Everyone was given half an hour to write down their reflections after the training session. As Reiki read through the comments, he felt a twitch at the corners of his mouth.
Were these really reflections for training improvement or praise essays meant for the genin exam? Most of Ma Chuan's report was dedicated to complimenting Reiki, which made him sigh. He didn't want admiration; he wanted insight.
"Ma Chuan, your writing is decent. You'll do fine on the genin exam," Reiki said, half-exasperated. "But what I need are actual reflections, not just evaluations of me. What were Kakashi and the others' quick judgments during the fight? What strategies did they employ? How did they use their jutsu to create an advantage or defend effectively?"
Reiki highlighted these questions and broke down the fight's core elements, pointing out strengths and areas needing improvement for both teams.
"Boss, are you saying we should focus on developing what we're good at?" Ma Chuan asked, catching on slightly.
"Good at?" Reiki raised an eyebrow. "You haven't even mastered the basics yet. Focus on strengthening your foundation first. Once that's solid, we can talk about refining your specialties."
With that, he distributed the potions based on each person's performance. He turned to the group and smirked. "My classmates from the academy will be coming by soon. Some of them are in the same year as you. Let's see how well you can do against them."
A wave of excitement rippled through the group, and soon enough, the orphanage was alive with a chaotic sparring match. The teams clashed, with Reiki's group going up against his former classmates, Kakashi's team challenging the orphanage kids, and, in the end, everyone against Reiki himself.
By the time the dust settled, only Reiki, Shizune, and Rin were left standing, tending to the injured. Even Kurenai lay sprawled on the ground, exhausted but smiling.
"I'm going to train here from now on," Kakashi said, extending a hand. "Reiki, give me some potions too. I'll teach them kenjutsu and join their practical training."
Obito, never one to be left behind, chimed in, "I'll stay too! I can teach them ninjutsu."
"I'll help with chakra control. It's my specialty," Hyuga Tetsu offered.
Reiki shook his head with a laugh. His friends were essentially robbing him of his resources, but their presence would be a huge benefit to the orphanage. It provided more training, stronger guidance, and deterrence for any lurking threats—especially with Asuma around, Danzo would think twice before making a move.
With the orphanage secured for now, Reiki and Shizune headed back. Kurenai, determined to take the genin exam, left to talk to her father, Yuhi Mako, about getting a recommendation.
The next few days for Reiki were routine: home, hospital, orphanage. Invitations from other families dwindled, and the interrogation department's requests lessened. After all, traitors and spies weren't caught daily.
In a secluded part of Konoha, Danzo sat brooding.
"Asuma is still at the orphanage?" Danzo muttered, irritated. His plans to recruit promising children had been thwarted, especially after Sarutobi Hiruzen's warning. The children he sent out before had mysteriously vanished, further fueling Sarutobi's suspicion and ire.
"Danzo-sama," a Root member reported, interrupting his thoughts, "we have another issue."
Danzo's scowl deepened. Lately, every report brought nothing but bad news, except for Hiruzen's move to buy out Reiki's potions. "Nara Shikaku? Why is the Nara clan getting involved? And Aburame Kan? He's from a clan specializing in secret techniques—why would he apply to be a jonin?"
These two promising genin were among those Danzo had his eye on. Now, they were being supported by jounin mentors like Nara Shikaku and Aburame Kan, changing the dynamic significantly. The common link? Reiki.
Danzo realized that with high-profile jonin backing these kids, openly interfering would be difficult, if not impossible. "I need the Third Hokage's approval to openly recruit more members for the Root."
He needed to make new plans, and fast.
Meanwhile, across the village, frustration simmered among Konoha's ninjas. At the mission office, a group of chunin and jounin voiced their complaints.
"What do you mean there are no more missions?"
"Yeah, I saw plenty of C-rank missions yesterday!"
"Who could have taken them all?"
"Uchiha. They cleared the board," someone muttered, eliciting more groans.
"Uchiha? Since when do they prioritize village missions over their own training?"
"They're probably broke from all that special training they're doing."
"That's fine, but why hoard all the missions? How are the rest of us supposed to make money?"
"And what about Reiki's potions? I thought he was a good kid, but it's clear he's just in it for profit."
"Yes, those potions are ridiculously expensive…"
As grumbles turned to outright complaints, the tension began to rise. Meanwhile, a few thoughtful ninjas slipped away, heading for Tsunade's place to discuss the issues. They never made it—knocked unconscious and dragged into dark alleys before they could get far.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 460 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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