Naruto: You Call This A Medical Ninja?

As Yuhi Kurenai's words reminded Reiki of his promise, he realized he had indeed agreed to take her and Shizune back to Konoha. The girls needed to return to the village, mainly because their rapid growth demanded wardrobe adjustments.

"Alright," Reiki said with a smile. "How about we head back now?"

Given the ongoing rest period, many ninjas had taken the opportunity to return to their villages, spend time with family, or gather resources. With medical tasks under control and no major injuries, Reiki figured it was a good time for a brief trip.

As they prepared to leave, Shizune suddenly looked at Reiki with a mischievous glint. "Reiki, we have a small request… Can we ride on your psychic beast? The dark, domineering, and handsome one…"

"You mean Dark Night?" Reiki laughed. "Let me ask him. But first, we'll notify Tsunade-sensei and report to Hokage Minato."

Summoning Dark Night

After handling the formalities, Reiki summoned his psychic beast outside the training camp. A swirl of chakra revealed the majestic Dark Night, his presence exuding power and mystery.

"Partner," Dark Night greeted, his voice calm but curious. "What do you need? A fight, perhaps? Or shall we return to time and space for training?"

"Actually," Reiki began, "these two ladies think you're cool and want to ride on your back to Konoha. Are you okay with that?"

Dark Night pondered for a moment before responding, "Fine. But when this is done, come with me for training in time and space."

Satisfied, Reiki turned to the girls. "He's agreed. Let's go."

A Flight to Konoha

As they soared through the skies on Dark Night's back, Kurenai and Shizune couldn't contain their excitement.

"This is incredible! We're really flying, and it's so smooth—no wind or bumps!" Kurenai exclaimed, her face flushed with exhilaration.

Shizune, overcome with enthusiasm, leaned in and planted a kiss on Reiki's cheek. "Thanks, Reiki! You're amazing!"

"Hey!" Kurenai protested. "You agreed to wait until we got to the village!"

Laughing, the trio continued their journey, the joy of flight lightening their spirits.

Black Zetsu's Dilemma

Meanwhile, back at the training camp, Black Zetsu was in a state of utter frustration. Sitting in front of a small set of potion bottles, he glared at Orochimaru.

"Orochimaru, what am I supposed to do with this?!" he demanded.

Orochimaru, unfazed, twirled a test tube in his hand. "Reiki must have had a reason for entrusting you with this task. As for specifics, I have no idea. I'm a scientist, not a diplomat."

The task entrusted to Black Zetsu was simple in concept but challenging in execution: use the potions as leverage to persuade the ninja villages to locate any surviving members of the Uzumaki clan. However, Black Zetsu was skeptical.

"These potions, for Uzumaki clan members? Surely the villages haven't wiped them out entirely," he muttered. "Reiki must be planning something deeper."

Orochimaru shrugged. "You underestimate Reiki's reputation. Just follow through—you might be surprised."

The First Stop: Sunagakure

Black Zetsu decided to test the waters with Kazekage Rasa of Sunagakure. Arriving at Rasa's temporary office, he presented the scroll Reiki had prepared.

"Kazekage," Black Zetsu began, "Reiki sent me with this potion as a gift. In exchange, he hopes you'll assist in locating any remaining Uzumaki clan members."

Rasa read the scroll carefully, his expression neutral. After a moment, he nodded. "Very well. I'll see to it. Maki!"

Maki appeared promptly, and Rasa handed him the scroll. "Coordinate with Mr. Black Zetsu and handle this task diligently."

Black Zetsu blinked in astonishment. That was it? No arguments? No resistance?

A Realization

As he left Rasa's office, Black Zetsu felt dazed. "It's… that simple?" he muttered. He had agonized over the logistics, yet the exchange had gone seamlessly.

What Black Zetsu failed to grasp was the extent of Reiki's influence. The potion wasn't just a trade item—it was a message, a subtle signal of trust and goodwill. By presenting the potion, Reiki had already paved the way for cooperation.

As Black Zetsu prepared to visit the next village, his confusion lingered, but so did an inkling of respect for Reiki's far-reaching strategy. Perhaps this boy's approach to diplomacy was more formidable than he had imagined.