I would also rather not.

That too. You want to go ahead with your current curse seal removal plan?

I think so. Probably tomorrow, instead of the surgery. It's ready.

Need me for anything?

I don't think so. We've already gone through all the relevant notes.

Good luck. Try not to die.

I'll keep that in mind.

Cam makes sure his backup circle is still in place.

It is.

He'll get an email from Sasuke when they're starting the process.

The one of him who reads that email waits pensively.

Two hours later he receives an email from Karin:

Sasuke's alive, the curse seal's gone, but he's unconscious. I'm seeing if we can set up a transfer seal to filter chakra from Naruto, but he might be out until tomorrow at the earliest.

Would it make sense to try to take some from me instead?

Possibly. Naruto's more of a known quantity, and I think closer to the equivalent of a universal donor, though.

Oh, I didn't realize people had chakra types.

Some of it's elemental affinity, but there's also flavors - it's more complicated than blood types.

How do I find out what flavor I am?

I can feel it, and there's tests for elemental natures.

What do I feel like?

Earth, which mostly just measures what you'll learn easiest. The other sort of things are harder to put into words.

Huh. Thanks.

No problem. I'll let you know how Sasuke does?

Please do.

He gets an email from Sasuke, actually, the next day:

I'm conscious and Karin won't let me out of bed so I'm bored. Can I have more books and such.

How are you feeling?

Cold and sore.