The rain continued to fall, though it had been some eighteen hours now, producing a soft, rhythmic pattern against the window panes. Sakura guessed the time to be around noon; with the heavy clouds darkening the skies, she wasn't sure. Some gas lamps they'd found in the house were scattered about, casting a gentle glow on the unfamiliar surroundings. She could hear mutterings of the conversation taking place in the other room, but she ignored them for now. Kaka-sensei would share whatever they were deliberating on when they were finished. She busied herself with tending to Sai.
It pleased her to no end to see his breathing was no longer labored. The easy rise and fall of his chest was a much more pleasant sight than the shallow, fast breaths he'd taken for nearly ten hours after being wounded. Sakura had just recently finished re-wrapping his torso with fresh bandages. Though the previous ones weren't saturated with his blood, she wanted to keep a close watch on the deep wound he'd received. It had been too complicated for her to completely heal in one setting. The most she was able to do was stop the majority of the bleeding and began to repair the muscle and fat tissue he'd lost. She would be able to do another healing session in a few hours, but until then, she would have to keep his wound clean and dry.
The fever that plagued her friend for a short while had finally broken. Sakura did her best to slowly wipe away the sweat clinging to his skin without disturbing him. The antibiotics, antipyretics, blood pills, and pain killers were finally working and he was sleeping peacefully as a result. When she finished her task, she covered him with only a sheet and eased herself out of the room. She ignored the open hallway leading to her comrades in favor of returning to the small bathroom a few doors down. It was a great surprise to find the water still running when she tested it hours ago. Since then, Sakura had commandeered the space for her medical equipment.
After carefully washing her hands, she took stock of her remaining supplies laid out on the counter. Only a few rolls of bandages were left, so she would have to be frugal with their use. The vials filled with blood and chakra pills were over half full, there was still a good stock of antibiotics and antivirals to choose from, but many of her other resources were depleted. She took a few of the chakra pills before leaving the room. Though she'd had some time to allow her chakra to replenish from the fighting, the healing Sai needed and the inability to sleep in these conditions had her chakra stores hanging around half their usual levels. As she had no idea what lay ahead in the next few hours and days, Sakura knew it would behoove them all to keep their levels up.
She tossed a pill to each of the men in the larger living area. Kakashi stood by the window facing the forest. While he smiled at her in thanks and took the offered pill, his eyes quickly went back to scanning the tree line. This was how it had been since they entered the house. One of the men would always be at the window, watching and waiting for the feral people hiding in the woods. Sasuke took the pill as well, but Naruto simply grinned at her and pocketed the small blue object. She managed a small smile herself and shook her head at his actions. Thanks to the Kyuubi, Naruto's stores of chakra would be fine without her help.
"How is it?" she asked, taking a seat near one of the lamps in the room.
"The same," Kakashi replied, his eyes never wavering.
"They come around every once in a while. Sometimes just one or two of 'em; sometimes a small group. Either way, they just sorta...sniff around. They hang out just outside the woods - watching the village. It's like they're making sure we're still here."
Sakura was a little unnerved by Naruto's observations. "Is it just the few or is there more of them hiding?"
"I think it's just them; problem is I can't tell for sure. Sasuke and Kaka-sensei have the same problem since it seems these guys are civilians. The Sharingan doesn't help a lot since they can't use chakra. My sage mode works a little better and I can sorta sense where they are."
"What about using the Kyuubi's power? Have you tried that?"
"I tried. You know I can kinda feel where people are who are thinking about negative things right?" He waited for her to nod to continue. "Well, I can't tell where these people are using his power."
"But...that's.."
"We know," Sasuke interrupted. "It doesn't really make any sense to us either."
Her confusion showed on her face. She clearly recalled the aggressive way the hordes of unkempt people attacked them. The growls they emitted, the way they bared their teeth at the shinobi...how could he not sense them?
"Sakura," Kakashi called. "Do you have any theories as to what could have happened to these people? Is there any virus or disease you can think of that could cause this?"
Her first thought was to tell him no. She'd replayed every movement she'd seen them make, run every detail that she was able to make out on their bodies through her mind. However, there were some things about this that gave her pause. Running through the list she'd mentally made could help bring some insight into the situation.
She leaned back against the wall, crossing her legs and making herself more comfortable on the wooden floor. "This sort of reaction? No. No I don't know of anything that could do this."
"But Sakura-chan, what about the people in Suna? They were kinda crazy like this."
"They were hallucinating Naruto. Most of those people thought we were trying to kill them or something. Don't you remember talking to some of them?"
"Well, yeah but...this isn't the same thing?"
She blew a frustrated breath out. "No, this is nothing like that. For one thing, these people haven't said a word that I've heard."
"Not if you don't count the growling."
"And I don't Kaka-sensei; but it's not just the lack of verbal communication. The patterns of their movement, the lack of concern they showed for one another - especially in the case of that baby we saw Sasuke. Even shinobi who don't care about what happens to their comrades act different than this. These people's behavior...I don't know. It seems more...animalistic in nature to me."
"I will agree with that," Kakashi said as he slowly slipped a shuriken from his pouch. Sakura watched as he eyed a point out the window for some time before finally opening the glass and throwing the weapon towards something. A second later, she heard a rough scream pierce the woods. Sasuke looked towards the jonin, but Kakashi gave him a negative shake of his head. "It's fine; that worked."
Sakura watched the exchange in confusion and Sasuke finally took pity on her ignorance. "Sometimes they wander a bit to close and a suitable warning is necessary."
So they really were watching the house, waiting for their chance to get close. Though there was a ravine separating them from the rest of The Land of Grass, they still had to pass through a short section of woods after leaving the bridge. Was it possible they were watching them from that forest as well? If that was the case, they would be surrounded by this mass of creatures. A moment later, a small explosion sounded from what she guessed was the village's borders. Her head whipped towards the sound, but the men simply shook their heads slightly and seemed to accept the truth behind it.
"Looks like they finally started to move on all sides huh?" Naruto said.
"Did you set up a trap?"
Kakashi nodded. "While you were working on Sai earlier. We've placed paper bombs, shuriken, and a few other surprises for any of them who feel like they wanna get too close."
"We can't stay here too long Kaka-sensei. I need to get Sai to a hospital where I have the equipment to properly treat him."
"I know Sakura, but it doesn't look like these guys are willing to talk this over. We also need to try and find our people."
"I know," she admitted softly. Silence descended on the group as each was lost in their own thoughts. This was a far cry from the situation they'd expected to walk into.
A loud explosion shook the very windows of the home they secluded themselves in. The view out the window afforded them a glimpse of a large cloud of smoke rising over the trees a few miles away.
"I don't suppose that was something you set up?" Sakura asked.
"No. We haven't set up anything beyond the borders of the village."
"Which means someone else is out there."
Kakashi was thinking about sending out a search team, but his eyes fell on Naruto's still figure. He had settled himself on the floor and was already gathering natural energy so he could enter his sage mode. Kakashi wasn't sure if it would work this far away, but he was glad the young man was going to try. Just as the orange markings were appearing around his eyes, Naruto leapt up with a panicked expression on his face.
"Kaka-sensei, we've got to go out there."
"Why? Who caused that explosion?"
"Hinata, Kiba, Shino, and Genma-san are out there!"
"Wait, what?"
The group looked to each other in confusion. The knowledge that their fellow Konoha shinobi were out there amongst the feral people came as a great shock to the group.
"Are you sure Naruto?" Sakura asked.
"Yes I'm sure! They're under attack. We don't have time to waste Kaka-sensei."
"Alright, calm down. I have no intention of leaving them there, but we need a plan. Sai's injured and we can't leave him here alone."
Naruto nodded, understanding of Kakashi's reasoning. "You're right Kaka-sensei. Sakura-chan needs to get ready anyway."
"Huh?"
His blue eyes locked onto hers. "They're wounded, Hinata worse than the others. They're gonna need you're help when I bring them back."
When Naruto spoke with such conviction, she couldn't help but believe his every word. "I'll be ready."
"Sasuke," he turned to his best friend. "Sakura-chan can't watch over Sai and protect herself too. I need you to protect them for me, please."
Kakashi turned towards the door, pretending to ready his kunai and other supplies while he hid the smile surely showing through his mask. Naruto, the absentminded loud shinobi that he was, was giving orders and covering all aspects of the team before he set out to rescue his other friends. It was a pleasant surprise to hear him do so, though he doubted the young man would appreciate those words right now.
"Just go," the jonin heard Sasuke reply.
"Alright sensei, let's go."
Even if he wanted to respond to the kid ordering him around, he didn't have the chance. Naruto bolted out of the house, tossing kunai into the forest line at any people who dared still hang around.
It was all the jonin could do to keep pace with him.
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Naruto raced through the trees, timing each jump and angling himself so he didn't stumble amidst the thick mass of branches. He was glad to feel Kaka-sensei keeping pace with him; there was no way he was slowing down. Another ripple of panic shot through him, but he recognized it was not his own. Ever since he activated his sage mode within the village, he'd kept his focus on the small band of shinobi fighting against the large group of deranged civilians attacking them.
Well, he'd been more focused on one member in particular.
He couldn't tell how severe it was, but Hinata's pain was easy to feel through her chakra signature. It was enough that she was unable to fight. Another explosion sent a large cloud of dust and smoke rising into the air - thankfully, it seemed they were close. He knew Shino and Genma were mildly injured, but they were holding their own. Kiba was a different matter. His presence felt different - more unstable, more chaotic - than it ever had.
"Kaka-sensei, let me deal with the ones around them."
Kakashi timed his next jump to land next to Naruto. His uncovered eye looked doubtfully at the jinchuriki. "You sure about that? You remember how hard it is to deal with these people."
"I'm sure," he admittedly replied. During his next leap, he created two clones of himself that fell into formation fluidly. Kakashi took in the familiar sight with a knowing smirk. It seemed it would be in his best interest not to get caught in the fight Naruto was about to bring.
"Alright. I'll trust you to deal with the majority of them then. When we get closer, I'll break to the right and come up beside them." Kakashi already had a good idea of the situation after Naruto's hasty explanation once they set out. If he was right, their companions were facing a much larger crowd than what he'd faced earlier. As the smell of smoke hit his nose, he nodded to Naruto and changed direction with his next jump.
One question still remained – Why had their companions come here? There had been no word from Konoha that the outbreak had been cured and anyone outside of the village should have been told to meet up with them earlier. It was possible he'd simply missed the message from Tsunade-sama in his haste to find their missing comrades. Yet, now they all found themselves in danger.
That familiar stench assaulted his nose and he leapt to the ground, pulling a kunai from his pack and lifting the band of his hitai-ate. His eyes scanned the destroyed area - large holes scattered about the forest floor, trees felled, blood covering the underbrush - the battle signs were fresh. Muffled shouts were now beginning to reach his ears as he closed in on the group. A high pitched whirling sound broke through the trees, accompanied by his former students loud cry. Kakashi sprinted forward, slicing through one unsuspecting man while jumping over the fallen form of another. A swarm of beetles descended right next to him, covering three would be attackers – quickly silencing their cries of pain. He easily spotted the sunglasses wearing Aburame teen and caught him round the middle at full stride, propelling both of them back against the rocky precipice.
"Kakashi-sensei?" Shino panted, the breath temporarily knocked from him.
"Stay down for a moment." He had to yell to be heard above the screams and high winds from Naruto's fuuton rasenshuriken. The powerful jutsu expanded, catching many of those trying to flee in its invisible waves. As the sounds died down, another explosion rocked the area to the west of their location. Kakashi heard Naruto's yell for their comrades just before he took off. "Are you alright?" The jonin asked, eying the various wounds covering the quiet teen.
"I am alright. These are but superficial wounds; Hinata however needs medical attention."
"Sakura is waiting back with the others. Let's go get the rest of your team and we'll go back to her."
Kakashi noted how Shino favored his right leg as he rose, but said nothing to the young man. His pace was barely affected by whatever injury he'd sustained and they caught up to Naruto and the rest of Shino's team in very little time. Of course, the fact that there were not many of the wild people left to contend with greatly helped matters. There were less than a dozen of the feral people now circling the few shinobi blocking their entrance into what looked like a cave cut into the rock face. The Konoha shinobi fought them hand to hand now; any jutsu use would injure their own comrades as well.
Kakashi and Shino attacked from behind, catching the dirty creatures off guard. While their strength was no match for the shinobi's, it was difficult to fight people who used such erratic movements. The women were perhaps worse than the men – biting, clawing, throwing themselves at the shinobi without hesitation. They took down those attacking them, but not without injury. Naruto simply glanced about, making sure everyone was okay, then sprinted into the dark cave. Kakashi's head whipped around when a low growl rumbled through their area.
"Kiba...Kiba, calm down." It was unusual to hear Genma raise his voice for any reason. Yet, when he looked into the tribal marked face of the Inuzuka, he understood Genma's reasons. His nostrils were flaring, lips pulled back showing his long canines, his chest puffing as a long, low growl continued to rumble from deep in his lungs. Akamaru stood beside him, having much the same attack stance as his partner. When Naruto emerged from the cave, carrying a wounded Hinata, Kiba stalked towards the pair. The nails on his hands were already forming the sharp claws Kakashi had seen him wield in battle. The shinobi moved together, coming closer to the pair and preparing to intervene if necessary. Kiba's actions were putting them all on edge as they were too close to those of the people they'd just been fighting.
"Kiba? What's with you man?" Naruto asked, perhaps just a tinge of fear leaking into his tone.
Though it was difficult with her right leg in a long splint, Hinata reached out and gently touched her team mates shoulder. "I'm alright Kiba-kun."
Kiba held Naruto's stare, not bothering to look down though her hand remained clutched to his shoulder. Kakashi's hand curled around a kunai in his pack, though he desperately hoped he wouldn't have to use it. Thankfully, the growl coming from Kiba began to soften - prompting Akamaru's to do the same, though his canine features remained enhanced.
"Kiba?" Naruto asked once again, not moving from his position for fear of startling his on edge friend.
Kiba inhaled deeply, drawing in the scents of those around him. "Where's Sakura?"
The question was asked through clenched teeth, the rough tone sending shivers through Hinata which Naruto could easily feel. "She's back at the village...a few miles from here, through the forest."
Kiba's eyes flickered down to Hinata before turning and watching the forest line. He inhaled deeply several times as his sharp gaze scanned the trees.
"Kiba?" Kakashi questioned, but a quick signal from Genma stopped the rest of his words. The wild aura surrounding the young man seemed to flare even more as he turned to watch those behind him. The vertical slits of his pupils were dilated, making his already narrowed eyes seem even darker. Akamaru walked towards Shino and nudged him with his nose. As if he understood his motions, Shino walked closer to the group, placing all of them behind the Inuzuka now.
"Hold tight to her," Kiba ordered Naruto before launching himself into the thick mass of trees.
"What's going on with him?" The jinchuriki asked.
"We can explain later Naruto. For now, it would be best if we all re-grouped and get Hinata treated."
The blonde nodded to Genma's words and followed behind the rest as they took the path Kiba was cutting them through the forest. The darkness under the entangled canopy was only worsened by the heavy clouds still hanging overhead. The soggy brush and mud clung to their feet as they walked, an unpleasant feeling to be sure. Kakashi and the others surrounded Naruto as he carried their injured team mate, taking point as their first line of defense. However, it proved not to be necessary.
Short lived shrieks of pain occasionally broke the silence of the wooded area. Kiba's feral growls echoed around them, giving them both a sense of comfort and wariness as he kept the path safe for them. Kakashi took a moment to examine one of the discarded bodies that lay in their path. Empty, bloodshot eyes stared back as he rolled the body over. The jonin checked the body for a pulse, making sure to take no chances with these unknown people. When he found no heartbeat and saw no movement to the middle aged man's chest, he continued his observations.
There seemed to be nothing abnormal with their mouths. Teeth were of average size, no discolorations to their tongue or gums. Though the person's nails were horribly ragged and a variety of dirt and unknown substances were caked underneath, their was nothing else physically wrong with them. In fact, the only thing he could see wrong with the body was the presence of heavy bloodshot eyes and the various wounds covering the torso. The gagging stench that clung to his body was a musty one of dried blood, an unwashed body, and seeping wounds. With death, the smell had only worsened.
The copy-cat rose from his crouch and took his position beside Naruto once more, fingering the kunai in his pouch as Kiba's growl surrounded them.
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Sakura peeled back the bandage covering Sai's torso. Though there was no blood seeping through the dressing, she wanted to lay eyes on the wound. Satisfied that the healing was progressing as it should, she gently pressed the gauze back in place. Her friend was sleeping soundly; the pain meds helping him somewhat, but she knew it was the lack of his fever that contributed the most.
She sat back on her heels observing him, not yet ready to leave his side. She was no longer worried so much over his condition as her efforts had seen their rewards, but there was little else for her to do at the moment. Standing in front of that window waiting on Naruto and Kaka-sensei to come back was going to drive her mad. Not knowing how badly her friends were hurt, being unable to go help them herself, praying that they all made it back safely...her mind – and emotions – were in chaos. At least before, with the other attacks by Kabuto, she had some idea how to handle the outbreak. Some guess as to where to start looking for an antidote. With this, Sakura was at a complete and utter loss.
There was nothing she could think of, no disease or virus – man made or otherwise, that could cause these symptoms. Whatever Kabuto had done to these people, it was something she was wholly unprepared for. She didn't even know where to start. There was no lab equipment to work with, even if she could get blood and tissue samples from them. What would benefit them the most would be a thorough autopsy, but, again, she had nothing here to do one. Truth be known, Tsunade-sama or Shizune-senpai would be the better choice to do one as they had much more experience with them than she did.
And that left her where?
Sitting in this house, surrounded by these people that she was unable to help, waiting helplessly for her friends to return to her alive.
She felt like that little girl all over again. The one who had to rely on everyone else to protect her. The one who couldn't do anything when her friends needed her. The one who spent most nights crying her frustrations into her pillow.
Sakura didn't even know if her shishou was alright; if her family and friends were okay.
Her eyes burned with tears and she bit the inside of her cheek as she desperately tried to hold them back. Crying right now would do nothing to help the situation. She needed to hold herself together; Naruto would be back soon and she would have work to do. If he saw her crying, or evidence that she had been, she would only add to the burden of his worries. The hands resting against the tops of her thighs curled into fists.
"How is he?"
Her head snapped up at the unexpected words. Sasuke stood in the doorway, leaning against the wood frame and holding her gaze with his onyx eyes. She let the nails of her hands bite into the tender flesh of her palms – anything to distract her thoughts. With a last look to the sleeping shinobi, Sakura rose and quietly made her way to the door. She urged Sasuke through before following herself, closing the door so that they would not disturb Sai.
"He's much better. His fever broke and the wound is healing nicely."
Sasuke took position against the wall since she'd moved him out of the doorway, but his eyes still lingered on her form. She needed to get away from him for a moment. Perhaps if she washed her face in cold water she could get a grip on the sadness and sense of helplessness that still plagued her. It was a good idea, however, Sasuke wasn't letting her pass. His fingers curled around her upper arm, stopping her as she tried to walk past him.
"Sakura."
"Don...shouldn't you be watching the forest?" Her head hung forward, her pink bangs hiding her face from his eyes.
"What is it?"
"Nothing Sasuke. Everything's alright; I just need to go get the supplies ready for when Naruto gets back."
The grip on her arm didn't loosen. "Then look at me," he commanded.
She somehow managed a snort of laughter. "Why should I? Now if you please, I need to go get ready." Though she said that, she felt as if she had no strength to pull away from him.
Sasuke stared at her bowed head trying to figure out what just what was wrong with the woman. He'd watched her for a few moments as she sat by the replacement's bed before he called out to her. The look that crossed her face indicated she was about to cry, but the tears never fell. Was she lamenting the injury her team mate had acquired? If so, it was foolish in his opinion. She had nothing to do with the injury or how it was received, therefore she had no reason to feel guilt. However, he remembered how much she would worry and cry in their younger years. Many times she would feel saddened over an injury either he or Naruto got on missions, even if she wasn't there. Her incessant worrying was one of the weaknesses she had.
Though, this time, perhaps there was more than that. The group had relied on her for her medical knowledge and skills – not just with the recent attacks by Kabuto – but he knew she worked hard during the war as well. Her recent emotional outburst in the woods over the harsh things Kabuto had done only showed how much this constant threat of death to so many people was getting to her. Yet, she'd continued to preform her duties perfectly and without assistance. Unfortunately, there was no one to assist her out here in the field. While he could protect her and the injured male in the room behind them, he was useless when it came to healing them.
Her sharp intake of breath was muffled against his shirt when he pulled her body closer to his. "Sa-suke?" He ignored her broken call of his name and peered into her emerald eyes, willing her to be truthful with him. This unwillingness of hers to be honest with him, to hide things from him, greatly irritated the Uchiha. When her head began to lower, her eyes drifting off to the side, he tightened his grip and brought their bodies flush together.
Sakura tried...she tried so hard to break away from that piercing gaze of his, but he wouldn't allow it. The strength she could feel radiating from his body was wearing down her defenses little by little. She just wanted a moment – just a simple moment where she didn't have to be strong, didn't have to have all the answers. She just wanted a moment to break and she swore she would be able to pull herself back together and continue on.
Those warm fingers and dark eyes held her in place, willing her to let it happen. It wasn't long before her palms were sliding up his chest, fingers curling in the dark fabric covering his broad frame. When her forehead fell to rest against his body, he allowed it – even brought his other hand up to grip her small waist. Sakura let the weak defenses she still had up to crumble and she shuddered against him. She would only allow a few tears to spill, but her breath hitched with the effort to hold back.
Should you have asked him even one hour ago, Sasuke would have said this type of behavior was useless, inefficient, and had no place in a shinobi. Yet in this moment, his mind was warring with his preconceived notions. Though her shoulders trembled under his hand, he knew she was holding back. This was no hysterical spell from a frantic female. This was a controlled, purposeful release of just a few of the overwhelming emotions going through the soft hearted woman. For once, he wasn't perceiving this as a weakness. Sakura was simply having a stumble in her steady pace and she needed a crutch to help her stand once more.
Perhaps that was why he continued to allow her to rest her head against his body, curl her fingers into the expanse of his shirt, and why he was holding her small frame as she did so. It was just for a moment; just a small span of time where she allowed her defenses to break around him.
That pleased him.
Her head finally lifted, showing him red eyes and wet cheeks that contrasted with the soft smile on her face. Those deep green eyes searched his for a moment, flickering back and forth, before he could see her reach a decision. He need not have asked what it was for he soon found out as her face began to close the distance between them. Her movement was slow and calculated, giving the Uchiha plenty of time to either move away or force her away from him.
He did neither.
Instead, when her lips moved gently over his, he returned the action. His hands held steady to her waist as she lifted herself on tiptoes to reach his taller frame. It was a slow, almost lazy kiss – their lips simply caressing each other, slowly tasting one another. It was nothing like the fierce explosion of passion they'd experienced after their spar.
Yet, he could still feel his heart race.
When she leaned back, she gifted him with that soft smile once more before pulling away. Her gently mumbled, "Thank you Sasuke" almost went unheard. He watched her until she went into the bathroom at the end of the hall before finally returning to his post at the window. Thankfully, none of the creatures had gotten curious enough to come forward in his absence. He caught a reflection of himself in the rain streaked window and immediately chastised his own confusing actions and emotions.
The tiny smile that dared cross his face had not been from conscious effort.
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"I have good news Hinata-san," Sakura said, standing back upright from her crouched position over the Hyuuga heiress. "It's a clean break." Hinata smiled just a bit after hearing that information, but one other obviously had no idea the implications of the statement.
"Eh? What's that mean Sakura-chan?"
The medic barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the jinchuriki's lack of knowledge. "That mean's she won't require surgery to remove any traces of bone fragments and I can set the break and begin the healing process now."
"Oh, that is great news Hinata!" That smile she'd offered Sakura turned just a bit brighter as Naruto leaned closer to her with a relieved look on his face.
Sakura reached down to pick up the long, flat pieces of wood that had been serving as her temporary splint. "This was actually well done. Who placed it?" she asked of the shinobi lining the wall of yet another of the home's bedrooms.
"Well who do ya think Sakura-chan?" Genma said with a wink, rolling that senbon to the other side of his mouth.
She shook her head and smiled at him. "Shoulda guessed. Keep this up and Tsunade-sama is gonna get you into the medic program after all."
"Oh I think not. I'm perfectly happy where I am thank you."
She chuckled at his response and continued to bend the wood between her hands just slightly, making sure it was perfectly straight and would not interfere with the work she was about to do. Their continued conversation over her small task was not appreciated by one member of the group if his growls were any indication. Kiba's unsteady chakra and constant glare had her staying back from the shinobi. Once she was done with Hinata, she planned to give him a thorough examination. Her initial fear was that he'd been somehow infected by the people outside, but Genma and his other team mates were quick to assure her he was not. Unfortunately, she would have to wait until after she'd helped the Hyuuga heiress for an explanation.
This, however, was now her temporary hospital and as such, she wouldn't tolerate his hovering and constant growling.
"Kiba-kun," she called with authority in her voice and came to stand right before the posturing male. "I appreciate your worry for your friend, but right now my concern is only for her. Therefore, if you want to stay in this room, I suggest you get back to the wall and stop growling or else I will throw you out of here and you will not come back."
She stood her ground against his bared teeth and narrowed eyes. There was a movement behind her and she felt Sasuke's chakra spike. Before things could escalate, Shino gripped his friend's shoulder and spoke with a sharper tone than any had heard from him before. "Kiba, you know Sakura-san is trying to help Hinata. All you're doing is getting in her way and slowing down the process; come back here with me. You have got to get your emotions under control." It was another moment before the young man moved, but when he did, they could all see the tentative shake of his shaggy brown hair.
Sakura picked up her discarded planks and moved to the bed once more. From within her medic's pouch, she withdrew a syringe with a clear substance in it. "I'm going to go ahead and give this to you Hinata-san; it's just some pain medicine."
Sakura allowed the young woman a few minutes for the medicine to work while she continued to get herself ready. She'd already leveled out the two planks of wood for the splint and was now unrolling long strips of cloth to tie it with. When she saw Hinata's eyelids begin to droop, she called to the men surrounding her. "I'm going to need some help to do this."
"What do you need Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked eagerly.
"It is a clean break, but it's in her femur. It'll be difficult for me to manipulate alone. Also, even though I gave her some medication, I can't afford to put her out under the circumstances. She'll probably fight and fidget a little as part of the natural reaction, so I need help holding her."
"I...I'll do my...bess ta ssstay still..."
Sakura offered the girl a soft smile at her slurred words. "I know you will Hinata-san, but this is just to play it safe, okay? Kaka-sensei, can you help me by holding the upper part of the broken leg. Genma-san, I'd like you on the other leg please."
"I wanna help," Naruto said, his voice strong but pleading.
"Okay, then can you hold down her upper body for me?"
Naruto moved to the bed, placing his back to the rest of the room and holding Hinata's hands by her head. Sakura thought it was a testament to the drugs that he had her in such a position yet no blush erupted on her face. Kakashi had his hands wrapped around the young woman's upper thighs, his back almost pressing against Naruto. When Genma was in place, Sakura pushed up the sides of her pants she cut earlier so that her hands were directly on Hinata's flesh – ensuring she had a firm grip.
"Alright Kaka-sensei, I need you to keep that part of her leg still. No matter what, okay?"
"Understood."
"Alright, take a deep breath Hinata-san." She spoke loudly to the groggy young woman. It was a moment before she complied, but once Sakura heard the inhale stop, she gripped Hinata's leg and firmly pulled down. Immediately, the young woman gasped in pain and tried to writhe on the bed, but the shinobi held her steady.
"Just another minute Hinata-san." Sakura called, steadily applying that pressure.
Naruto had leaned fully over the crying woman, holding her upper body down with the added pressure of his own. His head rested next to hers; his own pain at seeing her hurt before his eyes once more leaking into his tone. "You're doing good Hinata. Just...just breathe, okay? Just breathe with me."
Sakura finally felt the pop signaling the bone slid into place. "That's it Hinata-san. We're done."
With the resetting completed, Hinata latched onto Naruto's shoulders and wept softly into the warmth of his neck. Sakura poured her chakra into Hinata's leg, urging the bone to begin knitting itself back together. Kakashi and Genma took a final look at their injured comrades before leaving the room quietly.
"Shall we talk?"
"Aa. I was about to suggest the same thing."
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A/N:
Another update? In two weeks? -You know this probably won't keep happening so quickly don't ya?
Many, many thanks to everyone for the reviews and PMs after the last chapter. I take it everyone enjoyed the horror huh? Well, I hope I left you something to thoroughly enjoy in this one as well. ;)
Thanks for the birthday wishes as well. It was a great time, but I'm glad it's only once a year. I'm getting to old to party that hard too often. (okay, well maybe not THAT old, but still...)
Hope you enjoy and leave me your thoughts on the chapter.
(early) Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends out there! Don't stuff yourselves too badly...I'll be doing that for ya.