Chapter 35: **Chapter 35: Training the Puppies**
By morning's end, the brutal training had taken its toll. Injured ninjas lay on makeshift beds, a carpet of exhaustion covering the training grounds. The hospital staff, alerted to the situation, rushed over.
"Shizune, are you managing okay?" a medic asked, eyeing her with concern. As for Reiki, he was so engrossed in his work, treating the wounded with a disturbingly cheerful smile, that no one dared interrupt him.
Shizune shook her head. "Thanks, but Senior Brother Reiki insists we're fine. He even has a special process we're following."
She glanced at Reiki, his confident smile radiating a mix of focus and amusement. The other medics, uncertain, decided to wait nearby, prepared for any real emergencies. This rigorous routine continued well into the night, with Reiki treating injury after injury. By the time he finished, Reiki was exhilarated, his skills having grown in leaps. *This is what it takes to improve quickly*, he thought.
As he settled down to rest, Yuhi Kurenai approached him. "Reiki-kun, I brought you dinner."
"Thanks, Kurenai," he said gratefully, taking the meal. The exhaustion faded as he ate, watching as the rest of the younger trainees—including Obito, Rin, Kakashi, and Guy—also gathered for a meal. Once finished, most headed home, leaving only Reiki, Shizune, Kakashi, Guy, and Obito.
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Just then, Hatake Sakumo arrived with a warm smile. "Ready for some real training?"
The young ninjas instantly jumped up, eager for the challenge.
"Alright then," Sakumo said, moving toward the open training area. Reiki, Guy, Obito, and Kakashi lined up in front of him, their determination clear. Sakumo chuckled, "Your objective is simple: interfere with my vision and stay on your feet as long as possible."
Reiki gave the team a quick strategy. "Remember, we're here to learn our limits. We'll keep him guessing, but work together."
Immediately, Reiki teleported behind Sakumo, while the others moved to their designated positions. Sakumo, expecting his son to jump in first, lunged at Kakashi. With a swift block, Kakashi's arm dislocated under the force, but Reiki's voice called out to him.
"Quickly—switch to your left! Target the right!"
Kakashi rallied, shifting his grip to his left and slashing toward Sakumo's right side. But Sakumo easily knocked his sword away, then sent Kakashi sprawling to the ground. Seeing an opening, Reiki darted in and struck Sakumo's left side, catching him off guard.
Sakumo staggered slightly, surprised by Reiki's speed. "A shadow clone?" he wondered, but he had no time to confirm before Guy and Obito charged in, throwing quick punches. Reiki kept the pressure on, strategically positioning himself, while the others kept Sakumo on his toes. But just as Sakumo was preparing to retaliate, Reiki and his clones vanished.
Impressed but undeterred, Sakumo lunged at Obito, who froze briefly under the pressure. Reiki and Guy, instead of rushing in, stayed back, prompting a stern look from Sakumo.
"Why aren't you helping your teammate?" he asked, half angry, half testing them.
Reiki kept calm. "We are," he replied. "This is part of the plan. We need to watch and gather information first, just as we would in a real mission."
Sakumo's eyes gleamed with approval. "Smart," he acknowledged. In an instant, Reiki's clones swarmed him again. Though the tactic worked briefly, Reiki's chakra was waning, and soon Sakumo gained the upper hand. In one swift motion, he dismantled the clones and overpowered the team.
Moments later, Reiki, Kakashi, Guy, and Obito lay sprawled on the ground, exhausted. Sakumo smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Looks like you still have a lot to learn. But, all in all, not bad."
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