Teammates

Orochimaru glanced at Dosuke, patted the girl on the head, and turned to leave.

"Let's go, Anko. It's getting late; you should rest."

"Oh." The girl responded, "Master, who is that brother? Did he come to see you?"

Orochimaru said in a low, smooth voice, "No, it was a coincidence. That brother is also a genius."

The girl raised the black-and-white snake in her hand and cooed, "But Master, I'm the smartest genius right?"

The two figures, one large and one small, walked away slowly.

Only then did Dosuke realize Orochimaru might have genuinely been out for a walk, perhaps accompanying Anko to catch pets.

Dosuke didn't dwell on Orochimaru's words.

He felt he and Orochimaru were incompatible.

But being noticed by such a figure meant he needed to accelerate his strength training.

Orochimaru's presence had calmed his restless heart. After tidying up, he acted quickly and rushed home.

The next day, after washing up, Dosuke picked up the forehead protector from the table.

"Looking sharp, kid," he said to himself, placing it on his forehead and nodding in the mirror.

Stepping outside, he leaped a few times, paused on a rooftop, and headed toward Konoha Hospital.

"Hello, Yukino & Yasumoto," he greeted upon entering the hospital lobby, where two busy figures caught his eye.

"Dosuke, why not rest at home a few more days?" Yasumoto called out warmly.

"I couldn't stay home, so I came to see Tsunade-sensei and my teammates," Dosuke replied with a smile.

"Hmph!" Yukino glanced at him, ignored him, and turned to patients.

Dosuke looked at Yukino, then rubbed the back of his head with a sigh. "Yasumoto, I'm going to check on my captain and the others!"

Yasumoto, sensing the awkward tension between Yukino and Dosuke, said quickly, "Alright, go ahead."

Dosuke headed to the inpatient ward and went straight to Soma's room.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

"Please come in."

Dosuke entered and found Soma wearing a jacket, packing his clothes.

"Captain Soma, what's this?"

Soma turned and saw Dosuke. "Oh, it's Dosuke. As you can see, my injury is much better, and I'm ready to be discharged."

Dosuke stepped forward to help Soma pack.

"Captain, after you recover, can we still go on missions together?"

"I'm not sure. Scout missions are randomly assigned. Once a mission ends, the team disbands. Someone else might lead you next time. But don't worry if you need me in the future, come to me directly," Soma said sincerely to his subordinate.

This mission succeeded thanks to the 9-year-old boy before him. Dosuke's potential and skill had impressed him.

Soma couldn't help but think of another Sannin disciple, Minato, who became a jonin at a young age also from a commoner background and exceptionally talented.

Perhaps in a few years, this boy could become an excellent jonin like Minato.

"Alright, I'm heading home. Want to come with me?" Soma picked up his packed belongings and invited the still-dazed Dosuke.

"Ah." Dosuke looked at the smiling Soma.

"Sorry, Captain, I need to visit Takuto soon. I'll see you next time!"

"No problem, we'll have plenty of time. I visited Takuto, but he's not doing well. My misjudgment on this mission… I hope you can talk to him," Soma said with a sad expression.

"Captain, don't blame yourself. Accidents happen on missions."

"I know, thank you, Dosuke. I'll head out now." With that, Soma left the ward.

Watching Soma walk away slowly, Dosuke turned toward Takuto's room.

Approaching the door, he recalled the last time he and Tachie had planned to visit Takuto.

"Maybe later," he said, stepping forward to knock.

*Creak.*

The ward door opened from inside.

Takuto, dressed in a hospital gown, leaned on a walker with both hands, followed by a graceful older woman.

Takuto and Dosuke locked eyes at the door.

"Dosuke, why are you here?" Takuto asked first.

"I came to see how you're doing," Dosuke said, watching his teammate move slowly.

"Thanks for remembering me," Takuto replied weakly, head bowed.

With that, he shuffled toward the door, supported by his walker.

The woman behind him stepped forward to assist. "Takuto, slow down."

Then, with a hint of apology, she added, "I'm sorry, Tsunade-sama said Takuto should get out of bed when possible."

"It's fine, ma'am. I'm also a hospital doctor let me help. I'll walk with Takuto and chat," Dosuke offered, stepping forward to support Takuto.

The two moved slowly down the corridor.

Watching them go, Takuto's mother wiped tears from her eyes.

"Dosuke, I haven't thanked you and Tachie for saving my life. Without you, I wouldn't have survived that mission," Takuto said, looking at Dosuke.

"What are you saying? I did it to save myself. Besides, I couldn't have beaten Erming without you controlling him. In the end he still took his own life," Dosuke said, adjusting the walker.

"Still, your timely treatment saved my legs. Without it, I'd be in a wheelchair for life."

"Though I may not be a ninja anymore, I'm at peace with it," Takuto said quietly.

"I know you're here to persuade me. Don't worry, I've thought it through. You don't need to worry, kid. I'm just glad my name isn't on the memorial stone," Takuto said, squinting at the sun.

"I've decided to open a pet shop. If you ever want a pet, I'll give it to you for free," he added with a smile.

Seeing Takuto's growing smile, Dosuke couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright, walk with me. Tell me how things are going with you and Tachie," Takuto said, a grin on his lips.

"What's this about?"

"Don't play dumb. I saw you and Tachie visit me last time, then leave holding hands," Takuto teased, winking at Dosuke.

"We're still teammates. Our bond hasn't changed," Dosuke said softly.

"Sure… I don't buy it…"

"If you don't believe it, then forget it…" Dosuke replied, shaking his head.

As they chatted, the two walked off slowly.