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Sand in the Leaves	By : ahmenet Category: Naruto > General Views: 1273 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor do I make any money from this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Shizune came to the door just as the sun was breaking over the
horizon. She knocked twice but no one answered. Turning the knob she
found it open and stepped inside.

“Sabaku-sama?” No answer.

Her eyes traveled the small apartment, remembering days when her
uncle had lived in a place not unlike this one. Though his place had
never been this neat. Roaming around the room she found no clothes on
the floor, no stains on the counters or crumbs on the table. Only the
bed was unmade and even that had been lightly straightened.

“Accustom to doing things for yourself, are you?” she
muttered.

Curious, she moved to the cooler and peeked inside. A number of
food dishes sat on the three shelves along with two or three desert
trays. The medics who’d checked Gaara just a few days ago
suspected he wasn’t eating. From the look of these dishes, they
were right. Only two looked as though they’d been opened and
even then only small amounts removed.

“Can I help you?”

Shizune bumped her head on the refrigerator door as she came to
attention. She rubbed the sore spot several times, closing the cooler
door and turning to the sound of Gaaras voice.

He stood in the doorway, new morning light streaming in behind him
and highlighting his vibrant hair. He was dressed in his long sleeve
black shirt again today which told her he was either cold or, as Gai
had informed her, still had dye on his arms. His face was solemn
though and for a moment she wondered if he knew why she was here.

“Sabaku-sama, I…”

“Gaara.”

Shizune blinked while he moved into the room and closed the door
behind him.

“What?”

“Gaara. My name. You are older and outrank me. Addressing me
so formally is not necessary.”

Inwardly she wrinkled her nose at the older part but couldn’t
fault his logic so didn’t argue the point. If he wanted to be
called by his given name so be it. No one knew if Sabaku was his
surname to begin with but he’d never contested it so they
simply went with it. Now that she thought about it…

“Is Sabaku your surname or simply a title?” She asked
curiously.

Gaara shook his head. “Simply a title. I have no surname.
Since I was meant to be a weapon, no house would allow me to be given
their name. My birth records list me as Gaara-Jinchuriki. I’d
prefer not to go by that particular name.”

Shizune smiled a little. So Sabaku was not his surname. Score four
in the mini war against the council. Tsunade would be pleased.

“I take it that makes you happy?” Gaara asked mildly.

A little too mildly in fact. If she was judging his mood
correctly, it wasn’t good. Unfortunately this couldn’t be
held off any longer.

“Gaara. The Hokage has ordered you to the Tower this
morning. I’ve come early to collect you and to tell you why.”
She watched him stiffen and fist his hands at his sides. “Before
I do, know that we have not given up on Suna. Lady Tsunade is doing
everything in her power to gain any information on the situation.”
When his eyes began welling up she swore to herself, wishing she
could tell him more and knowing she couldn’t.

“Tell me he’s not dead.” She heard him whisper.

“I don’t know th…”

“Just say that to the best of your knowledge my brother
isn’t dead.”

She paused and watched a single tear trail over the rounded edge
of his cheek.

“Say it!”

She jumped a little on instinct at the harshness of his tone.
There was temper behind that mask. She wasn’t so sure it was
going to be a good thing.

“To the best of my knowledge, your brother is not dead.”

He nodded and absently wiped at the side of his face as he ran a
hand through his hair.

“So, what is it you’ve come to tell me that I’m
not going to like?”

Shizune nodded and motioned for him to take a seat as she began to
explain what the council wanted and the loopholes she and Tsunade had
found.

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

Neji closed the door to his small house and made his way down the
road toward the Hyuuga gates. Branch family waved as he passed but he
gave no indication of having heard them. His eye red rimmed from lack
of sleep and tears scanned the street outside the gates before
turning down the road that lead into the village. In a passing cart a
young woman waved to him from next to her father only to draw up
short at the sneer he returned. The cart picked up speed and others
moved more quickly out of the young mans way. At the cross roads, the
right leading to the village, Neji stopped and stared at the tree
line in front of him. He was angry. Very, very angry and though it
wasn’t Gaaras fault, he was the man his anger had clung to. In
the back of his mind he knew it wasn’t fair, but when had life
ever been fair for any shinobi, especially him.

Neji scanned the road into Konohas market. The streets were
already starting to show signs of life as the sun slowly rose between
the trees. He would meet his team in one hour. He would try to ignore
this nagging hurt and do his job. He would try and most likely fail.
Slowly he turned to the left. He needed advise. And a little comfort.

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

“We understand this is difficult, but you must see the
position of the village. We can not afford war at this time and there
is no doubt you will be an excellent addition to our numbers.”

Gaara didn’t look up from the paper in his hands. He didn’t
look toward the council member trying and failing to sound sincere in
his ‘understanding’. There was no one more cowardly than
a politician in his eyes. Even one who’d once fought as a
shinobi himself.

“And if I refuse?” He asked, already knowing the
answer.

Homura Mitokado sighed as he watched the young man standing before
him. They understood the boys’ position, but he was no longer
the leader of Suna. Had, in fact, been forced from his village and
left to die. Why the roughs had not simply killed him outright was a
mystery to most, but they’d made an example of his sister and
one of the more formidable shinobi in the village. What little
information was able to be gathered showed a constant drop in the
stability of the sand village. Anyone trying to go in now would find
themselves well and truly wiped from the face of the earth. Those in
charge had started out savagely and would no doubt end the same way.
No, they could not afford to harbor the former Kazekage in the hopes
of regaining the village. The only reasonable was to offer him a
place in this village. Under their terms. This boy was formidable and
would strengthen their forces tremendously once he was back on his
feet and properly trained. They simply needed a leash on him until he
was settled.

“If you refuse,” Tsunade answered, “you will be
escorted from the village and kept under surveillance until you are
outside of The Fire Countries boarders.”

Gaara nodded, knowing that once outside the boarders he would not
be allowed back inside. They were covering their butts. Making sure
no one believed they were simply hiding him. If anyone thought he was
here to recuperate they might also think they intended to retaliate.
Peace was comfortable and far too precious. No one wanted to see the
end of it. They would kick him out before starting a war.

“I understand.”

Tsunade held her breath but didn’t change her expression.
Shizune had explained to him the plan. She’d informed him of
the small loopholes in the Disillusion Forms. That little bit of
wiggle room that would allow them to contest it later. He could go
home again if he so desired. The problem lay in his feelings now. As
it stood, his brother was being held hostage by a group that had
destroyed his family, stripped him of his title and taken over his
village. None of the ninja community knew what was going on past the
Fire Country boarders into Wind Country. Gaara didn’t know what
was happening in the only home he’d ever known and sworn to
protect. Now they were asking him, if only for a little while, to
give it away as if it didn’t matter to him at all. To turn his
back on his country and his brother and all those he’d sworn to
protect. Shizune had asked him to trust in the Hokage, to trust in
her. She only prayed he would or this might be the last time she ever
saw the boy.

“If you require more time we can allow you…”
Homura began.

“That won’t be necessary.” Gaara walked to the
Hokages’ desk and pulled the brush from her inkwell. “Would
you like this in blood?” He asked with no expression.

Homura sniffed but noted Tsunades expression had not changed.
“Hardly.”

The brush moved smoothly over the paper and in moments Gaara
replaced it and stepped away from the desk. Tsunade lifted the paper
and turned it toward the council elder. At his nod she slipped it
into a folder and handed it to Shizune. Gaara simply stood facing the
desk, staring at a point past Tsunades head.

“You will remain with Team Gai until such time as you
advance or I deem placement should be changed. You are registered
Jounin but are to be tested before taking any A or greater ranked
missions. Arrangements will stay as they are until you have funds to
change them or make other arrangements. You will be monitored
frequently to access your acclimation into the village. You are
restricted to inner boards. Neutral territory is off limits until
further notice. Do you understand these terms?” Tsunade waited.

Gaaras eyes shifted to meet hers and she saw a cool emptiness
there she hadn’t seen since they’d brought him to the
hospital a month ago. This was too soon. They all knew it. Guilt bore
into her as he nodded his head and turned toward Homura sitting off
to the side.

“I understand living in a cage.”

Homuras eyes widened and he made to stand but the boy simply
turned and walked out of the office with Shizune close behind. There
was a moment of silence as boot heels clicked on the floor then
Tsunade stood and walked to the door.

“If that is all the business you have with me today, I
suggest you leave.”

The old man stood slowly and bowed. “You understand the
necessity if nothing else, Hokage-sama. Do not overstep your
authority in this matter.”

Tsunade opened the door and held out her hand in a dismissive
gesture toward the exit.

“I assure you, I will not be overstepping my authority in
any matter regarding Suna and Gaara. But I dare say, the only person
to overstep their authority today has been you.” She tipped her
head toward the open door and narrowed her eyes. “Leave.”

“This is for the good of the village.” He replied
heatedly.

“I have not done nor will I do anything to endanger this
village. Now leave.”

0.0.0.0.0.0.0

Sakura looked over the horizon as the sun shown down on the
training field and Gai went through his morning warm up. There were a
couple of jounin at the road who normally spent their days at the
tower when not on a mission. She wondered what they were doing out
here. She had to admit, as more people noticed his presence more
showed to watch Gaara with the team. Apparently they looked at him as
a novelty or a myth. He’d not paid much attention to them.

She heard the calls and looked up to see Neji making his way
across the grass toward them. She noted the dark circles under his
eyes and his aggressive demeanor. Today was going to be a bad day. He
reached her just as the calls started again and a red head began to
appear around the opposite corner.

“One hour late and I still get here before he does.”
Neji growled.

“Neji…”

“Don’t speak to me.” He snapped and Gai stopped
his stretches to eye the white eyed young man as Gaara came slowly
across the grass toward the group.

“Good morning, Gaara!” Gai called in his cheerful
manor though it was strained this morning.

“Good morning, Gaara.” Sakura called as well, but he
didn’t answer, only stared vacantly as he moved into the center
of the field and began his warm ups.

“Good morning, Gaara. I trust you slept well?” Neji
moved up next to his teammates and all went through the warm ups in
relative silence.

One hour later Sakura sat beneath a stand of tall trees, green
glowing hands wrapped around Gaaras slightly swollen ankle.

“Why men can’t admit when they're hurt is beyond me.
You’re worse than Kakashi.”

He didn’t reply. He didn’t make a sound as she poked
and prodded the puffy skin. Neji and Gai finished their sparing and
moved toward them while she finished the wrap on Gaaras ankle.

“Stay off of it for the rest of the day. I won’t tell
you to stay off of it tomorrow. You won’t listen anyway.”

Gaara stood and gingerly tested his ankle. He’d barely
listened to his surroundings. Which was probably why he’d found
himself on his back with a knee to his throat less then five minutes
into his sparing session with Neji. And why was he sparing with Neji
when the Hyuuga seemed to be out for his blood? He was numb. Every
nerve was dulled. His breath heavy in his lungs. Everything sluggish
and slow. He didn’t want to think or feel. He simply wanted to
crawl somewhere small and dark and hide.

“So we are done for the day? Pity. I think your fans were
hoping for a show.” Neji motioned to the three Jounin standing
at the edge of the road. They hadn’t moved or changed
expressions since he’d arrived.

“I’m not a circus act.” Gaara mumbled as he
moved away toward his small pack and canteen.

“So sure of that…”

“That’s enough, Neji.” Gai stepped in and placed
a hand on the young mans arm. “Move ahead with Sakura. I think
you need a little space.”

Neji looked dumbstruck for a moment before his face fell into
familiar cold lines.

“Hai… sensei.”

Gai reached down and offered Gaara an arm. “Best not to put
too much weight on it. Give your body a rest.”

Gaara looked at the offered arm and considered refusing it, but
Gai had been nothing if not kind from the moment he’d joined
this team. And though he was odd and far too energetic for someone
his age he let his teammates go their own way and deal with their own
issues for as long as was possible, only interfering when the problem
affected others. Or when things had been pushed too far.

“They told you about the meeting this morning?”

Gai nodded. “I was informed you would have examiners
watching you closely for a while.”

They moved into the road a few paces back from the others. Gaara
ignored his ‘keepers’ as they watched from their perches.
They were going to be a fixture in his life for a while; they might
as well know where he stood.

“I won’t ask you what happened with the council, nor
will I ask why you are being measured this way, but I will give you
my full support in whatever it is you wish to do.”

Gaara nodded and continued to walk with the support of his team
leader. The examiners fell way as they moved into town and the
pedestrian traffic became heavier. Up ahead Sakura was pushing Neji
into a large open tent with benches and a long bar. Steam rose from
the grill behind the bar and Gai steered Gaara in its direction. He
didn’t bother to protest.

“Gai-sensei! Over here!” Sakura called from the bar,
Neji on her other side already giving his order.

“Neji’s got the renkon tukune. I’m having
Yakitori. What do you want?” Sakura asked as they took their
seats.

“Jidori-no Iburi, my friend of the fine culinary arts.”
Gai charmed the apron clad woman behind the counter.

The girl rolled her eyes and looked expectantly at Gaara. He
simply shook his head and asked for water.

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

Genma leaned back on the bench next to his counterpart and watched
the group at the bar. Or at least one member. Tsunade had requested
they ‘keep an eye on’ the young sand shinobi, then
informed them he was no longer a sand shinobi. After watching the kid
for most of the day he could only guess what had happened. Whatever
it was it wasn’t good.

“Hyuugas got a stick up his ass today.” Yukio grinned
around a senbon.

“Yes he does and get that damn thing out of your mouth
before you hurt someone.”

Shichiro laughed and pulled the weapon from his friends mouth.

“He’s right, you know. Last time you nearly shot
Shizune in the ass with it. I don’t like visiting you in the
hospital. And I don’t like not getting paid because you’re
laid up.”

Genma rolled his eyes between the two. Thoughts of joining ANBU
had filled his mind lately but with so many out on missions he’d
not been able to discuss it with the right people. Everyone was so
tense in that division, it was just smarter to stay out of the way.
Though he longed for the moment he could get away from these two.

“Hey Genma, what exactly are we watching for?”

Genma peeked over his shoulder at the group then looked back to
Yukio.

“Nothing. We just watch. Access. Learn. Report.” He
stretched and yawned widely. It was still far too early in the day
but just watching the tension on the field had drained him.

“Boring.” Shichiro groaned.

“I wouldn’t be too sure of that.” Genma replied
as he took his drink from the server.

0.0.0.0.0.0.0

Gai finished his food and moved from the bar to speak with a young
woman seated a few tables back. Gaara was too lost in his own
thoughts to notice until he felt something soft and silken run over
his hand. He glanced from his glass to his hand. Strands of black
hair slipped over his white skin and goose bumps raised in response.

“You know, the pout would really work for you. Maybe you
should try that in the place of pissed off psyco. Or were you going
for tortured soul.”

He looked up into Nejis eyes and suppressed the urge to drive his
thumbs through them.

“I haven’t decided if you’re simply pissed at
having to work with someone better or if you’re just jealous
that I’m prettier than you.” he countered without much
heat. He just couldn't be bothered to care.

Sakura choked on her skewered chicken and grabbed for the glass of
water in front of her.

“Wity? I was beginning to think all sand ninja were sewer
rats.”

Gaara raised a hand for the server. “Uji please. Hot.”

“Don’t tell me that’s all you’ve got. I
thought you had more balls than that.”

A tea cup was place in front of him and the server poured hot
water over the fine powder in the bottom. He lifted the cup and
inhaled the scent of strong tea, trying to clear his mind enough to
match wits with the jack ass beside him.

“He’s dead you know.”

The cup shook in Gaaras hand along with the breath in his lungs.

“Whatever you think you can do, it’s too late.”
A soft sigh of air passed Gaara's ear. “It’s been at
least a month. What chance did he have of survival when they killed
your sister outright?”

Nejis voice was barely above a whisper but Gaara heard ever word
as if it were a gong in his ears.

“It’s pathetic, hoping for a chance that’s
already come and gone.” Nejis cool eyes bore into Gaaras
temple. “Too bad he had to suffer.”

Tea flew in an arch from the cup to Nejis face then all hell broke
loose.

0.0.0.0.0.0.0

Shiga slipped the bright orange book into his pack before opening
the front door. If his wife saw it she'd probably shit a few bricks
or at least burn down something in the house, but he was more than
grateful to the unnamed idiot who'd delivered that package to his
post by accident last night as he watched the southern Suna gate. He
didn't know who it belong to but he had no intention of giving it up.
Icha Icha was one hell of a book.

“I'm home!” He called into the silence. No one
answered.

Guessing his wife had gone out to get dinner he kicked off his
sandals and walked to the living room. If she was going to be gone
for a while he might as well read another chapter and maybe get his
rocks off before she got home.

A searing pain lanced through his belly moments before he dropped
into his favorite chair. Blood pooled between his legs on the seat
as pink glistened in the light from the lamp that switched on in the
moment before he looked down. His intestins slowly spilled into his
lap and he stared in shocked horror for a moment before a soft voice
penetrated the veil of pain he was just starting to remember.

“Welcome home, husband. I've been waiting for you.”

His wife's eyes gleamed in the soft light or maybe is was the haze
of near unconsciousness. Her lips bowed into a smile before they
began to move again and he found himself listening to the sound more
than the words. And then a ringing started in his ears and he could
only watch as she lifted a still bloody sword to his throat. He
barely felt the blade slice through skin, muscle and bone as she
kissed his cool, shivering lips.

For those who've not read this on FanFiction, this is a three
part chapter.
- 5
- 6
- 7
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Sand in the Leaves