Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, I do own the Gushikan clan

Also, the author's note is kinda important this time, so if you have the time please read it.

Chapter 6~ Goodbye for now

The doctor's shoulders slumped, and he let out a long sigh. As if all the pressure in the world was gone. He paused and then straightened himself up and looked at me straight in the eye.

"3%"

I blinked, confused, but my parents stiffened, and then my Mom pulled me into a firm hug laughing.

"Wha? I don't understand doc," I frown lightly.

He just smiled at me, "Your veins are 3% bigger than they were a year and a half ago when we started this process."

I blinked again but looked down, disappointed.

"What's wrong, Takara?" My Dad gruffly asked.

"I don't know, I guess I was just hoping for it to be a little bigger," I muttered.

Dad sighed and put a hand on my head. "I understand you're impatient, but everything takes time. The land must be thoroughly surveyed before the target can be taken out."

My Mom snickered, "Really, dear? That's what you went with?"

He grunted "Fine, Takara, it's like stretching your muscles for training. You have to stretch them every day, or else you could get very badly injured. Especially if you just suddenly try to do something strenuous. That's why doing it every day is important, but as you know, you aren't stretchy the very first time. It takes a long time before you're considered flexible."

I hit my palm with my fist, "Oh, I see," I responded.

My parents smiled, and my Mom turned back to the doctor. "Do you have a better estimate of when this process will be done?"

The doctor slowly shook his head. "We don't know how her body will react to a long period of therapy, and there's still the possibility of her body regressing as well. So you might have to up the ante of how many times she gets "stretched" every day, and it's possible this could go on till she becomes a genin or many years past that."

My Dad froze and scoffed quietly.

It was no secret that he didn't like being my donor. Maybe it's because he hates hurting me, and maybe it's because he can't go on many long missions because of it. But, he definitely did not like the fact that he was going to have to stay away from work even more to take care of me.

Suddenly there was the cawing of a bird in the background, which made Dad stiffen and quickly exit the room.

Mom sighed and patted me on the shoulder, saying I better get dressed so that we could leave. So that's what I did, and then we started the long walk back home. Mom started to slow down about halfway, stopping in front of me and turning to look at me, putting a hand on my shoulders. "You do realize your Father loves you, right?"

I looked at her, surprised, and quickly nodded, "Yeah, of course! I'm Daddy's Curly Top!" I exclaimed.

She smiled at me, but slowly it faded away as she pulled me into a hug. "You realize that your Daddy and I have really dangerous jobs, right?" I slowly nodded again. She sighs before continuing, "I want you to realize that we would never leave you unless we really have to. Like last resort. And I especially don't want you to blame your clans code if that's how it happens to end."

I stared at her as I pulled away. "Mommy, what's wrong? Why are you talking like this?" I questioned.

She sighed "Takara, we are in a ninja clan, and your Father and I were both orphaned young. I'm just afraid of what if... I just want you to understand because you're old enough to understand. Sometimes bad things just happen. Like the Uchihas. Your Dad could have to follow through with the code, and I... I... I could go against someone resistant to Akumugan."

"Mom, you're making me nervous," I whisper.

She looks up, startled. "That's right. You're not even eight. I'm sorry, sometimes you're too mature for your own good."

We finished the walk home, and I wouldn't leave Mom's side for the rest of the night.

I couldn't, it felt like if she left my sight, then... She might disappear.

The rest of the year passed slowly, and my eighth birthday finally rolled around on September 26th. I had a small party with my four friends and my Dad looming in the corner sharpening his swords very loudly.

"Takara, what did your parents give you?" Naruto asked as he flinched again at the noise Dad was making.

"Ah, I don't know, I'm super excited though. Mom accidentally said that it's something with just Dad and me!"

My friends smiled, and we continued to eat cake and chat.

"Takara, are you ready for your present?" Dad huffed, standing up from the corner. I nodded excitedly, and Dad gently pulled out a scroll and handed it to me.

I opened it and read allowed:

"Gushikan Tenchi, your request to take your daughter, Gushikan Takara, on a low-risk mission on means of experience for her has been confirmed. Your mission is to travel to Suna and deliver a low-level scroll to the Kazekage. Congratulations and good luck."

I froze, and my face went red.

"Takara, breath, you idiot!" Shikamaru yelled, slapping the back of my head comedically.

I let in a deep breath and exploded into a frenzy of "thank you"'s and "you're the greatest parents ever"'s. Mom and Dad both smiled, and they explained the rules, safety precautions, priorities, and much more.

Naruto instantly begged to go too, but Dad flat out refused and gave him a glare.

I just laughed and smiled, it will be one of the most incredible days ever! I will be able to leave the village for the first time and experience ninja life a little! I was so excited I was practically shaking for the 3 days before the trip.

Finally, the night before we left, Mama, Dad, and I sat at the kitchen table and had miso soup. "Mama, why aren't you coming too?" I questioned while slurping my soup.

She smiled at me and reached across the table to hold my hand. "I'm heading over to the Land of Waves for a month, so your Dad and I decided it would be great if you and him could go on a trip too. However, yours sounds like an extreme workout trip."

My eyes got big fast. "You're going to the Land of Waves?! I want to go too!"

My Mom gently squeezed my nose and giggled at my swatting at her hand. "No, no, baby. You would miss too much school. You and your Dad will be gone during the break anyway, so it's timed well. You'll be gone eight days for the trip to Suna, so just be happy you can be out of school for one day." She giggled again as she stood up and leaned down to kiss my forehead gently before getting the dishes and leaving the room.

I slowly turned to Dad, who looked relatively calm.

"Dad, why is Mom going to the Land of Waves?"

He instantly stiffened and kept his gaze sternly on the scroll in front of him.

"Your Mother has to do a little investigating there. They don't have any ninja villages, so they have to hire us."

I stared at him, 'He is keeping something from me.' I concluded as I continued to stare him down.

"She hates the Land of Waves. Why would she go?" At that Moment, a pair of hands landed on my shoulders, and a chin rested on my head.

"Ah, my little Taka-chan," my Mom's soft voice answered.

I put a hand on the hand that rested on my shoulder. "Mama? You hate the Land of Waves, right?"

She sighed and stood up, straighter from her leaned over position. "The Land of Waves is beautiful. But you're right, I do hate the Land of Waves. It may be my birth nation, but Konoha is my home."

Dad stood up and made his way over to her, and she rested her forehead on his chest. "I usually refuse missions in the Land of Waves, but... I always knew I'd have to face the truth."

I flinched and stood up from my chair quickly. "Face what, Mama? What's wrong?" I made my way over and wrapped my arms around her waist.

"Taka-chan, you know I lost my..." She breathed out shakily. "You know what?" She pulled away from us and smiled broadly. "I need to finally pay my respects." She brushed my head with her hand and then turned around and walked upstairs.

'What? What just happened? I'm so confused.'

Suddenly Dad picked me up and slung me over his shoulder. I yelped as Dad walked outside the house and didn't say a word as he calmly walked down the street. The sun was setting, but the warm glow of the fading star felt great.

"Where are we going, Daddy? I wanna talk to Mama more! Come on, you're not playing fair~" I struggled on his shoulder, but he just continued on his way, not paying any mind to prying eyes.

I eventually stopped talking and just let Dad carry me until he stood in front of... The Nara household?

"What are we doing at Shikamaru's house?" I loudly questioned and was annoyed that my Dad might be dropping me off out of his own annoyance.

He gently put me down and then bent down to my own height.

"This is the reality, Takara." He softly said, and then his gaze intensified. "Tomorrow, you could die. Anytime during the trip, you could die." He was earnest.

I stared at him unblinking, and a smile crossed my face. "Dad, I'm not afraid of dying, and I know you'll always be there to save me!" I giggled.

He stared at me, and a cross look fell on his face. "I could die or be taken away too. I could have to go through with the code, and that could kill you if you're too close. Takara, there will be a time when I won't be able to protect you. And then you could die." He looked so serious.

I felt my pulse quicken.

"Why are we here, Dad?" I asked, gripping the bottom of my shirt nervously.

He stood up, towering over me, and knocked on the door. "You are going to say goodbye to all your friends because you might never see them again. That is the life of a ninja. Death is your coworker."

The door opened to reveal Shikamaru and Choji. They both looked surprised but smiled at me kindly. I vaguely wondered if their parents were aware of my Father's plan and, as such, made sure their children would be together for this.

"Takara? What are you doing here?" Shikamaru asked. I looked at them, trying to memorize their faces before jumping at them, wrapping them into a group hug. They both turned red from embarrassment and pushed me off. "What's wrong? Why'd you do that?" Shikamaru exclaimed.

I just smiled gently.

"I'm going on a mission out of the nation. There are a lot of bad guys out there, ya know..."

They both glanced at each other. "Takara, you'll be fine, we'll see you in eight days!" Choji said rationally.

"Nonetheless, I love you guys, but I might die. That's not something I can stop. So wish me luck! And... Goodbye!" I smiled at them one last time before turning and walking away, closing the door behind me. I caught a glancing look at Shikamaru's Dad, who nodded at my Dad, so it seems Dad did plan it.

Dad stood waiting and raised an eyebrow at me, which I shrugged at.

"Alright, next will be Kiba and then Naruto." He gruffly told me and began to walk away.

"And Sasuke!" I yelled, running after him.

When I got to Kiba, I did my whole speech and gave him a half hug, just like Shikamaru and Choji.

After I was done, he launched at me and pulled me into an even tighter embrace, saying, "You better come back home, Takara, or I won't forgive you!"

Little Akumaru pawed at my leg, whimpering, and I leaned down to pick him up to include him in our hug session.

After several more minutes of our hug, I handed Akumaru back over to Kiba and gave him a large smile.

"I'll do my best to come home to you both!"

I pounded on Sasuke's door for five minutes, feeling a little desperate to see him one last time.

"I guess he's not home," Dad said quietly, then handed me a pen and paper.

I quickly wrote down the main points and slipped it under his door, now disheartened. "Alright, let's go see Naruto."

I couldn't help but wonder if he was just on the other side of the door wallowing in his typical self-loathing. I wish I could help.

We got to Naruto's apartment the same time he did, most likely returning from ramen, "Takara? Gushikan-san? What are you doing here?" He asked, looking a little excited to see me so late at night.

I smiled at him. "Naruto, my trip is tomorrow, but there is a chance I could die. It is a real mission. So I came to say goodbye." I took a step forward, preparing myself for a violent hug.

Naruto's face instantly turned sour as he stared at me. "Nope," He whispered and ruefully dug around his pocket for his key to his apartment, acting as though the conversation was over.

"Nope?" I mimicked questionably, gently reaching out and touching his hand that now held his key.

"Takara, you're super strong and one of the best in the academy! I trust you'll come back. You'll see that you're just being silly. I'll wait for you at the gates, Takara." He gave me a pleasant smile and then tackled me into a hug. "I'll see you in eight days!" His key is now forgotten and falling to the ground.

I couldn't help but laugh and fully hug him back, burying my face into his shoulder.

"You're my best friend ever, Naruto! I love you~"

When we got home, I passed out on my bed, emotionally exhausted.

The morning came too quickly, and I was pulled from my deep slumber. I dressed in a forest green training t-shirt and black leggings, carrying a large backpack. But I was happy, ecstatic even. Mom, Dad, and I walked to the gate to say our goodbyes.

"Tenchi, please protect our daughter." Mom whispers, embracing Dad, who hugged her back before kissing her softly.

"Ume, I will protect her until I can no longer move." He whispers back in a tone I rarely hear from my Father. Some sort of pure unadulterated love and longing.

She smiled and said, "Stay safe, you two," as she turned to me and picked me up while hugging me. "My treasure Takara! Please watch out for your Father and be safe. If you are attacked, please hide. You're not a ninja yet."

I nodded against her and kissed her cheek. "I love you, Mommy. I'll see you when you get back from the Land of Waves."

My Mom nodded back and released me with some resistance.

"Alright, it's time to go," Dad commanded, giving me a serious look.

"Ok," I chirped and made sure my pack was secure.

We began to step toward the gate side by side when I heard-

"Takara!"

I froze and turned to face the disruption of peace.

"Naruto?" I questioned. He was running at me full speed and harshly tackled me to the ground in a hug.

"Takara, I'll miss you so much! So you better come back, you dummy!"

I almost began giggling at Naruto's new reaction when something changed.

Fat teardrops hit my face, and I was stunned. I softly whispered, "Naruto?"

This was such a drastic difference from yesterday.

"I thought about it yesterday, and I got scared. You're my best friend too! I want to go with you and protect you!" Naruto continued to whine as he crushed me into a smothering hug. My mouth was agape, shocked by the outburst, but I began to softly rub circles on his back.

"Naruto, don't worry! I'll come back no matter what happens!" I managed to pull us off the ground and continued to hold Naruto for several more minutes.

"You're such a baby, don't worry. It's like you said, I'm super strong, so I'll be fine!" I confirmed before gently pulling away.

Naruto wiped his face and nodded as he huffed loudly, catching his breath.

I smiled, touched by Naruto's emotion. For a second, I looked past him, feeling as though I caught a glimpse of black clothing in the background. But before I could consider any new possibilities, my Dad cut in.

"Takara, we must leave." He was obviously disturbed by all the emotion Naruto was showing in public like this.

"Ok, Daddy," I replied with my signature grin. Sometimes I wonder if this is a situation where people would normally cry.

Naruto and I fist pounded, now laughing at each other, "Goodbye Naruto, I'll see you in eight days. I promise to come home." I confirmed, and he nodded again.

"Bye, Takara!" He screamed as he waved at me, as Dad and I walked away into the distance.

Authors note:

Hey, miss me yet? Oh, the answer's no? Well then...

Anyway, I have some good and big news.

Number 1: I have a DeviantArt account under the same name, where I will try to post lots of pictures of Takara and her adventures. Currently, I have already put up two pictures. The first being a family portrait, and the second is a toddler Takara. Purely because I want to document the growing up of Takara. Anyway, you don't have to look it up. I just thought it would be fun.

Again, I would love criticism on both the story and my new pictures. I absolutely love comments because I know someone's really reading this. It's a great feeling. I'd even love a 'Hi' from you guys.

Ok Number 2: I am on summer break and have most of my vacations already finished. So I can work on the stories more. Maybe not every day, more like every week. I mean, I still have a job, just no school now.

Ok, that's the big news. Sorry, it's such a short chapter. I just really wanted to get something out to your guys because it's been a while. I'll work extra hard on the next one. (One of which I'm very excited for(wink wink))

Anyway, Thank you very much for reading and have a nice day.

~ToL

Alrighty, this one is finally updated! :)