Chapter 10: What a Surprise?
Naruto could hear a beeping sound in the background. He couldn't open his eyes just yet and his body ached all over. He let out a weak whimper. He knew he was lying down but where was he? He remembered being in a therapy session with Sasuke before everything went kind of hazy then to black. He blinked. He opened his eyes slowly trying to adjust to the bright lights. He looked around the room noticing it was a hospital room.
He jerked his head to the left and saw Iruka sleeping in a chair with a jacket on top of him. He frowned knowing that he was probably going to get yelled at when his guardian woke up. He was trying to process what happened. He looked for the remote control to push the top half of the bed up so he could sit up. It ached just to be moved. He had an IV in his arm so he knew that he was probably in Konoha General Hospital. He knew especially by the bright lights. They never turned off their lights even if a patient begged.
Naruto adjusted his arm so it could be comfortable. He never liked these things. The door creaked open and a nurse came in. She smiled softly at him.
"Good morning, Mr. Uzumaki. I'm happy you're awake."
"Uh…good morning to you too. Can I ask why I'm here?"
"You had a small case of dehydration and a mixture of exhaustion. We did blood samples when you arrived and we noticed that someone has been slipping you caffeine supplements. You haven't been giving your body rest over a few weeks."
Naruto's frown only deepened. "I don't take caffeine supplements. I hardly drink coffee."
She raised an eyebrow. "Well, I should say be careful on what you eat and drink. You're lucky all your body did was collapse. You could've had a seizure. It's clear you haven't been eating properly by the pale skin."
Naruto sighed. "So how long have I been here?"
"You got here on Wednesday afternoon. Today is Friday."
Naruto's eyes widened. She just gave a small laugh. "Yeah, you've been sleep this whole time. You're body still needs a few days of rest. Now that you're awake the closest time you could be discharged is tomorrow. Do you have anymore questions? Are you hungry?"
Naruto licked his lips. They were extremely dry for some reason. "Can I get some water?"
She nodded. "I'll be right back."
Naruto couldn't believe it. He was asleep for over twenty four hours! How could this be? Well, she did explain it but he thought for sure that he was keeping up with his meals. What about his patients? What about their wellbeing? Were they eating properly? Who's going to be watching them now that he's temporarily unable to work? All these questions were going on in his head making his vision dizzy. He needed to calm down before he passed out again. He heard the annoying beeping sound. He hated hospitals more than he hated paperwork.
Why did things like this always happen to him? He shifted on the bed his eyes dropping closed. He was tired but he won't be able to sleep with those bright lights in his face. He muttered a curse.
"Naruto?" Iruka's sleep filled voice made him turn his attention towards him.
Naruto gave him a weak smile. Iruka got up and stretched before coming to his side. He had a stern look on his face. Where was that nurse, now that he actually needed her? He gulped.
"Naruto, shame on you! How many times did I tell you not to overwork yourself? Do you think your life is a game? Do you know how many people are worried about you? They had to call an ambulance from the institute because they didn't have all the supplies to treat you. Do you know how that made me feel? To hear that you were admitted into Konoha's General Hospital! And then when I get here…you're doctor said you collapsed of dehydration and extreme exhaustion! What the hell is your problem?"
Naruto couldn't look his guardian in his eyes. He knew answering would only just make him worse. He already felt a bit guilty and ashamed. Iruka didn't have to say it out loud.
"Tsunade has changed your schedule to where you only work on weekdays. Be lucky that you're grown and I can't force you to move back in with me!" Iruka huffed.
Naruto pouted. "I'm sorry for worrying you."
Iruka visibly relaxed anger disappearing. He ruffled Naruto's hair and said. "I don't know why you do this to yourself but please promise that you'll tell someone about your condition. I think I almost had a heart attack when Tsunade called me."
Naruto nodded. "I promise."
Iruka gave him a small smile.
Naruto was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning he couldn't drive himself home. Apparently Iruka picked up his car and drove it to his apartment complex. The temperature outside was becoming warmer as summer began to get closer. Iruka dropped him off at his apartment and informed him that Tsunade won't let him work until Monday so he shouldn't go to the institute until the weekend is over. Naruto disliked the idea but thought it was for the better. He couldn't help but worry about his three patients. What would Sai think of him now? What would Gaara think? And Sasuke was there when he passed out so his image was definitely destroyed.
He sighed as he sat down on his couch. He wasn't expecting any company so he should probably take a nap. He was still slightly sore. Naruto knew he disappointed Tsunade and maybe Ino. He promised them he would tell them that he was overdoing it but to be honest. He didn't have a clue that his body was going to collapse like that. He never collapsed. He fainted for a few minutes with Zabuza and Kimimaro but to out right collapse must've meant he was pushing it.
He wouldn't be surprised if Tsunade had him monitored on what to eat and drink. She'll keep him on water and milk for days. He groaned at the thought. He kicked out his legs and turned into a laying position. His couch was comfortable so he didn't have a problem falling asleep on the fluffy furniture.
Naruto heard his pager beeping in the middle of the night. He stumbled when he got up. He went over to the table and saw the institute's number. Who would call him in the middle of the night from the institute? He frowned and picked up his phone. He dialed the numbers back. He heard the phone pick up and someone breathing.
"Hello?"
"Naruto?" Sasuke's whispering voice called on the other line.
Naruto immediately woke up. "Sasuke? What's going on? Is something wrong? How did you get to the phone when you're supposed to be in your room?"
"There's someone down here. They opened our rooms and now are in Gaara's room. Kakashi fell asleep…"
Naruto's eyes widened. "What do you mean Kakashi fell asleep? What are they doing to Gaara?"
"I don't know. I tried waking up Kakashi. He won't wake up. They took Sai."
Naruto grabbed his keys and rushed to put on his shoes. "Don't worry Sasuke! I'm coming. Hide somewhere."
"Hn."
Naruto hung up the phone not needing anything else. He glared at nothing as he walked out the house without locking his door. He ran down the steps and jumped into his car within seconds. Someone drugged Kakashi. He sped down the road and decided to call Tsunade to let her know what was happening. He won't let anything happen to them. Not when he could prevent it.
He arrived and rushed into the doors. The security guards were knocked out too. Was it something in the air? He pulled out a surgical mask just in case. He made sure it was on right before he went straight towards Sector 21 frightened. He wasn't scared of who was down there. He was scared for his patients.
Naruto was still fatigued so he was kind of moving against his body's will. He should've just waited for the police to show up. He looked hesitantly around as he went to the security desk. Kakashi was knocked out. Damn! He took the lazy guard's nightstick and walked forward prepared to fight this intruder. He stepped hesitantly down the hallway towards the rooms hoping to find anyone.
He stopped at Sai's room seeing that it was empty. This wasn't good. He told Sasuke to hide but now he wished that he hadn't. He was scared to move forward. He walked towards Gaara's room hearing strange whispers. He tightened the hold on the nightstick just in case he might drop it.
"Hold him still!" a voice ordered.
"I'm trying its not as easy as it looks." A familiar voice struggled to speak.
"Where is Sasuke?" the other voice hissed.
"He left when we came into this room."
"When this is over go find him."
Naruto glared. What the hell were they planning on to do with Gaara? What were they going to do with Sasuke when they catch him? Did he just hear Kabuto's voice? Naruto tightened his fists. How dare he try something as stupid as this?
Naruto turned his whole body into the doorway to see a creepy pale guy with a needle in his hand. Kabuto had Gaara in a straight jacket while the red head struggled against the hold. Gaara also had tape over his mouth as he glared up at the creepy guy standing over him. The blonde psychologist's vision to red with murder.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Naruto growled.
The pale guy turned his golden gaze towards him. He had snake like eyes! The freak! He looked a bit old too. He narrowed his eyes on Naruto.
"Who is this Kabuto?" he asked.
Gaara stared at Naruto wide eyed.
Naruto scowled. "The question is…who the hell are you? Why are you down here messing with my patients?"
"You're patients? Boy, they've been mine since they came to this place. I'm not going to let some rookie ruin my plans for the three."
"You're plans? You're Orouchimaru?" Naruto couldn't stand the look on the creep's face.
The pale man smirked. "I thought you weren't smart."
Naruto changed the position of the nightstick in his hands. He didn't need to ask anymore questions. He glared his azure eyes turning a darker shade of blue. He ran forward with the nightstick drawn smashing it down on the old man's head as hard as he could. Orouchimaru stumbled into the wall dropping the syringe with blood coming down his forehead.
"Master Orouchimaru!" Kabuto called worried for his mentor.
Naruto turned his gaze towards him. "Release him."
Kabuto scowled pushing his glasses up further on his nose. He pushed Gaara into the desk making the red head grunt in pain. Naruto glared harder and swung the nightstick down on Kabuto's chest. He now had enough evidence to lock the silver haired psychiatrist up for good. He was trying to kidnap his patients with this old fart!
Kabuto glared at him and raised a fist to try to punch him. Naruto could tell he wasn't used to fighting. The sissy!
He ducked and jabbed the nightstick in his ribs and used his other hand to punch him across the face. Naruto then kicked out his legs so he could trip up before he began to repeatedly beat the man for everything he has done to these three men. They were already suffering so they didn't need something to be added on the list. They came here for help not to get hurt more.
"You fucking bastard! If the cops weren't on their way I would've killed you!" he hissed.
Then he turned his gaze towards a knocked out Orouchimaru. The slimy bastard wasn't going to get away uninjured either. He got up from the Kabuto that was slowly losing consciousness before going over to the old psychologist's body. He bent down to grip the old fart's shirt and punched Orouchimaru in the jaw until he heard a crack. They won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
He turned towards the red head that still watched him with wide eyes.
Naruto let out a frustrating sigh. He hated to put people in straight jackets. He walked over to the red head releasing him from the confined jacket. He made sure he was alright.
"Are you okay? You're not hurt are you?" Naruto frowned.
Gaara just nodded.
"Do you know where Sai and Sasuke are?"
"They took Sai while he was sleeping. I don't know where though. Sasuke ran out of his room."
"Okay. Can you help me?"
"I'll try."
Naruto grinned at him. He was no longer angry after realizing Gaara wasn't that hurt. They must've had a hard time to get him into the straight jacket in the first place. They fucking deserved it. He didn't know what was in that syringe but he was sure it was a knock out drug. He helped Gaara up noticing the red head wasn't uncomfortable with his close position. He would be happy later. He was determined to find Sasuke now.
They walked out of the room and Naruto went towards the therapy room. He was sure Sasuke would probably be in there. Even though Sasuke never told him, he knew that the raven haired man was the most comfortable in that room. He opened the door prepared to call Sasuke's name. Instead he got a fist to the face. He stumbled back into Gaara and glared at the shadowy figure.
"You dirty bastard!" he yelled out about to rush at the assailant.
"N-Naruto?" Sasuke's voice called.
Naruto rubbed the cheek that was punched. He'll probably have a bruise in the morning. He was sure of it. That was a hard punch! Damn! Does Sasuke work out in this place? If he doesn't he would be surprised.
"What the hell was that for?"
"You're the one walking around like an idiot! I thought you were Orouchimaru!"
"Do I look like that fucking creep?"
Sasuke crossed his arms over his chest and looked away into the darkened hall. "Hn."
Naruto frowned. "I knocked Kabuto and Orouchimaru out. They won't be going anywhere until the cops get here. Do you know where they put Sai?"
"He's outside." Sasuke dropped his arms.
"What?" the blonde yelled.
"I think they put him in a van."
Naruto nodded. "Okay! Let's go get him! I don't want granny coming here thinking that one of you escaped or some crazy shit like that."
"Your foul mouth is disgusting." Sasuke sneered.
"Well, when I get too excited or angry get used to it!" he yelled.
They walked outside and sure enough they found a black van not too far from the security gates. Naruto wondered why he didn't see it when he was coming down here. He was in a rush so it's easy to overlook. The opened the backdoors of the van and saw Sai's sleeping body on top of a pile of tools. A relieved sigh escaped his lips.
"He's fine. Everything is okay." He said softly.
Sasuke and Gaara helped Sai out of the van. Sasuke had him on his back and they walked back up to the institute to wait for the cops. They arrived only five minutes later and Tsunade was right behind him. Naruto leaned on Gaara's shoulder with a goofy smile on his face. "I got them granny."
"Brat! You just got out of the hospital."
Naruto being reminded of that felt his eyes close feeling the aches all over again. He couldn't open his eyes so he just fell into a dreamless sleep. He was just happy that he prevented something bad happening. He could rest now.
"Naruto! You stupid little man! How many times do I have to tell you to take care of yourself?! When I heard from Hinata that you were in the hospital I came back home as soon as I could! You should've called me or something! What kind of friend are you?" Kiba Inuzuka yelled at the blonde haired psychologist. It was the same old conversation with everyone Naruto talked to.
Naruto winced as he sat in the cafeteria with his patients watching him argue with his best friend. He has known Kiba since he moved into Konoha. They weren't friends back then but it wasn't until high school that they started interacting with one another. They fought a lot but it was more of a brotherly thing. He became a family friend and was currently engaged to Hinata. He was a health inspector for farms all over the country so he wasn't home in Konoha that much. He was going to make his own animal hospital after he married Hinata.
It was Wednesday, four days after Kabuto's and Orouchimaru's kidnap attempt. Somehow Orouchimaru disappeared but Kabuto was arrested and taking in for questioning. He was going to be sentenced near to twenty years in jail. Naruto was pissed that Orouchimaru slipped away but at least he didn't have to see Kabuto's slimy face anymore.
"I'm sorry. I was busy with my new patients." Naruto stood up and pouted.
"That's not going to work on me! I haven't heard from you in three weeks! What the hell? You're lucky you're on the job right now because I would take you outside to whoop your ass!" Kiba glared at him.
Everyone in the hospital was looking at them. Haku came up to them after the deafening silence became too much to bear.
"Kiba it isn't Naruto's fault. He actually didn't have a clue that he was overworking himself." Haku gave Naruto a reassuring smile. Naruto is the only person that they know that would do something like that.
Kiba sighed and then crushed Naruto in a bone crushing hug. Naruto hugged the muscular man back. He always liked Kiba's hugs because they were strong and helped him through the day. It has been a rough day. He couldn't eat Ramen! He was forced to eat everything Sasuke ate which was nothing but seafood and vegetables. It drove him crazy and it's only been three days. Kimimaro was randomly popping up at his house to make sure he ate properly when he got home. He had a curfew or Zabuza would come out to find him. He felt like a teenager all over again.
Naruto kept the tears at bay and looked up at his best friend. "Thank you Kiba."
Kiba just laughed. "No problem, Naruto. I'm staying over your place tonight if you don't mind. We have a lot of catching up to do." He looked around. "Have you seen Hinata?"
He grinned. "She's most likely in the coffee lounge upstairs. Ino is up there too just to warn you."
Kiba nervously scratched the back of his head which was odd. He usually was never nervous about anything. Asuma had a smug look on his face when he turned to look what was going on.
"Well, Naruto. I'll be over tonight." He gave him a pat on the back before he walked out the giant room in a hurry.
Haku giggled. "That went better than expected."
"Wasn't he acting a bit strange a second ago?" Naruto raised an eyebrow.
He turned to look at his patients and saw Gaara glaring at the doors. Was he looking at Kiba like that? He mentally shrugged it off. He probably was glaring at someone he didn't like over in that area. Tatuya was there so maybe he was glaring at her. Naruto just didn't get it.
Asuma was still smug about something but Naruto would think about it later. He had to get his three men swimming trunks. That's right! They're his! He gave a fox like grin and Haku knew that he was thinking of something he shouldn't. On Friday, they get to meet his famous grandfather. Who wouldn't be excited? Then again…if they called Naruto an idiot he wondered what they would call his grandfather.
Snowysess: Thank you for your lovely reviews! All is well so it ends well! Next chapter there's someone who's going to open up. I bet you can't guess who it is. Or maybe you can! Well, it doesn't matter. You'll get to read it soon enough. Review and I'll update as soon as I can!