A Living Nightmare
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
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Chapter 14: The Aftermath
The following day was extremely somber. Many events were postponed or cancelled. Including the one where Taka was going to introduce his new chocolates. The death of a Uchiha was a dark day for Konoha. More so the death of one and the severe injury of another in a successful yet reckless solo rescue mission of Naruto: a sage and great ninja asset.
"When will the funeral be?" Uma asked.
"In a week, they want to do some extra tests, and fix him up properly so it will be open casket," Ino said in a tight voice.
"I heard a sword went through him," Taka spoke, "that there's a huge hole and things like his intestines..."
"Cut that out," Sasuke said firmly, "Kane is gone and Yaso's injured. Let's just have a real breakfast like a family."
"Yaso was so brave," Hana said, "going adter Naruto like that."
"He was stupid, Kane died a hero's death," Uma spat.
"Be quiet," Zen said in a whisper.
The room went silent. Zen hadn't spoken since he gave his report to officials. Right now he looked pale and dazed. Kane's death had deeply affected him.
"Yaso could die and you better respect his sacrifice," Zen added.
After a moment Uma started to cry. "Why did this happen? I know we're a ninja family but it's not fair!"
Ino and Hana tried to comfort her but soon had to take her upstairs.
"Does anyone want more tea?" Mimi asked, I know I'm just Taka's girlfriend but..."
"You're family," Sasuke told her.
Mimi nlushed heavily. "Thank you."
A servant suddenly hurried in. "Master Uchiha, the surrogates are inconsolable. I know you wanted them to stay away but they really want to be a part of everything and see you."
"I'll talk to them, Kane was well loved," Sasuke stated, "Taka, please take care of things while I'm gone."
"Me?" Taka asked incredulously.
Right then, Zen burts in tears. The memory of Kane being the former head of the family after Sasuke, too much.
"Okay, okay, I'll do it," Taka agreed.
"Thank you," Sasuke said and left with the servant.
Taka cleared his throat. "Um, let's try to finish breakfast."
Naruto sat in the hospital at Yaso's side. Most of the Uchiha family had visited him last night. Right now they were focusing on the distraught Zen. Naruto understood, Zen was the only one of the triplets alive and conscious. And with one brother dead and the other in a coma, Zen was doubly struck with personal tragedy.
"Oh Yaso, I wish you hadn't tried to save me like this. I didn't want you hurting yourself for me," Naruto said clasping Yaso's unresponsive hand.
"You're nuts if you think he would've stayed out of any fight that could have led you to be kidnapped by the Akatsuki."
Naruto turned to the source of the voice to see Tenten. She had dark circles under her eyes but she still smiled.
"Hey," Naruto said softly.
Tenten pulled up a chair and sat beside him. She knew he loved Yaso like a son. She couldn't imagine her own child in this condition.
"I don;t want him to die," Naruto said suddenly.
Tenten looked at Naruto incredulously. "Naruto! The doctors say it's just a matter of time before he wakes up. What's up with this death business?"
Naruto looked away. He wasn't certain of anything anymore. A few days ago no one would've thought the Uchiha triplets could be attacked and harmed so severely within Konoha's borders. Where did that naivety get them? Nowhere. So when doctors claimed Yaso was going to be fine with such certainty, it only made Naruto more skeptical.
Tenten rubbed his shoulders. It was so obvious that Yaso's condition was upsetting him. "I know you want to stay with him but..."
Naruto picked up on what she was saying. "Maybe we should leave? That I'm only dragging myself down?"
Tenten looked away. "I only think that we need to clear our heads."
Naruto looked at Yaso. The young adult was connected to tubes and breathing apparatuses. He lay absolutely still.
"Let's have lunch, we can come back later," she offered.
"All right," Naruto agreed and they went out and bought steaming bowls of ramen.
You've hardly taken a bite," Tenten noted after finishing hers.
"I'm not very hungry," Naruto said honestly.
Tenten gave up. "Let's go back."
"No," Naruto said surprising her, "how's your son?" he asked.
Tenten blushed. "He's fine, he's with the Hyuuga's."
"That's good," Naruto nodded, "um, Tenten..." he stopped.
"What is it Naruto?" You're scaring me a little."
"Sca...no I um...this has to be terrible timing," Naruto said flustered.
"Terrible time for what?" Tenten asked.
"Would you like to be with me Tenten? As a family, I mean," Naruto blurted out, "I'm sorry this is so wrong to do right now..."
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Tenten cheered, "I thought I'd have to marry someone else at the rate you were going!"
"Marru? You want to marry me?"
Tenten rolled her eyes. "No, I want to marry the empty bowl in front of me."
Naruto chucked. "Well if that's what you want..."
"Shut up, I want to be with you, idiot," Tenten said.
Naruto smiled for the first time in since Yaso was injured. "Me too."