Chương 48: A Reason to Move

Konoha wasn't exactly known for its stellar mental health scene. One look at what happened with Itachi, Kakashi, and his unfortunate father tells you everything you needed to know about that. Still, the medical ninjas checked on me often. They'd come and go, gently encouraging me to talk. Every time, I'd respond simply, "I just didn't feel like moving, that's all," which irritated them a bit, though they never pushed too hard.

There was always a needle stuck in my veins with a bag hanging beside me, pumping nutrients into my weakened body. Apparently, not eating, drinking, or moving for several days is really bad for your health! Who knew? I drank a lot of water, too, though mostly at the insistence of those diligent medic-nin who seemed determined not to let me slip away again. Shizuru visited frequently, accompanied often by her mother. However, I could clearly sense they were out of their element, unsure of what to say or do.

Each time they asked if I wanted to talk about what happened, I brushed it off lightly with a casual, "Not really," quickly followed by a joke. I could feel their unease every time, but I knew it would fade eventually. Misayo, with her usual warmth, promised to bring me plenty of good food once I got back home. She even subtly hinted that I should come stay with them for a few days, but I pretended not to catch her drift. Shizuru promised me daily visits, walks, and meals out together.

Her determination was sweet, even comforting, despite everything. Surprisingly, though, the person who actually got through to me was Shizuru's father, the one time he visited. Kaito Nara had a stern, serious expression on his face, yet when he spoke, I felt sincere kindness in his voice. He sat quietly beside my bed for a moment before he finally broke the silence.

"You know," he began thoughtfully, "the world can sometimes feel overwhelming. Battles don't always happen on a battlefield, Noa. Sometimes, without warning, life catches you completely off guard. A great shinobi doesn't always win because they're stronger or faster, but because they always find a way. They think outside the box, fight tooth and nail, and refuse to give up. Because the moment you stop fighting, everything you went through becomes meaningless.

Work toward what's coming, don't stay trapped in what's already passed." He looked at me then, his stern gaze softening into a quiet smile.

"We'd like you to stay with us for a few days. Would that be alright?" I smiled back gently, sincerely touched.

"Thank you for the offer," I replied, my voice firm with conviction, "but I think I can handle this." Kaito studied me for a moment, then nodded in understanding.

"As you wish," he said calmly, standing to leave.

"But know that you're welcome anytime. Misayo already sees you as part of the family." He paused at the door, then without turning back added quietly, "And so do I." A few more days passed, and soon I managed to switch back to somewhat solid foods. I gradually began feeling like I could finally stand on my own two legs again. Bodies in this world certainly recovered faster than in my previous life. something I was incredibly grateful for.

Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. When the time came, I was escorted back home by Shizuru and her parents. Misayo even stopped to buy some extra groceries on the way, despite my insistence that I was perfectly fine. Kaito observed me carefully for a while before nodding in reassurance, satisfied with my attitude. Shizuru puffed her chest out, attempting intimidation as she declared firmly, "Be ready tomorrow at sunset. We're going for a walk, understand?"

I chuckled softly at her determined glare. Soon after, they left with warm smiles, their presence lingering in the peaceful atmosphere. When I finally walked into my flat, I braced myself for a destroyed door, a stained bed, and unpleasant odors. Instead, I found a perfectly repaired door. stronger and sturdier than the Doors of Moria themselves. The entire apartment smelled amazing and shone with cleanliness.

I chuckled to myself, shaking my head gratefully at Shizuru's parents for yet another good deed done for me. Looking at the chair, I dropped my groceries on the floor, sat down slowly, and gazed up at the ceiling. Suddenly, I knew exactly what had been missing. After confirming my chakra was still stable, I walked up the wall and onto the ceiling, beginning to draw and carve with renewed determination. Several hours later, I stood back on the floor, wheezing softly.

"Man, I really need to get back into shape," I muttered. But looking up at my handiwork, I couldn't help but smile. There on the ceiling was my sister, rendered in careful, loving detail. Her long, wavy hair framed sharp yet soft features. She wore that goofy, warm smile of hers, looking every bit the silly fool her younger brother had adored.

"Well," I laughed quietly, addressing her image directly, "you always managed to pull me out of these moments back in my old world. I'm sorry to bother you even after you died, but I'm going to need you to do the same thing for me here as well. I mean, technically, I died too, so let's call this a fresh tab, okay?" I stood there a while, simply smiling and silently thanking her from the deepest part of my heart. Back in my old world, she never would have allowed me to reach such a dark place.

I'd never fully realized just how much she'd done for me. until now. Her words from long ago drifted through my memory like a comforting breeze: "When you're feeling stuck like this, find a reason to move. Any reason, no matter how small. Drink a glass of water, play a game, chat with someone online, eat something, go outside, talk to me or anyone. Just don't stay trapped. Find a reason to move forward, not a reason to stay still. And if all else fails, I'll always be here for you. Always."

"And now, here you are," I whispered softly, smiling up at her.

"Thanks, big sis." Taking her advice, I grabbed a glass of water, drank it slowly, and then began circulating chakra gently through my body as I started preparing a nutritious meal. After eating, I quietly arranged the rest of the groceries. Small steps, but they added up. Finally, my attention fell on the two envelopes sitting unopened on the table. Opening the first, I found a neatly written letter from Sena detailing the sensory training she had arranged. Times and instructions were clearly outlined.

"Man, I missed the timing," I groaned softly.

"Oh well. Knowing Sena, she'll set up another time soon enough." The second envelope was from Daiken, containing instructions for my fuinjutsu training. Of course, I'd missed this session as well. With a resigned sigh, I glanced toward the door.

"Well, it's almost night, but I'll swing by the Academy and try to find Daiken. Maybe I can convince him to reschedule." My eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"He'd better not try to weasel out of this." So I prepared a note in case I did not find him and left promptly.