Naruto: You Call This A Medical Ninja?

After listening to Reiki's words, Otsutsuki Kaguya fell silent.

Though his proposal deviated from her original plans, its purpose aligned with hers: to reshape the world.

More importantly, the young man before her had achieved the unthinkable—defeating and killing Otsutsuki Ishiki.

Killing, not merely defeating.

The Otsutsuki Clan's most terrifying trait was their resilience—so few could fully destroy them, even if they were far stronger.

On top of this, Reiki had made contact with the Otsutsuki overseer, who had clearly chosen neutrality, neither intervening nor obstructing their actions. While Kaguya couldn't fully comprehend the overseer's motives, their neutrality was a good sign.

However, the issue of trust loomed large.

Kaguya couldn't fully trust Reiki, his allies, or the ninja world. Her past experiences weighed heavily on her, especially her betrayal by those she once held dear.

A Time for Reflection

"I need time to think about cooperation," Kaguya said after a long pause.

"For now, I will not harm the ninja world, nor will I summon the Chakra Sacred Tree."

"So… you should leave for now."

"Understood," Reiki replied, nodding.

He placed several bottles of recovery potions on the ground. "These will aid in your recovery."

Without hesitation, Reiki turned and left, his companions Shisui and Nozuki following him.

Though confused by Reiki's calm departure, Shisui and Nozuki chose not to question him until later.

The trio activated the teleportation array and vanished.

Kaguya and Black Zetsu

"They're gone?"

Kaguya looked surprised as Reiki and his companions left without further discussion.

"Mother, why not cooperate directly with the ninja world?" Black Zetsu asked, his tone filled with doubt.

He had grown to trust Reiki completely after witnessing his actions and his fulfillment of promises.

During their time together, Reiki had demonstrated a consistent willingness to heal and aid others, regardless of faction or background. His tireless efforts to unite the ninja world and his egalitarian approach to leadership had deeply impressed Black Zetsu.

"Humans are the most complex beings in the world," Kaguya replied.

"Black Zetsu, do you fully understand what that boy said—or what he didn't say?"

"I know most of it," Black Zetsu admitted.

"Then let me explain what I see," Kaguya said.

Sitting down, Black Zetsu began recounting the immense changes that had taken place in the ninja world over recent years. Even he found the transformation remarkable.

Back in the Ninja World

Reiki and his companions returned to the ninja world, their teleportation array depositing them safely.

"Reiki, I have a question," Nozuki began hesitantly.

"You're wondering about Kaguya Otsutsuki, aren't you?" Reiki interrupted.

Nozuki nodded, surprised he could read her thoughts so easily.

"Kaguya's trust is hard to earn because of her past. She was betrayed by someone she loved, and that betrayal left a scar that shapes her decisions even now."

Reiki's tone was calm as he continued. "I've learned much about her from Black Zetsu, so I understand her hesitation. The best thing we can do now is give her time. She has no better option than us."

His confidence in this approach was unwavering.

Rushing Kaguya would only undo their progress. Giving her time to think would ensure she made the right choice, and fortunately, time was a resource they had in abundance.

The Special Training Camp

"Shisui, let's head back to the special training camp," Reiki suggested, shifting the topic.

"Don't underestimate its importance. Everyone there is a future powerhouse. A ninja's strength doesn't lie in individual might alone but in shared belief and unity. That's what makes a village strong."

Reiki smiled as he continued. "Think of Konoha in its prime, when Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara stood united. They were the pinnacle of strength, but when Hashirama passed and Madara left, Konoha began to lose its edge. The strength of one or two can't sustain a village forever. Real power comes from collective determination."

Nozuki's Frustration

"Reiki, how strong are you now?" Nozuki asked, her tone tinged with irritation. "The stronger I become, the further I feel from catching up to you! It's frustrating!"

Reiki chuckled. "I'm just a medical ninja. Strength is only a tool for me. Don't focus on the gap. Focus on your growth."

He paused, then added, "Come on, let's head back to the special training camp."

Shisui's Encouragement

"Reiki is serious about being a medical ninja," Shisui said, turning to Nozuki.

"If you can't see his back, just keep moving forward. You'll catch up eventually. Don't you want to be Hokage one day?"

He extended his hand to her, smiling.

Encouraged by Shisui's words, Nozuki nodded determinedly and took his hand, ready to continue their journey forward.