Chapter 558: Chapter 558: The Rebel Girls and Kaguya’s Special Training
In a short period, Yuhi Kurenai and Shizune had achieved their mischievous goal—they'd managed to steal a stash of high-end potions from Reiki.
The motivation? Jealousy. Reiki's friendly demeanor with other kunoichi, particularly during training, had left the two women feeling a little irked. Their plan was simple: deprive Reiki of his potions, and he wouldn't be able to "seduce" anyone else with his generosity.
However, guilt soon set in.
"Shizune, do you think taking all his potions might actually upset Reiki?" Kurenai asked, her conscience kicking in.
Shizune hesitated, her thoughtful expression betraying her own doubts. "Maybe... After all, those potions are vital for the special training camp. He isn't handing them out to flirt; he's doing it to help everyone improve."
A moment later, Kurenai sighed. "You're right. Let's return them. But..." She smirked, holding up a kunai. "First, let's disfigure him! No potions, no charm!"
"Wait, wait, wait!" Reiki protested, backing away.
At first, Reiki was genuinely touched by their willingness to return the potions. It showed that, despite their antics, they respected his work. But the kunai in Kurenai's hand and the glint in Shizune's eyes quickly turned his relief into alarm.
"What do you mean disfigure me?! I'm a medical ninja—any injury you inflict will heal in no time. Besides," he added with a sly smile, "do you really think it's just my face that's irresistible?"
The two girls paused, considering his words.
"Well... then wear a mask, like Kakashi!" Shizune suggested.
"Fine." Reiki ripped a strip from his sleeve and tied it over his face.
The result was striking. His deep eyes and confident demeanor only seemed to amplify his appeal.
"No way! You're even more attractive with the mask!" Shizune exclaimed, ripping it off in frustration. "Kakashi must do this on purpose to impress girls!"
Eventually, the girls relented after extracting a promise from Reiki that he'd "behave." They returned to their teams, leaving Reiki both amused and exasperated.
Girls in the ninja world mature way too quickly, he mused, shaking his head.
With Kurenai and Shizune no longer causing trouble, Reiki returned to organizing the special training camp. Teams began their melee battles, with potions provided as requested. Reiki left a shadow clone in charge of supervising the training, while he slipped away to observe another battle.
Crossing a barrier, Reiki felt a powerful vibration in the distance. It was the legendary battle between Senju Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya against Kaguya Otsutsuki.
On Kaguya's side stood Black Zetsu, White Zetsu, and her Truth-Seeking Orbs.
Reiki watched from the sidelines, choosing not to interfere. This level of training was meant for his mentors and peers, not for him to disrupt.
"Reiki, you're here?" Hatake Sakumo greeted him with a smile.
"Yes, Uncle Sakumo. How are they doing?" Reiki asked, pointing at the intense battle.
"They've been holding their ground for three minutes. Quite impressive, really. At first, they could only last a minute," Sakumo replied, admiration in his voice.
"Three minutes, huh?" Reiki muttered. He glanced at Kaguya, whose attacks remained relentless. "She really doesn't hold back, does she?"
Leaning closer to Sakumo, Reiki whispered something into his ear. Sakumo's initially grim expression brightened.
"Are you sure about this?" Sakumo asked, feigning hesitation.
"Absolutely. I'm a medical ninja—helping is my job. Besides, it's not cheating; it's strategy," Reiki replied confidently.
Sakumo grinned and nodded, his fighting spirit reignited.
In the fourth minute, Orochimaru faltered. Kaguya exploited the opening, striking him down and pinning him to the ground with three black rods.
Knowing Orochimaru's ability to shed his skin, Kaguya used the rods to seal his movements entirely.
With Orochimaru out, Tsunade and Jiraiya struggled to hold on. Their strategy of having one attack while the other defended was now impossible. Within seconds, Kaguya overpowered them, ending the battle.
As the dust settled, Kaguya addressed the trio with a rare smile.
"You've improved significantly in such a short time. It's remarkable. Reiki was right—when given a goal, you ninjas create miracles. I'm starting to look forward to seeing that miracle."
"Thank you for your guidance, Lady Kaguya," Tsunade and Jiraiya said, bowing respectfully.
Orochimaru, still pinned to the ground, attempted to show his gratitude but couldn't move.
Tsunade walked over, her hands glowing with senjutsu chakra. With a firm pull, she removed the black rods from Orochimaru's body and tossed them to Kaguya before storming off.
As Tsunade exited the battlefield, she spotted Reiki nearby and marched straight toward him.
"Rested enough? Good. Now, come join the fight—"
Before she could finish, Reiki grabbed her hand and began healing her injuries.
"Hey! Why are you treating me?!" Tsunade demanded, pulling her hand away.
"You need to be at your best for the next round," Reiki replied with a sly grin.
Tsunade huffed but allowed him to continue.
Meanwhile, Hatake Sakumo stepped onto the battlefield, ready to face Kaguya. With Reiki's quiet support, the battle promised to be even more intense.
Reiki smiled to himself, already planning his next steps. With Kaguya here, this special training camp is going to reach new heights.