I began to open my eye and when I did, I was still in the same hospital room. Kakashi was sitting in a chair that was next to my bed. I jerked up and realized it was the next day…I had slept almost a whole day! I can't believe it…I turned my gaze to Kakashi who was startled

"Kakashi! You're still here?"

He nodded slowly getting up to stand next to me, he then put my hand in his.

"Yes…I told you I would be here until you told me to go…now that you're awake I do have some good news for you."

My heart began to race, as a smile found its way onto my face. I needed some good news…I nodded gesturing for him to tell me what that good news was.

He sighed rubbing the back of his neck. I could see a small smile form under his mask. I was sitting there with anticipation…oh just spit it out already!

"The doctor said we can get you out of bed and get you walking around…see how you can get around."

My smile grew even bigger, I held my arms out wrapping them around Kakashi's neck pulling him into a hug. I felt him hesitate but then I felt him wrap his arms around me. I rested my chin on his shoulder with a big smile on my face, I just wanted so badly to get up.

"Thank you Kakashi…thank you for everything…now let's go I want to get up."

He pulled back laughing nervously as he walked back to where his chair was. He grabbed me two crutches and rested them against the side of my bed. He held his hands out, so I put mine into his grasp. He helped me slowly; it was hard because of the cast but I put most of my weight on the right side of my body to help balance me out. Once I was steady, he grabbed the crutche as I took them from him and placed one under each arm. Kakashi stood back admiring me from afar. My face got hot as I averted my gaze, I probably looked so awful trying to walk on crutches…well let's just see how this goes.

I looked down at my feet placing the two crutches a little in front of me and took my first step. I felt very unsteady, I felt myself wobble a little. Kakashi came to me and placed his hands on my shoulders, so I looked back up with a forced smile, but I felt myself choke. I can't believe how doing something as simple as walking can be so hard and painful. I could feel my eye begin watering over and my vision got blurry. I closed my eye letting my head fall a little. I let myself rest against the crutches and Kakashi. I felt Kakashi move his hands from my shoulders to my back holding them there as he lightly rested his chin on the top of my head.

"It's okay Isamu…this is going to take time…don't push yourself too hard…I know you're going to anyway but…"

I laughed a bit, and I heard him follow suit. I looked up and he looked down at me as I smiled. He was such an ass…but I loved him, and he got me to smile so…I can't be mad at him. He lifted his hand to wipe the tears away from my face.

"You ready to try again? I'll be right here if you need me…"

I nodded and felt a spark of determination, so I gripped the crutches again and placed them a little in front of me. I began walking slowly, I was able to make my way to the door. I looked back at Kakashi and smiled a little hoping he would give in.

"Can you open the door?…I want to go outside…even if it is for just a moment…I want to feel the sun against my skin again…I've missed it so much."

I could see his eye go soft as he looked down at me sighing. He put his hand on the door and slowly started to open it. He held it open until I was outside of my room into the hallway. He stuffed his hands in his pockets gesturing with his head to start making our way to the front of the hospital.

We eventually made it out of the front doors. Once we were outside and a little bit to the side, I found a bench so I sat down resting my crutches on the side. I lifted my head with my eye closed and a huge smile on my face, it felt so amazing. The wind was softly blowing through my hair, the sun was beating down on my face and it gave me warmth...which I'd missed for so long. I felt Kakashi sit next to me, I kept my eye closed and kept basking in the sunlight. Then suddenly I heard a very familiar voice calling out my name, I immediately jerked my head over to the right to see exactly who it was. To my surprise, it was Kurenai and Asuma!

"Isamu! Is that you over there?"

Once they got closer to the bench we were sitting on, Kurenai stopped for a moment. She came speeding up to me wrapping her arms around me pulling me into a hug. She squeezed me tight, I could barely lift my hands to meet her back. I saw Kakashi jump up off the bench and his eye went wide. Kurenai released me and as she looked at me, I could see a big smile but tears were falling down her face. I don't know how much more emotion I can take…there has been so much in the past two days. I smiled at her as I wiped her tears away and playfully shoved her off me.

"Yes…It's nice to see you too Kurenai."

I looked over to Asuma who was rubbing the back of his neck and averting our little embrace. I smirked holding my hand up to him, I waved and nodded.

"Hello to you too Asuma…what are you guys doing over here?"

Kurenai stood up and Asuma nodded as he came to her side. Kurenai's face looked saddened so I tilted my head a little with a puzzled expression. It was nice seeing these two, but it was also hard because they both looked so sad and would avert my gaze now. My smile faded as I held my hands on my lap. I looked over to Kakashi who had his arms crossed looking at Kurenai and Asuma to answer my question.

"We were just coming to visit you…we heard word from Naruto that you were awake, so we rushed right over…it's amazing to see you're already walking."

I gave a half smile shrugging, I looked over and gestured at my crutches. Yeah, I could walk… barely without almost falling over…there was probably no way I would even have been able to get out of that room without them. I hated feeling so helpless…so weak…and ever since I woke, I still haven't felt Oni's presence. I was getting worried…normally my wounds would be fully healed the next day but, in this case…they are still present and not healed at all. I would call for Oni every so often, but I would just hear silence…I had no idea what to do and it scared me.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, so I shook from my thoughts. Kakashi was looking down at me and Asuma and Kurenai were staring at me as if they were expecting something.

"Isamu are you okay? Did you hear what Kurenai asked you?"

He knew something was wrong so no matter what I said he wouldn't believe me. I could see it in his eye and hear it in his voice. I slowly shook my head and turning my attention back to Kurenai.

"Yes, I'm okay…I'm sorry Kurenai…what did you ask?"

She sighed closing her eyes while shaking her head slowly. She smirked tilting her head a bit. She knows me well enough that if I'm in deep thought there is nothing that comes through.

"I asked… if we could get the okay from the doctor…would you like to join us for the 5th Hokage's coronation festival? The new Hokage is being coronated within the next few days and shortly after the village is holding a festival in her honor…we wanted to know if you would be up for it…. I know it's a lot, but I would hate for you to miss out on this."

My heart stopped and for a second it felt like I couldn't breathe…did she just say new Hokage? There is a new Hokage? What did I miss while I was out…I shook my head looking up to Kakashi with a wide eye.

"The…5th Hokage? Kakashi why are they coronating a new Hokage? What happened to the old man?"

His eye dropped as he rubbed the back of his neck. I could see he got tense and uncomfortable. I moved my gaze to Kurenai and Asuma who also got quiet and averted their gazes. I sat there for a moment, it finally hit me…it hit me like a bag full of bricks. I could feel my heart begin to race but also hurt…to know the old man was no longer with us. I can't believe that happened and I wasn't here…I wasn't here to help or defend the village…I was stupid and got myself captured. If I was here and fought maybe…maybe, he would still be alive.

I shook my head as I felt my eye begin to water over when I lowered my head. I felt a hand on my shoulder and then I felt Kurenai grab my other free arm. She squeezed hilding on tight not letting go and Kakashi kept his hand on my shoulder. After a few moments he moved his hand to my back. Asuma was standing in front of us lighting a cigarette…I looked up and caught his attention. I stared at him for a moment nodding as I gestured toward his pack with my head. He smirked and shrugged his shoulders a bit.

"I'm not sure your doctor would approve…but what the hell…you've been through hell and came back from the dead…"

He took the lit cigarette in his mouth and walked over holding it out to me. I nodded taking it as I placed it to my lips and took a long inhale. I closed my eye and felt the burn in my throat, but as I exhaled I felt a rush come to my head. I held it to the side opening my eye to see Kurenai staring at me with wide eyes and a disapproving expression. I saw Kakashi look at me with a wide eye and shook his head.

"Isamu…what are you doing?"

I could hear the surprise and irritation in his voice, and without even thinking I stood up and jerked my head toward him.

"What am I doing? I am trying to process that Lord Hokage is dead…and trying to think if I even want to ask what else has happened while I was out…how much more have I missed? The first person to take me in, give me a home, and a purpose was killed while I was taken...and I couldn't do anything…I couldn't do anything to save him! So, excuse me if I need a little release from the heavy news, you just put on me…"

I felt the pain shoot through my body when I jumped to my feet without my crutches. It was the first reaction I had because I wanted to run away from the situation, but I realized I couldn't. I lowered my head and held my hand up to hold the side of my face. Kurenai had already let go of me and made her way over to Asuma. Kakashi was still in the same place with his hands stuffed in his pockets. I saw Asuma come forward and put his hand on Kakashi's shoulder.

"I hope you don't mind me stealing him for a while…we have some... business to discuss…we will leave you now…to process."

Asuma grabbed Kakashi's shoulder forcing him to follow. Kakashi was reluctantly going along and soon they were gone. I shook my head a little putting my sight back on Kurenai.

"What just happened? I am so lost and confused right now…how much more did I miss Kurenai...tell me…I don't want any more surprises."

I sat back down since my legs were now weak. She sighed as she sat next to me. She grabbed my hands holding them in my lap as she looked at me with a faint smile.

"You've been out for a little over 3 weeks now…Lord Hokage was killed by Orochimaru when he attacked the village…Lord Hokage put up a good fight and it was a very hard hit to the village…the elders decided that Lady Tsunade will be the 5th Hokage…when she returned to the village a few days ago she accepted the position. Theyy are getting her settled in before the coronation in front of the whole village. There were also sighting of two Akatsuki members here in the leaf….Kakashi, Asuma, and I had to fight them off and in the process, Kakashi was damaged by Itatchi's genjutsu and was out for a week until Lady Tsunade returned to help…that is about all I have for you Isamu…I'm so sorry you didn't know before…"

I sat back on the bench in defeat. Not only is Orochimaru still alive but we now have the threat of the Akatsuki. That means I must see Lady Tsunade and give her my reports so we can begin to build defenses in the leaf. If they are showing up now that must mean, there is something they want here in the village. With Itachi Uchiha being one of the members here in the leaf that means he could be here for Sasuke. My eye went wide as my stomach dropped with all these threats appearing. I am not able to fight or defend anyone. Without Oni I feel empty, I feel distant, and lost. I've never had this feeling before but who would I go to for this? No one would know anything about Oni…except my father. I jerked my head to Kurenai and put my hand on her leg.

"Kurenai…my father…did he come to the village is he here? I knew he ran but…when I got recaptured, I had no idea what happened to him…do you know if he is here?"

Kurenai's eyes went wide as she slowly shook her head.

"I had no idea that your father was alive! When did you see your father? What happened?"

I scoffed only because after seeing and talking to him there was no way that man was the father I remembered.

"Orochimaru had him, torturing him consistently to tell him how to transfer the dragon spirit…what Orochimaru doesn't know is that there is no way whatsoever the spirit can be transferred…even if he had one of our medical shinobi, he still wouldn't be able to…this damn dragon is with me until the day I die…"

I cut off there…I couldn't believe that Oni was with me no matter what…there was no way to get rid of him….and now I have to live the rest of my life having to watch my back every second. This was not the life I wanted…I never asked for this…I never asked for any of this.

I put my elbows on my knees and let my face fall into my hands. I began crying as I shook my head. I just wish I was healed and ready to fight again. I wish that Oni would come back to me…even though I hate having him within me it's hard to know that he hasn't been responding. I wondered if Orochimaru or Kabuto had something to do with this…

Just then I felt Kurenai pull me into a hug and the side of my face was laying on her chest. I felt her begin to play with my hair.

"Isamu…do you remember when we were kids? I would always do your hair when we had sleepovers. Or how we would stay up all night talking and laughing…sometimes I wish that we could go back to when we didn't have a care in the world. We could just be running around and having fun. Not having to worry about…all these things."

I stopped crying and turned my gaze up to her. I could see she was smiling but had saddened eyes. She was still playing with my hair, so I just sighed relaxing in her embrace. I did miss those days…I also missed not being closer to Kurenai. I haven't seen her much since I came back to the Village...yet she still acts like when we were kids. I smiled hugging her back, I then pulled out so I could face her better.

"So, you said there is a festival in celebration of the 5th Hokage? Do you think they would release me to go with you guys?"

Deep down I wanted to go, I hadn't been to a village festival since I was younger. They were so much fun…they always had a large variety of food carts. They had games and shops that sold pretty much everything. I always loved the mask stands…they were ceramic, hand painted, and so beautiful. There was also a beautiful light show at the end of the night when it got dark. The lights would explode in the sky and color would scatter. I used to time it just right so I could sit on the Hokage memorial and watch them.

"Yes, it seems that we have repaired most of the damage the village took. So, the elders and Lady Tsunade decided on a festival. They think that it will help boost everyone's spirits. There will be one and I am excited to take you! I am going to take you home and do your hair and your makeup and I have the perfect kimono for you! With the release situation…even if they say no I will sneak you out so we can go you have my word!"

I laughed crossing my arms as I nodded at her. I mean...I wasn't opposed to the idea…I think it would help put me in better spirits too. I needed some good right now…I don't know how I feel about Kurenai doing my hair and makeup…but she sounds excited, so I'll just go along with it.

"That sounds good to me Kurenai…if we have to sneak me out get someone that can carry me…these crutches are so awful to move around in."

She laughed as she stood up and put her finger to her mouth. She looked like she was in deep thought. I stared at her for a moment waiting for what her idea was going to be. I love when she comes up with her ideas…they are so out there, but that's Kurenai for you.

"You know…I know the perfect person! I think he would love to be able to carry you, so you won't have to worry about a thing."

She clapped her hands together and nodded. She then turned and began running back towards the marketplace. I was now alone or at least I thought, I heard some rustling behind me. I turned my head slightly and I saw Lee, he had a crutch and he looked in bad shape. I waited for him to make it in front of me. Once he was, I waved calling out his name. He turned, and his eyes went wide. He began slowly coming closer, so I patted my hand on the empty seat next to me. He nodded as he sat down next to me. I put my hand on his shoulder and continued looking off towards the inner village. I was barely able to see some of the Hokage memorial in the distance. I then realized he was staring at me, so I turned my gaze to him and tilted my head.

"Are you okay Lee? Do you need to tell me something?"

He turned his gaze back and clenched his fists on his lap. I could see the tension and hurt on his face and through his body. I felt bad for Lee and wanted to do whatever I could to help him. He looked up at me and nodded a little, so I gave him all my attention.

"Isamu Sensei…I'm sure by now you know that I was told I may never fight again. I am in disbelief and I won't take that answer, so I continue to push myself. There was something…Lady Tsunade came to me and said there is a surgery that she could perform but it only had a 50/50 chance. If it's successful I will be back to normal…if it's not, then…"

He cut it off there and I understood why. He has a 50/50 chance of either being back to his normal self or... he will die during surgery. I looked down, he did the same…I couldn't see him like this it was breaking my heart. I stood up and Lee watched in surprise. I wobbled a little but was able to stand in front of him. I crossed my arms and looked down at him with a determined eye.

"Lee…I understand where you are coming from…I also know that being a Ninja has always been your dream even if you don't have ninjutsu or genjutsu. You are working hard and have never lost your focus. I know how much Guy cares for you and how he is your biggest support…It comes down to what is most important to you. Do you give up your dream and live always wondering 'what if'? Or do you get the surgery and come out like you were before the preliminaries and continue to work hard towards your dream."

I saw his eyes begin to water over and tears started falling down his face. I knew there was a war going on inside and he had a lot to think about and consider. I would hate to see him like this…giving up on his dreams and in pain. I would rather die than never be able to truly live again… I hope that Lee can find that in himself and make the best decision. Lee then stood up facing me and looked up so he was staring straight into my eye.

"Isamu Sensei…thank you, thank you for all your support and your encouraging words. I do not ever want to give up on my dream because I have had that dream ever since I can remember. I am going to prove to everyone how strong I truly am and be a great shinobi just like you!"

I smiled patting him lightly on the top of his head. There it was…I saw it now; I saw the determination in his eyes. I smiled putting my hand up to my chest. He bowed and began making his way back to his physical therapy. I watched him go, then I saw Guy coming towards me. His head was down so I don't think he saw me. I was going to get his attention. I hadn't seen him since I woke up and I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to make sure he was doing okay with where Lee is right now. When he got closer, I waved at him and finally got his attention, so he ran up to me.

"Hello, Isamu! I heard you were awake…and you're already walking around? That is great! You have such strong determination! Keep it up…that's what I try to tell Lee at least."

I smiled puttingbmy hand on his shoulder because I saw the sadness come over his face. He looked back at me with a smile. I knew what happened with Lee is getting to him. Now with this surgery I'm sure it's made him even more worried.

"You know Guy…I think you should go talk to Lee… he could use you right now. He came and told me about the surgery… he is having a hard time with the options that were given."

Guy looked down for a moment, but when he came back up he gave me his big grin and gave me a thumbs up. I smirked because that was Guy for you, and it was nice to see him smile.

"You're right Isamu I will go do that right away! Thank you!"

I crossed my arms shaking my head as I watched Guy run in the direction Lee went. I hope that everything will work out for Lee…I hope he can fight again. I would hate to see him in that saddened state all the time…I hope Lady Tsunade knows what she's doing.

I looked around realizing the day got away from me. The sun was starting to set and when I looked around there weren't many people around. I decided it was time to go back in. I grabbed my crutches and began making my way back into the hospital. I stopped for a moment before opening the large front doors. I slowly turned my head to the right and when I looked, I saw the Hokage memorial. I smiled softly as I saw the 3rd Hokage's face, I shook my head and felt my eyes begin to water.

"You'll be missed old man…thank you…for everything. You gave me life…a reason to live…and I will never forget that or you. I hope you are in a better place and have found peace."