The path back home

Chapter 3

          After the medical inspections -in which I had been promised freedom after they were done with- the doctors announced that I would have to stay for another week. I would've argued with them, but the fact that I knew close to no Japanese is causing me nothing but trouble.

         And so, I lay in the hospital bed, bored out of my mind. I can't talk to anyone because no one understands me. Even ordering breakfast here is a hassle. But no matter that, I mean I'm still in Naruto after all.

         It's insane to think about, though. Nothing really adds up. But if it weren't for the pain that I've experienced while being here, I would think this is a dream. And it could very well be a dream. A dream in which my mind has decided to torture me with pain. But even if that is so, I might as well enjoy myself while I'm here.

         This is a beautiful gift to give to someone as pathetic as me.

         The door to my hospital room creeks open. I don't bother turning my head over to whoever's coming in. I've just decided it's probably one of the nurses checking up on me again. What I don't expect to hear is the voice of, yet again, Kakashi Hatake.

           "How are you feeling?" He says, startling me to the point I almost paralyze again. I decide to play dumb and cock my head to the side as though I don't know who he is.

         "Oh, that's right. I haven't introduced myself. My name is Kakashi Hatake. My team and I found you passed out while on a mission and brought you back here." Hearing him say those words causes me to almost faint. But I maintain my composure. Wouldn't want the Copycat Ninja to think I'm weird.

         "Arigato," I thank, hoping that my Japanese isn't too off. If that doesn't mean thank you, then I might as well kill myself right now.

         He looks shocked, and my stomach starts churning. Maybe I shouldn't trust English subs anymore. "No problem. I just came here to check up on you to see if you were alright. I've been informed you don't speak Japanese, but that you somehow understand it, so you saying thank you took me by surprise." He gave me what I know is a smile, even though I can only see one of his eyes.

         He turns to leave, and I begin to panic. I don't want to be alone again. "Shinobi?" I try to say. He turns on his heels and smiles ones more. "Are you a ninja?" He asks.

         This communication restriction is the worst things that could've happened to me. Well, aside from having to face intolerable pain. That one was probably the worst.

         I look down and force my self to look the most disappointed I possibly could. I then slowly shake my head. He seems to get the memo because he looks back at me sympathetically.

         "It's never too late to enroll into the academy," he says cheerfully. "That is if you're actually staying in Konoha." Academy? Can I enroll in the academy? A wide grin spreads across my lips, and I am no longer able to put on a mask. I'll be able to meet all my favorite characters, and learn how to channel my chakra, and fight battles besides them.

         "How about we go get you enrolled once you're released from the hospital?" I nod furiously as though I'm a bobble head figure. "See you then!" And with that, he's off, and I'm left with excitement and happiness to drown myself in.

...............

          "Alright, you're set to go, Misha," Dr.Kusoke tells me. "I know it's been quite inconvenient having to stay in the hospital doing nothing, but we couldn't risk this happening again." I simply nod in response (something which I'd found myself doing more and more often).