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 stuck in his arm, connected to a tube.
"You are awake," a voice said from the next bed.
Dosuke looked up. "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, the energy for ninja techniques. Tsunade treated you. Without her, you might have slept for two days."
The door squeaked open. Hondo Ryo walked in, holding two fruit baskets. He placed one on Kakashi's table and one on Dosuke's.
"You two, what happened?" Hondo said. "I told you before the match, friendship comes first. You have a bright future!" * These are my best students. When Dosuke fainted, my heart stopped. *
"I am sorry, Hondo-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 before. Now I see your strength matches mine, Dosuke."
"A person's worth is not about rankings," Dosuke said, eyeing Kakashi. "If fame becomes a chain, what will you do, Kakashi?"
Kakashi stared at his bandaged hand. "I do not know," he said.
"Enough heavy talk," Hondo 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 mixed with pride and worry. "Kakashi, the Third Hokage approved your early graduation. Once your arm heals, report to the Ninja Registry."
Hondo limped to the door. He paused, back to Kakashi. "You are young, Kakashi. Your skill is great, but…" His voice trailed off. He left.
"Congratulations, Kakashi," Dosuke said. "You are ahead of me now."
"With your strength, you could graduate early too," Kakashi replied.
Dosuke glanced at the infusion bag above. It was not done, 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 the dean, assistants, and department heads.
* Where is she? * Dosuke thought, pacing the hallway. He asked nurses, but they rarely came to this floor. It was for hospital leaders. Tsunade was rarely here.
He hesitated near the dean's 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 spiritual jutsu? * His heart raced. * If he senses something odd, I am done. *
"Hello," Dosuke said, forcing a shy smile, rubbing his head like a kid. "My teacher said Tsunade 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. "Tug, tug."
"Come in," a strong, commanding voice answered.
Dosuke pushed the door open. A tidy office appeared. A bookcase lined the wall, filled with 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 hugging her waist, and a short skirt. Her ninja boots showed her toes, neat like jewels. Her blond hair swung in a ponytail, playful, not like the fierce Sannin but a kind neighbor.
"Tsunade-sama, thank you for healing me," Dosuke said, placing his fruit basket on the desk. "Kakashi told me."
Tsunade turned, eyeing him. His clothes were the same as yesterday's match, a bit dirty but neat. * This kid keeps clean, * she thought.
"Stealing B-rank or higher ninjutsu without village permission is treason," she said, voice sharp. "Tell me who taught you Palm Healing 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 a year. * Her stare grew heavier. He spoke fast. "You taught me, Tsunade-sama. A year ago, I broke ribs at ninja school. You healed me and explained Palm Healing Jutsu."
"You learned it from one explanation?" Tsunade asked, doubtful. * He was in a coma. I checked his past. Orphaned at three, parents died in the war. No family. Enrolled at four with neighbors' help. Quiet, trains with the Mait kid in green. *
"I understand," she said finally. "Go rest and recover."
Dosuke nodded and left, heart still pounding.