Aki left them, then, with the other ANBU, and headed into Stone Country. Sugimoto stayed true to her mission, escorting Genma all the way back to Konoha. They stopped once, to sleep and eat, and when Genma was awake, they talked. It wasn't a debriefing anymore, exactly, but she steered the conversation deftly into and back out of dangerous waters, listening with the attentive air that said she had years of psych training at her back.

A fresh team of medics was waiting at Konoha's hospital, including a face Genma wasn't sure he was happy to see.

"I hear you still haven't figured out how to stay out of trouble," Ito-sensei told Genma.

"Sorry, Sensei."

"Don't apologize, Genma-kun. Although next time you get the urge to teach a class in field medicine, maybe start with something a little more basic than a chakra sieve, and don't use yourself as the case study."

"Sorr—"

"Didn't I just tell you not to apologize? I see what your problem is: 'Can't follow simple instructions.'" Ito's hand touched down gently on Genma's shoulder. "Let the nurses get you cleaned up, and then I'll come have a look. It sounds like you don't actually need my expertise so much this time, but I know a chakra specialist or two who're itching to get their hands on you."

It was astonishing how similar being a prisoner and being a patient really were, Genma thought. And surprising how Ito hadn't yet mentioned anything about Genma's captivity.

Ito turned to go.

"Kumoto was there," Genma said, stopping the doctor in his tracks.

"I know."

"He—"

"I know. I'll come right back, Genma-kun. You can tell me then."

"Did they get Kakashi out yet?"

Ito's shoulders stiffened for a moment. When he answered, his voice was low. "I don't know. But they will."

"They better," Genma said, and surrendered to the nurses.