The work of stitching the arms continued.
Tsunade truly lived up to her reputation as the pinnacle of Medical-nin—exceptionally talented and precise.
Her hands grew steadier, her expression more focused. Before long, both of Reiji's arms were back where they belonged.
Without changing his expression, Reiji clenched his fists and gave a silent thumbs up in his mind.
Nice work, Tsunade! But seriously, did you have to tie a bow at the seams?
Suppressing the urge to complain, Reiji put on a look of blood-deprived weakness, sat cross-legged, and said earnestly,
"Thank you, Princess Tsunade."
Tsunade, kneeling beside him, didn't seem to hear. She just stared at the savage wounds on his arms in a daze.
Even now, she couldn't get used to such a brutal method of healing.
After all, if a normal person's arm was cut off, it'd stay that way.
And she had seen it with her own eyes—Reiji's heart had been pierced by a Lightning Release jutsu.
She wasn't naive. She understood that this boy was different.
Still, she couldn't shake the image of him suddenly stepping in to block that fatal strike.
Nor could she forget the sight of him coughing up blood, wearing that helpless smile.
As Tsunade's face turned redder, Reiji raised a hand and waved it in front of her.
"Princess Tsunade? Princess Tsunade?"
"Eh? Did your brain short-circuit or something?" Reiji tilted his head and rubbed his chin, puzzled.
A second later, Tsunade rolled her eyes—completely involuntarily.
She didn't know why. She just wanted to.
The setting was perfect.
Moonlight. A deserted forest. A chaotic battlefield. A boy and a girl sitting face to face.
It should've been a tender, emotional moment, but this guy opened his mouth and said, "Did your brain short-circuit?" Way to ruin the mood!
"What is it?" Tsunade asked, deadpan.
"Well..." Seeing her snap out of it, Reiji scratched his head awkwardly, looking sheepish. "So... when we get back to the village, can we maybe not tell anyone about what happened tonight?"
He knew it was a long shot, but he figured he'd ask anyway.
Truthfully, he was already prepared to run.
The Third Hokage was in power now. Hiruzen Sarutobi might've been stern in his youth, but deep down, he'd always been softhearted.
Ironically, now that he looked kind and gentle in his old age, he was more rigid than ever.
Power changes people.
When you're strong, there's nothing to fear, so you can afford to be kind. But when your strength fades, you stop trusting anyone.
Reiji had saved Princess Tsunade tonight. With that, Hiruzen might go easy on Rie.
Tensed and ready, Reiji braced himself. If Tsunade refused or made things difficult, he'd knock her out and flee immediately.
Tsunade was quiet for a while, then lifted her head, her delicate face serious as she stared at Reiji.
"If I don't agree... will you leave Konoha?"
Damn it!
Reiji froze.
This girl... how is she this sharp?
Weren't you supposed to be all boobs and no brains? You're breaking character here!
His eyes dropped... endless view... okay, never mind, all good again.
Tsunade didn't react to Reiji's wandering eyes. Maybe, at her age, she couldn't really tell the difference between lewd and creepy.
She just stared straight into his eyes.
Avoiding her gaze, Reiji sighed and slowly nodded.
"What about Rie?" she pressed.
Used to this by now, Reiji let out a long sigh. His face grew somber, and he gave a bitter smile as if comforting himself.
"It's fine. She knows where I keep the money. Nine hundred thousand ryo should last her a long time. And the kids at the orphanage will look after her.
As for Old Man Hiruzen, I'm counting on him to let her grow up peacefully... since I haven't caused any trouble in Konoha."
Tsunade's expression hardened. She grabbed Reiji by the collar.
"Then tell me—why can't we tell Old Man Hiruzen what happened tonight? Why would you leave Konoha if I don't agree?"
Hearing that, Reiji gave a bitter laugh.
Tsunade... she really hasn't seen the darkness yet.
He gently pried her hand off, lowered his head, and started talking to himself.
"You know I'm from Amegakure, so you probably also know I escaped from the Jashin cult."
Tsunade nodded. "Hiruzen told me. Said you went through a lot."
Hearing that, Reiji's lips curled slightly in the shadows.
"A lot, huh? What kind of 'a lot'?"
"..." Tsunade went silent. What kind of suffering? She had never thought about it.
Maybe in her mind, "a child used for sacrifice, tormented in every way" was already the worst it could get.
"Look." Reiji raised his left hand, pulled out a kunai with his right, and—
Thud. It pierced straight through his palm. Blood sprayed.
"Does this hurt?" Reiji smiled, shaking his head. "This isn't even close to real pain."
Then, ignoring Tsunade's horrified stare, the kunai flashed—
Five fingers hit the ground.
"How about now? Painful? Maybe. Barely."
Reiji smiled without warmth, quietly watching Tsunade.
"There was also burning, slicing, drying, electrocution, gutting, heart removal, sawing open the skull... and more.
Of course, I don't have the tools—and I hate pain—so I'll spare you the demonstrations!"
At those words, a chill shot up Tsunade's spine, freezing her to the core.
She was just a kid—how could she have seen such inhuman cruelty?
Now she understood why Reiji would rather run from Konoha than risk her telling Hiruzen Sarutobi what happened tonight.
It wasn't even a choice. It was obvious.
In that moment, an emotion stronger than fear surged in her chest. Tsunade suddenly threw her arms around Reiji.
"I won't say a word. Not even if I die! You're coming back with me—to Konoha!"
She clung tightly to Reiji's head, her voice firm with resolve.
Hearing that, Reiji's lips curled into a silent grin.
Damn... finally scared this girl into submission. That took effort!
As expected, with young girls, you gotta spark their motherly instincts. With young women, treat 'em like spoiled kids.
Believe it—I'm always right!
But damn... losing those fingers really hurts! Am I getting soft? Not taking enough beatings lately?
"Uh... you're crushing my fingers," Reiji muttered weakly, his neck still wrapped in Tsunade's arms.
A vein popped on Tsunade's forehead.
This bastard! You're worried about your fingers at a time like this? I'm a full-blown beauty in your arms, you know?!
The mood! Read the mood, damn it!
"Shut up." Tsunade squeezed him even tighter, feeling the warmth of his body—and his heart, which wasn't beating at all.
Seriously?! No heartbeat? Talk about ruining the moment in 359 degrees of perfection! The last degree goes to the Caged Bird!
He manages to kill the vibe even when he doesn't speak!
Her face darkened as she let go of Reiji in frustration.
"Your heart isn't beating!"
"Huh?" Reiji blinked, then pulled open his shirt and glanced at the gaping wound in his chest. He couldn't help but complain inwardly.
Well no shit—my chest's got a hole in it! Of course it's not beating! If it did, blood would be spurting out everywhere!
But seeing Tsunade's threatening glare, Reiji shrank back and offered a sheepish smile.
"Uh... maybe give it a minute? It might start up again on its own?"
Looking at that carefree smile, Tsunade's heart softened. She bit her lip and took out a needle and thread.
"Fine. I'll sew it up."
Just as she was about to get to work, a sudden thought struck her.
If I end up dating Reiji, I'll never have to worry about him dying in battle!
Seriously? Is that even possible?
Seeing her get ready for a heart-stitching job, Reiji quickly shook his head.
He wasn't scared—he just didn't trust her medical skills.
If she sewed it well, great. If not, he'd end up with an offbeat heartbeat every time he moved. Who could live like that?
Might as well rip it out and let it regrow!
Just thinking about it gave him the shivers.
"Princess Tsunade, it's fine, really. It'll grow back on its own."
At that, Tsunade suddenly grew shy, her voice barely audible.
"Just call me Tsunade... or Tsuna."
Reiji didn't catch a word of it, but seeing her blushing face, he thought she must've lost it.
We're talking normally—what's with the blushing?
"Ahem, Princess Tsunade, so it's settled. When we get back—"
Before he could finish, Tsunade's brow twitched, and she grabbed his ear, roaring,
"Don't call me Princess Tsunade! Call me Tsuna!"
Damn... whoever marries this girl is screwed!
She's already this violent—what's she gonna be like when she's older? Break six ribs on a whim?
Still, for the sake of his ears, Reiji nodded rapidly like a pecking chick.
"Tsuna, Tsuna! I'll call you Tsuna from now on!"
By the way, how the hell did she grab me so fast and hard? Is she secretly a monster or something?
Hearing him give in, Tsunade finally let go, still fuming.
But honestly... she looked kind of cute. That golden hair, that proud high ponytail...
For a moment, Reiji was stunned.
The forest quieted. Tsunade lowered her head, leaning gently against him, face flushed, as if wanting to stay like that forever.
Suddenly, Reiji's eyes snapped back to focus.
A kilometer away, a shadow clone hidden in the grass had just dispelled, sending its memories back.
Turns out a large ANBU unit, led by Kagami Uchiha, was already en route.
At the same time, Reiji sensed unusual movement in the northwest—along the border.
With that, it all clicked.
Even if he hadn't saved Tsunade, there was no way she would've been taken by enemy forces.
But if he hadn't acted, suspicion would fall on him.
By saving her—and with the corpses as evidence—he could completely clear himself.
After all, Konoha has a secret technique to extract memories from the dead.
That's exactly why Reiji smashed the heads of No.1 and No. 2.
Those two had witnessed his unique physique. While it wasn't enough for them to deduce he was immortal, Reiji, ever cautious, wouldn't allow even the slightest risk.
As for Tsunade, Reiji was confident—if she didn't want to talk, no one could force her.
After all, her grandmother was still alive: Mito Uzumaki, wife of Hashirama Senju, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, princess of the Uzumaki clan!
Even setting Mito aside, just being Hashirama's granddaughter was enough to keep anyone from interrogating her.
With that thought, Reiji slowly spoke.
"Someone's coming. Probably ANBU."
As he spoke, he swallowed the Iron Sand scattered through the air right in front of Tsunade.
As the Iron Sand surged into him, Reiji picked up the severed finger on the ground. The Iron Sand flowed around it, gradually reattaching it.
Once everything was in order, Reiji let out a long breath of relief.
Honestly, if Tsunade hadn't woken up, he wouldn't have bothered using the Flying Thunder God Technique—now his short-sleeved shirt was sleeveless.
Just thinking about it made his heart ache.
That shirt had cost 200 ryo! That's like twenty skewers and sixty dumplings!
Damn, such a loss! He should've just stayed home!
As he stewed over it, swish swish swish—figures suddenly appeared all around.
At the front was Kagami Uchiha, who'd recently teamed up with Reiji in their slapdash duo.
Kagami wasn't wearing his usual sunny grin. He stared at Reiji with a grim face.
The ANBU swiftly surrounded them, immediately separating Tsunade from Reiji. The rest kept their eyes warily on him.
"So it really was you, Reiji. I saw your shadow clone earlier."
Kagami's gaze swept across the battered terrain and the corpses of No.1, No.2, and No.3.
He slowly exhaled, then smirked slightly.
"Looks like you're headed back to the Konoha dungeon for a couple of days."
Again? What the hell!
Reiji nearly burst out laughing.
This time, he was straight-up lobbing his signature brick into the archives room!
Just as he barely managed to contain his excitement, Tsunade cut in.
"Reiji saved me."
Her voice was calm and unwavering.
Kagami opened his mouth to explain, but Reiji quickly waved her off.
"Don't! This is ANBU procedure! As law-abiding citizens of Konoha, we must follow the rules!"
Kagami and the surrounding ANBU all cursed him in their hearts.
Seriously? Who the hell are you fooling? Everyone here knows you're a snitch!
Kagami gave Reiji a weird look and nodded slowly.
Reiji, man... you sure know the system well, huh?
Without resisting, Reiji raised his hands in surrender.
Off to the side, a man wearing a dog mask reluctantly approached.
"Yo~ Doggy, haven't seen you in a night and I already missed you!"
At that, the other ANBU all turned their masked gazes toward Tsuchigami.
Dozens of stares landed squarely on him.
In an instant, Tsuchigami felt like he had hemorrhoids and a mole on his ass. He almost forgot how to walk.
Fuming, he cuffed Reiji and gave him a shove, like a scorned wife pushing her husband.
"You bastard! One night without supervision and you make this big of a mess!"
Though, judging by his tone, it sounded more like a wife blaming her husband for losing money at mahjong.
Tsunade watched, and for some reason, it felt like a wave of jealousy hit her.
...
ANBU Dungeon.
Once again, Room 233.
Once again, the familiar set of The Tale of Genji.
Only difference this time—Tsuchigami had lent Reiji the illustrated color edition.
Reiji lay on the bed, nostrils stuffed with tissue, reading with relish.
Just as he reached the exciting part at Rokujō's residence, the cell door swung open.
Tsuchigami marched in, snatched the book from his hands, and glared at the greasy fingerprints on it. Beneath the mask, his face went dark.
"Reiji Sakuhō, Hiruzen-sama wants to see you."
"Me?"
Reiji frowned.
Normally, with the bodies and Tsunade's statement, he'd just be locked up for a few days and let go.
Why was he being summoned?
Was it... to thank him?
Thinking that, Reiji nodded reluctantly, then seized the chance to snatch The Tale of Genji back while Tsuchigami was distracted.
"Doggy, just let me read it for two more days."
"Nope!"
Tsuchigami snatched it right back, made a hand seal, and vanished outside the door with a Body Flicker.
Reiji stared blankly at his empty hands, then looked up at Tsuchigami carefully tucking the book into his chest.
His heart sank.
Damn it, bro... are you really playing this game?
Tsuchigami chuckled.
"Lend it to you? Please. You never return anything you borrow from Ippongi Katō. You think I don't know?
And that last Genji set you borrowed from me—you never gave it back either."
"You're such a cheapskate," Reiji muttered as he stepped out of the cell and followed Tsuchigami.
Soon, they arrived at the Hokage's office.
Tsuchigami knocked lightly on the door. After receiving permission, he pushed it open and led Reiji inside.
The first thing that caught Reiji's eye was the enormous desk. But it was no longer neat and tidy—piles of documents towered over it, open scrolls were scattered everywhere.
From behind the mountain of paperwork, smoke drifted up in wisps. Looking closer, Reiji saw Hiruzen Sarutobi with a pipe in his mouth, pulling at his hair while writing something with a brush.
Noticing Reiji enter, Hiruzen waved to the people around him.
The surrounding ANBU nodded in unison and exited the office.
Reiji stepped forward, peering at Hiruzen through the stacks of documents.
"Old man Hiruzen, what did you call me for?"
At those words, Hiruzen slowly took a puff from his pipe, then stood up, gazing at Reiji with a hint of satisfaction.
"Reiji, thank you for bringing Tsunade back."
Reiji casually shook his head.
"No need to thank me. I was just looking out for myself. Besides, even without me, they wouldn't have gotten away with Princess Tsunade."
Hiruzen's satisfaction grew.
Last night, the Analysis Division had already submitted their report.
Those three ninja had been hired by a backer with the codename "Yamaya" to come to Konoha and kidnap Tsunade.
They were actually brothers who had defected from Takigakure, unhappy with their village leader's rule. They became mercenaries at the Bounty Station, selling their skills to the highest bidder.
According to intel from an informant embedded in the Bounty Station, the one called "Yamaya" had close ties with the Land of Lightning.
The Land of Lightning. Again. Hiruzen's brows furrowed.
Tobirama-sensei's death had always been tied to Kumogakure, and Danzō Shimura strongly suspected it was part of their sinister scheme.
They had faked a conflict between the Gold and Silver Brothers and the Second Raikage, then suddenly attacked using the Six Paths Treasures to ambush Tobirama.
Honestly, Hiruzen didn't want to believe the kind Second Raikage would do such a thing—but once he became Hokage, his view changed.
Putting himself in their shoes, if he had the chance to eliminate such a dangerous enemy for the sake of the village and his comrades, he would do it without hesitation.
And now, Tsunade's kidnapping seemed to involve Kumogakure once again.
With that thought, Hiruzen's resolve hardened.
"Reiji, actually... there's something I want to ask of you."
Huh?
What could Hiruzen possibly need from me?
What kind of ability do I have that the Hokage himself would ask for?
Without even thinking, Reiji instinctively shook his head.
"Sorry, not happening. Find someone else!"
Hiruzen, mid-puff, was caught off guard and started coughing, sending a puff of ash from his pipe into the air.
"Ahem... Reiji, won't you at least hear me out?"
"Nope! If I listen, I won't be able to back out!" Reiji shook his head so hard it was as if he wanted to rattle it loose.
Was this a joke? No matter how good the offer sounded, he wasn't getting involved. Nothing good ever came from this kind of thing!
Hiruzen was left speechless by Reiji's blunt refusal.
Then suddenly, his eyes lit up as if struck by an idea. He shook his head and let out a dramatic sigh.
"What a shame. Reiji, with your strength—defeating three powerful Jōnin working in perfect sync—I was thinking of making an exception and promoting you directly to Jōnin for such a clear contribution to Konoha..."
"Tsk tsk tsk… what a shame."
Hearing that, Reiji nodded along with a regretful sigh. "Yeah, tsk tsk tsk, such a shame."
Shame my ass. Everyone knows the Genin in Konoha are the strongest! Don't try to stop me—I'm gonna stay a Genin for life!
Seeing Reiji mimic his tone, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face turned red with embarrassment. He took a deep breath, forcing down his frustration, and spoke again.
"I was thinking that after this mission, I'd get you a two-bedroom apartment on Tea Street in Konoha… but now, well, maybe I'll wait until I've got time."
"Heh~" Reiji chuckled.
Tea Street was a nice area, right next to the Hokage building. But a two-bedroom apartment? What a joke.
You're the leader of Konoha and head of the Sarutobi clan, and this is your idea of rewarding your people? What kind of officer wouldn't see through a test like that?
Honestly, in his head, Reiji was thinking: A two-bedroom on Tea Street? Only costs 850,000 ryō.
I pulled a scam on the Uchiha and made 400,000 without even trying. And now you're tossing pocket change at me like it's some grand offer?
Besides, he's been forging weapons using shadow clones. All told, he's racked up another 170,000 or so.
Add that to the 800,000 he had before, and he was just about to break a million.
With a million ryō, why not buy a 120-square-meter place with three bedrooms, two living rooms, and two bathrooms? Now that would be sweet.
Or better yet, take the million, buy some land outside the village, and start a factory. That's the real move.
A two-bedroom? Might as well hand that out to beggars.
Seeing the look of disdain on Reiji's face, Hiruzen's face finally darkened. He gritted his teeth and made one last push.
"Fine! I'll add another 500,000 ryō in operating funds. Deal?"
"Nope, nope!" Reiji shook his head firmly. He was absolutely sick of hearing the term "operating funds."
Because every time that phrase came up, it meant a three-year commitment.
After everything that had been said, if Reiji still couldn't figure out what Hiruzen wanted from him, he'd have to be an idiot.
The only thing he was actually good at—better than most—was being a spy, an undercover agent.
Just thinking about being sent to Konoha by Amegakure as a spy, then being sent from Konoha to some other village as another spy—it made his skin crawl.
It wasn't even about being undercover anymore. It was just… gross.
What was he supposed to say when introducing himself in the future?
"I'm Reiji Sakuhō!
The Village Head of Amegakure, lover of the Hokage, lover of the Mizukage, lover of the Tsuchikage, Anbu commander of Sunagakure, and captain of the Raikage's guard!"
At first glance, it actually sounded kind of badass. But on second thought… huh? It really did sound badass!
After all, he would've achieved peace in the ninja world—something even Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha couldn't pull off!
Of course, all through seduction.
Nope. No way!
Reiji shook his head violently, trying to fling that ridiculous thought out of his mind.
Seeing how stubborn Reiji was, Hiruzen was at a complete loss.
This brat… had he forgotten he was supposed to be undercover? He's still freeloading here like he owns the place!
"Ahem, ahem." Left with no other option, Hiruzen pulled out his final card—sincerity.
"Reiji, don't you want to know who sent people to kidnap Tsunade?"
Reiji looked at Hiruzen's expectant eyes and sighed.
"You're gonna say it was Kumogakure, right?"
At that, Hiruzen instinctively took two steps back. Once again, Reiji had left him stunned.
How does this guy think?
Where did he get that intel?
Did someone leak it?
At that moment, Hiruzen finally grasped just how monstrous Reiji really was.
Before becoming Hokage, he'd only found Reiji impressive. But now, he was starting to feel a little afraid of him.
No wonder! The kid was immune to every temptation and bribe. Hiruzen had almost believed he wasn't interested in money.
But the truth was—Reiji had already figured out his goal from the start.
At the same time, Hiruzen finally understood what Tobirama-sensei had meant.
Why he said this guy must never join Konoha's upper ranks.
Tobirama had seen it clearly: standing in front of Reiji Sakuhō, you'd feel like your intellect was being utterly crushed.
"Ahem." Collecting his thoughts, Hiruzen cleared his throat and asked, "Reiji, where did you get that intel this time?"
"Uh..." Reiji looked at Hiruzen like he was an idiot.
"Old man, are you tired? I think you should go home and get some rest."
Ignoring Reiji's sarcasm, Hiruzen waved it off. "I'm not tired. Just answer me already!"
Reiji pressed his lips together, annoyed.
"Let's be real—what can I do? I'm not even ten yet. What could a little brat like me possibly do?"
He shrugged and spread his hands. "Spy."
"And a spy as amazing as me—should I be sent to some tiny village? No way."
Watching Reiji shamelessly brag, Hiruzen's face turned even darker.
He gave Reiji a look that said, "Keep talking, and see if I don't smack you."
"That narrows it down quite a bit—to the Land of Lightning, the Land of Wind, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Water."
"The Land of Wind and the Land of Earth both have Hanzō of the Salamander. Honestly, even if everyone else died, he'd probably still walk out alive.
Sunagakure and Iwagakure aren't major threats. Pass.
That leaves the Land of Water and the Land of Lightning. But the Land of Water borders Uzushiogakure in the Land of Whirlpools. And let's be real—
Between Konohagakure and Uzushiogakure, it's always been: we take the blame, they take the fall.
Kirigakure isn't much of a threat either. Pass.
Which means all that's left is the Land of Lightning, right?
And considering Tobirama-sama just passed away, it's only natural for his disciples to want revenge."
After listening to Reiji's rapid-fire analysis, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help nodding in agreement.
Damn... This kid just casually laid out the entire geopolitical landscape better than anything Danzō's ever said!
That guy was always ranting about how Sunagakure was a huge threat we had to guard against!
Kirigakure sharpening their blades, better be cautious!
Then he finishes with something about their land being poor, so war was inevitable.
Sure, Hiruzen admitted Danzō had his points—but Reiji's analysis just made more sense.
And sure enough, twenty years later, the Second Shinobi World War proved him right. Hanzō of the Salamander became an unstoppable force in the Wind, Earth, and Fire Lands.
...
Seeing Hiruzen fall silent, Reiji shook his head and sighed.
"Old man Hiruzen, isn't there anyone else?"
At that, Hiruzen let out a long sigh and shook his head.
"There are others, but none with your talent at your age.
They could infiltrate Kumogakure, but at best, they'd just pass as merchants or civilians."
Heh.
Reiji sneered inwardly, cursing in his mind.
So that's the plan? You're actually hoping I'll worm my way into the upper ranks of Kumogakure?
Do you even realize those people are all either pitch black or pale white? What, do I need to get a tan first?
As that thought crossed his mind, Reiji's expression turned serious, and his tone followed suit.
"Hokage-sama, what about Rie Sakuhō? I chose Konoha because I wanted her to have a happy childhood—not to follow me around, suffering all over the world!"
Seeing the look on Reiji's face, Hiruzen's own expression sobered.
He knew this was the critical moment. If he could convince Reiji to infiltrate the Land of Lightning, he'd uncover valuable intel—and more importantly, he'd fulfill Sensei's dying wish: to keep Reiji away from Tsunade, preferably with no entanglements.
"I promise, the village and I will take good care of her."
Hiruzen's voice was firm and resolute.
But Reiji didn't budge. He stared him down and shook his head.
"That's not good enough."
He knew exactly who he was dealing with. There were lessons to be learned from the past—even if those events hadn't happened to him directly.
Take Naruto, son of the Fourth Hokage. A hero's kid, no doubt.
But what did he get? Instant noodles, expired milk, being called a demon fox, and growing up all alone.
To Reiji, the Uchiha's Kekkei Genkai might as well be called Byakugan.
In this guy's eyes, the entire village's bloodlines might as well be Byakugan. Because people like Hiruzen didn't see individuals, just bloodlines.
And the only one who actually had the Byakugan—Hinata—was the kindest and gentlest of them all. What a joke.
Reiji couldn't do anything for Naruto—but Rie? No way was he letting her go through something like that.
Anyway, according to Konoha ANBU's own intel:
Loyalty: E−
He didn't give a damn about Konoha—only about the people he cared for.
...
Faced with Reiji's rejection, Hiruzen fell silent.
The reason for Reiji's hardline stance was simple—he'd already prepared an escape route.
A shadow clone had left the Land of Fire's borders, carrying a brick.
If push came to shove, he could bolt at any time. Worst-case scenario, lose a limb or two.
They'd grow back. Just a matter of time.
Besides, now that he was stronger, he could return to his old village and finally protect Mizukuma.
He'd left because he was weak. Now that he had power, returning meant he'd be respected.
As for the Eight Inner Gates, Reiji figured, "Konan's adorable, Nagato's amazing—I'll just stick with him even if it means going hungry three days out of every four!"
The plan was simple: when Nagato was busy holding up half the world, Reiji would sneak into the archive room, swipe the Scroll of Seals, and make a clean getaway. Flawless execution.
But then Hiruzen Sarutobi said something that immediately made Reiji shelve the whole idea.
"I've already spoken to Tsunade about this."
Hearing that, Reiji muttered curses to himself. Why does this old man have to tell that girl everything?
What he didn't know was that Hiruzen had long noticed Tsunade's unusual feelings toward Reiji.
Before Reiji could ask, Hiruzen took a slow drag on his pipe and continued, "Tsunade said she's willing to take care of Rie. She can stay at her house."
At those words, Reiji sucked in a sharp breath.
This… this was perfect!
Not only feasible—this was the best outcome imaginable!
Who in their right mind would dare to pick on a chubby little girl under Princess Tsunade's protection?
With that thought, Reiji gave a firm thumbs-up and nodded enthusiastically.
"Great idea. I think it's brilliant! Oh, and from now on—I'm not her brother!"
Hiruzen immediately frowned, falling silent as he sank into deep thought. It took a while before realization dawned, and his heart filled with mixed emotions.
He understood what Reiji was doing.
But at the same time, he felt himself growing more distant from the boy.
Setting aside his bond with Rie, this move showed not only boundless love for his sister—but complete distrust toward the village and Hiruzen himself.
Reiji was convinced that his identity would eventually be exposed. That when it happened, it would spark chaos in the village—and Rie would be caught in the storm.
But how would it be exposed? Who even knew the truth?
The fact that he believed Tsunade would be a good guardian for Rie made it clear—Reiji trusted her. As for the rest of them? Including Hiruzen?
The answer was clear.
No.
And not just no—a resounding, unwavering no.
Already slipping into his informant mindset, Reiji's thoughts spun quickly. He turned to Hiruzen again.
"Hokage-sama, once I leave Konoha, I'll leave all contact with Amegakure to you. ANBU should have someone who can imitate my writing and tone. Tsuchigami could do it."
He scratched his head.
"Oh, and ask around about Mizukuma for me. Don't let Hanzō of the Salamander think I've forgotten about him."
Watching Reiji rattle off instructions like some nagging old man, Hiruzen pursed his lips. For a moment, he remembered how things used to be—before he became Hokage.
Back then, he and Reiji had spoken from the heart. How had it come to this—scheming and second-guessing each other?
With a sigh, Hiruzen made a decision.
"Ahem… Reiji."
Reiji stopped mid-sentence, tilting his head in mild confusion.
"Uh…" Hiruzen hesitated for a moment, then slowly said,
"Reiji… Mizukuma Sakuhō is dead."
As the words left his mouth, Hiruzen fixed his eyes on Reiji's face, muscles tense, ready to restrain him if he lost control.
Reiji froze, his mouth twitching as if trying to form words.
And then, in an instant, Mizukuma's face flooded his mind.
That stern, serious look when he taught chakra extraction...
The awkward attempts to comfort him after being dismissed by Hanzō...
The giddy excitement when dragging him to the red light district, like a kid eager to show off a new toy...
That flirty grin when he had his arms around Meiya and Yukiko...
The shattered look in his eyes after learning of Hanzō's plan...
The worry and reluctance in their final farewell...
The way he sneakily shoved the secret technique scroll into Reiji's hands, like a mischievous thief...
The memories hit all at once. A single, clear tear slipped down the corner of Reiji's eye.
So this… is what loss feels like.
He exhaled slowly, wiped his cheek, and forced a stiff smile at Hiruzen.
"Sorry... That must've looked pathetic."
"Where were we? Oh, right—imitating my handwriting. That's easy…"
His voice cracked mid-sentence.
He trembled slightly, lifted his head in starts and stops, lips pressed tight into a shaky smile.
"S-sorry. I… I lost my composure. I'll just… head back now."
Clenching his jaw, but keeping his tone soft, he gave his farewell.
A thin stream of something—maybe snot, maybe tears—trickled from his nose.
Step by step, more shuffle than stride, he made it to the door, pulled it open like a puppet on strings, and left the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen stood there in silence, watching Reiji's back fade away. He opened his mouth to say something, but the words caught in his throat.
He had thought Reiji would explode in rage, lose all control...
He had thought he would roar and rush off to Amegakure in a blind fury...
He had thought he would spiral into hatred, turning dark and vengeful toward the world...
But instead, Reiji just cried—like a boy who'd lost his father. Utterly helpless.
...
Outside, the sky began to drizzle.
Soon, the rain thickened into threads, blanketing the world in gray.
At the tall window, Hiruzen smoked silently. The sound of burning tobacco was swallowed by the rain.
He watched the street below.
Watched a child stumble through the downpour like the walking dead.
A boy who had always stood tall, now hunched and bent.
A boy who trembled as he collapsed into the wet street, sobbing like a child.
...
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