty."
Tsunade sighed but let the matter drop. "Alright, let's talk about the Daimyo's mansion. What's your plan?"
Reiki smirked. "The Daimyo and his wife have health issues. As a medical ninja, I can easily build rapport with them."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "The Daimyo is unwell?"
Reiki grinned mischievously. "Teacher, I'm a medical ninja. If I say there's something wrong, then there's something wrong."
Tsunade shook her head, recognizing his playful yet cunning nature.
---
**Five days later.**
Namikaze Minato led the team out of Konoha. Alongside him were Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Reiki, and Kushina (disguised using a transformation jutsu). Their departure was quiet and discreet, with all of them assuming the identities of ordinary jōnin.
---
**In a hidden basement in the Land of Fire.**
"Minato Namikaze has left Konoha, accompanied by Reiki and four other jōnin," reported a masked figure to Black Zetsu. "They seem to be heading to the Daimyo's mansion for Minato's official appointment as Hokage."
Black Zetsu's eyes gleamed. "So, they've finally left the village. Increase the bounty on their heads and leak their location to mercenary groups. Arrange for some of our organization's stronger members to ambush them after they leave the Daimyo's mansion."
He then sank into the ground, muttering, "Perhaps I can turn Reiki into my next pawn."
Soon, the black market was flooded with bounty notices:
- **Reiki:** 50 million ryo. *Identity: Konoha medical ninja.*
- **Namikaze Minato:** 90 million ryo. *Identity: Konoha's acting Hokage.*
The high bounty on Reiki surprised many. Despite being a medical ninja, his connection to Tsunade and potential access to her medical secrets made him a valuable target.
---
**In a small wooden house.**
Kakuzu sat at a table covered with information about the bounties. Nearby, his partner Teita frowned.
"Kakuzu, you're not seriously considering going after our leader, are you?" Teita asked nervously.
Kakuzu glanced at the bounty posters. "A good bounty is hard to ignore," he said, his tone unreadable.