The Conqueror of The Shinobi World

Legacy of Ashes

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Chapter 98, Chapter 99, Chapter 100, Chapter 101, Chapter 102, Chapter 103, Chapter 104, Chapter 105, Chapter 106, Chapter 107, Chapter 108, and Chapter 109 are already available for Patrons.

The sterile white of the hospital room seemed to blur at the edges of Asuma's vision as consciousness slowly returned to him. The familiar antiseptic smell filled his nostrils, mixing with the lingering scent of cigarettes that always seemed to cling to his clothes, even the standard-issue hospital gown he now wore.

He blinked several times, adjusting to the harsh fluorescent lighting above. The soft rhythmic sounds of breathing drew his attention to his right, where three figures were slumped in uncomfortable-looking hospital chairs.

Shikamaru was closest to the bed, his chunin vest wrinkled and stained, dark circles prominent under his closed eyes. His normally neat ponytail was disheveled, strands of black hair falling across his face. His mesh armor shirt was visible beneath the vest, showing tears and signs of recent combat.

Next to him, Ino had curled up awkwardly in her chair, her long blonde hair falling like a curtain over her face. Her purple outfit was similarly disheveled, the bandages around her midsection spotted with dirt and what looked like dried blood.

And then there was Kurenai. Asuma's heart tightened at the sight of her. She wore her standard outfit – that distinctive red mesh armor blouse with only the right sleeve, layered with bandages that formed a pattern on her arms and legs. Her dark, wild hair fell across her face as she dozed, head tilted at an angle that would surely leave her neck sore.

"Damn it, Shikamaru," Asuma muttered under his breath, his voice rough from disuse. "You should've taken her home..." The words held no real anger, just concern tinged with affection.

Trying to push himself up, Asuma's body immediately protested. A sharp, burning pain erupted from his abdomen, forcing a harsh gasp from his lips. Looking down, he saw thick white bandages wrapped around his torso, a faint red stain visible through the layers.

The pain triggered the memory – Naruto, standing before him, those once-bright blue eyes now cold and distant. The flash of steel, the burning sensation of the blade sliding through flesh and muscle. His student's voice, calm and detached: "I'm sorry, Sensei. But this is necessary."

"Naruto..." Asuma whispered, his hand unconsciously moving to his wound. "What are you trying to prove?"

A soft groan from his right drew his attention. Kurenai was stirring, her crimson eyes fluttering open. When she saw him awake, they widened instantly.

"Asuma!" She was out of her chair in a moment, careful not to wake the others as she moved to his bedside. Her hands hovered over him uncertainly, as if afraid to touch him. "You're awake. How do you feel?"

"Like I've been stabbed," he attempted a weak joke, but Kurenai's expression remained serious. "I'm okay, really. Just sore."

She sat on the edge of his bed, her hand finding his. "You've been unconscious for eight days," she said softly, her voice catching. "We weren't sure..."

"Hey," he squeezed her hand gently. "It'll take more than that to keep me down." He tried to smile, but something in her expression made it fade. "Kurenai? What aren't you telling me?"