Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, but the Gushikan family and a select few is mine.

Chapter 23- Out again

I laid in my ever so soft bed dreaming the day away, Kakashi said we got the day off before we had to get back to missions. I heard the door creak open so I cracked an eye only to see Usagi tip toe next to me.

"Onee chan..."

I tried to ignore him but his tiny warm hands found my arm and shook it slightly.

"Yes Usa?" I mumbled and pushed my head further into my pillows.

"Dadda left fora mission."

I hummed but didn't move.

"Ima hungwy."

I reach out and grabbed him by the torso before dragging him into my bed with me.

"Onee-chan!" He giggle but sounded frustrated.

"Nooo Usa let's take a nap."

He wiggled in my arms before slowly stopping and lying still.

"I haf school."

I hugged him tighter and sighed. "You can be late today."

So we fell back asleep. We eventually woke up to a pounding on the front door. Usagi was a little frightened so I quickly got up and grabbed Balance before stomping downstairs and throwing open the door with Usagi behind me.

"What?!" I snarled only to stop in my tracks and flinch.

"Oh sorry Choji. Why are you here?"

Choji stood on my door step eating his chips with Shikamaru talking to Ino just off the pouch. They seemed to be having an argument. So nothing uncommon going on.

"Hi Takara, do you want to go get BBQ with us?"

I smiled before I felt a tug on my pj bottoms and looked to Usa behind me.

"Can Usagi come too?" I asked bashfully as I picked him up.

"Sure, let's just go. I'm starving!" Shikamaru yelled and Ino hit him over the head.

I smiled a little before lazily strapping Balance to my back properly and slipping on my sandals.

"Ok, let's go." I locked the door and Ino gasped, Usa and I were still in our pjs. I couldn't help but give her a lazy smile and shrug.

"We need a lazy day Ino, besides, my shurikan decorated pj bottoms and black tank will definitely strike fear into my opponents. Right Usa?"

He giggle and then held out his arms so everyone could see his pjs that were decorated in chopsticks.

Everyone complemented his pjs and then we walked to our favorite BBQ place.

As we sat down Shikamaru asked how my mission went, I pouted.

"Oh wait, don't tell me only wanted to eat with me because I went on an outside mission."

Ino laughed at me, "Well you are the first to do a B rank mission. We're curious, but we also wanted to talk with you, you are our friend after all."

I sigh but smile, Usagi climbed into my lap as I began to recite the mission from top to bottom. "So over all I didn't do a lot."

Inos mouth was dropped open and then she exclaimed, "You got a bridge named after you!"

I flushed embarrassed and nodded. "Ya well I didn't really get much of a chance to fight I mean."

Choji shrugged, "Sometimes fighting is not the most important thing."

There was yelling at the bar section, a drunk ninja seemed angry he was cut off by the bartender and was being ushered out. My friends laughed at the drunk guy but I just calmly stared for a moment.

I then ignored it turned my attention back to my group.

"Onee-chan school today?" Usagi questioned.

I flinched and shrugged, "Let's have a family day instead, no school."

He nodded and smiled.

"Usagi looks healthy." Shikamaru commented.

I smiled and ran my fingers through Usa's hair. "Ya the doctor said his IPF has slowed to a stop, or at least an unnoticeably slow progression. We started some experimental drugs along with constant ninjutsu treatments. The doctor is convinced he'll be the first to discover a cure, and due to the strides he's made so far... I can believe him too. We have hope in our Doctor and Usagi."

My friends look at Usagi fondly.

There was a clanking sound as the door to the BBQ opened and a waitress screamed.

I looked to see the drunk ninja back with a sword.

I scooted Usa off my lap and rushed in front of the waitress drawing Balance.

"Move out of da way kiddo." He slurred, drunk past cognitive thought.

"Sir please leave."

"No i wan my booze!"

I glared, he's acting like a child, and children can't have weapons.

He raised his sword and came at me slowly and sloppily from above. I raised Balance to block the attack and then while he was clutching the handle of the sword with his two hands, I kicked him in the stomach so hard he dropped his sword and ran into the bathroom to vomit.

Moments later other ninjas rushed in and then took the guy screaming and wailing, probably to jail.

I sat back down and Usa looked at me with stars in his eyes. "Onee-chan so cool!" I blushed and ruffled his hair, "Thanks but I think you're super cool!" He smiled proudly.

We finished eating soon after and Ino asked if I'd like to train with them but I politely refused. Today's my day off and I'm going to use it.

Usa and I walked to the market and picked up new groceries since dad destroyed any food I had left with him and Usa on my mission.

After I paid I reached to grab Usas had so we could go home but... "Uh excuse me?"

I stiffen and looked at the hand I grabbed and then followed it up the arm to the face of a young girl, only a few years younger than me.

I dropped her hand immediately and bowed. "Oh I'm so sorry, I thought you were my brother."

I straightened to see the girls very put off face when I realized what I said.

"Oh! Not that you look like a boy! You were just standing where he had been."

She blinked her lavender eyes in an almost sassy way and crossed her arms.

I just stared at her for a moment longer awkwardly before stepping away and straightening up. I glanced over the crowed around me looking for my brothers plum hair but it was no where to be seen.

My heart launched into my throat and for the first time in years I felt the seeds of panic plant themselves in my stomach. My blood felt icy and I yelled Usagi's name, loud enough that all the people around me turned to look at me.

"Did you actually lose your brother?" I heard the young girl ask. I ignored her and gripped my bags tight as I began to walk quickly in the last direction I saw Usa in.

"What does he look like?" The girl tried again as she walked behind me. I sighed angrily, not wanting to deal with this person when Usa is gone but grudgingly said, "He has plum wavy hair, pale skin, and brown eyes, he's three."

"So he's small?" She asked, lavender eyes gleaming...

Lavender.

"You're a hyūga... Yes, he's about 90 centimeters (Two feet and 11 inches).

She nodded before doing the hand signs and activating her byakugan to look around. She spun around slightly as she searched for his smaller figure in the mass of bodies.

"There." She said pointing in the opposite way I had been running. "There two small figures over there."

I quickly thanked her before dashing off in the way she was pointing and came upon Usagi.

He was fine, not kiddnapped, not hurt, just simply standing there looking confused as he talked to a little girl and her parents.

"Usagi!"

He turned and saw me emerge from the crowed and attached himself to my leg instantly.

"Onee-chan! Taka-onee! I was lost!" He had tears starting to flood out of his eyes as I set down the groceries and knelt to hug him. He blubbered into my tank top for a minute and I looked up to the family before me.

They were in traditional kimonos but the father had a headband plate stitched into his sleeve. So I stood up and bowed low as Usa continued to grip my pants now.

"Thank you for finding my brother, I hope he was not a burden."

The woman laughed slightly into her fan she was using to cover her face. Weird.

"It's no problem, judging from your sword you must be a Gushikan, it's a pleasure to meet you, we are from the Suzuki clan."

My eyes drift to her earrings which are tiny silver bells. Of course. These snobs.

The Suzuki clan is one of the most wealthy clans in Konoha, just behind the Hyūga. Honestly they are more of merchants than anything but they like the sound of clan so they set aside around three people in their family to be shinobi so they get a fancy title. Everyone knows their not really a clan.

I bowed deeply, "Of course, it's an honor to meet you Suzuki-sama." I glanced up to see their smug faces.

"So Gushikan, how's your father?" The man said. I tried to ignore the lack of honorific on my name and tried to keep a completely neutral face.

"He is well, we all are. Our clan is thriving, thank you for your concern."

My eyes drift to their young child. She seemed to be about Usagi's age and had half of her chocolate brown hair up and the hair band had silver bells attached so she jingled when she moved.

She was looking at me with large blue eyes.

"I like your eyes!" She said suddenly and pointed at me. Her mom slapped her pointed finger and scolded her for being rude.

"It's alright." I said as I bent to her level so she could see my eyes better.

"Purples my favorite color!" She squealed and grinned at me.

I couldn't help but crack a small smile at her.

"Me too. Green and purple are my clan colors."

"Our," the female Suzuki mom said loudly to get my attention. "Is silver! For our bells." She smiled and then fanned herself.

The young girl got a sour look on her face and crossed her tan little arms.

"I hate silver, it's boring."

"Amara!" The mother gasped, the father has been looking bored the entire time.

"Mama, I want to wear green and purple too!" The little girl blurted loudly.

Her mom got red in the face before straightening up and fanning herself.

"Darling when you are a ninja you must wear silver, it's our clans pride."

Amara pouted sadly, Usagi who had been clinging to me let go and stepped forward.

"It's okay, just be a Gushikan instead, we hab lotsa room."

Silence...

Amara smiled and nodded, "Ok! I'll just be a Gushikan!"

Her mom broke a blood vessel and her quiet father "humph"ed... and I laughed.

I stood up holding my stomach and laughed at my little brother. Just a little bit.

"Sorry Usa, Suzuki-chan, it's not that simple. But, that was very nice of you to offer Usa." I said patting his head.

My shy little brother blushed and then moved back behind me.

"Well! I do say we must be going! I cannot say this was an enjoyable meeting Gushikan. Then again that's normal with your kind. You're not even in proper clothing!(I look down to my and Usagi's pj's and shrug) Now I say, good day to you!" The mother spat as she grabbed her confused daughters hand and dragged her off. Her husband gave me a small nod and then continued after them.

"Onee-chan, I'm confused."

I grabbed Usa's hand and the bags, "Thats okay, it was a little strange."

And we went home.

Dad came home pretty late that night but I had let Usa stay up to look at his picture book and read to him. He's not really interested in fairytales but really likes to look over my plant book. He's even better than me at naming plants now.

I sat still and listened to Usagi's dramatic retelling of him being swept away in a sea of people and stumbling around until landing face first in front of a little girl who helped him up. Then her weird parents and I chatted and then they suddenly left.

I piped up and said he invited the little girl into our clan and dad let out a loud deep laugh that made Usagi giggle.

"Sounds like you've had quite the day, it must be bed time." He said before picking Usagi up by the back of his shirt and carrying him upstairs.

I smiled faintly before polishing Balance and sitting in moms chair to relax.

Dad walked down stairs before collapsing near me on the couch.

"Don't you have to get back to your group tomorrow? You should go to bed also." He said while taking off his vest and setting it on the coffee table.

"Ah don't do that dad! You'll get blood on the wood and I don't want to clean that!" He grumbled as he threw it into the tile floor behind the couch. "And, ya, I do. Don't you have a mission in the morning too though? You're not one to talk."

He mumbled he's my father so I have to listen to him but I just shrugged and stood up.

"Guess I'll go to bed then, I'll see you later." Dad nodded so I walked up stairs and fell asleep as soon as I hit the bed.

"Another mission? Right out of the gate?" I muttered as Kakashi looked at our scroll.

"Yup, you guys did so well they want to test you more." He said dully.

"I don't remember this... I guess they can't show everything." Conscience muttered.

"So what is it exactly?" Sasuke asked.

"Well it seems we need to transport a merchant from Konoha to the Village Hidden in Sound. It should only take a day and a half to get there and then we'll turn around and come home. It's a C rank."

I breathed out with my neutral face but inside I was disappointed, I only was with Usa and dad for one day and now I have to leave again.

"When are we leaving?" I asked but already knew the answer.

"Ten minutes, get your stuff and meet me at the gate."

My shoulders slumped, there's so much to do.

First, I ran to the preschool to tell them I can't pick Usa up and my dad is also out of the country currently so he needs the overnight deal. Pretty common with ninja kids. Then I ran home and grabbed my mission pack which I always keep ready. Finally, I ran to the main building to leave dad a scroll just in case he got back before me.

I was a minute late to the gate but no one bagged on me... well except one.

"You call yourself a ninja? Aren't you supposed to be responsible? Quick I need someone else to guard me!"

What are the chances I'd get a whinny no good rich Suzuki to guard. At least it's not one from earlier, they were from the ninja branch of the family.

"My apologies." I responded and then let it go.

We started off immediately, the Suzuki man had only one wagon with two horses pulling it and then a carriage for himself. We had to walk.

I don't really mind but Naruto sure did.

"How rude can one guy get? There's enough room for all of us on his carriage alone!" He whispered angrily but I just brushed it off.

"Oh well, it's not like we haven't walked further before."

Naruto was still peeved though.

The walk was harsh and tiring, the entire thing was at a slight angle as we were walking up hill to get to the Village.

The first day was boring enough, we stopped to camp and I made dinner while everyone set up. A normal arrangement between us all.

"This food is horrible! Where are the dumplings! The beef! How can you live like this!"

I breathed out slowly and then apologized, saying we didn't bring anything like that and then offered him my fish... which he ate while staring at me.

I ate my rice and savored it. As a ninja you have to be able to skip meals so this was nothing.

My stomach growled quietly.

Although Gushikans do have large appetites. So I ate a couple food bars.

I took my watch first and then switched out with Naruto around midnight. I slept like the dead but woke to screaming.

I leaped out of my sleeping bag Balance already drawn to find the guy yelling at Sasuke, something about a missing box.

I shakily breathed in as the adrenaline died and walked over.

"What's going on?"

The guy spun around and started to yak about how one of his smaller boxes is gone and how one of us must had taken it. Kakashi who was now up was trying to reason with him but the guy was hysterical.

'What a baby, maybe he left it behind by accident.' I though as I adjusted my sword strap until the hairs on the back of my neck rose.

I spun around and gripped the handle as one of my dads lesson flew through my head. It's about a band of thieves who would take only one box, a small one, too see how much was in it. Theoretically, if even a small box has a lot of precious things in it then the big ones are worth even more. So if the small one had a large amount of money in it then the thieves would come back to...

"Suzuki-san."

"What?!" The guy hissed at me.

"What was in that box?"

"Like you don't know you thief!"

My eyes pierce into his as I glared. He visibly shivered.

"Jewelry, lots of it. I thought that maybe if we got robbed they wouldn't care for the small boxes and just take the big expensive ones."

This is bad. They are going to think that the big boxes will be worth even more now. It's just a matter of time until-

An arrow flew right past my nose and hit the tree behind it.

There was a moment of shock before we surrounded our client and drew our weapons.

A band of thrives emerged from all sides of the forest around us, there was a total of about ten, right there at least, probably more are hiding.

"No no no! You ninja better k-keep my stuff and I safe!" The Suzuki man yelled.

"Sir... would you rather you live and not have that wagon of merchandise or the other way?" I asked quickly.

He pales and stiffened up. "Ob-obviously my l-l-life!" He yelled.

"We should retreat." Kakashi said quickly. "Takara, Naruto, Sasuke, go left, I'll take Suzuki and go right."

We all nodded and waited for Kakashi to move first.

He picked Suzuki up like a bride and jumped into the trees and fled right, right over the heads of the bandits.

I, on the other hand used his confusion to burst toward the left and swish past two bandits. After a few moments I looked behind me to see Naruto and Sasuke following me. Unfortunately, there were two bandits behind them.

It doesn't make sense, they have the wagon, the horses, our supplies, why would they pursue a fight?

I continued to run until I came upon an open area and came to an immediate stop. I turned and yelled at Sasuke and Naruto to stop as well, which they did next to me.

"What is it? They're going to catch up?!" Naruto exclaimed but I just pointed beyond the small clearing.

"It's a cliff."

They both made O's with their mouths.

The two bandits stopped in front of us smirking, they know we are screwed. But, still there are three of us and two of them.

We waited for them to make the first move but they didn't and just waited for us to do it.

'Ok these bandits aren't just bandits, they are strategically taught ex-ninja. No bandit is this smart. What is going on?' I thought frustrated and for once conscience was silent.

"Why aren't they doing anything?" Naruto whispers.

"They are waiting for us to make the first move dumbass." Sasuke replied.

That got Naruto all riled up so he charged them. They split apart, one started to fight him and the other slipped past to get me and Sasuke.

"Sasuke help Naruto!" I yelled as I blocked the other ninjas kunai with Balance and drew a kunai with my other hand.

He didn't even argue as he ran around the ninja guy and attacked Narutos enemy from behind. I on the other hand was getting my ass handed to me. This guy was slashing with all his might and it was all I could do to dodge and block. I couldn't use my speed

because I could slip right off the cliff, the grass was damp with morning dew.

Every time he slashed I was forced to take another step back and it wasn't long before I felt my right foot not connect with anything behind me.

I was on the edge. The edge of a 7.62 meter drop.(25 feet)

My adrenaline pulsed as I blocked the best I could before I saw a glint to my side. The other ninja had pushed Sasuke and Naruto close to te edge as well but had taken a moment to throw shurikans at me.

"Takara! Look out!" Naruto yelled to warn me but it was no help. I had two options.

Let them hit me and hope for the best.

Or

Duck and hope the the best.

I ducked.

The ninja in front of me kneed me in the jaw. My teeth clacked painfully together as I was pushed back again but there was nothing behind me.

I slipped painfully and my torso smashed into the ground with my legs hanging off.

Naruto abandoned Sasuke and punched the guy in front of me so hard he fell over and laid there reeling.

My torso quickly began to slip due to the dew and I slipped right off the edge of the cliff before Naruto grabbed the wrist of my right hand. I gripped him back as I hung there uselessly. Balance fell from my hand and disappeared into the trees below.

I had no time to morn my sword. Naruto was lying flat doing all he could just to hold my wrist and I could barely see Sasuke trying to hold back the two ninjas and failing.

"Sasuke needs you!" I said quickly but he ignored me.

"Hold on I'll pull you up!" He grunted, grinding his teeth. I could see the pain in his face. He's going to dislocate his shoulder.

I stared at him for a moment before coming to a scary realization.

"You can't."

He looked me in the eyes and I could see his fear. "Yes I can."

"No you can't, not at this angle, and Sasuke can't hold off those guys for much longer."

"Yes he can! Now be quiet I need to concentrate."

"You can't do it, it's physically impossible, you'll just fall too, and Sasuke needs you."

He stared at me with watery blue eyes. "What are you saying? I'm not going to drop you! You're my best friend!"

"Don't do anything stupid and help Sasuke! I'll be fine, just find me!"

Panic flooded his face. "What?! I'm not letting go!"

"You don't have to. Survive and find me. I'll be fine."

I let go of his wrist and he frantically gasped my wrist tighter. He's going to dislocate it at this rate.

"No you won't survive, don't give up yet!" He yelled, tears dripping.

"I will survive, just finish off these guys or lose them. I'll give you a signal to where I am. Just find me."

Gravity was doing its job as I slipped from his hand. He was still holding my glove, he had been gripping me so tight.

For a moment I was flying, suspended in air. Naruto and Sasuke were yelling my name but I ignored them.

Then I began my descent.

Naruto turned to help fight and I began my rough journey down. I didn't hit anything immediately, just falling peacefully in a way, never looking down. I didn't want to see the ground coming at me.

First, I hit the first layer of branches that were flimsy but stung as I slammed through them, like being whipped. Then my body smashed into the second layer of branches, the hard ones. The ones that don't move with you. My body snapped back and forth as I tumbled though them. I could feel bruises and cuts form. Finally, I had those last few seconds of no branches before my body thumped on the ground face up.

I had my eyes closed and I waited a moment before wiggling my fingered and toes, relieved they still moved. I felt around me and realized I landed on a bush of sorts. If Usagi was here he could tell me. I opened my eyes and I tried to sit up but just the tensing of my stomach muscle hurt so bad I almost passed out.

I paused and laid there limp for a moment longer trying to breath the pain away before taking my hands and moving my fingers slowly across my torso without looking. I had not looked at my body once and just stared at the sky in between the leaves.

At first I was fine, they glided up no problem, but, halfway up on the right side of my stomach my right hand bumped into something hard and long, it felt like a...

I took a moment to breath deeply before I lifted my head and looked down at my body.

There was a stick poking out of me.

It appears I've been impaled.

Authors Note:

That seems like a good place to leave it.

It's so long!

Look I'm done super early!

Yay us!

If you have the time I'd love a review, not mandatory but appreciated.

Thank you and have a nice day!

~ToL