[Quest completed: Survive Rewards: Greater potential to gather natural energy.] That was the prompt I woke up to. I don't even remember accepting a quest. Wait that isn't the important part. Where's Tsuna? What the hell happened? And why am I alive? I looked down to see that I was heavily bandaged. I was in the hospital? Is this Konoha's hospital? I looked around the room to see if there was anything I could recognize. I think this looks familiar but I'm not too sure. There was a curtain around my bed so I couldn't find a window.

Next to the bed was a nightstand with a vase on it. I tried to get up from the bed but I could only feel pain. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs that it hurt but it wouldn't help me at all. It took me almost a minute to just position myself at the edge of the bed. I put one foot down and then the other. I let go of the bed I was using to stand up. My legs were shaking and the pain was starting to make its way back to my head. I took one step, another step and I moved my hand to the curtain to open it. My legs gave out on me at this point. I grabbed the curtain hoping it could hold me up. It didn't and both of us fell to the ground. It created a huge racket causing some people outside of the room to come pouring in. I couldn't get up anymore but I could crawl. All I did by crawling was get a little more tangled up with the fallen curtain.
I know I can't do anything at this point but I have to do something. I don't want Tsuna to be like me. To live as a captive, to be treated like a toy. Worst case they'll strip her of her innocence and turn her into a weapon. I don't want any of this to happen. Tears were streaming down my face and I could only grab the curtain. I was so weak. I'm too weak. I want to be stronger. I don't want to see her turn out like me scared of even his own shadow. I rolled over since I knew I couldn't do anything. Tears were now combined with sobbing and snot. Why did this happen? In the middle of my crying I passed out.

I was probably put back onto the bed by the people who came in. I never even got to see who they were. Sitting up took a lot of effort and I noticed the curtain was hung again. "Tobi you're awake! Thank god you're alright. You gave some people quite a scare earlier." Said a redhead lady to my left wearing Konoha's attire for missions. She wasn't wearing casual clothes which made me think something was wrong.

"Kushina?" I asked not knowing why she's the one here.

"What am I not good enough to be here?" She said with a teasing tone.

"I didn't mean that. Where is Tsunade? Or the Senju Guards? What happened?"
"You really are something Tobi. Already asking for things before even worrying about yourself. You're lucky to be alive right now. I don't know how you managed to do it." Kushina chuckled a bit before continuing "Don't worry Tsunade is safe and she's going to get Tsuna with some others right now. I was already here because someone I know also got hurt. I told her that I would look after you while she's gone."

If Tsunade is already chasing after Tsuna then things will turn out alright. I can't imagine too many people outsmarting the leaf with the ninjas they currently have. Tsunade most likely asked Kushina to guard me after they found me. She probably went to get Tsuna and turn their lives into a living hell. Knowing how capable she was I could rest assured that she'd be fine. "Tobi do you remember what happened that day? Its okay if you don't"

"That day? How much time has passed since then?" Her words made me think that I had been in a coma. How long was I asleep for this time? I immediately looked at my body for any clues.

"You were in another coma. You've been asleep for a week which I have to say is much better than last time." She said trying to lighten the mood. She seemed especially attentive to my thoughts and actions.

"A week and Tsuna is still missing? I have to do something to help please help me get out of here."

"That's not happening Tobi. Do you think I'm going to let you out of that bed in your condition? You're still not even close to leaving this hospital in your current state." Kushina's tone got much more serious than she had been. Kushina's face showed she wasn't going to compromise. I was stuck in this bed and I guess things aren't so simple outside. Maybe I can try to get something about it from Kushina.

"If I tell you what happened can you tell me what's going on? I need to know why Tsuna was kidnapped."

"I'm sorry I can't Tobi. I was told that everything is to be a village secret until it's over. Things got out of hand and this is what happened I'm sorry."

"Fine, I thought it was worth a shot" I sighed. I really didn't expect much considering if things weren't messed up I'm sure I would have a couple of guards from the clan. Since I know I'm not going to be getting anything out of her I started my story. "It happened quick so I don't remember much. I heard a commotion at the compound entrance but I decided to ignore it. I went to go play with Tsuna instead. She was watching her play with her stuffed animals when I got there and she wanted me to join her. I got a headache from listening to her after a while so I went to open the window of her room. On the other side was a guy with an ANBU like mask. Once our eyes met he put a sword in me and I barely had time to move. He then tossed me to the side sword and all. I remember seeing him enter through the window and walk to Tsuna. He grabbed Tsuna and left without even giving me a second look. I can only remember what I tried after that not what happened."

"What did you try after that?" She asked with curiosity in her voice.
"I tried moving but I don't think that worked as I barely made it out of the room. I think I then tried stopping the bleeding but I remember feeling weak. I couldn't remember if it worked or not but I wanted to leave a message for whoever found me. I don't know if I got that far though"

"Tobi how old are you right now?"

"I don't know."

"If what I saw on the sheet before is right you're six. For a six year old to survive getting stabbed in the chest is already a miracle. The doctors told me that you stopped the bleeding by using a wood jutsu to act as a dam to clot your blood with the sword intact. I don't know how you moved like that but it's a miracle to be alive right now. Just concentrate on getting better and leave the other things to the adults. You've already helped us so much let us pay you back a little bit. Is that okay?" Kushina ruffled my hair after saying that. It was nice to hear a compliment but it didn't really change my mood.

"Sure" I said as I knew that I wouldn't be able to do anything. Even if I wanted to leave this bed I physically couldn't and if I could leave she wouldn't let me. "How are Akane and Naruto doing?"

"There with some family members. I just got back from visiting the place the scroll mentioned and I have to give my thanks. I found two members of my clan just how Tsunade said I would. We've successfully brought them back to Konoha so now there are other Uzumakis living here." She said with a bright smile on her face.

"I'm glad you found them." I smiled and I didn't have much else to ask her. Time passed between us in silence. It was kind of awkward but I really didn't know what to talk about. I laid back down and started thinking about ways to get stronger. I needed a plan but my thoughts would always circle back around to Tsuna. Was she okay? Has Tsunade already rescued her? I couldn't take it anymore.

"Kushina, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure go ahead" She looked happy to finally lose the awkward atmosphere in the room.

"You've been a ninja for a long time."

"Yes, I have." Kushina responded not knowing where I was going with this.

"When you become strong does this feeling go away? This feeling where I'm useless?"

"Tobi you shouldn't think like that. I might be strong but there are plenty of people stronger than I am. I'm still useless compared to them but I have things I can and can't do just like you. You've already saved my and my husband's life. You made it so my son has a family that loves him. My daughter exists because of you. How can you say that you are useless. Those were things that you did because you could. I wish we could find a way to repay what you've given us but instead we've been relying on what you've already given us. When I heard that you were brought in here I was shocked. I'm glad you're alive and you want to help but you need to get well first. That's what you can do right now. Sleep and get well soon. We'll make sure Tsuna is here to see you when you get released from the hospital. I'm going to go see your doctor for a bit I'll be back later." With that Kushina got up and walked through the door outside the room. I was alone but I knew that I'd be back with my family once I could get healthy enough. They were probably all out searching for Tsuna right now. While thinking about the best possible outcome I fell asleep again.

Outside the room Kushina looked at the team of ANBU guards. "I'm going to go and talk to the head doctor about his condition. No one is to enter that room and if someone absolutely has to then take off your mask if you're not in a battle. Do not let that child find out what is going on. If you do talk to him assume he's trying to get information out of you and assume he is smarter than you. Do not mistake him for an ordinary child. Do I make myself clear?"

The four nodded allowing Kushina to go find the doctor. Tobi's room was on the same floor as him so she wouldn't be too far from him just in case. "Doctor, how is he doing?"

"Ah you mean the Senju boy right?" asked the doctor without looking up from his desk.

"Yes"

"He partially opened his wound earlier but I think we managed to do something about it in time. That child has a strong will to even be able to move in that condition especially after sleeping for four years. He shouldn't have the physique he has right now. He must have been diligent on rehabilitating himself."

"Tsunade was pretty strict in making sure he would be alright" Kushina laughed while telling the doctor how she supervised his rehabilitation at home.

"He sure is lucky to have someone like that to help him. If there aren't any setbacks like earlier he should be healed enough to leave in two to three weeks. If he acts up again he will have to wait longer."

"Thank you doctor. I'll let you get back to work" With that Kushina left the doctor's office. She proceeded through the hospital as she visited rooms here and there talking with those inside. After she finished visiting the other people she returned to the hallway outside of Tobi's room. She sat down wondering how things went so wrong.

I spent my time completely in bed. I read the books that were left on the nightstand by me and I even read Jiraiya's Tale of a Gutsy Ninja. I didn't bother to read any of his other books as the nurse would probably take it from me anyways. The people were nice to me but I still wanted to go home. I don't know why but I felt like my room turned into a breakroom for the nurses as some would always be around. I didn't mind since it was more people to talk to. Some spent time with me and asked me a bunch of questions while others asked me about Tsunade. I didn't realize how many people idolized her. The bed next to me was never given out which I thought was kind of suspicious. Kushina visited me everyday telling the nurses I wasn't a toy to play with. After spending so much time it eventually became easier to talk to her. She was happy to share the stories about her kids and asked me how I spent my time.

"Tobi where did you find those creatures?" Kushina asked out of nowhere during one of our chats.

"I, uh, don't know what you're talking about" I said as I looked away from her trying to hide my face which could be read like a book. I'm really, really bad at lying still. Kushina chuckled a bit before talking

"Don't worry Tsunade already showed me Yoko the other day. She was adorable running around at the compound."

"We can't even keep a secret, not that I would be of much help if you were to interrogate me. This is so depressing." I said thinking about how we were supposed to keep them a secret to the outside. I was pretty thankful that I wasn't the one who had ruined it for everyone else.

"Do you want to see mine?"

"Is that alright?"

"Yeah I miss them anyways. I do need your help to bring them here though." I gave her the instructions on where to find their pokeballs. I specifically told her how to handle them so they aren't accidentally let out as she was walking around. The last thing I need is one of my pokemon running around the village while I was in the hospital. It took her half an hour to get them and bring them back.

I let the two out at the end of the bed. My growlithe immediately jumped up on the bed and sat down next to me. The other pokemon I had caught was a bulbasaur that looked around before using its vines to jump up onto the bed. Kushina looked at the two and was confused. She had no idea where those vines came from as they shot out of the side of Bulbasaur's bulb. I laughed and told her that I was the same way the first time I saw them too. I pat each of their heads telling them that I missed them. "Tsunade told me that their contracted beasts? She didn't really explain about them too much."

"Yeah that's probably the best way to put it. The thing is as they grow stronger then they will change in both strength and appearance. Sometimes they change a lot and others not so much. Bulbasaur here will turn into a big plant monster and growlithe will turn into a giant dog that will make the Inuzuka Clan jealous. Unfortunately they won't be able to speak in a tongue we can understand so there is a tradeoff."

"Incredible, can the plant one use the vines well?"

"Bulba can you grab me the vase from the table behind the curtain?"

I heard a trademark cry from the pokemon as two vines shot out to the edge of the curtain. It took a few seconds but I was holding a vase in my hands to show Kushina. She looked like she wanted one herself. "Can you put it back for me?" The vase in my hands was wrapped by vines and gone in a matter of seconds returning to where it came from.

"Would you be willing to tell me how I can get one?"

"Tsunade said it's a clan secret" I said while shrugging my shoulders

"Thought so. Guess I'll just force Minato to marry Akane to the clan and ransack wherever you keep them." She told me while laughing to herself.

"What do you mean by 'marrying Akane'?"

"Oh you might not know. Clans often times try to marry their children together to strengthen ties. Tsunade probably hasn't talked to you about this yet. It's possible that she might have to do that in your future. The Senju Clan is very influential in the village so you might be the number one sought after heir in the future. You should be happy that there will be plenty of young ladies who will like you later. I wonder who the lucky one will be?" Kushina was still laughing but she was serious in her words.

"It certainly won't be you" I said while looking the other way embarrassed after hearing her talk about it.

"Of course it won't be me, you little. Are you saying our cute Akane isn't good enough for you? I'm sure when she grows up you'll eat those words and beg me in the future." I managed to get on Kushina's nerve and she went off on me. I was being scolded for being ten years too earlier and a bunch of other things that would embarrass her if others were here. In the end we both burst out laughing.

Soon two weeks had passed and I was ready to be released. I still haven't seen Tsunade but today I was taken home by Shizune. She looked like she hasn't slept in days. I was surprised that when we got back to the compound that there wasn't any guards. When I asked Shizune about it she said that Tsunade had taken them all with her out of the village. That it was only her and I in the village. Shizune made us dinner that night and we didn't talk too much. I knew something was wrong but she wouldn't tell me. She was constantly vigilant and often wouldn't pay full attention to our conversations. It was obvious that something bad has happened but she wasn't going to tell me. The least I could do was find a way to make sure we're both safe.

"Shizune let's stay inside the rift for a few days. I'm not stupid I know something happened and you're more worried about me than yourself. If we're in there then you don't have to worry about our safety. We can leave a note here saying we're at the village inn." Shizune thought over my offer before saying it was a good idea. For each day that passed outside, twelve days would pass in the village inside the rift. Shizune and I took the things we'd need for an extended stay inside. Camping supplies, extra clothes and whatever else Shizune said we'd need. Money was an issue inside the village as I was the only one who has any in there. It wasn't much but I told her we could sell things we found inside of the dungeon to buy supplies on the other side.

We spent out first day making a plan and spent it leisurely at the inn in the village. Shizune slept most of the day and she said I wasn't allowed to explore inside the dungeon without her. She said if I wasn't going to behave then my training will be so strict that I'd be too sore to move for a week. To make sure she knew I was paying attention to her she started telling me about a new training regiment that Tsunade was going to give me in the future.

On the second day Shizune and I started our trek through the first few floors of each entrance. We figured while we were here we could map out as much as possible and confirm any information we already had about the place. It took us a week to go through the Rattata Fields entrance. Shizune had picked up two new pokemon in this week, Pikachu and Cyndaquil. After 12 days inside we stepped out for a bit to find that no one has returned yet.
The next twelve days inside were spent investigating The Hoppip Meadows entrance. Shizune had caught her fourth pokemon, Fomantis, on the third day inside. She thought it was cute but I honestly don't see it. In the meadows we found many different kinds of pokemon that came out during the night. It was strange but until we started doing this we never went in here when it was night. I remember that it was possible for this to happen in games for this but I forgot to see if it was a thing here. On the final floor for this entrance I caught my third pokemon, a Gastly. The Gastly was part of a horde which was the first time we encountered one. Shizune grabbed me and tried to run away before I could calm her down. I couldn't stop laughing but I got to admit ghost types are so much creepier in person.

After the second set of twelve days we left. We stayed out for a few hours but nobody showed up. We went back in a little disappointed but Shizune didn't want to risk our safety staying outside. Inside we explored the final entrance, Spinarak Cave. Once we finished exploring this entrance we decided to go back to the town before going further down. Shizune was selling items and trying to see if we could acquire a house in the village. We've made a decent amount through scavenging items we've found in the dungeon but I doubt we'll be close to buying a house here. While she was doing all of that I decided to see if I could find any patterns in how pokemon showed up inside the dungeon. It took me a few hours but I found that each entrance has its own breeding group. The pokemon in The Rattata Fields was known to belong to the field egg group, Hoppip Meadows was the grass egg group and Spinarak Cave was the bug egg group. If I had to guess the lakes and ponds in there must be the water egg groups. I'd need to find some fishing rods or dive down to be sure but I really don't want to do that right now. We spent our last day here this time sparring. I haven't stopped my physical training once since we got here but I haven't been fully healed until now. To the people outside it might look like I healed quick but I have already spent a month inside of the rift. Shizune was the first to notice that it doesn't accelerate aging so I won't look like I had a massive growth spurt. She observed that I was healing at a normal rate but I wasn't growing as I should.

I stopped counting the days soon. Shizune was the one who was concerned about the outside. I knew I couldn't do anything for Tsunade or Tsuna so like Kushina told me, I did what I could. We finished our dungeon trips by mapping out all the floors from the first two tiers of each entrance. We also mapped special events we encountered such as hordes, rare pokemon or abnormal levels of a certain type in an area. Shizune had caught her six pokemon so her team was now Cyndaquil, Nidoran(m), Fomantis, Staryu, Pikachu and Rowlet. I haven't been able to fill out my team but I now had three members. Gastly, Growlithe and Ivysaur who was the first to evolve out of all of our pokemon. Shizune thought he was sick at first but then she saw it grow during the light. When he finished she was shocked at how much different he was.

Eighty Four days passed in total since we started to come in here and only a week has passed outside. We waited for a few hours in the house. Shizune was always on guard and we spent all of our time their near the rift in case we needed to run. It was then that we heard some people approaching from the main entrance of the compound. Shizune had drawn a kunai from somewhere and hid it behind her forearm. The sounds were getting closer and it sounded like there were a few sets of footsteps. I know that Shizune is a chunin right now but she wouldn't stand a chance against a few ANBU or higher level opponents. She brought me behind her back and we slowly moved towards the rift waiting to see who was coming. I could tell she was thinking about telling me to run if I have to so I tried pulling her to the rift.

The footsteps went silent. Shizune tensed up as she realized that these people were no longer being careless. We moved towards the rift quicker than we had been and I wrote on Shizune's back using my finger to tell her we could go when we need to. On the porch of the closest house we saw a person wearing a mask moving cautiously. He made eye contact with us and walked towards us drawing his weapon. I was ready to go but Shizune hadn't given me a signal yet. Soon we saw another person with a mask appear on our flank. We were slowly being surrounded so I decided to go without asking her anymore. I didn't want to lose anyone else so I decided to take her away without waiting any longer. Once we were inside Shizune blew up on me "Tobi what do you think you're doing? I didn't tell you to send us through yet. What if they camp out our spot until we return? How are we supposed to go back?"

She's right I didn't think it through. My flight or fight kicked in and I knew that we should run. Thinking about it now I don't think I'm wrong. Even if Shizune was stronger than them I was a giant handicap to her. Fighting to protect someone is a lot harder than fighting on your own. How many heroes in stories have I read about that died protecting someone else or got hurt trying to protect someone. I didn't want to be captured or kidnapped either. "I'm sorry I just didn't want anymore family disappearing on me. I didn't want you to leave me so I took you with me"

Shizune crouched down and hugged me. "I'm sorry too Tobi." We held an embrace until both of us calmed down. I'm surprised I didn't cry this time. Usually I shrink back when people yell at me but I didn't feel as scared this time. I think the fear of being alone won over the fear of someone yelling at me.

"Tobi I have an idea of who those people. It's possible that they'll have someone keep an eye out on the compound thinking we might return. If we're lucky they will think it was a teleportation seal set up and we went elsewhere sending most of attention looking for us. Let's spend what's equivalent to a week outside in here just to be safe. While we're here we should make acquiring a place to stay our priority."