Chapter 121 Visiting the Wounded

After a fierce battle, everyone was injured to varying degrees. As the only one among them who knew healing magic, Haruko Hayama healed everyone's minor injuries one by one.

"Thanks."

Hyuga Neji stiffly straightened up, touched his arm which was now completely healed, and then glanced at Hayama Haruko beside him with a scrutinizing look.

She's become even more amazing...

During the battle, Neji Hyuga's headband was knocked off, revealing the blue curse mark on his forehead.

Every time she sees it, Haruko Hayama can't help but think of the fact that she is controlled by the main family.

Standing up, Haruko carefully examined her surroundings. She noticed a reflection in the grass and went over to pick up the Leaf Headband that was lying quietly among it.

Then she squatted down next to Hyuga Neji, and under his puzzled expression, Haruko gently covered the blue curse mark with her headband, wrapped it around his head, and put the headband on him.

The moment Neji Hyuga was enveloped by Haruko's shadow, he tensed up, then lowered his head and let her do as she pleased.

The coolness of her forehead protector, her gentle movements beside his head, and... her shallow breathing—all of these were provoking Hyuga Neji's nerves.

"Alright." Haruko stepped aside and smiled at him.

Hyuga Neji exhaled and subconsciously raised his hand to touch his headband, only to bump into Haruko Hayama's hand as she withdrew.

Haruko didn't notice and got up to treat the next patient.

Hyuga Neji's hand remained frozen in mid-air, then slowly tightened after a few seconds, as if trying to grasp the fleeting warmth.

When he realized what he was doing, he frantically rubbed his hands on his clothes, then, realizing he was making a fool of himself, he coughed lightly and stood up.

Choji Akimichi, who witnessed all of Neji's actions: Does Neji really hate Haruko that much? He even complains about the places he touched with her?

Kiba Inuzuka and Choji Akimichi were seriously injured, and Haruko Hayama's abilities were currently limited, so they quickly carried the two back to the village.

After watching the two enter the centralized medical room, Haruko followed Tsunade, who was dispensing medicine for them, to learn from her, while the others organized the documents that Sakura Haruno had brought back and went to deliver them.

"But... I didn't expect Choji to be so handsome after losing weight." Haruko Hayama, who came to visit, exclaimed to Ino Yamanaka beside her.

Choji Akimichi scratched his head with his hand, which was bandaged up like a radish, and smiled sheepishly, "That's why I say fat people are all potential stocks!"

Yamanaka Ino, hands on her hips in exasperation, said, "I'm telling you, if you could tone down that sleazy look, you might actually look more like a handsome guy."

Sakura Haruno, who was arranging vases at the table, also said with a smile, "Besides, Choji will definitely make up for it once he recovers."

"Can't you guys have any faith in me?" Choji Akimichi said dejectedly, spreading his radish-like hands.

Haruko patted his shoulder reassuringly, "So Choji, get well soon! Once everyone's discharged, I'll have Kakashi-sensei treat everyone to barbecue."

"Barbecue?! Yoho! I have to get out of the hospital as soon as possible!" A fire blazed in Choji Akimichi's eyes.

Kakashi Hatake, who was assigned to treat everyone: ?

“Speaking of which, I haven’t seen Shikamaru for the past few days.” Haruko Hayama said, looking at Ino Yamanaka.

"He's probably slacking off somewhere again," Yamanaka Ino replied dismissively.

Choji Akimichi interjected, "Shikamaru just came to see me. He must have missed you guys. He said he was going to see the dentist."

"Then I'll go visit Ya too."

After saying goodbye to them, Haruko left first.

As Choji Akimichi watched her disappear behind the door, he suddenly said, "Haruko seems to value Shikamaru a lot."

“I heard their mothers are old friends, so they’ve known each other since they were little,” Yamanaka Ino explained. “That’s great! Why couldn’t I have met Haruko sooner? Shikamaru is so lucky!”

Sakura Haruno, who was listening to their conversation, remained silent, staring blankly at the flowers the three of them had brought in the vase.

Purple, pink, and white, now mixed together and complementing each other, are arranged in a vase, like an intimate and inseparable whole.

If only she could have met Haruko sooner...

"Kiba, Akamaru, I've come to see you!"

Haruko pushed open the door to Kiba Inuzuka's hospital room and found Kiba sitting on the bed, along with a beautiful older woman who was treating Akamaru's injuries.

Her shiny hair was all combed up and tied into a ponytail, and her cheeks still bore the red inverted triangle facial markings unique to the Inuzuka clan.

"Are you Ya's older sister? Hello, I'm Ya's friend, Haruko Hayama." Haruko Hayama greeted politely.

Hana Inuzuka stood up with a hint of surprise, then turned to look at Kiba Inuzuka on the bed. "You managed to make such a beautiful friend?"

"..." Kiba Inuzuka looked at her speechlessly.

Inuzuka Hana laughed a few times, and the ninja dogs surrounding her sensed their master's joy and howled along with her.

Seeing Haruko staring intently at the ninja dogs beside her sister, Kiba Inuzuka asked helplessly, "Did you come to visit me, or to visit them?"

"Haha, you're really joking." Haruko Hayama covered up her unease with a smile and walked to the bedside to place the flowers on the table.

Afterwards, Haruko carefully examined his injuries and found that they were mostly healed; he should be able to be discharged after a few more days.

"Ya, let's go eat barbecue together after we get discharged from the hospital!"

Seeing her expectant look, Kiba Inuzuka readily agreed.

Meanwhile, Hana Inuzuka, who was pretending to treat Akamaru's injuries but was actually eavesdropping, paused, her expression one of shock.

Someone actually asked that brat out to dinner?!

"By the way, does Kiba know where Shikamaru went? I heard from Choji that he came to visit you just now," Haruko asked.

Kiba Inuzuka raised an eyebrow. "What? So you're here to see Shikamaru after all."

"I mainly came to see the dentist, and I was just asking Shikamaru." Haruko Hayama gave an awkward but polite smile.

"He left not long ago, saying he was going to the rooftop for some fresh air."

"Okay! I hope your tooth heals quickly!"

Seeing Haruko leave in the morning, Hana Inuzuka finally couldn't hold back and asked her younger brother, "How did you make this friend? She even invited you out to dinner!"

Seeing his older sister's excited expression, Kiba Inuzuka's lips twitched. "What are you thinking? Eating is definitely something our mission team should do together."

“Sigh…” Inuzuka Hana immediately sighed, “I knew you brat didn’t have that much charm.”

Kiba Inuzuka felt her injury starting to ache again. "You really are my sister!"

...

Haruko pushed open the door to the hospital rooftop in the morning. Sunlight streamed down, and Nara Shikamaru lay on a simple bench, his hands behind his head as he gazed at the sky, lost in thought.

"Shikamaru!"

Hearing her voice, Nara Shikamaru snapped out of his daze and looked toward the source of the sound in confusion. Haruko Hayama had already walked over to his side, sat in an empty spot on the bench, and then lay down like him.

"Why are you here?" Nara Shikamaru turned his gaze back to the sky and asked casually.

"I haven't seen Shikamaru for several days, I miss you so much." Haruko Hayama said with a nostalgic tone.

I miss the carefree days I spent with Shikamaru!

Unexpectedly, the two most cowardly individuals were the first to become Chunin, which is worrying for the future of the ninja world.

Even though he grew up listening to Haruko Hayama's straightforward words, Shikamaru Nara sometimes couldn't resist the unreserved joy in her tone.

"Idiot, you need to be more careful when talking to boys."

"Hmm? But Shikamaru is different."

"What's different?"

Haruko sat up straight and looked him up and down through his eyes, declaring firmly, "Because Shikamaru is a very important friend I grew up with!"

******

The list of recipients of gratitude as of March 7, 2024:

grateful--

K, the one who sent the update reminder charm

Yun Cheyun from Ancient Desert Island sent a urging talisman for updates.

7 flowers, a love letter, and a like from Fengyuan Xuejun

Flowers given by Uchiha Yuki

Feng Yuan Xue Jun, wanting the alpaca to travel to all the books he likes, Hongyi Xiangyi Sai Gao, Tang Xiaoyu of the North, G's Meow, the smoky Gu Xiong, Xingchen is boring, Uchiha Xueyi, early summer. starry sky, Yan Xun, A Ning who likes poplar leaves, summer night and fireworks, Jin Xiula of Nanning, my wives are so hot, Lin Laoji, purity and truth do not conflict, Yue...., Yi Hui, Suiyi an sent for love

Thank you for the gifts! The author is so touched! Ino sends you all kisses (* * )*