After hearing Kushina's words, a worried expression inevitably appeared on Sakura's face as she quietly walked into the hospital room.
Seeing Sakura approach Naruto's bed, Kushina gently shook her head and stepped outside.
Sakura composed the worry on her face, putting on a relaxed, natural expression as she said with a light laugh.
"Naruto, the village has pretty much recovered by now, and the weather's been great these past few days. Aren't you going to go out for a walk!?"
As she spoke, she first walked over to the window and pulled open the curtains.
Warm, gentle sunlight streamed into the room. Bathed in that comforting light, Sakura turned her head slightly and smiled at Naruto.
"The doctor already told me that your injuries have mostly healed. If you keep slacking off in here, Kakashi-sensei won't be happy either!"
However, when Sakura saw the lifeless look on Naruto's face, she froze!
He was completely different from the Naruto she remembered, the one who always wore a sunny smile. Now, his face was filled with an indescribable emptiness, and his entire being seemed far more dejected.
Only after Sakura finished speaking did Naruto seem to notice that she was there.
His eyelids lifted slightly. His dull blue eyes gazed blankly at Sakura, and after pausing for a moment, he said in a slightly hoarse voice.
"Sakura... you... why are you here...?"
For some reason, Sakura's heart suddenly ached when she heard Naruto's words.
Although she was usually annoyed by Naruto's antics and pranks, deep down, Sakura had always regarded him as a companion she trusted deeply!
But now... the guy who had always brought laughter to others had become like this...
Sakura forced back the urge to cry, barely managing a smile before pretending to be angry.
"What? I've been here