**Chapter 36: Sakumo’s Lesson and Reiki’s Rewards**

"Wow, Uncle Sakumo really didn't hold back!" Shizune chuckled, tending to the battered trainees sprawled across the training ground. Reiki, wrapped up like a rice dumpling, tried to grin despite his bruises. Sakumo, rubbing his own sore waist, walked over and lifted his shirt slightly, revealing the marks where the kids had relentlessly aimed their strikes.

Shizune immediately pulled out some ointment. "Sit down, Uncle Sakumo, I've got this."

Sakumo chuckled, though a little embarrassed. "They certainly took the training to heart," he muttered. Despite not being badly injured, his waist was the target of every punch, and even he was feeling it.

"Uncle Sakumo," Reiki piped up, his voice tired but respectful, "you should keep this kind of intensity for all of us. We're here to learn what it's like out there. This isn't about blame; it's the only way we'll be prepared." Reiki grimaced a bit but kept talking, determined. 

Sakumo's eyes softened with appreciation. "You really think that?" he asked, surprised. He'd been worried the intense training might feel unfair.

"Of course!" Reiki replied, wincing slightly. "In real life, if you held back, we wouldn't get a second chance. Today's training is the best gift we could ask for." 

Sakumo nodded, suddenly feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Thank you, Reiki." As he left the training area, he called Shizune to keep an eye on the others and handle their recovery.

Once Sakumo was gone, Reiki shakily sat up. "I'll be alright, Shizune. Let's get the others patched up," he said, managing a smile. "Oh, and can you have Red, Kurenai, and Rin whip up some food for us?"

Shizune nodded. "Of course!" She quickly dashed off, excited to help.

As Reiki worked on healing his comrades, a familiar ding echoed in his head, signaling small boosts in strength and chakra as he treated each friend. Though the rewards were modest, Reiki felt his proficiency growing, and with a little more effort, his healing technique was finally at 12%!

When the others were stable, Reiki turned his attention to his gift system. With anticipation, he opened the latest surprise gift box.

"Ding! Congratulations on receiving Kame Sennin's stinky socks from the Dragon Ball universe…" 

"Ding! You have acquired Fairy's hairpin from the Inuyasha universe, with magical properties…"

One by one, the items materialized in front of him. Unfortunately, most were odd trinkets of little use, cluttering his storage.

*"This system space is filling up fast,"* he thought, frustrated. Then, a new notification appeared:

"Ding! Unwanted items can be sold for medical points."

Curious, Reiki examined one of the items: Kame Sennin's socks. A tiny "sell" option glowed at the end of the description. He selected it. 

"Ding! Sell Kame Sennin's stinky socks for 20 medical points?"

"Confirm," Reiki said, feeling a small thrill.

The points added up quickly. Item after item was sold, each turning into precious medical points. By the time he finished, he'd amassed over 500 points. Then, a notification popped up about Fairy's hairpin.

"Ding! Sell Fairy's hairpin for 500 medical points?"

He paused, considering it. The hairpin was beautifully crafted and supposedly had a "magical effect." But he couldn't tell if it was worth keeping. Just as he was debating, Shizune returned, her eyes lighting up when she saw the hairpin.

"Oh, Reiki, it's beautiful!" Shizune said softly, her gaze fixed on the hairpin.

Reiki's smile softened. "Do you want it? Here," he said, handing it to her.

"Are you sure?" Shizune's face lit up with joy as she accepted the gift, fastening her hair with it before bouncing off to help with the others, looking radiant. Reiki sighed, realizing he'd given away 500 points just like that. But seeing Shizune's happiness, he figured it was a fair trade.

*At least some things are priceless,* he thought with a wry smile, watching Shizune as she went about her work.

>>>>>

Gimme Power stones I'm Poor