Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, just Takara and her family (not Anko (obviously, lol))

Trigger Warning: Swearing, trauma

Chapter 37~ Paperwork

A medic made a choking sound and covered her face with her hands and another cleared his throat before hoarsely saying, "His last words were an apology to you."

The dam had burst and tears poured out of me as a pained desperate noise leaked from my mouth. A noise only someone who has experienced great loss can fully imagine and I bent over my fathers body. I don't know how long I stayed there, curled up over his body, clutching the white sheet and sobbing. The Hokage's hand found my shoulder and every so often apologizes again. The tip of Balance's sheath made a clicking sound as it touched the ground every time I moved in my bent over position.

The words, 'No! It can't be true!' 'Not my Dad!' And 'Please- please bring him back!' Spilled out of my mouth, over and over like I was a broken record. I couldn't help myself but ask for him to come back, and for him to not leave me. I need him. I need my Dad.

My body was shivering.

'I'm scared. Oh my fucking God I'm scared!' I screamed internally as I finally felt the emotion that had eluded me in life so far. The tears running down my face stained my clothes while my dry mouth coughed and hiccuped. I was breathing so fast the darkness at the edge of my vision was rapidly starting to overtake.

Right at the point I was about to faint it was like something snapped inside my chest and I instantly sat straight up.

I blinked the remaining tears out of my eyes and looked around wildly before turning to the Hokage and grasping his arm tightly.

"Usagi- where is Usagi!? He was with Dad!"

The Hokage looked slightly startled and quickly shook his head. "He was never up here. Your father came up by himself almost instantaneously when the bombs went off."

I rose to my feet, averting my gaze from my fathers body and looked into the small crowd of doctors and ninja, "My brother- have any of you seen my little brother!?"

No one said a word and now I felt like I didn't have enough air.

Turning back to the Hokage I began to plead, "Please, please take care of my Dad. I have to find Usagi."

The Hokage nodded reassuringly as medical ninja now began to swarm him.

I turned around, wiped my face with the bottom of my shirt, and jumped into the stands. I knew vaguely where they had been sitting. Ninjas were now going around and waking up the civilians who had been knocked out at the beginning so there was a lot of noise happening. Shouts of confusion, fear, and people looking for their loved ones; like me.

My movements were wild as I searched for Usagi before Conscience spoke up.

"Takara calm down," it's voice was soft.

'Shut the fuck up,' I thought back.

"Stop and think for a second, who did he leave Usagi with when he went to see you?"

I slowed my frantic and jerky movements, 'Sakura-chan.'

"Yes, and you happen to have an ability to track people easily."

I took a deep breath in and frowned, 'There are so many people here… I can't pick out Usagi.'

"Then leave the stadium, and start going towards home. Chances are Sakura took him that way."

I leapt my way down the seating area and out the stadium in a snap, taking large breaths to search for Usagi or Sakura's scent.

From the moment my feet hit the pavement I was running. I could vaguely smell Usagi, but that was from hours ago. Then after a moment, I caught the scent of sakura blossom water.

I followed it eagerly all the way back to my home but the door was locked.

'Oh yea, Sakura doesn't have a key.' I mused before leaning down and following my nose again.

The scent is clearer now. I think Sakura was carrying Usagi so his scent was accidentally minimized.

Turning a couple corners, I found myself standing in front of the cemetery gates. I grabbed the bars and peered in to find pink hair in the distance. I let out a sigh of relief and felt my knees almost buckle again.

I quietly opened the gate and made my way over to my Moms grave.

Usagi was sitting against the headstone and stacking pebbles. He looked totally fine.

Sakura looked nervous, she had come in civilian clothes and was missing any weapons. When she caught sight of me she gave me a beautifully relieved smile and waved me over.

"Taka-onee!" Usagi cheered and quickly bumbled over to me.

I gladly picked him up and held him close. Closing my eyes and trying to calm my insane heart rate.

Once that was accomplished I set him down and gave Sakura a huge hug. She seemed a tad surprised but quickly reciprocated.

"I don't know how to thank you for taking care of him." I told her in a low voice.

"Hey don't worry about it. It's what friends are for." She replied with a smile. As we pulled apart she got a good eye full of my condition.

I'm sure it looks like I've been crying but instead she commented on my horribly scraped knees, but honestly they still don't hurt.

I smiled weakly at her concern, "It's been… a bad day."

Understatement of a lifetime. But I have no idea how to tell Usagi that our Dad is dead.

"Where's Daddy?" Usagi asked, pulling on the edge of my skirt. His eyes are huge and full of anticipation. He's so… young. He's just a baby. I hate this, I don't know what to tell him.

Without my permission tears began to fill my eyes again and I quickly tilted my head back to look at the sky. It reminded me of my excuses about our Mom.

"Daddy… went… to go see Mama."

I heard Sakura suck in a breath and she reached out to gently touch my arm.

Usagi released my skirt and froze.

I finished blinking my tears away and looked down at him. He was still frozen, turning my words around his head. Then he looked at Mom's gravestone, then the sky, then me.

"NO!" Usagi shouted, causing me to flinch. "NO NO NO NO NO!" He continued to say.

I scooped him up in my arms and he began to sob into my neck.

I give Sakura a tired apologetic look and am slightly surprised to see her own eyes glistening with tears.

And all at once a whimper in the back of my throat jumps forward, before my eyes fill up. I held Usa tightly and gave a small bow to Sakura, "We must be going. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

"It was nothing," she said softly, "I'll see you soon."

And with that, I turned and took me and my brother back home.

Going home after Mom died had been hard. By contrast it is easy now, but maybe it's because I have Usagi.

I opened the door confidently and carried Usa up to his room. We stayed there for hours. Cuddling and crying together. Eventually we ate leftovers but I couldn't bring myself to do more. I was utterly physically and mentally exhausted.

When I woke up in Usagi's bed the next morning I knew I had too much to do. I changed into long black leggings and a black tank top and put my hair into a bun instead of its signature style.

I cooked a hearty breakfast and eventually got the still weeping Usagi up, dressed and eating.

While he ate I wrote down the things that needed to happen quickly. We need to do the stone carving ceremony today, I need to find Dad's will, there's a funeral and memorial to plan. Then I also need to apply for some time off work to support Usa-

There was a knock on the door that startled me. I made my way over and didn't recognize the woman but opened it anyway.

"Hello, you must be Takara Gushikan. My name is Sora Itoh." She is pretty and young, but in an office professional outfit. Not a common look out here.

"Nice to meet you Itoh-san, but I'm afraid today is very busy. Can I help you with something?" I responded back, mostly out of confusion.

The woman gave me a small awkward smile, "I belong to the Child Welfare Offi-"

I slammed the door in her face. Usagi peered at me from his seat in the kitchen as I put my hands in my hair and let out a long high pitched sigh. I hadn't planned for this. Usgai coughs a little as he holds a spoon in his mouth, his big eyes watching me.

After a minute there was a light knock again. I reopen the door but I take a step forward and gently close the door behind me. "… What do you want?"

She had the courtesy to look apologetic. "We know you are an "in-action" ninja but you are younger than we allow for guardianship over a minor. I'm here to collect Gushikan-chan so that we can investigate the living situation and make the best decision for him."

I stared as a million things ran through my head.

"How old is the standard for guardianship?"

"Sixteen generally speaking."

I clench my fists and unclench them for a few seconds.

"This nation allows children to live by themselves as young as seven. I've seen it." Then after a pause, "And younger than seven, I don't think Naruto ever had a guardian."

She nodded, "Yes, but the CWO visits several times a week and the seven year old is not in charge of any younger children."

"I have a job." I said sternly, narrowing my eyes.

"Yes, but a job that puts you in mortal danger often. And if you go away for weeks at a time, who can care for your brother?"

"MY DAD DID." I raised my voice before pinching the bridge of my nose. "My Dad and I would leave him in the care of his school. Many ninjas do. I have been acting as a surrogate parent since his birth. None of this is new for me."

"But it is," the woman said sympathetically before motioning me to sit on the porch bench. She sat next to me, "Without your father you don't have a support system to take care of your brother if you're not around."

"What do I need to do? I'll do anything." I croaked, leaning my head into my hands. "I'll quit my job."

The woman stilled and her eyebrows raised up. "You would quit being a ninja? And then what would you do?"

I scoffed, "Whatever you want me to do. I'll work at a ramen shop, I'll dig ditches, I'll just live off savings till I turn sixteen. Whatever you want."

She frowned and shook her head, "It's not up to me. No matter what you say, I do have to take him today. He'll go to a group home, receive a medical check up, and be questioned about your care of him. Then we will conduct a background check on you and talk to people in the community. At bare minimum it will take about two days."

I stare into my hands. They're calloused, heavily scarred, and right now cold. "What if I take him and run?"

She must deal with a lot of ninjas because it didn't startle her at all. "You can try. But you won't get far. And it will become a traumatizing ordeal for your brother."

We could abandon Konoha. Go to the Land of Waves. I could start a new life there as a bodyguard. Or maybe I could get a job in construction. It wouldn't be so bad.

"We… are prepared if you make that mistake." Her voice cut through my fantasy.

I felt the energy of someone body flickering onto the bench. A man sat on my other side. A man I know.

"What are you doing here Kakashi?" I said, not bothering to look at him.

"I'm here to keep you from making any mistakes." His calm voice explained. He's too calm for my liking.

"Kakashi-san, you're late," Itoh-san scolded, "It may have been less traumatic for Gushikan-san if you were here from the start."

Kakashi was quiet for a moment, and I felt him shift positions on the bench. "I misplaced my hair gel, and it took me a few minutes to find it."

I slowly shook my head, still looking into my hands, "You're making jokes… now?"

The large hand of my sensei touched my back, perhaps in an attempt to comfort me.

"Are you supposed to restrain me or keep me placid? I'm not sure you could handle either." I bit and turned to glare at him.

Kakashi gave me a look of pity, "I'm just here to help."

"If you're here to help the CWO then I never want to see you again." I spoke sternly.

He slowly shook his head, "I'm here for you, but you won't know what real help is until you've matured a little."

I stared for a long minute before I nodded, "You are very well correct. But I will never forgive you for taking Usagi away from me."

He looked sad at my statement which pissed me off.

"Do you think this is a game? This is my life and my brother's life at stake here. I might be separated from my brother for the foreseeable future. And he's…" tears flooded my eyes and my throat constricted, "all I have left in this world." I turned away to look straight ahead.

"So whose side are you on? This is not as simple as you missing my match or generally playing favorites. This is my life. You're either with me or against me." I want him to say he's with me. I want help. But I also want someone to blame. Kakashi is looking pretty good right now.

Kakashi was silent, he leaned over and threaded his fingers together before sighing. "I just want you to be safe at the end of the day. And handing your brother over for a few days, will do that. You're a great sister Takara and I know they will agree with me. Then you will be all the happier when you're not living in a shack in the mountains, a fugitive with a little boy who needs medical care."

"Shut up scum," I responded, throwing in a word I know will hurt him. "You know what would've made me happier? If you had told me my Dad was trapped in a box with a serial killer… but you didn't. And I didn't get to say goodbye."

I know he's right. I'm not an idiot. I know I'm acting a bit irrationally right now. But I don't care. He betrayed me yesterday.

Kakashi didn't respond to that and instead Itoh-san spoke up, "Gushikan-san, I know this is incredibly hard for you and I'm so sorry you have to go through this, but please think of your brother. Yes, staying in a group home won't be comfortable but he will be safe. During these two days you can get records of recommendations that he live with you, get your finances in order, and make any arrangements necessary for your father." She set a very gentle hand on my shoulder. "I can see you love your brother dearly, and I agree with Kakashi-san. Time will tell that you are a great guardian for your brother. So please, just give us a few days to sort through the bureaucracy of it all."

I tightly pressed my lips together and wiped my face off, "See you did fine without the muscle. Bringing him with you was only a hindrance." I told the woman.

She gave me a gentle smile, "It's going to be difficult but it's also going to be okay. How about you and your brother pack a bag together and say your goodbyes. I'll contact the legion of ninjas we had prepared to track you down and say you are cooperating." She joked… I think?

I agreed with her and stood up. I shot a look at Kakashi but he was only looking down, unmoving.

"Kakashi," I said, causing him to look up, a glint of hope in his eye. "Get off my property."

Before it could sink in for him I opened the door. Usa was sitting against it, crying again.

I picked him up and cradled him for a long time. He told me how much he didn't want to leave and I agreed. But I told him it would be like a sleep over, and he may have fun.

I carried him upstairs and together we packed a bag of the bare minimum because he would be coming home soon. I looked at the toys and decorations in his room, including the mural I made so long ago. On a bookshelf were the stuffed animals Mom had bought for Usa. I plucked the bear up, the one to represent Dad, and gently pushed him into Usa's arms.

"When you get sad or scared, just remember Dad is always watching over you. And once this is sorted, things will change. I won't let you feel lonely, okay?" I told him softly as I hugged him.

We came back downstairs and I carried Usa's light bag. We said our goodbyes the best we could and I kissed his forehead as I wiped his tears away.

When I opened the door Itoh-san was waiting. She took the bag from me, had Usa's hand in hers, and mouthed a 'Thank you' to me. I didn't respond back to her but waved goodbye to my brother. When they were gone I noticed Kakashi was gone too.

Father's office was a room I was allowed in, but I didn't often enter. It felt like his special place in the house that only he needed to be in. It was a room with red walls and large cherry wood bookcases filled with books and scrolls that were important to past Missions, family lore, and techniques.

In fact the most I was in this room was my childhood when Dad would show me scrolls of our history.

He had a low table with hardly anything sitting on top, and a mat for him to sit on while he worked. There wasn't a lot of decoration per se, but there were scrolls with Fūinjutsu writing on the walls. I knew only from his slight mentions in the past that those scrolls were written by his deceased friend and teammate Kota.

I know that father has a will, given his personality, and I'm sure that it would be in this room. The question of where in this room filled with folders, books, and scrolls eluded me. I stood silently, glancing around when a photo album caught my eye on the bookcase.

It was the same photo album he had shown me after the Uchiha massacre. The one that held photos of everyone he loved who died, and everyone alive whom he felt responsible for protecting. I hadn't seen the album since that one time as a child. In fact, the last time I was in this room, I don't remember it being on the bookshelf. And so I picked up the large black album, and I opened it vaguely where I remembered my own picture being.

And there it was. A folded up paper with the words 'Will and Testament' printed on the front. The picture on the page was of me. A newer one than before- a picture of me right after graduation. I haven't even gotten a new set of clothes from Ino yet. So I was in my black attire, an outfit almost identical to my current mourning clothes. I was smiling vibrantly at the camera. Usa's hands were in the bottom of the picture grabbing for me, but he was just out of frame. This was one of my happiest moments in a long time. Weird to think that moment wasn't all that long ago.

I hesitated for a moment, but carefully opened the will. The thought of, what if it's not what I expect, was there. But that concern was quickly rectified.

The will was extremely short and stated, very simply, that being of sound mind and body, my father entrusted all of our families property, all of our families money and assets, and the well-being of my brother, to me, the heir of the Gushikan clan, Takara.

But that was all. There was no note for me, to tell me how much he loved me. There are simply the legal facts of what should happen to my brother and I. That I shall become the guardian of my young brother and head of the clan.

How many people do you need to be a clan?

I refolded the will and put it in a folder to protect it. The folder was placed in a large bag, and I thought of where I should go next. Who would be able to adequately say that I am a great choice of guardian for my brother?

The day was still early as he had been taken from me just at the beginning of breakfast. And so I left my home and started what in my head felt like a warpath. My first stop was his school. Kids are still being admitted for the day, and so the teacher was standing close to the door. I know her well, she has been watching over Usa for the past two years.

She greeted me kindly and looked a little concerned when she saw that there was no child hanging onto my legs.

"Good morning Ruu-Sensei," I said quietly to her. "Do you mind if we move off to the side and have a brief conversation?"

The older woman looked a little concerned by my statement, and immediately agreed, taking me into her office.

"What can I do for you Gushikan-San?" Her very sweet, melodic voice asked.

"I don't believe news has gotten out yet, but last night my father was killed in the Suna attack." I told her, trying to stay as strong as possible. I've cried too much this morning, and I was tired of it.

The sweet lady mutely gasped and held her hands to her mouth, eyes filling to the brink with tears. "I am so sorry! I cannot believe it…"

I nodded, accepting her condolences. "Thank you for your kind words. But my time of mourning has not even begun. This morning… CWO came and took Usa."

The woman stilled, clearly a million thoughts running through her head at my statement. "CWO came? So soon? I would assume that they would do a check up on you, but to immediately take him away." Her voice sounded far away as she thought deeply about what I had said. "To think they are not even giving you the time to mourn." She sounded annoyed, now straightening up and crossing her arms.

I chuckle a little at her personality, and thank her again for her kind sentiment. I asked her if it would be possible for her to write a letter of recommendation that I become Usagi's legal guardian. That being based on what she had seen of me for the past two years.

I breathed a sigh of relief when she immediately agreed. She told me she would do it right now. And so I thanked her greatly, and walked into the main children's play area to give her some privacy.

I grip the strap of my bag tightly as I watch the children run around and play. Usa had never quite felt welcome here… I don't know why, but sometimes I think his mind is too big. And then there are the times he says something that just doesn't seem conceivable for him to know… He's definitely a peculiar child, but he deserves a happy life, and I believe I can give that to him.

Watching the children play was a little painful, but it didn't take long for Ruu-Sensei to come back with her letter of recommendation. I bowed very deeply in thanks before putting the letter in my folder. She wished me great luck and then gave me a warm hug before I left. It felt like the kind of hug you would receive from a grandmother, something I've never had.

I felt… A little better. But I was not done. There are still more people to talk to.

My next stop is the hospital. A place Usa and I have been to several times throughout our lives. When I walked in, there was almost a beat of silence. The nurses near the door recognize me, of course, but they also must've heard of what happened. Because of that they seemed to hesitate before they slowly approached me.

They gave me their sincere condolences, and I accepted them. Then I had to explain the situation once more, and I could feel that this experience would take years off my life.

To their credit, all the nurses were furious at the news. I was quickly pushed up the chain of command to the head nurse who promised to write me a letter and find one of our doctors to do the same.

I sat alone in the waiting room for about 45 minutes before the nurse returned with a letter from her and two doctors.

I bowed deeply and tried to show my appreciation but she waved me off with a somber smile.

"Good luck." She commented and I agreed I needed it.

My folder felt a bit fuller and afterwards I had to think if there was anyone else I could ask. Normally this would be a good situation to ask my squad leader but… that can't happen. I could ask Anko or Ibiki, but… I wouldn't say either of them are acquainted with Usa well enough to write a letter.

Feeling at a loss, I started to head to the CWO building, but suddenly remembered something. Finances.

Oh shit this is gonna be a pain.

To cut a story that took damn near 5 hours short. I had to find my Dad's bank book and also his money stash. Dad didn't trust banks but knew to keep some money there. So I counted all the money in the house I could find, then hit the bank to get Dad's accounts transferred to me. But apparently you need a death certificate for that, so I went off to the morgue. Showed them my id, got my Dad's death certificate, which got Dad's bank account transferred to me. Got a copy of his account to show how much money we have and put that in my folder. And put in a record of how much money is in the house with the promise that they can come and double check my math. Not for nothing, but I also don't trust the bank.

Then I headed to the library and got a copy of my Dads will made to give to CWO. Cuz what if they rip it up and take everything? That probably wouldn't happen but I'm having a bad day.

When I FINALLY got to CWO a man at the front desk asked my name and case number. I didn't have a number and then it became a whole pain to get it sorted. It was now well past noon and entering into the evening. I could feel a bead of sweat running down my temple.

I needed to get home and complete the carving ceremony.

A long time later I was given a case number and my evidence was gathered. The guy at the desk thanked me and said I did a good job.

I leaned over the counter and asked, "Is it possible for me to see my brother?"

The man frowned and shook his head, "No I'm sorry. But come back tomorrow in the afternoon. Maybe then."

I did everything I was supposed to but I'm so tired now. Everything sucks.

While I was at the morgue, the… Handler? Asked me what funeral home to send Dad's body to. And I didn't have an answer. I'm so overwhelmed. I don't even know what Dad wanted to happen to his body!

For all I know, he wanted to be cremated and shot into the sky like a firework!

When I got home I shoved some leftover rice in my face till my stomach stopped growling and got ready for the carving ceremony. It's criminal that Usagi can't be here for this, but there are strict rules on how fast the ceremony must happen after the confirmed death.

I don't have appropriate mourning clothes for the ceremony, so I must stay in my black attire. I went back to my father's office and found a box on top of a bookshelf. The box is lined with red velvet and inside is a chisel and hammer. The same chisel and hammer I used the day I became a ninja.

I brought the box to the backyard where the family stone stood. It's a huge stone, more like a boulder. And it's not finished so it's rough to the touch.

I reached up and rubbed my finger tips on Dad's name. It feels like this isn't something I should do alone.

I set everything down and use the summoning jutsu. It doesn't matter to me who appears as long as someone does. To my surprise it's Yamashiro, Dad's partner.

The bear doesn't say a word as it comes into existence. Instead it eyes the stone in front of us and slowly sits down. I was just about to begin when I heard the distinct sound of someone knocking fervently on my front door. Yamashiro and I remain silent to wait out the distraction. It appears the person gives up and right as I raise the hammer, Naruto flies over the stone wall and into the koi pond.

Yamashiro and I freeze as we watch Naruto, dripping wet, pull a koi fish out of his pants and throw it back into the pond.

My mouth had fully fallen open and I slowly lowered the hammer.

Naruto took in his surroundings and jumped a little at the massive bear sitting calmly behind me.

"Hey…" he said quietly.

I slowly close my mouth, "Naruto? Why are you-" and then I noticed Sasuke standing on top of the fence. "Can you please get down?" I ask with a sigh.

Sasuke jumped down and the two boys very slowly made their way to stand next to the bear, clearly confused but supportive to what I was doing.

I returned my focus to the stone, took a deep breath, and started carefully hammering underneath Dad's name.

K

I

A

3

5

Once I was satisfied with how it looked, I made a tiny hole at an angle right next to his name.

I reached down, picked up one stick of incense, and gently placed it in the hole before lighting the tip.

My feet shuffled around on the gravel for a moment before I got down on my knees and closed my eyes. I could hear the sound of my three companions doing the same.

The soft smell of the incense was pleasing and the silence of the space with only a light breeze made my stiff muscles finally relax.

I imagined my father.

He was a tall man, with large muscles. He wore the same black outfit every single day. He had very curly hair that he kept short and a pretty nice beard. His eyes were a chocolate brown, something neither Usa or I have fully. He was not the softest, or most expressive man. But he had deep moments of sensitivity that made it impossible to think he didn't love me.

The way he played with me as a child. The way he would sit with me in silence in the living room. The way he held me and treated me like a baby when Mom died. How he told me everything, even things he was sworn not to. That he allowed me to make good and bad choices for myself. How he ran to me when I was hurt on my mission and scolded me. How he held my hand… Ruffled my hair… promised to protect me…

He could also be quiet, and occasionally cruel to me. He seemed to lack compassion at times but I know it was due to the horrors of his job. His physical scars were minimal compared to his mental ones. There was a reason he hardly slept, and would throw himself between his comrades and danger. He was a damaged man.

I know everything he did was because he wanted me to survive. He made me run till I passed out so that I would survive. He raised the weights on my arms and legs so I would survive. And he pushed chakra into my veins so that I would survive. No mind that all of those things hurt me, it was instead imperative I had those skills.

He would cover it up by saying it was the Gushikan way. That I needed to be strong for those who couldn't be, but I think that was only barely true. Instead he did it for me.

I wonder now… if I appreciated him enough while he was alive. Did he know how much I loved him? How much I needed his approval?

Did he know that I question if I can survive without him?

But everything he did, from the moment I was born, was to make sure I survived. His love. His training me. His forcing me out of my comfort zone. All of it.

So actually I'm sure he never once questioned if I would be fine after he died.

Because he knows I will be.

I'm his daughter, his little Curly Top.

I felt more at peace than I had in a while, and I felt stronger. More rejuvenated. I can handle this.

I took one last deep breath in and opened my eyes.

The last of the incense crumbled to the ground in front of me, and the sky turned orange as the sun began to set.

I turned around and saw Yamashiro also opening his eyes and giving me a look that can only be described as acceptance.

Naruto opened one eye, saw I was looking at him and gently elbowed Sasuke who opened his eyes as well.

"So," I began, "did you hear my Dad died?"

They both rolled their eyes and mumbled stuff about me not being funny.

"That was a nice ceremony, I'm glad we didn't miss it." Sasuke began, as he started to stand up. "Is it completely over?"

I thanked him and agreed, "Yes, due to clan law I had to do it asap. So it's very unfortunate Usagi couldn't experience it."

Naruto looked around confused, "Where is he?"

My eyebrows rose and I quickly deciphered he wasn't saying a sick joke.

"… they took him."

Naruto and Sasuke bristled, and I answered the question before they could ask.

"CWO did. They said they have to investigate if I'm fit to be his guardian before he can come home."

The two boys looked at each other before launching into statements about their own experiences with CWO, living by themselves. Which culminated in Naruto saying, "Isn't any family, even if they're young, better than none?!"

I smiled tiredly, "I completely agree. I'm gonna get him back."

"What if we kidnap him!" Naruto exclaimed and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"I had the same thought, but Kakashi stopped me."

The two boys looked surprised for a few seconds before it morphed into understanding.

"Well I'm sure he had good intentions." Sasuke offered with a frown.

I nodded, "Oh I know he did. But…" I frowned as I looked at my hands. "He helped take Usagi away while I was at my weakest."

There was a silence between us all before the giant bear set a heavy paw on my head, "Someday you should speak to Yamakage. I think you two would get along."

I smiled at Yamashiro, "Thank you for attending the ceremony."

"I knew it was coming. I felt it when he died… I don't know why he didn't summon me." Yamashiro grumbled, "Some friend."

I smiled woefully, "I'd bet he didn't summon you because he was afraid you might die too. And the place where he died had very limited space to move around."

Yamashiro's large head raised up to look at the sky, "We are family. I don't mind danger."

I patted his large paw for a moment before he poofed into smoke. The comforting weight of his paw was gone.

All that left was the three of us. My friends still looked uncomfortable at my declaration about Kakashi. But didn't say any more on the topic. Instead they asked me to invite them to any more ceremonies that needed to happen. I agreed.

Naruto offered to spend the night if I needed more support, but I quickly turned him down. I joked Dad might haunt us if we spend a night alone in my home. Though secretly I would love to be haunted by my Dad, even if it's only for a little while.

Once they left I was truly alone in my home for the first time in my life.

It was devastating.

When I went back to the morgue the following morning, I was told that my father's body had been taken care of, courtesy of the Hokage. When I asked what that meant, it was explained that when my parents had just married, they bought two grave plots right next to each other.

I suppose I always wondered why there was an empty spot next to my mom, but I just figured no one wanted to be her neighbor. To find out that my father would be buried in the spot right next to my mother seems right.

Even though it had been three years since my mother's death, I have never once been under the impression that my father wanted anything less than to be with his wife forever.

I was told that they could lower my father into the ground that evening if I so wished.

I explained that I would go to CWO to see if I could take my brother to the funeral. If I could then it would definitely be tonight.

I left the morgue in a weird state. I had one less thing to figure out and I was grateful. But I also wondered if I was a bad daughter for not knowing.

It was while I was walking on the street that I saw Asuna. He was walking the other way and had a pretty large smile on his face as he spoke to Kurenai.

I felt… something. Maybe rage. Rage that my father traded his life and now this man gets another day with his Dad and I don't. And even more so than that, I also believe he knew. And he didn't give me that chance to properly say goodbye.

But what could I do? Harass the man for not having a dead dad?

So I focused my eyes ahead of me and passed him, like it was any other day.

I felt exhausted by my own emotions when someone called out to me.

It wasn't a ninja I knew but they told me the CWO wanted me to come in early to answer questions.

Tired or not, I turned around and ran to the building immediately.

I was thanked for my prompt arrival and was brought into a white interview room.

To my partial relief, the interviewer was Itoh-san again.

"It's good to see you Gushikan-san. I hope the past 24 hours have been manageable. Halfway done!" Her voice was as kind as before.

She sat across from me and opened a folder. "So we just need to go through some routine questions."

I nodded eagerly and leaned on the table.

"So how old are you and what's your birthday?"

"I'm 12 years old and my birthday is September 26th."

"And your brother's birthday?"

"Also September 26th."

The woman nodded, clearly well informed on why that is. But before she asked anything else she apologized.

I blinked, surprised by the comment. Does she mean my Mom's death? "It's okay," I replied, but the woman only looked at me sympathetically.

"I suppose this year will be hard on you two especially."

'What the…?' I thought before I slowly nodded. Before I could question it more she continued.

"Why do you want to take care of your brother?"

"Because I love him. He's my family." I replied quickly.

"And how do you plan to support him?"

I cleared my throat, "Well I'm a Genin ninja right now so I do have some income, but if you look at my bank statement, we have more than enough to live off savings for probably a few years."

Her eyes flicked up to my face.

"And! If you would prefer I quit my job to get a less dangerous one, I can do that too. No biggie."

She wrote some things down, "Can you tell me about your living situation?"

"We live in a four bedroom, two bath, two floor house with a detached cellar. It was paid off generations ago so it's completely mine, as seen in the will my Dad left behind."

"Have you ever used recreational drugs or drank alcohol?"

"No ma'am."

"How's your health?"

"Very good." Maybe an exaggeration, but I'm entitled to a few.

"Was your upbringing in a safe and loving environment?"

I opened my mouth to answer, and then took a second to think. "Yes. My parents loved me very much."

"I can't help but notice you hesitated."

I shrugged, "They loved me. But they also trained me very hard to be a ninja. With Usagi's condition he will never go through that training. Our childhoods will be completely different."

"Tell me a bit about his condition."

"He was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis a few months ago. It's a condition that causes scarring on his lungs. The direct cause is unknown but probably has to do with his birth situation. I was told with medicine and medical ninjutsu intervention the scarring can slow and he might not need a lung transplant until he's in his teens."

Itoh-san frowned, "That sounds really serious, do you think you can handle that as a single guardian?"

Not even a question to me, "Yes."

Itoh-san smiled and closed the folder, "Sounds like a good start! We can allow you to see him now. And we will have our deliberations done by tomorrow afternoon."

"Actually," I say, starting to stand up, "can he attend our father's funeral tonight?"

Itoh-san paused and seemed to mull it over in her head, "Sure, what time?"

"Let's go with 5:30pm, at the cemetery down the road from my home."

She agreed and led me to the room next door where my brother was playing with his bear.

"TAKA-ONEE!" He yelled before diving into my arms. I held him close and hugged him for a while. I was just comforted that he looked okay.

Then he pulled back and told me about all the people he'd met. The good, the bad, and the weird. He told me about the food he ate. And the boy who tried to take his bear. And how he missed school and me and Dad. He asked me if Dad would ever come home again… and I had to tell him no.

"Tonight we are gonna meet at the cemetery, and they are gonna put Daddy with Mama." I explained, but his eyes got wet and he cried 'noooooo' weakly before launching into a coughing fit.

I patted his back before I cuddled him for the remaining 30 minutes they gave me and when I left I promised to see him later.

As I began to walk home I felt even more drained. My poor boy. He needs to come home.

"Takara!" A voice shouted and I glanced over my shoulder to see Kiba.

"Oy! Good to see you up and at 'em" I responded with a small grin.

He caught up to me and threw an arm over my shoulders, "Hey," he lowered his voice, "You doing okay?"

I let out a long sigh, "Not really, but I don't have any other options." Just at that moment my stomach growled loudly.

He nodded like the growl spoke to him, "Let's eat."

It was a nice enough restaurant and the two of us were even sitting at a table with a tablecloth. It was rare for us to eat somewhere other than a food stand.

"Fancy," I muttered and Kiba laughed.

"It's on me. Courtesy of my ma and sis… as thanks."

I blew out some air and smiled, "My pleasure."

We both ordered and I couldn't help but slink in my seat a bit. My mind was still racing with everything that's happened in the last two days. Although one thing did keep popping up, given my company, "So, why were you there?"

Kiba let out a barking laugh, "I was being dumb, like usual."

I straightened, "Don't say that. I trust you with my life, so you can't be that dumb."

Kiba grinned at me before slouching over the table and playing with his napkin. "Remember how I was supposed to fight Kankuro in the preliminaries?"

I nodded, "Yes, I do." He suddenly looked bashful as he moved his napkin aside.

"I forfeited because my team watched the sand team kill another group. It was mostly Gaara's doing, but it was horrific and scarring. I made Hinata promise to forfeit if she was put up against one. And then when my name was drawn…" he scratched the back of his head as he trailed off.

"You forfeited because you knew just how ruthless they are. That's okay, you knew your limits. That's the mark of a good ninja!" I praised.

He smiled a touch but shook his head. "I felt like… maybe if I had fought him in preliminaries, it would've made a difference."

"No." My voice surprised even me with how fast and even it came out. "I'm sorry. It wouldn't have."

He breathed out and gave me a lopsided grin, "Sometimes it's annoying how right you are… but that's it. When everything went down, I realized they were enemies… I felt like it was my job to do something because I hadn't before."

I reached across the table to touch his hand, "I'm glad I found you. I can't express to you how glad I am."

He sighed and then smiled as he gave my hand a squeeze.

We continued our little get together discussing Usa, my Dad's funeral, and Akamaru. Poor dog's on bed rest. When we were finished and paid we heard the distinct sound of a hawk cawing over our heads.

We stared at it for a few seconds before I quietly asked, "For you?"

He shook his head hard, "No, it couldn't be, it must be you."

I grumble, "I hate when we're called by birds. It's confusing." I said, raising my voice as if the Hokage could hear me himself.

Kiba and I hugged before I extremely leisurely made my way to the Hokage. When I arrived at the building I was ushered straight to his office on the top floor. When I knocked there was hardly a pause before he called me in.

My eyes instantly latched to the summoning scroll laid out on his table, but I said nothing as I bowed to the man.

There was a long silence as the Hokage's perceptive eyes seemed to laser beam me until he was satisfied.

"How are you?" He questions softly.

"Not amazing," I replied back with way more disrespect than I had ever done before. But then I softened my tone to match his, "Thank you for preparing my father's funeral. It was very helpful."

The Hokage paid no mind to my disrespectful tone and instead motioned me closer to his desk. "I'm glad it didn't burden you. If you would like, I'm more than happy to help with the memorial as well."

I faltered and my eyes drifted to the window, "No… I should do that much. But thank you." I stepped closer till I was right in front of his desk.

"I need to return these to you. I hope you haven't been in distress over it." His hands ran over the summoning scroll and a second later a puff of smoke revealed fathers headband, clan band, and the twin katana's Yin and Yang.

I stared at the katanas, my heart jabbing with shame. I hadn't noticed their absence.

I bowed deeply to the Hokage, "Thank you so much. I'm sure my father would be very pleased that they are returning home."

I moved to pick them up, but the Hokage held up a hand, pausing me. He slowly gets up from his chair, clearly in pain, and makes his way around the desk to stand next to me.

"Before you leave, I do have news of your exam results."

I blinked slowly, 'Exam? Results?' I remained silent so he could continue.

"In terms of your fight with Hyūga, you received nearly full marks. You got a few penalties, mostly related to your off-topic talk on the state of the Hyūga clan's forms and laws. You did get one for not ending the battle the moment it was available to you, which coincided with you and Hyūga getting more injured in the end. But all in all, a great score. Your use of psychological manipulation was greatly emphasized in your scoring too."

My eyes widened a smidge and I slowly bowed once more, "Thank you Hokage-sama." I hadn't been expecting there to be a real point system.

"Of course we never got to see the battle between you and Naruto. But I have read the reports from everyone in the forest that day. Including ones from Asuma, Inuzuka, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, and your team. I know you have been too busy to fill out your paperwork. Just this time, don't worry about it." He said casually, and set a hand on my shoulder. "You clearly demonstrated great teamwork and leadership skills. Not to mention your actions directly saved Inuzuka and Yamanaka. You should be proud."

I thanked him once more and wondered where this was going. I guess I made a great impression. The problem is… I just don't care like I used to. Not right now at least.

"Due to all of that, I'm proud to report you are being promoted to Chūnin."

I frowned at the news.

He looked clearly surprised at my quiet, non-joyous reaction. "Is this not what you were working towards?" He questioned, not upset but genuinely curious.

"Hokage-sama," I started very slowly. "Is the fact my father saved your life the reason I'm getting this reward?"

This time the Hokage blinked before taking his hand off my shoulder and looking out the window.

"Gushikan-san, what would you do if I said it was?"

I thought his question over, rolling it around in my head. "… I… I would refuse the position. I would not feel worthy." I finally answered, but I found myself only being partially truthful.

I really don't want to be a Chūnin right now. I don't need missions that will take me away from Usagi for long periods of time.

I could hear the Hokage chuckle, "Your pride is too great."

He turned around to look at me again, "I was telling the truth about your fight score, and about the glowing reviews of your work. But I am awarding you the position faster than the others." He slowly picked up Yang and held it out to me. I lowered my eyes to the sheathed blade and lifted my hands to receive it. "I am awarding it to you now because I know of your situation with your brother. And I thought the increase in position and pay may help the proceedings lean in your favor."

I raise my eyes to meet his. We stare at each other while he gently sets the unfamiliar weight in my hands. I look down to the katana and open it just a few inches to see a clean pure blade still within, someone cleaned it.

"Thank yo-"

"If you would like to thank me properly, you can do three things for me."

I baulk at his words. He really must be the Hokage, because only someone who is the head of the land could request the action of a mourning person.

"Yes sir," I responded back while closing my eyes and lowering my head to him.

"Firstly, I want you to take your new role as a Chūnin very seriously, and serve me to the best of your abilities."

I felt the corners of my mouth creak up.

"Secondly, take all the blame you have towards Kakashi and my son, and incinerate it."

I hesitate, squeezing the sheath in my palms. "Yes Hokage-sama." My eyes opened and I stared at the floor.

"Thirdly, when the time comes, follow the actions of your forefathers."

My eyes remained focused on the floor. 'Is he saying… what I think he's saying? No. I can't be sure.'

I slowly lift my eyes to his face, but he is already setting Yin into my hands as well.

"I know you'll make us all proud." He said simply. "You'll receive your Chūnin flak jacket at the door. It's not a requirement to wear, but it is a symbol of your status. Later when we have a ceremony for the rest you may attend if you like, but it won't be a requirement. Do you have any questions?"

Yes. "No sir."

The Hokage nodded, pleased. He set his hand on the center of my back. "Your father was proud of you, and I hope you're proud of him. Thank you for letting me take up your time." He finally reached over and set father's bands in my hands.

I bowed one last time and left.

My mind was racing as I grabbed the jacket at the door and put it on, but didn't bother to zip it. Father's items were securely in my tense, tense arms.

'The actions of my forefathers… Could he mean… No. Surely I'm too young.' I reasoned, but I squinted my eyes at the thought.

After a moment of walking I shook my head at any more speculation.

Above all, my first priority is my brother.

Author's Note:

Hello! Much faster than last time right? Haha! I actually already have the next chapter written as I wrote it all at once this time. I just have to give it a read through and grammar check (gross).

I shall post it soon! (Maybe in a few days)

Also, Sora Itoh is just a random character and is not referring to any other media.

Feedback is loved, but not required.

Thank you for reading, and have a nice day!

~ToL