Chapter 98: **Chapter 98: Divine Control!**
While they were deep in conversation, the election results were announced.
The voting had ended in a tie.
"Uchiha Tani and Orochimaru have both been confirmed as Hokage candidates," Sarutobi Hiruzen declared. "Over the next three years, the performance and leadership of each candidate will be evaluated by everyone in the village. In three years, we'll hold another vote to determine the next Hokage."
With a steady voice, Sarutobi briefly addressed the village, offering a few parting remarks. But Reiki, uninterested in the formalities, decided to slip away, followed closely by his friends.
---
**At Kakashi's House**
"Reiki, I don't get it," Kakashi admitted, confusion written across his face. "Last night, my dad was so excited. I haven't seen him smile like that in years. He even wanted to run for Hokage, but in the end, he chose to step back and support Orochimaru instead. Why?"
Reiki nodded thoughtfully. "Because Uncle Sakumo knows his purpose, Kakashi. He knows what he wants to do and what he should focus on. I was honestly a bit surprised myself."
To be honest, Reiki had been prepared for rejection when he'd asked Hatake Sakumo for his support. After all, Sakumo's principles were almost too honorable.
"So, maybe…" Obito's eyes widened with excitement. "Maybe I could become Hokage one day, too?" he said, half-joking, half-hopeful. "Our clan leader's now a Hokage candidate! Just imagine, Hokage Uchiha Obito!"
Rin giggled, and Kakashi and Guy couldn't help but smile at Obito's enthusiasm. But Reiki gave him a more serious look.
"If you want to become Hokage, you'll need to be more than a strong fighter, Obito," Reiki said. "You'll have to become a leader of the Uchiha clan, someone with strength, charisma, and the right strategy. You've still got a long way to go, but with determination, anything's possible!"
Outside, three ANBU agents observed the group from a distance. Sarutobi Hiruzen had sent them, feeling an odd curiosity about this close-knit group of young ninjas. He couldn't shake the sense that something unusual lay hidden among them, though he couldn't pinpoint what exactly.
One of the ANBU turned to his comrades. "Report back to the Hokage. They're only discussing dreams and personal goals," he said quietly. "I'll stay here just in case."
The other two nodded and disappeared, leaving the lead ANBU agent to continue his watch.
Inside, Nozuki nudged Reiki subtly. "They're outside," she whispered, nodding towards the garden.
Reiki glanced around and grinned. "Alright, everyone," he said aloud, "let's head out to the courtyard for some actual combat training! Kakashi, this yard is big enough for some serious sparring, don't you think?"
"Fine, fine," Kakashi sighed, though he was inwardly pleased. "But remember, any mess you make, you clean up!"
Soon, they were all out in the courtyard, sparring energetically. Nearby, Kurenai Yuhi, Rin, and Shizune Kato sat watching, chatting among themselves.
Rin looked at Kurenai and Shizune, her curiosity piqued. "So… do you two have a thing for Brother Reiki?" she asked with a mischievous grin.
"What?" Kurenai and Shizune both blushed, looking at each other in surprise. They hadn't expected Rin's direct question, and both fumbled for words.
"Hee hee," Rin giggled, clearly enjoying herself. "I knew it… So, have you told him how you feel?"
Both Kurenai and Shizune looked at each other, realizing that despite the quiet rivalry they'd felt, Reiki had never responded to their subtle hints. They were beginning to wonder if he even noticed their feelings at all.
Meanwhile, Reiki, passing by as a shadow clone, overheard the conversation and felt himself flush. Apparently, no topic was too personal for the girls when they were gathered together. But he didn't have time to listen to their talk on feelings and crushes. His real objective was the lone ANBU agent nearby.
With his hands already glowing from chakra, Reiki approached the large tree where the ANBU ninja was hidden.
The ANBU was skilled, with heightened perception and excellent camouflage—an elite, no doubt. Sensing the time was right, Reiki activated his jutsu.
"Holy Hands!"
An ethereal hand formed, casting a faint glow over the ANBU ninja's head, controlling his mind completely.
"Holy Hands: Divine Control!"
Reiki pushed his chakra to its limits, gathering strength to implant a powerful jutsu into the ANBU's mind. But it was draining; chakra seeped from him at a rapid rate. His vision blurred momentarily as he fed himself recovery potions just to sustain the effort.
Sweat trickled down his face as he focused, channeling every last bit of energy to ensure the curse mark fused completely with the ANBU's soul. His strength waning, Reiki could feel the jutsu straining under the weight of its power.
"Just… a little… more…" he whispered, swallowing the last recovery potion he had with him. Finally, the last rune embedded itself into the ANBU's spirit, the jutsu complete.
The ANBU agent snapped back to attention, his memories slightly hazy but unaware of what had transpired. He looked around, convinced he had only dozed off briefly from fatigue. Dismissing the odd feeling, he chalked it up to exhaustion.
When his partners returned, the ANBU agent slipped into the shadows and left, just as he was instructed.
---
Inside the courtyard, as the sparring continued, Reiki reappeared, casually joining the group. Kurenai, Rin, and Shizune exchanged glances, their conversation momentarily forgotten.
"Kakashi, try to keep up, will you?" Reiki said with a smirk, watching as his friend tried to dodge his shadow clones.
Kakashi groaned, dodging one of Reiki's attacks with a backflip. "You're relentless today," he complained, but the challenge only pushed him to fight harder.
Reiki chuckled to himself, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Between the training and the subtle weaving of his own plans, things were falling into place.
It wouldn't be long before he'd have the ANBU ninja completely under his influence.
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