The morning sun filtered through the hospital windows painting golden stripes across the sterile white floors as Naruto walked beside Sakura down the hallways, making their footsteps echo in the unusual silence of that early hour. They had developed this routine over the last few weeks, visiting Sasuke before the day officially started, before training and before any other obligation.
Sakura carried a small vase with fresh flowers to replace the wilted ones from the previous visit while Naruto carried nothing but his presence, which somehow felt heavier each time they made this journey.
"Do you think he can hear us?" Naruto asked, breaking the comfortable silence they had maintained since leaving their apartment.
Sakura looked at him sideways and replied, "Tsunade-sama says comatose patients sometimes retain auditory awareness since their brain processes sounds even if they cannot respond."
"So he has been listening to me talk about ramen and training for weeks?"
"Probably," Sakura smiled slightly. "If that doesn't wake him up, nothing will."
"Hey!" Naruto protested, though his smile was genuine. "My ramen stories are inspiring!"
"They are something, that's for sure."
They arrived at Sasuke's room and noticed the door was slightly ajar, which was unusual because the medical staff normally kept it firmly closed to preserve the controlled environment, so Sakura's hand moved instinctively to push it but Naruto stopped her by grabbing her wrist.
"Wait," he whispered with a suddenly serious expression. "Something is different."
Sakura's training activated immediately so she focused her senses and extended her perception toward the room, which caused her eyes to widen as she detected the anomaly.
"The chakra signature," she murmured, "is active. Naruto, he is..."
They burst through the door together.
Sasuke was sitting upright in his hospital bed looking disoriented and extremely annoyed, with his dark eyes scanning the room with the alertness of someone who just woke up from a nightmare and his hand raised as if he had been about to rip out the IV connected to his arm.
"Sasuke!" Sakura's voice cracked with emotion.
"Teme!" Naruto's yell was probably loud enough to wake patients three floors down.
Sasuke's gaze locked onto them and for a moment confusion flickered across his usually impassive face until recognition settled in.
"Dobe," he said with his voice hoarse from lack of use. "Stop shouting. My head is killing me."
"YOUR HEAD!?" Naruto was already at his side grabbing the front of Sasuke's hospital gown. "You have been unconscious for weeks and you are complaining about a headache!"
"Naruto, let him breathe!" Sakura pulled him back even though her own eyes were shining suspiciously. "Sasuke-kun, how do you feel? Any pain, dizziness or nausea? Can you move your fingers and toes?"
Sasuke blinked at the barrage of questions, flexed his fingers experimentally and then wiggled his toes under the blanket before answering.
"Everything works," he said slowly. "What happened? The last thing I remember is..." His expression darkened. "Ice mirrors. That masked hunter ninja. And then..."
"You protected me," Sakura said softly. "You took the senbon that were meant for me. You almost died, Sasuke-kun."
Sasuke's jaw tightened. "How long?"
"Six weeks," Naruto answered with his usual energy dampened. "You have been out for six weeks. We completed the mission, came back to Konoha and you have been here ever since."
"Six weeks," Sasuke repeated processing it while his hands curled into fists. "Six weeks of lost training time."
"Are you serious right now?" Naruto's voice rose again. "You almost died and you are worried about training!"
"If I had been stronger I wouldn't have been hit in the first place," Sasuke retorted recovering some of his usual fire.
"If you hadn't been hit they would have hit Sakura-chan!" Naruto argued. "You saved her life, you bastard! Can't you just accept that without turning it into some kind of failure?"
"Naruto..." Sakura put a hand on his shoulder.
"No, Sakura-chan! Someone has to tell him!" Naruto turned to Sasuke with blue eyes blazing. "You are part of Team Seven! We are supposed to protect each other! That is what teams do! You did something amazing and all you can think about is that you weren't perfect enough!"
Sasuke stared at him and something changed in his expression, although it was hard to read.
"I need to get stronger," he said finally but his tone was less harsh. "Strong enough to protect without almost dying."
"Then we will get stronger together," Naruto declared. "That is what I have been doing while you slept, you know. Getting stronger so I can protect everyone."
"Together?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Yeah, together! We are a team, right? Team Seven sticks together!"
Before Sasuke could answer, the door flew open with enough force to bang against the wall and Tsunade entered with an expression mixing professional concern and barely disguised relief, followed by a nervous looking medical assistant struggling to keep up.
"I was informed we have a patient who decided to wake up without medical supervision," Tsunade said with a sharp tone but warm eyes. "Uchiha Sasuke, you have terrible timing."
"Tsunade-sama," Sakura stepped back immediately to give the Sannin space. "He woke up maybe two minutes ago. We haven't done a full assessment yet."
"Obviously," Tsunade moved toward Sasuke's bed with practiced efficiency. "You two, out. I need to examine him."
"But Baachan..." Naruto started.
"Out," Tsunade repeated pointing at the door. "This is a medical exam, not a social visit. You can see him when I finish."
"It's fine," Sasuke said surprising everyone. "They can stay. They are my teammates."
Tsunade studied him for a long moment and then shrugged. "Your choice. But if either of you interferes with my exam, I will throw you out that window. Understood?"
"Crystal clear, Baachan!"
"Don't call me that," Tsunade murmured, but there was no real annoyance in it.
The exam was exhaustive and fascinating to watch, with Tsunade's hands glowing with diagnostic chakra as she passed them over Sasuke's body, paying special attention to his chest where the senbon had punctured vital organs, checking his reflexes, his vision and his chakra pathways while asking questions in a rapid fire manner that Sasuke answered with growing irritation.
"Your chakra network shows some residual damage," Tsunade announced finally stepping back. "But it is healing remarkably well. Better than I expected, actually."
"What does that mean?" Sakura asked.
"It means his body is more resilient than the average ninja," Tsunade crossed her arms. "The injuries he sustained should have killed him. The fact that he survived is impressive, and that he is awake and coherent after only six weeks is almost miraculous."
"So he is going to be okay?" Naruto asked trying unsuccessfully to hide the worry in his voice.
"He will need physical therapy to regain full strength," Tsunade said. "And I want to monitor him for at least another week. But yes, he is going to be fine."
"A week?" Sasuke sat up straighter ignoring the protest of his still healing muscles. "I need to start training now."
"You need to rest," Tsunade corrected firmly. "Your body has been through a trauma and if you push yourself too fast you will undo all the healing that has taken place."
"The Chūnin Exams," Sasuke said, and everyone in the room tensed. "When are they?"
Tsunade's expression became carefully neutral. "They are scheduled to start in a week."
The silence that followed was heavy.
"I can make it," Sasuke said with a voice that left no room for argument. "I will be ready."
"Sasuke-kun, maybe you should listen to Tsunade-sama," Sakura began carefully. "If you aren't completely healed..."
"I will be ready," Sasuke repeated with his eyes fixed on Tsunade. "I have to be."
Tsunade studied him, her medical expertise battling with something else in her expression until finally she sighed.
"Here is the deal, kid," she said. "I am going to monitor you intensively for the next week. Daily checkups, constant observation. If, and only if, you show steady improvement without setbacks, I will clear you for the exams."
"That is acceptable," Sasuke agreed immediately.
"I haven't finished," Tsunade's tone sharpened. "You will follow my rehabilitation protocol exactly. No unauthorized training, no pushing your limits and no teenage ninja nonsense about proving your worth. If I catch you doing anything that endangers your recovery, I will personally ensure you are disqualified. Understood?"
Sasuke hesitated clearly wanting to argue but something in Tsunade's expression stopped him.
"Understood," he said.
"Good," Tsunade turned to Sakura and Naruto. "You two are witnesses. If he does anything idiotic, you inform me immediately."
"We will, Tsunade-sama," Sakura promised.
"No way!" Naruto protested. "I am not going to snitch on my teammate!"
"Naruto," Tsunade fixed him with a stare that could melt steel. "If Sasuke pushes himself too hard and collapses during the exams, he could suffer permanent damage. Brain damage, destruction of chakra pathways or even death. Is that what you want?"
Naruto's defiance crumbled. "No," he said quietly. "I will tell you if he does something stupid."
"Traitor," Sasuke muttered.
"Hey! I am saving your life!"
"Guys," Sakura intervened before the argument could escalate. "Tsunade-sama, what about Team Seven? Can we still participate in the exams?"
Tsunade's expression softened slightly. "If Sasuke passes his medical evaluations this week, then yes. Team Seven can participate."
The relief in the room was palpable and Naruto even punched the air.
"Yes! We are back in the game!"
"Don't celebrate just yet," Tsunade warned. "Sasuke has a lot of recovery ahead, and you two need to be ready to compete at a high level because the Chūnin Exams are no joke."
"We know, Baachan," Naruto's smile was fierce. "We have been training hard while the teme here was taking a nap."
"I wasn't taking a nap, I was in a coma, moron."
"It's the same thing!"
"It really isn't."
Sakura found herself smiling despite the tension because these arguments, however annoying they sometimes were, felt normal, as if their team was complete again.
Tsunade cleared her throat attracting their attention and said, "Alright, that is enough. I need to report Sasuke's condition to the Hokage. Sakura, you are coming with me since you are my apprentice, so you must be present for the medical report."
"Yes, Tsunade-sama," Sakura straightened immediately.
"Naruto, you stay here with Sasuke," Tsunade continued. "Keep him company but don't let him do anything stupid. And I mean anything. If he tries to do even one pushup, you come get me."
"Understood!" Naruto gave a military salute.
"I am not going to do pushups," Sasuke said irritated.
"That is exactly what someone planning to do pushups would say," Naruto pointed out.
Tsunade shook her head moving toward the door. "Sakura, let's go."
As they left, Naruto settled into the chair next to Sasuke's bed with his usual energy contained but still present.
"So," Naruto said after a moment, "do you want to hear about everything you missed?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Nope!" Naruto launched into an enthusiastic summary of the last six weeks gesticulating wildly while he described training sessions, the return to Konoha, Tsunade's arrival and carefully edited versions of recent events, not mentioning the Falna since that secret was too important to share, even with Sasuke.
Sasuke listened, intervening occasionally with questions or sarcastic comments but mostly absorbing the information, and if Naruto noticed that Sasuke seemed genuinely interested rather than just tolerating the conversation, he was smart enough not to mention it.
*****
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi listened intently while Tsunade delivered her medical assessment with Sakura standing slightly behind her mentor taking mental notes on how to present a professional medical report.
"His recovery is remarkable," Tsunade concluded. "Almost unprecedented for injuries of that severity. I want to monitor him closely for the next week but if he continues to improve at this rate I see no medical reason to disqualify him from the Chūnin Exams."
Hiruzen nodded slowly with his aged hands clasped on his desk. "And your professional opinion on his participation?"
"Physically he will be ready," Tsunade said. "Mentally and emotionally?" She paused. "The boy is driven, perhaps too driven. He is going to push himself hard during the exams. As long as his body can take it he should be fine, but someone needs to watch him."
"That would be Kakashi's responsibility as his jōnin instructor," Hiruzen observed.
"It would be," Tsunade agreed, "but Kakashi has two genin to watch, and from what I understand both are going to attract attention during these exams."
"They are an exceptional team," Hiruzen said with a trace of pride. "Naruto's progress in particular has been noted."
Sakura felt a surge of pride at the mention of her teammate.
"Speaking of which," Tsunade's tone became more serious, "I want to discuss security arrangements for these exams. With Sasuke being an Uchiha and Naruto being... well, Naruto, both are potential targets."
"There are already adequate security measures in place," Hiruzen assured her. "ANBU will be monitoring all participants and we have cooperative security with our allied villages."
"That is not enough," Tsunade said bluntly. "I want permission to assign additional protection specifically for Team Seven."
Hiruzen studied her carefully. "That is an unusual request. Why Team Seven specifically?"
"Call it medical intuition," Tsunade said. "Something about this situation feels wrong. Sasuke's injuries, the timing of his recovery, the exams starting in exactly a week... it is too convenient."
"Do you suspect foul play?"
"I suspect the universe has a twisted sense of humor," Tsunade corrected. "But yes, I want extra precautions."
Hiruzen remained silent for a moment and then nodded. "Very well. I will authorize additional security for Team Seven during the exams. Discreetly, of course."
"Thank you, Hiruzen-sensei," Tsunade said, and Sakura noticed the slight softness in her mentor's voice.
"Is there anything else?" Hiruzen asked.
"Just one thing," Tsunade looked at Sakura. "My apprentice here has been training hard and I want her cleared for full participation in the exams without restrictions."
"Tsunade-sama," Sakura said surprised and moved.
"You have earned it," Tsunade said simply. "You are ready."
Hiruzen smiled. "Consider it done. Team Seven is officially cleared to participate in the Chūnin Exams pending Sasuke's continued recovery."
"Good," Tsunade turned to leave gesturing for Sakura to follow. "Now if you will excuse me I have a patient to monitor and a training session to cancel."
"Cancel?" Sakura asked as they left the office.
"I was supposed to run you guys through combat simulations this afternoon," Tsunade explained. "But with Sasuke's recovery requiring constant monitoring I need to postpone it. The brat's health takes priority."
"I understand," Sakura said. "Should I inform the others?"
"I will handle it," Tsunade said. "You focus on getting ready for the exams. You are going to need every advantage you can get."
They walked in companionable silence for a moment before Sakura gathered the courage to ask the question that had been troubling her.
"Tsunade-sama, do you really think Sasuke-kun will be ready in time?"
Tsunade's expression was hard to read. "Medically? Yes. The boy's body is healing at an accelerated rate. If I didn't know better I would say he has some kind of enhanced regeneration."
"But?" Sakura urged.
"But he is driven by something dark," Tsunade said quietly. "I have seen that look before in other people consumed by their need for power. It worries me."
"He isn't like that," Sakura said defensively. "Sasuke-kun is..."
"I am not saying he is evil," Tsunade interrupted gently. "I am saying he is hurt, and hurt people make dangerous choices. Watch him during the exams, Sakura. Both him and Naruto. They are going to need you."
"I will," Sakura promised.
They arrived at the main hospital corridor where Tsunade stopped.
"Go back to them," she said. "Your team needs to be together right now. I will send word when I need you for the next training session."
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama," Sakura bowed respectfully.
"And Sakura?" Tsunade's voice stopped her. "You have grown strong. Stronger than you realize. Trust that strength during the exams."
Sakura felt warmth bloom in her chest because coming from Tsunade those words meant everything.
*******
Several hours later while the afternoon sun painted the hospital in warm orange light, Naruto finally left Sasuke's room. The bastard had fallen asleep halfway through their conversation, which was probably good since he needed rest, but it also meant Naruto had nothing to do and an idle Naruto was a dangerous Naruto.
He wandered through the hospital hallways greeting nurses who had grown accustomed to his frequent visits and was considering going to find Sakura when he saw a familiar figure rounding the corner.
Kurenai walked with her usual grace carrying a small package under her arm, looking tired but composed, likely coming from a mission briefing or training with her team.
"Kurenai-sensei!" Naruto called jogging to catch up with her.
Kurenai turned and a smile crossed her face upon seeing him. "Naruto-kun. Good afternoon. I heard the good news about Sasuke."
"Yeah! He woke up this morning! Can you believe it?" Naruto's enthusiasm was contagious. "Baachan says he is going to be fine and we can all participate in the Chūnin Exams together!"
"That is good news," Kurenai said warmly. "I am happy for you and your team."
"Thanks!" Naruto's smile was bright enough to light up the whole corridor, but then his expression shifted to something more excited, more eager. "Hey, Kurenai-sensei, do you have a minute? There is something I want to show you!"
"Show me?" Kurenai arched a curious eyebrow. "What is it?"
"It's a surprise!" Naruto was practically bouncing. "Come on, it will only take a minute!"
Before Kurenai could protest, Naruto grabbed her hand and started pulling her down the hall. His grip was firm but gentle and his excitement was so genuine that Kurenai found herself smiling despite the impropriety of a genin dragging a jōnin through a hospital.
"Naruto-kun, where are we going?" she asked allowing herself to be led.
"You'll see! You'll see!" Naruto navigated the hallways with practiced ease knowing clearly where he was heading.
They arrived at a private room near the end of the medical wing where Naruto knocked once and then pushed the door open without waiting for an answer.
"Anko-san! I brought someone to meet you!" he announced cheerfully.
Kurenai entered the room and stopped.
Anko Mitarashi was sitting on the edge of the hospital bed looking remarkably different than when Kurenai had last seen her, wearing borrowed clothes from Tsunade that fit tightly and there was something about her appearance that was subtly but noticeably changed since her hair had more shine, her skin looked healthier and her general presence seemed more vibrant.
"Kurenai," Anko greeted with a knowing smile. "Did you come to see your fellow Falna recipient?"
Kurenai's eyes went wide. "Fellow... Naruto-kun, did you give Anko the Falna?"
"Last night!" Naruto said proudly. "Baachan approved it and everything! Anko-san is officially part of the family now!"
"I see," Kurenai told Anko. "So, are you adjusting?"
"Adjusting?" Anko laughed. "Please, I am handling this like a pro. Unlike someone who got all flustered when the brat asked about her chest."
"Anko!" Kurenai's face flushed immediately.
"What? It's true!" Anko was clearly enjoying herself. "You should have seen Tsunade's exam this morning. Very thorough, very clinical. The changes are quite notable."
"Changes?" Naruto looked between them confused. "Oh, you mean the optimization! Yeah, the Falna does that! It makes everyone healthier and prettier!"
"Prettier," Anko repeated smirking at Kurenai. "Is that how he described it to you too?"
"Something like that," Kurenai muttered wishing her blush would vanish.
"Kurenai-sensei looks great now," Naruto said with total innocence. "The Falna really worked well for her!"
"I am sure it did," Anko's smile was positively wicked.
"Anyway!" Kurenai said loudly trying desperately to change the subject. "How do you feel, Anko? Any discomfort or side effects?"
"I feel amazing," Anko said honestly. "Strong, fast and apparently irresistible. The full package."
"She got a cool skill too!" Naruto added excitedly. "She can detect lies! Isn't that awesome? It's like a human lie detector!"
"That sounds useful," Kurenai admitted with her professional interest piqued. "Especially for your interrogation work."
"Exactly what I thought," Anko agreed. "I am looking forward to testing it on some suspects."
"Ah! And Baachan was super interested in how the Falna works," Naruto continued still bursting with enthusiasm. "She ran all these medical tests and asked a million questions. She is going to help us get even stronger!"
"Tsunade is involved now?" Kurenai asked surprised.
"Since yesterday," Anko confirmed. "The brat here told her everything. Well, almost everything. He conveniently left out the part where he asked you about your..."
"ANKO!" Kurenai's voice was sharp but her face was scarlet.
Naruto looked confused. "Asked about what?"
"Nothing!" Kurenai said quickly. "Absolutely nothing!"
"Oh, this is too good," Anko was laughing now. "You are so easy to tease, Kurenai."
"I hate you sometimes," Kurenai muttered.
"No, you don't," Anko said cheerfully. "You love me. That is why you are going to train with me once Tsunade clears me."
"Train together?" Naruto's eyes lit up. "That is a great idea! The whole family should train together! Imagine how strong we would all get!"
"The whole family," Anko's expression softened slightly at the term. "I am still getting used to that concept."
"Better get used to it fast," Kurenai said with a gentler tone now. "Because this idiot," she pointed to Naruto, "does not give up on people he considers family."
"I noticed," Anko said looking at Naruto with something resembling affection. "It is kinda endearing, actually."
"Right?" Naruto beamed. "That is what family does! We stick together no matter what!"
A knock on the door interrupted them and Tsunade entered carrying a medical chart and looking professional.
"Anko, time for your afternoon assessment," she announced and then noticed Kurenai and Naruto. "And what is this, a family reunion?"
"Naruto-kun brought me to meet the newest family member," Kurenai explained.
"Oh really?" Tsunade's expression was amused. "Well since you are here you might as well stay. I want to compare the Falna progression between different recipients."
"Compare?" Kurenai asked cautiously.
"Medical research," Tsunade said simply. "If I am going to help this motley crew of kunoichis with enhanced power I need data. Lots of data."
"She has been taking notes all day," Anko said. "Very thorough notes."
"That is because this is unprecedented," Tsunade said moving to check Anko's vitals with professional efficiency. "A power that enhances physical capabilities, grants unique skills and optimizes body structure? That is the kind of stuff medical journals would kill for."
"Too bad we can't publish," Naruto said.
"Too bad indeed," Tsunade agreed. "This would make my reputation even more legendary."
"Your reputation is already legendary, Baachan," Naruto pointed out.
"Don't call me that," Tsunade said automatically but without heat.
Kurenai watched the interaction with interest; the relationship between Naruto and Tsunade was surprisingly warm, almost familial, and it reminded her of how Naruto interacted with Iruka, that easy affection that came from genuine care.
"Alright Anko, your vitals are excellent," Tsunade announced stepping back. "Chakra pathways are clear, physical responses are optimal and structural changes have stabilized. You are cleared for light activity."
"Light activity?" Anko frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means no missions, no combat and no testing your new skills on unsuspecting victims," Tsunade said firmly. "Your body has gone through significant changes and you need time to adapt."
"How long?"
"Three days, minimum," Tsunade said. "After that we will reevaluate."
"Three days," Anko sighed. "Fine. I can wait three days."
"Good," Tsunade turned to Kurenai. "And you, how are you feeling? Any unusual symptoms or changes in your abilities?"
"I am fine, Tsunade-sama," Kurenai said. "No problems to report."
"Hmm," Tsunade studied her critically. "When was your last update?"
"During the mission to the Land of Waves," Kurenai replied.
"That was weeks ago," Tsunade calculated. "You are probably due for another one soon."
"Another update?" Anko perked up. "So we can get stronger multiple times?"
"Every time you accumulate enough Excelia through combat or training," Naruto explained. "The system tracks it automatically and lets me know when someone is ready for an update."
"Fascinating," Tsunade murmured making a note on her chart. "A self-regulating power enhancement system with built-in progression mechanics."
"You make it sound like a game," Kurenai observed.
"In a way it is," Tsunade said. "A very dangerous game with very real consequences."
"All the best games are dangerous," Anko said cheerfully.
"That is a terrible philosophy," Kurenai told her.
"And yet here you are, part of the same 'game'," Anko countered.
Kurenai couldn't argue with that.
Naruto watched the exchange with a satisfied smile, for his family was growing, getting stronger and coming together, and since Sasuke was awake and would be ready for the Chūnin Exams everything was finally falling into place.
"Alright, everyone out," Tsunade announced. "Anko needs rest and I have other patients to check."
"Yes, Tsunade-sama," Kurenai said moving already toward the door.
"Bye, Anko-san!" Naruto waved enthusiastically. "Rest up! We will train together once Baachan gives you the green light!"
"Looking forward to it, brat," Anko replied.
As they left the room and walked together down the hallway, Kurenai put a hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"Thank you for including me," she said softly. "For bringing me to see Anko. It is good to know she is okay."
"Of course!" Naruto said cheerfully. "You are both part of the family! You should know what is going on with each other!"
"You really mean it, don't you?" Kurenai observed. "This family concept of yours."
"It isn't just a concept," Naruto said seriously. "It is real. Everyone who has the Falna is connected to me and to each other. We are stronger together and we protect each other. That is what makes us family."
Kurenai felt something warm settle in her chest and replied, "You are a good person, Naruto-kun. Never let anyone tell you otherwise."
Naruto's smile could have powered the whole village. "Thanks, Kurenai-sensei! That means a lot!"
They reached the hospital entrance where the afternoon sun painted everything in gold so Kurenai prepared to head toward the Hyūga compound to pick up Hinata for evening training while Naruto seemed ready to explode with residual energy.
"Naruto-kun," Kurenai said before parting ways. "Take care during the exams. And take care of your team."
"I will!" Naruto promised. "Team Seven is going to show everyone what we are made of!"
"I believe you," Kurenai said, and she meant it.
As he walked away she heard Naruto yell back to her: "And say hi to Hinata-chan for me!"
Kurenai smiled to herself; yes, the Chūnin Exams were going to be very interesting indeed.
*****
Author's Note:
Hi everyone!
Have you ever wanted to see yourself in your favorite fictional world? Do you have a story idea that's been living rent-free in your head, but you just don't have the time to write it?
I'm excited to announce that I'm opening a very limited window for my Premium Commission Tier: Story Director. This is my most hands-on, collaborative tier designed to bring your specific vision to life with professional, human-refined prose.
Limited Time & AvailabilityTo ensure every story gets the detail it deserves, I am only accepting 3 clients for this month.
Window: This tier will only be available for ONE WEEK. After that, I will be closing commissions to focus entirely on the active projects.Content Boundaries: I do not write sexual assault, mind control, or non-consensual content.
Patreon.com/shurazero