The man turned to the cousins, his gaze sharp like a blade. "For your misconduct, the threatening and harming of a fellow student, and your attitude in general I am failing you both. You can choose whether or not to resume classes at the academy or pursue civilian lives. Dismissed."

Before he could even flinch from the man's tone Ginjiro found himself face to face with him. He felt the same anxious nerves creep up his throat as he stared the man down, but he could still feel the ice in his gaze melting.

But his fear abated as the man's gaze softened. His earlier need for affirmation struggled to fight its way up, even as he tried his hardest to crush it.

"Ginjiro, I need to know how badly Hana wounded you, do you think you'd be a good judge of that?" The man's eyes remained on his, even as Gin felt the urge to turn away.

Already at the reminder he could feel blood seeping down his back he pulled off his thin jacket carefully as he felt his skin pull. He wouldn't be able to turn to see it because of its position, nor could he apply pressure to the wound. Oh what he wouldn't give to heal like Naruto.

Reluctantly he raised his gaze to the man who was still his teacher, at least until he inevitably dismissed him after assessing the wound. He hoped Naruto would pass at least, and maybe he could convince the hokage to release the A-rank pay to him bit by bit until the next test came around.

"No sir"

"Would it be alright with you if I checked the wound? If not I can have a med nin come here instead." His eyes were soothing, and this was clearly a practiced "dad" attitude. Gin was soaking in it. But he didn't want to cause any trouble, or tempt fate for another adult nice to him.

"I'll just go home sir, my brother and I know first aid."He balled up his jacket in his hands, feeling the still-wet blood seep onto his hands, fully conscious of the persistent drip of blood down his back. If he started now he could get home before it got too dark.

Inoichi narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, but to Ginjiro's deep relief nodded to agree.

And then his heart sank.

"You live pretty far into the village right? I'll escort you back to make sure you get back safe." Reluctantly Gin nodded, he just wanted to get home.

Unfortunately for him, the training grounds were on the outskirts of the village, and his apartment leaned towards the other half. And to make matters worse his teacher had insisted in wrapping the few bandages he had handy around his chest, in an effort to staunch the blood flow, the downside being the uncomfortable pulling and tightness around his chest.

Finally, oh finally his building came into view. His relief was so strong he barely noticed his teacher eyeing the drunkards in the streets and general disrepair of the area, barely.

Walking to the steps he saw his teacher clearly intended to follow him up the stairs, oh kami he could do without this awkward silence, let the man just fail him and let him rest please. Thankfully before he could even start his stilted thanks and goodbye a familiar streak of orange darted up to the steps, dodging the two of them and touching the door with a sense of accomplishment.

"I beat you home! You have to wash the dishes tonight! Hah!"

Gin felt a much needed smile creep up his face.

"Hey Naruto, how did you do with your team today?" He fished his keys out and handed them to his brother, who unlatched the door but remained outside when it seemed obvious that Gin intended to.

"It was awesome! We passed! Even though Kakashi-sensei is weird..." Naruto trailed off as if sulking. "And I did that trick we learned to escape this trap he made!" He perked right up before his nostrils flared and his gaze shot to the bandage around Gin's torso.

"You're hurt!" And before Gin could start to explain the explosive blond turned to the teacher who stood passively, waiting seemingly for a chance to speak.

"You!"