Chapter 37
"Room 305 or 304..? Or was it 306..?" I inquire, wondering the halls of the hospital. I notice Sakura-chan walk out of room 305, wiping her eyes with a smile. "Sakura-chan.." 'You must be so sad about Sasuke-chan...'
"Hm? Oh, hi Setsuki. Naruto's in there if you want to see him." She says. I nod and put a hand on her shoulder.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." She replies with a sincere smile. I smile back and she starts walking down the hall. I knock and poke my head in through the door. Shikamaru was in there, sitting on the end of Naruto's bed staring at the ground. Naruto, covered in bandages, was looking out the window. Perhaps I didn't knock loud enough because it seems neither of them have noticed me yet. I walk in and shut the door behind me. Shikamaru looks up from the ground and at me.
"For someone that was knocked unconscious, you don't seem to have a scratch on you." Shikamaru says. Naruto looks at Shikamaru then at me. I knew that anguished expression of his and immediately felt bad. Naruto looks back out the window. I nod at Shikamaru.
"Yeah.. I'm a quick healer." I say, giving a small laugh under my breath. "Besides, my Uncle used to be a doctor."
"Ah.." Shikamaru looks between Naruto and I a few times then stands up. "Well I'll let you two talk." He says then heads towards the door. I step to the side allowing him to get out. After he leaves I walk over to the window.
"Naruto.. you know, I ain't gonna give up." I say.
"It's alright." He says. "I'm going to recover and go after Sasuke. I will bring him back no matter what, dattebayo."
I smile slightly and look at him. "I'm coming, believe it!" I say, and give a small giggle.
"No." Naruto says, shaking his head. "Too many of my friends got hurt.. I don't wanna see that again. So I'm going to go al-"
"I'm coming." I repeat. "Sasuke isn't the only person who needs saving." Naruto tilts his head to the side slightly.
"Who..?"
I look back out the window silently. "... My cousin... remember..?"
"Oh right.. well.. I guess you can come but.. I just don't wanna see you get hurt." He says. I shake my head.
"Nah, I just need to get stronger. I wont get hurt easily, I only got injured because I wasn't fighting like I normally do.. you know for some reason, I was fighting with only Taijutsu." I mention, recalling my fight with that Kidomaru guy.
"Only Taijutsu? Don't you usually stick with Ninjutsu?"
I nod. "Yeah I do.. hm.. I wonder what it is..?" I then look out the window at the cloud and picture Lee's face randomly. I blink it away, my cheeks warmed up slightly. I heard Naruto sniggering and look at him.
"It's Bushy Brows and Uber-Brows-sensei isn't it?"
"W-No!" I retort, I feel my cheeks warming up.
"Haha! It is so! Hey! You like Bushy Brows!" He exclaims, sitting up straight.
"As a friend, yeah." I reply, rolling my eyes. "Nothing less, nothing more."
"Yeah right." Naruto scoffs.
"It's true!" I imply. Naruto shakes his head in disapproval.
"S'not."
"Why is everyone arguing with me today..?" I question.
"Hm?"
I fold my arms with a pout and lean against the wall. "Kankuro-kun, Lee-san, Uncle Takashi and now you." I then had a thought, Gai-sensei wasn't at my house, even though he said he would.
"W-"
"I wonder where he is.." I think aloud.
"Who?"
"Hm? Oh Gai-sensei." I say.
"Oh I heard he went to see that Hyuuga guy." He says. I blink.
"Neji-kun?"
"Yeah." I look at Naruto.
"Where's Neji-kun?" I inquire.
"Uhh downstairs I think. He just came out of the emergency room an-"
"Emergency room? What happened? Is he okay!" I question. It's true Neji and I don't have a very big companionship, however he's a comrade, and we must care for our comrades!
"I don't know what his condition is.." Naruto says.
"I'll go find out!" I say, then without another word, bolt out the door.
I run down the corridor and at the same time, keep my hearing open for either Gai-sensei or Neji's voices.
"Oh thank goodness."
"Gai-sensei!" I exclaim, then run towards the voice. I peer in through the half open door, seeing Gai-sensei standing over a bed. A girl with a long brown hair spread everywhere. Gai-sensei looks over his shoulder towards me, then back at the girl. I enter the room and walk up to the bed, the girl.. was actually Neji. I sweatdrop. But none-the-less he seemed fine apart from a few scratches and cuts and bruises here and there.
"Setsuki. Sorry I.. couldn't make it to your house. Once I heard Neji was in the emergency room I had to come see my student. I didn't tell Lee though, I didn't want him to worry." Gai-sensei explains.
"Oh. Okay. Well.. we haven't exactly had any ice cream yet, sooo there could still be some left!" I say. Gai-sensei shakes his head.
"Nope. You can have it for yourself." He says.
"Yay! More for me!" I exclaim. "But is Neji-kun okay?"
Gai-sensei gives a single nod. "He's in stable condition. He will be back on his feet in no time."
"Yay! That's great news! And Lee-san's recovering too! We'll be able to spar again, right?" I inquire, feeling my heart skip a beat from excitement. Gai-sensei gives a grin and gives me a thumbs up.
"You have a great potential in that youthful spirit, Setsuki! Once Lee is fully recovered, the two of you can spar until your hearts' content!" He exclaims. I love the way he gives advice, it makes me feel more optimistic.
"Yosh! Then I guess I will see you around Gai-sensei!" I say, then within a moment, jump out the open window.
I felt so much better now, like a ton of stress had just been lifted off my shoulders. 'Thank you. Naruto-kun.' To know that someone will help me on my quest to find Kabuto-kun, it just makes me feel so much happier.
I wonder back home, I look in through the window, seeing my Daisuke, Susumu, Lee-san and Hiromasa seeming to be having an ice cream eating competition. My clone was also participating, she's not eating, she's swallowing it.. I swear she is.
I stare at the group, a small smile forms on my face. 'I'm so lucky to have friends like these guys.'
Judging by the mess and such, it seems my clone is currently in the lead, Hiromasa close behind, then Daisuke, Susumu and Lee were holding their heads with grimaces. It made me giggle. "They have brain freezes." I giggle, I then walk around the house and jump through my window and crawl across my bed then walk out, grabbing the handle to close it, but when I look into my room for that small second, I could've sword I saw something move really quickly from that tree outside my window. I narrow my eyes from interest, and reenter my room, kneel on my bed and scan the area outside. There didn't seem to be anything. "Was probably just a cat." I mutter. I shut my window and turn around and jump at the sight of a silhouette.
"What was a cat?" It asks. I scurry backwards on my bed, leaning against the window. I was at a loss for words, I will still frightened by the fact this sudden person was standing there. "Are you alright?"
I blink a few times and rub my eyes and look up again, squinting my eyes. "Lee-san?" I inquire, recognising the green.
"Oh..! I startled you didn't I! My apologies Setsuki-san!" He says, true concern showing in his large round eyes. I sigh of relief loudly, and hold my hand to my chest, letting the fear escape.
"No no, it's fine." I say. Lee walks over to the bed and peers out the window, looking left and right.
"Something is bothering you, I can see it." He says.
"Oh, I thought I saw a cat or something jump out from that tree." I say. I notice Lee get a small grin. What happened? Did he win the ice cream eating competition or something? Why is he so happy?
"No Setsuki-san." Lee says. "What you saw must have been a ghost! Your Uncle said there was one wondering arou- huh?"
I immediately cling to Lee, putting my arms and legs around his upper body, literally attaching myself to him. I began to quiver. "G-g-g-ghost..?" I inquire. Lee-san chuckles quietly – I felt his chest move.
"Yes. Ghost." He says. I whine and bury my head into his chest.
"Don't let it near me!" I cry. My entire body felt tingly and I had already obtained goosebumps. Lee just pats my head while laughing.
"I was only kidding Setsuki-san! There is no ghost, in fact there is no such thing! Ghosts only exists in fairytales and myths!" He exclaims. I stop quivering, but remain in my position of latching onto him with my head buried into his chest. "Your friend Hiromasa-kun told me to say that."
"Ugh." I groan. I just let my body go limp, and I fall onto the bed. Lee was giving me an apologetic smile, which made me light up inside, it gave me a warm feeling..
"Even if they were real, Setsuki-san, I would surely protect you!" He says. I stare into his truthful eyes. The tiniest bit of pink crept out on his cheeks and he breathed out a small laugh. "We are comrades after all."
I must have had the biggest smile on my face, because I was feeling really happy right now. I sit up and cross my legs.
"Hey!" Daisuke snarls, opening the door up and stomping his way in. I watch with a blank expression as he walks right over and sits beside me. "No stealing my Setsuki-chan!" Daisuke then puts his arm around me, and pulls me into a hug. I suddenly felt awkward. "She's my girl, I'll protect her forever!" He exclaims. My awkwardness left. My attention was then drawn to a conversation I once had with Sakura-chan and Ino.
We calm down from out laughter, Sakura seemed to have something on her mind.
"Hey, speaking of boys.. you know how they're always trying so hard?"
"Yeah, now that you mention it, even Choji says he has to get really strong too!" Ino says.
"But I wonder why they push themselves so far.. why is that?" Sakura asks.
"Well.. I'm not an expert, but Shikamaru-kun once told me something his dad told him." I mention.
"What's that..?" Sakura asks, Ino looks at me with the same curious expression. I look up at the sky.
"Well he said that it's the boy's job to protect the girl. So.. I think that they push themselves that hard because they have that need to feel strong enough to protect us. But I don't just think it's that. I'm sure it's just normal life, everyone has something special they want to protect right? And the more valuable it is, the more we want to protect it... so I guess that's why they try so hard." I explain.
"You have a point there." Ino says.
"Since when did you become a wise man, Setsuki?" Sakura inquires with a laugh.
'So I guess Shikamaru-kun's dad was right. It's just the idea of protecting something precious.' I then look up an realize, both Lee and Daisuke said they would protect me, and Naruto said he wants to protect Sasuke. "Am I.. valuable to you, Daisuke-kun?" I inquire, looking up from his chest. Daisuke looks down at me, like he was confused as to why I asked that.
"Of course you are!" Daisuke says. I look at Lee-san.
"Am I, to you as well?" I ask. Lee stares at me for a moment before giving me a nod.
"Of course Setsuki-san! Every comrade is valuable to me!" He exclaims. I felt happier now. It's nice to know that I'm admired.
"Thank you." I say. "You're both valuable to me too." I stop to give them both a smile and stand up. "I'm really glad I met you both." I say. I then pull Daisuke to his feet, then look over my shoulder, seeing Susumu walk in and over to us.
"So what's going on here?" Susumu asks, looking between the three of us.
"Same goes for you, Susumu-kun." I say.
"What?"
"I cherish you as a friend." I say.
"Aw shucks." Susumu says, then laughs. I smile and pull them all together, and throw my arms around them as far as I could.
"What are yo-"
"Group hug!" I exclaim before laughing happily. To my surprise they actually all hugged back. So there we were, four Konohagakure Genin all together in one great big hug of friendship.
Later that afternoon, everyone had to leave, and I was just getting ready for bed when I over heard Uncle Takashi talking to Iku in the kitchen. I heard my name be mentioned, so immediately I wanted to listen. I hid behind the fake pot plant in the living room, the only light that was on was the kitchen light, so they didn't notice.
"-ve? Well what do you think she'll do about it..?" Iku inquires. Their voices were a low mumble, but I was close enough to hear what they were saying.
"I don't know.. I just don't want her chasing after him.. I fear for her safety." Takashi replies.
"But he's your son. You're really ready to let him go?"
"He's of age.. but I've gone this long without seeing him since that day.. I'm sure it wont matter whether I see him again or not."
"Takashi.."
".. I know.. but I can't go out there after him.. and I'm not keen on Setsuki going.. what if something happens to her..? What if she.." Takashi stops to sigh. "I won't have anyone left.."
"... I understand.. but what I'm saying is, that he's taken the wrong path. What if he gets worse? What if-"
"Don't. Don't talk of my son like that. Kabuto is.. probably just confused. To live this long without anyone, it's not hard to see why. I'm sure if he got to see his old man again, he'd snap right back."
I then understood. It's not my role to save Kabuto-kun. It's Takashi's! All I have to do is bring Kabuto-kun back and things will be fine! Just like the old days. I smile to myself.
I heard footsteps and stay hidden, hoping not to be found. Takashi walks past the pot plant and to his room. I think Iku went to his room. I came out of hiding and go to my room. Hiromasa was already out like a light, so I grab my backpack and begin filling it with tools and other equipment.
"I'll leave first thing in the morning." I mutter quietly, placing the backpack down beside my bed.
When I woke up the next morning I roll onto my side, facing away from the window as the dim light glowed in the distance.
"Morning."
The voice made me jump up into a sitting position, and I stare wide-eyed at a person sitting on the side of my bed. I trip over my words, and it wasn't light enough to see who it was, but I could tell it was a man from his voice.
"You planning on going anywhere today?" He spoke.
"E-er.."
"Hmmm?"
"I-I.. n-no.." I stutter.
".. What's wrong?"
"Who are you?" I ask.
"... Are you serious?" He inquires. "It's me, Takashi."
"Ohhhh! Uncle! Er... no not at all, why?"
"Then please explain to me, why Hiromasa told me you were planning on leaving first thing in the morning?"
"H-he what?" I stutter. I notice Hiromasa wasn't on his futon, was he really asleep last night?
"Mmhmm. So where are you going?"
I swing my legs over the edge of my bed and use my foot to silently push my backpack under my bed. "To train.. as usual." I answer.
"With that big heavy backpack?" He inquires. I sweatdrop, he already knew.
"Err.. weights! Yeah! To build up muscles!" I exclaim.
"Setsuki.."
"I'm telling the truth!" I imply. Takashi sighs and stands up.
"Alright. I believe you." He says. "Try not to hurt yourself." He says, giving a small smile, then walking out. I lay back down for a moment and sigh of relief. That was too close for comfort. I feel really bad for lying to him but.. I can't let him know.
I reach under my bed, pull out my bad and make sure everything was still in there. It was. I slide it over my shoulder and walk out to the kitchen. Uncle Takashi had already made me some toast, so my thievery skills weren't required. I walk over and eat it happily, then after saying farewell to Uncle Takashi, I leave the house. It's been 4 days, so another 3 days until they leave, and I don't want them knowing about Kabuto's current state.. well Iku knows, but to have either Hiromasa and Mrs. Saitou would freak out.
I head to the gates, when Kotetsu and Izumo raised their voices for once. "Setsuki, isn't it? Going training again?" Kotetsu inquires. I face them with a bright smile.
"Yup!" I exclaim.
"Haha, always so eager early in the morning. I don't know where you get your energy from. I sure would love to have that much energy at this hour, especially with all the tasks Tsunade-sama has." Izumo says, then they laugh about it. I give them a quick smile.
"Well I best be on my way!" I exclaim. They turn to me and give a synchronised nod, a signal that I was clear to go. I thought it was odd that they didn't ask about my backpack, but then again, they probably didn't even pay that much attention.
I walk through the gates, pretending to head towards the training vicinity. I got to the small gate that leads to the training vicinity, I look back, noticing no one could see me, then begin running. I had also realized a good idea. Uncle Takashi said he could save Kabuto-kun. If he does, then Kabuto-kun can help rescue Sasuke-chan! I smile at my bright idea. However, I had no idea where I was going.