A Strange New Life || Isekai'd Reader To Naruto World

Embers of Tomorrow

The morning sunlight filtered through the hospital windows, casting a soft glow over the recovery room where Naruto, Sakura, Sai, and I were gathered. The atmosphere was quiet, with only the sound of the occasional shuffle from the nurses and the distant murmur of footsteps.

I was busy preparing some medicine and chakra supplements for the boys—Naruto still recovering from his injuries, and Sai trying to keep his stoic demeanor, which was always amusing to me. Sakura, ever so kind, was slicing apples, offering one to Sai.

"Sai, you really should eat. You’re still recovering, too," she said, her tone sweet and concerned as she passed him a slice of apple.

Sai, of course, was buried in the book Kakashi had given him—one of those strange, emotionally-intriguing reads that I could never quite understand. With his usual deadpan expression, he looked at the apple before glancing at Sakura and then back down at his book. "You know, Sakura… this kind of action could be interpreted as… affection. It’s just like what I’m reading here."

I couldn’t help but burst into laughter from the bed where I was busy sorting the bottles of medicine. "Oh wow, Sai. Really? You think Sakura has a crush on you just because she’s offering you an apple?" I teased, smirking at her. "Didn’t know you were that smooth, Sakura."

Sakura, cheeks flushing a little at my words, rolled her eyes. "Shut up, (Y/n)," she said, clearly embarrassed but also amused.

Meanwhile, Naruto was fast asleep in the bed next to mine, still recovering from the last battle. His breathing was steady, but I could see a small, faint smile tugging at his lips as he muttered something in his sleep. It didn’t take long for me to realize what he was mumbling, though—his usual quiet whispers of “Hinata...”

My smile widened involuntarily. So, this was what he was dreaming about. Of course, I had known for a while that he harbored feelings for Hinata, but it was still endearing to hear him whisper her name in his sleep. I couldn’t help but feel a little joy for both of them—after all, their bond was something that had grown so naturally over time.

Just as I was about to comment on it, Sakura, who was standing by Naruto’s bed, accidentally jammed an apple in his mouth as he stirred in his sleep. The sudden motion startled Naruto awake, and his wide-eyed panic was enough to make me laugh out loud.

"Naruto!" Sakura cried, trying to pull the apple back out of his mouth. "You were dreaming! Don’t choke!"

Naruto sputtered, eyes wide as he coughed. "I’m fine, I’m fine!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in defense. "I didn’t mean to... Hey, why did you put an apple in my mouth, Sakura?!"

Kakashi, who had just walked in at that moment, shook his head, clearly amused by the scene before him. "It’s good to see you’re awake, Naruto, but if you’re planning on leaving the hospital already, I would advise against it. You’re still not fully recovered, and leaving prematurely could have dire consequences."

Naruto, ever eager to be out and about, looked like a puppy who had been denied his favorite treat. "Come on, Kakashi-sensei! I can’t just lie here forever! I need to train, I need to get stronger! The Akatsuki won’t wait for me."

I gave him a gentle but firm reminder, knowing it would be more effective coming from me. "Naruto, you have to listen to Kakashi-sensei. You won’t be any use to anyone if you push yourself too hard."

Naruto, clearly recognizing my seriousness, nodded. "Yeah, I know, (Y/n). But I’m ready to move, okay?"

Sakura gave me a thankful look, and I returned her smile before Kakashi addressed us.

Kakashi, ever so calm and collected, then motioned for both Sakura and me to come closer. "Sakura, (Y/n), can you keep an eye on Naruto and Sai? I need to talk to Asuma for a moment."