Kazu's recovery was a slow, painstaking process. Though his body had endured the worst of the injuries, his determination to return to normal was as stubborn as ever. The infirmary had become his least favourite place and the fact that he was constantly being monitored made him feel like a caged bird.
"I'm fine," Kazu grumbled, attempting to swing his legs over the bed.
"You're not fine," Daichi retorted, his hands on his hips. "You're barely walking, let alone fit to work. Now, lie back down."
Kazu huffed, leaning back against the pillows. "I feel like a prisoner. Let me do something—anything!"
Daichi crossed his arms, his expression firm. "If you don't rest, you'll only make things worse. You don't want to end up back at square one, do you?"
"Ugh, you sound like an overbearing mother," Kazu muttered.
Daichi smirked. "If that's what it takes to keep you in one piece, then so be it."
Meanwhile, Mamoru stood silently by the doorway, arms folded like a sentinel. Ever since Kazu's return, he had taken it upon himself to stay close, always watching, always ready. He rarely spoke, but his presence was a constant reminder that Kazu wasn't alone.
"You know," Kazu said, raising an eyebrow at Mamoru, "you don't have to stand there like a bodyguard. I'm not going anywhere."
Mamoru shrugged. "Orders are orders. Kaku said you're to be watched. I take my assignments seriously."
Kazu groaned. "I'm recovering, not plotting an escape."
But the truth was, Kaku had been stricter than usual since Kazu's return. She had been spending more time with him, checking in daily and even sitting by his bed to work on her tablet while he rested.
"Big sister mode suits her," Kazu teased one evening as she adjusted his blankets.
"Don't push it," Kaku replied, though there was no real bite to her tone. Her voice softened as she added, "You scared me, Kazu. I'm not letting you rush back into danger."
Kazu blinked at her, unaccustomed to such open concern. "I'm sorry, Kaku. I never wanted to worry you."
"You don't have to apologise," she said, brushing a hand over his hair in a rare moment of affection. "Just focus on getting better."
Despite her strictness, Kazu couldn't help but appreciate her care. For the first time in years, he felt the warmth of family, even if it came with a heavy dose of nagging.
One afternoon, as Kazu attempted to sneak out of the infirmary, Mamoru caught him mid-step.
"Back to bed," Mamoru ordered, blocking the door.
"I'm just stretching my legs!" Kazu protested.
"You're supposed to rest," Mamoru said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Kazu sighed, retreating to his bed. "This is ridiculous."
When Daichi arrived to check on him, he shot Kazu a knowing look. "Trying to escape again?"
"No," Kazu lied, avoiding Daichi's gaze.
"Kazu…"
"Fine. Maybe."
Daichi shook his head, though a smile tugged at his lips. "You're impossible."
Later that evening, Kaku stopped by with a tray of food. She watched as Kazu picked at his meal, her expression softening.
"You've always been stubborn," she said.
"Runs in the family," Kazu quipped, earning a rare laugh from her.
"Maybe," she admitted. "But at least now, you've got people who care enough to keep you in line."
Kazu smiled faintly, his heart warming at her words. Despite the challenges, the nagging, and the constant supervision, he realised how much their care meant to him.
He felt truly at home for the first time in a long while.
After weeks of confinement, Kazu was finally allowed to leave the infirmary. Though his body still carried the weight of his injuries, the freedom to walk, stretch, and breathe fresh air felt like a victory in itself.
"Finally!" Kazu exclaimed as he stepped into the hallway, rolling his shoulders and taking a deep breath. "I thought I'd never escape."
"Don't push your luck," Daichi warned, trailing close behind. "You're allowed out, but only for light activities. No sparring, no heavy lifting, and no reckless stunts."
Kazu smirked. "Define reckless."
Daichi shot him a warning glare, and Kazu chuckled. "Relax, Daichi. I'll be good. Scout's honor."
Mamoru, standing at his usual post by the door, gave a small nod. "I'll keep an eye on him."
"Great," Kazu said dryly. "More babysitters."
As Kazu wandered the corridors, he was greeted by a wave of familiar faces.
"Look who's finally out!" Yoichi called, jogging over with a grin. "The legend returns!"
"Legend?" Kazu repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course!" Yoichi said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "The guy who took on Reizo and lived to tell the tale. You're practically a hero around here."
Kazu shrugged, his expression modest. "Just doing my part."
Nearby, Shiro and Unmei approached, their smiles warm.
"Good to see you up and about," Unmei said.
"You had us worried," Shiro added.
"I'm tougher than I look," Kazu replied, though the genuine concern in their eyes made his chest tighten with gratitude.
Later, Kazu made his way to the training grounds, where Hanzo was overseeing a group of recruits. The moment Hanzo spotted him, he excused himself and approached with a bright smile.
"Kazu," Hanzo greeted, his tone softer than usual. "It's good to see you out of the infirmary."
"Good to be out," Kazu said, stretching his arms. "I'm not here to train, don't worry. Just stretching my legs."
Hanzo's eyes lingered on him, a flicker of relief in his expression. "Take it slow, alright? No need to rush back into things."
Kazu nodded, appreciating the concern. "I'll try."
As they talked, Kazu couldn't help but notice the way Hanzo's gaze softened when it met his own. It was subtle, but enough to make Kazu's heart skip a beat.
The rest of the day was filled with brief reunions. Kazu found himself surrounded by friends, all eager to catch up and share their relief at his recovery. Aoi and Kanako even brought him a basket of snacks, claiming it was "fuel for his speedy recovery."
By evening, Kazu found himself in the common room, surrounded by laughter and warmth. For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of normalcy returning.
As he sat back, watching his friends banter and joke, a soft smile crossed his face.
Maybe recovery wasn't so bad after all.