The next day, a scroll containing over a dozen ninjutsu techniques landed in Reiji's hands.
At the same time, Reiji began training in his "clap hands and summon whatever I want" style.
Countless shadow clones appeared, each starting to practice one of the five chakra nature transformations.
For Reiji, who had already mastered all five elements, these techniques were practically child's play.
Leaving the clones to train, Reiji called over Fugaku, Teuchi, and Rie.
Looking at the three dirt-smudged kids in front of him, Reiji clapped his hands with a smile.
"Yesterday, I took a C-rank mission at the mission hall. So no missions today. We'll rest up and head out the day after tomorrow."
Teuchi, his face covered in cat scratches, suddenly raised his hand and called out curiously.
"Reiji-sensei, what kind of mission is it? Can you tell us now?"
At that, Reiji paused in thought and then nodded.
"Sure. The mission is in the Land of Grass, right on the western border near the war-torn Land of Rain.
Our goal is to gather intel on Kusa ninjas.
Of course, there's always the possibility of combat. But don't worry about the reward—if things get more dangerous than a standard C-rank, I'll negotiate a higher fee with the client."
Rie rolled her eyes hard.
Shameless. He was the client himself.
Meanwhile, Teuchi clenched his fists in excitement. A higher mission rank meant more pay—which brought him closer to saving up enough to open his own ramen shop.
As for Fugaku Uchiha, the young pretty boy's expression didn't change at all.
It was clear this guy came from a well-off family.
Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, two nights had gone by.
On the morning of the third day, Reiji stood in front of the newly built Konoha gate, dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and pants, with a green Konoha flak jacket over his torso and his forehead protector in place.
Rie was dressed the same. Though clearly a cute little girl, she looked like a total tomboy.
As for why a Genin like her had a Jōnin vest—don't ask. She'd just say she stole it from Reiji.
Soon, Fugaku Uchiha and Teuchi arrived fully geared up.
Teuchi was beyond excited. The kid had even strapped a spoon to his backpack.
Even Fugaku's usually composed face showed a hint of anticipation and delight.
"All right!
Team 11, move out!"
At Reiji's command, the four of them set off under the envious eyes of the gate guards.
After all, who wouldn't want to head out for a little adventure?
Just as they were walking through the gate, a familiar voice called out from behind them.
"Reiji! Wait for me!"
Turning around, they saw Tsunade charging toward them in a short robe with red trim and a green waistband, brimming with youthful energy.
Panting from the run, she stopped in front of Reiji. He stared at her blankly.
"What's up, Tsuna—Tsunade?"
Tsunade caught her breath, grabbed Reiji by the shoulders, and said,
"Hiruzen-sensei asked me to come with you."
As she spoke, she pulled out a mission scroll and handed it over.
Reiji took the scroll, unrolled it, and quickly understood.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had assigned Tsunade to the mission in case anyone got injured, since they didn't have a Medical-nin on the team.
Still, Reiji couldn't shake the feeling that the old man had other motives too, though he couldn't quite pin down what.
After introducing Tsunade to the kids, Team 11 set off once again.
Reiji and Tsunade walked side by side at the back of the group, chatting idly.
"Reiji, you always manage to surprise me every now and then."
"Oh? What kind of surprise?" Reiji asked curiously.
"Just… surprises~" Tsunade gave him a sly smile. "Last time I saw you, you'd just become a Jōnin. Now you're already leading a team.
I wonder when it'll be my turn to get promoted to Jōnin~"
Reiji gave her a puzzled look.
"Is becoming a Jōnin that hard?"
He remembered his own promotion was easy. After returning from the Land of Lightning, he was called straight to the Hokage's office to get his forehead protector.
"It's not that hard," Tsunade said with a sigh.
"But for Medical-nin, the Jōnin exam isn't difficult—it's just really complicated and annoying."
She stretched casually, her chest rising with the motion, and continued,
"You also have to spend a ton of time at the ninja hospital. Such a waste.
What do you think?"
Reiji, alert as ever, caught the subtle movement instantly and snapped his gaze away, a cold sweat running down his back.
Holy crap—is this even legal to look at?!
When Reiji didn't respond, Tsunade grinned and nudged him with her elbow.
"Hey! I'm talking to you!"
"Oh—oh—sorry, spaced out!" Reiji quickly apologized.
"So, what do you think about the current system?" Tsunade pressed.
Reiji thought for a moment before speaking.
"It's good. Keeping Medical-nin at the hospital for a while makes a lot of sense."
"Huh?" Tsunade drawled, her lips forming a pout.
Oblivious to her reaction, Reiji continued,
"Spending time in the hospital broadens your perspective.
Isn't it irresponsible to send rookies straight to the battlefield? What if they freeze up at the sight of gruesome wounds? Not only does that waste their time, it wastes the crucial time needed to save others.
Besides, the hospital helps you understand how dangerous the battlefield really is.
If something goes wrong there, there are more experienced people around to help. But on the battlefield? You're on your own."
Watching Reiji speak so seriously, with a slight frown as he laid out his thoughts, Tsunade—though still not entirely in agreement—couldn't help but feel reassured by his sincerity.
She smiled suddenly and tugged at his sleeve.
"Reiji, if I wanted to propose a reform for Medical-nin, would you support it?"
"Support it?" Reiji glanced at her, then shook his head rapidly.
Isn't that Dan Katō's job? Why are you dragging me into this?
"You know who I am? You should support me!"
Seeing him shake his head like his life depended on it, Tsunade's expression darkened. She lowered her head and muttered,
"Who are you to say you can't help me?"
At that, Reiji reached around to the ninja tool pouch at the back of her waist.
With a flick of his fingers, he pulled out a scroll, unrolled it, pointed at the client's name, and shoved it in front of her.
"Look!"
Tsunade huffed, snatched the scroll with a scowl, and stared at it. Her face froze the moment she read the name.
"Reiji Sakuhō, Daimyō of the Land of Rain," she read out, word by word.
Reiji grinned, snatched the scroll back, and stuffed it into her pouch again.
"Now… do you still want me to help with your proposal?"