"Lady Shizune...we've lost another patient. His wounds were too deep....the Hokage couldn't get to him in time. I'm deeply sorry ma'am, I just wasn't good enough."

Shizune watched with an unreadable expression as the medic broke down and began to sob. Pity stabbed at her heart, but she didn't let it show. The woman was young, very young. She was not used to war. Shizune had to remind herself that she wasn't either, but she was used to battle.

"Please, take the rest of the day off. You need your strength for tomorrow anyway. They're carting in new patients from a recent battle against Iwagakure. You are a good healer and from what I can see in the medical report, the patient was a very difficult case. Do not blame yourself. Everyone has a limit," Shizune said, smiling at the woman.

"But Lady Shizune....our work is not done yet..." The woman protested.

"What is your name?" Shizune asked, crossing her fingers and propping her chin up with them, fixing the woman with a hard stare.

"My name? My name is Rosette." The woman stammered, seeming surprised by the question.

"Rosette, huh? Well, Rosette, we're fine for now. Most of our patients have been treated and plenty of reserves have been supplied for the staff. You may rest for the night, but you must continue your duties first thing tomorrow morning. You cannot do your job effectively in your current mental state," Shizune said, smiling.

"Yes ma'am. I understand. I'll go home immediately. Thank you and please call me back immediately if you need any help."

"You may leave now Rosette. Have a good night."

As Rosette left, Shizune leaned back in her chair. The chair had been there for years. It had been the chair of countless hospital managers before her. Lady Tsunade occasionally used it, but Shizune used it the most nowadays. It had not been built to be comfortable. Perhaps it was built that way to remind the person who sat in it that it was not time to relax.

Running a hand over her face, Shizune sighed. This war....is running everyone ragged. How many have to die before it stops?

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts and she immediately sat upright in the chair. She made it a point to look like a strong woman. The way you looked affected the way people looked at you, is what she found.

"Come in."

The door opened and in stepped a young man. Shizune was slightly taken aback by how handsome he was, but she did not let it show. Her eyes scanned him. He looked travel worn. His slightly spiky blonde hair was in disarray. His clothes, typical Jounin apparel including vest, undershirt, and padded pants, was ripped and torn in some places. It was also covered in dirt. And blood.

Her eyes went to his headband. Whirlpool. So it's him. She smiled. But she never made it touch her eyes.

"Dakkuzen Ravage I take it? You are here for a physical?"

The man looked surprised. Shizune almost smiled again. She liked seeing this one surprised, though she did not know why. Her eyes showed a smile, but her mouth never did. He apparently caught on, and his features went expressionless again.

"Yes. I was told to speak to you. I also have wounds."

"I see. Reckless aren't you? Well, sit down. I'll be with you in a moment," Shizune said, beckoning toward a chair in front of her desk and looking down at her paperwork. There was his file. She scanned it quickly.

His record was impressive. He had completed many A missions for Whirlpool. His academy grades had been spectacular and he had graduated ahead of schedule, as well as became a Chuunin at an age younger than normal. It stated that his specialty was diplomacy.

"You have a knack for diplomacy eh? Unexpected, your file makes you out to be a warrior," Shizune said, not looking up from her paperwork.

"I am a bit of both....I suppose. What about you? You look like you've been up for three days without a single wink. And no offense, but you also look disorganized," Dakkuzen replied in a smooth voice.

Shizune's back straightened but she made it a point not to glare. Disorganized? Who does this guy think....?

"You're also not very pretty when you glare at people like that," He said, looking amused.

"Mr. Ravage....excuse me but what does this have to do with your physical? Also, you shouldn't be so rude when first meeting someone. Especially when that someone is about to heal your wounds," Shizune said with a bit of heat in her voice.

"Sorry....I was just saying..." He began, but was interrupted abruptly by Shizune.

"You shouldn't have been saying anything. Now get over here and take off your shirt. I need to see your wound," She said, standing up and running the back of her hand across her brow.

Why did it suddenly get so hot in here? And this guy....why does it matter how pretty I am? The nerve of him! I have half a mind to smack him across the face! Who says something like that to someone anyway when they first meet them! Didn't his parents ever teach him any manners!

"Excuse me ma'am...but you're thinking out loud."

Shizune snapped back to reality and saw the Whirlpool ambassador standing there shirtless. He looked like a blend between angry and amused. She couldn't decide which one.

"Right, let's get started," Shizune said, placing her hand over the bloody wound in Dakkuzen's shoulder.

"It's not too bad...a little deep. Kunai I'm guessing? Nasty one that is. Probably painful. Will take a bit before your arm can move normally again, seeing as how it hit some tendons." Shizune said, closing her eyes as a green aura settled between her hand and Dakkuzen's wound.

"My parents did teach me manners."

"If a little bit more force had been applied I believe there would have been an exit wound. Nonetheless, you'll probably have to sit down for at least a few minutes after the healing before....I'm sorry....what did you say?" Shizune asked suddenly, her analysis coming to a halt.

"I said...my parents DID teach me manners."

Shizune looked at him. Her jaw set and she couldn't help but glare. This guy is one strange cookie. A frustrating cookie.

"Well you obviously don't use them. Now if you'll let me continue....." Shizune began but was interrupted.

"Nope, never use 'em." Dakkuzen said, smiling.

"Wait....what? You're admitting it?" Shizune asked, bewildered. He looked amused again.

"Of course. And you really need to quit glaring. You looked good when you were in deep thought. Though I'd recommend buying an outfit that brought out your breasts and butt a bit more. You're not really lacking there, people just don't know it. Oh, and you should try something different with your hair......hey, what's the matter?"

"Get out....now." Shizune said quietly....and dangerously.

"But....why? My wounds...they still need..." Dakkuzen protested but was run over by a rampage of words from Shizune.

"Go talk to another nurse. You will not receive healing from me. You better hurry or you might lose too much blood." Shizune said coldly, sitting down and returning to her paperwork.

"WHAT!? You....can't refuse me treatment! This is ridiculous! The worst hospital ever! You really need to quit taking things so personally, I was just saying..."

"GET OUT!" Shizune yelled, slamming down a medical book on the corner of her desk, sending some stray papers into the air to fall slowly to the floor, and bringing on a silence only broken by the slamming of the door as the Whirlpool ambassador left.

What the hell is wrong with men nowadays!? Did he never learn how to treat people!? UGH! He needs to be smacked and I hope it happens soon! Commenting on my appearance like that! That jerk...

Her cheeks went red as she took in what else he had said. Her memory dug a little...and she found his other words. Not lacking on her chest and backside. Looked good when she was thinking.

That pig.