Lotus Of The Leaf ~Book One~

Chapter 8! Forest of Chakra

My eyes snapped open, staring at the ceiling above me. I sit up with a groan, feeling the tightness in my arms and legs, and definitely in my chest. I gaze around me, wondering why I had been sleeping alone. I looked down at my chest, heaving out a sigh as crisp, white bandages covered my torso. I grabbed my kimono, attempting to pull it on as the door slides open. I squeak, pulling the blanket up to cover my chest. "Ren! You're awake!" Sakura chimes happily, coming to my side immediately.

"Sakura... You ever hear of knocking?" I groan, slumping forward. She giggles as she helps me dress.

"You took a beating, for sure. You chest looked like a giant grape with out purple it was!"

"Gah!" She laughs again, helping me stand.

"By the way, I just wanted to apologize." She hummed, looking down and clasping her hands behind her back.

"Hm?" I cock my head at her, wondering just what the heck she was going on about.

"The hair dye? I guess, after seeing you fight just to keep us safe, that I never really did apologize." A smile lifts onto my lips. "Besides, Ino keeps telling me you're not even interested in Sasuke like I am."

My face drops and I'm sitting there wondering if that really was her reason. "Jeez Sakura, you sure can be possessive."

"Oh, I know! But hey! Come on! Breakfast is about done! And the guys are waiting anxiously for you to get back so we can eat together!" She grabs onto my hand and practically hauls me out of the room.

"S-Sakura!"

Sasuke and Naruto both jump out of their seats when we enter the dining room. Sasuke's face turned pink as he quickly sat back down, covering his lips with his fist in an attempt to cover up his concern. All the while Naruto swarmed, asking if I needed anything, or if I need a foot rub.

A fist slammed down onto his skull and sent him into the ground. "Calm down, Naruto. She just woke up. Give her some air." Sasuke reprimanded coolly. I smiled at them, and started to laugh. A flash of pain had me hunched over, holding my chest as I wheezed out small bursts of laughter from their bickering.

After breakfast, we all surrounded Kakashi. He had dark rings around his eyes and looked ill, and worn down. "Kakashi, your Sharingan is amazing and all, but it puts a lot of strain on you. It's not worth the fuss." I scold, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Sorry, Ren." Kakashi apologized.

"You put up a great fight against Zabuza, and that alone is something to be proud of, but since I am in your care, I worry for your health. So stop making me worry, or I'll burn your books." I state with a poker face. A cold chill washed over the room with my evil tone. Then, we all get serious.

"He did take down one of the most powerful ninja assassins so we'll be safe for a while," Tazuna commented.

"Well, yes. But something still doesn't make sense. Something doesn't feel right. It just doesn't make any sense.... I think he's still alive." I say calmly, staring down at my hands.

"You said so yourself, Ren! No vital signs!" Naruto shouted after everyone went against my gut feeling.

"Kakashi taught me about tracker ninjas a long time ago. He should've worked on Zabuza's body right then and there, but he didn't. I'm thinking, he hit the pressure point in his neck to put him into a near death state, so I couldn't feel his pulse. I think they're in kahoots." I explain.

"Ren's right." Kakashi stated, sitting up with an exhausted sigh. "We'll have to get ready for our next meeting with him."

"But how can we do that when you and Ren can barely move?!" Sakura questioned, making Kakashi chuckle.