Naruto: You Call This A Medical Ninja?

With Reiki unconscious, Nagato began consuming the potions that had been provided.

For Nagato, summoning the Gedo Mazo came at a considerable cost to his body. The potions quickly replenished his depleted life force, restoring his strength. Satisfied with the results, Nagato sat beside Reiki, silently standing guard.

It wasn't just Reiki's identity that compelled Nagato to stay—it was also the trust built through his gesture and the mysterious nature of the potions.

Meanwhile, Reiki found himself transported to a dark, ethereal space through the eyes of the Gedo Mazo.

"I'm here," Reiki said softly.

A faint light appeared in the distance, illuminating a figure that slowly emerged from the shadows.

It was none other than Otsutsuki Hagoromo, the Sage of Six Paths.

"I didn't expect you to gather the original chakra of the nine tailed beasts so quickly," Hagoromo remarked. "And to seek me out through this method…"

Reiki smirked and raised his hand, revealing a magatama glowing with energy. Behind him, the phantoms of the nine tailed beasts flickered into view.

"I've prepared everything," Reiki replied. "The seal's key is ready too. Now, I think it's time you explain the real purpose behind what you set into motion long ago."

Hagoromo nodded, seemingly impressed by Reiki's resourcefulness.

"You want to understand the reason for my actions?" the Sage mused.

"Exactly," Reiki pressed. "I've collected the tailed beasts' chakra origins. These are more than just chakra fragments—they're alive, with their own identities and the ability to grow. What's the real story behind the tailed beasts, and how does this connect to your broader plan?"

Hagoromo hesitated briefly before speaking.

"This plan was devised by my mother, Kaguya, and us—her sons."

Hagoromo's tone grew grave as he continued. "She knew another Otsutsuki—Ishiki—was lying dormant somewhere in this world. Once Ishiki recovered, he would summon reinforcements from the Otsutsuki Clan to exact revenge. The ninja world would face destruction. To delay that fate, my mother made a choice: she created the tailed beasts from the Ten Tails' chakra to buy time for the world to develop."

Reiki narrowed his eyes, piecing together the implications. "So Kaguya's actions weren't just about controlling the world—they were about protecting it from Ishiki and the Otsutsuki Clan."

Hagoromo nodded solemnly. "Exactly. But it was more than that. Kaguya knew Ishiki would never risk attacking if he believed her threat had been neutralized. Thus, she staged a confrontation."

Hagoromo then delved into the tale of their family's deception.

The Sage's Revelation

When Hagoromo and his brother, Hamura, grew up, Kaguya realized a critical flaw. Despite their partial Otsutsuki heritage, they lacked the Otsutsuki's near-immortality. Their mortal lifespans would end before they could fully prepare for the looming threat.

To protect them, Kaguya crafted an elaborate ruse. She feigned madness, prompting her sons to "seal" her in battle.

Hamura was gifted complete mastery of Yin-Yang Release, while Hagoromo studied Sage techniques, becoming the first wielder of Senjutsu through training at Mount Myoboku. Together, the brothers fought a staged battle that culminated in Kaguya's imprisonment.

From Ishiki's perspective, the threat of Kaguya had been eliminated. Confident in his superiority, Ishiki chose to lie in wait, restoring his power rather than calling the Otsutsuki Clan immediately.

This gave the ninja world centuries of respite.

"During that time," Hagoromo continued, "Hamura remained vigilant, guarding Kaguya's prison. I became a teacher, spreading chakra to the people of the world to prepare them for the eventual Otsutsuki retaliation."

Through countless cycles of reincarnation between Indra and Asura, the ninja world's chakra system evolved. Wars between their reincarnations strengthened the world, ensuring each generation grew more powerful.

"Over time," Hagoromo concluded, "this process gave rise to individuals like you, Reiki—those capable of influencing the fate of the ninja world."

Reiki listened carefully, absorbing the Sage's words.

The Next Steps

After a long pause, Reiki spoke. "So, what's next? Should I release Kaguya first or deal with Ishiki?"

Hagoromo's expression turned thoughtful. "This is a decision that lies in your hands. The ninja world has surpassed my expectations, and your presence has accelerated its growth. You must judge what course of action best ensures survival."

The Sage's face softened as he added, "I've been watching over this world for centuries, intervening when necessary. But now, it's time for someone else to take the lead. I entrust this responsibility to you."

Reiki smirked. "No pressure, right?"

Hagoromo chuckled lightly but said no more.

As Reiki awoke from his encounter with Hagoromo, his mind raced with the weight of what he had learned. The pieces were falling into place, but the path forward remained uncertain.

For now, only one thing was clear—Reiki's decisions would shape the future of the ninja world.