The most immediate effect of stopping Orochimaru's medicine was dizziness and weakness in the limbs; frail would not be an exaggeration. Worse still, no matter how many times she had endured this process, her body never seemed to adapt. In the past, Karin had cared for her at her side—now it was Konan.
"Are you tired?"
The hand on her face moved gently, even the voice soft and soothing.
Kita opened her eyes slightly, then closed them again. When she spoke, her voice was soft, like a cat's purr.
"Mm… I… hate this feeling."
Her body refused to obey her, her mind constantly swimming in dizziness. Thoughts drifted easily toward memories she wished to forget.
Konan held her hand. Long and slightly calloused from years of wielding knives, her hand was cool to the touch—pleasant and comforting.
"The Fifth Hokage said stopping the medicine would help your condition."
Kita knew this well. Orochimaru had repeatedly let her stop this "poisoned lifeline" meant to prolong her life. But existing in this fragile state for years felt far worse than death. Such thoughts, however, were not to be voiced before Konan.
"I… I know."
She said it softly, too weak to even return Konan's squeeze. Her body felt utterly spent. The urge to sleep wasn't strong; it lingered faintly.
"Do you want something to eat? You haven't eaten all day. Aren't you hungry?"
Her desire to eat was minimal—almost nonexistent. According to Orochimaru, in such a state, the toxins in her body corroded her organs, leaving them extremely fragile. One misstep could cause internal damage.
Have all my organs already been corroded? And now… what is being eaten away?
Perhaps… my soul?
Kita distracted herself, lifting the corner of her lips and replying in a low voice:
"No… I don't want anything."
Konan's brows knit slightly, worry flickering in the crease. But at this moment, Kita's eyes were closed, and the fleeting concern went unnoticed—likely seen only by Sakura, always in the room.
Yet even without seeing it, Kita could feel the emotions of the hand holding hers. She opened her eyes slightly, meeting Konan's gaze with a faint smile, then weakly returned the hand squeeze.
"You… you came… all this way with me. Shigure must be exhausted."
Konan smiled, eyes narrowing into gentle slits.
"A subordinate's job is to ease the burden of their master. In this, Shigure is far better than you."
"Y-you're saying that… I'm not happy about it."
"Eh? Are you pouting at me?"
Even in her weakness, Kita wouldn't admit she was pouting. So she turned her head, pouting stubbornly.
"You're… imagining things."
"Really? Now you're being tsundere too." Konan teased, nudging Kita's face. "Left cheek says 'tsun,' right cheek says 'dere'—wow, Kita, when did you get this cute trait?"
"You… you're taking advantage of me. I don't have the strength to seal you, and now you're bullying me?"
"I'm not bullying! I'm just admiring how adorable you look."
"You… you're insane."
"You are!"
"You're insane!"
"You are!"
The back-and-forth went on endlessly until Kita's lips lifted, conceding defeat.
"I… I'm insane."
The scene was all too familiar, repeated countless times over the past decade. Konan smiled, recalling those same playful arguments. Her eyes shone as she looked at Kita.
"Even if you're insane, this Angel will not mind. Your mission is to take care of me properly, understand?"
Kita laughed.
"Y-you… Angel… but my chuunibyou isn't cured yet, you know?"
Konan's hand gently pinched her cheek—no pain at all.
"Kita, do you know your strongest skill?"
Kita blinked, confused by the sudden topic.
"Lightning Release?"
"Nope. It's… courting death, my Kita~"
Despite the teasing, it was filled with affection. Kita grasped Konan's hand on her face, closing her eyes.
"I… I lost."
"Already giving up? That's not my Kita."
"Well… in front of you, I've never won. Being too smart isn't fun. Being a bit foolish… is happier."
A soft sigh, followed by a tender kiss on the forehead.
"Kita, Itachi said that when you're in pain, recalling happy memories makes it more bearable. So, no matter what happens, I don't want to see you leave alone, understand?"
"I… I don't understand… will I be hit?"
"Yes."
"I understand… hehe."
"Honestly, you're asking for a beating."
.....
Haruno Sakura had a good reputation at Konoha Hospital. She had talent as a medical ninja, trained under a teacher for three years, surpassing many older peers. It wasn't a loss of status for seniors to consult her on medical ninjutsu—saving lives mattered more than pride.
Sakura was approachable, patient, and humble. Even the most senior ninja would seek her guidance in medical matters.
This was entirely normal.
Ishihara, a senior far older than Sakura, consulted her just like countless other senior ninja—acknowledging her skill despite her youth and status.
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