Recovering

A week has passed, and I’ve buried myself in the books Shishu left for me. My mother and grandmother visit me every day—Mom in the morning and Grandma in the evening. They were worried at first, but they know me too well to think I’d ever stray from my shinobi path.

Every visit comes with homemade food, tea, and my favorite desserts. Today, Mom brought me my favorite caramel cloud cake pastry. She knows me better than anyone. Along with the treats, she brought some clothes and toiletries I needed.

Still, there’s only so much reading I can do before boredom sets in. As I sat staring at the ceiling, I heard faint whispers outside my room. The voices were muffled, and I couldn’t tell how many people were there. My inability to access my chakra didn’t help.

I was about to get out of bed when the door creaked open. Kakashi walked in hesitantly, followed by Obito, Rin, Genma, and Raido.

“Why are you all here?” I asked, trying to mask my irritation. I wasn’t in the mood for company, especially uninvited ones.

It was Genma who spoke first. He’d changed since the last time I saw him. Both he and Raido had hit their growth spurts earlier than the rest of our class, and it showed.

“Sen,” Genma began, chewing on his ever-present senbon, hands stuffed in his pockets. “We wanted to apologize for how we treated you in the Academy.”

Raido stepped forward, his expression heavy with guilt. He looked like he was about to cry. “Sen, I’m really sorry. If I’d just taken the time to understand the situation instead of jumping to conclusions, none of this would’ve happened. I can’t change the past, but I’ll try to earn your forgiveness for the rest of my life. Please, forgive my stupidity.”

I stared at him, stunned by the sudden outpouring of remorse. It felt like they’d rehearsed this.

I sighed. “I don’t hate any of you, but I am disappointed. Forgiveness might come with time, but only after I make peace with myself. You’ll never understand how I felt all these years. I lost friendships because of that incident, and you can’t give that back to me, can you?”

It was Obito who spoke next, his tone defensive yet regretful. “Sen, we’re not here to push for forgiveness, but we wanted you to know that Minato-sensei made us see reason. We investigated Hotaru and Yuki, and they admitted to spreading the rumors. They didn’t think it would spiral out of control.”

I arched a brow, annoyed at his attempt to justify their actions. “Are you seriously defending them right now?”

Genma cut in before I could say more, glaring at Obito. “Obito, you’re making it worse. Sen,” he turned to me, his voice softer, “we looked into it thoroughly, and the truth came out only because the Hokage himself ordered it. We can’t undo what’s been done, and we can’t fully understand what you went through. But we’re truly sorry. If you don’t want to forgive us, we’ll respect that. We won’t bother you again.”

He looked genuinely regretful. With a nod, he led Obito, Raido, and Rin out of the room. Rin hadn’t said much the whole time, but her eyes held a quiet apology.

Only Kakashi stayed behind.

“Why are you still here?” I asked, tired from the conversation already.

Kakashi hesitated before speaking. “Will we ever be friends again?”

His question caught me off guard. I paused before replying, my tone sharp. “You already have friends, Kakashi. You don’t need another one to weigh you down.”

He flinched but didn’t argue. “I just… I think that if everything hadn’t happened the way it did, we could’ve been good friends. Our senseis are close, and we could’ve been a great team.”

“Kakashi,” I said, my voice softening slightly, “I’m not saying I’ll never forgive you, but I can’t think clearly right now. I’m bedridden and in constant pain. Maybe we can talk again after I recover, but I won’t promise we’ll ever be close.”

He nodded, the weight of my words sinking in. “Take care, Sen,” he said quietly before leaving the room.

Once the door closed, I felt utterly drained. Just talking to them had taken all my energy. My real concern, however, was my faulty chakra network.

Even if I didn’t aspire to be a jonin, being without chakra left me feeling defenseless. Without my jutsus, I was vulnerable, and that was something I couldn’t accept. I still had a week before my next evaluation with Tsunade-sama. She would determine how long it would take for me to recover fully and regain access to my chakra and fuinjutsu.

It was going to be a long road to recovery.

Two weeks after my initial evaluation, Tsunade-sama informed me that I’d have to take it slow to let my chakra readjust to my body. For the first month, I’d need to visit the hospital daily, and I wasn’t allowed to do any physically exhausting work outside of these visits.

It’s a relief that Tsunade personally oversees my healing sessions. I think it’s partly because Kushina is my shishu  and that the two are distant cousins. Regardless, I’m grateful—Tsunade-sama is the best medical-nin anyone could ask for.

Today, Kushina joined me during my session. She mentioned she had something important to discuss and insisted I accompany her to the Hokage’s office afterward. My curiosity was piqued, wondering what decision they’d made this time.

Before I could object, Kushina scooped me up like a toddler and shunshined us straight to the office. While I could easily walk—and even run now—she was doing it out of concern, so I didn’t protest.

Outside the office, Kushina flared her chakra briefly, and Minato gave the signal for us to enter. We stepped inside, and there he was, sitting at his desk with the Hokage’s hat on. It was hard not to smile.

He greeted me warmly, his enthusiasm almost contagious. “Hello, Sen-san. How are your healing sessions going?”

“They’re going well, Hokage-sama,” I replied. “I feel better than before.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” he said with a smile. “I know you’re still recovering and not fit for fieldwork yet, but I have a position for you in the office. It’s a temporary assistant role with flexible hours.”

I blinked, confused. Minato already had a capable, long-term assistant—a former jonin who was injured during a mission and was assigned the role by the Sandaime. Before I could voice my thoughts, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in,” Minato called.

I turned to see Shikaku Nara entering the room. He greeted everyone politely, offering me a friendly smile.

Minato continued, “There’s an opening for an assistant to the jonin commander.”

That got my attention. It wasn’t a bad idea—a desk job where I wouldn’t have to worry about dying in the field or overusing my chakra.

Shikaku spoke next. “Sen-san, my previous assistant is getting married and gave me two weeks’ notice. Minato mentioned that you’re good at handling critical situations, and I think you’d be a great fit for the role. Of course, it’s entirely up to you.”

I considered it carefully. There was nothing about the position that seemed like a bad fit, and it was a comfortable, well-paying job.

Shikaku added, “Take your time to think about it. Let me know by tomorrow, and if you’re not interested, we’ll look for someone else. No pressure.”

After a moment of thought, I made my decision. “I accept the position, Nara-sama. But you should know I’m currently unable to use my chakra. If that won’t be an issue, then I’m in.”

Shikaku’s face lit up. “That was fast! Don’t worry—your chakra condition won’t be a problem. Why don’t you come with me now? We can discuss the role briefly, and you can start Monday. It’s Saturday today, and you’ll have Sunday to rest. Oh, and just call me Shikaku. ‘Nara-sama’ makes me feel as old as my father.”

Minato and Kushina both laughed at that.

Kushina turned to me with a grin. “This is great for you, Sen. Working in the jonin headquarters is perfect. It’s less demanding than being the Hokage’s assistant, and you’ll still have plenty of time for yourself.”

I smiled, grateful for her support. “Thank you for everything, Shishu. I really appreciate it.”

She waved me off. “Save your thanks for tomorrow when you come to visit Naruto. Spend some time with him—he’s your shishu’s kid, after all dattebane !”

I promised to visit during lunch, as planned, and then followed Shikaku out of the Hokage’s office.

The jonin headquarters was only five minutes away on foot. It was a large building, almost as big as the Hokage’s office, and I was surprised by how many people worked there. Shikaku gave me a tour, explaining the various departments.

“This building houses many divisions that oversee jonin operations,” he explained. “There are offices for personnel relations, weaponry, medical support, psychological services, and even a civilian jonin division. I’m the head of all these operations, and you’ll assist me directly.”

We eventually reached his office on the top floor. It was spacious, almost as large as the Hokage’s office, with my desk positioned just outside. My workspace was equally impressive—a large desk with multiple shelves and cabinets for scrolls and files. A small window by my chair let in natural light, and I immediately thought about adding a few plants to liven up the space.

Shikaku introduced me to his current assistant, Kayori, who was leaving the role in two weeks to marry a Nara clan shinobi. She seemed friendly and welcoming, which was a relief.

Kayori gave me a brief orientation, showing me where to find scrolls and other essentials. The whole process took about ten minutes.

“You can head home for now,” she said with a smile. “We’ll meet again on Monday, and I’ll help you settle in over the next two weeks.”

I thanked her and Shikaku before heading out, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. This new role felt like a step in the right direction—a chance to heal, regain my strength, and find my place in the village once again.

My life as the assistant to the jonin commander is busy and filled with responsibilities that often outweigh those of assistants in other departments. Despite the workload, I’ve managed to make friends with other assistants and office workers in the building, and I genuinely enjoy working here. I can even see myself staying in this position permanently.

Kushina was right—my hours are much better, and the job is far less demanding than being the Hokage's assistant. It’s been two months since I joined, and things are going great. However, today is an exception—it’s the yearly jonin evaluation week, which means chaos.

During this time, all active jonins must fill out detailed forms to update their medical records and address any other issues. These documents are crucial for administrative purposes and are stored for future use. What I didn’t anticipate, however, was just how many jonins the village has. They fill out their forms in other departments and submit them to me for processing. After compiling everything, I deliver the files to Shikaku for final approval. Only then are the jonins cleared to continue their duties.

The line outside my office was already long, and the evaluations had just begun. What I also didn’t expect was the level of attention I’d receive from the younger jonins. While some were blatantly hitting on me, others seemed to be trying to butter me up, probably hoping I’d speed up their turn. Honestly, what a drag!!

Around noon, a new group of jonins entered the line. That’s when I sensed something familiar. Over the past two months, my chakra network has improved significantly, thanks to Tsunade’s healing sessions and my intense meditation. I’m back to being a sensor, and my abilities allowed me to recognize a presence I had encountered before.

When it was his turn, the figure stepped forward, handing me his file. The moment our eyes met, I froze. It was him—the ANBU I had collided with weeks ago while shunshining away from Kakashi. The masked ANBU who had helped me up, steadying me with his strong, gloved hands, before disappearing into the shadows.

I had been wondering about him ever since, trying to piece together who he was beneath the wolf mask—Okami. And now, here he was, standing in front of me, his identity finally revealed.

His name was written clearly on the form: Junpei Uchiha.

An Uchiha I had never heard of before—not even in the canon? He was tall and broad-shouldered, with an undeniably commanding presence. His sharp jawline and strong features were reminiscent of his younger brother, Shisui, but Junpei had an older, more mature aura. His thick, curly hair was as dark as raven feathers and framed his face perfectly, giving him a slightly rugged yet polished look. His piercing, onyx-black eyes seemed to hold a depth that made it hard to look away. He was every bit the image of a classic Uchiha—handsome, poised, and effortlessly intimidating.

I found myself taking longer to review his file than necessary, hoping he wouldn’t notice my flustered state. Of course, he did. Junpei cleared his throat, bringing me back to the present.

Blushing slightly, I quickly scanned his forms. “Everything seems to be in order,” I said, struggling to keep my composure. I handed him a new form for his signature.

Junpei took the pen from my hand, his fingers briefly brushing mine, and signed the document with smooth, practiced strokes. I couldn’t help but observe him as he worked—his demeanor was calm, confident, and utterly captivating. I felt like he had already guessed that I remembered him from that day.

After signing, Junpei looked at me and said, “Saito-san, please be patient with my younger brother if he bothers you.”

He turned and gave Shisui a sharp look, silently ordering him to behave.

I tried to respond but somehow managed to squeak out, “O-okay… Uchiha-san.”

What was wrong with me? I was acting like a flustered teenager when I was mentally far older than him.

This is not a crush. This is not a crush. This is not a crush.

Junpei gave me a polite nod before stepping aside for Shisui.

Shisui Uchiha, only 13 years old, had already become a jonin. Despite his young age, he looked like he was 16 or 17, a testament to the rigorous training and fieldwork shinobi undergo. He carried himself with the confidence of someone older, which made sense given his accomplishments.

He handed me his file with a cheerful smile and asked, “How are you doing today, Saito-san?”

The kid had remarkable social skills and seemed like the type to build a strong network of friends. I asked him the same questions I had asked Junpei, and after signing his form, Shisui suddenly leaned forward and asked bluntly, “So, do you like my brother?”

I froze. The jonins in line behind him burst out laughing, snickering at my expense. That little shit!

I quickly regained my composure, glaring at Shisui. “Stop imagining things that aren’t there,” I said, hoping my voice sounded more authoritative than embarrassed.

Shisui grinned mischievously, whistling as he walked away. The nerve of that kid!

The rest of the morning passed in a blur. When lunchtime arrived, I locked the office after Shikaku left for his meal and headed to a nearby shinobi café, where I usually met my friends Hikari and Mei. They both worked in the cryptography department, and we had quickly become close.

I settled into our usual spot and opened my book, “Popular Cults of Nations.” I was so engrossed in reading that I didn’t notice someone standing in front of me until they tapped my shoulder. Startled, I looked up, expecting to see Hikari or Mei—but it was Junpei Uchiha.

I cleared my throat, determined to remain composed. “Hello, Uchiha-san. Please, have a seat.”

Junpei placed a silencing seal on the table, a common shinobi habit. “I wanted to apologize for what Shisui said earlier,” he began, his deep voice calm and sincere. “He has no filter and didn’t mean any harm.”

I set my book down and replied, “It didn’t bother me. I’m used to it. A lot of shinobi talk like that—it’s no big deal.”

Junpei seemed relieved and even smiled—a genuine, heart-stopping smile that made my breath hitch. Then, out of nowhere, he asked, “Are you a sensor type?”

His bluntness caught me off guard. Only a few people—Kushina, Minato-sama, Shikaku, and Hiro-sensei—knew about my sensing abilities.

“Yes,” I admitted cautiously. “But how did you figure that out?”

Junpei leaned back slightly, his expression calm but knowing. “I’ve observed you. You probably know my ANBU identity, don’t you?”

I nodded. “It’s not something I share with anyone. I don’t talk about it.”

“I trust Hokage-sama and, by extension, his people,” Junpei said, his voice reassuring. “I understand it’s not something you can control.”

I smiled softly. “Thank you for understanding. I’m aware of many ANBU identities, but I don’t act on that knowledge. It’s just something I ignore.”

Junpei stood, thanking me for the conversation. As he walked away, I couldn’t help but admire him. He really did look like a model—tall, well-built, and effortlessly charming. His resemblance to Shisui was uncanny, but his broader shoulders and more defined jawline set him apart.

Just as I was lost in thought, Hikari and Mei arrived, apologizing for being late. I waved off their apologies with a smile, ready to catch up with them.

After lunch, the jonin line grew even longer than it had been in the morning. One thing I quickly realized in this position was that I might occasionally run into my academy classmates. That turned out to be true—after lunch, I found myself processing forms for Raido and Genma.

They had both changed significantly. Genma, in particular, had a rugged, handsome look now, his sharp features and intense eyes giving him a more mature aura. His trademark senbon was tucked neatly between his lips, exuding an effortless cool. Both of them were now ANBU, which meant they were used to undertaking dangerous and cold missions.

Surprisingly, neither of them made any fuss. They filled out their forms like everyone else, respectful and efficient. Before leaving, Genma nodded slightly, acknowledging me without any unnecessary words.

Over time, my anger toward them had faded. I no longer held any grudges, though I also had no desire to rekindle old friendships. I was content to remain distant, and it seemed they understood that. I was just glad they had kept their promise to leave me alone.

The rest of my former classmates visited the jonin office at their own convenience during the week. Meeting Kurenai and Anko was far more awkward than meeting the others. I kept our interactions brief and formal, speaking to them as I would any other stranger. My body language made it clear I wasn’t interested in reconnecting, and they didn’t press me either.

By the final day of evaluations, the chaos was nearing its end. That’s when Kakashi Hatake walked in, accompanied by a group of jonins.

I won’t lie—Kakashi had grown into a tall, strikingly handsome man. He had always been attractive, but now he was something else entirely. With his mask concealing most of his face and his hitai-ate covering one eye, he exuded an air of mystery that was hard to ignore. His tall, lean frame and effortless confidence made him look like he’d stepped out of a fashion catalog. The way he carried himself, so calm and assured, made it impossible not to notice him.

Ahead of Kakashi in the line was Tenzo, another familiar face from the canon. He was polite and well-mannered, far more composed than most of the other jonins I had interacted with. His gentle demeanor contrasted sharply with the power he wielded as a wielder of Mokuton. Tenzo’s neatly styled dark brown hair and sharp, symmetrical features made him stand out in the crowd—he was undeniably handsome in his own right.

Accompanying them were two other shinobi—Itama Senju and Kawarama Senju. Both were Kakashi’s age and the sons of Tsunade and Dan. The resemblance to their legendary grandfather, Hashirama, was striking. Itama had a rugged charm, his dark hair tied back neatly, emphasizing his sharp jawline and high cheekbones. Kawarama, slightly more playful in his expressions, had a similar build but a softer aura. Both carried themselves with the natural elegance of the Senju lineage, their handsomeness a reflection of their heritage.

As the group reached the desk, they were making plans to meet at a tea shop the next day, taking advantage of their day off.

Kakashi was next in line, handing me his form. I filled it out as I had for everyone else, but I couldn’t help noticing the way he was watching me—his gaze steady and unwavering. It wasn’t my imagination; Kakashi Hatake was definitely staring.

Trying to remain composed, I handed him a pen and pointed to the spot where he needed to sign. As he took the pen from my hand, his fingers brushed against mine—intentionally, I was sure. My breath hitched for a moment, and I froze, stunned by his actions.

He signed the form and returned the pen with an unreadable expression before stepping aside, leaving me flustered.

Next in line was Itama Senju, who flashed me a playful grin as he approached. After completing the paperwork, he asked bluntly, “So, do you have a boyfriend?”

I stared at him, unamused, and replied, “Bother someone else, Senju.”

Itama laughed loudly, his carefree cackling echoing through the room as he walked away. The rest of the group followed after finishing their paperwork, leaving me with a moment of peace.

As the last of the forms were filed, I finally let out a sigh of relief. The week had been hectic, to say the least. I needed a break, and I decided that a little self-care was in order.

Maybe I’d treat myself to a new dress—something elegant and flattering. After everything I’d endured this week, I deserved it.

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Thanks guys for reading so far . There will now be more interaction between Sen and the usual gang . She is closed to 15 years of age by now and a chunin . I hope it clears if you have any doubts

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