"When Saga came back, we were worried you would be killed," my father said softly as he stroked my hair.

I had been in the hospital for a couple days now due to the injuries Itachi's friends had left behind. Or maybe it was Itachi, I wasn't really sure.

A couple broken ribs, bruises and gashes everywhere, some internal bleeding... all of the fun things that come from being beaten unconscious.

I might even get a pretty little scar on my forehead to match the one under my eye.

I slowly sat up in the bed, this being the first time I was fully awake since getting back in the village.

"How's Shikamaru?" I asked to which my dad sighed loudly and shook his head.

"He wanted to quit being a shinobi..." he trailed off.

"What!? He can't do that! This isn't his fault!!"

My dad chuckled softly, patting my shoulder, "Don't worry, I talked to him. I know he's still feeling discouraged, but he's determined to try."

I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I thought about Shikamaru's pain. He didn't deserve this, none of these young shinobi did. They were all just caught in the crossfire of adults who couldn't get their shit together.... myself included.

"Y/n, there's something else I wanted to talk to you about."

"Hmm? What's up?"

"Jiraiya is taking Naruto to train for the next 2 years or so... he'd like you to go with."

My eyes widened, "B-but I just got back... I can't leave again. I should be here for Shikamaru."

My father just shook his head softly, "Y/n, as part of the Nara clan, it is our duty to support the hokage, and this is her wish as well. The akatsuki are after him."

"You are one of the few strong enough to help Jiraiya in protecting Naruto. With your shadow binding, you can help train him."

It's said the first clan leader helped contain the tailed beast with my inherited kekkei genkai, but I had never tried it.

I couldn't stop the tears from rolling down my face, "The akatsuki?"

"They're after the jinchuriki. Do you know anything about that?"

I shook my head silently, embarrassed that he even had a reason to ask me that, but I was the one who had run off to be with an akatsuki member.

He sighed as he stood up, placing his hand on my shoulder, "You've been cleared to leave now. Get dressed and come downstairs. Your mom is waiting to see you."

"D-dad," I called out as he turned to leave. "T-thank you for everything."

He smiled softly at me, "You'll always be my little girl. I love you, Y/n. And I'm so proud of everything you've become."

Tears rolled down my cheeks as he left the room. I definitely didn't deserve his kindness and trust, but he freely gave it anyway.

I dressed quickly into the outfit I'm sure my mom had laid out for me. My classic all black outfit, a shinobi headband for around my arm, and she even left a jonin jacket.

I smirked as it was cut at the bottom, leaving it frayed and cropped, just like I had it when I first became a chunin. I thought I was so fucking cool back then...

I laughed as I put it on, not sure if she left it as a joke or as a sweet reminder of my first promotion. Either way, I was going to wear it proudly. I'm still so fucking cool.

I left the hospital and stood outside at the bottom of the steps. I couldn't see anyone so I lit up a cigarette and smoked it patiently.

"When did you pick up the godawful habit?" I turned to see my mom approaching me, dad and Shikamaru trailing closely behind.

"Hey mom," I smiled before taking another puff.

"No one's gonna want to kiss you with that nasty breath," Shikamaru teased.

I lightly pushed his face away as I laughed, "Since when do you think about kissing, Mar!?"

"Shut up," he huffed embarrassed.

"Well sweetie, I brought your bag. It's all packed and ready for you to go," my mom handed me the backpack with small tears in her eyes.

"Aw, mom. Come here," I put out my cigarette and brought her into a hug as she started sobbing softly.

"Promise me you'll be safe."

"Of course. I'll be home before you know it."

She pulled away and wiped her eyes as my dad gave me a quick hug, telling me again how proud he was of me.

Finally, I turned to my little brother. My favorite person on this planet.

"I can't believe you're going to be with Naruto and that Pervy Sage for two years. What a drag."

I smirked, "You're telling me."

He stood around awkwardly, a small flicker of sadness in his eyes.

"Hey," I called out while placing my hand on his shoulder. "You going to be ok?"

"Yea, I'll be fine," he mumbled while avoiding my gaze.

"I'm proud of you, Shikamaru. You're a damn skilled ninja, and your friends, they're lucky to have you... I'm lucky to have you."

He looked up at me with tears in his eyes, and threw his arms around me. I happily returned his hug.

"You better come back," he muttered, making me feel nauseous because it wasn't the first time I had made him worry about that.

"I promise I will. I promise you can count on me, Mar."

He pulled back, sheepishly wiping his eyes, "I know I can. I'll see you soon, yea?"

I nodded and waved as he walked away with my parents, leaving me alone in front of the hospital. I rubbed my forehead, feeling a bit shaken up about everything that was happening.

"Everything ok?" I glanced over and saw my white-haired companion walking over.

"Mm," I groaned as I lit up another cigarette.

"Those things will kill ya if you're not careful."

I chuckled, "We're shinobi, Kakashi. I'm sure I'll get killed before these ever take effect."

He smirked, "That's pretty dark, Y/n. Even for me."

I looked at him as I blew smoke upwards, "So, you hear?"

"That you're leaving?"

I nodded slightly, not taking my eyes off him, curious about his reaction.

"Mmm," he mumbled.

"Too bad we didn't get to be co-captains for very long," I smiled.

"You'll have to come back eventually, then we can pick up right where we left off."

It was quiet for a moment as I stomped out my cigarette.

"How are you doing, Kakashi?" I asked gently. He had been through a lot with Sasuke... I can only imagine how he was feeling.

He shook his head, "I should've seen the signs..."

I knew what he meant. I had thought the same thing after Itachi left, but you never know just how bad someone is hurting, not until afterwards. Usually not until it's too late.

I walked over to him and carefully wrapped my arms around his neck, bringing him into a hug.

"You shouldn't hug people you don't know," he teased as he wrapped his arms around my waist, hugging me back.

I held him for a moment, letting him nuzzle his head into the crook of my neck. I didn't realize just how tense he was until he relaxed into my arms, his breath finally evening out.

I unconsciously rubbed the back of his neck, hoping to relax him even more. I wanted him to know he wasn't alone. I had heard about what happened to his friends and then his sensei, the man has had a hard life to say the least.

He gently pulled out of the hug to look at me, but we kept our arms still around each other, "You should probably get going."

I sighed, "Yea, I know."

I gave him a kiss on the cheek before turning to leave.

"Oh, Kakashi. You can take me on that date when I get home," I called back.

"Hmm, I don't remember asking you out on a date?" he smirked.

"Well, you asked me to dinner. Pretty much the same thing."

"Alright then, Y/n. It's a date," he called out in a flirty voice, making my heart skip a beat.

I walked to the village entrance with a smile on my face. I was nervous, but I felt hopeful. Maybe life could turn out ok after all.

"Hey little cheeto," I smiled as I ruffled Naruto's hair.

"I told you not to call me that!!" he whined. 

I looked at Jiraiya, "Well, pervy sage, you ready?"

"Ha!! Your nicknames catching on!!" Naruto pointed to him.

Jiraiya just rolled his eyes, "Don't encourage him, Y/n."

I laughed as I watched Naruto follow Jiraiya out of the village, already blabbering away.

This is going to be a long two years.