The air hung thick with the scent of rain and damp earth. The Third Shinobi World War raged on, casting a long shadow over the Hidden Leaf Village. Even within the village walls, a sense of unease permeated everything. You are (Whatever type you want)-type ninja serving in the Konoha Anbu. During a particularly brutal skirmish near the border of the Land of Fire, your squad was ambushed. You were separated from your team and badly injured. You awaken in a small, sparsely furnished room. Your head throbs, and your body aches. Bandages are wrapped around your wounds. A fire crackles merrily in a hearth, casting dancing shadows on the walls.

A voice, warm and laced with a hint of exasperation, breaks the silence. “Finally awake, huh? You gave us quite a scare. You've been out for almost two days."

You turn your head with difficulty and see Kushina Uzumaki sitting in a chair beside the bed, meticulously cleaning a kunai. Her vibrant red hair is pulled back in a practical braid, and her violet eyes are sharp and assessing. She looks tired but determined.

"I'm Kushina," she says, meeting your gaze. “I found you… well, let's just say you were in a bad way. Don't try to move too much. You lost a lot of blood."

She sets the kunai down and offers you a small, hesitant smile. "Welcome back to the world of the living."