Both Inuzuka scented warily. Neither of them could catch the faintest whiff of a lie. Tsume glanced at Kuromaru. His ear flattened farther against his skull, the bandaging over his missing ear shifting with the skin and fur. He took several steps back, lowering his head.

Haruichi was asking for trust. She had to trust her teammates, other ANBU, or she couldn't do her job. Had to trust the doctors, or she wouldn't heal. He knew more than she did, even if he didn't necessarily know more about Inuzuka--

Which was a point. What if he was wrong? What if their systems could handle it just fine, and there was no rot? Her muscles tensed.

Then, she realized, she'd still be able to handle it and there still wouldn't be any rot in three weeks. But if she were wrong...

Proof that they'd be all right. Partially sealed. Three weeks. They'd still be able to feel each other. Still exchange some chakra.

Kuromaru growled and backed up several more steps.

Tsume glanced at Haruichi, eying him from under her hair. "You're sure about this?"