Chapter 563: Chapter 563: Prime Minister Sanada’s Actions and the Hidden Problems
Prime Minister Sanada stood deep in thought, his expression conflicted. He couldn't shake off Reiki's words from earlier.
Reiki undoubtedly already knew what Sanada was planning. What puzzled him was why Reiki hadn't exposed his actions yet.
Perhaps Reiki had larger priorities—something that concerned the safety of the entire ninja world.
Or maybe… it was already too late to turn back.
"We're here. Let's proceed," Sanada finally said, his eyes steeling with determination.
"The others are surely prepared by now," he added, nodding to his companions.
There was no more room for hesitation. Once this step was taken, there was no retreat.
"Understood," one of his followers replied.
The group swallowed their enhancement potions and charged into the sprawling courtyard ahead of them.
A Training Camp in Tension
In the midst of the special training camp, Kakuzu approached Reiki, holding a scroll in his hands. His usual stoic demeanor had an unusual edge of concern.
"Chief, are you really going to ignore this situation?" Kakuzu asked.
The entire ninja world had gathered in this camp, united under the goal of preparing to face the impending threat of the Otsutsuki clan.
Yet, amid these preparations, the actions of the Sanada Chamber of Commerce were stirring turmoil within the Land of Fire.
The Fire Nation, long a target of envy for its fertile lands, faced a precarious situation. Other great nations would seize any opportunity to exploit internal discord.
"You realize that the strength of a nation is far greater than just its ninja village," Kakuzu added gravely.
Reiki, calm as ever, replied, "I know."
He crossed his arms, his tone thoughtful yet firm.
"Let Sanada continue with his plans. His vision is far too narrow, focused only on the immediate. These conflicts within the Fire Nation's political structure were bound to surface sooner or later," Reiki explained.
"As for the other nations… they're not foolish enough to strike now. The establishment of the Ninja Alliance has already tempered their aggressions. Their restraint speaks volumes about their priorities."
Hearing this, Kakuzu sighed and shrugged. If Reiki didn't see a need to intervene, he wouldn't press the issue. Training was more important now.
The Passing of Time
Months flew by as the year drew to a close. The first phase of the intensive training came to an end, and the participating shinobi returned to their villages to reunite with their families.
A Visit to the Uchiha Clan
Within the Uchiha compound, Reiki was greeted warmly by Uchiha Fugaku, who had requested a health check for his wife, Mikoto, and his young son, Itachi.
"Itachi is already two years old?" Reiki remarked, inspecting the child.
"Yes," Fugaku replied with a proud smile. "His health seems good, but I'd appreciate your expert opinion."
Reiki performed a thorough examination of Itachi. But as he did, a peculiar expression crossed his face.
Why was there an unusual energy signature in Itachi's body? And more curiously, why did his eyes contain an anomalous force, despite not yet being awakened?
Reiki quickly composed himself and addressed Fugaku.
"There's nothing concerning about Itachi's health, but I need to take care of something urgent first. I'll return later to check on Mikoto-sama."
"Very well," Fugaku agreed, though his expression hinted at curiosity.
A Curious Revelation
Reiki sought out Uchiha Shisui and Obito, taking them to Ichiraku Ramen for an impromptu meeting.
"Uncle Teuchi, three extra-large bowls of ramen with extra meat and fish, please!" Reiki called out.
The three sat down to eat, with Shisui and Obito wondering why Reiki had brought them here. After finishing their meal, Reiki finally broke the silence.
"Shisui, Obito, activate your Sharingan," Reiki instructed.
The two complied immediately.
Turning to Otsutsuki Kaguya, who had joined them, Reiki asked, "Do you notice anything unusual about their eyes?"
Kaguya opened her Byakugan, inspecting the two carefully. After a moment, her expression shifted.
"In Shisui's eyes, I see… a mutated form of Yin Release. This anomaly significantly increases the burden on his vision," Kaguya noted, her voice tinged with concern.
"But Obito's eyes don't have this same power… This is strange…"
Kaguya furrowed her brow, her Byakugan glowing faintly.
She had seen this mutated Yin Release somewhere before, but its exact origin eluded her.
Reiki's own Pure Eyes, inherited from Otsutsuki Hamura, flickered with light as he analyzed the situation. Something about this discovery felt deeply connected to the Otsutsuki clan's lingering influence… and possibly even Hagoromo himself.
A New Layer of Mystery
With these revelations, the pieces of a larger puzzle began to form in Reiki's mind. The anomalies in Itachi and Shisui's eyes, the brewing political unrest, and the Otsutsuki's impending return were all threads of the same web.
Reiki's resolve hardened. This was only the beginning of a much greater battle.