Jiraiya looked at Orochimaru with a puzzled expression. For someone of Orochimaru's stature, what business could he possibly have with Reiki? And visiting so early—was there something going on?
"Jiraiya?" Orochimaru said, breaking the silence. "Are you here to see Reiki too? He's in the courtyard. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."
With that brief exchange, Orochimaru walked away, leaving Jiraiya more confused than ever. Since when had Orochimaru been so polite?
"Forget it," Jiraiya muttered. "I need to see Reiki first."
Pushing aside his thoughts, he stepped into the courtyard. Reiki was just putting away the tea sets.
"Jiraiya-sama, you're here as well? Perfect timing—there's still some tea left. Would you like a cup?" Reiki greeted him with a smile and poured a fresh cup.
"Orochimaru came to see you?" Jiraiya asked as he sat down, studying Reiki's face.
"Yes, he had some physical issues that needed treatment," Reiki replied nonchalantly. He noticed Jiraiya's concern and raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"
Jiraiya relaxed slightly. Indeed, Orochimaru did look healthier than before, thanks to Reiki's skill.
"It's nothing. I just came to check in on you," Jiraiya said before pausing. "Actually, do you have any of that special potion left?"
"The potion I gave the teacher?" Reiki asked with a knowing smile. He reached into his ninja pouch and placed a bottle on the table.
Jiraiya's eyes lit up. This potion was his chance to train in Sage Mode once more. As one of the inheritors of Mount Myoboku's teachings, Jiraiya knew how invaluable the potion was. While he hadn't fully mastered Sage Mode, even a partial mastery would greatly enhance his abilities.
But this potion was rare and valuable. Unlike other potions, this one could boost one's innate potential. If it were an ordinary potion, Jiraiya might have taken it without hesitation, but this one…
"Jiraiya-sama, is this what you needed?" Reiki asked, noting Jiraiya's indecision.
"Yes, but… Reiki, if there's anything you need, just name it. I'll give you anything within my power! Even the first draft of my new book, *Kissing Heaven*," Jiraiya said with exaggerated seriousness.
"Ha! What? If you give me *Kissing Heaven*, aren't you worried the teacher will beat you up?" Reiki chuckled. "Take the potion, Jiraiya-sama. In return, I just need you to help organize some sparring sessions with ninjas from the main families. If they get injured, I'll handle the treatment."
Jiraiya let out a hearty laugh. "Reiki, you're something else. I understand. But let's wait until I come back to discuss that."
He took the potion, finished his tea in one gulp, and left with a smile. Reiki watched him go, certain that Jiraiya was heading to Mount Myoboku to train in Sage Mode.
"Brother Reiki, it's time to eat!" Shizune's voice rang out from inside.
"Is it Shizune's turn to cook today? I thought it was mine," Reiki said, embarrassed but heading into the living room.
***
Later that day, after finishing his medical rounds, Reiki visited the orphanage before heading to the mission center.
"Hello, I'm here for a mission. Some of the guards outside the village are injured, and I'm going to treat them," he said with a smile, pointing to the task on the board.
"Reiki, the Medical Ninja?" The mission officer, a kind-looking man in his 30s, handed Reiki the mission details and a permit to leave the village. "With you and your teacher in Konoha, we're truly blessed. But... could you sell me some of your potions at a lower price? My children can't afford them anymore."
"Of course," Reiki said. "How old is your child? What type of chakra does he have, and what is his main fighting style?"
"He's 13, just became a Chuunin. He has earth-type chakra and focuses on physical combat," the ninja explained eagerly.
"Understood. Here, take these," Reiki said, handing over various potions. "The chakra-enhancing potions will help him control his chakra better and improve his ninjutsu. The body-strengthening potions will ensure he has a solid foundation."
"Just 300 million yen for everything," Reiki added, offering them at cost.
The man's eyes widened. The market price for these potions would easily exceed 1 billion yen. This was a gift. "Thank you, Reiki. I'll prepare the money right away."
"Take your time. Pay me when I return from my mission. Make sure your son trains hard and becomes one of Konoha's guardians," Reiki said with a wave before leaving.
The mission officer's eyes welled with gratitude. He had once suspected that the high cost of potions was due to greed from medical ninjas like Reiki or Tsunade. Now, he knew better.
As he returned to his post, a conversation nearby caught his attention.
"Man, I don't want to go on missions anymore. Those guards outside used potions, and even the Jounin were injured. It's all because those greedy medics raised the prices so high we can't use them!"
"What are you talking about?" the officer snapped. "Medical ninjas don't set the prices. They just make the potions. I met Reiki today, and he helped me for next to nothing."
He recounted his encounter with Reiki, silencing the group and leaving them ashamed for their baseless accusations.
For a moment, the young ninjas reflected on their assumptions, embarrassed by their ignorance.