Chapter 370: **Chapter 370: The Third Hokage Plans to Contact Uchiha Madara!**
Reiki had already left Konoha, unaware of the events unfolding in the village. His focus was on reaching the injured guards swiftly and completing their treatment before moving on to more pressing matters. The commotion his recent actions had caused was now beyond his concern.
Meanwhile, several ANBU operatives entered the Hokage's office.
"Lord Hokage, we have a situation," one ANBU said, handing a report to Sarutobi Hiruzen without elaborating further due to its sensitive nature.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression darkened as he read the report. "So, not only has dissatisfaction among the ninja ranks not been directed at the medical ninjas, but it's now aimed at us, Konoha's leadership?"
Initially, Hiruzen had intended to shift the blame for the high cost of potions onto Tsunade and Reiki, hoping that doing so would halt the significant outflow of medical supplies to the Sanada Chamber of Commerce. The plan was to centralize control of these resources under Konoha's leadership. But they hadn't anticipated that a ninja would go directly to Reiki for potions, bypassing official channels.
Reiki did possess a supply of potions, but it wasn't sufficient for all of Konoha's needs. After selling off his surplus, the discontent naturally shifted toward the village's administration.
This unexpected development gave Hiruzen a headache. The distribution of resources and benefits had always been a delicate balance. If the leadership appeared to be withholding or manipulating resources for their own gain, it would breed division and undermine the cohesion of the village.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had recently regained a peak in his reputation with public speeches and strategies. If that reputation crumbled now, it would be a severe blow, one that could only be mended with substantial concessions and effort.
"Adjust the prices to meet the demands of the ninjas," Hiruzen ordered, resolving to shift strategies. "Also, keep a close watch on the external chambers of commerce. They've been buying medicinal herbs at 30% above the standard rate. We need to counter that quickly. Tsunade and Jiraiya are out of the village, so only Orochimaru remains to handle this."
Having set the new directive, Hiruzen sat back, the exhaustion of years managing Konoha wearing on him. With Danzo under control, he could see retirement on the horizon. Just one more year—he'd hold on, address these issues, and then withdraw into the background.
***
At the guardian station outside Konoha, Reiki had completed his treatments.
"Thank you, Reiki! You truly are Tsunade-sama's disciple," one of the guards said, gratitude evident in his voice.
"All done? That was fast. I feel like I won't need to take any sick leave this time," another guard added, smiling.
"This is my duty," Reiki replied. "I'll stay overnight to monitor your conditions. If everything looks good, I'll return to Konoha tomorrow. Call me if you need anything."
"Thank you, Reiki. We've prepared some food—come join us."
***
After dinner, Reiki left a shadow clone at the station and slipped away under the cover of night, moving quietly until a familiar presence crossed his path.
"Orochimaru-sama, I'm here," Reiki announced with a grin.
"Follow me," Orochimaru replied, nodding before they both vanished into the forest. They reached a concealed cave deep within the mountains, its entrance hidden by dense vegetation.
Inside, the spacious cave exuded an eerie calm.
"Is this the medical ninja you spoke of?" A shadowy figure, Black Zetsu, emerged, eyeing Reiki skeptically.
Reiki's eyes narrowed as he instinctively activated Sage Mode and sent Black Zetsu flying with a punch, infused with natural chakra. Black Zetsu landed heavily, stunned.
"Impressive," came an old, authoritative voice from deeper within the cave. "Strong and capable of using Sage Mode. It seems Orochimaru has indeed brought a talented one."
Reiki glanced at Orochimaru for confirmation, who nodded. "Go on. That voice belongs to Uchiha Madara."
Before Orochimaru could say more, Reiki stepped forward and found himself standing before the legendary Uchiha.
"Your condition… it's more than just injuries," Reiki said, observing Madara closely. "There are internal issues, and time itself has left its mark. I can treat you, but there are limitations to what medical techniques can do. You understand that, don't you?"
Madara's eyes, once filled with the weight of battles and power, gleamed with satisfaction. Few treated him like an ordinary patient, and this composed young ninja did just that.
"I understand," Madara said. "Begin the treatment."
Reiki nodded. "Orochimaru-sama, please wait outside and ensure we aren't disturbed," he said as he unfurled a scroll and prepared a protective barrier around the treatment area.
Orochimaru glanced back as he stepped outside, the gravity of the moment not lost on him.
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