AN: Hey guys! I'm back. I've had some family health situations, so I haven't been able to update as frequently as I like, but I'm back. Enjoy, and as always please R&R!
Chapter 10: Adjustments
Mist engulfed the small bridge, likely the result of a cloaking jutsu. The area was cool, quiet, and damp. It was only him and the spy. Cautiously, he approached the bridge where he saw a figure at the other end of the structure.
"I was expecting Sasori, not you," the bespectacled man spoke as he came into view. "I suppose you'll do though." He handed the man a scroll.
"He was supposed to do this job, but you can take it. We'll still pay you handsomely. Danzo is a bit strapped for cash these days." The cloaked nin frowned beneath his mask at the remark but bowed and took his leave.
When he arrived back in Konoha, it was nightfall. As quick and quiet as a mouse, he returned to the underground lair. He placed the scroll on his leader's desk.
"Let's see what our friend Orochimaru wants this time." The boss opened the scroll and examined its contents. A smirk crept onto his face.
A plan began to form in his mind. "Sai, how does taking the chunin exam sound?"
The agent removed his mask and smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I'd like that."
Living with Itachi had its advantages and disadvantages. For one, he didn't have to worry about his mother waiting for him if he was returning from a mission at night or training late with his teammates. He also didn't have to listen to his father nitpick him for not taking care of his kunai the way he ought to. There was a degree of freedom he enjoyed with his brother that he did not have with his parents. However, he had to witness the longing glances, kisses, and pet names shared between his brother and sister-in-law. It was gross when they were dating, but now he felt uncomfortable as if he was intruding. Of course, Itachi and Izumi assured him that his presence was appreciated and always welcome at their home. He figured he would grow acclimated to their romantic gestures. It was a small price to pay for Izumi and his future niece or nephew's safety.
Becoming an uncle was also a surprisingly exciting prospect. He didn't tear up and jump for joy like his mother had when she received the news that she would be a grandmother, but he was looking forward to the new family member. Would it be a boy or a girl? When would they awaken the sharingan? Would the child be shy like its father or outgoing like its mother?
Shisui and he had a small rivalry going as to who would be the better uncle, which Shisui had instigated. It was probable that Shisui would be seen as more fun due to his boisterous disposition, but there was no doubt in Sasuke's mind that he would be a better trainer. Unlike Shisui, who was much too laid back, Sasuke would make sure to appropriately challenge the child. He would also be around much more since he planned to join the police force while Shisui would either still be in Anbu or a jonin sensei.
Yes. A new baby in the family would be nice, and it would also distract the elders from getting on his case about starting a family of his own. True to his cousin's words, an elder, his maternal grandmother, approached him about Sakura and asked what his intentions were. She pushed him to begin formally courting her and marry by eighteen. Thankfully, he was able to rebuff her request claiming that they were only close friends. His grandmother huffed and puttered away, reluctantly accepting his words.
While he was trying not to draw attention to his relationship with Sakura, he still wanted to see her, so he suggested having a weekly taijutsu training session. They were teammates after all, so it wouldn't arouse suspicion.
"Open your stance more so you have more range," Sasuke ordered. The pink haired nin pivoted her foot to widen her stance.
"Like this?"
"Aa. Now come at me."
She sprung in action and swung her foot in an arc coming down hard on Sasuke. Her kick nearly hit him, but he leapt back at the last second. Using the momentum from her intended attack, she flipped forward and landed on her feet.
"So close," she said between pants. They had been training like this all day. He would correct her, she would attack him, and he would evade her. Damn his speedy Uchiha reflexes. It was not fair!
"You've already improved. I'm sure you could take Naruto down easily in a taijutsu only spar."
She blew a loose strand of hair out of her face. She shrugged. "Yeah, but I'd love to be able to beat Tsunade-sama. I've never been able to because her movements are so sharp and fast. I have trouble defending her and get so tired that I get sloppy and eventually get hit."
Sasuke pondered her description thoughtfully. "Let's use the last few minutes to see how you do when I attack."
Nodding, she shifted herself into a defensive position. The Uchiha wasted no time charging at her. He was impressed that she was able to keep up with him for a few minutes, but she hesitated for a moment when he changed the speed of his attack. Momentarily caught off guard, he firmly pinned her to the tree.
Both of them became very aware of their sudden proximity. Their breaths intermingled, and they exchanged furtive glances. Sasuke's hands slowly moved from her shoulders to brace against the tree. He stared so intently at her, she squirmed.
"I think I see the problem," he began.
The problem is that you are close enough to kiss me, she thought. Her entire view was Sasuke's god like face and broad shoulders.
"I slowed my attacks which distracted you enough to make you hesitate. In a battle, a moment could determine whether you live or die. Trust your instincts, and act on them." His tone was a bit harsh, but he was strict in order to help her improve.
"I'll have to remember that Sasuke-kun," she spoke softly. Jade eyes fixed on him, and he felt like a hypocrite. Instinct told him to close the small space between them.
The sun was starting to set. Pink and orange lights highlighted the luster on Sakura's hair and brought out the small flecks of gold in her irises. He weighed his options briefly. He could kiss Sakura and satisfy his curiosity or he could abstain and end the session. The latter was the more proper and Uchiha thing to do, but he was a bit tired of his clan's archaic social protocols. To hell with it. He had spent too many nights imagining what her lips felt like.
He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. They felt plush and pillowy, better than he dreamt. She tasted vaguely of cherries. He liked it. Slowly, Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck and brought him closer. Her heart felt like it might burst from her chest, but she was too wrapped up in the moment to stop. She had to remind herself just to breathe every so often.
His chest was now pressed against her full breasts. His hands found her hips and steadied her as he deepened the kiss. His tongue slipped into her warm mouth and continued to explore her. A warm familiar feeling bubbled up inside her stomach and grew when Saskue slanted his mouth to gain more access to hers.
"Mmmmm," she moaned quietly. He bit her bottom lip and lightly sucked on it before releasing it. He pulled back, unsure of what to say. He had hoped that this kiss would quell his desire for her, but it only served to stoke it.
Before either of them could say anything, there was a whistle from the distance.
"Hey Sasuke-chan! Time for dinner!" Shisui yelled out. Thankfully, there was some cover from the foliage, so his cousin wasn't able to see them too clearly.
Clearing his throat, Sasuke pushed himself off the tree. "Sakura, do you have the night shift tomorrow?"
She shook her head. "I'll come buy your place in the evening, so we can talk. Until then, let's keep this between us." Immediately, she frowned at the suggestion. Was he embarrassed by her?
"I don't regret what I did, but there are things we need to consider." He squeezed her shoulders lightly.
She sighed. "Ok." Sasuke wouldn't lie to her, and from some of the offhanded comments Izumi had made, she had an inkling that his concerns were about his clan.
He bid her goodbye, and they went their separate ways. The whole way home, Sakura couldn't stop touching her lips, which were still tingling from Sasuke's assault on her mouth. She could barely contain the smile on her face.
Several meters away, a figure recorded some notes on a scroll and sealed it. Danzo would be extremely interested by his findings.
Back at Itachi's home, Shisui was relentlessly grilling Sasuke about his training session with Sakura.
"Is taijutsu your version of foreplay?" Shisui asked with a mischievous grin.
He was answered with a swift kick under the table from Sasuke.
"Ow!" He rubbed his calf and pouted.
"These rice balls are excellent Izumi," Itachi complimented, ignoring the petty squabbling of his male relatives. He, and later Izumi, had learned that it was best not to interfere when the two got into fights because it did nothing to stop them.
"Thank you anata," his darling wife replied, rubbing her growing stomach. Now four months along, Izumi was starting to show. Pregnancy looked good on her. She was the perfect picture of an expectant mother with her rosy cheeks and shining smile. She blushed when Itachi's eyes met hers. He gently placed a warm hand on her stomach and kissed her on the cheek.
"Only one more day until we find out if we're having a son or daughter."
Suddenly feeling awkward, Shisui cleared his throat and volunteered himself and Sasuke to clean up from dinner. Instantly the table was cleared, leaving the couple together.
"Well played Itachi," his wife spoke softly with a wink. He merely smiled and led his wife back to their bedroom.
Once he closed the shogi door, he performed a sound proofing jutsu and sat next to Izumi on their bed.
His formerly cheerful expression became serious. Izumi knew that look. It was the look he wore before he told her about a dangerous mission he was going on or another hoop he had to jump through with the clan council.
"I wanted to let you know before I told the others," he began. He pushed a lock of her raven hair behind her ear affectionately. "The Hokage asked me to complete a mission."
Izumi opened her mouth to protest, but Itachi continued. "She is well aware that I'm off the roster, but this mission is absolutely critical to the safety of the village." The moment Izumi found out she was pregnant, Itachi was taken off the active mission roster. It was commonplace for clan head's or heirs to go on inactive duty if they or their spouse was expecting in order to protect their future child.
She sighed. While it was a major bragging point that she was married to one of, if not the top ninja in the village, it had its drawbacks. Itachi was in constant demand for dangerous missions. She had hoped that it would be different now that he had technically started paternity leave.
"Izumi," Itachi cupped her face in his hands. "I wouldn't do this unless it was necessary. It's not just about the village but our child."
She looked into her husband's weary coal eyes. She trusted him completely, so if he thought he had to do this, she would support him. "I understand." She flashed him a small smile, and he looked relieved.
"What terrible luck we have. Our first child is on the way, and there's an imminent threat to Kohona," Itach joked lightly.
"When isn't there?" Izumi replied. Whether it was the disaster of the chunin exams or a village invasion, she had tempered expectations for a peaceful life.
Pulling his wife close, he gave her a chaste kiss on the lips. "I love you completely."
"And I you. Try not to get captured or killed on your mission, kay?" she patted his cheek and smirked.
Itachi couldn't help but chuckle. "I'll be fine." He wasn't concerned about the mission since it was likely to be non-combative. However, he was more worried about Izumi and the baby.
"When are you leaving and how long will you be gone?"
"A week from tomorrow. I'll be gone a month at most, two weeks if I can be quick."
She nodded. "At least you'll be here for the appointment. Since you'll be gone for a while, should I stay with your parents or my mother?"
He shook his head. "I don't want to arouse suspicion, so you're going to stay here."
Her brows furrowed in confusion. "Why would anyone be suspicious? What's going on?"
"What I say is between us as husband and wife," he said. "It's possible that there's a mole in the village who has been feeding Orochimaru information."
"How do you know?" Suddenly, Itachi's caution made sense. Anything related to the snake sannin made him cautious, if not jumpy.
"There have been several isolated incidents of Sound nin attacking squads over the past few months, each of which had an Uchiha on the team. A few have been killed, but not many."
She knew that some Uchiha, maybe three had been killed in action, but she didn't think much of it. It was normal for ninja to die on duty, but a connected string of incidents was suspicious. Orochimaru also had a vendetta against the Uchiha ever since he failed to kidnap Sasuke, so he was a likely culprit.
"If there's a mole in the village, he's likely to be watching our clan and will get suspicious that we're onto him if we do something drastic like send you away while I'm away. I also don't want to draw unnecessary attention to you," Itachi explained.
"So who is babysitting me?" Izumi asked.
His wife was always quick to catch on. "Team Seven."
"Huh?" she responded incredulously. His brother-in-law's squad had a knack for attracting attention which kind of defeated the purpose of laying low like Itachi wanted.
"I know they can be a bit indiscreet at times, but Tsunade-sama and I think it's the best option. They will stay here for the month under the guise of training for the next chunin exam."
"It shouldn't draw any unwanted attention since teams live together sometimes to train for upcoming missions or exams, especially since we have our own training ground," Izumi surmised. "But Sakura is already a chunin. Why would it make sense for her to stay here?"
"First, she will be assigned as your personal medic. Second, she's going to help train the boys, especially when Kakashi is away."
"Does she know that?" She gave Itachi a skeptical look. Sakura wouldn't mind being her medic, but training those two knuckleheads - to borrow her friend's words - would not be well received.
Itachi gave her a sheepish smile. "Tsunade-sama is telling the whole team tomorrow, but only Sasuke will be made aware of the real purpose of the mission."
Izumi shrugged. "Then it's not your problem."
"Aa. Let's get to bed now. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
"Why do I have to live with him for a month?" Naruto balked. He turned his accusatory gaze to Sasuke, who kept quiet but glared back at the blond. Living with his immature, loud, and dirty teammate was going to be annoying, but he could put up with it for his future nephew or niece.
"Because I said so!" Tsuande fired back.
Sakura wasn't pleased with being tasked with training her teammates for an exam she already passed, but a month with Sasuke wasn't the worst thing in the world. She also figured their presence had more to do with watching Izumi than getting their own private training ground. However, she wouldn't mention it since Tsuande didn't say anything.
"Mah. mah Naruto-kun, won't it be nice to reconnect with your teammates since you've been away so long?" Kakashi tried to point out.
"But-" Naruto exclaimed until Sakura gripped his arm. "Ow, ow, ow!"
"So sorry Tsunade-sama. Naruto is very dense, so he doesn't always understand simple things like orders," Sakura spoke with a docile tone.
"Keh. Just make sure these two stay out of trouble and pass the exam," Tsuande replied, rubbing her temples. Didn't the academy still teach kids that Hokage's word was law?
Team Seven bowed, with Naruto being forced by Sakura to do so, and they exited the office. Naruto continued to complain until Kakashi suggested Ichiraku for lunch. He seemed to forget his previous reservations once he was fed, and he even warmed to the idea of his new living situation.
"Well, Izumi-chan makes really good food, and having my own training ground doesn't sound too bad," he mused aloud as he played with his chopsticks.
"It's not your training ground Naruto. You're sharing it with us," Sakura corrected.
"Oh, you know what I mean! I meant that we won't run into other teams, like Team Gai," he retorted.
The other members of Team Seven silently agreed. The few times they ran into Gai's team while training, it turned into a one-sided competition between Gai and Kakashi and Lee's failed attempts to woo Sakura.
"Alright, I'm heading out. I have a shift in ten minutes," the kunoichi announced as she placed her money on the table. The boys followed suit.
After her shift ended, Sakura went home to find a plate of dinner waiting for her in the microwave with a note.
Gone to bed early. - Mom
She removed the note and warmed her meal. It was fairly normal that her mom wouldn't wait up for her and go to bed around 6 or 7 on the days Sakura had her evenings free. They hardly ate together anymore. It upset Sakura since she felt like her mom was ignoring her, but she knew it was the depression. Unfortunately, her mom refused to get help because she wouldn't admit that anything was wrong. Sakura stopped pushing her to get treatment a year after her father's death. After spending a month in the psych ward, she knew a lost cause when she saw one.
After she finished her stir fry dinner and cleaned up, she checked the clock on the wall. It read 7:30. Sasuke would arrive soon, so she went to her room and waited. Careful not to wake her mother, she shut the door.
A few minutes later, there was a rap at the window. She saw Sasuke crouched on her roof and quietly let him in. They sat on her twin bed, neither looking at the other. A few moments of silence passed.
"Um," Sakura started until Sasuke interrupted.
"Yes, what happened yesterday…."
"Uh huh," she prompted him to continue.
"I, well, enjoyed it," he admitted.
Smiling to herself, Sakura placed her hand in his.
"But, there are complications," he continued.
"Let me guess, your family?"
"Aa."
"I know I come from a civilian family, but I'm studying really hard under Tsunade and -"
"No, it's not that at all. The clan got over that kind of stuff a decade ago." She felt momentarily relieved as she was sure the Uchihas would not approve of their second in line dating a no name chunin.
"Then what is it?" she asked.
"They might be a bit overzealous." She gave him a funny look. "When Orochimaru invaded the village, both times, my clan lost many members. In an effort to restore our numbers, they're encouraging those of age to get married and have kids as soon as 17."
"Wow. I was not expecting that." She thought it could be worse, but she wasn't looking to get married and pop out a kid anytime soon.
"If we started dating, we'd have to deal with the meddling of the clan elders. I don't want to put you in a position that you're not comfortable in."
She looked at him incredulously. Petty remarks from some old fogies weren't going to scare her away from the man of her dreams. She had plenty of experience with crazy old people.
"Sasuke-kun, you know I work with elderly patients all the time. I spent 4 months doing a rotation in the retirement community. I think I can handle a few of your mouthy relatives."
Sasuke crossed his arms and stared at her with concern. His relatives, especially the old crowd, could be manipulative and conniving. Was Sakura ready to get wrapped up in his family affairs and potentially get caught in the cross fire?
Her hands grabbed his and pulled him close. "I'm not willing to stop whatever this is because of grouchy grandmas," she stated with a confident smile.
"Why? You like me that much to risk getting entangled with my family?" He searched her eyes for any sign of deception.
"Of course! I've been in love with you since I was 6!" Immediately, Sakura reddened and gulped. She meant to keep the last part in her head.
Sasuke coughed awkwardly. "Really?" he asked quietly.
She gave him a look of disbelief. Did he not notice their ever present sexual tension and the longing gazes she have him?
"Honestly, Sasuke-kun, you can be just as dense as Naruto." she replied with a laugh. He wrinkled his nose distastefully.
"I am not. At least I made a move on you. Can't say the same for the dobe and his crush," he retorted.
She looked at him incredulously. "What crush?" The only crush Naruto had that she was aware of was the one on her. However, it was clear that it faded after spending more time with him after his return to the village.
"If he didn't say anything, I probably shouldn't," he replied. Gossip was not something he partook in, which Sakura realized.
"How about if I guess, you give me some sign that I'm right? Technically, it's not gossip if I get it correct," she suggested.
"Fine," he said and sighed.
Counting on her fingers, Sakura went through the girls she knew Naruto had been in contact with. "He hasn't known Temari long enough. Izumi-chan is married, not that he would stand a chance against Itachi-kun. Ino is too coarse for him, and Tenten is on Team Gai." Momentarily stumped, she wracked her brain for an answer. "Wait! It could be someone he met on his travels! Jiraiya-sama does like hanging around women."
She looked at Sasuke for confirmation, to which gave a slight nod. "What does she look like? Is she a kunoichi? Where did he meet her?"
"I can only only answer yes or no to who it is. Answering questions other than those isn't part of the deal," he reminded her. She pouted but understood.
"Plllleeease Sasuke-kun," she pleaded with her best puppy eyes.
"No," he said.
"Hmph." She turned her back to him and sulked.
"Why do you care?" he asked. Women were a mystery to him.
She turned to face him. "Naruto is one of my best friends, so I want him to be happy. He's also completely dense with this type of stuff, so I want to help him."
Sasuke smiled inwardly. She was just looking out for him. "There's no need to worry. I doubt he could mess this one up."
Catching on, she added, "Does she like him back?"
"Can't answer that," he replied. She gave him a deadpan look. Sometimes, he was a little hopeless too.
"Fine. I'll just figure it out myself." It occurred to her that she could just ask Naruto about it. He would crack easily if she bribed him with some ramen.
He shrugged. "Suit yourself." He checked his watch and stood up.
"You have to go so soon Sasuke-kun?"
"Aa. I need to be back in the compound before they close the gates at 10."
She stood up and gave him a hug goodbye. Before she could pull away, he pecked her lips.
"I'll see you at nii-san's house next week"
"Hai." She smiled and released him.
"By the way, I'll get in huge trouble with Tsunade-sama if you guys don't pass the chunin exams or destroy the training grounds. Try and keep it tame please," she added as he was about to climb out of the window.
"Che. It's not me you have to worry about." He leapt away into the dark.
She closed the window and plopped down on the bed. Spending a month in close quarters with Sasuke was exciting and nerve-wracking, but she was not looking forward to training those two. Kakashi would be present some of the time, but he was no help once he started reading his smut.
She turned off her light and turned down the covers to get some shut eye. It was going to be a hellish month.
Two weeks later
As predicted, the boys were as cooperative as oil and water. She was counting the days until they had their exam, so she could have a break from babysitting.
They were both arguing about something trivial of course.
"Teme! We should work on jutsu next. Taijutsu is important, but we've already been working on it for a week!"
Sasuke growled. "We wouldn't have to work on it for so long if you were better at it."
Sakura felt a vein growing in her temple. "ENOUGH!"
Both boys turned to see their substitute sensei fuming.
Oh no, she's finally snapped, Naruto thought.
Dobe is finally going to get what's coming to him, Sasuke thought, completely oblivious to his own role in her irritation.
"I can't believe that neither of you," she stared at each, "can put aside your differences for a month to train for the exam."
"Naruto, how can you become hokage if you can't become a chunin?" He gulped and nodded as her glare turned on him.
"And Sasuke-kun, how can you become police chief if you don't become a chunin?" He silently agreed. There was no way his father would turn the force over to him if he couldn't pass some measly exam.
"Whether you'll admit it or not, you're best friends, and you need each other to pass this exam. Either grow up and act like adults or I'll get someone else to train you," she threatened. At this point, she would risk a lecture from her teacher over three more weeks of this hell. "I took leave at the hospital to train you two, and instead it feels like I'm babysitting academy students."
Naruto sheepishly scratched his neck. "I'm sorry Sakura-chan. We'll get along from now on. I promise."
"Aa. We'll be more considerate of your time," Sasuke affirmed.
"Good because I just heard from Kakashi last evening that you're getting another teammate, so I'd like for them to have a decent impression of our team," she explained.
"WHAT? Another person? Why?" the blond exclaimed. He thought it would just be him and Sasuke since this was a makeup chunin exam. It wouldn't be as large as the standard exams, so they were permitted to participate in pairs.
Sasuke wasn't opposed to another person joining their team as long as they didn't drag them down. Originally, he had been worried about Naruto, but he had to admit that the sannin had taught him some pretty useful jutsu.
"Take it up with Kakashi-sensei," Sakura responded. Having another teammate could be good for the boys. They needed to learn to work with others, besides a select few. It was commonplace for nin to work with subs on missions or an expanded team depending on the task.
Poof!
"Yo. How's training going?" the grey nin asked, walking towards the trio.
"Peachy," Sakura said sarcastically.
"Tsunande-sama needs you at the hospital for an emergency surgery right away. In the meantime, I'll take over training these two," the jonin explained. Sakura nodded and headed straight to the hospital.
When she arrived a nurse briefed her on the situation. One of the jonin had returned from their mission in critical condition. Four broken ribs, a punctured lung, a fractured tibia, and oddly enough a missing eye. Needless to say, an advanced medic-nin or two was needed to perform surgery right away.
Sanitized and scrubbed up, Sakura entered the private room to see Tsunade leaning over the patient with glowing green hands. It had to be pretty serious if her mentor was here.
Without turning her head, she ordered Sakura to focus on stabilizing the nin while the blond continued mending his ribs.
They managed to steady the nin's heart rate and stop most of the bleeding within three hours. In another two, they had mended the broken ribs. Shizune and another medic arrived to give the pair a break.
"Sakura," her mentor beckoned her to her office.
"Sit and have some tea and a rice ball," Tsunade gestured to the small tray on her desk.
"Thank you Tsunade-sama," she said as she gratefully accepted the food and drink.
The blond kunoichi took a moment to sip her tea. "Sakura, the patient we're working on is a jonin level Uchiha, an uncle of Sasuke's. I'm making you aware because this is a delicate situation now."
The protege's eyes widened. The man seemed familiar, but his bruises and bandages made him unrecognizable. She knew this relative of Sasuke's. He was named Shota. He was one of Fugaku's younger cousins and highly respected within the clan. In his late thirties, Shota had the typical Uchiha good looks and prowess. Tall, lean, and dark haired, he was a jonin on the police force and one of Fugaku's right hand men. Sasuke also looked up to him a great deal. He'd be upset if he learned of this incident.
"First, you are not allowed to tell anyone that you've treated Shota. Second, you are going to attend a meeting with a few Uchiha and the village elders to give a medical report on the patient."
Sakura nodded. It wasn't unusual to keep high profile attacks under wraps, in order to keep peace in the village. However, she had a few questions.
"Tsunande-sama, why was Shota missing an eye?" In all of her time as a medic-nin, she had never seen a patient missing an eye from a mission. Also, the way Shota was injured, it looked as if the eye had been intentionally taken.
The blond sighed. "We have suspicions that Orochimaru is behind this. The past few months, there have been nin returning from missions injured and missing body parts, like an arm, leg, or foot. We believe that Orochimaru is stealing body parts for experimentation purposes."
Sakura felt her stomach drop. This vile behavior had been going on for months now? She thought back to her most recent shifts, and she hadn't encountered nor heard of any of the victims of the missing body parts.
"Until now, it's only been Shizune and I treating these patients because we don't want to alarm anyone. However, now that a sharingan doujutsu has effectively been stolen, the Uchiha are pressuring the council to take immediate action." Tsunade filled her in on what to expect at the meeting and how to behave. All the while, Sakura continued to have this sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. She was worried that Sasuke, Izumi, Shisui, or any of Sasuke's relatives could be targeted. The thought of pregnant Izumi being targeted scared her the most. Not only would Izumi be put at risk, but so would the child.
"Are you alright?" Tsunade inquired seeing her student's eyes glaze over.
"Nothing, just tired," she replied with a forced smile.
"Hm. Rest for the next hour and attend to the patient for the next shift. After that, I want you to go back to your apartment and prepare for the meeting," the blond ordered. Sakura was clearly upset about something, but she didn't want to prod.
Sakura nodded and went to one of the break rooms for a short nap and a shower. Feeling more refreshed, she returned to her patient.
Shizune stood by the bed taking notes. "Sakura-chan! Good to see you. The patient is stabilized and should wake up soon. I finished mending his bones and eye."
Sakura thanked her and told her that Tsunade had requested her presence. Shizune scurried away, leaving Sakura alone with the patient.
Using her chakra scanning, she probed his body to see if they had missed anything. She paid special attention to where his right eye was missing. The eye seemed to have been taken out clean in one piece, as if it was meant to be preserved. It was incredibly disturbing. There was no doubt in Sakura's mind that this was Orochimaru's doing.
She heard the sheets rustle and pulled her hands away.
"Shota-san, it's good to see you awake," she commented. The man was struggling to sit up, so Sakura ordered him to stay down.
"Please lay down. Your ribs are still in the process of healing and your lung was punctured." She placed her hands on his chest and emanated some healing chakra.
"I'm sorry Sakura-san. I hope I haven't been too much trouble," he replied, looking up at her.
"It's no trouble at all. Promise you'll take it easy though? You need at least two weeks of bed rest and frequent check ups." He nodded, coughing a bit. She fetched some water for him and helped him drink.
"Ahhh, that's better. Thank you."
"You're welcome," she replied with a smile. He made some small talk with her as she redressed his bandages, asking about her studies and progress training Sasuke and Naruto for the upcoming exam. Shota was one of Sakura's favorite Uchiha members, aside from Sasuke, his mother, and Izumi. He was outgoing, mild-mannered, and mature, which was a rare combination of qualities among the male Uchiha. Shisui was outgoing, but not mature. Itachi was mature, but not very outgoing.
"Well, I'm glad my little cousin and his friend are in such good hands, as am I," he complimented. Sakura's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she laughed.
"That's very kind of you Shota-san." She glanced up at the clock and said, "I need to get your meal, so I'll be back in a few minutes." She pulled the covers over him and left.
When she returned, she saw her mentor and Fugaku speaking with Shota. Tsundae waved her in, and she placed the meal on a nearby table for Shota.
"He can attend the meeting on the condition that he stays in the hospital another week for observation," Tsunade offered.
Fugaku looked to his cousin for an opinion. "I'm amenable to that, but I'd like to request that Sakura-san be my personal medic," the younger Uchiha responded. "She's one of the most experienced medics when it comes to treating sharingan users." Sakura turned to see him give her a wink. It seems that Izumi and Sasuke had spoken to some of their family about her.
"Furthermore, Sakura-san is a close friend of my son and daughter-in-law, so the clan elders would easily accept this situation. We have a few medics in the family, but none are close to your student's level," the Uchiha patriarch added.
"I understand, but Sakura was supposed to continue training Sasuke and Naruto next week since Hatake will be away for a mission." Tsunade had a feeling it would come to this. The Uchiha were touchy about outsiders knowing about their doujutsu, but Sakura was very close to the head family.
"I will personally oversee their training, and if I'm unavailable Shisui or Mikoto can stand in." Sakura suppressed a snicker with a sharp inhale. Neither of her teammates would be pleased with Fugaku training them, but it could make them appreciate her a little more.
"Perfect. I'll inform them later today," the blond replied with a devilish smile. Some good old fashioned discipline could be exactly what those two needed.
Fugaku nodded and exited the room.