To Have a Mother [Slow Updates]

Episode Two: Welcome Home

Akari stood trembling in the hallway of the Leaf hospital, gaining word from several different doctors that even the children she managed to rescue from the fire passed away anyway due to smoke inhalation or severe burns. Children were dying one after another. Whether it was in the havoc of the attack the night prior or in the aftermath, she couldn't save a single child, not even her own son who was wavering between life and death behind the door at which she stood. By some miracle, Daichi had survived the explosion and was emitted to the hospital, providing Akari some hope. However, he never regained consciousness.

"I'm sorry," a doctor finally came out to say, "His heart has given out and we are not positive we can restart it."

It was those words that caused Akari to snap. Her breathing was so unsteady, she couldn't even bring herself to cry. Before the doctor could even say any more, the jōnin ran away. Away from the hospital, away from it all. She'd lost not only her husband and son, but her entire clan. If the Enomoto Clan was gone, what need was there of her? She'd contemplated on ending her life, but realized she should not let grief overcome her. It was not what her family would have wanted for her. However, she couldn't stay in the village. Not where her loved ones were taken from her.

Naruto's eyes fluttered open and he scanned his surroundings. He recognized the green walls and the smell of disinfectant that came with staying at the Leaf Hospital. He felt an IV attached his arm and tight bandages around his stinging knife wound.

"Oh, Naruto," Sakura ran up to him and sat at his bedside, "you're awake! Are you okay?"

"Hey, Sakura," the blond said dreamily as he wore the smile of an idiot, "Glad to see you worried about me."

Sakura smacked the boy's head and stepped away from him. "You're clearly fine!"

Naruto winced, rubbing his head and sat up. "How's Akari?"

"She's down the hall with Sasuke and Kakashi Sensei," Sakura replied. "But Sensei hasn't spoken a single word or moved from her bedside."

"Yeah, Akari is his childhood friend or something," Naruto explained, beginning to climb out of bed. "She's been away from the village for twelve years. He probably just missed her a lot."

Sakura rushed to prevent him from standing up. "Hey, you shouldn't be moving around yet. You lost a lot of blood, you know."

"Nah, I'm totally fine," Naruto reassured, standing up without trouble and pulling out his IV. "Thanks to Akari, the cut wasn't that deep. It barely even hurts anymore."

Unbeknownst to Sakura, Naruto truly was healed due to the Nine Tails restoration abilities. Knowing better than to try and stop him, she only shook her head and guided him towards Akari's hospital room across the hall.

"Hey, guys!" Naruto greeted, catching Sasuke's attention, but not Kakashi's. He kept a serious eye on Akari, who laid unconsciously before him. "Sensei?"

Kakashi still didn't respond. It wasn't even that he was ignoring Naruto; it was as if he couldn't hear him at all. The three genin wondered what he was thinking about so intensely to be able to block out someone as loud as Naruto.

"Please don't leave!" Kakashi cried. "Stay in the village with us!"

"I have to, Ash!" Akari wept as she packed her bag. "I can't stay in this big house alone. Just the thought of those children coming back to haunt me makes my stomach churn."

"You could live with me if you want!" Kakashi blushed slightly as tears began to slide over his masked face. "We'd argue all day and piss each other off about the stupidest things, but I'd let you live with me if it meant you'd stay by my side. I can't lose anyone else!"