Numbness

Shikaku's regaining consciousness after his mission. Opening his eyes he realizes he's in a hospital room. Chouza, Inoichi and Yoshino are gathered around his bed.

His face feels stiff. He reaches up, fingertips tracing the outlines of bandages. "Why does it feel numb?" he mumbles.

"Sheesh, Shikaku," Inoichi's voice is falsely light trying to hide their shared concern. "Sometimes I think your whole head is numb."

Shikaku tries to grin, but the bandages make it come out lopsided.

Yoshino grips the edge of the bed and wonders if he has any idea how numb she felt watching him lie there unconscious.