Chapter 2
Twenty-six hours had passed—a full day and night of tireless work by some of the best medical ninjas in Konoha. Sakura had barely left Sasuke's side, her hands almost constantly alight with healing chakra, her focus unwavering. Tsunade had been there too, her experience and power providing invaluable support.
As the first rays of dawn crept through the window of the hospital room, Sakura finally leaned back, her chakra spent. She looked over at Tsunade, who gave a small nod of approval.
"He's stable," Tsunade announced, her voice carrying a hint of fatigue that she would never admit to. "The worst is over, but he'll need rest and time to fully recover."
Sakura's shoulders slumped with relief, and she turned to Naruto, who had been a silent sentinel in the corner of the room. "He's going to be okay, Naruto."
Naruto's blue eyes, which had been clouded with worry, brightened at the news. He approached the bed, looking down at Sasuke's peaceful face. "You really had us worried, teme," he murmured.
Sasuke's eyelids fluttered open, revealing tired but clear eyes. "Dobe..." he said, the corner of his mouth lifting in a faint, wry smile.
Naruto chuckled softly, the familiar insult somehow a comfort. "Yeah, I'm here. You're in Konoha. Safe."
Sasuke's gaze shifted past Naruto to Sakura, a silent question in his eyes.
"She's been with you the whole time," Naruto answered the unspoken question. "Hasn't slept a wink."
Sakura gave a small, dismissive wave of her hand. "I'm fine. You're what matters right now."
"Thank you, Sakura," Sasuke said, his voice low and sincere.
Sakura just nodded, her eyes reflecting the depth of their shared history.
The door to the room opened quietly, and Hinata stepped inside, her eyes immediately finding Sakura's. "How is he?" she asked softly.
"He's going to make it," Sakura replied, her exhaustion evident in her voice but her spirit undiminished.
Hinata moved to Sakura's side, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You should rest too," she said with quiet concern.
Sakura leaned into the touch for a moment, grateful for the support. "I will. Soon."
Naruto watched the exchange, his heart swelling with gratitude for the powerful women in his life.
Kakashi appeared in the doorway, having given the pair a moment of privacy. "The village is eager to hear about Sasuke's condition," he said, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of relief.
"I'll make a statement," Tsunade said, standing tall despite the long hours. "The rest of you, get some rest. That's an order."
As Tsunade and Kakashi left to address the village, Naruto sat down beside Sasuke's bed, a grin spreading across his face. "When you're up for it, we've got a lot of catching up to do."
Sasuke's response was a simple nod, but the gratitude in his eyes spoke volumes. He looked between Naruto and Sakura, and then to Hinata, feeling a sense of home that had nothing to do with the walls around him and everything to do with the people who filled the room.
"Rest now, Sasuke," Sakura said, her voice gentle. "We'll be here when you wake up."
And as Sasuke's eyes closed, giving in to the healing sleep his body so desperately needed, he knew that the bonds he had tried to sever so many times were the very thing that had brought him back to life.