Naruto slowly came to.
A dull ache throbbed at the back of his head.
He rubbed the back of his head in confusion, his blond hair a tangled mess.
The moment he opened his eyes, he saw that familiar face wearing a kindly smile.
He shuddered in fright and scrambled backward on his hands and feet.
"G-Goten, big bro."
Son Goten crouched before him, all smiles, and reached out to ruffle his blond hair.
"Awake?"
"Remember, you owe me thirty days of dishwashing."
"Starting today."
Naruto's face fell instantly. He wanted to cry, but no tears came.
Goten paid him no further attention. He stood and walked over to Sakura.
Sakura leaned against a large rock, her strength fully restored by the nourishment of ki.
Her head was lowered, strands of pink hair hanging down to hide her expression.
"I caused you trouble again..."
Her voice was thick with self-reproach.
Goten walked up to her and, without a word, bent down to kiss her smooth forehead.
"You're my woman. Of course I should protect you."
"Don't be so silly next time."
Sakura's cheeks flushed red, a sheen of tears filling her green eyes as she nodded obediently.
Not far away, Captain Yamato broke into a fit of coughing.
He turned his head away, pretending to study the clouds on the horizon.
This squad was impossible to lead.
After a brief rest, the team set off again.
Yamato watched as Goten led them to a barren stone forest.
Jagged rocks littered the place, with not a blade of grass growing anywhere.
He took out his map and checked it repeatedly.
"This is an ungoverned stretch along the border between the Land of Lightning and the Land of Sound. It isn't even marked in detail on the map."
"Lord Goten, are you