Nozuki sat weakly at the table, lifting a bowl of porridge to her lips.
"Reiki, if something like this happens again, don't let me get involved. I'm so anxious now..." she admitted, discomfort flashing across her face. The burden of secrecy was torturous for her.
"Okay," Reiki replied simply, not refuting her.
"No, it doesn't sit right with me that you're going on missions behind my back," she insisted. "Reiki, you have to come up with a plan. Let's go now…"
"No!" Reiki interrupted firmly, concerned about Nozuki's straightforward nature. She reminded him of Minato in that regard.
Just then, Minato entered, a familiar face with telltale panda eyes. "Reiki, you guys head to the training ground. I have to go there too. Let's go together," he said, and Reiki was relieved; it seemed he wasn't the only one lacking sleep.
"Brother Minato, come join us for breakfast!" Reiki called out. "Sister Kushina is here too, so let's all eat together."
At the mention of her name, Minato turned to look outside, where a flash of bright red hair caught his eye.
"Reiki, I heard you can treat mental problems. I think Minato might need some treatment," Kushina chimed in, her voice serious and her eyes filled with concern.
"Alright, I'll take care of him after breakfast," Reiki assured, and he promptly brought out another batch of porridge.
---
After they finished eating, Reiki used his chakra to treat Nozuki and Minato, alleviating the tension in their nerves.
Soon, the group made their way to the training ground, where they found Hatake Sakumo already present.
To Reiki's surprise, Orochimaru was also there, a figure he greeted politely.
"Master Orochimaru," Reiki said, amused at the stark contrast between his polished demeanor and the more chaotic elements of the ninja world.
"Reiki, do you really not want to be my disciple?" Orochimaru asked with a smile that lacked the malice many associated with him.
Reiki chuckled. "I'll have to check with my teacher first. If she agrees, I won't refuse," he joked before heading toward the medical area.
Orochimaru exchanged quiet words with Hatake Sakumo, and soon Reiki understood Orochimaru's presence—he was there to participate in the upcoming training session.
The idea of training with two renowned ninjas from the Second Shinobi World War thrilled many. The training promised not just numerical improvement but a holistic enhancement of combat capabilities.
---
After the training, as the first wave of participants left, Orochimaru stayed behind, waiting for Reiki.
"Are you heading back?" Orochimaru inquired, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"No, I have more practice to do! Shizune will prepare a meal for us later. We're heading to the Uchiha training ground for actual combat training," Reiki replied, not hiding his plans.
"Am I welcome to watch?" Orochimaru asked, intrigued.
Reiki nodded. "Of course. Shisui, go call someone. We'll wait for you at the training ground. I bet Obito is already there."
With that, Roy and Nozuki departed, Orochimaru trailing behind them.
---
Upon arriving at the Uchiha training ground, Orochimaru was taken aback. "So many people?" he remarked, surprised to see a large group of young ninjas training together.
Typically, a genius like Reiki would train in isolation, given his skill level. But here were the likes of Uchiha Shisui and Namikaze Minato, and even others like Might Guy and Obito, who were not as notable.
As they fought one-on-one, Orochimaru observed their intensity. Kakashi had surpassed some Genin, showing potential for battlefield readiness. Might Guy, despite lacking ninjutsu skills, displayed extraordinary physical prowess. Obito, though naive, performed well in battle.
His previous assumptions about their abilities were clearly wrong.
"Are they… treating injuries during training?" Orochimaru soon realized, noticing how the participants trained with little regard for their safety, encouraged by Reiki's medical ninjutsu that allowed them to recover quickly and continue.
This realization sparked Orochimaru's interest. Such training could yield valuable insights into the limits of ninja endurance.
The combat training lasted until ten o'clock, and everyone left with smiles, eager to share their successes rather than complain about the rigorous session.
"Lord Orochimaru, would you like to join us for a meal?" Reiki asked, his tone friendly as he approached Orochimaru once more.
"No, I have matters to attend to," Orochimaru replied, a rare warmth in his voice. "Reiki, you're impressive."
With that, Orochimaru vanished, leaving Reiki to ponder the enigmatic figure.
Shortly after, Minato approached, his face tinged with concern. "Reiki, you and Lord Orochimaru…"
"It's nothing too serious, at least for now," Reiki reassured him, recognizing the worry in Minato's eyes. There was no need to divulge more; some secrets were best kept.
"Let's go," he said, urging them forward as they left the training ground behind, the challenges ahead waiting to be faced.
>>>>>
Gimme Power stones I'm Poor
*Inside the Hokage's Office*
"Is this the training method you had in mind?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the scroll in his hand and turned to Orochimaru with curiosity. This guy rarely involved himself in the village's ninja training. This time, he'd been forced into it because he wanted to boost Hatake Sakumo's reputation. And now, what Orochimaru brought over genuinely surprised Hiruzen.
This training method was undoubtedly the fastest way to improve the strength of ninjas. But it didn't seem like something Orochimaru would normally endorse…
"No."
"Tsunade's disciple, Reiki...they're conducting this kind of training now."
"I went to check it out today. Whether it's the training effects or the trainer's mentality, everything is excellent. Not only can we allow them to practice combat and real battle techniques early on, but we can also accomplish Tsunade's previous proposal."
Orochimaru pointed out the advantages. Even though he'd gotten this from Reiki for free, he was still able to promote it to the whole village. Such was the advantage of status.
"I'll leave this matter to you; I won't be involved."
"Orochimaru, have you really thought about taking this position?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen put away the scroll and stared at Orochimaru intently.
"To be honest, I don't want this position. But…if Hokage-sama needs it, I'll do it."
Orochimaru left his answer ambiguous, then turned and vanished from sight. Watching him leave, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. Yes, he already knew Orochimaru's answer.
"Danzo...some things have gone too far…"
After speaking, Sarutobi Hiruzen pulled out a classified document.
"Lord Hokage!"
An ANBU member appeared in front of him.
"Take this document to Jiraiya and tell him it must be done."
After Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke, he took a deep puff on his cigarette.
---
*One Week Later*
"Teacher."
Reiki, who had just returned home from morning exercise, saw Tsunade sitting in the yard.
"Thank you, Reiki!"
Before Reiki could say anything, Tsunade hugged him tightly. The pressure was almost suffocating; Reiki could barely breathe, let alone resist.
"Teacher, you…what's going on…"
Reiki could only speak in broken gasps, fearing he'd run out of air before he could catch his breath.
"Most of it has been recovered, although some things are still missing. But...it's already good."
At that moment, Tsunade looked like a helpless child.
"Teacher, it'll be alright. You haven't eaten the breakfasts I've made in days. Did you miss it? I'll make something for you."
Reiki quickly changed the topic and led Tsunade into the living room.
After making breakfast, Tsunade's emotional turmoil had eased. She just watched Reiki with a smile.
"Teacher, what is it? Are you ready to tell me?"
Reiki placed a bowl of noodles in front of her, his curiosity piqued.
"What would you think if I wanted to become Hokage?" Tsunade asked suddenly.
"Hokage!?"
Reiki was stunned. Tsunade did indeed become Hokage in the original timeline, but as the Fifth. Could his presence in this world have inspired her to become Hokage earlier?
He wasn't considering Minato's position just yet, but Hiruzen Sarutobi would never willingly let Tsunade become Hokage, whether out of ambition or fear. After all, he was involved in the downfall of the Senju clan.
"Am I really not suitable?" Tsunade wondered aloud. "I know that, whether it's my personality or my experience, this position probably isn't for me. But...I still want it…"
Tsunade stared at the noodles before her, lost in thought.
"If you want to go for it, Teacher, I'll support you fully!" Reiki said with firm resolve. He'd traveled to this world, so why not change things?
And although Reiki's strength might not be the greatest help, he had confidence in his knowledge. After all, he'd come here with memories of his previous life.
"Thank you… Reiki, it's not about the title of Hokage. I want to recover my grandfather's body."
After Tsunade finished speaking, she lifted a strand of noodles and took a bite.
Reiki froze, suddenly understanding why Tsunade was so moved. The body of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama! This was a superpowerful relic in the ninja world.
Whether Danzo's transplantation of Hashirama's cells to control numerous Sharingan or Uchiha Madara's Rinnegan triggered by Hashirama's cells, both pointed to one fact: Hashirama's cells were incredibly powerful!
Reiki had been curious before; shouldn't the First's body have been buried? Orochimaru's reincarnation technique should have required a proper grave. But thinking about it now, Orochimaru probably had already obtained Hashirama's body samples when he transplanted the cells into Danzo...
Tsunade's desire to be Hokage was driven by her determination to reclaim Senju Hashirama's body.
"Teacher, if you trust me, leave this matter to Master Jiraiya. He's also a candidate."
"Jiraiya?"
Hearing his name, Tsunade grew skeptical. Of all people, Jiraiya seemed the least reliable. Despite being a shadow-level powerhouse, he never settled down to practice or contribute to the village's tasks seriously. He was always out 'gathering material' for his books… [Though admittedly interesting.]
He had the ability, but not the dedication to be Hokage.
"Jiraiya-sama does have another disciple!" Reiki said with a smile.
"You mean that boy Minato?"
Tsunade frowned slightly, pondering. As one of the Sannin, and the only medical and female ninja among them, Tsunade was highly intelligent. Reiki's insight helped her regain her composure swiftly.
"You can give it a try. But he's too young, and…" Tsunade hesitated. How could Minato stand against the seasoned elders?
Compared to Orochimaru, Uchiha Fugaku, and Hatake Sakumo, his achievements were modest. Raising him to be Hokage would be challenging.
"Lord Minato will prove himself in this mission. I believe in him!" Reiki declared confidently.
>>>>>
Gimme Power stones I'm Poor
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