The sharp scent of antiseptic filled the air.
Sunlight seeped weakly through the window blinds of Konoha Hospital, illuminating the pale figure lying silently on the bed.
Naruto Uzumaki, the masked hero who had fought against the monstrous Obito, now lay heavily bandaged, resembling a bedridden mummy.
From head to toe, his body was wrapped in pristine white bandages, only his mouth and golden hair poking out.
A faint line of drool trickled from the corner of his lips as he snored quietly.
---
Visitors of Concern
The door creaked open.
Soft footsteps echoed in the sterile room.
Ino Yamanaka tiptoed inside, carrying a bouquet of bright sunflowers.
Sakura Haruno followed with a fruit basket, while Hinata Hyuga clutched a small handmade charm nervously.
Tenten trailed behind them with a container of freshly made dumplings.
Seeing Naruto lying there like a broken rag doll, their hearts clenched painfully.
> "N-Naruto-kun..." Hinata whispered, her lavender eyes shimmering with tears.
> "Idiot..." Sakura muttered under her breath, biting her lower lip. "Why are you always like this... fighting alone?"
> "He looks horrible!" Ino exclaimed, quickly placing the flowers in a vase. "Someone needs to teach him how to take care of himself!"
> "Tch. Reckless as ever," Tenten huffed, though her eyes were soft.
They each stayed by his side for a few moments, offering prayers, gentle touches, and whispered words of encouragement.
---
After a while, the girls quietly left, knowing Naruto needed rest.
But just as the door was about to close—
Naruto stirred slightly, his eyelids fluttering.
And then, he caught a glimpse —
A slender figure slumped beside his bed, her head resting on the mattress, breathing softly in exhaustion.
It was Izumi Uchiha.
---
Silent Affection
A faint smile tugged at Naruto's lips.
Slowly, ignoring the pain shooting through his battered body, he raised his hand.
His fingers gently brushed through Izumi's soft raven hair, caressing it tenderly.
> "You fought so hard... all for me..."
Warmth bloomed in his chest.
In that moment, Naruto felt a peace he hadn't known in a long time.
The world, with all its battles and betrayals, faded away — leaving only the comforting presence of the girl who had risked everything to protect him.
---
Calling the System
With great effort, Naruto focused inwardly and called out to the system.
> "System... about the previous task reward...?"
The familiar mechanical voice responded promptly.
[Ding! Congratulations! Task Completion: Battle against Obito without using Mangekyō or Nine-Tails — Completed!]
[Reward: Divine Artifacts of Susanoo – Unlocked!]
[- Heavenly Sword of Twilight]
[- Mirror Shield of Eternity]
[- Bow of Light Devastation]
Naruto blinked.
> "Tch... Divine artifacts?" he muttered internally.
"Seriously... feels a bit cheap. But... whatever, better than nothing."
Without a second thought, he stored the rewards quietly in his personal inventory.
No one could know.
Not yet.
---
A wave of fatigue washed over him.
His hand slipped from Izumi's hair.
And Naruto drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.
---
The Awakening
Hours later—
Soft sobs reached his ears.
Naruto's eyelids fluttered open groggily.
And the first thing he saw —
Were Izumi's red, tear-streaked eyes, staring at him with a mix of relief and fury.
> "You... idiot!!" she cried out, voice cracking.
Without warning, she lunged forward and hugged him tightly.
Naruto winced slightly at the sudden pressure on his injuries — but his heart swelled warmly.
> "I was so scared..." Izumi whispered into his bandages. "You almost died..."
She pulled back, her face flushed.
> "Next time, you're not allowed to fight alone!!"
"You have to promise me, Naruto!"
Naruto chuckled weakly.
> "Alright, alright... I promise," he said hoarsely.
Izumi wiped her tears hastily and gave him a soft peck on the forehead, much to Naruto's embarrassment.
---
The Village's New Reality
As they settled down, Naruto learned about the aftermath.
Shisui Uchiha had been officially appointed as the new head of the Uchiha Clan — a decision backed by both the Third Hokage and the village elders, impressed by Shisui's wisdom and leadership.
Itachi Uchiha, in contrast, had been declared an S-rank missing-nin after 'defecting' from Konoha.
Rumors were already circulating — that Itachi had joined a dark organization known as Akatsuki.
Naruto knew the truth.
He smiled faintly.
> "Itachi... you're doing your part perfectly."
---
The Hokage's Visit
Later that evening—
The door swung open, and in walked Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage himself, flanked by several Clan Heads and ANBU guards.
They all carried grave expressions.
Naruto forced a smile, struggling to sit up.
> "Old man... what brings you here?"
The Hokage's sharp eyes studied him carefully.
> "Naruto," he said gravely.
"We have... questions."
Naruto nodded, pretending to be confused.
> "When did you awaken the Wood Release?"
Murmurs spread among the Clan Heads.
Wood Release — the legendary bloodline of the First Hokage — had not been seen in decades.
How could Naruto, an orphan with no known Senju blood, suddenly possess it?
Naruto scratched his cheek sheepishly.
> "Uh... well... I was just strolling through the streets, minding my own business... when suddenly there was this loud noise."
He gestured vaguely.
> "I rushed over to see what was happening... and then that masked guy attacked me!"
He smiled awkwardly.
> "Guess the stress... or the danger... must have triggered something inside me."
The Hokage frowned deeply.
Several Clan Heads exchanged skeptical glances.
---
Internal Dialogue:
> "No direct Senju lineage... yet awakened Wood Release? Impossible..."
"Is he hiding something?"
"No... we cannot push him too hard. Not yet."
---
Naruto smiled innocently.
Deep inside, he knew the truth:
The mysterious system reward he secretly activated after the battle had subtly rewritten parts of his genetic structure —
giving him the perfect cover story and unlocking his Wood Release as if it were natural.
It was his trump card to deal with any doubts.
---
Izumi's Tender Care
After the Hokage and the others finally left — their minds filled with suspicion but no proof — Naruto let out a deep sigh of relief.
Izumi remained by his side, refusing to leave even for a second.
She peeled an orange carefully and began feeding Naruto small pieces.
> "Say ah~"
Naruto blushed fiercely but opened his mouth obediently.
As he chewed, he couldn't help but marvel at the girl before him.
Strong, beautiful, kind-hearted — and now bound to him more deeply than ever.
> "Maybe... after everything is over... I'll tell her everything," Naruto thought, feeling a warm surge in his chest.
---
Outside the window, the stars twinkled softly.
Inside the hospital room, under Izumi's tender gaze, Naruto felt a happiness he hadn't known in a long time.
Even if the world burned around him —
Even if enemies lurked in every shadow —
As long as he had her by his side, he would endure it all.
---
[Chapter Ends]
---
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