Naruto-nii was leaving and Menma didn't understand why. She was just about to graduate from the academy and Naruto promised he would be there to cheer her on as she got her head protector. Mama and Papa had agreed to Naruto's request to be trained by Jiraiya-Jiji for two years. They never explained to Menma why things were happening, they only explained that they were happening. They still saw the 8-year-old almost-genin as a baby. They even still called her Baby Menma, even in public. It was embarrassing. However, Menma was too polite to correct them. Her Mama was the fiercest konuichi in the village and her Papa was the Hokage. She would never disrespect them.

When Naruto-nii first announced that he would train with Jiraiya-Jiji, Menma was upset, but Naruto seemed chipper and almost falling over himself. Kakashi-nii seemed relieved, Papa had made him be Naruto-nii's Jōnin sensei, much to Kakashi-nii's annoyance. While Menma had no doubts that Kakashi-nii loved them both, she could see the amount of pressure that was put on him by Mama and Papa to protect his younger siblings, even going so far as to make him be one of the childrens sensei, although it was very outside of the rules. None of that mattered though because her brother who was closest to her in age and understanding of the overprotectiveness of their parents was leaving.

Menma didn't want to see him off, planting herself firmly at her desk in her bedroom when it came time to go. Papa was the most shocked that his little 'Baby Menma' could be so stubborn. Menma eventually relented though when Papa reminded her that she wouldn't see her brother for a long time reminding her of the going away presents she got for him. Menma choked back her tears and followed her family to the gate.

"Bye Tou-chan! Bye Ka-chan! Bye Baby Menma! Bye Kakashi-baka!" Naruto yelled as he stuck out his tongue at Kakashi-nii. Kakashi for his credit only twitched an eyebrow before walking up to his younger brother and knocking him on the head.

"Its Kakashi-sensei." He growled lowly. Mama and Papa enveloped Naruto-nii and a bone crushing hug, while Menma stayed back a short distance behind. As they whispered words of encouragement to their youngest son, Menma only stared off into the distance of the road that stretched ahead. The road her brother would soon go on.

Breaking free of his parent's grasp, Naruto saw his little sister as she solemnly looked out onto the distance.

"She is very sad that you won't see her graduate from the academy." Minato whispered into Naruto's ear, and for the first time Naruto really understood the impact his leaving would have on her. As he gingerly made his way to his sister, his Baby Menma, as the family had called her since she was small, he felt tears prick his eyes.

"Baby Menma-"

"I am not a BABY." Menma shot back the daggers in her eyes pointing to her slightly taller, blonder brother.

"Maa Maa, I know you aren't a baby. It's just a pet name." Naruto said sheepishly as he rubbed his head. "I am sorry I am missing your graduation from the academy."

"You promised you would be there. I thought keeping your promises was your ninja way." Menma said in a childishly mocking tone. No, she wasn't a baby, but it would be hard to forget her age. Naruto was a little hurt by the words. Keeping promises was, no IS his ninja way, but Menma was too young to understand the training he needed to do.

"I'm sorry that I am going to miss it, but I promise to send you a letter on the day of your graduation to genin." Naruto offered bending down to get closer to Menma's eye level.

Menma did not want to cry, after all wouldn't that seal her place as baby in her family if she did.

"Anyway, here" she said quickly handing Naruto a frog wallet and a scroll.

Naruto eyed the gifts.

"You needed a new wallet and I heard Jiraiya-jiji say that he would send you to Mount Myoboku if you got in his way. I remembered that Papa said the food was hard to bear, so I learned some seals and made you a scroll of ramen. There's only 7 though, so don't eat it all!" Menma shouted the last part holding back tears. She quickly enveloped her brother in a hug and then ran away, only shouting "You better keep this promise! It's your ninja way!"

Naruto could only see his sisters red and blond hair disappearing around a corner as tears pricked his eyes as well. How long had Menma adored her brother? How long did he not notice? None of that mattered now, he was going to get stronger and become the next Hokage, to protect the village and Baby Menma.

"Oi, Naruto! Let's go!" Jiraiya called breaking Naruto from his daze.

"Right!" He yelled crossing the village gates waving goodbye to his family.

2 1/2 years later:

The ceremony was special for Menma, all of her favorite people, besides Naruto and Jiraiya-Jiji were there. Papa gave the speech as was his place as Hokage, and even Kakashi-nii put his book down long enough to see her awarded her head protector and certificate. She was officially genin! Practically an adult! She was ecstatic.

For the early afternoon, the family went to Ichiraku's for ramen. A favorite of the family. They laughed and congratulated Menma. Her Papa ruffled her hair causing her head protector to loosen and fall down her face. Her cheeks reddened but she was proud.

Running home, Menma raced through the house to the back yard.

"Baby Menma! No shoes in the house! You know better!" Kushina yelled behind her daughter, who ignored the chastisement and sat cross-legged on the ground staring up at the sky.

"What's she looking for?" Kushina asked Minato in a low voice, face twisted in confusion.

"Naruto promised to send a letter today." Minato whispered back, hoping upon hope that their middle son remembered his promise to his sister.

It was several hours and dark before Minato and Kushina finally convinced Menma to come inside. Defeated she relented and went in the house and went to her bedroom. Minato watched her ascend the stairs with sorrowful eyes. She really did adore her brother.

Flicking on the light to her room Menma noticed a hawk sitting on her open window on the sill. Ecstatically she ran and grabbed the tiny scroll attached to its leg. Unraveling it carefully we tried to read the messy handwriting enclosed within.

"Congratulations Baby Menma! Gambate!"

Menma held the words close to her chest and said quietly "I'm not a baby."

As Minato pulled the door closed to his daughter's room, he smirked to himself

"I guess I can't stop you from growing by will, Baby Menma," He whispered to himself before walking away.