It All Started With A Smell

A Grain of Hope

He hadn't expected the flurry of movement and organising would be overwhelming after the illogical nightmare that had been the battlefield, and yet, he barely registered how he was sent to the hospital. He remembered Konohamaru was the one to sign in he, Naruto, and the others in Kurama. The young Genin had shot forward, yelling Naruto's name upon seeing the signature blonde hair of his big sister in the fox's form. He hadn't even paused before jumping up to wrap her in a tight hug, tears in his eyes. He had finally let her go only to jump on Shikamaru with another strong embrace. After that they had been herded to the triage sector that had been set up outside the hospital.

Kurama had disappeared back into Naruto once Shikaku, Inoichi, and the Cloud woman had been passed into healer hands but Shikamaru noticed that Naruto stayed next to Shikaku, holding his wrist. Sakura stopped Ino and Shikamaru at the door to their fathers' room, telling them to wait whilst they got them stabilised. Naruto, however, had been ushered inside. Shikamaru had had to swallow thickly, realising that Kurama was still manually pumping his father's heart through his girlfriend holding his father's hand.

There was no denying that both Naruto and Kurama were exhausted. The natural tan of the blonde's skin had paled to a sickly chalky grey, her shoulders were slumped, and she seemed to barely registered when people were nearby. The way she kept seeking him out with her eyes told him she wasn't liking the last part.

When Sakura allowed them access to the room, the pink haired woman reminding Ino she would have to get to work soon, Shikamaru went to Naruto, wrapping his arms around her waist. Slowly, she loosened her grip on Shikaku's wrist, prying her fingers from the pale flesh. As she moved her hand away, Shikamaru noticed how it shook. Her whole body felt like it was trembling.

"Is his heart beating on its own?" Shikamaru asked into the silence.

"No," Ino answered, "The machine next to him is so Kurama doesn't have to. They'll keep a close eye on both of them. Someone should stay with him."

As she spoke the door slid open violently, its wheels rattling as it hit the end of the run and bounced. In rushed their mothers, who instantly pulled their respective children into a hug. Aunt Momiji reached out her hand to hold Naruto's as the blonde was engulfed in Yoshino's arms with Shikamaru. Aiai, Eiji, Ryota, and the twins' mother, Kurva entered after them, Kurva quietly closing the door. Their mother was one of the tiniest women Shikamaru had ever seen. He had never noticed because she had a terrifying presence, something that was probably helpful in interrogation. Now, however, with her eyes red, her arms hugging her stomach, and a lost look on her face, she looked every inch of her four foot seven.

"Aunt Kurva," He spoke over his mother's shoulder, his voice wavering.

"I know, Shikamaru." She sniffled, Ryota wrapping his large arms around her small shoulders.

"Mum handed his body scroll over." Ryota's words made a sob come from his sister.

Aiai, having had to be told by her mother and brother looked to be still in the early stages of shock. Shikamaru wondered if it should have been him to tell her, since he was temporary leader until his dad was able to fulfil his duties. Selfishly, he was thankful he hadn't.

Yoshino finally pulled back, Aunt Momiji and Ino taking the opportunity to pull a stunned and stumbling Naruto into their arms. The Heart of the Naras went to her niece, who was being comforted by her husband. Pulling her into her arms she ordered Eiji get her a glass of water and a chair.

"What happens now?" Ryota asked, looking at the adults in the room.

"The Leaders of the Clans will have work to do," Yoshino admitted, looking sorrowfully at Ino and Shikamaru. "Choza will be able to help, but there are tasks you two will have to do."