𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐀𝐙𝐄𝐊𝐀𝐆𝐄'𝐒 𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐑 | gaara

Part 25

"How are you feeling today, [Name]?" Risa and Ichiro walk in, holding a plastic bag of your favourite foods for you to eat. You'd just been shipped out of the intensive care unit, and you were expected to stay a couple of days in bedrest before the medical ninja saw it fit for you to be released.

"Much better!" you beam cheerfully at them, as they come to your side and take a seat each. Ichiro begins unpacking the plastic bag's contents onto your bedside table, and Risa begins to speak.

"That's good. Huh, hey, when were those Leaf ninja heading out?" she asks, looking over at Ichiro. He scrunches up the plastic bag into a ball and puts it into his pocket.

"Today, I think." He glances at the watch on his wrist. "Should be leaving soon." There's a knock at the door, and all three of you look up. Risa grins.

"Speak of the devil! You guys getting ready to leave?" The Leaf shinobi all nod, and the blonde one steps forward, scratching the back of his head. You sit up straight, and Risa and Ichiro get to their feet.

"We'll wait outside," says Risa softly, before heading outside with your brother. The grey haired man speaks up.

"I think that goes for me as well. See you later, eh, [Name]-chan?" He salutes at you with two fingers, then stalks out after your siblings. Now the raven haired boy, the blonde, and the girl are all left in the room. The raven haired boy coughs into his hand.

"I'll, uh... go as well..." He bows to you. "It was nice to meet you, [Name]-chan. I'm Sasuke. Sasuke Uchiha. I hope you get better soon." You nod as he straightens up and makes his way to the door.

"See you later, Sasuke-kun! Thanks for coming!" You look back at the blonde boy and the pink haired girl, who stutters as she tries to find the right words to say.

"Hi," you say, smiling at her. "Thank you for saving me." She bows.

"It was no problem, [Name]-chan! Sakura here! Sakura Haruno!" You nod at her.

"It was an honour to meet you, Sakura-chan," you say politely. "I'm [Name]. [Name] [Surname]." Your gaze shifts up to the blonde haired boy, who looks like he's trying to keep his cool. He suddenly bows deeply.

"I'm sorry for attacking you, [Name]-chan!" he exclaims, bowing repeatedly. "Please forgive me!" A vein pops on Sakura's forehead and she punches him, making him wince.

"Naruto, take it seriously, will ya?!" Naruto whimpers and looks back at you. You snort.

"Naruto, eh? So you're Gaara's friend?" Naruto looks taken aback.

"Yeah, Naruto Uzumaki! And, um... I guess- wait, Gaara told you I'm his friend?" he exclaims. You nod.

"Yeah, in a way," you grin. "Thank you guys for coming out here. I hope you have a safe journey back home."

"O-oh! Yeah, um, I hope you get better soon, [Name]-chan! I really apologise for attacking you with my rasengan!" You nod again.

"It's fine, Naruto. Thanks to Sakura's healing, I'll be better in no time," you grin. Naruto and Sakura nod, and make to leave. As he reaches the door, Naruto turns around.

"Hey, [Name]?" You raise an eyebrow. "Take care of Gaara, will ya? I mean, it's not every day the Kazekage goes crazy over a girl's death." He looks over his shoulder and you exchange grins.

"I'd be honoured to."