After their encounter with Kaguya, Reiki and his team returned to the special training camp.
Previously, many ninjas saw the camp as merely an opportunity to access better medicines and training resources. However, their battle against Otsutsuki Ishiki had changed their perspective.
That overwhelming experience of helplessness against an insurmountable foe deeply stung their pride. Now, no instructor needed to push them; they trained relentlessly, driven by their own determination.
The Camp's Unyielding Spirit
"1,000 laps! If I can't do that, I'll do another 10 push-ups! If I can't do 10 push-ups, I'll do sit-ups!"
Might Guy's shouts echoed through the camp as he pushed himself beyond his limits. Even among those striving to surpass themselves, he stood out as a relentless force of energy.
In this camp of overachievers, Might Guy remained the undisputed king of effort.
The Instructors' Meeting
In the conference room, the instructors gathered to discuss the progress and issues of the special training camp. Present were:
Tsunade Orochimaru Jiraiya Hatake Sakumo Ai Killer Bee Garura Yashamaru Akatsuchi
Reiki, as the head of the medical team, was also present. Shisui, newly promoted to instructor after awakening his Mangekyō Sharingan, was there as well.
Hatake Sakumo initiated the meeting.
"This meeting is to address the state of our special training. While basic training no longer needs our supervision, and progress is undeniable with abundant resources and medicines, there's something missing here," he said, looking at the room expectantly.
Differing Perspectives
"Missing? I don't see a problem," Garura replied. "The children in Sunagakure are improving rapidly—more than I ever thought possible. If anything, I worry they're pushing themselves too far."
Reiki stepped in to address her concern.
"Don't worry about overexertion, Lady Garura. With our medical team, any issues can be treated immediately. Additionally, Konoha has developed recovery potions and vitality elixirs that address such concerns."
He refrained from pointing out the obvious: most of the trainees were benefiting from resources and guidance they wouldn't normally have. Their potential was largely manufactured, dependent on these unique conditions.
The Real Problem
"No, the issue Hatake Sakumo mentioned isn't about potential," Ai interjected.
"It's about combat experience," he said, earning nods from Akatsuchi.
Bubble added, "Our current model allows for rapid strength improvement, but it creates another problem—a lack of crisis awareness. They've never truly faced life-or-death situations."
Hatake Sakumo elaborated, "In the past, ninjas gained experience during missions. These missions often involved crises that demanded quick thinking, strategy, and pushing beyond one's limits.
"But now, with an efficient medical team ensuring safety, they lack that pressure. Battles are treated as stepping stones to more resources, not life-or-death struggles. Without real battle instincts, they won't develop into true ninjas."
The Challenge of Finding Enemies
Yashamaru voiced his concern.
"Where do we find such enemies? We can't have them attacking small villages or harming civilians just for experience."
The room fell silent.
The establishment of the Ninja Alliance had significantly reduced conflicts. Villages that once fought each other were now allies. Even Amegakure, previously a hotbed of unrest, had joined under Yahiko's leadership. Smaller villages, like those from the Land of Stars and the Land of Taki, were also aligning with the Alliance.
Simply put, there weren't many enemies left to fight.
Reiki's Proposal
"Well, I can provide that experience," Reiki said, raising his hand.
All eyes turned to him, curious and skeptical.
"What do you mean by that, Reiki?" Jiraiya asked, narrowing his eyes.
Reiki scratched his head sheepishly. "During one of my missions, I came into contact with an underground organization of hired ninjas. I decided to set up my own hiring group—Kue—which operates out of Rouran.
"They've been doing excavation work in Rouran, but they could serve as opponents for the trainees."
"Excavation work?!" Tsunade exclaimed, incredulous. "You're telling me you hired ninjas to dig?"
"Reiki," Orochimaru said, his tone skeptical but intrigued, "do you truly think hired ninjas could challenge these trainees?"
The Plan Takes Shape
Reiki smiled confidently. "The hired ninjas I've recruited aren't ordinary mercenaries. They include rogue ninjas and warriors with unique abilities.
"By offering them specific missions, we can create scenarios that mimic real-life threats. These hired ninjas will provide the pressure our trainees need to sharpen their instincts and strategies in actual combat.
"Of course, we'll carefully monitor and control the challenges to ensure they're effective without being fatal."
The instructors exchanged glances.
While unconventional, Reiki's proposal held merit. The trainees desperately needed real combat experience, and this approach offered a way to provide it without creating unnecessary conflicts or harming innocents.
Moving Forward
After a moment of silence, Tsunade sighed and nodded.
"All right, Reiki. Let's see what this 'Kue' of yours can offer. But we'll need to carefully oversee these operations. If your hired ninjas get out of hand, you'll answer for it."
"Understood," Reiki said with a grin.
As the meeting concluded, the instructors left with renewed determination. The special training camp was about to take on a whole new level of intensity, one that would prepare its trainees for the harsh realities of being a ninja.