uzumaki shira | naruto

Shippuden Act 29

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Sai didn't know what to make of Uzumaki Shira.

The bond Naruto spoke of was something he tried to understand bit by bit; a bond that spoke of love and care that he couldn't remember feeling anymore. Just what did it mean to be family? Why would Naruto go so far for someone who had hurt him deeply, leaving a scar that would never fade?

"Sai," the artist blinked and glanced at the subject of his thoughts. For some reason, Shira had sought him out that early morning. "I was hoping you could tell the old hag the operations Danzo did in the past few years. Out of everyone we know, you're the one we trust the most." She spoke of words that would have meant nothing to him once but...

Trust me? Why would she trust me after I tried to assassinate her? Confusion overtook his expression and Shira must have noticed it because the next thing he knew, she reached up to mess his usually tamed raven locks. That action caused him to rapidly blink, trying to process what just happened.

That... was a sign of affection, correct? I have seen her do it for Naruto-kun.

"You don't have to if you don't want to. I can just assign Hibana to investigate-"

"- I'll do it." The words came out faster than he could think. When it sank it, he almost felt embarrassed by what he said. Why did he even say that?

The redhead arched a curious eyebrow at him but she simply smiled. A smile she gave to her friends and family. "Thanks."

Ah, an epiphany hit him out of nowhere. I want to protect them.

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"Thank you, Karin-san."

With the old hag and Sakura working together, the treatment on Itachi had gone seamlessly without any complications. The only downside that came with it was that he had to stay in bed for a month. However, thanks to the pinkette's suggestion, the process of healing was sped up thanks to Karin. The bespectacled redhead didn't mind letting the Uchiha bite her forearm.

After all, they needed all the manpower they could get. Besides, Itachi was someone who Shira treasured. Karin didn't need to think twice.

"It's no problem! As long as it benefits Shira-kun, Team Hibana is willing to do anything!" The proud look that overtook the redhead's features amused Tsunade whereas Sakura chuckled under her breath.

After shooting the medic-in-training an amused look, Lady Hokage turned towards to Itachi. "That eye transplant you told me about; until you're not in tiptop shape, we won't do it. Your illness had been with you for years. Your body can't take anymore stress even if we sped up its healing process. Take a few days of rest, I'll have the twins and your brother monitor you for at least four days. If your condition's better then, we'll have the operation."

Hearing those words, it felt like they were magical words that lifted off some of the weights on his shoulders. "I appreciate everything you've done for me, Hokage-sama."

"Well, your Shira was pretty adamant about me healing you personally instead of having Sakura lead the operation."

"It's not like I can completely cure him like you do, shishou." The pinkette commented with a slight pout aimed at the older woman. "I still have some ways to go."

Tsunade rolled her eyes at her student while washing her hands in a small basin. "You're too humble for someone who already took in a disciple of her own." Karin and Sakura shared a startled look, baffled how the Lady Hokage knew of their endeavor. They were certain that neither told anyone at all.