"Because I'm injured and you're an idiot," Sasuke said flatly. "Besides, I know my limits. You don't."
"You call that knowing your limits?" Naruto pointed at Sasuke's eyes. "If you use your Dojutsu one more time, you'll spend the rest of your life as a blind swordsman!"
"Enough, both of you. Shut up." Sakura pushed open the door, carrying two bowls of medicine. "Honestly, neither of you knows how to behave. It's inauguration day, everyone outside is running around like crazy, and the guest of honor is lying here bickering."
She handed the medicine to Naruto. Her eyes were full of reproach, but her touch was gentle.
"Thanks, Sakura." Naruto took the medicine and swallowed it in one gulp, grimacing. "Ugh, it's bitter."
"Bitter medicine cures illness." Sakura sighed. "Naruto, you really... scared us half to death. Don't push yourself so hard next time, okay?"
Naruto looked at Sakura's worried expression and scratched his head. "Got it. But with things the way they were, I couldn't exactly stop and think."
Just then, the hospital-room door swung open, and a burst of noise poured in.
"Hey, the Hokage's awake?" Kurotsuchi strolled in, carrying a bag of snacks from the convenience store. "You look lively enough. Think you'll be able to climb onto the rooftop tomorrow?"
Gaara, Darui, and Mei Terumi followed behind her. They'd all received treatment, but they still had a few bandages wrapped around them.
"What are you all doing here?" Naruto tried to sit up, but one glare from Tsunade made him lie back down.
"We came to see the people who saved our lives," Mei Terumi said with a smile, pulling up a chair. "Besides, the hospital food is too bland. We thought we'd have a little feast in your room."
"Hey, this is a hospital room!"