Musutafu Hospital stood as one of the best in the city, perhaps even in the country. Currently, it housed Yumi Taho, who was in the final stages of recovery from an incident that occurred several weeks ago. Thankfully, all medical expenses were covered by UA, who offered support to the family after they were attacked by a villain lurking in the shadows.
Yumi sat in a wheelchair in the hospital's beautiful garden, basking in the sight of the sunrise on the horizon. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she remarked softly, turning to see Naruto seated nearby on a wooden bench. He wore only a white sweatshirt with the hood up, partially concealing his face and hair, along with dark pants and gray shoes.
"Yes…" Naruto nodded, rising to stand behind Yumi's wheelchair. He rested his right hand on her back, closing his eyes for a moment. "Your nerves have healed successfully... in a few days, I'll see if..."
"You worry too much," Yumi smiled, wiggling her toes weakly. "I didn't know you could heal people too. You're full of surprises."
"Since your incident, I've been studying every medical book and even things from my homeland to heal you," Naruto replied calmly, injecting healing chakra into the damaged area. Though it took hours of study and practice, he was glad to see her condition improving, ensuring she wouldn't be confined to a wheelchair for life.
"You should not have…"
"Yes, I should have," Naruto interrupted, pulling away from Yumi to stroll through the garden. "I'll be away for a few days. I have to go camping with the annoying brats," he grumbled, turning back to Yumi, who chuckled softly.
"It's just... you're so different from the first time I saw you," she remarked, tucking some of her hair behind her ear. "You looked like a boy filled with rage and pain... It was hard to see that on someone so young."
"At that time, I only fought in street fights to make ends meet. Then your father offered me a job," Naruto explained, joining Yumi on a nearby bench.
"Yes, during all that time you worked with us, I saw a teenager with an empty look, without friends, without a home... without a family," Yumi said sadly, reaching up to lower Naruto's hood and run her fingers through his golden hair.
"..." Naruto remained silent, allowing Yumi to caress his hair and cheeks with a sad smile.
"But look at you now," Yumi continued with joy, squeezing Naruto's cheeks. "You have friends, a home, and since I always saw you as a little brother, we could consider ourselves family, right?" she asked, gently touching Naruto's whisker marks.
"Have you spoken to Mrs. Yuroichi again?" Naruto asked, taking Yumi's hands in his own.
"She cares about you, just like I do," Yumi replied, gripping Naruto's hands firmly to prevent him from pulling away. Meeting his gaze, she continued, "Although you don't admit it or even notice it, you've changed. You have a spark of hope now. Tell me, Naruto, what gives your life meaning? Why do you get up every morning? Why are you alive?"
"..." Naruto remained silent, his expression still guarded and indifferent.
"I'll tell you about those children who are your friends... Ibara," the black-haired girl said firmly, despite Naruto's warning glance. "You told me she was the first one at UA who approached you, didn't judge you, and offered something valuable that not many of us are willing to give... friendship."
"She..."
"The decision is yours, Naruto," Yumi interrupted, releasing his hands. She smiled as she watched him stand up. "You can continue living in the past, regretting every moment, thinking your life is worthless... or you can do the hardest thing: open your heart and try to be happy again."
"..." The silence between them was palpable as they stood in the sunlight, waiting for one of them to speak.
"Promise me..."
"Hmm?" Naruto raised an eyebrow, noticing Yumi's determined expression as she slowly rose from her wheelchair to stand before him.
"Promise me you'll find happiness," Yumi said, despite her trembling legs and back pain. She met Naruto's gaze with determination. "Show me that these years with us meant something. Promise me you'll let go of the burden, won't seek meaningless revenge, and will seek only your own happiness. If our bond meant anything, promise me you'll at least try." With those words, her legs gave out, and she fell.
Naruto caught her before she hit the ground, gently placing her back in the wheelchair. Silently, he turned to leave, his steps slow. Yumi watched him go, fists clenched in frustration. But when she heard his footsteps stop, she looked up to see Naruto pausing.
"I... I promise."