Nearly done, just finishing up and getting everyone back to their proper places. Next chapter is going to be more of an epilogue, but it wraps everything up rather nicely, I feel. I've started a sort of sequel, so let me know if you'd be interested in reading it. Actually, I'll probably post it anyways, if I ever finish it, but showing interest will certainly motivate me.

Any chance I can get some more reviewers? We writers work so hard...could use some feedback...Lils, you've been AWESOME.

And now...more Genma!

The warm sun on his face woke Genma up. For a moment he'd forgotten where he was, but he'd known the feel of the sheets and the mattress so many times that it didn't take him long to realize he was in the hospital.

The memory of what happened the day before was still a bit fuzzy. His shoulder throbbed with a dull ache and he still felt exhausted. Still, considering what had happened to him, that was to be expected. His chakra was mostly recovered, but the circumstances surrounding that still amazed and alarmed him.

Now that he was awake, Genma sat up, groaning audibly as his body protested. Joints were stiff, the throbbing intensified for a moment before calming down to pre-sitting conditions, and to top it off, the sun was in his eyes. Scooting farther up the bed towards the wall, he reached out gingerly and pulled the curtain closed just so the sun was out of his face.

That was exhausting.

Glowing brightly on the horizon, the sun was just barely up, meaning most of the village was not quite awake yet. He waited for the hospital staff to attend to him, taking advantage of the lull to rest and relax.

A few minutes later there was a knock at the door.

"Yes?" he called. Odd, considering the early hour. He wasn't expecting to see Atsuko peek through the door.

"I thought I heard you up," she said quietly. Her hospital bed was just next door. "How are you feeling?"

With a shrug, Genma answered, "Not too bad. Bit tired."

She gave a wry smile. "That's the side effect. Sorry."

"No need to apologize. Anything I can do for you?"

"I, um, wanted to thank you. Yesterday was…too much for me to handle. If you and Naruto hadn't shown up, I think I would be dead or worse by now."

Genma smiled. "We were concerned with your safety. Anything concerning Orochimaru is never what it seems."

"True," she said with a bitter laugh. "A lesson hard earned. Anyways," she continued, visibly forcing herself to be more upbeat. "I have something for you."

"Oh?"

She reached into her pouch and pulled out a familiar object.

Genma's eyes widened slightly. "You're giving me one?"

"Why not," she replied with a small smile. "You're never without one and, quite frankly, you don't look right without it."

Accepting the senbon, Genma examined it. He'd spent most of his life using the weapon, but few people actually understood how much a part of his life it was. He stuck it in his mouth, feeling the satisfying metal between his teeth, the sharp point that never quite managed to pierce the skin of his mouth.

Atsuko smiled briefly. "You look happier already."

Impressed by her actions, Genma gave her a quick nod in return. "Thank you. I don't think many would have made such a gesture."

"Oh, I doubt that," she said, and with a sigh sat herself at the foot of Genma's bed. She stared at the floor with an expression that Genma recognized. There was an emptiness in her face, a lack of purpose. Everything she'd known had been stripped away in a matter of minutes. Genma didn't like what he saw.

"What are your plans now?" he asked.

Without lifting her gaze, Atsuko gave a heavy shrug. "I have no idea. I thought about returning to keep the shop going, but it's all probably been scavenged by now. Plus I really don't think I can bring myself to go back anyways."

"Understandable." Genma watched her carefully, examining her features in detail, observing the kick of her feet, the blinking of dry eyes. Yes, he knew that look. He knew what could follow.

"You've gone through a traumatic experience. You've seen your father killed for anothers purposes. Logic has failed and now you're turning inside, looking for answers.

"You're not going to find them. There isn't anything you could have changed, nothing you could have done differently. The pain will still be as sharp tomorrow, no matter how many times you run it through your mind. You need time to put it in perspective. Don't try to hide it or suppress it. It will only destroy you from the inside out." He gave her the most comforting smile he could. "Your bravery and quick thinking saved all of us. I'd like to ask a favor."

"What's that?"

"Stay in Konoha a while. Like you said, there's nothing out there waiting for you. Spend time here then decide." He paused, watching for a reaction. When none appeared, he asked, "Is that too much to ask?"

She didn't move for a while. Then, wordlessly she shook her head, her hair swinging slowly with the motion.

"Good. Now, I'm starving. They should be in soon with breakfast. Care to join me?"

"All right," she replied. She shifted, pulling up her legs to sit cross-legged on his bed facing him. She slouched and stared out the window. The morning sun was brighter and warmer, the yellow beams illuminating the room. A medical ninja then came in with breakfast and they ate in silence. When she was done, Atsuko quietly excused herself.

"Atsuko," called Genma as she left. She stopped in the doorway. "The reason we survived was because you used your father's chakra. That's what he meant when he said all he had was yours."

She didn't answer.

"He gave everything to keep you alive. Think about what I said. Your future is still unmade; you're young enough to shape it however you wish. That is the gift your father gave you."

After a moment, she gave a small nod and shut the door behind her.

xXx

Genma was visited by the Hokage later that morning. Apart from exhaustion, which only rest and time would cure, he was deemed fine and they promptly sent him home. But, before he left, he made sure to have a word with the Hokage about something he'd been thinking about.