She had a whim that if Reko were to remain in the village for most of the time instead of going out on the mission then there would be a rapid increase in the number of partners he has.
…
"So, he came back…"
Danzo, seated in his stone throne, rested his chin on his palm as he muttered after getting the report from one of his subordinates.
His scheming mind was churning hard, finding the right path for him to take, to subdue the young guy.
He did not want the boy to become another Minato, fully surpassing his control.
Unfortunately for him, the boy was already on that stage. To make it even worse, the boy was not at all like the kind Minato.
Reko had the scheming mind of Itachi instead. But it was even worse because Itachi had a weak point, his kid brother.
However, Reko did not have such a weakness. He was an orphan and his attitude towards his fellow villagers or even the leaf shinobis were nothing special.
The bonding or the honor, it was not exploitable either.
"What's the point? We cannot control him. That woman is not within our control either."
He sighed as he smashed his bandaged fist into the stone hand rest, forming a web-like crack on the surface.
It finally hit him that he was too late. Or it should be said that the rise of that shinobi was too fast.
It happened in a flash. Just a few minor incidents and he became untouchable.
"And from the rumors I have heard, he seems to have gotten strong, very much so."
From what he had managed to get from the few Anbu members, it appeared that Reko had not only mastered Minato's space time techniques but he was also using them for convenience like getting food.
This spoke volumes about his mastery in that field. But that was nothing compared to the next information, he had been traveling with Jiraiya for some reason and had mastered Senjutsu while at it.
Senjutsu! The technique which even Jiraiya would need assistance from his summons to execute.
Reko had managed to learn this too.
"I would have to use that if I want him."
That was the only and last option he had to deal with Reko in his mind. There was no better candidate for that eye technique.
The only question was if he would get the opportunity to use it. The boy did not even bother informing his very own teacher, Tsunade, of his whereabouts.
And more importantly, he was worried about the members of Akatsuki. This group was far more dangerous for him than a fellow nonchalant shinobi of the village.
That was the only thing holding him back from targeting Reko.
But he was getting impatient. It felt like he would keep waiting for the moment and would eventually be left in dust.
…
Two days passed,
"Where is he? Did he not come to the hospital?"
Tsunade asked Shizune as she had just arrived in the hospital to assist Shizune in a complicated operation.
But she hoped that Reko would replace her and allow her some more break to relax.
Surprisingly, the boy had not visited the hospital and was unable to be found.
"No. Not yet."
Shizune answers as she shakes his head while preparing for the operation.
She had not seen Reko after that day. She wanted to visit him once again but then she did not have a plausible excuse for this.
And she was not that promiscuous or confident that she would just show up because she wanted to meet him.
"I see. He must be meeting with his friends."
Tsunade nodded as she thought of the recent talks that had been going on in the Anbu and among the Jonins of the Village.
They were very curious about Reko's combat prowess and other skills.
"Yes, he did become close with some of the Jonins last time. With his personality, it is pretty easy for him to get acquainted with people."
Shizune nodded as she agreed with Tsunade. He was indeed spending his time with some of his good Jonin 'Friends'.
"Or maybe he left. He seemed to be in a hurry."
She muttered once again as she thought. It could be possible because Reko did not visit the hospital, or even her.
So, there was a possibility that something important came up that required him to leave.
"He is helping us by training Naruto. So, it's a good thing for us. He is also very strong. So, it is a form of protection for our young Jinchuriki."
Tsunade sighed as she thought of Reko. He was pretty reckless, very much so.
However, he was strong enough to back it up. She was not his opponent if he aimed to kill her.
She knew this because she taught him. And after he learned the Senjutsu, the technique that her grandfather, the First Hokage, was famous for, he had become even stronger.
She felt relieved that Jiraiya would not be alone in protecting Naruto. She was not doubting Jiraiya but Reko being there made it absolutely impossible for any S rank to target Naruto.
…
"Huh! Boy! You took your time this time."
Jiraiya chuckled as he glanced at Reko who had arrived after a total of three days. He had not expected the kid to take such a break.
But then, he thought of a possibility that Tsunade must have found something about the curse. So, Reko was staying longer.
"What happened? Was Tsunade able to get the details of your predicament?"
He asked directly, unable to contain his curiosity. If possible, he hoped for Tsunade to cure it. He had very high hopes in her abilities.
"I did give her all the necessary samples before leaving but I don't have much hope from ninjutsu."
Reko shook his head, denying any obvious results during the test. There were obviously no results from the tests. It was something above their level of medical techniques.
"Don't be so pessimistic! Tsunade is known for creating miracles."
Jiraiya patted Reko on the shoulder as he said so. Since she had arrived, she would surely find something.
There was no need to worry!
…
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