**Chapter 46: Meet Kato Dan!**

In the afternoon, special training continued as usual, with several medical ninjas stepping in to assist now that Reiki had joined the ranks. Even though they were official medical ninjas, they paled in comparison to Reiki's skills, particularly given his status as Tsunade's disciple. This title made it much easier for him to carry out his work.

"Sakumo-sama, I heard you've decided not to run for Hokage. Why is that?" one ninja asked, curiosity sparking in the group.

"Yeah, we all think you have what it takes," another chimed in.

Hatake Sakumo was taken aback. Was this news already making the rounds? The meeting had ended just that morning, and now everyone seemed to know about his decision. He hadn't heard anything official from the village.

"Being Hokage requires not just strength but also vision and developmental insight. I'm still lacking in those areas—honestly, I can't even measure up to a child in that regard…" he admitted, a hint of sadness in his voice.

Reiki, who had been quietly observing, couldn't help but feel a strange mix of admiration and pity for Sakumo. It was clear that Sarutobi Hiruzen had orchestrated the leak to stifle Sakumo's ambitions, ensuring that even his reputation and strength wouldn't matter if he had already renounced his claim to the position.

After special training concluded, Sakumo's performance had wavered, perhaps due to lingering feelings about the Hokage position. He was still a formidable ninja, but the emotional turmoil was evident. Once treatment was finished, Reiki approached him.

"Uncle Sakumo, do you really not want to become Hokage?" Reiki asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

Sakumo sighed, his expression contemplative. "I believe my dream was to become Hokage once. But… I don't think the role suits me anymore."

"Not suitable?" Reiki echoed, puzzled.

Sakumo explained, "You know my personality. A good leader cannot be overly swayed by emotions. I find it hard to take a step back and see the bigger picture."

Reiki nodded, absorbing Sakumo's words. "Can you tell me what happened during the meeting?"

As Sakumo recounted the events, Reiki couldn't help but smile inwardly. Danzo had been played, though he remained blissfully unaware. Orochimaru would never become Hokage, and Uchiha Tani stood little chance as well. The upper echelons of Konoha would never allow an Uchiha to rise to such a position. Instead, Minato would likely inherit the title, especially with Jiraiya by his side.

With this new timeline, there were numerous possibilities. If Minato returned from his mission with achievements under his belt, he might be in a strong position to claim the title.

After wrapping up the day's treatment, Reiki headed home to prepare dinner for Tsunade. As he entered the kitchen, he was promptly ushered out by Shizune and Kurenai.

"Go rest; we'll handle it today," Shizune insisted, with Kurenai nodding in agreement.

"Seriously, you two are a great team," Reiki chuckled, finding their newfound camaraderie amusing.

Tsunade, noticing his return, smirked. "You're not bad. Is your chakra holding up?"

"Pretty good, but who are we treating?" he asked, curiosity piqued.

"Follow me," she instructed, leading him outside without revealing whom they would help.

They arrived at a familiar courtyard, and Reiki's heart raced as he realized where they were headed.

"Teacher, we aren't visiting Shizune's uncle, Kato Dan, are we?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Indeed. He's fought in every war," Tsunade confirmed. "His family's secret technique—spiritualization—can be quite harmful to the soul. I feel responsible since I turned down his feelings for me in the past."

Reiki's mind raced as he recalled that Kato Dan had indeed been Tsunade's lover during the Second World War. This revelation added layers to the situation, especially since Kato Dan died during that conflict in the original timeline. His presence in this new timeline was altering the dynamics of the ninja world.

"It should be possible to help him, but we need to assess his condition first," Reiki replied, maintaining his professionalism. Although he wasn't fond of Kato Dan, he understood the importance of Tsunade's feelings and the impact on her life.

"Bang bang bang…" Tsunade knocked on the door, her demeanor shifting from playful to serious.

"Tsunade… you…" Kato Dan's face lit up at the sight of her, genuine joy flooding his features.

"This is my disciple, Reiki," Tsunade introduced him, her usual confidence waning slightly.

"He can heal wounds on the soul," she added, not elaborating further.

"Thank you, Tsunade. I…" Kato Dan began, but Tsunade quickly interrupted.

"Let's focus on the treatment first. We can talk later," she said, her voice firm yet soft. It was evident she still struggled with her feelings about him.

Reiki stepped forward, ready to get to work. "Master Dan, when shall we begin?" he asked directly.

"Let's get started," Kato Dan replied, his expression a mixture of gratitude and nervous anticipation.

With that, Reiki focused on the task ahead, determined to help Kato Dan and ensure that Tsunade's emotional landscape remained intact.

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