Chapter Thirty-Four – Recovery

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Honoka looked up from finishing her packing as Hinata walked in, followed by a tall, busty blond and a younger woman who had black hair, and was carrying a pig, of all things. It was the fourth to enter who riveted her attention, however, and she dropped the scroll she was holding onto the floor in shock.

"Karin-neechan?"

"Honoka-neesan!"

Honoka didn't even remember moving, one second, she was standing by the table, the next, she had somehow crossed the room and was hugging her long-lost relative and best friend as the world around them vanished in a blurring of tears.

"I… thought you… were dead…" Karin choked out as they held onto each other.

"I thought… you were too." Honoka admitted tearfully. "Until Naruto found me, I thought I was truly the last. And now Hinata's brought you to me…"

The scratching of a pencil on paper caused them both to look round, their gaze settling on a tall, white-haired figure familiar to both of them.

"No, please, don't stop." Jiraiya grinned as he scribbled notes down. "This is pure gold, the reunion of two long-lost cousins of unearthly beauty who wrap their arms around each… oh shit!"

Honoka's chakra chains lanced through the space that Jiraiya had just vacated and Honoka snarled as she took off after the fleeing man.

"Get back here you pervert, and take your punishment like a man!"

Karin started to laugh.

"Honoka-neesan, here's your cup of… excuse me, where did Honoka-neesan go?"

Karin looked round and blinked at the young Hyuuga looking up at her. For a moment, her mind was blank,then several things came together.

"Gomen, are you clan-friend Hyuuga Hanabi? Hyuuga Hinata's younger sister?"

"I am." Hanabi said slowly. "May I know your name?"

"Uzumaki Karin, Honoka's cousin." Karin smiled at the dark-haired girl. "It's an honour to meet you."

"I said get back here, pervert!"

"Ultimate Technique: Run Like A Little Bitch no Jutsu!"

Hanabi and Karin glanced at the entrance from where the shouting had come from and Hanabi sighed.

"Ero-sennin's back."

Karin collapsed with laughter.

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Tsunade smirked as proof that Jiraiya had got himself into trouble yet again echoed up, then she returned her attention to running the diagnostic jutsu over Naruto, Hinata staring hopefully at her while Gaara stood quietly in the corner, a watchful, protective presence. After a moment, she nodded.

"He's taken quite a bit of damage, but it's healing. Whatever technique caused this, I'd advise him never doing it again. He may not be as lucky next time."

"How bad is it?" Hinata asked, taking hold of Naruto's hand as Tsunade smiled.

"It'll probably take him a few weeks to fully recover once I wake him. He isn't to do any exercise for the next few days, or try to use chakra. I'd say three days bed rest, then another three on light duties, no sparring."

"But you can wake him." Hinata smiled.

"What is it which keeps him asleep?" Gaara asked and Tsunade sighed.

"Whatever caused his physical trauma knocked him out, but the technique set up a… a small chakra feedback eddy in his mind. Nothing dangerous in the short term, it just prevents him waking up. I'll smooth the chakra flow and he'll wake up."

"That is good." Gaara said. "It is because of Naruto-senpai that I have recovered from my previous… state as much as I have. Honoka-sama told me that the reason she was willing to help me so quickly despite my actions was because Naruto-senpai asked. I wish to express my gratitiude."

"And so you shall." Tsunade said, closing her eyes and concentrating as she placed her green-chakra-covered hands on Naruto's head. "Now keep quiet, this is rather tricky."

For several moment, the only movement in the room was a slight fluctuation in the intensity of the medical chakra surrounding Tsunade's hands, then she stepped back with a smile, glancing at Hinata.

"That should do it. Now, Hinata, how do you normally wake him, gently, that is?"

"Like this." Hinata smiled as she leant over the bed. Gently taking Naruto's face in her hands, she lowered her head and let her lips touch his.

"Mmmmhmmmmmhmmmmm."

Hinata staightened up as Naruto's eyes flickered open and focused on her.

"Tenshi-hime, did we win?"

"We did." Hinata grinned, lightly stroking his cheek. "We did it."

"I don't want to have to fight Gaara again." Naruto sighed. "Kami, he was tough. If I ever have to fight another Jinchuuriki, it'll be too soon."

"I admit to having similar thoughts." Gaara said, causing Naruto to stiffen in shock. "You defeated me once, I feel certain that you can do so again. But you showed me true strength comes from helping others and fighting alongside them. Your example has caused me to re-evaluate much of what I believed and has given me my family back. I owe you a great deal, Naruto-san. If you ever need help, send me a message and I will come."

"Ummm, thanks? Hinata?"

"Gaara's been helping to look after you." Hinata explained. "I was elsewhere, finding someone who could bring you back to me."

"Senju Tsunade. Honoured to meet you at last. Hinata's told me so much about you and from the diagnostic jutsu I ran, I don't think she was exaggerating one bit."

Hinata blushed furiously while Naruto and Gaara stared at Tsunade in confusion.

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"So, why the packing?" Karin asked as she sipped the tea she'd been given, noting almost in passing that it was one of the best cups of tea she'd ever had.

"Oh, the Uzumaki mansion was finally finished yesterday." Hanabi said as Honoka stalked back in, muttering about perverts and cowards. "Honoka-neesan was going to move in today, I've been helping her seal her stuff ready."

"A mansion, huh?" Karin asked. "I'm impressed."

"It was the Namikaze mansion before it burned down." Honoka said, accepting the cup that Hanabi passed to her. "I kind of inherited it and had it rebuilt using the reclaimed Uzumaki fortune. Will you join me there?"

Karin nodded, taking another sip. "Of course, but I need to get some new clothes first. Actually, I need to get money first."

"Money is no problem at the moment." Honoka smiled. "And I'm sure the room I'm vacating will be used before too long."

Karin raised an eyebrow as Hanabi giggled into her tea.

"Meaning?"

"Naruto collects strays and adopts them." Honoka smiled. "He did it to me, Zabuza, Haku… it's the sort of person he is."

"I can feel his chakra." Karin noted. "It feels… calming. Warm. Nice."

Honoka nodded. "Anyway, I've already had most of my stuff moved across, so if you want to come with me after we finish our tea, I can get you settled in. Then we three can go shopping.

Hanabi looked ecstatic at the implied invitation and Honoka grinned at her.

"Yes, neechan, you can come too. It wouldn't be the same without you."

Hanabi's grin widened and Honoka laughed.

"Go on, I promise I won't tell anyone in the Hyuuga household."

"Thanks neesan. Wahooooo!"

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"Pleeeeease?"

"No." Hinata said firmly, her head resting on his shoulder. "Tsunade-sama said you need at least three days bed-rest, so that is what you are getting. You are only getting out of bed if you need the bathroom."

"But I don't like being in bed!"

Hinata looked up at hin, her eyes wide and starting to fill with tears. "You don't like being in bed with me, Naruto-kun?"

"No, I mean… It's not that… I… Hinata, I…"

Hinata managed to keep her amusement off her face as Naruto slumped back against his pillows.

"You win. Damn your Puppy Eyes no Jutsu." He said. "I'll be good."

"You mean you'll obey Tsunade's orders," Hinata purred as she snuggled closer him. "She said you needed to stay in bed, she didn't say anything about being good."

"Wow, girl, you've really gotten your confidence up." Anko laughed from the doorway and Hinata seemed to Shunshin from curling against Naruto's side to standing by the bed so fast that even Lee would have been taken by surprise.

"A…A…Anko-sensei…" she stuttered breathlessly. "What are… what are you doing here?"

"Well, I heard that Tsunade had healed my favourite brat, so I came to see how he was doing." Anko grinned as she walked over. Pausing briefly, she hugged Naruto.

"How you feeling, gaki?"

"I've felt better, Anko-sensei." Naruto admitted, "But it could easily have been far worse. How did Konoha do?"

"We didn't do too badly." Anko said. "We lost less than two-dozen ninja overall, more injured but most of them are healed now. The wall got breached, but it's being repaired and Honoka says that she can replace all the broken seals, although the council's a bit antsy about how much she's charging. Jiraiya offered to help for a share of the money, he's almost as good as Honoka. Several members of the council almost had a heart attack when he said she was a better fuuinjitsu specialist than he was. Speaking of which, she's moving out today. She said that once she's unpacked and settled in, along with her cousin, they'll come over."

"Cousin?" Naruto asked, confused. "What did I miss?"

"On my mission, I encountered another Uzumaki." Hinata explained. "Turns out Karin knew Honoka when they were young. Karin's a sensor and a med-nin, she's been tested as being high-chunin level."

Naruto nodded. "Okay. Anything else I've missed?"

"Only that we've got a new Hokage." Anko shrugged. "Tsunade is taking over from the old man, he's moving to the position of advisor. Oh yeah, congratulations on making chunin, brat."

"I made chunin?" Naruto repeated, his face reflecting his astonishment as Hinata giggled. "I made chunin! Yes! Who else did? I bet you did, Hinata."

"I did." Hinata confirmed. "I've been promoted out of Team 8, Tsuchi Kin has taken my place."

Naruto frowned in thought. "Ah, that's good. Wait, isn't she a Sound-nin? How does that work?"

"Two of her team-mates were used as sacrifices for the Edo Tensai technique Orochimaru used." Anko aid. "As soon as she discovered what had happened, she defected to us."

"Kiba's tried to hit on her at least three times already." Hinata giggled.

"So, promotions, new Hokage, replacement on team 8… bedroom being freed up… anything else, or am I up to date?"

"I think you're up to date." Anko shrugged. "Gai's making a special meal for you, Teuchi heard you'd recovered so he popped over to help, you're getting special ramen."

"Ramen?" Naruto exulted. "Special ramen made by the two best cooks in Konoha? Today is totally awesome!"

Anko laughed. "Well, I've got to report in, so enjoy your bed rest, even though I don't think you'll be getting much rest."

Anko vanished before Hinata could reach her.

"What did she mean by that?" Naruto asked, and Hinata turned red.

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"On behalf of the council," Hiashi said with a faint smile, "Welcome back, Tsunade-sama. It has been far too long since you last graced us with your presence."

"Thank you, Hiashi." Tsunade said. "Sensei?"

Hiruzen looked round and felt a slight pang. "This is going to be my last true day as Hokage, so I will make some announcements. First, the treaty between Konoha and Suna has been finalised and accepted by both parties. The Suna delegation will be leaving tomorrow. Now that we know the reason that Suna decided to side with Orochimaru, we can take action to help them, reaffirming our alliance.

"Secondly, the results of the Chunin exams stand. I know some of you are insistent that Uchiha Sasuke be promoted, but I do not believe he is quite ready yet. I have spoken to him about it and explained my reasons, and he has agreed. However, both he an I feel sure that with his current rate of improvement, he will become a fine addition to our chunin at the next chunin exam. I also know some of you re still doubtful about the promotions of Hyuuga Hinata and Kagetora Naruto. Those promotions stand.

"Third, I am pleased to announce two nw additions to our ranks. The Uzumaki clan has gained a new member, Uzumaki Karin, who was found by Hyuuga Hinata during her mission with Jiraiya. In addition, former sound-nin Tsuchi Kin has asked for sanctuary and has become a member of Team 8, where we can expect her genjitsu skills to be improved dramatically, giving us another genjitsu mistress in the near future.

"Fourth, Tsunade reports that Kagetora Naruto has been brought out of his coma and will be ready to resume active duty at the end of the week.

"And finally, Tsunade has agreed to accept the burden of becoming the Godaime Hokage. Although her coronation will not be until the end of the week, as from now, she is the new Hokage."

As he finished his sentence, Hiruzen removed his official hat and passed it to Tsunade, who accepted it with a slight bow.

"Thak you, sensei. I would like to start by saying that I will do my best to uphold the reputation and well-being of Konoha, and I trust that I can count on your support in the coming years."

A sussuration of confirmation echoed around the chamber.

"Now, is there any business that needs discussing, or shall we go straight to the reports on the rebuilding?"

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"Thank you for your hospitality, but it is time for us to depart." Gaara said. From his bed, Naruto smiled and proffered his hand, which Gaara shook with the air of one unaccustomed to doing such things.

"I'm sorry for being such a bad host." Naruto began, only for Temari to cut him off.

"You've been in a coma, it's not your fault. But you're awake now, so it's fine."

Naruto smiled and rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks for being so understanding."

"Hey, good to see you're getting better." Kankuro grinned through the bandages covering half his face. "You're a real lucky dude, having such a hot babe looking after you."

Both Temari and Gaara glared at him and he gulped nervously. "Come on, I meant it as a compliment!"

Gaara sighed as he facepalmed. "Why is it that I'm the more mature of us two, Kankuro?"

"That's not fair!" Kankuro protested as Temari tried hard to stop giggling.

Naruto coughed and they looked back at him. "Well, you're welcome to visit any time, I'll make sure I always have beds prepared if you decide to drop in."

"Thanks." Temari smiled. "Now, we have to go, our escort, Haku, is waiting to give us a lift to the border. I'm going to ride a tiger!"

Kankuro stared at his sister, obviously unnerved by her sudden fangirl-squeal, then he shrugged.

"I need to get back and rebuild my puppet. I managed to retreive all the pieces, so it's just a question of putting them together right. See you round."

"I hope to meet you both again soon." Gaara said. "I owe you for helping me."

"Thanks for everything." Temari smiled. "I'll miss this place."