Chapter 84: **Chapter 84: The Attention of All Forces!**
"I'm sorry; my medical ninjutsu is decent, but my bone-setting skills are a bit lacking," Reiki apologized. "I'll try again."
"It should go like this...click…"
"Argh!"
After being incorrectly set by Reiki four times, Kato Dan couldn't help but scream. The last person Reiki had treated like this was Might Guy. But after that experience, Guy refused to let Reiki set his bones again. Either he'd seek immediate treatment from others or drag himself home for his father's help. Needless to say, Reiki still lacked experience in bone-setting.
"Reiki, maybe…you could call Tsunade to help instead?" Kato Dan asked hesitantly.
"Don't worry; this time, it's definitely right."
*Crack*
"Aaaagh…"
More screams ensued. Finally, on the seventh attempt, Reiki found the correct position and successfully aligned the bones. Once the bones were set, the rest of the healing went smoothly, and Kato Dan quickly recovered under Reiki's care.
"Master Dan, if this happens again, I promise I'll fix your bones faster. This time, I have experience," Reiki said earnestly.
Kato Dan shivered slightly at the thought, glancing over at Tsunade. He had initially planned to seek her help if needed, but Reiki's words made him think twice. Maybe it was best to wait for a better opportunity…
---
After everyone was mostly recovered, the group set out once more.
*Meanwhile, in the Land of Grass...*
"Sir, the Konoha ninja team has set off. They're led by Tsunade, with Kato Dan and Namikaze Minato among the jonin. The team also includes Shibi Aburame and Choza Akimichi as chunin. The genin are Tsunade's three disciples," a ninja reported.
"Tsunade?" the listener mused. "If we get the chance, we must disrupt their alliance."
"Understood, Master Senganzuchi," the ninja replied before disappearing.
"Senganzuchi," another voice chimed in, "Lord Tsuchikage only asked us to observe Konoha and the Land of Rain's movements, not to interfere."
"True, but let's report back first…"
These were, in fact, ninjas from Iwagakure. Upon learning of an alliance forming between Konoha and the Land of Rain, they had come to investigate. The leader, Senganzuchi, was none other than Tsuchikage Onoki's younger brother. Although he hadn't mastered Dust Release, he was still a powerful, quasi-shadow-level fighter who had once forced Jiraiya and Orochimaru to retreat during the Second Shinobi War.
"No need to report back yet," Senganzuchi replied. "A mere Tsunade isn't a real threat. Prepare yourself. If the princess of the Senju clan dies in the Land of Rain…things will get interesting."
The Iwagakure ninjas nodded and vanished to gather their hidden forces.
---
At the same time, a team from the Hidden Cloud Village, led by Ai, appeared in the Land of Grass. Like Iwagakure, they'd heard of Konoha's alliance with the Land of Rain and came to gather intelligence. This group included Killer Bee, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, and Ai, son of the Third Raikage and younger brother of the future Fourth Raikage, Gulal. Their presence showed just how seriously the Cloud Village viewed the matter.
"Brother, why are we even here?" asked a bronze-skinned Cloud ninja, eyeing Ai with curiosity. "The war is over. Shouldn't we be focusing on recovery?"
Ai regarded his younger brother, Gulal, with a serious expression. "The Land of Rain forming an alliance with Konoha at this time—do you understand what that means?"
"I guess they're trying to make peace and stabilize things?" Gulal replied, looking thoughtful. "If two powerful villages join forces, it might discourage others from starting wars or stirring up conflicts."
"You're too naïve," Ai replied. "Both the Land of Rain and Konoha have big ambitions. If we don't prevent this alliance, we risk one village dominating the entire ninja world. Imagine if they turn on the Hidden Cloud once they're strong enough—how do you think our chances would fare?"
Gulal fell silent, realizing the weight of his brother's words.
"Hey, young man, trust your big brother and don't stress too much," Killer Bee added with a cheerful rap. "When the mission's complete, their alliance will meet defeat!"
"Right," Gulal nodded. "So, what's our plan? We're not just going to attack Konoha's team outright, are we?"
"Relax," Ai replied with a smile. "We're not the only ones with this idea. Iwagakure and Sunagakure are likely to make a move too. If they act first, we don't need to get involved."
Despite his blunt exterior, Ai was quite strategic. With multiple factions in play, the best approach was to let others clash first. Perhaps, in the ensuing chaos, they could reap the benefits without taking the risks.
---
Early the next morning, the Konoha team—now under observation from multiple forces—arrived in the Land of Grass. Their rendezvous point was on the border between the Land of Grass and the Land of Rain.
"We'll rest here during the day. The meeting is set for tonight," Tsunade announced. "Everyone has three hours of free time; then, we'll regroup."
After issuing her instructions, she disappeared.
"Reiki, is Tsunade…?" Kato Dan approached Reiki, puzzled. "A three-hour break and she vanishes?"
"She probably went to the gambling house," Reiki replied with a knowing look. "Master Dan, I'd advise staying clear of her when she's gambling, or…"
But before Reiki could finish, Kato Dan was gone. The image of Tsunade losing her money and Kato approaching her…well, that might not end well.
"Reiki, we're being watched," Nozuki whispered as she approached. "Some of the traps I set to disguise our camp have been triggered."
"Is it the Land of Rain's ninjas?"
Reiki glanced around, then replied calmly, "There are more players in this than we thought. But don't worry. As long as we haven't met with the Land of Rain yet, there won't be any major issues."
>>>>>
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