Hatake

46

As I lay on cold floor I watch as a pair of shoes gets closer to me.

They kneel down next to me.

I see the comforting green glow of someone healing me.

I flinch as they touch my face.

I close my eyes and feel my body get rolled onto a stretcher.

When I open my eyes again I'm in the familiar hospital.

Next to me is Tenzo.

He is slouched in his chair but awake.

I wiggle my hand and he turns to me.

"Hey." He says.

I see my hand has been rewrapped.

I sit up and rub my sore neck.

"Just a second, Akari." Tenzo says and steps into the hall.

Tenzo walks back in with Lady Hokage.

I frown.

"Akari. You are no longer in the Anbu." She says.

"No..." I say defeated.

Tenzo walks closer to me and motions to my hand.

"When did that happen?" He asks.

"What?" I say trying to buy time to think.

"That looks to me like it was forceful and with a sharp blade." Tsunade says.

I say nothing. My mouth feels dry.

"Did you do it?" She adds.

"Hey? Wait a second." Tenzo says.

"What do you know about Tiger?" I say abruptly.

Tenzo's eyes fall to the floor.

"Tell me!" I demand.

"Did you know he was Uchiha?" I say.

Lady Tsunade's face changes.

"Yes, he was half Uchiha. And he was unable to unlock his sharingan. So he put himself in danger. Then I... I—he wanted me to help him." I say.

Tenzo looks at me in shock.

"Did you do it? Unlock the sharingan?" He asks.

"Yes. Then I was told he got switched units." I say.

"He was murdered." Tenzo says placing a hand on my shoulder.

"No." I reply.

"Don't switch the topic about your finger." Lady hokage says.

I ignore what she yells at me.

Tenzo pats my arm lightly before he leaves.

I don't talk until Shikaku walks in by himself.

"Akari?" He says softly.

I look to him and feel the weight of sadness.

He grabs my right hand and holds it.

"Akari please. You have to tell us something. Tell me. I'm listening." He says.

Shikamaru and Yoshino enter.

She pets my hair and tucks it behind my ears.