Naruto : The Return of Senju

Chapter 5

The sterile white of the hospital room was the first thing I saw. My body felt like a broken vessel, aching in ways I couldn't begin to explain, and my mind was clouded with thick fog. The sharp scent of antiseptic stung my nostrils, grounding me in a reality that felt both foreign and painfully real. A nurse noticed my stirring and quickly called for the doctor.

I blinked my eyes open, the sunlight filtering through the hospital room's window casting a warm glow over the space. My gaze shifted to the two figures by my bedside. The older woman, who had nearly jumped from her chair earlier, now sat on the edge of my bed, her hand gently resting on mine. She had shoulder-length black hair streaked with silver, her features soft yet marked by the lines of time and worry. Despite her age, which seemed to be in her late forties, she carried herself with a quiet strength. Her warm brown eyes glistened with both relief and lingering fear. This must be Suzune, my grandmother.

Beside her stood a stern-looking man, his arms crossed over his chest, though his eyes betrayed his relief. His dark hair was speckled with gray, cut short and neatly combed. A few faint scars marked his face, speaking of a life once lived on the battlefield. His sharp features and upright posture gave him the aura of someone used to being in charge. Yet, as he looked at me, his eyes softened. This had to be Horito, my grandfather.

My chest tightened as reality set in. I was truly here.

"You gave us quite the scare, boy," Horito said gruffly, though his voice softened at the edges.

I blinked, taking in their faces. A warmth stirred in my chest that I couldn't quite explain. I didn't know them well, but something about their presence made me feel safe.

Before I could fully process the emotions swelling in my chest, the sliding door creaked open, and a presence entered that made my heart skip. I turned to see the Hokage – Hiruzen Sarutobi. He looked just as I remembered from the anime, though far more real and commanding in person. He was an older man, likely in his sixties, with short graying hair and a beard to match. Deep wrinkles lined his face, evidence of both age and the burdens of leadership. Clad in his traditional red and white robes, his hat bearing the kanji for 'Fire,' he exuded wisdom and power.

My heart raced. There was no denying it now. This was the world of Naruto.

"Good to see you awake," the Hokage greeted me. "How are you feeling?"

I hesitated, my mind still foggy. "I…I think I'm okay. I'm a little confused."

The Hokage nodded kindly, asking a few simple questions about how I felt, if I remembered anything strange before the accident or after it, like where I was, and reassuring me that I was safe now. His calming tone seemed to ease the tension in the room.

After a few more pleasantries, the Hokage turned to Horito and Suzune, giving them a subtle gesture to follow him outside. They exchanged a brief glance before stepping out into the hallway with him.

Once the door was closed, the Hokage's expression grew serious. "His memory seems to be blocked," he said quietly. "It is likely a result of the trauma he endured during the kidnapping and the experiments. This kind of mental barrier is not uncommon in cases like his. It may actually be a blessing in disguise."

Suzune paled at the mention of the experiments, clutching her hands together tightly. Horito's jaw tightened, but he remained composed.

"For now, it would be best not to reveal any of that to him," the Hokage continued. "He is still healing, both physically and mentally. Tell him he had a near-drowning accident if he asks. That should suffice. When the time is right, we will decide how to proceed. But his recovery is the priority."

Horito and Suzune both nodded in agreement, their hearts heavy but determined to protect me from further pain.