𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙐𝙕𝙐𝙈𝘼𝙆𝙄 𝙁𝘼𝙈𝙄𝙇𝙔

Part 59

As soon as the doorbell echoed through the house, Boruto and Sarada exchanged a wide-eyed glance, bracing themselves. They both knew that Inojin had arrived, and with him was sure to come a thorough lecture—especially for Sarada, who had stubbornly pushed through her fever without letting anyone else help.

Downstairs, Hima darted to the door, excitement lighting up her face. She flung it open and practically leapt into Inojin’s arms, making him chuckle as he steadied her.

"Inojin!! I missed you so, so much!" she exclaimed, holding him tightly.

Naruto and Hinata shared a smile, amused by their daughter’s enthusiasm.

"At least let him get inside first, Hima," Naruto teased, folding his arms with a knowing grin.

Both Inojin and Hima blushed, but Inojin greeted Naruto and Hinata respectfully as he stepped inside. "Ojisan, Obasan," he said with a slight bow.

Hinata smiled warmly. "How are you, Inojin?" she asked, genuinely pleased to see him.

"I’m doing well, Obasan," he replied, handing over a bag to Hima, which contained the important paperwork she’d asked him to bring over for Sarada.

"Oh!" Hima took the bag, suddenly realizing something. "About this paperwork… I forgot to tell you…"

Inojin’s eyebrows arched. "Tell me what, Hima?"

Naruto cleared his throat, stepping forward. "Actually, Sarada's fever spiked last night," he explained. "She seemed better yesterday, but it flared up, and even this morning, it’s still high."

Inojin’s expression darkened with worry. "What?!" His voice held a mix of concern and frustration, his eyes narrowing slightly. "She’s still sick, and she's been pushing herself like that? Typical Sarada…"

Hima added, her tone sympathetic, "Yeah… I don’t think she’ll be able to handle the paperwork right now."

Inojin nodded, his jaw set as he gripped the handle of his bag a bit tighter. "Where is she?" he asked, the determination in his voice leaving no room for argument.

Naruto gestured toward the stairs. "In her room with Boruto."

With a quick nod, Inojin headed upstairs, his face a mask of steely resolve. He wasn’t just Sarada’s friend, but in many ways, he had always looked out for her like an older brother. Hima had filled him in on Sarada’s stubborn streak and how she always tried to push past her limits, even when it wasn’t good for her. And he couldn’t help but feel frustrated that she’d put herself in this position again.

Upstairs, Boruto and Sarada could hear Inojin’s determined footsteps approaching. They both glanced at each other, the tension palpable. They knew this was coming—and neither one of them could avoid it now.