Naruto: You Call This A Medical Ninja?

"Uzumaki Naruto... that's a wonderful name," Namikaze Minato whispered with a warm smile as he watched Naruto vanish into the space-time tunnel. The fact that Naruto recognized him confirmed that they must have a happy future as a family.

An Lushanzan [Centipede] had mentioned Kakashi and the others, suggesting that in the future, their accomplishments would be significant. If not, their names wouldn't resonate throughout the ninja world.

But why hadn't An Lushanzan [Centipede] mentioned Reiki? Minato could only assume that Reiki's reputation must have become so fearsome that even speaking of him caused dread.

"Reiki?!" Minato's smile faded as he realized Reiki had disappeared after the battle. His senses expanded immediately, searching for any trace.

"Shibi, did you see where Reiki went?" Minato asked, turning to Aburame Shibi.

"Reiki was engulfed by the powerful energy at the end of the battle," Shibi replied calmly. "But I saw his expression—it was one of joy."

"Joy?" Minato's brow furrowed. "Does that mean he had another purpose here?"

"I don't know," Shibi admitted. "But is our mission considered complete? If we return without Reiki…"

Akimichi Choza's expression darkened. "If we return and report that we lost Reiki, I can't imagine what Tsunade will do. I've seen her tear apart scrolls with her bare hands and kick down the Hokage's office door..."

Minato felt a chill run down his spine. The idea of facing Tsunade without Reiki was unthinkable. "We can't leave it like this."

"I'll stay and investigate Reiki's disappearance. Choza, Shibi, go help Kakashi stabilize the Loulan Kingdom. With Queen Sara here, it shouldn't be too difficult."

The two nodded and moved out to assist Kakashi. Minato turned to the place where Reiki had been standing, now faintly pulsing with the residual energy of the dragon vein. It was weaker now, nowhere near the surging power it had held during the battle. 

Half an hour later, Minato sat on the ground, frustration clouding his usually sharp eyes. The energy fluctuations were too complex to decipher. Reiki had resonated with the dragon vein, making it impossible to trace his exact path.

Kakashi and his team returned, their expressions a mixture of concern and exhaustion.

"Sensei," Kakashi called, urgency in his voice. "Queen Sara said she knows something about Reiki. She asked you to come see her."

"Queen Sara?" Minato's eyes narrowed in confusion. As far as he knew, this was Reiki's first time in Loulan. How could they have connected so quickly? And what kind of deal had they made?

"Deal?" The realization hit Minato, and he disappeared in a flash.

Moments later, Minato stood in front of Queen Sara in her palace. "Queen Sara, do you have any information on why our ninja, Reiki, disappeared?"

Sara nodded solemnly. "Dragon Vein Inheritance."

"Dragon Vein Inheritance?" Minato repeated, puzzled.

"I don't know all the details, but I know An Lushanzan's goal was to claim the inheritance of the dragon vein. Controlling the dragon vein gives one the chance to receive its inheritance," Sara explained. "At first, I trusted him and agreed to give him the Yin Key. I didn't expect him to betray me."

She paused before continuing, "During your mission, Reiki approached me and proposed a deal, revealing that his goal was also the dragon vein. I agreed and gave him my Yang Key. When An Lushanzan was defeated, Reiki likely obtained the complete inheritance key and began the trial for the inheritance."

Minato's mind raced. The idea of the dragon vein's inheritance trial made sense, especially given the mystical nature of the dragon vein. "The inheritance of the Immortal Land," Minato muttered. He recalled what he knew from his contract with Mount Myoboku. If Reiki was now engaged in such a trial, it explained why he vanished.

Kakashi stepped forward. "Sensei, should we stay here and wait for Reiki?"

Minato didn't hesitate. "Yes. We'll stay until we find him. Returning without Reiki is not an option."

The team shared a silent understanding. Reiki's contributions had been invaluable, and the bonds they shared ran deep. They would not abandon him.

Minato glanced back at Sara, gratitude and determination in his eyes. They would wait, search, and do whatever it took. Facing Tsunade empty-handed was one fate they would avoid at all costs.

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