Chapter 23: **Chapter 23: Two Girls Meet, and the Boy Comes to Their Door**
Upon arriving at the hospital, Reiki found Shizune already there, waiting.
"Reiki-kun, you're early too! Here, I brought you breakfast." She handed him a warm meal with a cheerful smile.
Reiki accepted it gratefully. The breakfast from Kurenai earlier hadn't been enough; Asuma had bought it based on Kurenai's appetite, which didn't meet Reiki's increased food needs after his training.
After finishing his second breakfast, Reiki took Shizune along on their rounds, earning more experience throughout the day. By afternoon, he had accumulated a solid amount of chakra and proficiency, though no rare items had appeared. But Reiki understood—these kinds of rewards were random, and special items would be rare for a reason. Even if he did get several powerful tools at once, he would need time to truly master them.
"Reiki-kun, Lady Tsunade invited me over tonight. Let's head back together," Shizune suggested with a smile as she packed up.
"Sounds good," Reiki replied, smiling as they walked out of the hospital together.
---
As they stepped outside, a familiar voice called out, "Reiki-kun!"
Reiki turned to see Kurenai Yuhi standing there.
"Kurenai? Are you hurt?" he asked, a bit confused. The system hadn't alerted him to any injuries, so why was she at the hospital?
"Reiki, could you help mentor me? I want to become an excellent ninja," she said shyly, then added with a hint of jealousy, "Oh, and who is this?"
Kurenai's eyes darted to Shizune, clearly surprised to see her there. She had intended to get closer to Reiki by asking for mentorship, proud that she was the first to give him breakfast. But now, seeing Shizune by his side, her competitive streak flared up.
"Oh, this is Shizune, my junior in medical ninjutsu. She studies with me under Lady Tsunade," Reiki explained.
Kurenai's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Shizune picked up on Kurenai's reaction immediately and, without hesitation, politely declined on Reiki's behalf. "Sorry, we're heading home now to help prepare dinner for Lady Tsunade, so we won't have time for training."
Reiki remained oblivious to the undercurrent of rivalry between the two girls, though he sensed some tension. Determined, Kurenai announced, "Then I'll come to help with dinner too!"
Obito, who happened to be passing by, witnessed the scene and shook his head in awe. "Reiki really is amazing. I have to start training harder!" he thought, setting off with new resolve.
However, Asuma, who was also "passing by," clenched his teeth in frustration. "This guy already has such a cute junior, and now he's trying to charm Kurenai too?" Fuming, Asuma decided he wouldn't give up so easily, even if he had to find another way to compete.
---
Meanwhile, back at Tsunade's house, Reiki was busy preparing dinner. Shizune and Kurenai had offered to help, but neither had much experience in the kitchen. After fumbling with the knives and ingredients, they stood awkwardly to the side, watching as Reiki effortlessly handled the meal prep.
Nawaki walked by and noticed the two girls standing with flushed cheeks and puzzled expressions.
"Sis, is that Shizune?" he asked Tsunade. "And isn't that Kurenai Yuhi? What are they doing here?"
Tsunade chuckled. "Nawaki, remember when I told you if you ever like a girl, don't hesitate to go for it? Or to consider if someone might have feelings for you?" She had initially planned to point out Reiki's popularity proudly but suddenly felt a twinge of annoyance as she thought of her own brother's lack of a girlfriend.
"What? How did this get back to me?" Nawaki protested, though he knew she was probably right.
Meanwhile, Reiki finished cooking and invited everyone to eat. Though Kurenai hadn't helped much, Tsunade insisted she stay for dinner. The meal was a hit, and Kurenai's face lit up with joy.
"Reiki-kun, this food is amazing!" Kurenai exclaimed, visibly impressed. Shizune, equally enchanted, ate quietly but appreciatively, though she tried to remain more composed.
After dinner, Reiki offered to walk Kurenai home. When they reached her doorstep, she turned to him with determination. "I'll learn how to cook too, Reiki! Someday, I'll make something delicious for you to try."
Reiki chuckled and nodded, accepting her offer with a smile.
---
On his way back, Reiki sensed a presence following him. He stopped in a quiet clearing and called out, "Come on out."
Uchiha Obito sheepishly emerged from the shadows.
"Obito? What's going on?"
Obito hesitated, then bowed deeply. "Reiki, please let me train with you!"
Reiki looked at him, surprised by his earnestness. "Alright, what exactly do you want to practice?"
Obito raised his head, his eyes shining with determination. "Teach me how to impress a girl!"
Reiki was momentarily speechless. *Wait, he's here for this?*
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