BRIEFING
I found myself in the same pure white mental place and found Gobi and Bakeneko staring down at me. I asked, "So is this how it feels to be dead?"
Gobi's cold blue eyes burned into mine and asked, "Why did you save that human?"
I replied, "I love him and I was the one who hurt him. I am willing to trade my life for his."
It growled, "Stupid girl."
I said nonchalantly, "I never knew that death can be so peaceful."
Bakeneko said, "You're not dead yet. You're just in a coma."
At that time, the white mental world shook violently and I fell onto the ground. "What's happening?" I asked, clinging to the ground.
Bakeneko replied, "They are trying to revive you." Suddenly, I fell through the white ground.
I gasped loudly and sat up abruptly when I woke up. I was covered in bandages and in the hospital bed.
A man hugged me immediately and shouted excitedly, "Himeko-chan! You're awake! Finally!" I recognised the voice and my heart leapt.
I croaked, "Father?" He embraced me tightly, which hurt my burns slightly but I didn't care.
He realised this and moved away immediately, saying, "Sorry, I must be hurting you."
I looked away from his kind eyes and apologised, "Asuma-sama, I don't deserve to be your daughter. I nearly killed you."
He placed his hand on my head and reassured, "Himeko-chan, Hokage and I were wrong to deceive you. You lost control, but you healed me, didn't you? You risked your life to heal me. I have never been more proud of you."
I stated sadly, "I was the one who burnt you in the first place."
He stroked my hair gently and comforted, "According to the Anbu, you stabbed yourself to summon a beast to heal me. I still disapprove of your suicide attempt, we will need to talk about that, but the fact that you risked your life for me shows me that you've got the gentlest soul."
I smiled weakly at that, but questioned, "What do you mean, Anbu?"
Asuma replied sadly, "Yes, they were there that night."
"What? Why didn't they stop me before I did something like that?"
The hospital door opened and a old couple entered, saying, "We need to see what you can do." The old woman had her white hair in a bun and had a stern look on her face, while the old man looked extremely cheerful.
I asked, "Who are you?"
The woman replied coolly, "We're the elders of Konoha. We're the ones who keep you alive."
I frowned and stated firmly, "I will not be controlled by you as Konoha's weapon."
The woman scoffed and said snidely, "My dear, that's the only reason we're not killing you. Your sole purpose is to serve Konoha." Asuma's fingers curled into fists, but stayed completely silent.
I insisted determinedly, "I am afraid of you. I will do as I wish and protect the people I care about, but not your little puppet. If I ever grow to love Konoha, I will protect it on my own will, not on you hag's command."
The old woman pounced towards me and scolded, "You insolent little brat!" She raised her hand to deliver a blow, but was stopped by the old man.
The old man said, with a smile on his face, "Dear, that's enough! We now know that Himeko-chan is on our side. That's all we need."
He nodded knowingly at me and said, "Himeko,,,or should I say My lady, we were apprehensive of whether you would be a danger to Konoha, but the display from three days ago proved to us that you are truly a trustworthy asset and welcome to be a part of the Konoha village. From now on, we will stop spying on you through Sandaime, Asuma and the Anbu. Welcome to Konoha!"
He clapped enthusiastically as he finished. Sandaime ran into the ward and towards me, cupping my cheeks in his palms, saying, "I was so worried, Himeko-chan! When the elders forbade anyone from helping you, I really wanted to beat some sense into them, no offense. Does it still hurt?"
I smiled at him and replied, "Hok...Grandfather, I am fine. My wounds heal really quickly. I should be able to walk around in no time."
Sandaime frowned and reprimanded, "You can't! You need at least a week's rest."
Suddenly, an Anbu appeared in the room and reported, "Hokage, I have grave news! Kakashi's team haven't returned yet!"
My heart skipped a beat. Kakashi?Ishestillnotbackfromthemission?
Hokage went out of the room to continue the conversation. I focused all my chakra to enhance my hearing to eavesdrop. The Anbu continued, "His team was a day behind schedule already. We fear that they might be captured or killed by Sound Village ninjas."
I heard Bakeneko purr slightly at the name of the Sound Village, Orochimaru's village.
Hokage asked, "When did you lose contact?"
"When they were passing throught the forest towards Orochimaru's base near Konoha." Myoldhome.Iknewexactlywherethatwas.
The Anbu added, "One of Kakashi's summoned dogs was able to return to Konoha just now and is requesting assistance before it disappeared."
I immediately jumped out of bed and ran out of the room, ignoring the slight pain in my legs. I exclaimed, "I need to go save Kakashi-san!"
Hokage turned to me and gave a stern stare, scolding, "Look at your wounds! How can you save Kakashi in your state? Leave it to the professional Anbu!"
I argued, "Please! I know Orochimaru's base inside out! I lived there all my life! I can help you! Kakashi-san may be trapped in there!"
The old woman said coolly, "Sarutobi, it's not a bad idea. It's a good opportunity to see her in action!"
Asuma couldn't stay silent any longer and shouted, "What's wrong with all of you? Himeko-chan is 6 years old! She's hurt and too young to be in S-type missions!"
The old man stated, "Asuma might be right. It is foolish for her to go alone. Let a team of Anbu go with her and she'll lead the way."
Hokage asked me with a pained expression, "Are you sure about this, Himeko-chan? This will be very dangerous."
I nodded determinedly. Hokage and Asuma both sighed. The old woman asked the Anbu, "Which team is available?"
He reported, "The only team available is Itachi'steam."
