Kabuto's POV

We all had reached the next base the day after evacuation. Nozomi had been out for two days and Kimimaro was still in that 'Coma Coffin'. Everyone was anxious to see if Nozomi and Kimimaro would wake up. Nozomi's birthmarks were glowing slightly. I can't help but wonder if those two birthmarks are the reason she doesn't need an IV or anything to keep her alive. I had no idea what Kimimaro's state was as the 'Coma Coffin' wouldn't open. No one was dumb enough to mess with it either.

Her birthmarks suddenly stopped glowing and she stirred. I couldn't help but give a sigh of relief. Why do I care about her?!

Nozomi's POV

I sat in the Grove stroking Sumi gently.

"You should have gone home." Sumi said.

I know.

"Why won't you speak, dear?"

I can't. I try but nothing will come.

Sumi sighed. "Tsukiko and... No it can't be!"

It can't be who?

"Lady Satsuki." Sumi breathed.

Tsukiko came out of the brush with a woman who looked ancient. The old woman shared Tsukiko's purple eyes, though her left eye looked somewhat blind.

"Lady Satsuki." Sumi got up and dipped her head in respect for the old woman.

I stood up and gave a small bow myself. "Who are you?" I signed.

"Ah, yes." The old woman said. "Nozomi, third Jinchuriki of Sumi, heir of the Wood Kekkei Genkai, Medical-Nin, extremely talent Water Style user, poet, piano player and mute." She finished. She looked like she was thinking. "You know if you were a character in a book many would say you were overdone."

I didn't know whether that was a complement or an insult.

Satsuki laughed. "Yes. Yes. There is no doubt you are your mother's daughter."

My head snapped up. "My mother?" The woman had captured my attention.

"Ooh, yes. Your mother... She was a very bright girl. Though you defiantly surpass her." Her purple eyes searched me. "I knew her very well and she would be proud of your decision to stay where you are need most over your own desires. She had similar choices, but she didn't chose right with some of them... Aw now, one mustn't speak of the dead in such ways."

"I repeat. Who are you?"

"I am Satsuki, younger sibling to Ichiro the Uchiha Clan Ancestor. Older sister to Hashirama the Senju Clan Ancestor. Daughter of Nobuyuki and Reiki."

"How can you be alive?"

Satsuki laughed. "A curious one you are! Much like Tsukiko was when she was younger!"

"Lady Satsuki, please." Tsukiko blushed.

"Dear, there is nothing wrong with being curious!" Satsuki laughed her rusty laugh. "Now Nozomi I have seen many trials for you, none are easy. Dealing with old friends who are unsure of what to think, dear, dear, those situations are never easy. There are people around you who would follow you to the deepest depths and farthest corners of the Earth and back. But be warned... There are some who seek to destroy you."

Her words were swirling in my head.

"I have also seen three young girls about seven. They will give you hell." Great. "But they will become some of your most loyal Shinobi."

My most loyal Shinobi? My? God why can't my life be simple!?

"That is all you are ready to know for now, dear. I will see you again." Satsuki turned and disappeared through the undergrowth.

Tsukiko stayed. "I am so proud of you, Nozomi. Your mother is too." Tsukiko smiled warmly at me before she followed Satsuki, "Oh, by the way. Nice choice with 'Concrete Angel'." Tsukiko winked at me before she vanished.

Light claimed me.

Kabuto's POV

Nozomi sat up slowly.

"Welcome back to the world of the living."

Nozomi rolled her eyes and jumped off the bed.

"Well someone's energetic." I raised an eyebrow.

Nozomi shrugged and looked around. She sighed.

"You still aren't going to talk are you?"

"I can't."

"Alright then." I shrugged. "We haven't been able to get Kimimaro out of that coffin... Is he even alive?"

"Yes. It's called a Coma Coffin." Nozomi rolled her eyes.

"We have our work cut out for us." I went on. "With Kimimaro as ill as he is and working on a solution to Orochimaru's arms..."

Nozomi snapped her fingers. I looked at her. "Bones has a month! If we don't come up with something by then he's through! Forget Cockroach's arms! They can wait! But Bones can't!"

A month! Kimimaro has a month! God why can't my life be simple!