Dosuke returned to his ward, his mind heavy. He opened the door. Kakashi was making his bed, helped by a man in a ninja vest.
"Kakashi, are you leaving?" Dosuke asked.
Kakashi packed his things. "Yes, I am leaving the hospital. My wound is healed. It is not a big problem now."
"Father, I can handle it," Kakashi said, taking items from the man.
The man stood, looking at Dosuke. "Kakashi, this classmate could be your rival, like Matt Dai's son."
"Lord White Fang, you are too kind," Dosuke said. "I am Kakashi's classmate, Okamoto Dosuke."
"Surpass Kakashi," the man said, patting Dosuke's head gently. "He needs a strong rival."
"Father, I just did not finish my technique this time," Kakashi said, annoyed.
"Let us go, Kakashi," the man said, ignoring him.
"Dosuke, I will wait for you to graduate," Kakashi said, turning back at the door.
Dosuke waved as Kakashi and his father left. He lay on his hospital bed, thinking about Tsunade's words. * It should be fine. I am a genius at learning, * he thought.
In the Hokage's office, a desk held piles of papers. A large sign read "Shadow." The Third Hokage sat, staring at a crystal ball on the table, not touching the documents.
A loud bump startled him. The door flew open. Tsunade stormed in, her presence bold. The Third Hokage jumped, hitting his knee on the desk. The crystal ball rolled forward.
"My ball!" he shouted, reaching for it. Too late. The ball fell, shattering on the floor. Mist rose from the broken pieces.
"Sarutobi-sensei," Tsunade said, stepping on the shards.
The Third Hokage sighed. * Next time I use the Telescope Technique, I need a cushion, * he thought.
"Sarutobi-sensei, are you listening?" Tsunade slammed the desk, shouting.
"Speak, speak," the Third Hokage said, adjusting his hat. "I am old. Give me time to react."
"What is your plan for the student who fought Kakashi in the ninja school match?" Tsunade asked, eyeing her teacher.
"Do you have ideas?" the Third Hokage asked.
"I want that kid to leave ninja school and train with me at Konoha Hospital," Tsunade said.
The Third Hokage frowned. "Your plan was rejected at the Jonin meeting. Only Kato Dan's son supported you. No ninja clans agreed."
"My plan is fine," Tsunade said, hitting the desk. "Medical ninjas matter. The clans are wrong. I will prove it."
"Then do it," the Third Hokage said, standing. He walked to the window, lit his pipe, and looked at Konoha's busy streets. He puffed slowly.
"Thank you, teacher," Tsunade said, bowing deeply. She left.
The Third Hokage watched her go. * New ninjas grow under the big tree's care. Good luck, Tsunade, * he thought, gazing at the Hokage Rock.
Back at Konoha Hospital, Dosuke lay bored in his ward. * What now? If the village punishes me, I am a traitor. Should I hide and wait for a chance? Where would I go? Akatsuki is not formed yet. Maybe I could join early, * he thought, tossing in bed.
A knock came at the door. Dosuke got up and opened it. Tsunade stood there, tall and strong.
"Tsunade-sama!" Dosuke said, unsure what to say.
Tsunade walked past him, sat on his bed, and looked at him. "Dosuke, I will keep your secret about practicing Palm Healing Jutsu. I am here to ask, do you want to learn medical ninjutsu from me?"
"Yes, Tsunade-sama, I would love to follow you," Dosuke said, his heart racing with excitement.
"Come to the hospital on Monday," Tsunade said. "I will tell your school teacher you are excused for a few days."
"Okay, Tsunade-sensei," Dosuke said, grinning.
That day, two young ninja students left school early.
Dosuke left the hospital that afternoon, feeling safe. * I have a protector now. I am not alone in the coming wars, * he thought.
Walking home, the sky looked extra blue. The wind felt soft. Birds sang sweetly. The leaves on the road shined green.
Dosuke passed a familiar shop, Ichiraku Ramen. * It is so close to my house, * he thought, stepping inside.
He sat on a stool. "Boss, a big bowl of tonkotsu noodles to take away," he said.
"Young man, I have not seen you before," the owner said, cooking. "New here?"
"I always rushed home before," Dosuke said. "Today, your food's smell pulled me in."
"Haha, come often," the owner said. "I make new recipes. Each visit feels fresh. Eat the noodles hot."
"I will come back," Dosuke said. "Today, I will take it home."
* The ninja wars always weighed on me, * Dosuke thought. * With low chakra, I went straight home to train after school. I never stopped to shop like this. *
At a vegetable stall, the seller smiled. "Dosuke, you look happy! Where were you yesterday? I saved some for you."
"My teacher praised me," Dosuke said. "I am not taking vegetables today, but thank you."
"You were always smart," the woman said. "Come eat at my house. I will cook something good."
"No, thank you, aunt," Dosuke said kindly. * Neighbors always cared for me, * he thought. * After crossing to this world, I stayed distant to hide my secret. *
He walked home, steps light. At home, he opened his ramen pack. "The noodles are soft from the walk, but the taste is great," he said, eating.
After dinner, he sat on the tatami under dim light, refining chakra, the energy for ninja techniques. His chakra grew little. He sighed and lay down.
* Tsunade's warning this morning scared me, * he thought. * But now, I am her student. One of the Sannin is my teacher. That is a dream for many in Konoha. The ninja wars are coming, but today, that fear feels lighter. *