Bab 138: **Chapter 138: The Exam is Over, Returning Home!**
As Reiki recounted his experience, Shisui and Nozuki couldn't hide their envy. Helping subdue a tailed beast alongside Tsunade-sensei? That was the stuff of legends, and they'd missed it.
"Alright, alright!" Reiki chuckled, sensing their disappointment. "How about I treat you both to a meal? And since we're heading back today, let me cover any souvenirs you want to bring home."
Shisui grinned, his envy quickly replaced by excitement. "Oh, you're going to regret that. Let's stock up on some storage scrolls first!"
"No kidding," Nozuki chimed in, "Reiki, you're footing the bill for everything!"
Reiki sighed but nodded in agreement, knowing he wouldn't get off easy otherwise. They set off to shop through Takigakure, gathering supplies and gifts, and took a break only at noon when their storage scrolls were bursting.
---
Meanwhile, back in the Takikage's office, Tsunade met with Takikage, her demeanor cold.
"Lord Takikage," she began, "I expect an explanation."
Takikage stiffened under her steely gaze, knowing full well the weight Tsunade's reputation carried. Despite Takigakure's neutrality in the wars, he was acutely aware of the power she held, not just in medical ninjutsu but in combat as well.
"Tsunade-sama," Zuo Wei, his advisor, began diplomatically, "we acknowledge Takigakure's fault in this incident. As recompense for your efforts in subduing the tailed beast, we're prepared to provide a reward. And regarding the rogue ninjas involved, we'll offer additional compensation."
Tsunade's expression softened only slightly as she considered. "In addition to your reward," she said firmly, "I want 5,000 grams of chakra metal as compensation."
"Chakra metal?" Zuo Wei hesitated, but Takikage nodded, seeing the necessity of placating her.
"Understood. Zuo Wei, see to it that Tsunade-sama receives the metal and the agreed reward," Takikage instructed.
As they departed, Tsunade turned back to the Takikage. "A piece of advice—don't meddle in things beyond your village's strength. Takigakure has carved a good place for itself as it stands."
Takikage's face darkened at her words, feeling a sting of resentment. *Is this the arrogance of the Great Villages?* he thought bitterly as Tsunade left.
---
By midday, Reiki and his friends returned to their accommodation, their arms laden with storage scrolls full of goods. Inside, they found Tsunade waiting.
"Ready to head back?" she asked, handing them each a scroll. "Here's your Chunin certificate. Congratulations—you're officially Konoha's new chunin."
They each took their scrolls with pride, beaming. But before they could say much, a familiar voice sounded from the hallway.
"Tsunade-sama," Mitarashi called out as she and her team approached, looking anxious.
Shisui raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you supposed to leave already?"
"Teacher Dan has gone missing," Mitarashi explained. "Can we return with you, Tsunade-sama?"
Tsunade nodded. "Of course. Gather your things—we're leaving now."
---
Their group of twelve set out from Takigakure, bound for Konoha. As they walked, Mitarashi caught up to Reiki, grinning. "So, Reiki, what's next for you? Are you jumping straight into missions or taking a well-deserved break?"
"I'm not sure yet," Reiki replied, curious. "Do you already have a plan?"
"My dad gave me the choice to find my own path, so I want to pursue something specific—becoming a ninja tracker," Mitarashi said, determination in his eyes.
"A ninja tracker, huh?" Reiki echoed, taken aback. He knew that tracking teams pursued rogue ninjas, often taking on the most dangerous missions in the village.
Mitarashi nodded. "It's tough work, but that's why I want to do it. And hey, if you're interested, we'd love a skilled medical ninja like you on the team."
Shisui and Nozuki quickly cut in. "Hold on! Reiki's sticking with us on missions," Shisui protested, a mock glare aimed at Mitarashi. "Right, Reiki?"
Reiki laughed. "First priority's with you two, of course. But once we're back, let's talk about it."
Their banter was interrupted when Aburame Kaiyo, part of Mitarashi's team, stiffened. "Hold on—enemy nearby," he muttered, his bugs scattering to scan the area.
Mitarashi quickly assessed. "We're twelve chunin strong, plus Tsunade-sama…"
"Tsunade-sensei left earlier," Shisui said quietly.
The realization hit them just as the presence of nearby enemy forces became undeniable.
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Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
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