Naruto:Suna Shinobi

Despite its weaker medical foundation compared to Konoha, Sunagakure was still ahead of the other great ninja villages in medical ninjutsu.

Chiyo's expertise was second only to Tsunade, and while Suna's system was still developing, it at least had a framework to build upon.

In the future, once Konoha's medical system was fully established, Sunagakure could learn from it, gradually filling in its own gaps.

But for now, medical ninjas were rare, and the system was still in its infancy.

For Hirito, learning the basics was possible with Nanako's help, but true mastery would require proper instruction—which was hard to find.

"By the way, Sister Nanako, who is Reina-senpai?" Hirito asked, placing a box of date cookies on the table as a gift.

"I've never heard of a medical ninja that skilled in the village."

At the mention of Reina, Nanako smiled warmly.

"She's amazing!" she said excitedly.

"She's about twenty years old, technically still a Chunin, but she comes from a family of doctors. Her medical knowledge is incredible, and she's already surpassed everyone in our training class."

"In fact, when Elder Chiyo is busy, she takes over as our instructor!"

"So that's how it is…" Hirito nodded thoughtfully.

After chatting for a while, he walked out of the classroom, list of books in hand.

Just as Hirito and Nanako reached the entrance, a woman in Sunagakure's traditional white medic robe entered.

The other students immediately greeted her with respect and admiration.

"Reina-senpai!"

"Sister Reina!"

It was clear—she was well-liked and had a strong presence.

Hirito observed her closely.

She had long, golden hair, a gentle smile, and black-rimmed glasses that gave her an unassuming, scholarly look.

At a glance, she appeared kind and trustworthy.

But something felt off.

Hirito's movements halted imperceptibly.

"Sister Reina, I keep failing when using Healing Palm on the lizard's spine," Nanako pouted, hugging Reina's arm.

"Can you teach me why I can't reconnect the nerves properly?"

Reina chuckled softly, gently tapping Nanako's nose.

"You, of all people, shouldn't have an issue with chakra control," she teased.

"As a puppeteer, your precision is already exceptional. The problem isn't control—it's your chakra perception."

She then patiently explained what Nanako needed to improve.

Hirito, meanwhile, quietly watched the interaction.

'She seems to be well-integrated into the medical team,' he thought.

'Respected, trusted, and even teaches when Chiyo is absent.'

She had risen quickly, almost too seamlessly.

"Alright, see you later, Nanako."

Hirito waved, turning to leave.

Nanako nodded in acknowledgment.

"That boy…" Reina's eyes followed Hirito's back.

"Who is he?" she asked Nanako.

"Oh, that's Hirito. He's my teammate from the puppet unit!"

"I see…" Reina said softly, adjusting her glasses.

"A prodigy young enough to join the puppet army—impressive."

Nanako grinned mischievously.

"He's only a little better than me," she said shamelessly.

Reina just smiled.

As Hirito walked through the village, he replayed the brief exchange in his head.

'She looks harmless, but something feels wrong.'

Her appearance, her personality, and her background all aligned too well.

And there was something eerily familiar about her.

Yakushi Nono.

Hirito's stomach twisted.

Yakushi Nono—also known as the "Walking Priestess"—was a Root intelligence officer.

She was one of Danzo's most valuable spies, operating as an orphanage head while gathering covert intelligence for Konoha.

Her real name, height, and face were secrets known only to Konoha's highest-ranking officials.

People who knew Nono had no idea she was a spy.

And people who knew the Walking Priestess had no idea what she looked like.

Except Hirito—a reincarnated outsider.

"This Reina woman…"

"She looks exactly like Yakushi Nono."

A mere coincidence?

Hirito doubted it.

She had infiltrated Sunagakure's inner circle, gained Chiyo's trust, and established herself in the medical unit—one of the village's most strategic divisions.

'She's too well-placed to be just a random Chunin.'

"If she really is a spy, she's untouchable for now," Hirito thought.

"I'll have to investigate her carefully."

Hirito pushed aside his thoughts as he arrived at the puppet corps training grounds.

The daily practice couldn't be neglected.

The facilities were free, and it was a waste not to use them.

Besides, Scorpion frequently challenged him, giving Hirito more chances to borrow Chiyo's private collection of books.

Meanwhile, in the Kazekage's Office, Ebizo review Karauke's latest mission report.

"Their performance is solid," Ebizo said.

"But don't push them too hard. Missions are important, but so is training. They need time to digest their experiences and improve their techniques—especially Hirito, since puppet-making requires time and refinement."

Karasuke nodded.

"I had the same thought," he admitted.

"All three of them have surpassed most Chunin in strength, and their foundations are solid. If they keep this pace, they'll reach Jonin level within three years."

"Honestly," Karasuke added, "if the three of them fought together, they could hold their own against a standard Jonin even now."

Ebizo sighed.

"That depends on how this war unfolds."

"If we can end it quickly, they'll have years to grow before facing another major conflict."

"But you and I both know…"

"That's not realistic."

Sunagakure was poor, relying on constant warfare to sustain itself.

Victory meant plundering enemy resources.

Defeat meant economic collapse.

A single major loss could cripple the village's logistics, forcing either total retreat or desperation tactics.

And now, the worst-case scenario had already unfolded.

"No one expected Hanzo to spare the Sannin," Ebizo muttered.

"The plan was for him to kill Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade, weakening Konoha's upper echelon."

"If that had happened, Konoha wouldn't have the strength to fight two great villages at once."

"But instead…"

Hanzo teamed up with Konoha.

End of Chapter

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