Chapter 6
"5 Days"
It's been five days since Sasuke began his cancer treatment. Everyday becomes increasingly harder for him to bear—endless hours of chemo and radiation, becoming weak as the hours progressed into days, losing the ability to walk without being overcome with a spell of dizziness...
This is all so new to Sasuke, and not even I can grasp the reality of this situation. I looked at Sasuke and how tired he was; how frail and weak he appeared to be. He slept hours on end, and if he wasn't sleeping, he was vomiting or trying to distract himself by reading novels that I'd bring him. I already noticed how skinny he had become since he refused to eat due to fear of losing his meal to his treatment. Every now and then, I'd try to push him into eating so that he wouldn't be so physically drained…
Today though, I was called into work despite the fact that I didn't want to leave Sasuke alone. I was sure that Naruto or Sakura would come to visit him. Hell, even Lord Fourth came by. He was friends with Sasuke's father after all, and seeing such a young man suffer like this made him feel pity. He was one of Naruto's closest friends, so he also did his best when it came to comforting the both of them, and me. He knew how strongly I felt about Sasuke, and how this sudden change in events would impact me. He was nice enough to give me some time off of my duties as an Anbu Black Op, but, we were short-handed, and with Sasuke out of commission, I had no choice. Before leaving this morning, I went by to visit Sasuke before I headed out to headquarters. I'd hate to leave him hanging, especially since I had no idea when I was going to return.
"I can only stay for a little while," I whispered since he was asleep. "I'll come by the moment I'm dismissed.
I gently smiled and pecked him on the cheek before heading to the door. I couldn't help but give him a second glance before departing. I bowed to one of the nurses since she kindly let me in despite it being way before visiting hours and took my leave.
I walked, and I walked since headquarters was outside of the village. But every step I took made me feel even more depressed the further I'd walk away from the hospital. Leaving Sasuke there alone, I repeat, is heart-breaking for me. I was greeted by one of my comrades at the Hidden Leaf Gates, and we then made our trek to headquarters. "Hey, Tachi...? How come you guys haven't dropped by to visit Sasuke? I mean, he's asleep a majority of the time, but it wouldn't kill you to go see him at least once, ya know?"
"Sorry, Miyuki. Things have been really busy. And without Sasuke around, it's become a total hassle. We're not too good at doing his job since we weren't trained in that specific field. We all have our own jobs, and until a replacement shows u-"
I stopped her. "Replacement? What do you mean replacement?"
"It's exactly what I said, Miyuki. Sasuke needs to be replaced. It's like Lord Fourth said, Sasuke is out of commission and must resign as a member of the Anbu Black Ops. The way things are looking now, I don't think he— "
"Shut up! Sasuke will be fine! Have a little faith in our comrade, Tachi!'
Tachi averted her eyes. "You know this better than I do, Miyuki. Sasuke can't come back. He has to resign as a member of the ABO whether you like it or not."
I grit my teeth in anger.
I know Sasuke will get better, and I know he's not going to resign! Not the Sasuke I know!
Clenching my fists, I travelled ahead of Tachi and didn't look back. It was better that I travelled alone anyways.