Shuo spent five days in the hospital.
Not because he wanted to linger, but because Tsunade had issued an absolute order-anyone who dared discharge him would have to write a ten-thousand-word self-criticism.
Early on the fifth morning, he opened his eyes.
Sunlight slanted into the ward. Sai was gone, and a blond man in a white robe sat in the chair, his head lowered as he peeled an apple.
Minato Namikaze.
"Awake?" Minato didn't look up.
Shuo sat up. "What brings you here?"
"To check on you, and discuss a few things." Minato handed him the peeled apple.
Shuo took a bite. It was very sweet. He chewed slowly, waiting for Minato to speak.
Minato looked out the window. "The Akatsuki have been too quiet lately."
"Mm."
"Unnaturally quiet."
Shuo said nothing.
"Jiraiya uncovered a few things." Minato lowered his voice. "The Akatsuki's leader, Pain, most likely has his real body hidden in Amegakure. The masked one's code name is Tobi. His identity is unknown. There are also a huge number of White Zetsu. Frighteningly many."
He paused. "They're waiting for something."
Shuo swallowed the apple and said flatly, "For me to die?"
Minato gave a small smile. "Possibly. Or perhaps they're waiting for you to recover completely."
Shuo said nothing. He set the apple core on the edge of the table, then abruptly changed the subject. "Where's Naruto?"
"He went off to train with Jiraiya." Minato's gaze softened a little. "That boy's really pushing himself."
Shuo had just nodded when the door opened.
Sai came in carrying a paper bag. He paused when he saw Minato. "Minato-sensei."
"I should go." Minato rose and stopped at the door without turning around.
"Shuo."
"Yes?"
"The masked man." Minato's voice was heavy. "I might know him."
Shuo looked up. "Who?"
After two