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

Chapter 26~ An Arc

We only stayed in the small clinic one more day before the old doctor said I was fit to travel as long as I didn't push myself. Medical ninjutsu is an amazing thing.

The walk was long and due to my wound, my Dad carried me piggy back style the majority of the time.

Actually, we were covering a lot of ground… In fact, it was Naruto and Sasuke that were slowing Dad down the entire time.

At some point or another, Dad realized that there was no reason for Kakashi to meet us at the midpoint, we'd be back soon. So he sent a summon to tell Kakashi not to bother.

The trip itself was pretty dull, we didn't run into any of the bandits/ninjas from earlier. But, it was kind of a tense silence the entire way, only breaking when Sasuke wanted an update or Naruto got too bored.

So low and behold, in the usual two days' time, we reached Konoha where Kakashi was waiting at the gates.

The adventure finally ended with Naruto and Sasuke leaving for debriefing, me being yanked to the hospital, and my father going to the Hokage to ask for forgiveness for leaving Konoha so suddenly.

"Booooorrrrrrrreeeeeeddddd," I groaned as I slunk further down on the bench.

"Ya ya, you keep on saying that." Sakura said, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms as we sat together outside of the hospital.

"I'm so restless I could probably run a mile a minute right now." I sighed.

Sakura groaned while pinching the bridge of her nose, "Takara, are you ever going to stop complaining? Just be happy you lived, besides, you'll be reinstated soon."

"Not soon enough!" I yelled as I stood up stretching. "I've done all the stupid ultrasounds, I've limited my exercise to walking and light jogging, and I've taken naps. I'm just so tired of it all! I don't know how civilians don't go stir crazy."

Now Sakura crossed her legs and glared at me slightly. She's tired of my whining.

"So how's training? Are you, Jinta, and Kanetsugu working better?" I asked, trying to make her less cross.

She grinned instantly, "Ya, we are! Jinta may seem dense and risky, but when he actually buckles down and does what you ask he always gets it done perfectly!" She pauses and I notice a small dusting of red on her face. "And Kanetsugu..." she smiles reminiscently. "When he does open up and talk to us he's really smart and has a lot of good strategies for us to use."

She then makes eye contact with me and pats her bicep. "Jintas has been helping me with weight training this entire time too! I've gotten a whole lot stronger and it feels great! We're really making a lot of progress for the better! In fact, our Sensei said he'd give us a second chance and retest us in a few days!"

I raise my eyebrows surprised but then smile at her. "That really soon, but I bet you guys will easily pass this next test. I have faith in you guys." I said, setting my hands on my hips.

Honestly, Sakura seems to have changed for the better. When we were younger she didn't win many sparring matches in class. My Dad said it was probably because her family are civilians so she didn't have as many opportunities to train as the rest of us. That's probably why she focused so much on book smarts. It paid off, she is very intelligent, however, she was always at the bottom of class for taijutsu.

In my mind at least, I've always considered taijutsu the most important lesson. So I'm glad Sakura is finally more to the standard of ninjas. I wouldn't want to see her get hurt. I was never close to her when we were younger, we had different priorities. She was chasing Sasuke and I was chasing my Mom. But now, I think at least, I can consider her... one of my first real female friends. She has been someone I can talk to when my team is busy. It just makes sense since she also has a lot of free time.

"Sakura." A voice hesitantly called out.

We turned to see Kanetsugu a few feet away, hands shoved in his black hoodie and velvet red hair pushed to the side. Civilian clothes.

'He looks emo.' My conscience blurted but I frowned at that thought. No need to name-call, he can dress however he wants.

"Oh! Kanetsugu! What up?" Sakura said with ease. A grin spreads across her face as she speaks to her friend.

He smiled a little, "I was going to meet up with Jinta for BBQ and then studying in the library. Wanna come?"

Sakura's face lights up. "I'd love to!" She turns to me, "Sorry Taka I've got to go, besides..." she pauses to look at her watch. "It's time for your appointment, maybe today's the day."

I sighed and smiled, "Kami I hope so." I waved goodbye to Sakura and Kanetsugu before walking into the hospital.

It only took a moment before I was put into a doctors office and one of my regular nurses was taking my blood pressure.

"So no Usagi today?" She asked kindly.

"Nah he's at school today."

"Why? I mean he wouldn't have been in the way and he has so many friends in the children's wing."

I smiled tensely, "I've been home for five days and he's been by my side that entire time. I just needed some alone time. Don't get me wrong I love my brother but occasionally I can get tired of him. Even he can get taxing."

The nurse rolled her eyes and continued to check my stats before the doctor came in for the ultrasound.

He smeared the cold goo over my circular scar and began the procedure.

"Alright Gushikan-san, your internal organs are perfectly formed. But, to be sure, we need you to do some exercise for us to monitor." He said kindly as he wrote more notes on his clipboard.

So they put a heart rate monitor on me and I did some yoga. Then I ran on the treadmill for an hour.

As I stepped off the nurse gave me a thumbs up before walking me back to the doctor's office to sit and wait.

I was slightly surprised as a new doctor I'd never spoken to before came in. He introduced himself as a psychiatrist.

"They just want to be sure you weren't mentally affected by the near-death experience."

I raised an eyebrow but shrugged. "Ask away sir."

He nodded and did just that. "How have you been feeling lately? Any pressure on your mind?"

I shook my head, "I feel fine, just restless from all the time home."

He nodded and made small notes.

"Have you had any thoughts of suicide?"

My face got stiff as I made eye contact with the doctor, his eyes glancing at my clan symbol on my shirt.

"No."

"You seemed to hesitate, is there anything I should know?"

I sighed slightly, "I'm fine, I've never really had those thoughts before."

He scribbled more notes.

"Any nightmares?"

"Wouldn't know, I don't dream."

He looked a little surprised but continued on.

"Do you blame anyone for what happened to you?"

"No one on my team. I do blame the guys who attacked us."

The doctor nodded understandingly. He continued to ask a few more questions before telling me I seem to have good mental health.

After he left my regular doctor came in with a bunch of paper to sign which officially reinstated me as an active ninja.

"Ok so here's the rules, no B and up missions, some C missions aren't allowed either. Stay that way for at least five weeks. If you get any pain please come here right away. Congratulations."

A smile broke across my face as I skipped out of the hospital. I can't wait to tell everyone!

It was about midday as I walked down the street thinking I better find Kakashi first. I was pretty much at ease with my hands shoved into my pockets. Then I heard a commotion starting up on the other side of the fence.

I paused and glanced at the fence on my left.

"Let go of me! Stop it!"

"Ha you're feisty, but not for long."

"Hey, It was an accident! Put him down you jerk!"

I could hear what sounded like a scuffle, but I was more interested in one of the voices.

Naruto?

I quickly jumped on top of the fence, squatting, and looked at the situation that had unfolded.

Konohamaru was being held up by a guy in all black and Naruto had been pushed down after attempting to help Konohamaru. Time to intervene.

"Na-ru-to!" I said in a chipper voice making everyone look at me.

"What's going on h-"

The fence suddenly snapped underneath me, flinging me face first into the street.

Silence.

"Uh... Takara?" Naruto asked as I laid there motionless, silently screaming in pain.

I finally began rolling around on the ground holding my pained face. "I've broken my nose!" I yelped

"Who's this dumbass?" An eerily familiar voice asked.

I sat up and held my not actually broken nose.

"Excuse you, that was very rude." I scolded the befuddled black clad boy before I turned to Naruto, "Can you please explain what's going on?"

He nodded, "Konohamaru bumped into this guy and then that dude just freaked out."

I turned my attention to the new guy as I stood up and crossed my arms. Instantly forgetting my stinging face.

"Please release the child, he never meant you harm. I'm sure it was an accident. Besides, it's no fun to hurt a kid." I stated in a stern voice.

There was an eerie silence as the guy and I had a standoff. The more I look at the guy the more familiar he looks though. The girl behind him too. Four pigtails? Who else do I know with four?

From the corner of my eye, I saw a flash of blue in a nearby tree.

So Sasuke's here now.

I slowly walked so I was toe to toe with the taller guy.

"Oh ya what are you going to do about it, pipsqueak?" The guy taunts.

An angry fire in my belly sparked at the short comment. How juvenile. I attempted to suppress it as I noticed a projectile on a collision course with the guy's hand.

With the speed of the ninja I am, I threw a hand out catching the rock Sasuke had lobbed at him.

The guy looked startled as I turned my hand over and opened it to reveal a rock. I let it fall from my hand as I turned to look at Sasuke.

"Tisk tisk, now we don't throw things at people Sasuke."

Sasuke looked peeved that I stopped his sneak attack, but my eyes went past him to the guy hanging upside down on a different branch.

"Hello. Are you the third member of this team?" I asked calmly.

The guy took a moment to respond but simply said yes in return. "Kankuro stop causing a scene. You're being a disgrace to the sand."

I hummed in acknowledgment.

"Drop the kid." His raspy voice commanded and just like that everything came back at once.

The guy made an annoyed sound before roughly dropping the child. Konohamaru then ran to stand behind Naruto with his little friends that I hadn't noticed beforehand.

I stared blankly at the red head as he and Sasuke came down to be with everyone.

"Uh, Takara? You ok?" Naruto muttered as he noticed how far away I looked mentally.

I nodded silently as I watched the other team start to leave.

Sasuke quickly called out their leader asking who he was but I rolled my eyes at my teammate.

"Sasuke, I could have answered that for you. His name is Gaara, the bigger one is Kankuro, and the girl in the back is their older sister Temari. They're the Kazekage's children."

The three froze and tensed all at once as they stared at me. It seems they may have forgotten about me.

I took a step forward to Gaara and held out a hand. "It's been a long time Gaara. Man, how many years now?"

"Four years, Takara Gushikan, I see you were able to become a ninja." He pointedly did not shake my hand.

I nodded with a kind smile on my face.

"Are you three here for the Chūnin exams?"

"Yes, we are. Will you be participating, Takara-san?" Temari asked politely.

"I'm not sure, I was recently released from the hospital so I'm not sure if my father will let me."

That got their attention.

"So you're back in action finally?" Naruto asked and I nodded before we quickly exchanged a loud high-five. "Great! I can't stand being alone with Sasuke anymore!" Sasuke rolled his eyes at our display.

"So what happened to you?" Kankuro asked. It was pretty obvious from his tone he wasn't concerned, just a sort of uncaring but curious tone.

I smiled, "I got impaled by a stick." I get some sort of sick joy out of seeing people's reactions to that. But theirs was very muted and unsympathetic. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, we aren't friends anymore. It's just how life goes.

"I'm surprised your mother didn't make you quit being a ninja, especially after all those stories you told us about her when we were kids," Temari mentioned. I'm honestly shocked she remembered that.

I didn't even flinch, "Ya she was really overprotective when it came to my career choice, but she did eventually give up trying to stop me."

I could feel my teammates tense up, but I remained loose with a kind smile gracing my face. It was obvious, however, that the other team had noticed the sudden gloom my teammates had brought.

"What's up with them?" Kankuro inquired while crossing his arms. Once again his tone was sarcastic and bored. Kankuro had grown up to act like an angsty teenager despite us being the same age.

"Don't worry about them." I said suavely, then turned to look at my teammates before raising an eyebrow at them. Naruto gave me a sheepish look and scratched the back of his head, while Sasuke huffed and crossed his arms.

I turned back to the other team and gave them a small grin before bowing at them. "I hope you enjoy your time in Konoha and I will be rooting for you in the upcoming exam."

"Don't"

I froze as my conscience piped up for the first time in what felt like weeks.

"You can't trust them."

I straightened up and gave them a cold look over.

"What?" Temari asked, sensing my suspicion. Suddenly, from reacting to my own mood change the other team tensed up. Well, Gaara didn't, but even he gave me a look of suspicion.

I relaxed and grinned, "Nothing, I was just wondering if you still use puppets Kankuro and if you still use a fan Temari. Well, I must pick up my brother from school. Goodbye, it was nice seeing you guys." I gave a weak wave to everyone as I turned on my heels and walked past my team towards the school.

My face was steely as I continued on my way, 'Why can't I trust them?' I thought to myself.

"First just focus on getting into the exam," My conscience reasoned. I furrowed my brow at the lack of answers but accepted it.

I attempted to go about the rest of the night normally but I couldn't shake the feeling something bad was going to happen.

That was the first night I had the nightmare.

I woke up with a gasp. I couldn't remember what happened in my dream but... it was bad. I had a cold sweat all over me and despite myself, my jaw hurt from being clenched.

I grunted as I stood up and looked at the time since I was wide awake.

4:30am

Not that bad of a time at least. I don't think I'll be falling asleep for the rest of the night.

I had started to get dressed when a pounding on my door caused me to rush and open it.

Usagi came in and crawled into my bed tearing up. His hair was damp from sweat and he was trembling terribly.

"Usa what's wrong?"

"I had a nightmare." He whimpered, hugging my pillow close.

I frowned but sat with him till he fell asleep. Then I continued getting dressed. Afterward, I sat on the edge of the bed for a while to make sure he wasn't having another nightmare.

Once I was sure he was calm I meditated till a more respectable time before waking Usa back up.

"Do you remember what you dreamed?" I asked as I made our breakfast.

He furrowed his brow in thought. "Not sure. There were a lotta explosions and Dad left and I couldn't find you and and and..." tears started to prick in his eyes again.

"Shhh, it's fine, forget about it." I frowned, not wanting my poor baby brother to get worked up again.

I watched him eat before I took him to daycare and slowly made my way to the meetup point for the team today.

It was a little early so I got to stretching and meditating. Not long after, Naruto and Sasuke arrived but it was always hours till Kakashi got there.

"Sorry sorry, I got lost on the road of life."

I eyed the papers he was holding.

"Here, I know it's sudden but I recommended you three for the Chūnin exams. These are the papers you need to fill out to be in the exam. Please think it over before turning these back in. That being said, it's your choice so feel free to not accept."

Naruto was ecstatic, instantly thanking and clinging to Kakashi. Sasuke also seemed pleased. I personally couldn't stop thinking about how conscience told me I had to get into this. Hopefully, Dad will let me.

Kakashi ended the meeting saying we'd have five days to decide and if we choose to accept to meet in room 301 at 3 pm in the academy.

I bid farewell to my team and went to pick up Usa early. Once I got him we began on our way home.

"Oneechan, can we go to the park today?" Usa begged, pulling at my skirt.

"Why? Didn't you tell me the park was boring?"

He looked embarrassed, "Well I changed my mind."

I shrugged and we changed courses to the park. When we got there I sat on the bench and watched Usa stand about five feet from the equipment looking longingly at the other children.

What a complicated three-year-old.

I sighed and started to stand up to help him when I heard some squawking a ways away.

Oh? The Suzuki clan.

The young daughter named... Anaya? Amaya? Something like that. Instantly ran to my brother and started talking to him before grabbing his hand and pulling him off towards the other kids.

"Amara! Amara!" Her mother continued to squawk.

"Good Afternoon, Suzuki-san." I said pleasantly but the women only ignored me before angrily sitting down.

I spent a few moments enjoying the sunlight before I heard someone come up next to me.

"Takara."

I glanced at the man standing next to me.

"Oh, hello father. What are you doing here?"

The man gave me a weak smile before explaining he got off a little early.

We sat down on the bench and continued to watch Usa silently before he cleared his throat. "Takara, I'd like you to not be in the Chūnin exams this year." He said quietly.

I didn't respond at first.

"But, Dad, that's where you met mom. We have so much history there." I tested, keeping my eyes trained on my brother.

He nodded quietly, "I know, but you're just not healthy enough."

I furrowed my brow and crossed my arms. "Can we talk about this privately for a moment?" I asked while eyeing Suzuki who is not that far away. He understood me and we walked to a more secluded area of the park. I trusted Suzuki wouldn't let my brother be kidnapped, no matter how horrid she is.

I slowly reached into my pocket and turned to my Dad. As quickly as I could I threw a kunai at his face.

The man ducked and then crossed his arms, "What do you think you're doing?" He asked in an intimidating tone.

"I could ask you the same thing. Because you aren't my Dad."

We stared at each other before a puff of smoke revealed a foreign ninja holding a needle dispelling umbrella.

"It's true, your instincts are impeccable."

"You're kidding, right? You were nothing like my Dad. At all! Even down to the way you said my name and mixing up the story of how my parents met!"

The ninja looked surprised, "Well, in the end, it doesn't matter much. I still got you alone."

I snorted, "More like I got you alone."

I reached to grab Balance but I grasped nothing. I froze as I slowly remembered that I left my sword home.

Sighing, I resorted to a single kunai in each hand.

We were silent as if in a showdown, but before either of us could move my blood chilled as I heard, "Oneechan?"

I glanced to the side to see Usa and Amara standing not far from us.

I made eye contact with the man, and we both rushed to them at the same time, but thankfully I was faster. I'm always faster.

With me blocking and protecting them he tried to go through me with a jab. He used his needle umbrella like a sword, but instead of dodging I dropped my kunai and gripped the safe outer of the umbrella with my hands. Then I kicked up my foot smashing it into his hands holding it so he let go. He was now weaponless.

He backed away immediately before chuckling, "You are as strong as they say. Goodbye Takara." He puffed into smoke leaving me and one and a half frightened children.

Amara was both scared and excited to see a fight apparently.

"Are you two okay?" I questioned, kneeling to their size. They both nodded and Usagi clung to me. I let out a long sigh of relief and ruffled my brother's hair. "Come on, let's go back."

Thankfully Suzuki hadn't noticed her daughter's absence, but my hopes of not speaking to her were dashed as Amara quickly told her mother what she saw.

I had a lot of explaining to do and not that many answers unfortunately. It ended with me quickly saying goodbye while pulling Usa away as the upset mother tried to follow us. Like I said, I'm always faster.

When we got home Dad arrived not long after and I explained what happened. He only smiled, patted me on the shoulder, and said not to worry about it.

So I didn't.

After cleaning Yang, Dad started meditating so I took to the kitchen.

I silently sat at our table and filled out the paperwork. Technically speaking, I don't need parental permission, but I feel like I should ask. After all, if I were a parent I'd want to be asked.

So after I finished filling it out I glanced into the living room, but Dad was still meditating. Not wanting to disturb him, I left it on the table before going to look for Usa.

I found him in his room playing with stuffed animals. I smiled as I leaned against the door frame listening to him make up a story.

"Master Oro, I've done the mission!" He said waving one toy at the other. "Good job Kabu! Now we can take over the last red eyed person! Mwahaha!"

My smile faded as I stared at my brother. That's a weird story he made up…

"Oh my goddddddddddd!" My conscience screamed. I asked what it was but it didn't respond.

I remained confused as I watched my brother continue a weirdly familiar scene before he finally noticed me. "Oneechan!"

My grin returned as I came in and sat with him. "Whatcha doing Usa?"

He simply smiled, held up his toys and replied, "Playing with Raymond! But, he only likes to be called Ray."

My eyebrows raised in surprise, realizing my bro finally has an imaginary friend. It was bound to happen, especially with Dad and me being so busy. That's a weird name though, I've never heard one like it.

"Is Ray playing fair?" I asked as I rested my face on my hand.

"Yup!" He chirped and then went back to playing.

I watched him silently for a bit before I got distracted with my own thoughts. 'What if Dad refused? Am I strong enough to go against his word? I don't think I am. I respect him too much.'

Eventually Usa stopped playing long enough to request dinner so I headed downstairs. Unsurprisingly Dad was still meditating so I went straight to the kitchen. As I started to make stir fry I heard Dad walk in and sit down at the table.

"Are you participating in the Chūnin exams this year?" He asked with his normal calm tone.

I paused, I shouldn't be surprised he already heard but I am. "I'd like to," I stop cutting vegetables, but don't turn to look at him.

He hummed thoughtfully. "Are you really healed? Can you handle combat?"

I spun around, passion breaking my voice as I spoke. "Of course I am! I've never been more ready. I know my body and my limits better than any of my competitors."

He raised his eyebrows before rubbing at his scar on his forehead. A habit he's gotten since the thick line was etched into his skin.

"Alright, just be cautious." He spoke softly, he must have realized just how important this is to me. His eyes floating to the application at the other end of the table.

My shoulders slouched as I apologized, "I didn't mean to yell."

But Dad only cracked a smile, something that didn't seem as rare as it used to be.

"My only concern is that at the end of the competition my daughter is alive and proudly did her best. I don't care if you don't make Chūnin. Yes, it's not preferable, but I choose that over your injury any day."

I grinned as I tilted my head to the side slightly. "Don't worry Dad, I'll be fine. I have my team after all, and I'd never leave you. Or Usa."

His smile resided for only a moment longer before it washed away. "I needed to talk to you about the exam though. Do you remember the sand siblings?"

My heart skipped a beat. "Ya, I do. In fact, I saw them in the street today."

My father's face darkened, "I know you used to be friends, but don't trust them."

My own face darkened as well. He was acting very similar to conscience. "What do you mean?"

His eyes drifted to his hands as he twiddled his thumbs. "Don't say anything to anyone, but I've been suspecting the sand of rebellion recently." He noticed my concerned look and answered the question I had immediately thought of.

"I've come to this conclusion after having many discussions with the Kazekage myself. Recently, I'd been traveling between our nations to prepare for the Kazekage's stay for the final part of the exam. Such details of when, where, and how were deemed too sensitive for any ordinary ninja so I was picked for these duties. Through that, I got the displeasure of having many conversations with the man. Takara, I considered the Kazekage an acceptable man. Despite his rotten personal life he always treated me with respect and did his job." Father's face was pensive as he spoke. The quickness of which he told the story made me realize just how sensitive in nature this information is.

"However, as of recently, he has changed. His personality took an 180, and he talks to me as if I'm a dog. He speaks harshly of Konoha and he suddenly speaks and acts oddly. Mechanical or jerky in a way. As if he is uncomfortable in his own skin. He's changed from the man I once knew." His eyes met mine and I could tell how uncomfortable he felt.

Sweat began to bead up on my skin. For some reason, everything Dad was saying felt correct and made me feel uncomfortable myself. "Have you told the Hokage?"

"I mentioned it in my reports. However, he does not seem concerned and thinks I'm being paranoid." He closes his eyes for a moment. "Perhaps I am paranoid but all the same. I trust my instincts and will continue to protect the Hokage though whatever may happen. I hope I'm wrong. So, Takara, I want you to watch yourself around the sand siblings. Anyone from the sand really. For the moment I don't trust them."

I nodded, "Don't worry Dad, I'll heed your caution. Thank you for telling me."

He nodded back but almost looked sickly. This was obviously wearing on him.

We ate dinner as a family and then Dad disappeared for the night.

I spent the rest of my five days trying to train myself. I hate to admit it, but I worry I might have lost some muscle tone during my down time. It wasn't long, but it hurt me.

Eventually the time finally came. After a late lunch Dad wished me good luck and I could tell he was proud of me. He set a hand on my shoulder and smiled before ruffling my curls and pushing me toward the door.

Usagi, on the other hand, hugged me for a minute before blubbering that I need to be safe and that he loves me. I then ruffled his hair.

After waving goodbye to my family I felt a sense of pride and excitement.

I can do this. I will do this.

As I was arriving at the Academy, Sasuke and Naruto were there waiting for me. The three of us looked pleased and grinned at each other, even Sasuke had something of a small grin, before we walked through the front door.

The start of an arc in our lives.

One none of us would ever forget.

For better or for worse.

Authors Note:

Oh hey, look I'm still alive. Well, I know excuses can't help me but... I still have them.

It was my final semester of high school and my writing teacher was a... mean person. I had 5-page papers due every week along with a blog post. Basically, I was writing a lot but not for the things I wanted.

So I apologize, if I could have I would have.

Anywho, since I'm officially free for the summer you can expect an update every week to two weeks. Just like last summer! It might get a little stained in there at some point(I'm actually moving soon) but I'll work it out.

All in all, thank you so much for reading, I hope you're excited for what is to come!

Reviews are appreciated but not required.

Thank you and have a nice day!

~ToL

P.s

Congratulations for any of the newly graduates out there and for those who just made it through another year!

Updated!