NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Hospitalized
Dosuke opened his eyes. A snow-white ceiling greeted him.
He tried to lift his arm. Something held it down. He turned his head. A needle was in his arm, tied to a tube.
"You are awake," a voice said from the next bed.
Dosuke looked over. "Kakashi, why are you here? I remember fainting. Where is this?" he asked.
"This is Konoha Hospital," Kakashi said, hands behind his head, leaning on his pillow. "Yesterday's fight hurt my arm. They sent me here with you. You passed out from using too much chakra. Tsunade treated you. Without her, you might have been out longer."
The door squeaked open. Teacher Ryo walked in, holding two fruit baskets. He placed one on Kakashi's table and one on Dosuke's.
"You two, what happened?" he asked. "I told you before the match, friendship comes first. You have a bright future!" * My best students pushed too hard. I was scared when Dosuke fell, * he thought.
"I am sorry, sensei. I made you worry," Dosuke said, pulling off his blanket. He sat up. "Kakashi, I am sorry for hurting you."
"I am sorry too," Kakashi said, looking at Dosuke. "I judged you wrong before. Now I see your strength matches mine, Dosuke."
"Enough heavy talk," Ryo said, breaking the silence. "Dosuke, I met Tsunade at the hospital entrance. She said if you are awake, find her on the third floor." He turned to Kakashi, his face proud but worried. "Kakashi, the Third Hokage approved your early graduation. Once your arm heals, report to the Mission Assignment Desk."
Ryo limped to the door. He paused, back to Kakashi. "You are young, Kakashi. Your skill is great, but…" His voice faded. He left.
"Congratulations, Kakashi," Dosuke said. "You are ahead of me now."
"With your strength, you could graduate early too," Kakashi replied.
Dosuke heard this and thought, * I only won because I'm a smart, hardworking adult in a kid's body. Would a normal kid really work that hard, other than Guy? If my chakra were as good as you prodigies, I'd be unstoppable. *
Dosuke sighed and glanced at the infusion bag above. It was not empty, but he pulled the needle out. He fixed his clothes, ready to meet Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin.
Dosuke reached the third floor. Signs listed hospital staff and offices.
* Where is she? * Dosuke thought, walking the hallway. He asked the nurses, but few came to this floor. It was for hospital leaders.
He hesitated near an office door. Then, a door at the hall's end opened. A man stepped out, long hair in a light blue shawl, wearing a Konoha headband, brown shirt, and green pants. He held a fruit basket and looked at Dosuke. "Who are you looking for?"
Dosuke froze. * Is that Kato Dan? The ninja with spirit jutsu? * His heart raced. * If he senses I am different, I am in trouble. *
"Hello," Dosuke said, forcing a shy smile, rubbing his head like a kid. "My teacher said Tsunade-sama asked me to come to the third floor. But I do not know her room."
Kato Dan smiled gently. "You are the kid Tsunade was waiting for. She said you woke up too slow. Her office is room 314, south end. Go ahead."
"Thank you," Dosuke said, hurrying to the room.
He knocked. "Knock, knock."
"Come in," a strong voice answered.
Dosuke pushed the door open. A tidy office appeared. A bookcase lined the wall, full of books. A desk sat in the center, with teacups and a tea set scattered on it.
Tsunade stood by the window, looking out. She wore a white short-sleeve top, a black grid suit tight around her waist, and a short skirt. Her ninja boots showed her toes, neat like jewels. Her blond hair swung in a ponytail, playful, more like a kind neighbor than a fierce Sannin.
"Tsunade-sama, thank you for healing me," Dosuke said, placing his fruit basket on the desk. "Kakashi told me."
Tsunade turned, eyeing him. She questioned him sharply.
"Stealing A-rank is a serious crime," she said, her voice hard. "Tell me who taught you Mystic Palm Jutsu, and I will plead your case to the Third Hokage."
"No one taught me," Dosuke said, nervous under her gaze. * She is a legend. I have only been in this world for a year. * Her stare felt heavy. He spoke fast. "You taught me, Tsunade-sama. A year ago, I broke ribs at ninja school. You healed me and explained Mystic Palm Jutsu."
"You learned it from one explanation?" Tsunade asked, doubtful. * When he was in a coma. I checked his past. Orphaned at three, parents died in the war with no other family member alive. *
* Enrolled at academy at the age four with neighbors' help. Quiet and trains with the Might Duy's kid Guy. *
"I understand," she said. "Go rest and recover."
Dosuke nodded and left, his heart still pounding, worried about what might happen next.