I do not own Naruto and his associated articles; only my OCs.
It was a little unnerving for Manami to know that she had been watched so closely by a teammate without even realizing it and that he had even used the doujutsu on her to do so. Her hand brushed the beads in question before resting back in her lap.
"You are very observant then, and undoubtedly, such a thing would pique your curiosity as it has others before you. To put it simply, the beads are a result of an experiment that I conducted on my own while I was still in Uzushiogakure involving seals and their apparatuses." Manami licked her lips, trying to think of where exactly to begin. "Um, well… as a genin, I worked with a very unbalanced team. My sensei and two teammates were sealing specialists. That was their passion and focus. They were all talented.
"After my teammates and I were promoted to Chuunin, we drifted away from each. I focused on my medical skills and they continued to concentrate on their Fuinjutsu. Over the course of a couple years while working with medical jutsu I started to realize the limitations of the body once your chakra is depleted. I started to wonder, 'what is the true portability of chakra? You can add it to a weapon to make it fly farther, faster. Could you potentially store chakra, like an item, in a seal?'
"These," Manami pointed to the beads in her hair, "are three years of research into the subject. And even now they aren't proficient. You have observed their effects Jirou; they have a constant drain on my chakra. The drain is light so most shinobi wouldn't notice but it is there. If not for my precise chakra control such an experiment would be deadly.
"And there have been unforeseen side effects. The bead that feeds off my chakra system attaches directly to my hair. The beads do not slip off. They must be cut free to release the seal and the closer to my scalp the cut the easier. I don't particularly pride myself in having a nearly shaved head you know.
"Another effect," Manami explained as she ran her fingers over her stubbly scalp, "is that I have experienced a reduced rate in growth after cutting away the beads. Some of these beads have been gone for longer than half a year and yet I am covered in soft peach fuzz. I don't know why as of yet. Does that answer your question?"
"For now," was Jirou's answer as he stood. "The others have returned. I will greet them." He left without another word.
"You did well telling him." Sakumo spoke standing. He stretched his limbs and patted the seventeen year old's shoulder as he walked to the table.
"Why do you say that?" Manami questioned, following the captain's movements with her eyes.
"Jirou doesn't like to admit it, but he has insatiable curiosity when he doesn't the answer to a question. He was very satisfied with your explanation and will keep it to himself." Sakumo picked up one of the markers and moved it to the side.
"But... why-?"
"Why would he keep it to himself? He has no need to exploit your talents or tell others. It's not going to endanger the team and he sees no point in siccing them on you. You and Jirou may be more alike than you realize. Ah!" the Sakumo's eyes went to the entrance of the tent, "Yoko, fetch Akio and Yoichi before you come in. I want them to show Manami-san the barrier."
The wiry hound, who had nosed his way into the canvas tent, huffed and rolled his eyes before exiting again.
"The barrier?" The kunoichi questioned.
"Yes, the barrier. If we had had the time earlier in the week we could have covered it but as things always do during war, plans went awry. You have no need to worry though. Uchiha Akio and Yoichi are very proficient at explaining the inner workings of this particular Genjutsu."
Akio poked his head in, "You called boss?" His hair was drenched, water dripping down onto his face. He didn't seem to notice.
"Yes, yes. Manami-san's duties have been freed giving her time to now observe the barrier. After you finish, I'd like to hear your report."
"You've got it boss. Come on Ma-Hime, we'll just take a quick stroll around the camp." Manami scowled at the tall Uchiha. "Don't be mad Hime; it's only a little rain." Begrudgingly, the kunoichi followed Akio out of the tent. Outside, the light had faded into twilight. Yoichi stood broodingly, waiting for the duo to arrive. "We're going to take you on a little field trip," Akio chirped, "Outside if the barrier."
"Wait. Didn't Hatake-taichou say that I was supposed to stay in the camp until he deemed me ready to-" The kunoichi started in suspicion eyeing the Uchiha men.
"It's not like we're not going to be sending you out to fight against the enemy by yourself. One, you're with the two of us and two, it's easier to explain the workings of this barrier by experience rather than by theory." Akio shoved the kunoichi towards the barrier, earning a scowl. "Come on, I've been out in the rain all day. I would rather not continue the trend."
With an unsure gait, the kunoichi left the barrier. A cool sensation washed over her as she passed through the Genjutsu. Blinking rapidly, Manami was suddenly confused. Where was she? What was she doing? Looking around Manami tried to recall what she had been talking about and with who.
She took a tentative step forward, her hand reaching into her hip pouch for a weapon. A rustle in the trees to her left was met with a thrown kunai. "Alright alright, calm down there Ma-Hime. Remember it's a Genjutsu." The trees were met with a confused look and another kunai. "Oh for gods'… KAI!"
The situation came rushing back to the kunoichi as Akio and Yoichi appeared, grasping the two kunai that she had thrown. Manami could feel herself flushing in anger, annoyance, embarrassment and disappointment. Disappointment that she has been caught up in a Genjutsu so easily. She fought the urge to turn away.
"Don't be upset, Ma-Hime. That's what this Genjutsu is supposed to do, distract and react to intentions. It's quite nasty if you don't know what you're looking for." Akio explained, trying to comfort the medic but failed miserably.
"Genjutsu or not, I should have known it was there and-"
"Nonsense," Yoichi interrupted sternly, "You're a weak Genjutsu user and this is not an ordinary genjutsu. Stop trying to make excuses and get over the fact that you were trapped. You're not the first and you won't be the last. Hatake chose us to explain this to you because we are Uchiha. Genjutsu is not effective against us and if not for the captain's ninken the others would be in the same boat as you. Stop complaining and listen now."
Manami's lips thinned as she stared at Yoichi, feeling insulted. He was right, but her pride had a hard time letting sleeping dogs rest.
"Hello? Yes? It's still raining out here. You guys can bicker later; my hair is going to be totally unmanageable if we stay out here any longer." The blue haired medic snapped her eyes at Akio, "Oh good, Ma-Hime is back to her normal self. Now back to the explanation. The feeling that you had upon exiting the barrier is normal for anyone who was not, as you say, prepared. It's a complex jutsu, several actually, running at the same time that need to be monitored and maintained. What did you feel? Take a moment to think about it."
Swallowing back her argument, Manami processed her feelings and memories, recalling the effect the illusion had had on her. "Confusion to start; it was very subtle but it caused instantaneous suspicion. Then distraction, like I needed to move away from where I was quickly. Maybe doubt… a little bit of doubt and sluggishness." She paused and shook her head, "It was a very quick onset, and I am not sure if it was what I was actually feeling or my interpretation afterwards."
"No, you are correct. Normally the onset is more gradual though, so you were obviously more guarded due to a sudden immersion. It is a subtle technique, affecting the target more the closer they get to the core. You probably didn't notice its effect the first time you encountered it due to Yoko. The taichou's dogs are trained to pick up the smell of this genjutsu's chakra so they are less effected that normal shinobi.
"Back to the genjutsu though, its components are three parts. The first being concealment. Despite being interrupted, you cannot see the camp because of four overlapping concealment techniques. They rely on a medium to keep intact. So unless the medium is destroyed or overpowered, you will not be able to see or break through it.
"The second is its dissuasion element. This part causes a subtle confusion and sends attention to elsewhere. And the third is a redirection technique that in addition to the dissuasion will move the effected target gradually to the side of the barrier, causing a long circular path. In their mind, they appear to be traveling in a straight path."
"That makes sense." Manami contemplated, staring at the barrier that she couldn't see. "But then how do you know exactly when to release the illusion?"
"That is where Hatake's ninken come into play. Once they sense the distance to the barrier, they will let out a howl in a certain tone that will cause the medium to react quickly and specifically to the area it is emitted. The person monitoring the medium is a safe guard though. That's why there is always at least one person in the camp. They have to apply chakra to the medium for the barrier to open… which brings us to our next stop. Yoichi, if you will?"
The shorter of the Uchiha men let out a shrill whistle. A moment later, a ninken appeared. It was the smooth haired ebony pug that Manami didn't know the name of. He gave a look of sheer annoyance and let out two yaps followed by a short howl. The barrier opened and the pug was gone, running back to captain's tent as fast as its little legs could carry it.
Manami followed after the two shinobi instead as they made their way back onto the base. The sound of the rain bouncing off of the water-proof canvas was the only sound in the camp. Light illuminated the shelters, but there was no sign of life. Such was a shinobi's presence.
The trio made their way to the side of the camp and quietly entered the tent at the opposite end away from the medical bay. It was dark in the shelter, Manami's eyes straining. In the center was a brass stand with a clear glass orb sitting in the middle. The air buzzed silently with chakra. The medic was surprised that she hadn't noticed such a strong chakra emitting from the tent before. She had been distracted for the last week but still…
"This is the medium then?" Manami asked approaching the stand, cautiously watching the men with her. They nodded each taking a different side of the triangular stand. The orb slowly dimmed and filled with a hazy smoke that drifted within its confines. "So… what am I supposed to do with it?"
"Well, a lot and nothing." Akio sagely provided, watching the swirling smoke. Manami gave a skeptical stare.
"The smoke clears when there is a disturbance in the genjutsu or if someone has recently been in the area of effect, us for example. It will fill until someone enters its range again." Yoichi commented, folding his arms over his chest.
"Excuse me if I'm wrong," Manami nervously asked, thinking back to the conversation outside of the barrier. "But I would imagine that such a large scale genjutsu would require maintenance?"
"Ah, I was getting there Ma-Hime. You are correct and it's a very easy procedure. We don't really need to fix anything at the moment but the process is similar to using the mystic palm jutsu or making a seal. If you would," Akio put his hand on the orb motioning for the kunoichi to do the same.
"Now, you can feel the chakra that has created it right?" Manami nodded, "Good. It's a fairly simple process of injecting raw chakra into the orb, much like a seal. The medium will absorb that chakra and spread it out over the area of the barrier, repairing any weaknesses in the wall and strengthening the effects of the jutsu.
"So once enough of your chakra has been poured into the barrier, the genjutsu will start to have less of an effect on you?" Manami probed, feeding the orb a small amount of chakra. The smoke thickened as her chakra absorbed.
"Correct." Yoichi confirmed. The six foot man was tapping his fingers against his arm impatiently. "It shouldn't take a genius to figure out the rest. I'll be leaving now." The man stiffly turned and exited, leaving Manami with Akio.
"Ah, don't mind Yoichi, he's just shy when it comes to perverts." Akio chattered, removing his hand from the orb.
"I've been meaning to talk to you about that… Akio-san," Manami venomously hissed giving the Uchiha a sharp look. It had been a very long week because of the tall shinobi and Manami was out for a little bit of retribution.
"I'd love to stay and chat, but I must be going." Akio answered quickly, disappearing.
Manami gave the orb a last probing glance before resigning herself to the rain outside again. She would worry about paying back the Uchiha later, tonight was her turn to cook and she'd rather not leave it until the last moment.
After that evening, the camp's activity picked up as the squadron prepared for its assault against the Amegakure. Groups were still being sent out every couple of hours to confirm the set pattern the enemies had fallen into. If there was one thing you didn't want to be in a war, it was predictable. In the middle of it all was Manami, trying her best and succeeding to keep up with the news in the camp.
Like Yoichi had rudely asserted, once a shinobi was in practice with the medium it was easy to control. For the first day, Manami had observed whoever was in charge of the glass sphere. She witnessed the jutsu's effect on a team of the enemy's shinobi as they were redirected around the camp. The second day, she manned the orb herself with supervision. The roster was changed that evening so that her name was included on the orb duty. The team was starting to trust Manami, even though the twins still referred to her as Pantsu-Sensei.
It wasn't long until Hatake Sakumo called the entire squad to his tent for a final meeting. The ninken piled in a corner behind their master watching patiently as the team gathered around the table. It was a tight squeeze when the group stood but it was necessary for the silver haired man's instruction.
"After much deliberation," Sakumo's baritone voice rang softly, "I have come to a decision along with Akio about the matter of ambush. First, I will be assigning ninken to teams. Ninken, come forward when you're called. Yoko and Koji are with Manami."
"Here!" squeaked Koji, a russet colored Shiba Inu, as he separated from the pile and sniffed the kunoichi eagerly.
"They can talk?!" Manami blurted, eyes bulging from hearing the dog talk. If they could talk that meant-
"Of course we can," Yoko yawned, scratching his ear lazily. His eyes glinted with a mischievous streak as the kunoichi's mind reeled. Her thoughts went directly to their first meeting when the wiry dog had greeted her personally by sticking his snout into her crotch.
The group chuckled as Sakumo spoke up, "You didn't know?"
"Does it look like I knew?" Manami snapped back, earning a slight reprehending look from the captain. "Sorry. They never talked to me, and I've never heard them talk," she clarified glaring openly at Yoko who was chewing on the pad of his foot.
Namazu put his hand on the startled medic's shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. This didn't turn her temper. The kunoichi's knuckles were turning white under her long sleeved shirt as she clenched her fists tightly. She let out an even breath.
Manami didn't like surprises in general but this was an unwelcome shock. She was floating somewhere between frustration and embarrassment with a side of anger. Koji nuzzled her clenched fist, giving her a pleading look.
Manami turned her face away from the dog, staring at the table, feeling betrayed. A slow lick touched her hand but Manami was stubborn and refused to acknowledge the canine that had been assigned to her. Another persistent lick followed as Koji seated himself next to the kunoichi and leaned against her leg.
Sakumo observed her a moment longer than necessary before continuing down the list, making a mental note about this outburst. Kane, an eager yellow lab, was assigned to Daichi and Daiki. Yuuto, the black mastiff, would go with his owner, Sakumo. Bojū, the black and white collie, would be teamed with Komatsu Shuji and Hyūga Jirou. Otomaru Yuudai and Yoichi were assigned the black pug, Bakkin. Keikai the blue merle collie was teamed with Akio, while Tsuyoi would be accompanying Namazu. The beagle whose name was Haaku would be with Yamada Jun while the remaining brindled bulldog was paired with Oonishi Takeshi.
"Now, as you can see we have our final numbers. Seven camps spread over a five kilometer radius and at our last count sixty targets. The main camp has about twenty shinobi present at all time, the northeast and southwest camp with ten each and the north, east, south and northwest camps with 5 each.
"After two weeks of observation, the main camp holds a meeting every evening just after sunset, bringing that total to numbers between forty-five and fifty men. Six one man teams are posted at the outer camps with the remaining five to ten shinobi patrolling the area. Tomorrow will be the day that we strike." Sakumo started to pluck the blue markers from the map's base camp, leaving Manami's name in the camp.
"Manami, due to your inexperience, you'll be remaining in the camp to maintain the barrier and to treat any injuries that may come in as a result of the attack. It is important to keep the base secret and if it comes down to it, the team will retreat leaving you here until we are able to return with backup."
Manami nodded, releasing her fists and wiping her palms against her pants. "Yes, Taichou." She wasn't fond of this 'worst case scenario' but she took the responsibility seriously.
There were implications for this position though. Not being trusted completely to back-up the team. Being considered too weak or inexperienced to be of any help in the field. Possible discrimination, being the only female on the front and therefore a 'liability'. And then, being a vital asset to the team as a medic. Though it was wishful thinking, Manami hoped it was the latter.
"Daichi, Daiki. You'll be in charge of the patrols to the south and these two camps." Sakumo instructed as he placed each of twin's markers in the south and southwest camps. "Akio will be taking care of the northwest camp before working northeast to Jun who will be at the northernmost camp. Jun, you will be holding position until Akio joins you. Be sure to observe the west and east for patrols.
"Namazu, you'll be positioned between the main camp and Akio and Jun, taking care of any of the stragglers or patrols that may come your way. Yuudai and Yoichi, you'll be in control of the area south of their main from our base to north of the southern camp, same objective as Namazu. Takeshi, you'll be to the farthest east. Clear the camp and then head for the main. I'll be in the northeast doing the same. Jirou. Shuji. You'll be directly on the main camp.
"Whether by sheer stupidity or overconfidence, the main camp has made a very vital and fatal mistake of not only having the majority of their members meeting regularly at the same time but also housing all of their supplies in the same place. Shuji will be detonating their supplies while Jirou covers.
"But the timing must be perfect. We cannot have them alerted to our presence too early and for that reason Jirou and Shuji will be waiting until ten minutes after the rest of us have started, ten minutes after sunset. This will give them time to get into position and time for the rest of the team to finish up our business with the outer camps and move in for the kill. Questions so far?"
"No?" Akio said, glancing around the table. "Good. As taichou said, our goal is to meet Shuji and Jirou preferably before the detonation, if at all possible. We're hoping to take out at least part of the group with the explosion and then the rest post facto. Keep in mind that we have to have a complete account for the entire enemy, not one of them must get past us. Understand? This is vital.
"I suggest you all start making preparations for tomorrow evening. In the morning, we'll be scouting out our positions and finalizing the plans. Daichi and Daiki, you'll be on barrier duty tonight instead of Manami. Manami, I suggest you do whatever it is that medics need in case of a sudden influx of patients and better acquaint yourself with your 'new help'." It didn't sound so much like a suggestion as it did an order. With slightly pursed lips, the blue haired medic nodded taking that as a dismissal. Begrudgingly, she left the tent with two hounds in tow and headed to the medical bay to prepare.
Her nerves were frazzled, Manami thought to herself as she lit a lamp in the tent. The light scattered leaving the tent ominously dim. Yoko curled himself up in the corner next to the desk while Koji helplessly trailed after the medic as she set alight the other oil lamps. The beads in her hair clattered as she collapsed angrily onto one of the examination tables.
Sometimes she wondered if she had made the right choice in accepting the nomination for this mission. She could be home working on her research or running missions instead. It wasn't that she didn't like it here with this squad… but she abhorred being thrown for a loop. She was straightforward and wanted others to be the same. But as always, one must look underneath the underneath. It was the shinobi way to keep secrets but even some secrets had to be divulged. Moping wasn't going to get her anywhere either. With a resigned sigh, the kunoichi hoisted herself off the table and got to work on her preparations.
The next day flew by quickly. Sakumo was out of the camp from the time the kunoichi had woken from her short night's sleep until well into the afternoon, the rest of the team was in and out constantly as well. With the help of the twins, who moaned and complained the entire time, Manami set the camp fire closer to the medical bay and gathered rainwater into heavy kettles and buckets. If there was a problem, gods forbid, she would have a large supply of boiled water at her disposal.
Under the awning of the medium's canvas shelter, Manami watched the squadron gather. Every member was in their standard issue field attire and had a grim look upon their face. Even the ninken were ready to go, each sporting a green hitai-ate around their neck. Sakumo was the last to arrive, pulling on his fingerless gloves. There was an air around him at that moment; confident but intimidating.
Though Manami was across the camp, she could hear his hushed words without trouble. "Everyone knows their task. We of the Leaf, with the Will of Fire in our hearts, will not fail to complete this task nor will we back away from the need of our village and country. We go to defend the freedom and livelihood of those we care about and those that have yet to be born. If we die, we die with honor in battle and not before. The mission is vital but so are our friends. Come back alive."
"You hear that Pantsu-Sensei?!" Daiki's voice rose above the rain, "Taichou says not to burn the camp down before we get back!"
Manami scowled as she replied, "What's that Daiki? Put the new latrine in your tent?! I was getting a little tired of getting wet every time I needed to use the bathroom." A short chorus of laughter was the response as Daiki fumbled with a comeback.
This was ended by a shrill whistle by the captain, "Enough ladies! Move out!"
"Taichou, get your eyes checked! I ain't no lady. Can't vouch for my brother though!" Daiki laughed before jumping through the barrier.
"Hey!" Daichi screamed, jumping after his brother.
The rest of the team followed suit, though Namazu paused a moment to wave farewell to the kunoichi before departing. Manami briefly stared after the troop, wishing she was also participating before turning away and entering the tent.
Yoko was his usual lazy self, lying on his side with his eyes closed. His tail curled and then thumped the ground as the kunoichi took a seat next to the orb. Koji settled at her feet, rubbing against the medic's shins. It was hard to stay mad at Koji, since he wasn't directly involved with lying to the medic, but Manami still had a grudge against the wiry grey hound. She knew it was stupid to be mad at a dog but this wasn't an ordinary dog. It would be a couple of days before she could completely forgive him.
Scratching behind Koji's soft russet ears, Manami waited impatiently for the siege to begin. Another misfortune of not being able to accompany her team, she didn't know what was going on. In the off chance they failed, she'd be stuck by herself for gods' only knew how long. It was no use to be pessimistic even if it was her natural tendency. The minutes passed slowly and the only noise in the camp was the distant cackle of the fire, the rain falling against the waterproof canvas and Yoko grooming himself.
The medic could see that the sun had set as twilight engulfed the camp. The team would have started by now. Edgily, the medic stood and started to pace; Koji dodged out of the way and instead moved to Yoko's side and watched the medic. Her inner clock passed the ten minute mark but there wasn't a sound. No sound of explosion or detonation. The enemy's main camp was farther away… but not that far. Her hand unconsciously went to the beads and started to tug slightly as she walked to the tent's entrance and looked west, towards the main camp. Through the barrier she could see nothing.
Sighing, she turned back into the tent and continued her pacing for another three minutes. Yoko and Koji's ears perked forward before the orb started to clear causing the medic to jump. "We've got incoming." Yoko shouted, sprinting out of the tent.
"An injury to be precise," Koji replied tensely, his small body shaking. He sniffed the air. "Prepare to open the barrier Manami-chan!" The red Shiba Inu jumped into action, going to meet Yoko at the barriers.
Manami nodded in response, hands making contact with the orb as an image of Yuudai and Yoichi become clear in the medium. Yoichi was carrying an unconscious and heavily injured Yuudai. The taijutsu user sported heavy burn on his arms and face though no signs of fire showed on his clothing. Possibly a steam-related wound, the kunoichi thought as the duo approached from the south.
She waited as long as she could for the duo, trying to time their arrival perfectly. Her hands injected raw chakra suddenly, opening a hole for her two teammates and sprinted out of the tent the moment she heard them cross the barrier. Outside, Yoichi headed straight for the medical bay, the kunoichi close behind. "What happened," she yelled watching as the tall Uchiha deposit the unconscious twenty-one year old onto the examination table. Yuudai didn't appear to be as burnt as he did in the orb, but his skin was peeling back like a bad sunburn.
"Idiot wasn't paying attention and got hit by some kind of poison steam. He killed the user shortly thereafter. That's all I know. Bakkin relayed the story to me before meeting up with the twins. I need to head out. Don't let him die." The Uchiha demanded before exiting the tent and leaving the medic to her work.
Manami quickly pushed her sleeves up, away from her hands before focusing them over the shinobi's chest. Yuudai sharply inhaled as the medic applied chakra to his body, diagnosing his injury wearily. Amegakure had a plethora of toxins and poisons they could use. She knew from experience. Some simply paralyzed the body while others caused seizure and death soon after; like that of Sanshouo no Hanzo. The medic was able to quickly decipher the cause and sighed in relief that it was a somewhat standard poison rather than a toxin.
Toxins were tricky in that they liked to attach to fatty acids in the blood stream and multiple quickly. Poisons were bad but not as bad. Manami was relieved to have worked against this particular poison before in a controlled environment in Uzushiogakure. And this particular brand was easy to disperse if you knew how to do it correctly. Placing her non-dominant hand at the bottom of his ribs, she dispersed her chakra focusing on the pulmonary alveoli. Her other hand went to her cart where she grabbed a glass jar.
"Yoko, would you drag one of the covered buckets of water in here? I'll need it momentarily." Manami calmly requested as she placed the glass jar over the unconscious man's mouth. Gently she coaxed her chakra into the air sacs, forcing the poison out. Her hand grazed over his chest smoothly in a lateral motion slowly moving up. She could feel the poison trying to stick to his lungs harder making her grit her teeth against the pull. She could hear the scrap of the bucket she had asked Yoko to fetch against the floor but kept her eyes focused on the patient.
Manami felt sweat gathering at her hair line as her hand paused to Yuudai's trachea. Mentally preparing herself, the medic made sure she had a sure grip on her chakra for the next maneuver. She exhaled slowly before slamming her hand up to the shinobi's chin and contracting his throat muscles so that the poison couldn't escape back into his lungs.
Yuudai's mouth wedged open in a cough-like motion, spewing noxious gas and fluids from his facial orifices. Manami immediately released the hold on her chakra, her hand flying to the glass jar's lid on the cart. The jar was sealed a millisecond later, fluids and gas trapped within the container where it couldn't do any more harm. Yuudai gasped before he started hacking, the oxygen deprivation fueling the reaction.
He was in the clear for now, the majority of the poison out of his system. Next came the burns from the poison. Scooping the bucket of water from the floor, the kunoichi placed it beside the unconscious man and threw a rag into the water. Walking around him, she decided to do the easiest and best method to clean the excess poison off of him and treat the burns.
Manami dumped the cold water carefully over her teammate, starting at his feet and working her way up. The water and surface poison ran off of the shinobi, seeping into the ground below as the kunoichi worked her way up to his face. At his face, she set the bucket aside once again and wiped her face with her upper sleeve before continuing. The rag was retrieved as she carefully cleansed the shinobi's face, making sure not to miss any spots and not to disturb the burns.
Once he was clean, the medic smiled and wiped the sweat from her face once again. "Not exactly how I pictured spending my birthday," she muttered, throwing the rag into the empty bucket; she would have to burn the cloth and sanitize the bucket anyways. Now the problem was that the shinobi was in a sopping wet uniform, in a cold tent. With a resigned sigh, the medic reluctantly undressed the man.
When his top half was undressed, his eyelashes fluttered as he slowly regained consciousness. "Where… where am I?" he coughed trying to sit up. The medic placed a firm hand on his chest, laying him back flat.
"You're in the medical bay. Yoichi was kind enough to bring you back, after you passed out, for treatment," was Manami's stern reply. "You were poisoned and are now recuperating. You'll be weak for a day or so, possibly less."
"Then why are you undressing me instead, Pantsu-Sensei" he jested, closing his eyes.
"Just because you're no longer poisoned doesn't mean that you aren't a candidate for pneumonia, especially after I soaked you in cold rain water to get the remnants of the poison off. I really don't feel like dealing with that, so you're getting a change of clothes and a dry blanket to lie under." Manami's fell upon deaf ears. The shinobi had once again passed into unconsciousness.
"Well… he can't say that I did not warn him," Manami sighed as she finished undressing Yuudai.
Once undressed, he was toweled off thoroughly and draped in a clean gown. One disadvantage of being small was when her patients were much larger than her. Manami dragged the examination table from the other enclosure and placed it against the occupied table, making sure it was braced.
Rolling Yuudai towards her and ignoring his genitals, the medic placed a towel under him, folding it carefully. Then she turned him away from her, bracing his body with her elbow to avoid him rolling off the table or onto the next examination table. Straining, Manami quickly yanked the bunched up towel flat underneath him and rolled Yuudai back onto his back. With the towel beneath him, Manami would now be able to easily transfer him to the other table by sliding him with the towel. She did so quickly taking care not to rupture his burned skin before removing the towel and covering him with clean blankets.
The shinobi sighed in his sleep as the kunoichi checked his temperature. It was normal. Satisfied, Manami grabbed the glass jar containing the poison and brought it to her desk, where she started the process of separating the poison from the taijutsu specialist's genes to make an antidote. The kunoichi knew she wasn't particularly great at this part of medical treatment, her expertise lying in treatment and surgery but she would get at least three treatments from this amount of poison.
The kunoichi worked diligently, eyeing her patient every once in a while or watching when Yoko or Koji's ears perked. After two hours had passed, the ninken leapt to their feet, tails erect and listening carefully. Manami paused in her work to see what had prompted this reaction.
Koji's tail started swinging rapidly as he bounced on his back legs, "They're back! They're back. They're back. They're back!"
A sigh of relief passed from the medic's mouth, a smile forming on her lips. If the team was back, that must mean that the mission was a success. Standing, Manami brushed her uniform straight, and took one last glance at her patient. He was still unconscious. Manami's lips pursed as she walked to Yuudai's side and placed a hand on his forehead. Still no fever. 'Excellent,' she thought as she exited the bay, jogging at a light pace to the medium's tent. She applied chakra to the orb just as the team met the barrier.
Koji bounced from the tent yipping the entire way to greet the medic's teammates, while Yoko waited patiently for the kunoichi. The wiry hound pressed his nose into the Manami's palm, catching her attention. "You did well today."
Manami rolled back her shoulders and cracked her neck, "Well… I better go and inspect the damage," she mumbled, patting the hound's head.
Thank you for the continued support and the reviews from xLilim, XscouselondonerX, and invisible-gurl. They were and are still much appreciated. I would also like to mention that I am still looking for an interested beta for my story, if interested message me.
If you have any questions, feel free to message me and as always, Constructive criticism and reviews are greatly appreciated.