DO NOT WORRY I DID NOT DIE.

Please feel free to read the message above until it registers properly in your mind.

Okay, now that we've got that over with, don't freak on me people; I've been very busy lately.

Secondly: 1K views! My dream has come true *sobs hysterically*. Haha, okay I'm done. But seriously, thanks everyone who has taken the time to read this story, it makes me really happy. Well, I think that covers the gist of it. Enjoy!

PS: I don't own Naruto.

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Motherfucker... It hurts," I groaned, rolling onto my side only to have another stab of pain shoot through my side.

Language, Rin chimed in.

"Oh stick a sock in it, will ya?" I mumbled, clutching my side in agony.

It had been a little over four hours that I had woken up; a day since the battle happened. Occasionally a nice lady named Tsunami, as she had introduced herself, had come into the room I was staying in to change my bandages and see how I was fairing. She filled me in on the details of our arrival, as well as informing me that the mission had been successful (which greatly relieved me; I wasn't in any hurry to fight against Zabuza any time soon).

Kakashi had yet to wake up, which made me wonder exactly how much chakra he exerted in that battle to be knocked out for this long. I was still too weak to properly run or train, but I was now able hobble around weakly under supervision, which was at least an improvement from my bedridden state. Besides, I was getting bored staying in bed doing nothing with occasionally Rin to talk to.

The reason I say occasionally is exactly because I have only talked to her occasionally. Rin had been unusually silent after the battle, only responding to my questions every once in a while; or to add in a sarcastic remark here and there. It greatly unnerved me.

The other reason that frustrated me was that I couldn't think a thought without her knowing exactly what I was thinking. It's like trying to keep a secret from yourself, impossible.

So here I was getting healed slowly and painfully, all because they haven't invented goddamned morphine yet. Like seriously, I could hear my bones slowly cracking into place. Do you know how messed up that is?

I heard the door creak open and I sighed, sweat streaking my forehead. Tsunami entered the room, a sweet smile on her face.

"Would you like me to bring lunch up here?" She asked me sweetly.

"No," I said quickly, "I mean, I think I'm well enough to go downstairs to eat. I'm feeling a bit better."

I tried for a weak smile but judging from Tsunami's facial expression, it probably looked terrifying.

"Oh, alright," She said unsurely, "But be careful, you're still in the process of healing."

I nodded and shakily got out of the bed, wincing as my feet touched the floor. I hobbled out of my room and down the stairs, where the rest of my team (minus Kakashi) were seated at the table eating lunch.

"When do you think Kakashi-sensei is going to wake up, Sasuke?" Sakura asked Sasuke, smiling sweetly.

Sasuke grunted and placed a spoonful of rice in his mouth. Though Sakura seemed content with his acknowledgment, I on the other hand felt like pushing his head down into his bowl of rice. But that would make a mess, and it would be rude as guests to do that. Damn.

"How do you think Kakashi got his sharingan?" Sakura persisted.

Sasuke froze at that question, before choosing to completely ignore her.

I shrugged at I shakily took a seat beside Naruto, who was munching on his... Ugh I lost count. "Probably got it transplanted," I answered, repeating what Rin had told me.

"I wonder who that mask guy was," Naruto said aloud.

"You mean- holy shit," I was suddenly hit with a spasm of pain. The others looked at me worriedly before I gave them a weak grimace and waved it off. "Y- You mean the guy who was standing over- motherfucker! -Zabuza. Yeah, I think he was a tracker ninja- son of a- mmmhm!" My mouth was suddenly covered by Naruto, who was scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

At this point everyone else was gaping at me, their eyes wide.

Naruto glanced at me warily, "I think you should go back to bed."

My facial expression turned panicked, "No way-"

Suddenly Tsunami came rushing down the stairs. "Your sensei is awake!" She informed us.

All of our eyes widened as we scrambled up the stairs.

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Kakashi was sitting up on his bed, one of his legs wrapped in bandages, and a pair of crutches resting beside his bed.

He scratched his head nervously when he saw us, "I guess I used up too much chakra."

My eyebrow shot up, "You think?"

Sakura cleared her throat, "Um, first of all, you're not in any place to speak Sena," she said, making me glare at her. "Second of all," she turned to Kakashi, "The Sharingan might be an impressive tool to use in battle but it seems like it takes a lot of energy from you."

Lately, Sakura has been a lot snappier towards me, ever since the battle ended. I'm guessing though because Sasuke carried me to Tazuna's place when I used up too much chakra.

She hasn't been extremely mean, just shows a lot of attitude. I mean, what does she even see in that duck bastard? He has hair styled like a duck's ass, his personality sucks (though lately, it has been strangely improving) and he doesn't even talk, just grunts ninety percent of the time.

I was snapped out of my stupor by Kakashi.

"I've been thinking about the battle," Kakashi admitted.

My eyebrows furrowed, "How is that even possible? You were sleeping," I deadpanned.

Sasuke nudged me in the stomach, making me glare at him.

Kakashi cleared his throat before continuing. "Sakura, did the tracker nin take Zabuza's body with him?"

Sakura nodded, "I think so."

Kakashi's eyebrow creased, "See, that's the thing. Tracker nins are supposed to eliminate the body on the spot. The head alone should be enough evidence."

"Also his choice of weapon," Kakashi continued, "Senbon. Not typically used in combat, more commonly used in the medical field. Think about it."

So that means...

My eyes widened as I looked at Kakashi for approval. He gave me a dreaded look of conformation.

The tracker ninja might be working for Zabuza..... Shit.

Sasuke quick to understand after me. His eyes widened as a look of understanding flashed across his face. "No way," he breathed.

Kakashi nodded grimly, "I'm afraid so."

"What! What are you guys talking about?" Naruto demanded obnoxiously. Sakura also looked mildly confused.

I turned to Naruto, my facial expression fully serious. "Zabuza might still be alive," I stated grimly.

"Impossible!" Sakura exclaimed, "You checked his pulse, right sensei?"

"Yes," Kakashi admitted, "But he could have been put in a near death like trance when those senbon needles pierced his neck."

A nervous laugh interrupted our conversation. I looked to the doorway to find Tazuna, which made me flinch in surprise from his sudden appearance.

"Don't you think you're over exaggerating," Tazuna suggested, "You said he was dead."

Kakashi looked at Tazuna straight in the eye, "As ninjas, we have to be prepared for anything."

Tazuna gulped.

"But sensei!" Naruto exclaimed, "That means Zabuza could be coming any second now to attack us!"

Kakashi shook his head, "When put in a near death like trance, it takes at least a week to fully recover. That's why I've got a training schedule planned to prepare you to face him again."

Sakura looked worried. "But sensei," she insisted, "What's a little training going to do against someone like Zabuza?"

Kakashi flashed us his famous closed eye smile. "Oh don't worry, I've got it all under control."