Coma

Everyone on the field fell silent. Then they erupted into excited cheers.

"Third match: Uchiha Matsuzaki wins!"

Seeing Uchiha Matsuzaki defeat the puppet, the chief examiner stood up and shouted excitedly.

While everyone else cheered, Chestnut Snow and the others cried out in concern.

"Matsuzaki!"

"Matsuzaki-kun!"

"Captain!"

Chestnut Snow and the others saw Uchiha Matsuzaki lying in the dust and hurried over.

Seeing Uchiha Matsuzaki covered in wounds, the corners of their eyes grew damp.

The four of them and the medical staff took Uchiha Matsuzaki to the hospital for treatment.

He was still unconscious, but since none of his injuries were critical, there was no major cause for concern.

He would be able to leave the hospital after two weeks of rest.

Chestnut Snow and the other three were still very uneasy, since Uchiha Matsuzaki remained unconscious.

"I didn't expect Matsuzaki to be so seriously injured this time."

"Yeah. After he's discharged, we have to celebrate his success. If it weren't for him, we'd never have had a chance to join the Anbu!"

Yamamoto Takeshi and the others spoke quietly.

Uchiha Matsuzaki was lying in a hospital bed. Both arms were wrapped in bandages, and although his ribs weren't seriously injured, he couldn't do any strenuous exercise.

Although he was unconscious, his life wasn't in danger.

As the seconds and minutes passed, Uchiha Matsuzaki's mother and younger sister arrived at his hospital room that evening.

"Auntie, don't worry. Matsuzaki-kun is unconscious, but there's nothing seriously wrong with him."

"Mm. That boy's always been like this. Honestly, I don't know what to do with him. Since there's no major problem, you should head home for now and let me take care of him. You've had a long day, too."

Uchiha Matsuzaki's mother and Chestnut Snow spoke quietly beside his bed.

"Auntie, it's all right. We can stay here. Doesn't his little sister have school tomorrow?"

"We're not tired, either. We can take good care of Matsuzaki-kun here."

Seeing how determined Chestnut Snow was, Uchiha Matsuzaki's mother slowly gave in.

"All right, then. I'll come back tomorrow morning."

"Take care, Auntie."

And so, they stayed by Uchiha Matsuzaki's side all night.

Early the next morning, Uchiha Matsuzaki's mother came to the hospital and brought them all some breakfast.

After winning the match, their entire team no longer needed to attend classes at school.

All they had to do now was wait for Uchiha Matsuzaki to wake up before reporting to the Anbu.

On the third day of his unconsciousness, Uchiha Matsuzaki finally began to stir and slowly woke up.

"Ah... It hurts... Where... am I?"

After waking, Uchiha Matsuzaki furrowed his brow and spoke softly.

"Matsuzaki-kun, you're awake!"

Chestnut Snow, who was beside him, was overwhelmed with emotion. Her eyes grew damp as she spoke.

"This is the hospital. You've been unconscious for three days!"

"You passed out after winning your match, but you've finally woken up."

"You were very badly injured in that match. You need to rest properly now. The doctor said there's nothing seriously wrong, and you'll be able to leave the hospital in two weeks."

Chestnut Snow looked sadly at Uchiha Matsuzaki, whose hands were wrapped in bandages.

After hearing what Chestnut Snow had just said, Uchiha Matsuzaki asked no more questions. He turned his head and looked out the window.