Chapter 3: Gentle Oni-chan
On the hospital bed in the ninja hospital, Matsumoto Nana slowly opened her eyes. Sitting up halfway, she stretched her arms overhead and gave a big yawn.
She vaguely remembered falling asleep during the check-up, surprised that no one had woken her and instead allowed her to sleep peacefully. This nap had been quite comfortable, alleviating some of the fatigue she felt after crossing over.
"Awake now? Is there anywhere you feel uncomfortable?" Uchiha Itachi had been waiting by her bedside, and only spoke up once he saw she was fully awake.
"I'm fine, I feel great now," she replied with a sweet smile. Matsumoto Nana genuinely felt that there was nothing more delightful than waking up to find a handsome boy nearby.
Looking down, she noticed she was wearing a different set of clothes, blinking in confusion as she glanced between herself and Itachi.
"That outfit was changed by the nurse. Your original clothes were all torn up!" Uchiha Itachi quickly explained, blushing as he waved his hands in embarrassment.
After hearing his explanation, Matsumoto Nana nodded with a smile. Aww, what a pure and shy young man he is!
"The results from the examination are in. Your amnesia may be due to temporary memory loss caused by the electric shock. However, your body… doesn't have any injuries?" Itachi spoke with a hint of uncertainty as he looked at the girl.
When the medical ninja had informed him that the girl was unharmed, Itachi had also been surprised. Despite her clothes being completely ruined, her body was completely intact. Although he had some doubts, he felt more relieved than anything.
"It's because I know some simple medical ninjutsu… It seems to be something my mother taught me before she passed," Matsumoto Nana quickly explained upon noticing the doubt on his face. Knowing Itachi's serious nature, she preferred to clarify rather than let him ponder unnecessarily.
She reached out and gently took Itachi's hands in hers. Not wanting to reveal her full capabilities too early, she didn't mention her space techniques. Instead, she simply utilized her chakra to perform the most basic medical ninjutsu as a demonstration.
A warm flow of chakra streamed from her hands into Uchiha Itachi. As the chakra coursed through his body, it healed some minor injuries he hadn't even noticed before.
Itachi's eyes widened in surprise as he felt the healing effects. Not only were his small wounds treated, but his fatigue also lifted significantly.
Was this something her mother had taught her? She must have been an exceptional medical ninja in her lifetime. It seemed she had once had a very happy family.
Itachi observed the girl's serious expression. To master medical ninjutsu at such a young age showed her exceptional talent. With a bit of practice, she would undoubtedly become an even more outstanding medical ninja.
"Ah—" After finishing the healing, Matsumoto Nana suddenly raised her hands, calling out in a soft voice, signaling for a hug. It was perfectly normal for a child to act a little spoiled.
"What's wrong?" Itachi was momentarily taken aback, instinctively wanting to embrace her. However, he rationally held back, worried that such affectionate actions might frighten her since they had just met.
"Onii-chan, I'm really hungry…" Matsumoto Nana's face fell, and she rubbed her small, pale hands on her stomach, speaking in a pitiful tone.
She genuinely was starving. It had been a day since she crossed over, and she hadn't eaten anything yet; her stomach was beginning to protest.
Hearing her call him "Onii-chan" made Itachi's cheeks flush slightly. This was the first time in years someone had addressed him like that; the girl in front of him was as adorable as a little sister.
He looked out the window and realized how late it had become, already dinnertime. It would be quite rude to search for the Third Hokage this late; he could only wait until tomorrow to arrange a place for Nana to stay.
It seemed that tonight, he would have to let Nana stay at his home. After considering this, he stood up carefully, lifting Nana and gently placing her on the edge of the bed. He then tenderly held her small feet to help her put on her shoes.
"Nii-chan, where are we going?" Matsumoto Nana didn't expect Itachi to personally help her put on her shoes. His gentle actions made her cheeks flush, and her heart raced.
Who understands? Eighteen years of being single, and suddenly in this new world, a pure young man is personally putting shoes on her. How does one even deal with this? She was in a bit of a dilemma!
"Nana, it's already late. I think the Third Hokage has gone to rest, so you'll have to stay at my house tonight," Itachi said softly, his tone gentle, as if afraid to scare her or that she might refuse.
Such good fortune? Matsumoto Nana thought to herself. This was a delightful surprise! Staying under the same roof tonight would make it easier for her to increase their rapport.
"Okay, as long as I can be with Onii-chan, I'm fine with wherever we go," Matsumoto Nana replied in a soft, sweet voice, her body swaying adorably as she spoke.
Itachi hadn't expected her to respond this way. It felt a bit strange, but he couldn't quite pinpoint why. Regardless, his ears were turning red again.
"077, what's Itachi's current favorability rating?" Matsumoto Nana called out to the system in her mind. It seemed the system was always available at her call, which she found quite convenient.
"Sure thing! Uchiha Itachi's current favorability rating: 35%. Please continue to work hard, Host!" 077 cheerfully reported the value, even giving Nana a thumbs-up for encouragement.
Only 35%? Matsumoto Nana thought. It seemed that gaining favor wasn't going to be easy. Relationships required time and interaction to deepen. If only she could stay in the Uchiha residence for an extended period!
While she thought this, she couldn't help but picture Uchiha Fugaku's stern face. The Uchiha were known for their pride and would definitely not allow an outsider to stay in their home. It appeared she would need to employ some clever tactics.
"What's wrong? What are you thinking about?" Itachi had finished helping Nana put on her shoes and noticed her lost expression, prompting him to ask with concern.
"I just… I just want Onii-chan to carry me," Matsumoto Nana pouted, poking her fingers together and blinking her big eyes, looking utterly adorable.
"There's no need to be shy about asking your brother for something like this," Itachi chuckled lightly, affectionately tapping her nose with his finger. In his heart, he had already unconsciously accepted this little girl as his own sister.
She was alone in the world, and it seemed her life must have been quite difficult. If only this lively and cute girl could be his sister, Itachi thought as he looked down at Matsumoto Nana, an involuntary wish blooming in his heart.