Chapter 164: Shizune’s Choice!

As Tsunade left the Hokage's office with Reiki, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a mix of helplessness and regret as he watched them go. So much had happened that could never be undone, and the weight of his decisions lingered heavily.

"Summon Danzo," Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered, putting his thoughts of the past aside and resuming his stoic composure.

The ANBU ninja obeyed, vanishing to deliver the message. What transpired that night remained a mystery, but by morning, Danzo emerged from the Hokage's office with an expression of displeasure, limping slightly as he left.

Meanwhile, at home, Reiki had only one task: rest.

In his room, Tsunade sat across from him, lost in thought. "Are you ready, Teacher?" Reiki asked for what seemed like the twenty-first time that night.

On their way back, Tsunade had been talking about finding Kato Dan and confronting him. But now that the moment was here, she hesitated.

"If we go through with this, will Shizune really be okay? That man doesn't deserve to be her uncle or to influence her future," Tsunade said, her face clouded with concern.

"Shizune will be fine, Teacher. In her heart, I believe you mean more to her than Kato Dan ever could," Reiki reassured her. "She blames herself for what he's done, not you. That's why I chose not to erase her memory."

Just then, Shizune, who had been hiding under her blanket, slowly peeked out, her face wet with tears. "Teacher, Brother Reiki… thank you, both of you," she whispered, hugging them tightly as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Reiki placed a comforting hand on her back, channeling chakra to soothe her. "Remember, Shizune, you'll always be my junior sister and Teacher's disciple. Whatever happens, we're a family."

"Thank you, Brother Reiki," Shizune replied, her face brightening even through her tears.

Then, with a new determination, she added, "Brother Reiki, can you erase this part of my memory? I don't want it to stay with me."

Though Tsunade looked like she wanted to object, Reiki nodded, placing his hand gently on Shizune's head and removing all memories related to Kato Dan's actions over the past two days.

Afterward, he carefully carried her back to bed, ensuring she slept soundly. When he returned, Tsunade's expression had turned somber.

"So, where is he?" she asked, her voice low and serious.

"ANBU," Reiki replied, his tone equally serious.

Tsunade clenched her fists. "Are you ready to go after him?"

"Under normal circumstances, attacking ANBU would cause an uproar. But I have an idea," Reiki replied thoughtfully.

"You have something in mind, don't you?" Tsunade asked, recognizing the glint in his eye.

"The Third Hokage's 'illness' could still be useful. He has a suspected chakra imbalance affecting his spirit, right? And there's a certain jutsu—Spiritual Transformation—that's just perfect for that sort of issue."

Tsunade looked at him with a smirk, realizing his intent. "You devious little fox," she muttered with a grin.

"Teacher, I'll need an old scroll, preferably one with some ancient ninjutsu recorded on it," Reiki added.

"I'll get it right away," Tsunade replied, leaving the room, her spirits lifted as she dove into action.

With Tsunade gone, Reiki lay back, his mind racing. Now that Tsunade's issue was on the path to resolution, he could focus on his training. There was much to plan, from daily routines to patient management. His gaze turned to his stats panel.

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**Host:** Reiki [7 years old] 

**Ninjutsu:** Thunder Release, Fire Release, Primary Healing Technique, Palm Healing Jutsu 

**Sword Skills:** Advanced 

**Bloodline Limit:** Wood Release, Holy hands [92%] 

**Chakra Levels:** Exceptional 

**Tailed Beast:** Seven-Tails (partial) 

**Tools:** Cursed Blades, Murasame…

With these abilities, Reiki's strength without extra enhancements was comparable to a special jounin. With the chakra of the Seven-Tails and cursed tools, he might rival an elite jounin, but against large numbers, his current power wouldn't be enough.

World War III was approaching, and with Iwagakure's army of thousands, he knew he couldn't let his current abilities lead him into complacency.