**Chapter 196: Chatting with Hatake Sakumo**

For half an hour, Shizune enthusiastically recounted her experience of independently handling the treatment tasks. She had made remarkable progress recently, though it was sometimes overshadowed by Reiki's skills and achievements. Working with Reiki on challenging cases had been like playing in a high-stakes game, so handling routine tasks solo felt like an easy win.

"Any specific medical tasks lined up for the afternoon?" Reiki asked with a smile.

"No, nothing major. Just a few basic treatment tasks," Shizune replied. "I think I can manage them all on my own."

"Good," Reiki nodded approvingly. "Take over those tasks then. I'll be out this afternoon. If anything comes up, send for me at Sakumo-sama's house."

With that, Reiki headed out. As Shizune eagerly picked up her assignments, he made his way to Hatake Sakumo's residence.

---

Reiki arrived outside Sakumo's yard just as Sakumo returned home.

"Reiki?" Sakumo greeted with a look of surprise. "Finished early today?"

Sakumo had recently wrapped up a period of intensive combat training with the younger ninjas. For many, the exercises had reached a plateau, serving primarily to hone their combat experience and readiness. As training tapered off, Sakumo's schedule had eased, with only Chunin-level training continuing under the supervision of Orochimaru and other special Jonin.

"Actually, I came to see you specifically, Uncle Sakumo," Reiki said warmly. "Would you have some time to chat?"

"Haha! You know, sometimes it's hard to believe you're just a kid," Sakumo laughed, motioning him inside. After making tea, they both sat down in the courtyard.

"Reiki, something tells me you didn't come just to chat." Sakumo grinned knowingly. "Come on, what are you scheming this time?"

Reiki smiled back, taking a sip of tea. "Nothing too devious. I just wanted to ask: what do you think of Konoha's current situation?"

Sakumo paused, surprised by the question. Had anyone else asked, he might have given a more diplomatic answer. But this was Reiki—an eight-year-old with insights and connections beyond his years, and Tsunade's disciple to boot. Often, Reiki's actions represented her intentions as well.

"Honestly? Weak," Sakumo admitted. "Our village's combat capabilities are still among the best in the Five Great Nations, but we lack cohesion."

He sighed. It wasn't that he hadn't thought about Konoha's issues before, but the Hatake clan lacked the influence to change things. And although the village's issues were visible to most ninja families, everyone was more focused on protecting their own interests.

"Uncle Sakumo, what do you think would happen if Lord Orochimaru were to become Hokage? Would the village change?"

Sakumo's eyes narrowed slightly. He could sense where this was going and guessed Reiki's intent. Being tricked by Sarutobi Shinnosuke in the past had also made him a bit more cautious.

"Are you suggesting someone else might be a better candidate?" Sakumo asked, intrigued.

Reiki nodded. "Lord Jiraiya."

Sakumo's eyebrows shot up. If Reiki had mentioned Tsunade or even himself, he wouldn't have been surprised. But Jiraiya?

"Jiraiya? Sure, he's powerful and renowned, but his carefree nature…" Sakumo trailed off, clearly uncertain. Jiraiya was an excellent warrior and solo ninja, but his unconventional personality made him an unlikely candidate for Hokage.

Reiki picked up on Sakumo's doubts. "It's not so much Jiraiya himself that we're focused on," he clarified. "It's his disciple, Brother Minato."

"Minato?" Sakumo's thoughts drifted to the friendly, determined young man he'd gone on missions with before. "He's bright and resilient, though a bit too straightforward," Sakumo said, thoughtfully. "People like him tend to struggle with the more... difficult aspects of leadership. And someone like that, as Hokage, could be manipulated by those around him, even made ineffective."

"I understand," Reiki acknowledged. "But Brother Minato has some strong points in his favor. First, he's Lord Jiraiya's disciple. His students include Kakashi and Obito, and he's close to Uchiha Fugaku. Plus, Tsunade-sensei and I both support him. Recently, I've been in touch with the Hyuga clan as well."

Sakumo's eyes widened, clearly surprised. Reiki's words hinted at a carefully woven network. In a few sentences, he'd connected two of Konoha's most influential clans, two of the legendary Sannin, and even Sakumo himself.

"And what about Minato's own thoughts?" Sakumo asked, exhaling slowly.

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