As Tsunade examined the mysterious scroll, Shizune was tending to Asuma in the hospital. He had rather severe burns down his right side since Kakuzu had singed him at close range. Shizune had cooled the burns using a special salve created from deer antlers from the Nara clan and then wrapped him up in bandages. Shizune sighed as she finished the room Asuma was staying in reeking of medicine. She turned to the door and opened it, letting Shikamaru, Ino, Choji, and Kurenai in to visit. Asuma smiled and said, "I didn't expect so many visitors."

"Is that all you can say lying there in your condition?!?!?" Ino shouted angrily looking like she wanted to punch her sensei.

"Hey, leave him alone Ino." Shikamaru said. "He's injured after all."

"That's my point! When are you going to learn to be more careful?!?"

"A ninjas' life is one of danger Ino, you know that." Asuma said.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean you have to take unnecessary risks Asuma." Kurenai said quietly.

Asuma sighed and said, "Fine, fine."

"I wouldn't worry about Asuma." Shizune said, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. "Though the burns were extensive you got him here fast enough to prevent any permanent damage. With a few sessions of intense ninjutsu healing, he'll be up and about again in no time."

Everyone sighed in relief at hearing this. Asuma tried to light a cigarette and said, "See? Everything is going to be alright."

Kurenai plucked the cigarette out and flung it out the open window. "No smoking until you're out of the hospital. Show some restraint Asuma."

Asuma groaned and said, "I'm injured! Why are you taking the one thing I enjoy away from me?"

Kurenai frowned and said, "You'd better be joking."

Asuma hastily said, "Of course I am! Come on, I thought it was obvious!"

Ino sighed in exasperation and said, "Come one you two. Now that we know Asuma-sensei is okay we have to get back to work!"

"You mean Choji and me have to get back to work!" Shikamaru said, earning a smack in the head from Ino.

Kurenai coughed and said, "I'd better be going as well. I'll see you later Asuma. Take care."

Asuma smiled and said, "Don't you worry about me. I'll be just fine."

Kurenai smiled and said, "You'd better be."

Asuma laid back down on his pillow and sighed, relaxing as he felt a dull throb coming from his burns. Shizune said, "Your first session will be in just an hour Asuma. That'll take away most of the pain and help you to relax."

Asuma pulled out another cigarette and said, "I've got plenty of ways to stay relaxed Shizune."

Shizune looked a little worried and said, "Just don't let anyone catch you doing that. I'll look away this once, but this is a hospital after all."

Asuma nodded and blew out a ring of smoke, watching it dissipate against the ceiling. "This is going to be a long few days..." He thought, drawing in on the cigarette.

As Asuma relaxed in the hospital, Shikamaru and Choji returned to work rebuilding the village. Not too far away from where the two genin were working, Sakura and Naruto were walking through the village, talking and enjoying the day. They passed by Shikamaru and Naruto called up, "Hey Shikamaru!"

Shikamaru looked down and saw Naruto. "Hey, you're finally awake?"

"Yup! And stronger than ever!" Naruto said, grinning.

"Well, how about using some of that strength to help rebuild the village?" Shikamaru said. "We've all been working our butts off for the last three days."

"Hmm..." Naruto said, with his arms behind his head. "Nah! I don't feel like it!"

Shikamaru sighed in exasperation and said, "Don't let the Hokage catch you lazing around or you'll get whipped into work so fast you won't believe it."

Naruto laughed and said, "Sure Shikamaru."

The pair left Shikamaru and Choji to their work and continued walking through the village.

"You know," Sakura said. "Maybe you should start working. I mean, even Kakashi and Iruka-sensei are rebuilding."

Naruto sighed and said, "But that kind of work is so boring! If I do any work I want it to be a mission!"

Sakura knew Naruto was going to say something like that. He hated doing any kind of chore, but he was all energy when it came to a mission.

"Well, I'm sure you're going to be getting a lot more missions now that you can become a giant." Sakura said.

As the two continued walking, they came upon someone in the road. Who was it?