Bab 263: Chapter 263: Uchiha Influence, The Mission Begins
Reiki followed Uchiha Fugaku to Uchiha Mikoto's room.
"Thank you, Reiki," Mikoto said softly. Though still weak, she appeared to be recovering well.
"It's my duty as a medical ninja, Mikoto-sama," Reiki said. "Let me perform one last check to be sure. If everything looks good, you can rest without worry."
Reiki placed his hand gently on Mikoto and conducted a thorough examination. After a moment, he exhaled in relief.
"There's nothing wrong, Mr. Fugaku. Mikoto-sama is in good health. She just needs rest to recover her energy and strength," Reiki said, a smile playing on his lips. "Congratulations on becoming a father, Fugaku-sama. Remember, while clan responsibilities are important, so is family."
"Thank you, Reiki…" Fugaku paused, catching himself. "I mean, Reiki."
Reiki chuckled, touching his nose. "It feels strange when you call me 'Medical Ninja.' Just Reiki is fine."
Fugaku let out a hearty laugh. "Very well, Reiki. I'll make sure Mikoto is well taken care of. Are you hungry? The food is ready. Why don't we eat together?"
Reiki shook his head lightly. "Mikoto-sama needs you now, Mr. Fugaku. I can grab something on my way back."
Reiki turned to leave, aware of Fugaku's intentions. The clan leader saw potential in him and wanted to establish a closer bond for the Uchiha clan's future influence in the village. While Fugaku was a capable leader, he struggled with balancing his role as a father and husband. Itachi's exceptional talent had never worried him, but young Sasuke often lived in his brother's shadow.
Reiki hoped his efforts would not only change Fugaku's thinking but help ease the tension between the Uchiha clan and the village leadership. Thanks to his medical interventions and training programs, internal conflicts within the clan had also lessened.
Leaving the Uchiha compound, Reiki headed back to his residence.
"Shizune?" he said, surprised to see her sitting in the courtyard. "What brings you here? Aren't you supposed to be at the hospital?"
Shizune's face lit up when she saw him. "Brother Reiki, you're back!"
"What's wrong? Did the hospital run out of tasks again?" Reiki teased with a grin.
Shizune sighed. "Yes, the other medical ninjas are rushing to claim missions. If you're even a little late, there's nothing left."
"Isn't that a good thing, though?" Reiki said with a smile. "Shizune, do you remember why you became a medical ninja? It was to help ensure the village is free of suffering."
"True…" Shizune's expression softened, her worries easing under Reiki's words.
The next day, Nozuki came to find Reiki early in the morning. "Reiki, get ready. We're heading out."
After a quick preparation, Reiki followed Nozuki to the village gates. The training at the orphanage was well on track, and the supplies Prime Minister Sanada had sent had arrived the night before.
"You're here," Minato greeted as they assembled. He handed Reiki the mission scroll, and the group set off. The team comprised Namikaze Minato, Nozuki, Akimichi Choza, Aburame Kan, and Reiki.
Scanning the mission list, Reiki's eyes widened. It wasn't a single task but a collection of missions targeting rogue ninja groups and wandering warriors across the Land of Fire. There were 21 missions in total, ranging from B-rank to A-rank.
Now Reiki understood why Minato was known as the "Task Harvester." The Fourth Hokage excelled at efficiency, both on and off the battlefield.
By evening, they reached the first mission site.
"Be cautious, Reiki, Nozuki," Minato said in a low voice. "If things go sideways, prioritize your safety. We were ambushed on our last mission here."
Reiki's eyes narrowed. The last mission here had left Minato injured and Nozuki severely hurt. It was clear they were facing formidable opponents.
"Nothing suspicious around the perimeter," Aburame Kan reported as his insects returned. "The village seems safe."
"Is that village an ally of Konoha?" Reiki asked, eyes focused on the quiet settlement ahead.
"Yes," Minato began to reply when a sudden hail of kunai shot towards them.
"Get back!" Minato shouted, pulling the team into a retreat.
Explosions rocked the ground, engulfing their former position in dust and debris.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Nozuki unleashed a gust to clear the dust.
Six masked figures emerged from the shadows, perched on tree branches. None bore a village symbol.
"They've been waiting for us," Minato muttered, recognizing the ambush.
"Minato Namikaze, Akimichi Choza, Aburame Kan, Namikaze Nozuki…" The leader's eyes gleamed as he spotted Reiki. "And Tsunade's disciple, Reiki."
"Engage!" came the curt command from the masked ninja leader, signaling the beginning of the fight.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone