Another week rolls by before I see Sakura. I had asked Tsunade about where she was, but Tsunade just pursed her lips and told me to shut up.

I supress a sigh as I mull over my own actions. A clacker down the hallway pulls me away from my thoughts and I look up just in time to see a head of pink hair come round the corner. Sakura comes in silently and hands me my food without a word. I thank her quietly.

She turns to leave but I grab her wrist gently. She turns around and looks at me with an unreadable expression on her face. I look down shamefully.

"I-I'm really sorry about the way I acted. I-I was being a jerk to everyone including myself and I want to apologize. But I can't take back what I did as much as I want to, so starting from now, I'm going to be happier and more positive." My voice rises an octave or two higher in excitement. "Dattebayo!"

Sakura gasps and she grabs my other arm. I silently wince but my pain goes forgotten as I see her eyes light up in hope and happiness. "Naruto! When did you remember that?! Do you remember anything else?"

I grin at her excitement and I scratch my head. "I just remembered it now. As I was vowing to be happier. I don't remember anything else though."

Sakura's face doesn't drop. Instead a bigger smile adorns her face. "Progress is progress," she says. She grabs me into a hug and I return it happily, feeling more alive that I've felt in weeks. "I've got to report this to Tsunade!"

And with that, she's dashing down the hallway. I watch as she leaves and my smile slowly drops. I had vowed to be happier, but I can't deny the physical and mental pain I am feeling.

Tsunade walks in briskly and interrupts my thoughts, though I can see the small smile on her face. "Sakura told me what happened earlier. I'm so happy for you brat."

I beam in response.

Night comes round faster than usual today, and Tsunade comes in to check on me since Sakura leaves during the evenings.

But today, Tsunade comes in empty handed. I frown. Normally, she has her trolley of medical equipment with her. As if able to read my thoughts, Tsunade opens her mouth to answer my silent question.

"We're still waiting for the results of your last blood test. There's really nothing we can do until then."

I shoot her another questioning look.

"I came here to talk to you about Sasuke."

My heart does a wild flip.

"He says he's coming in tomorrow."