Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, just the Gushikans and a select few

Trigger Warning: Cussing, violence, death


39- Doctor Doctor

"No. Hell no. Fuck no. Just no," I said aloud, staring at the bear face. I picked up the mask and threw it with more strength than I meant to at the wall, but to my surprise it pinged off the mural unharmed and spun around at my feet.

I glanced back at the box and saw a slip of paper which read, in my shaky white knuckled hands, 'Promise Three'.

"That motherfucker. I knew it. He is forcing me to join the Anbu- well I have news for you." I walked to my window and opened it loudly before leaning out. "The answers no. Fuck off!" I yelled, and to the untrained eye I was screaming into the void, but I'm a ninja and I know there is no way the Hokage doesn't have people waiting around to determine my answer. Not that he will accept anything other than 'yes'.

The force of me slamming the window shut left divots in the frame from my fingertips and I dropped the note into my trash can before walking down the hall to Dad's office. I closed the door behind me, pulled the blinds shut, and sat down at his desk.

"Those assholes…" I muttered and set my head in my hands. I was just starting to feel human again, and now this.

'It's weird,' Conscience spoke, causing me to flinch in surprise. 'Why did your Dad save the Hokage? I've been thinking about it from the start.'

I rolled my eyes, "So now you're itching to talk? Gonna try to persuade me to join? Well you can f-"

'Yea yea, fuck me, fuck you. I don't know why that's your favorite word all of the sudden.'

"I'm thirteen," I responded dryly, causing Conscience to laugh. "And you know why. Dad believed in Konoha and the Hokage more than anything else."

'Yeah, apparently more than himself…' Conscience muttered quietly.

"If you were standing in front of me I'd knock your teeth out," I hissed, clenching a fist.

'But the first go around the Hokage died. Your Dad didn't protect him or I suspect he wasn't here to.' The being in my head spoke as if this was something I could comprehend.

My head was pounding from stress. Yes Conscience and I had talked about the future but this was diverting from the usual course, "I still don't know how you see the future."

'It's best I don't tell you either. Your brain might melt if I do,' Conscience concluded. 'But I can tell you this- just like how you're new to the world in a way I can't account for, so is your entire family.'

My lips pressed into a thin line, "Dad knew things, and he talked about the Konoha Crush before it happened. He even warned the Hokage, though our great leader did nothing to stop it."

'Yea,' Conscience said unhelpfully. 'And he changed the future so the Hokage lived.'

"I wish the Hokage had died instead," I grumbled and Conscience made a noise of understanding.

'Now that the Hokage lives, the future I know of is already going to be different. Without his death Tsunade won't become Hokage.'

I blinked, "Tsunade… the Sannin?"

'Correct, and without Lee being horribly injured by Gaara and the Hokage not being dead there isn't a reason to go looking for her either. I just worry-'

"What do you mean you worry? You're like a being in my subconscious." I muttered while rubbing circles into my temples. Yea it's getting a little hard to pretend this is normal.

Conscience laughed, 'Do you even know what subconscious means? I'm just saying that without Tsunade the village might be weaker when we need her leadership and healing powers. I wish there was a good reason to go looking for her. I don't agree with your Dad for saving the Hokage.'

"I KNOW," I yelled loudly and pounded a fist lightly on his table. That's when I felt something hit my leg causing me to reach under the desk and retrieve a small brass key. "What the…" I mutter.

'Oh now that's fun,' Conscience butted in, 'your Dad had a mystery. Now use your big brain to solve it.'

I rolled my eyes again before glancing around the room. Nothing appeared to have a keyhole. I stood up and more carefully analyzed each item in the room; even going as far as to remove each book and scroll from the bookshelf to make sure there wasn't a false one.

Where would an old looking brass key go? I frown at the puzzle piece before something came to mind, "Huh… I wonder if this could belong to the cellar?"

'I literally keep forgetting that it exists,' Conscience mutters.

"Well I've never been in it. The wood's rotting and delicate. Plus Dad never went down there either as far as I know… if nothing else it's an adventure." I compromise to myself before heading downstairs.

The cellar doors aren't even in our stone fenced backyard but completely open to the world just hanging out on the side of the house. We have no steps going into the cellar from inside our home so the rotten doors are all we got.

Once I was standing in front of them I gently touched the wood. The smell of decay was strong and there was no keyhole available. It looked like if I tugged on the doors they would break off the hinges.

I briefly considered yanking the door off but knew it would be a pain to have something so old replaced. Actually I have a better idea.

"Hiding Like a Mole Technique," I mutter after finishing the signs. I sunk into the ground and swam around for a moment before popping into the cellar. It was pitch black and I struggled, swinging my hands around, before I found a chain to yank on. I had brought a flashlight in case but surprisingly the light lit up the room without issue. It revealed exactly what you think a cellar looks like. Dank, dirt smell with no actual flooring or walls. Just a dirty hole in the ground with a wooden frame for reinforcement. In the room was a workbench and a few empty shelves, all covered in a thick layer of dust and dirt.

"Huh… It really is just a plain root cellar. That's kinda boring." I shrugged a bit to myself and prepared to redo the jutsu to leave. Nothing to see here.

I mean that's what they always say, and to be fair I didn't see it.

I smelled it.

Lowering my hands I sniffed deeply, frowning the whole time. I sank to the floor and allowed myself to sniff more. There is no one here to accuse me of acting like a dog- well a bear.

It was something I had smelled nearly every day of my entire life. A very light, not pleasing or displeasing smell. In fact the same smell was often on me and every other ninja in existence… just not today. Because I haven't touched my katana today.

Mineral oil. An almost unperceivable smell. I've had several friends comment that it's scentless entirely, but since Dad made a point to compulsively clean his katanas with copious amounts of it everyday of my life, I have grown sensitive to it. Plus the bear nose thing.

I followed the smell under the work desk and was confused to find what I would consider a small dab of the liquid just lingering on the wall. I gently touched the damp spot and rubbed my fingers together. Definitely oil.

Whyyyyyy? Why? I mean as far as I know, no ones been down here in a decade at least. The smell is so strong in this spot I'd venture to guess it's soaked deeply into the dirt wall… Might as well check it out.

I reactivate hiding like a mole technique and dive into the wall. The thing about using the technique is I am moving around without my eyes, so typically I go on the feeling of the dirt around me and the vibrations from the world above me. But for the first time, I followed my nose while underground. I moved the dirt to the side and crawled through it at a slow pace. I was careful to follow the mineral oil that was for some reason deep underneath my house. I could also pick up the scents of other humans, telling me I was on the right track. It occurred to me after a couple minutes that I had probably moved at least a quarter of a mile underground.

And then finally, I popped into an air pocket.

I fell a little ungracefully onto my knees and looked around the dark room. Oh Kami why does everything have to be so dark?

I sighed and clicked on my flashlight, and just like that, all the air left my lungs as I stared in shock. The new room was a replica of the cellar but with all the shelves and the work table filled.

The work table had drafting paper for seals on it which I glanced at but didn't bother too much with. Seals have never quite been my forte and I suspect this might be where all our bombs were made. Meaning I don't want to accidently blow myself sky high… well, maybe ground high.

The bookshelf held many leather bound journals, and as I gently opened a few books it clicked in my head that this was… a room probably built by the original head of my family or shortly thereafter. And since then, every member has kept a detailed record of their lives down here.

A secret clan room!

My heart leaped for joy. All the techniques that I was afraid died with my father might be here.

I set the books down and grabbed a newer looking one. I opened it to the first page and felt a jerk in the back of my throat.

'Holy shit,' Conscience said.

"Holy shit," I echoed, "This… my Dad..." I frowned by reflex as the knot in my throat threatened to come out.

I quickly flipped through the book but the message was clear. Every member of the Gushikan clan has a 'Conscience,' though we all seem to call it something different.

Dad called it his intuition.

Tekeshi called it his spirit.

Takeshi called it his gut.

Taichirou called it his creed.

And finally, Taichi called it Kami.

I stared at all the evidence that we… my family… has always had this ability to communicate with a being that knows the future. I thought of Usagi and his imaginary friend whom he communicates with regularly. And that Usagi, father, and I would have nightmares at the same time. Usagi knew who Orochimaru was before everything.

"What are you Conscience?" I muttered, somewhat in horror.

Conscience was quiet, it very rarely directly ignored me like this.

"Are you inside every one of my family?" I question again. "Are you… Kami? Like Taichi thought."

This time Conscience came to life, 'No, no… you are the only one. But I guess everyone in your family has the ability to speak to someone who knows the future.'

My gaze was frozen on all the books and slowly my brain clicked into place.

"A kekkei genkai? It's possible… I'd have to read more, but…" I rubbed a hand through my hair, "it's gonna take a while…" There were several books for each relative going back to the Gushikan founder Taichi. And there's the question of where to start. Dad? Taichi? Mix it up and hit the middle with Takeshi?

Then there's the added stress that some of these books are nearly a century old and delicate to the touch. Taichi's books look like they've been preserved well but I don't want to risk removing them from this room. And if someone else found one of the books it would be catastrophic, so I really can't take them from here.

After some heavy consideration I flip to the final entry of Dad's newest journal.

Takara has proved I have been entirely wrong this whole time. When given the opportunity she spared the lives of Haku and Zabuza. She must get it from her mother.

Her connection to her intuition must be stronger than mine. I feel like she always knows a little more than me. In some respects that is a blessing and a curse.

Tomorrow I will continue with my plan to finally change the course or die trying. I will save Hokage-sama as his living could stop the actions that lead to the 4th war. That and my taking Orochimaru's life. I don't want to die, but I have decided that I don't want Takara to have to face war the way I did. I want to be better than our forefathers in that regard. Takara and Usagi deserve to live in a world of peace, and maybe if our forefathers hadn't been so sparing with their own actions I would have gotten that world as well. Ume would have gotten that world.

I have lived my life as a dedicated ninja to no one but the Hokage, but I would prefer being remembered as a father to my children. And if I fail and Takara finds my journal with the rest of our families; I'm sorry I broke my promise. I love you.

I traced Dad's final words and felt a bit completed. "I love you too Dad," I said aloud. I'm still shaky on the whole 'my ancestors are aware of me and know what I'm doing' idea.

'Fascinating. He thought saving the third would do that? I suppose there are a couple things that now won't happen since he's alive. I need to rethink this. And I wonder what jutsu he used to try to kill Orochimaru.'

I shook my head at Conscience's words and put Dad's book away. My body traveled back up to the surface without me really thinking. I hadn't found the keyhole but I think I found something even better.

For the time being, I went upstairs to put the key back into the office- when something caught my eye.

A key hole… on the doorknob… oh my kami, I'm an idiot.

I don't have a reason to lock the door so I re-taped the key to the bottom of the desk before falling in bed. The Anbu mask is still laying on the floor and certainly won't leave my mind.

'I guess…' Conscience suddenly spoke, 'with the Hokage alive maybe Itachi and Kisame won't come to attack Sasuke. Actually that probably would've happened already if it was going to happen at all- actually shit!'

My eyes rolled at the indiscriminate cussing in my head.

'You need to go make sure that didn't happen- like right now. Because it should've happened almost immediately after the Konoha Crush but you were comatose.'

"I'm pretty sure I would've been told if Itachi was here. And whose Kisame?" I questioned lazily, but slowly pulled myself up to summon Yamane.

"Takara!" The bear squealed before jumping up and down excitedly on the bed causing it to creak dangerously. "How are you?"

I smiled gladly and petted the small bear's heavy head, "I'm better, thanks for asking. Can you do me a favor?"

The bear nodded wildly as it closed its eyes, enjoying the pets.

"Can you ask Sasuke to swing by my place when he's got some free time?"

The bear agreed instantly and quickly bounded off the bed and I heard the sound of the front door slamming.

I chuckled and laid back to try to get a nap in. Surely Sasuke has things to do before coming over.

'We should tell Sasuke about the massacre.'

I didn't move and tried to even my breathing.

'Dumbass I know you aren't asleep- I'm in your head!'

"I promised Dad I wouldn't tell a soul."

'Why bother keeping it? Your Dad's dead.'

My eyes flicked open after a moment of thought, "You should shut up before I ask Yamanaka-san to seal you away."

Conscience quieted down after that.

I dozed for what felt like only seconds before a knocking sound jolted me fully awake. I shot up and saw Sasuke standing in my doorway, "uwah?" I muttered confused.

"You asked for me?" Sasuke asked back seemingly equally confused.

"Did you come straight here?" I questioned, scooting to the edge of my bed. The Anbu mask is just barely out of sight for him and I really don't need him to ask me about that now.

Sasuke gave me a bewildered look, "yeah?"

We frowned at each other for a second before I cracked a grin, lifting myself off the bed and motioning him to follow me into Dad's office. "It really wasn't that big of a deal. I just had one of my… intuition things and wanted to check that nothing crazy happened while I was out of commission."

Sasuke touches the corner of his left eye, an action that tells me he's thinking hard, "Nothing springs to mind."

I nodded, truly expecting that already, "Are you still training with Kakashi?"

He agrees and mentions that he wants to be stronger since the fight with Gaara didn't go well.

I nodded half heartedly as my mind was elsewhere.

'So they didn't come? That's wild, so Sasuke is significantly less damaged than he was before because the Hokage is alive. I still think we should tell him the tru-'

"Sasuke, I need to admit something to you, and it's something I think only you might understand." I spoke and I could feel Conscience grow silent inside me.

Sasuke looked startled but gave me an assured nod before straightening up.

I felt my heart calm itself at his seriousness and I crossed my arms, "I want to kill Orochimaru, and I mean that incredibly seriously. I want to do it with my own hands."

'What the fuck?! No! Well… actually, yes I want you to kill him but don't say that to him!' Conscience screeched, almost making me wince.

Sasuke stared at me, taking in my words for only a moment before nodding, "You should. Just… don't get yourself killed over it."

We fell silent and Conscience continued to blab in my head.

"You too." I finally responded back, and Sasuke had the gall to look confused for half a second before rolling his eyes at me.

"Have you heard the news about Sakura-chan?" Sasuke suddenly mentioned, his eyes flickering around the room to avoid my face.

I frown and take a step closer to him, "Sakura? What are you talking about? I haven't seen her since the memorial." My heart shifted at the mention of her in such an ambiguous way.

We were about to continue when a tapping sound made both of us jump. I pulled the cord to the shades to reveal a crow sitting on the peg outside the window sill now cawing loudly.

"You?" I asked but Sasuke shook his head. "I hate this system," I muttered but noticed a note tied to the crow's foot. I slid the window up and gently untied the note. The crow didn't move an inch but once released it flew off leaving a scattering of tiny feathers.

I stared at the incomprehensible words, the blood completely draining from my face, and my whole body going rigid.

Sasuke watched me with concern flooding his face before he ripped the paper from my hands. His features steeled at the words and he grabbed my ice cold hands, "Let's go."

I don't remember anything until I was next to Usagi.

The nurses assured me that despite the respiratory attack he was stable for the time being, but their attempt at comfort was overshadowed by the oxygen mask strapped to his sleeping face.

"I don't understand… he only had a minor cough. He's supposed to have years before he gets more ill." My hand was trembling as I gently fixed his disheveled hair.

The doctor, who it felt like suddenly appeared from nowhere, gave me a pitying look. "That was the best case scenario, but with the intense stress of his home life-"

"Stress? Stress can do this? Everything's settled now, so he'll get better?" I peppered the doctor with questions.

The doctor put a hand on my shoulder and I felt my stomach fall out my ass. Doctors only touch you if-

"I'm afraid once your lungs get damaged they cannot regrow the tissue easily. It's possible since he's a child he may have some regrowth but not a lot. Even though he's so young his lungs are only running at 31% capacity. Once it gets below 25% respiratory mortality shoots up. And with that lung capacity he will only be able to walk short distances before getting tired. I'm sure he's been putting on a brave face this whole time. He needs a lung transplant and without it he may not have much longer left. Could be months or years but not more than that."

My mouth was dry but I nodded along, "But children can regrow tissue? No one's said that to me before."

The doctor agreed, "Sometimes they can but with his existing condition his chances aren't great."

"Can't medical ninjutsu help that?" I stressed, my mind racing.

"Yes, but I don't know of a medical-nin with enough skill to regrow a child's lung tissue. Something like that is currently incon-"

"TSUNADE-SAMA" I shouted standing up on shaky legs, "she's the best- if we just get her…"

"Tsunade-sama may be his best chance but no one knows where she is. I'm not sure you've heard but-"

"She's a gambling drunk? Who fucking cares!? I'll get her." I commanded my Conscience to tell me where she is and in response I heard a very awkward throat clearing sound.

'Well here's the thing, I never actually learned the name. But I know there's a castle there!'

I ignored the disappointment and instead was glad to have a clue. "How long does Usagi need to stay in the hospital?"

The doctor stared down at me, perhaps a bit concerned, "You can't take him to find Tsunade-Sama. He's too weak."

I had a cold sweat now, my stomach in knots, when I felt something squeeze my hand. Sasuke's at my side. That's right, I'd forgotten he's been holding my hand this entire time.

"I'll go find Tsunade-sama, and I'll bring her to you." He said, both gently and confidently. Something about that felt wrong, like this is my burden to bear.

'Uhhhhhh no he cannot go in your place, for like several reasons, but the most important being-'

"How long?" I asked the doctor again, cutting off Conscience. I don't need to know their reasoning since I've already decided I'm going. I feel a lot calmer now.

"We'll keep him under observation for three days and then he can come home."

I nodded before I turned back to Sasuke, "Please watch him for me."

Sasuke looked shocked and opened his mouth to respond but another voice cut him off.

"Gushikan-san, don't you think leaving will cause him even more stress? And you could be gone for months looking for Tsunade-sama. If the worst should happen you should be here."

I have no idea when Itoh-san got here but I suspect she was here the entire time. "It won't take months. Two weeks max; probably one and a half weeks." I responded evenly, looking at my brother's small unconscious form.

"And how do you figure that?" My CWO agent asked.

"I have an idea of where she could be. I'll shake Jiraiya-sama down for any more info, get approval from the Hokage, and I'll still be home in two weeks. Otherwise…" I turned to the ever calm Itoh-san. "If I'm not home in time I'll…" I didn't even want to say it. The idea felt like bile crawling up my throat to even suggest it, but I'm confident and I know I'll be home in time. "If I'm late you can deem me an unfit provider."

Itoh-san's eyebrows raised and her eyes widened, "You're… that confident?"

I nodded, "100%. The Hokage is expecting me so I will alert him now and leave tonight."

Sasuke squeezed my hand which caused me to chuckle. I looked back to the slightly panicked boy, "he's a very easy child and you can stay in my home for the time I'm gone. I cleaned Dad's room recently so it's all yours… please?"

Sasuke looked deflated as he groaned, "Yea… yea okay. It's not like I haven't cared for him in the past I guess."

Thankfully Itoh-san didn't question it but she has certainly seen a few of my bad days. I moved forward and hugged Sasuke hard, "Thank you, I'll be back before two weeks are up. Promise."

"You better," he muttered and I was gone before anyone else could complain. I flung the Hokage's doors open so hard they smacked the walls loudly and rattled.

To the Hokage's credit he didn't look up from his paperwork, "Have you come to accept the position after your little hissy fit?"

I narrowed my eyes at the old man, "No, I've come to tell you that I'm going to get Tsunade-sama. My brother took a turn and I know I can track her down."

The Hokage continued to work on his papers without looking up, "And what makes you think you're qualified for such a job?"

"I'm a Chunin so I'm high enough rank to lead a mission. I will lead myself right to her."

"After you insulted the promise you made?"

I was about to grumble that I'm pretty sure I never actually promised when he pierced through me with a startling glare. For a brief second I couldn't comprehend why he looked at me with such vitriol over something like my desire to not secretly run around in an animal mask. Then I thought of my family history that once gave me immense pride. "You're not going to let me go because I don't want to be an Anbu member? My brother's life is at stake."

He stood up and walked to the window, his favorite place I guess. "Many more lives are at stake with Orochimaru out there seeking vengeance; we are in danger of another attack. Your father bought us time but not much. Orochimaru will soon need to complete the body transfer jutsu. He's stubborn so he may wait till the last moment for a body he prefers, but that only gives us a month or two, since we are unsure of his start date."

'Mm probably two and a half to three weeks max,' Conscience mutters.

I glance away to consider Conscience's words and then back to the Hokage, "What did my father do?"

He smiled just a little, "Something I've never seen before. A jutsu he must have invented, and seemingly specifically for that moment. He called it the Yang Release: Soul Separation technique."

I shook my head at the name, it was new to me too. And the name sounds off, given that Yin is the spiritual aspect of chakra.

"He imbued his chakra into his Yang katana and just barely succeeded in slicing Orochimaru's hands off. And to everyone's shock but your father they didn't grow back. However, once he was deemed a threat by Orochimaru… he incapacitated your father quickly."

"How?" My voice was firm and as emotionless as possible. I really don't want to know.

The Hokage avoided my gaze, "He was bitten by a poisonous snake that shot from Orochimaru's sleeve."

My eyes narrowed at his words and my lips pressed into a thin line. 'He jumped in front of you,' were on the tip of my tongue but I knew better than to speak them aloud. "How do you know the hands will grow back?"

At that the Hokage paused and then made eye contact with me. I guess he doesn't know for sure.

I could feel Conscience buzzing in my head and finally I gave in, "At the earliest Orochimaru won't complete the body transfer for another two and a half weeks, and it will take me max two weeks to collect Tsunade-sama. Don't you want her here? She'll be on your side with her summons and experience with Orochimaru." I'm playing a risky card here but given how my Dad acted around the Hokage I would bet-

His eyes seemed to widen and a truer grin stretched his face, "You're much more detailed than your father."

I shrugged and somewhat avoided eye contact, now uncomfortable by his smile. "I can tell you more… but only after you let me get Tsunade-sama."

The Hokage chuckled, "You are much too inexperienced to make deals. We all know how intelligent you are but we also all know how important your brother is to you. So how about this- you get to find Tsunade-sama but when you return you must take over your fathers position in giving me information. Meaning of course you'll join the Anbu, but at the bottom like anyone else."

My teeth clenched and I considered asking Sasuke to go in my stead, but I doubt the Hokage would allow him due to this leverage he has over me. Which leaves my brother at risk. Everything in the world seems to punish me lately.

I opened my mouth to agree but my Conscience whispered softly causing me to hesitate, "… and when may I exit the Anbu?"

He chuckled, "Good question. How about in four years, say October 11th?"

I tilted my head a tad confused, but closed my eyes as Conscience began to scream.

'Oh I HATE him. Your Dad should've let him die, even if him living means there's less of a chance of war!'

I wanted to ask what that date meant but I got my answer before I could.

'In four years October 10th is the last day of the 4th great shinobi war. He's telling you to stay under his thumb until the war is over. No, we can't agree to that. Tell him you'll do it for a year, low ball him insanely hard, then agree to two years.'

The last day of war is Naruto's birthday? I wanted to feel bad for him, but I couldn't spare the brain power for it right now.

I stared at my feet and considered Conscience's words for a minute before looking up, "If you allow my brother to die, I will tell everyone you refused to let me get him treatment. Every ninja in this village knows my family and my fathers story. They all praise him for giving up his life for you, so if you allow his son to die they will vilify you. And then," my hand gently rested on my hip where Balance was usually secured, "I will have absolutely no ties to you or any of the morals my father instilled in me."

There was a deep silence between him, myself, and even Conscience. For what felt like over a minute the Hokage and I stared at each other without breaking our concentration. He was trying to determine if I was serious and what exactly I meant by those words. But I do mean them, and to the most genuine degree. If Usagi dies I will completely self-destruct. That child is the only reason I'm not acting like a rabid bear.

He broke the silence first, "I see… maybe I shouldn't underestimate your resolve." The silence was so loud. " I will let you retrieve Tsunade-sama, and you will join the Anbu for two years."

"Then I want freedom," I cut in immediately, "I want the right to refuse jobs and head my own investigations." I stared defiantly at him, and refused to back down. "You must work around my schedule because my brother comes first."

"We can make accommodations for your brother, but the mission will always come first. And I am still your Hokage, and I will approve or deny your mission requests at my will." He responded back sternly. "And I want access to any information important to Konoha's survival." He leaned forward a bit, sending a jolt through me, "And if I suspect you're lying I won't hesitate to turn you over to the T ."

"Fine," I repeated back. I need one more thing to feel like I won. "I want to be on Boar-mask's squad."

That gave the Hokage pause and he raised an eyebrow, "You do?" He raised a hand up in the air and it felt like the room shifted as Boar-mask appeared next to the Hokage. Mitsuko Sensei somehow feels different in Anbu mode, arms behind his back and completely silent. He's not the same gentleman I know right now. "Boar-mask, are you alright with taking in a cub?"

He didn't hesitate, "More than alright Hokage-sama."

I felt some of my tension dissipate and I looked at the Hokage satisfied. "I will leave tonight, and when I return I'll begin my Anbu duties."

He sighed a bit but agreed, waving his hand to shoo me away. I bowed and waved to Mitsuko Sensei before running right out the building and straight into a library, causing some alarm for the librarian I pounced upon.

"What city has a historic castle that's…" I pause as Conscience talks, "not in ruins, has large stones in the walls, is surrounded by rocky hills and flat green land."

The librarian adjusted her glasses, still startled, "well… I think the closest city that fits that description is Tosaka-"

"Got it, thanks so much!" I yelled and immediately ran out of the library and straight to the women's bath house. Why? You know why.

Once I arrived I did a lap around the building before jumping up and landing right beside the white haired man crouched on a tree branch. If I had any rational sense I should've been scared of what I'd find but he was simply jotting notes.

"Jiraiya-sama, does Tosaka have a casino?" I asked, setting my hands on my knees and hoping he'd answer on reflex.

"Hmm," he muttered, "yes I believe so. Fine casino, pretty average. You're a bit too young though."

"Oh it's not for me, thanks!" I replied and jumped off the branch… to find myself hanging by the back of the shirt as Jiraiya put his notebook down. He moved me back to my spot on the branch and dropped me with a thud.

"You shouldn't gamble so young, it's addicting and from what I hear you have enough problems."

I rolled my eyes at the Sannin and then cringed because I knew my father wouldn't approve of that action.

'Hey I haven't wanted to dull your sparkle but I should probably let you know Orochimaru and Kabuto might be in Tosaka when you are…' Conscience drops, causing me to laugh softly to myself.

"What… is it?" Jiraiya asked, looking confused at my reaction.

"I can't seem to catch a break," I shrug, "Well Jiraiya-sama I'm going to Tosaka to try to find Tsunade-sama. My brother is not doing well and she might be the only person who can save him. I already got approval from the Hokage and now that I know there's a casino there I'm gonna grab my stuff and run for…" I calculate where Tosaka is on the map in my head, "Huh… a day and a half? Two weeks was an insane overestimation."

'How the hell did it take them a month originally? Did they go through the entire Land of Fire before that city?' Conscience muttered.

Jiraiya blinked, "To Tsunade?"

My eyes twitched in annoyance, "yea?"

"She's less than two days away?"

"Oh my Kami… yea she is."

Suddenly the tree branch shook wildly, "then we have to go with you!" The familiar voice of Naruto exclaimed.

I slowly turned around to look at the boy behind me, "… Naruto… were you… peeping like this old man?" I can't imagine what my face must look like right now.

He instantly threw his hands in the air, "NO! I would never! I was just looking for him when I heard you talking and-"

"Naruto," Jiraiya cut in, "you'll only make it worse by lying."

The boy's face somehow turned red and pale, "Takara please believe me! I swear I wasn't!"

'He's a liar,' Conscience muttered.

But I sighed and crossed my arms, "Okay fine… I'll believe you." I looked back to Jiraiya, "but not you." I sucked in a deep breath before screaming in my highest and girliest voice, "PEEPING TOM!"

A lot of chaos ensued from there and definitely involved Jiraiya getting punished by some ladies. But I snuck away and headed home to pack my bag.

I tried to only run through the back alleys of my village but had to cross through a busy area of Konoha. At just the last second I caught soft pink in the corner of my eye. I skidded to a stop and doubled back to find Sakura sitting on a bench alone, staring down into her hands. I… am familiar with that look.

I have so much to do and no time at all. It's already past noon and I need to leav-

'You have time. Buy her a tea,' Conscience nudged.

I don't like listening to Conscience about personal matters, even when I was a kid and didn't know Conscience was weird I still found myself not listening to it. I can tell when what it says seems to be a personal opinion vs fact. What it's saying now is a personal opinion but for once we agree.

With her favorite drink in hand I walked up to her, waiting for her to notice me in her own time. It took a minute but her usually vibrant eyes met mine.

"Taka?" She looked around like she was trying to find Usagi but I waved a hand and sat down next to her, offering the drink. She took it and warmed her hands for a moment before taking a sip. "Someone told you?"

I shook my head, "Actually no. I heard something happened but not what it was. How are you feeling?"

She stared down at the drink, looking exhausted. She shrugged her shoulders and took another sip, remaining silent.

I didn't say anything either. I just closed my eyes and listened to the hustle and bustle around us.

My eyes opened wide like an owl when her head landed on my shoulder. I tried not to tense up and told myself to try to act like a human for just a few minutes. Another minute or two passed and I closed my eyes again and attempted to be comforting.

"Jinta passed away a couple days ago," her voice was quiet like the falling petals of an orchid.

I set a hand on her shoulder opposite of me and took a couple moments before whispering an apology.

"It was during the attack… he was there with his family and he fought the enemy ninjas. He got… hit on the head hard. He seemed to be recovering in the hospital and went home after a few days, but he just suddenly passed. His parents told me it was a brain aneurysm." Her voice was wavering and I could feel her scrunching her nose trying not to cry. I rubbed her shoulder and tried to give her space if she wanted to speak more.

After a bit she leaned off of me and sipped her drink. I moved my hand to the shoulder blade closer to me and watched her carefully.

Very slowly she looked from the drink to me, "Did you hear what Iruka sensei always said about me in class?"

I blinked and immediately shook my head. I wasn't so good at keeping tags on Sakura back then.

"He said I had a natural proclivity for genjutsu, since I have good chakra control and I'm smart."

My instinct was to nod and agree with him but now doesn't seem like the time.

"I taught Jinta the genjutsu release seal. If I hadn't-"

I moved forward and hugged her, pushing her face back into my shoulder. Her body heaved as she sobbed loudly, and Passersby gave me a strange look every so often.

We stayed like that for a long time until she seemed sobbed out and she decided to pull away.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you these past weeks," I said softly, feeling very scum-y honestly.

She wiped her red face and shook her head, "it's fine, I didn't tell you because I knew you had other things to worry about. It's just that now he's actually gone…"

I nodded, feeling just a little hurt that she thought she couldn't come to me. I suppose it might've been true that first week but I'm… maybe I'm delusional. "I wish I could've been there for you."

"You're here now," she whispered and it felt like I took a kunai to the heart. My face must've scrunched up because she noticed it immediately. Her face took on a broken passivity as she gripped her now empty cup.

"I'm leaving on a mission for two weeks, so I can find a doctor for Usagi." I felt so ashamed that I couldn't be here for her in this moment of need. I know better than most that those first two weeks feel impossible. Losing a friend is nothing to scoff at.

She made a face both of concern and disgust. For the briefest of moments I was terrified she was disgusted with me but she eased that quickly. "I hate doctors. They should have been able to find that aneurysm in Jinta. He kept complaining of headaches! They are all useless in this village."

I thought back to all the poor diagnosis and lack of options provided for both Usagi and I over the years. "...They are not the best… or maybe both of us have been burned too badly."

'FUCK are you KIDDING ME?' Conscience screamed in my head. 'She is literally destined to be one of the best doctors in the world.'

I ignored Conscience and focused on what was in front of me, a girl who had just lost her friend and teammate. "If you're lonely while I'm gone, you should reach out to Ino."

Sakura side eyed me and a look of displeasure spread across her face.

I held in the chuckle that threatened to pour over, "She's a good person! You two have just had a bad experience due to your, uh, similar tastes. And unfortunately the rest of my friends are stinky boys so I don't think you want to hang out with one of them."

The tiniest of smiles appeared and disappeared in an instant. "I'll keep that in mind, but I'm not alone. My parents are babying me and Kangetsu is around."

How did I forget about Kangetsu? "How is he doing?"

She grimaced, "Badly. Very badly." She didn't explain further and I felt weird pushing it over a person I don't know well.

We remained silent for a bit while we absorbed the situation and then I explained Usagi's condition to her. She looked so tired but she took the time to put a hand on my shoulder.

"I know Usagi will be okay."

"And I know you will be okay. Eventually."

"Eventually."

I gave her one last hug and bid her farewell, feeling like the shittiest friend in the entire world.

At home I put a few changes of clothes in my backpack along with food bars, toiletries, bandages, and with some hesitation, my Anbu mask.

Now that I was looking at it I could feel something flutter in my stomach. They mimicked Mom and Dad's masks in the design.

Dad's rectangular bear mask had three red triangles on both sides and the face was passive, emotionless really. With a large black bear nose and large oval eyes.

Moms pointed bat mask had these six black symmetrical swirls as designs and a large red smile stretching across it. Notably the eye holes were smaller than Dad's in a pinhole way.

My mask had a rectangular shape but with a slightly pointed chin compared to Dads. There was a large red triangle coming down the forehead of the mask and coming from the tip of the triangle there was a red line splitting my mask in half excluding the big black bear nose. There were black swirls in the ears of the mask and the eyes were pinholes like Moms. All in all it looked like a combo of both of my parents' masks. Except for two small lavender colored oval marks just below both of my eye holes… kinda like a blush mark but not pink. And as for the expression? It had no mouth to give one with.

I have to give it to them, it's a nice design.

I shoved the mask deep into my bag. To think this morning was an average one. As I picked up Balance to take with me I thought about the fact I may see Orochimaru… and maybe I should bring Yang to finish the job. But no matter my hubris even I must admit I can't win one on one with the snake Sannin. I left Yin and Yang in the office where they belong for now. I need to earn the right to use those katanas.

I was at the front gate by 2pm and ready to run for it when I was stopped by Itoh-San. I was prepared to argue with her but before I could say a word she handed me a folder.

"These are your brother's medical records. You'll need these to convince the Sannin." She explained while I gratefully put them in my bag, thanking her profusely.

Before I could step past her I felt someone grab hold of my bag, "Hey don't forget us!" Naruto yelled as he and Jiraiya gave me grins.

"I would like to see my old friend," Jiraiya explained casually while I glared at him. He is not nearly black and blue enough for peeping.

Naruto put a hand on my shoulder and gave me a nod, "We will save Usagi, even if we have to drag this lady back to Konoha!"

Now that I could agree with.


The trip flew by, some highlights were Naruto showing me this new jutsu Jiraiya taught him. I feel like there's a downside to needing to also summon a couple clones to do it but it looks cool and is effective.

I'm currently at my least healthy since I haven't been training like I'm used to, which means I'm stiff and achy but fine. I still have my weights on so it's not all bad.

And Jiraiya isn't the wooorst I guess. He actually knows every chakra nature (?!) so he might have some good tips in the future. Conscience keeps telling me to ask him for advice but they're just filling my head with bothersome whines at this point.

As we arrived in Tosaka I was on edge. I thought about it and I'm really super not ready to fight Orochimaru. There's also a possibility he'll want to get revenge by killing me.

It was late but Jiraiya directed us to a bar. I squinted at him disapprovingly the whole time, but as we entered I caught sight of a gorgeous blonde woman. She was sitting in a booth with a younger brown haired woman and a piglet? They seemed to be casually enjoying some drinks and food, but the blonde did give off a tense vibe. Weird considering her extremely stuffed wallet was sitting next to her on the table.

I didn't need Conscience to tell me that that's Tsunade-sama.

The old man motioned us to follow him and before we could respond he just slid right next to Tsunade in the booth. The look of shock was pure and enormous on the woman's face.

Naruto and I sat next to the younger woman who looked a little tense at our sudden appearance. The piglet in her arms seemed happy though.

"Jiraiya… What in the world are you doing here?" Tsunade muttered, putting her hand up to block her vision of him and looking annoyed.

"Now now princess!" Jiraiya joked loudly, "I'm just escorting someone who wants to meet you."

I hoped that would peak her interest but instead she rolled her eyes and nursed her drink.

"Hello Tsunade-sama," I greeted and bowed despite the table. "I'm Takara Gushikan-"

"Gushikan?" She cut me off, "wait that's familiar…"

"Katana kid from the war." Jiraiya recalled, flagging the waiter down for a drink of his own. "Remember? He told you to-"

She nodded, absorbing his words but quickly cut him off, "I remember he was annoying and reckless. I had to heal him more than once." Her eyes flickered over me in a hazy sort of way but never making eye contact.

I smiled at the notion of my Dad being an annoying kid and then slowly my smile fell. Tsunade didn't seem to notice and instead peered back down at her drink. Strangely her own mood seemed to worsen. I cleared my throat and continued, "I've heard you're the best there is in medical ninjutsu."

She rolled the drink around her glass, "That's what they say."

"My younger brother has a lung condition, and it has gotten severely worse as of a few days ago. We were told there… there wasn't a lot of hope." I keep my eyes on the table before clearing my throat again, "I have his medical re-"

"I'll stop you there," Tsunade cut in, taking a sip of her drink, "I'm not a doctor anymore."

I felt a shiver come over me while Conscience tried to give me words of encouragement. "… How much?"

Tsunade finally looks at me, really looks at me, "What?"

"I'll give you everything. My money, my estate, anything you could possibly want. You're a gambler right? Consider this you 'hitting it big'. I might not look it, but I'm the head of a clan notorious for saving their money." My hands were trembling as they gripped my knees.

"Hey!" Jiraiya called but I have no idea if it was an exclamation due to me insulting Tsunade's character or my own.

The woman slowly closes her eyes and sighs, "That's a great show of misfortune for me. I can't."

"Now wait a minute! You could at least look at the records!" Naruto shouted, slapping the table. "That or you're a heartless monster!"

"Whose this kid, Jiraiya?" Tsunade asked tiredly, sloshing her drink so a couple droplets wet the space in front of me.

I am frozen, staring at those droplets. My brain is full of static and even though Conscience is in there somewhere trying to speak I can't hear them either. All I can hear is the sound of my brother's respirator whooshing in and out.

"Naruto Uzumaki," Jiraiya responded with a knowing grin.

My eyes jump back to Tsunade's interested expression, "And my brother's name is Usagi Gushikan. He's only four years old and without medical-nin intervention his life expectancy is reduced by-"

Tsunade reached across the table and covered my mouth. Not with unnecessary strength, but enough to shut me up. Her eyes are not leaving Naruto's face for even a second.

The droplets from her drink are still on the table but I watch as Tsunade's companion runs a napkin over them. The drunk woman removes her hand from my face. I clench my fists under the table hard enough my fingers pop. I can still hear the whooshing but it's unclear if it's the respirator or my own blood.

Her eyes shine for a brief moment in amusement, "Wow, he's much lamer than your old student, but the 4th did die after all. Not much of a hero."

Naruto made an offended noise and began to claim he would be the next Hokage. Not to mention he was sure that if the 4th was trained by Jiraya and made it to Hokage then he must have been cool too. Naruto thinks all Hokages are cool right now. But of course he will be the coolest.

Tsunade's face darkens in a way I understand- a way most people who have experienced tragedy would. So she doubles down, "All of the Hokages have died like fools- it makes them both useless to the village and those they loved. Fools protecting a foolish village, for a foolish title. The 3rds just lucky that Orochimaru couldn't finish the jo-"

The oak table between all of us went flying out the window with an enormous crash that rattled the building and caused everyone inside to shriek.

I stood where it had once been, trembling with rage, and gripping the front of Tsunade's shirt before my senses came back to me. I quickly released her and walked out of the establishment without another word. I backtracked to an inn not far away, got a room, and locked the door so I could curl up on the bed. Closing my eyes and breathing deeply, I thought of my family. I just have to get through this, it's not over yet.

The next morning I woke to some quick knocks, an extremely concerned looking Naruto, and a bemused Jiraiya.

"How do you feel, Kara-tan?"

I stared blankly at Jiraiya before putting my hair in a bun. "Back to the Kara-tan, huh?"

"Tsunade was impressed by how speedy you are and don't worry, Naruto tried to fight her on your behalf."

That made my lips quirk up, "and he won right?"

Naruto laughed and bashfully scratched his head.

"Oh she threw him sky high! It was great!" Jiraiya laughed loudly, causing us to squint at the old man. "And she bet him he couldn't learn the rasengan in a week without a clone. If he wins she has to look at the file."

I jumped a little and turned to Naruto, "You did that for me?"

He gave me an incredulous look, "Duh?!"

I wrapped an arm around him and ruffled his hair, "You're the best!

Naruto proclaimed he would find us a training field and left at lightning speeds, leaving me and Jiraiya.

"You got that boy wrapped around your finger," Jiraiya laughed, seemingly more to himself.

I grunted, feeling insulted he would say that about my best friend. I pulled my bag over to me only for the strap to snap, littering the ground with everything inside. Everything.

Somehow my brain dictated that grabbing my underwear was more important than the Anbu mask that made a distinct sound hitting the floor.

I shoved the clothes and other such items back in before I noticed Jiraiya was holding my mask and staring at the face. I was crouched on the ground looking up at him while he stared in a pitying way at the mask.

"You're thirteen right? Not the youngest but not a reasonable age either." He muttered more to himself than me. He held the mask up as if to picture it over my face, "It's one of the prettier ones, that's for sure. They usually make them plain-ish."

I slowly stood back up and set the bag on the bed, "Please," I said quietly, "Don't tell anyone. Especially Naruto."

Jiraiya shrugged, "The whole point is your identity is a secret. I won't say anything."

I took the mask from him and looked down at it myself, "They modeled it after my parents."

He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorway, "You know, Tsunade didn't mean-"

"I know." I said sternly, frowning at the mask. "But that doesn't mean it didn't fucking hurt to hear."

He blinked at the cuss, I guess I do that more in my head then out loud. "If it's any consolation, I think she felt badly after Naruto chewed her out."

I looked at the man sharply, "I don't want pity, I want to kill Orochimaru."

Jiraiya stared at me in a pained sort of way, "I understand."

My eyes flicked up and down his body language, "Actually I don't think you do." I roughly shove the mask to the bottom of my bag.

"You don't have the tattoo yet, or at least you don't have it in the traditional spot." He commented, since I basically live in tank tops. Actually most people seem to pick an outfit and stick with it.

I cringe at the thought of getting inked up, never being a huge fan of unnecessary pain. "It was decided the day we left, and it was a part of the condition for me to leave. When I return I'll start my duties. Then I guess I'll start wearing t-shirts." I sort of meant for the t-shirt comment to be funny but it didn't land for either of us.

Instead Jiraiya told me to come to the lobby of the inn when I was ready.

Thus started the insane week of training Naruto with everything Jiraiya and I had… and it quickly got concerning. He was getting better at controlling it but he needed those clones for stability. Probably both in a mental and physical way.

"Maybe just start with removing one clone and practice on that?" I offered and he agreed.

In the meantime I casually asked Jiraiya if he could teach me an earth jutsu and so I became enraptured in the Swamp of the Underworld jutsu. A new way to trap people like they're on fly paper. It's an A rank jutsu, and is definitely the hardest thing I've tried to learn. Even the summoning jutsu is only a C rank!

We continued to train until we were sore and exhausted. It was amazing how fast a week passed, and I went from no swamp to a tiny puddle! Pretty good for something that consumes a lot of chakra and is the most advanced thing I've learned. Though it would barely get someone's shoes wet haha!

And at the end of the week I wake up with a jolt because today's the day. Or at least that's Conscience talking.

I dressed and got Naruto up asap, just so we could find a drowsy Jiraiya in a bar. Naruto was complaining but warning bells were going off in my head.

"Jiraiya-sama, Tsunade-sama is doing something dumb isn't she?"

He gave me an exhausted look but nodded. As we exit the bar we are met by Shizune, Tsunade's apprentice. She was freaking out about her lady making a bad decision. Before we could question it more screams overtook the city and in the distance a huge ass snake could be seen wiggling around.

We all leaped into action and came upon Kabuto attacking Tsunade. Naruto jumped between them defending her while I stood by and felt something tighten in my chest.

I found Orochimaru instantly with my darkening eyes, as he was standing back watching the fight. Balance was in my hand as I stalked forward until Jiraiya grabbed my shoulder.

"You aren't strong enough. I know you want to, you may even feel that you must, but you will lose." He said sternly before stepping in front of me. "Let me take your place."

My face… my entire body was burning with rage. Any concerns I had about facing him were gone completely. I wanted his blood to stain my hands. I want Jiraiya, as right as he may be, to get lost. I don't just need Orochimaru dead, I need him to experience my pain but tenfold. I doubt that is even possible, but that's what I need.

"Orochimaru," I called loudly, causing the man to flick his gaze to me. "You will pay," I emphasized pointing my katana at him.

He squinted his eyes, "Your clan is a scourge." He said and for the first time I looked at his hands. And they were gone. He was wrapped up but… yea no hands at all. "Tell me how this jutsu works and maybe I'll spare you today."

I blinked before I grinned, "Ha! I have no fucking idea! Rot in Hell you piece of shit!" And before I could taunt him more Jiraiya leapt forward to begin a fight between Sannin.

My blood continued to boil and I quickly turned my sights to the boy I've wanted to hurt for an even longer time than Orochimaru. Maybe he's someone Orochimaru values in a way. Maybe this can hurt him.

I stepped between Kabuto and Naruto, they had been in the insult phase of the fight still. "Naruto, Jiraiya-sama will need some back up." We both know he is not at 100% right now.

Naruto glanced at me but seeing my face he didn't argue and instead ran after his sensei. Leaving me, Kabuto, Tsunade, and Shizune.

"Ah Takara we meet again. It's been so long- how's the family?" Kabuto taunted.

Before I could register it Shizune sprang forward and the two medical-nins were fighting. They were incredibly fast, and the damage they were dealing to each other through their medical ninjutsu was gruesome.

I reached down and unclipped my leg weights, letting them hit the ground with a dusty thud. "Tsunade-sama, I know you're afraid, but think about how many people are here because they believe in you." I glance at her, still covered in Kabuto's blood and trembling. A phobia of blood is a horrible thing for a ninja doctor to have, so I can't help but pity her this time. "So maybe it's time you start to believe in yourself too."

I looked back at the fight ahead of me. Shizune was taking some heavy damage since Kabuto is a force of nature. He's incredibly intelligent and his chakra control is that of a prodigy. He's not even sloppy in his moves; he's pretty well rounded. I could never beat him in a normal fight. Never.

But this isn't a normal fight.

'He is a bad man. He will cause the deaths of thousands… hundreds of thousands. He helped in your father's death, and while he is more skilled in ninjutsu and his fingers could slice you open… and he's superior in genjutsu… and hand signs…. And maybe even intelligence…' Conscience trailed off but I couldn't help but smirk.

"I'm faster and stronger," I muttered softly to myself.

Kabuto blinked as Shizune jumped backward; surprised by her retreat. I roughly slam my smaller body into his back, wrapping an arm around his throat while holding it in place with my other hand. My legs were wrapped around his chest to hold me steady as he struggled. One of his arms was trapped with his body beneath my legs. He made a gasping sound and before he could start calling for help his air was completely cut off. I was thankful he couldn't call for Orochimaru.

I had thought it over, it takes four minutes of choking to start brain damage leading to brain death after about six minutes. That's too long to wait.

I could just choke him for a minute to knock him out and then maybe we could bring him back to the village to interrogate, but that's too risky. Orochimaru might come for him, and if he grows up he will still become the murderer I've heard about. Could Kabuto be redeemed? No. I cannot ponder that now.

Instead I closed my eyes and squeezed his neck with all my might, not stopping when I heard the crack. It takes a 1000 lbs of pressure to break a neck to the point of death and with my strength and the weights on my arms… Kabuto crumpled to the ground and I continued to cling, holding his neck for as long as possible, so I know it. We tumbled a couple feet but with my legs tightly wrapped around him I didn't budge. His spinal cord needs to be severed. He needs to be dead.

I need to know this monster is dead.

A hand gently touched the center of my back causing me to slowly open my eyes and look up. Shizune knelt over me with a concerned look on her face.

"You can let go," she said in an extremely tender tone before she started to slowly pry my hand off my own arm. I had been holding my arm around his neck so tightly I had purple bruises marking where I had been gripping myself. I opened my mouth to respond but she nodded, "he's gone."

The ground began rumbling and Shizune moved quickly pulling me off the dead boy and dragging us away from- ALL THE GINORMOUS SUMMONS?

"How- how could Orochimaru," I started but failed to continue.

"He had a snake help him," She explained as she got us far enough away from the battle for me to see a conked out Naruto.

"Naruto!" I shouted, moving toward him but falling flat. My legs, even just my knees, weren't holding me up.

"He's only knocked out," she explained, "but you need some medical attention."

I looked down to my completely black and blue legs and the arm I had been holding around his neck was flopping around at the elbow.

"Wha?" And then the pain hit, knocking the air out of me.

Her hands glowed green and she moved them to my arm first, "He probably severed tendons and blood vessels like crazy when he was trying to escape. It's a good thing you held your arm in place."

I couldn't thank her for the compliment as I was focused on the insane pain that was rocketing my entire body. Meanwhile the world was still bouncing around as the Sannin fought loudly.

Shizune made fairly quick work of my injuries, impressively so. I knew she was a skilled doctor too but maybe I hadn't had enough information on the true scope of it.

I looked back at the large fight to see Tsunade pounding Orochimaru in the face. "It looks like Tsunade might have some fighting spirit after all."

Shizune beamed with pride, "My lady is the absolute best. She's had some hardships but she's really pulled herself together here… I think that was really due to you and Naruto-kun. The two of you really exemplify Konoha. The tragedy and also the devotion."

I didn't question who was who in that statement. Instead I watched Orochimaru, rightfully removed from his snake and without protection on the ground, scan the area for Kabuto… and instead finding me. He looked frustrated… pissed really. He made a move like he would try to get closer to the boy's body but Jiraiya put himself between them.

Orochimaru was going to be forced to flee.

I shot to my feet, despite the still mending tendons and vessels making it agony. I leaped to the side of Jiraiya and pointed at the demon.

"I killed him, and you're next," I commanded loudly, my gaze firm and full of the ever existing rage.

Orochimaru's eyes squinted at me in a glare before he was forced to make a run for it. Jiraiya and Tsunade tried to follow after him but it seemed like he almost evaporated. Conscience muttered something bitterly about plot armor.

I turned and limped back to Kabuto's body; standing over him, I analyzed the damage I had done. His neck was black and his head was at an odd angle. I wanted to look away but… I did this. His wide eyes that were bulging from his head were due to me. The spit that slicked his chin was me. All of it was me.

'You've saved so many people. I know it doesn't feel that way but trust me, this is the best thing that could've happened.' Conscience tried to placate, but that's them. That's always been them and they have always wanted this boy dead.

How do I even know I'm right? That Conscience is right? I know that's irrational, because that little room under my home tells me I'm probably doing the right thing. But for some reason this feels weirder than others I've killed, like a giant weight is both on my shoulders and off them. I've killed a boy. A boy who would grow up to potentially help start a war and kill many. But right now he hasn't done that and maybe I could've redeemed him.

"First kill?" Jiraiya's voice asked. I hadn't noticed that he was standing at my side and had probably been for a while. I feel like that's happening a lot these days.

"No… no…but… I guess it was my first time killing someone around my age."

Jiraiya nodded in an understanding way, "How do you feel?"

My lips pressed into a thin line, "It… was insanely easy. And I don't regret it… and he easily could've killed me if given the chance. It's just an odd feeling."

Jiraiya put a hand on my shoulder, "You're still hurt, and Shizune can help with that. I'll take care of the body."

I shook my head, "I killed him, I should help you… or at least be there."

He agreed after a moment and I watched with morbid curiosity as he pulled out a large scroll which he covered Kabuto with. He did a few hand signs, set a palm on the paper, and the paper absorbed the body beneath it. My eyes were huge as he rerolled the paper and put it back on his person.

"What?" He asked with an amused tone.

"That- I was expecting you to burn the body?"

He chuckled a little and shook his head, "That's the mist's method, and besides, his body could hold information that we need to defeat Orochimaru. So it will be properly examined back in the village."

"Hey! Maybe something on his body can help Sasuke with his seal!"

I jumped at the sound of Naruto's voice, my Kami, I have lost all of my perceptiveness. But his comment was interesting and I nodded at the thought, "You're right, if Kabuto has a stable seal then that could help, but he also might not have one."

We turned to see Shizune helping a chakra exhausted Tsunade over to us. They both gave us small smiles before we all turned and went back to the city. We took a couple days to regenerate chakra, well all except me, and taking turns getting healed by Shizune, but at this point it has been eleven days since we left Konoha. I'm starting to get antsy about going home.

We were sitting down together having a meal when I cleared my throat, "Shizune-san, can I ask something of you?"

The woman looked up and gave me a kind smile, encouraging me to continue.

"Can you help my brother?" I asked somehow shyly and determinedly.

The mood shifted and it felt like Tsunade gave the two of us the stink eye for a moment.

Shizune looked a tad embarrassed that her lady was upset but asked to see the file. I pulled it out of my bag and handed it over eagerly. I noticed she set the papers down in front of her instead of holding them up, causing Tsunade, who was sitting next to her, to glance at the papers in a sneaky way.

Shizune's face went from calm to oddly dark as she picked up an x-ray of Usagi's lungs which she held up to the light. Tsunade leaned closer to her and also looked up at the x-ray… her face darkened too.

They were completely silent for minutes before setting the x-ray down and now both were picking up different papers to read, occasionally swapping them without a word. This went on for a long time, and I started to feel quite queasy by the morbid look on both women's faces.

Finally they both set the papers down and Tsunade linked her fingers together and rested her face on them in thought. "Takara, I only see one option."

I gulped and my fingers popped from how hard I clenched my hands.

"He could get a lung transplant, which I could assist in to make the transition easier, or I recommend the art of Mitotic regeneration to make new cells via creation rebirth."

I knew better than to ask anything now.

"The problem with Mitotic regeneration is it will lower your brother's life span, and it's hard to say how much. Since he needs his lungs almost entirely healed that would mean probably years of his life removed. If he remained healthy and active he could probably still have a long life ahead of him but we will never be sure how long."

I closed my eyes for a moment before looking back at her, "But with lung transplants, how often are the lungs rejected?"

Her eyes softened and she let her hands hit the table below, "About 40% of the time. He will most likely have to go on immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of his life to ensure his body doesn't attack the lungs."

"And his life expectancy with transplanted lungs?"

Now she closed her eyes, "It depends… he could have 10 years before his lungs act up, or five, or one. Or he could be completely fine. But since he is a child the chances of survival after five years is about 56%."

"So it's no question," I replied back, "he needs the creation rebirth jutsu… would you help us?"

Tsunade chuckled a little, "After all of that? Yes. And…" She flushed slightly and ran a hand through her hair.

I raised an eyebrow at her sudden bashfulness.

"I apologize for offending you when we met. I didn't know your father was the lost soul."

I smiled a tad and leaned back in my booth, "Consider it forgiven- if you heal my brother of course."


We arrived back in Konoha on day 13 of my trip, getting me in just under the wire. Usagi was almost inconsolable as I held him, which makes sense. To him I disappeared for two weeks directly after he was seriously hurt. I should've considered him more. I'm a real shit sister.

I thanked an extremely ragged Sasuke for his help. The poor boy was exhausted and shot me a dirty look as he said, "He is not an easy child." So I guess I should be glad his lungs didn't completely ruin his fun while I was gone.

Tsunade, Usagi, Shizune, and I got some paperwork done for the operation and then it was time. The purple diamond on Tsunade's forehead spread over her body before she set a hand on my unconscious brother.

His chest glowed an insane bright green for just a minute before she backed up and turned it off. Shizune stepped forward with her own glowing hand and did something like a diagnostic jutsu. After a few minutes she looked at me grinning, "He's got an entirely new set of lungs in his chest. No damage, and working perfectly. He's going to be fine."

I immediately burst into tears and grabbed hold of both women in a tight hug. They both patted me and tried to soothe me before leaving me to sit with my brother alone. I dried my tears and held his little hand until he woke up. When he saw me he sat up, blinked a few times, and took in some oddly deep breaths.

"Taka-onee it doesn't hurt."

I cried again.


Author's Note:

Wooooof that was a long chapter. I hope everyone enjoyed it!

Next chapter! The Sasuke Retrieval Arc!

Thank you for reading and have a great day!

~ToL