Chapter 25: Tsunade's Return

Chapter 25

Haku and I rushed to the hospital when we heard that Tsunade was finally back in Konoha. We almost bumped into Naruto at that moment when we reached the hospital entrance. "Whoa!" Haku, Naruto, and I exclaimed as we immediately stopped ourselves just before colliding.

"Naruto." Huff. "You guys." Huff. "Are back." Haku and I said as we were catching our breath.

"Eh? Haku? Izaya? What are you guys doing here-dattebayo?" Naruto asked confused. Tsunade and Shizune just stood there watching the three of us amused.

"Right, you didn't know but Kimimaro is also sick. We heard that Lady Tsunade is back and we were wondering if she was going to stop by the hospital." I responded. Haku and I then turned to face Tsunade and respectfully said, "We greet Lady Tsunade."

"Oh? Mn. I like you two kids. Very respectful unlike some other brat that I know of." She said.

"Hey! I don't care about that right now. You said you would treat Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke. Let's go-dattebayo!" Naruto remarked.

"Haaaa…" Tsunade just let out a sigh and shook her head. She then looked at Haku and I then said, "So you two must be the kids that old man Sarutobi-sensei mentioned to me about earlier. You must be pretty skillful if that old man decided to take you on as disciples."

"AH?!" Naruto exclaimed when he heard this. "Wait? So you two are training under Lord Third?" He asked. Haku and I nodded as I said, "It's not just Haku and I but Kimimaro as well."

"EH?!" Naruto exclaimed again. Shizune then cut in and said, "Alright, Lady Tsunade, we should go check out how everyone is doing."

"Ah! Yeah Yeah, we can't waste anymore time-dattebayo!" Naruto said as he walked into the hospital alongside Haku and I. Tsunade just followed suit as we first stopped by Sasuke's room. As we all squeezed into that room we all noticed Sakura sitting beside Sasuke's bed.

So, in the end, Sasuke ended up fighting Itachi and Itachi still placed him under his Genjutsu I mentally thought to myself. I also gave an inward sigh at the tragedy of Itachi and also thought about my past. In this life I had really wanted to try and save Itachi, but I don't know if that's actually possible. He's already dying of an illness and I doubt he'd want to be saved after what he did. In my past life, after everything that I did on orders, even though I died at my own hands doing everything I could for my missions thinking about what would be best for the world, I guess I wouldn't want to be saved either. Now I have a second chance at life and can start over. Itachi doesn't have that.

Sasuke woke up after Tsunade finished healing him. I saw the look of dejection in his eyes and knew that he would try to seek more power through Orochimaru. Well, even if Orochimaru still has both uses of his arms, I doubt he'd be able to take over Sasuke's body. Most likely he'll learn to wield the power of the Curse Mark instead and Orochimaru's weapon to take over his body would instead become Sasuke's weapon to absorb Orochimaru.

As Sakura and Sasuke were having their little moment we went to Kakashi's room. She started berating Kakashi for getting beat after she healed him while Guy was nervously waiting behind the curtains. Naruto left after Kakashi was healed to go meet Iruka while we followed Tsunade as she went to check out Lee's wounds. "Hm…" She pondered as she looked at Lee's condition. Guy nervously and anxiously fidgeted on the side and finally couldn't help himself as he said, "W-Well? Lady Tsunade? How is he? Can you heal him?"

She let out a sigh and then said, "Probably."

Eh? Guy had a dumbfounded look before he finally breathed out a sigh of relief. Lee also breathed out a sigh of relief. Tsunade shook her head and said, "Don't celebrate yet. I said probably. That doesn't mean definitely. The thing is, Lee's injuries are incredibly dangerous. There are minute fractures around important parts of his nervous system. Originally I probably would of had a 50% chance at best to heal his injuries but I can see that the fractures have begun healing themselves and the cells in your body are full of vigor and vitality in those areas when after an injury like yours they should of been greatly atrophied. I should have about a 65% chance of healing your injuries. What sort of technique did you practice to do this?"

"Eh?" Guy had a look of confusion but then said, "Ha! It's because of youth! The springtime of youth has not left Lee!"

I facepalmed at Guy-sensei's uniqueness.

"Actually, it was a technique that Izaya taught me. He called it the Nine Dragons Breathing technique. By using this technique it has helped me revitalized the damaged area in my body." Lee said.

"Ah? Really? It's not because of the springtime of youth?" Guy said curiously.

"Ah?! Guy-sensei, I'm sure it was partly also because of the springtime of youth!" Lee quickly added.

"Hahahaha! I knew it!" Guy shouted. Tsunade, Shizune, Haku, and I just shook our heads at their idiocy. Tsunade took a look at me and said, "I've never heard of this technique before. You taught it to him?"

"Ah, yes. It is a technique I created myself called the Taijutsu Wushu Style Nine Dragons Breathing technique. The short version is, basically one takes in the surrounding energy, assimilate it with your chakra, baptize your injured tissue with the extra energy, have it draw away the impurities, and finally you breathe out those impurities." I responded. Her eyes widened in shock for a split second before she closed her eyes and pondered for a second. "Mn. I see. I can't believe a kid like you is able to come up with such a high level technique like this. I understand now why Sarutobi-sensei would be interested in you brats. Alright, Lee, I will return tomorrow evening to begin your treatment. If the treatment is successful then you should make a full recovery within a few weeks give or take."

"Yes!" Lee and Guy said excitedly as tears ran down their faces. Tsunade just shook her head as we all walked out of the room heading over to Kimimaro's room.

"Maro!" Haku ran into Kimimaro's room startling him.

"Haku?" He said curiously. He turned to the door and saw Izaya standing there with two women. "Izaya?"

"Yo, Kimimaro. This is Shizune, and this is Lady Tsunade. Remember what Hiruzen-sensei said? Lady Tsunade is going to be the Fifth Hokage and she's also the one who's going to help you recover."

With a momentary surprised look, Kimimaro, while still sitting on his bed clasped his right fist in his left hand and said, "I greet Lady Tsunade. My apologies but I am told to remain in my bed so I'm unable to give a proper greeting."

"Hahaha! Are you three kids always this polite? It's okay to lighten up around me you know. I'm not like that old geezer who's got a lecture and story with every word he says. Let me check on your condition." Tsunade said as she walked over and placed a hand on Kimimaro's back. "Hm...So you must also practice that Nine Dragons Breathing technique Izaya taught you." She commented.

"Yes. It has greatly helped alleviate my condition." Kimimaro replied.

"Mn. Well, I heard about your special condition from that old man. Indeed your body seems a bit special. You must have kept your Taijutsu and ninjutsu usage to a minimal which is good. And practicing that technique also seemed to help revitalize your body's cells. I'm sure I can treat you, however it'll be a long process. A few months at the least. I'll start the treatment right now." Tsunade said. Haku, Kimimaro, and I rejoiced at the good news. We all let out a sigh of relief.

"Oi, Haku, Izaya, you two kids don't need to be here. It's going to take a few hours. I doubt you both want to remain here that long. Kids like you should go out and play or something." She playfully remarked.

"She's right. You both can go do what you guys need to. I'll focus on my recovery." Kimimaro said.

"Mn." Haku and I nodded with smiles. We then bowed to Lady Tsunade to show our gratitude before leaving.

"You could learn some manners from them Lady Tsunade." Shizune said.

"Hm? Me? Hahahaha! Actually I think they could learn how to lighten up a bit from me." She said as she began treating Kimimaro. As Haku and I were just about to leave I noticed Naruto and Sasuke were having an argument. Eh? Don't tell me they're actually going to fight this time as well? I turned to Haku and said, "Haku, there's something that I want to check out first. You go on ahead, I'll meet up with you later."

"Eh? Okay big brother, then I'll head out first." Haku said curiously as he headed out the door.

I stood just outside of Sasuke's hospital room when I heard him ask Naruto to fight him. Sigh. I shouldn't interfere with matters between Itachi and Sasuke yet I said inwardly. Right as they were walking towards the door I disappeared into the shadows and quickly made my way to the rooftop in a hidden location. I watched on as Naruto and Sasuke argued and fought as Sakura stood by and watched. I shook my head to myself. Even if Sakura has learnt some Taijutsu and Genjutsu from me she still isn't at the level to interfere in Naruto and Sasuke's fight yet. Oh? So many Shadow Clones as always. As expected of Naruto. Oh? Mn, good Taijutsu movements from Sasuke. Fire Ball Jutsu eh? Well executed. Ah, there it is. Rasengan and Chidori. As I watched Naruto and Sasuke perform their signature techniques the glint of the sunlight caught my eye in that moment and I suddenly had a burst of inspiration. Oh? Hm...maybe this could work. I'll have to test out my theory later.

At that moment I saw from the corner of my eye Kakashi-sensei who successfully stopped Naruto and Sasuke's attack from colliding. He lectured Sasuke a bit before Sasuke left and Jiraiya ended up showing up as well. As they were talking, I decided to take this moment and leave, however, before I could take one step further Kakashi said, "Oi, you in the shadows. You can come out."

Ah?! I inwardly exclaimed in surprise. So he knew I was here eh? As expected of Kakashi-sensei. I walked out from the shadows and stood near Jiraiya who gave me a curious look.

"Eh? Oh! Aren't you that kid who used that barrier technique to prevent the Leaf from being damaged that day?" Jiraiya asked rhetorically.

"Uh? So it was you in the shadows Izaya. You didn't try to stop them?" Kakashi asked suspiciously. I let out a sigh and then said, "Well, it is as you and Lord Jiraiya said earlier. You noticed the look in Sasuke's eyes right? They were eyes filled with anger and resentment. The person he hates the most right now isn't Naruto, you, or even his brother Itachi. He hates himself the most right now for his lack of power. As for Naruto, he believes deeply in bonds. The only way they can resolve their inner turmoils are to fight it out with each other."

"Oh? You observed that much from their interaction just now? And you even know about Itachi?" Kakashi said surprised.

"Hoh. No wonder Sarutobi-sensei is interested in you. You've got a keen insight." Jiraiya said amused. I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly and said, "You praise me much. I'm not as impressive as you both think. As for Itachi, I've read plenty of history books from the library so it's only natural I know a thing or two about him."

Kakashi just stared at Izaya for a bit longer as he remembered the time when he witnessed Izaya activate the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, but made no further inquiries. "Well, I need to get going. There are some things I have to do." Kakashi said and then dashed off.

"Ah, then I should also get going. It was an honor to meet you Lord Jiraiya." I bowed respectfully and said before dashing off as well.

"Hum? What an interesting kid." Jiraiya mumbled to himself.

The next day everyone was gathered outside the town square in front of the Hokage's building as she was going to be enacted as the official Fifth Hokage. Haku and I stood there looking up as we awaited for the ceremony to finish. Lord Third soon introduced Lady Tsunade as the Fifth and the ceremony ended without incidents. Just as the crowd of people were walking out someone ended up bumping into me.

"Ouch!"

Hm? I turned back to look.

"Ah, I'm sorry." She said apologetically.

Ah? Isn't that Hyuga Hanabi? Hinata's younger sister I pondered to myself. "It's okay. Are you alright? It sounded like you got hurt." I replied.

"Ahem. Not really, it was a reflexive expression." She said firmly. I took a good look at her as she stared back. It seemed like she was trying to see through my blindfold. I guess she was too focused that she wasn't aware she was making a funny looking face. "Pffft!" I laughed.

"Eh? Hey, what's so funny?" She said.

"Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh, it's just that you looked so focused and you seemed a bit frustrated that you couldn't see through my blindfold, so you started puffing up your cheeks." I replied amusedly. She placed her hands on her cheeks and turned around. "Forget that you saw that." She pouted.

Neji walked over at this moment and said, "Hanabi, are you bothering Izaya?"

"Not on purpose." She said.

"Doesn't that mean you still are regardless?" He said as he looked at Izaya apologetically. I just waved my hands and said, "I don't mind. It was just an accident."

"Mn. That's right." Hanabi said and turned back around. I gave her a light smile, pointed to my blindfold and teasingly said, "Don't worry, I'll make sure to be extra careful not to bump into anyone else. It's my fault. I'm the one with the blindfold after all." I then turned to walk away.

"Hey, Neji. Who is that?" Hanabi asked curiously.

"That's Karasuma Izaya. He's two years older than you and one year younger than me. Are you curious about him?" Neji replied as he looked down at Hanabi.

"Ahem. I didn't ask you for his age, I asked you who that is. Jeez. While I'll admit he has a nice smile and is a little handsome I just thought he was a bit interesting." She said with a small blush. "Wait, wasn't he one of the participants in the Chunin exams? Who's stronger between you and him?"

"Ahem. Why do you need to know that?" Neji said.

"What, so you saying that he's stronger?" She said teasingly. Neji paused for a moment before saying, "Yes." He then walked off leaving a stunned Hanabi as she was shocked that her cousin had admitted someone was stronger than himself. She then ran over to catch up to Neji and started asking him more questions as they walked back to the clan.

Night soon fell over the Hidden Leaf as I watched atop a roof at the battle currently taking place. Sasuke vs. the Sound Four eh? Doesn't look like it's going well for him. I mentally noted as I sipped a cup of sweet warm milk. In the end he lost huh. He'll probably leave later tonight with the Sound Four guys. Well, I suppose I shouldn't interfere. Even if I interfere and Sasuke decides to stay in the village it'll probably only be a momentary change of heart. He'll remember all the clansmen as well as his father and mother that died by Itachi's hands and seek out his revenge again. I know I would if I was ignorant of the situation and it happened to me. And if he doesn't seek revenge then all of Itachi's plans would have been for naught. He wanted to die only by his brothers hands.

It's like I told Haku and Kimimaro before. Everyone has a path they must walk down alone to better understand themselves and find their own ninja way. This is Sasuke's path. Eventually his path and Naruto's path will intersect and he'll hopefully see the light of day again. I wonder if our paths will intersect now as well? Guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there. The truth is, I need Sasuke to get stronger so I can plan for the future invasion of the Ootsutsuki clan. What a pain. Ah...He left. I watched on as Sasuke and Sakura had their moment of intimacy before Sasuke walked out of the Village. I took one more sip of my sweet warm milk before whispering to myself, "Now what to do if I'm asked to bring Sasuke back…"