Chapter 163: Master and Apprentice Take Action!

Tsunade was initially apprehensive about Reiki's health, but after their conversation, she put her worries aside and followed him to the Hokage's office. As they reached the Hokage Building, Tsunade stopped Reiki, gripping his hand tightly.

"Reiki, you know you're more important to me than that stubborn old man. If this turns dangerous, I don't want you to continue," she said, her voice filled with concern.

Reiki met her gaze calmly. "Don't worry, teacher. My methods are subtle—no one will notice a thing. Besides, I'm not extracting memories, so there won't be any lasting risks."

Although still hesitant, Tsunade saw the determination in his eyes and nodded, hoping everything would go as planned. As they entered, a few ANBU operatives, aware of Reiki's previous condition, looked at him with surprise.

"Reiki? Weren't you severely injured?" one of the ANBU asked, clearly confused.

"My teacher healed me," Reiki replied, his tone resolute. "Now, let's take care of Hokage-sama's health. As the pillar of Konoha, his well-being affects us all."

The ANBU, reassured by Reiki's resolve, led them to Sarutobi Hiruzen's office.

When they arrived, Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted them with feigned surprise. "Reiki? Tsunade? I didn't expect both of you here."

"Hokage-sama, we're here to ensure your health," Reiki replied, walking toward him. "Your symptoms are similar to Asuma's, but with your stamina and chakra, you've managed to endure them for longer."

Without hesitation, Reiki placed his hand on Sarutobi Hiruzen's arm, activating his healing abilities. Despite his usual reservations, Hiruzen quickly felt a sense of relief as Reiki's chakra flowed through him, soothing years of accumulated injuries and fatigue.

At first, Hiruzen felt uncertain, but as his body relaxed, he experienced a sensation of rejuvenation. Reiki, meanwhile, began to perspire heavily, his breathing becoming labored, his expression serious. Seeing this, Hiruzen grew uneasy. Why did Reiki look so troubled if he was improving?

"Hokage-sama, please relax," Tsunade intervened, placing a hand on Reiki's back, channeling her chakra to support his efforts. Smiling slightly to herself, she sensed Reiki's robust chakra reserves and realized he was creating a show to draw her into the treatment.

Reiki's expression softened as Tsunade joined in, her chakra amplifying his healing efforts. But soon, Hiruzen felt an ache in his organs and a disorienting dizziness.

"Hokage-sama," Reiki said with concern, "your symptoms are more advanced than Asuma's. There's also a foreign chakra affecting your brain. If left untreated, it could disrupt your mental clarity."

Alarmed, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, turning to ANBU. "Ensure no one enters the Hokage Building until this treatment is complete."

With the room secured, Reiki released Hiruzen's hand and raised a faint blue light over his fingers, which he directed toward Hiruzen's forehead. The light created a soothing effect, clouding Hiruzen's senses and easing him into a trance-like state. Supported by Tsunade's healing chakra, he felt as if he were enveloped in warmth, like soaking in a hot spring.

As the minutes passed, Reiki found the information he sought, and a small, glowing point appeared in his hand. Seeing this, Tsunade's eyes sparkled with satisfaction—she hadn't expected it to be this straightforward.

"Teacher, it's nearly done," Reiki said softly. "I'll leave the final touch to you."

Reiki clasped his hands together, sending a gentle wave of chakra to Hiruzen's forehead, completing the process. Hiruzen's eyes fluttered open, and he took a deep breath, immediately feeling the vitality coursing through his body.

"This…"

"Hokage-sama, your body is almost fully recovered," Reiki said, feigning exhaustion. "Thankfully, Teacher was here to support me; I couldn't have done it alone." Just as he finished speaking, he swayed and collapsed into Tsunade's arms, falling asleep from "exhaustion."

Sarutobi Hiruzen reached out, taking Reiki's hand. He could sense Reiki's energy had indeed been depleted, likely from overexertion.

"Tsunade, please take Reiki home and let him rest. I owe him a debt of gratitude," Hiruzen said sincerely. "And, of course, my thanks to you as well."

Tsunade nodded, but without a word, she gently lifted Reiki into her arms, carrying him out of the Hokage's office.