Chapter 149

— Because during the attack on Konoha, not only was one of the hospital's departments destroyed, but the main building was also damaged, — the commander rubbed his face wearily, — although the fatal losses among the staff were quite small thanks to the efforts of the defenders, many iryo-nin sustained serious injuries. This, in turn, further reduces the chance of getting a qualified medic anytime soon, even more so than before.

Damn! This means that if I haven't received a death notice for Saya, she might be lying somewhere with severe injuries and dying? Calm down, if she didn't die immediately, she should survive even without a medic— I infused so much chakra into her medical seal before leaving that even the most severe wounds should heal. The problem is, she might be left disabled. But that's something we can deal with; we can handle everything except death. So, plan B. Bracing myself, I looked up at Meido.

— Fine, I won't object to extending my service, but I have conditions.

— Consider them met, — the jounin nodded, visibly relieved.

After all, as a clan warrior, I have the right to challenge the extension of my service with higher authorities, and my request will surely be granted, not to mention that even the head of a successful clan wouldn't want to spoil relations with a strong and talented shinobi.

— First, Tomomi Funzi returns to the village in my place. Second, a full six-day rest. And third, my service is extended no more than four months, — I listed my demands.

I think Rotaro will be happy for his girl—they seem to be serious, so it's better for them to go on vacation together; otherwise, kunoichi might get injured here, and Ishi would suffer later.

— No objections to the first and third, but regarding the six days—will the day after tomorrow work? That way, your assistant can get some rest, — the commander agreed easily.

Hmm, a couple of days? Fine, I'll manage to find and modify the necessary seal and outline a tentative plan of action.

— That works, — I nodded, — but we need to hurry with Tsume's departure so she can make it to the funeral.

— Understood.

— Then I won't keep you any longer, — I got to my feet.

— Yes, yes, go ahead. I'll handle the paperwork, — the commander waved his hand tiredly, surveying the mess on the table.

Leaving the headquarters, I nodded to the smirking guard and headed toward my tent, relieved that the heated discussion had taken place before all the camp's inhabitants had woken up, and the commotion with the prisoner had greatly distracted the early risers—otherwise, curious ears would have been warming up outside, as had happened before. Now, I just needed to figure out how to explain to Tsume that the team was heading to Konoha for a rest, but without me.

***

— What do you mean "I'm not coming back with you"?!

Wincing at the shout of the angry kunoichi, I just shrugged.

— That's right, no one will let me go without some sort of replacement, — I shrugged indifferently, glancing at the irritatedly snarling Inuzuka, — I arranged for your immediate departure to Konoha in exchange for extending my own service by four months.

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