Chapter 556: Chapter 556: Kaguya’s Choice – Gaining Information While Being Beaten
In the ninja world, Reiki had returned to the ninja station.
Sensing his presence, An Ye immediately rushed over.
"You're finally back," An Ye greeted him with a mix of relief and curiosity. "Is the mission over?"
"Basically, yes," Reiki replied casually. "Chodori and the others went back ahead. An Ye, here are some potions for you. Take them and get some proper rest. Oh, and don't forget about the medicinal materials…"
Reiki rummaged through his system space, pulling out a stack of potions and handing them to An Ye.
An Ye stared at the potions, some familiar and others entirely new. He looked stunned. "These… the medicinal materials I gave you…"
"Come on, we're partners," Reiki interrupted with a grin. "The stronger we get, the better we can support each other, right?"
Before An Ye could reply, Reiki stuffed the potions into his arms and released the summoning spell. In an instant, An Ye dissolved into white mist and vanished.
Reiki remained where he stood, his expression calm but alert. He could sense someone approaching.
A spatial crack formed in front of him, and from it came the voice of Kaguya Otsutsuki.
"I didn't expect you to face such a terrifying existence alone," Kaguya remarked as she emerged. "And yet, here you are, looking unscathed. I assume the matter has been resolved?"
"Indeed, Lady Kaguya," Reiki replied politely. "The issue has been dealt with. Now, if I recall our agreement, you were to become the instructor for our special training camp, correct?"
Kaguya raised a brow. She could sense the intent behind Reiki's words. Training ninjas to face the unique abilities of the Otsutsuki clan in advance was a calculated move—one that could alter the balance of power in the ninja world.
"Of course, I won't go back on my word," Kaguya said, her voice even. "But I'm curious. How exactly did you manage to defeat an existence that had already touched the path of godhood?"
"This…" Reiki hesitated, then smiled mischievously. "Well, is it possible that I'm just a little stronger than you think?"
Without waiting for a response, he continued, "The specifics are exhausting to recount. I'm going to rest now, Lady Kaguya. Please feel free to start the training in the meantime." With that, Reiki vanished.
Kaguya stood silently, watching him go. A faint smile appeared on her lips.
Kaguya's thoughts lingered on the recent events. She had once vowed to stay only if Reiki succeeded in defeating the evil god, but her reasons ran deeper than mere words.
If Reiki had failed, she would have summoned the Ten-Tails and resumed her original plans. Trusting others with the fate of the world was not something she could afford.
But Reiki hadn't failed. His determination, skill, and the sheer potential he displayed had convinced Kaguya to place her bet on him.
"Mother, your choice was correct," Black Zetsu murmured. "Reiki will be an excellent ally for us."
Kaguya nodded slowly. "Let's continue as planned. The ninjas he's training may very well be the key to combating the Otsutsuki clan in the future." With that, she disappeared back into the folds of space.
Meanwhile, Reiki made his way to the station, heading straight for Tsunade.
"Teacher!" he called out, standing at attention behind her.
"You're back?" Tsunade asked, her tone neutral.
"Yes, I am," Reiki replied.
"Boom!"
Before he could say another word, Tsunade's punch sent him flying into a cliff, embedding him in the rock face.
"Humph! Don't just lie there—get back here!" she yelled, hands on her hips. "And don't act like I used all my strength!"
Reiki groaned, extricating himself from the cliff. "Teacher, you're incredible! You always see right through me…" he said with a sheepish smile, teleporting back to her side.
"Boom!"
The cliff behind them crumbled completely, startling the nearby Iwagakure ninjas who had just finished tidying the special training grounds.
Their jaws dropped as they realized who was responsible. Without hesitation, they stormed over to Reiki, demanding an explanation.
Reiki, ever resourceful, handed out bottles of potions, which quickly turned their anger into gratitude.
"Reiki the Medical Ninja," one of them joked, "you're welcome to mess up the place anytime. We'll clean it up!"
Reiki chuckled to himself. "Money—or in this case, potions—really does solve everything."
Tsunade shook her head, a mix of exasperation and fondness in her expression.
"Alright, now let's focus on what matters. Help treat the injured. I've suppressed their conditions, but there's no time for detailed care."
Reiki nodded, rolling up his sleeves.
As he worked, Tsunade updated him on the latest developments in the ninja world, subtly masking her concern for his well-being with her usual stern demeanor.
For Reiki, this quiet time of healing and gathering information felt like a well-earned reward after the chaos he had endured.