A Privilege Or A Curse?

Chapter one: Destiny Or Not, I Will Accept The Challenge

Before I begin, there are three very important facts I want to clarify:

1.If I owned Naruto, then my name would have been Masashi Kishimoto and it isn't.

2.Most of the Gaara stories I have read by now presented the hatred between the Kazekage and the Elders, so I wanted to write a fic which would show another type of relationship between the two sources of power in Sunagakure.

3.If your name is Kacey and you are also known as MyDyingDaysBlackRose or SexyAnteater, then this story is dedicated to you.

'The first peace treaty with The Hidden Mist Village was signed 196 years ago during the reign of our honourable First Kazekage. The alliance brought many advantages to the Sand Village. As an example, the number of shinobis increased with 15 per cent due to the reinforcements sent by the First Mizukage. Not to mention the economic growth of the Wind Country, action owing to the foreign strategies to promote it. The treaty was nothing more and nothing less than the genesis of our country's prosperity. However, things dramatically changed when the second Water Lord came to rule. His first action was to break the alliance, and as a consequence…'

The Elder's voice soon faded away as Kizu fell in the same state of boredom as before. She hated the lessons, it made her feel just like a beginner in the Academy. It was the least interesting lecture and she hadto learn it by heart. What a dreadful fate, to be the victim of her family's ancient inheritance. While other members of different clans received special abilities or kekkai genkai, she was given a curse. And what a curse! To obey Sabaku no Gaara, the oh-so-famous Kazekage. Sure, he was a ninja of great eminence and a diligent leader, but an emotional cripple and introverted boy wonder, as well.

She looked at her uncle, but he was too lost in giving detailed information regarding…Uh, what was he talking about again? Kizu redirected her gaze out of the window. It was a waste of time, why didn't they understand this? She couldn't be like them. She sure as hell didn't want to! Being near the Lord 24 hours a day, 7 days a week wasn't her idea of fun. It would be pure torture!

She tapped the pencil on the blank notebook. She hated scrolls for the simple fact that she would spend her entire life with the face buried in them. Only the thought of this imminent disaster provoked her a major headache. She looked at the clock. 'Five more minutes, and it's over.'

Kizu gazed at her uncle again, but her ears simply refused to listen to whatever 'precious information' he was offering her. Her lapis lazuli eyes clouded and sadness crossed over her face. Like every other person, she had a dream of her own. But being an ANBU member was something inconceivable in her uncle's opinion. She was made for greater things, this is what he always told her. But there was no greater thing for her than the accomplishment of that dream. The only one she had. An illusion…

The look of sorrow from her face was replaced with a sheepish grin once she realised that her uncle had stopped talking and he was now giving her an annoyed gaze, nervously tapping the wooden floor with his right leg. She hated those grey eyes of his – they were showing what the Elder would always tell her after the learning hours: 'You are the shame of our family. A contemptible being who refuses to see the chance life is giving you. Why do I even bother with you when I can easily adjure you from the clan?'

But both of them knew that it wasn't an option. In spite of all the trouble she has made just to be repudiated so she could go on living by her own rules, the old man refused to do so. And not because he wanted to, he was obliged. Only those who were born in the main branch of the Namida clan were designated the destiny of being members of the Suna Council. Since Tokaru, her uncle, never had children and she was the only child her parents had, Kizu was the only one who could take the job. That of course, if it wasn't for her strong obstinacy to become a skilled ninja.

'Well, what is the conclusion you have drawn from what I explained today?' He fixed her with his disdainful gaze, the aversion towards her written all over his face. She seemed to ponder a while before hesitatingly answering: 'We had a Kazekage who kicked ass?'

The reply annoyed the Elder to no end. He was cloyed with her indifferent attitude and how she would always take advantage of everything just to see him seething with rage. This girl was either ignorant or plain stupid.

'How can you not pay attention to what I am saying for at least 5 minutes? I am offering you the gift of knowledge and you simply throw it away!'

She grunted. 'You are the only one who sees this as a gift. But it's a bloody curse.'

Not wanting to continue arguing with her because it would be pointless, he left the room, grumbling: 'Of all the people in our clan who could have had the luck of becoming the Kazekage's adviser, we got this one!'

Kizu threw the notebook in a random direction and laid on the bed. She closed her eyes, regretting the fact that she couldn't do the same with her ears. As usual, her uncle would storm into the kitchen and begin yelling at her mother. She hated him for this – her mother could not be blamed for her insubordination. If anything, it was her decision. And her life, the only one she would have and she didn't want to spend it at a desk, behind a pile of paper. She brought her hand to her head in an attempt to stop the migraine which was surely to come, and her ears caught the sound of Tokaru's high-pitched voice.

'Here he goes again'. She rolled her eyes thinking that their fight had become almost a routine.

'Samayoi, you have the most half-witted girl I have ever seen! It's been two weeks since I am struggling to enlighten that empty head of hers. Two weeks!'

'You cannot force her to accept the post, Tokaru. Why don't you understand that you can't interfere in somebody's life and order him what to do?' Her mother's serious, yet quiet voice was heard and Kizu smiled. She loved her because she was the only person in the world who understood her feelings and accepted them. Kizu thanked Kami-sama for having someone to support her. And in everything.

'This is more than a simple job! It is her destiny!' Her uncle snapped.

'People make their own destiny, they aren't given one.'

'Touche. That was a good one, Mum. Maybe it will make the old bastard shut the hell up. My ears are about to explode.' Kizu thought smirking with pride at Samayoi's reply.

'It is an opportunity, the chance of a lifetime. My brother is probably spinning in the grave seeing the disgrace his daughter had become!'

Kizu's eyes snapped open and she lifted herself up, eyes aflame with rage. How…how dare he say that? Her father, he would support her, as well. But then, doubt crept in her mind. Would he? Tasuki was the Fourth's best adviser. He was well-known in all of the five countries for for the brilliant strategies which would always bring successful results. When she was little, he would take her by the hand and show her all the monuments, telling her their history. Like always, she would listen to him absolutely fascinated. His words were like gold to her. At the end of their small meeting, he would always hug her and say smiling: 'I am pleased to know that I have helped the village the best as I could. But my biggest pride is to know that I have a sparkling daughter whom I would gladly call someday 'Elder'. You will be far better than me, Kizu. I know you will.'

A tear rolled down her cheek and her fists clenched on the mattress. 'Father…You accepted your fate and did everything for the village. And for what? To be killed by the one you served with blind faith and loyalty? Is this the life you want for me?'

Her eyes widened when the silence from the kitchen was ended by a 'SNAP!'

'Don't you ever…call my daughter that way!' She could feel her mother's anger, which it was an unusual thing. Samayoi was the most equable person she had ever known.

'All of these would have never happened if you gave her a proper education, like a true mother would!'

Before he knew it, Tokaru was sent flying towards the door – which he broke – and into the street. Blood was gushing from his mouth while his robe was stained with the same crimson liquid. Kizu stood in the doorway, the ball of energy from her right hand slowly disappearing.

'Only seven centimeters closer to the heart and insulting my mother would have been the last thing you did!' She growled through clenched teeth.

Some of the neighbours gathered around him with worried expressions, helping him stand up. 'Don't worry, Elder-sama, we will take you to the hospital.'

Kizu watched their retreating form, relieved by the fact that she somehow managed to restrain her rage and not give him a deadly blow. She turned to her mother and stood stock-still as the most painful image kept repeating in front of her eyes. Samayoi's shoulders were uncontrollably shaking and her eyes were brimmed with tears.

'Did I fail you, Kizu? Wasn't I a good parent?'

'Of course you are! Don't listen to him, he is… This is all my entire fault. I am sorry. Nothing of this would have happened if I agreed with him from the very beginning.' She said, looking away and clenching her fists. She hated these lachrymose moments because she simply didn't know what to do or how to console someone. She would turn to a stone every time it happened.

'Please don't lie. I tried to fill the gap your father left after he died, I understand if-'

'And I love you for that.' Kizu replied giving her a warm smile. 'Stop tormenting yourself with questions you already know the answers.'

Samayoi's face brightened up considerably and she returned the smile. Kizu sighed. 'Now that the old fogey will be out of the picture for at least one week, someone has to do his work.' She stated, heading towards the entrance.

'Your father would be very proud of you, Kizu. I am.'

The girl returned and grinned. 'He'd better because if not, then I'll make him. After all, who could be a better Elder than his sparkling daughter?'

'Kizu…' Her mother whispered, completely taken aback by her last statement.

'Well, I think I'm going to work. Let's hope I won't have to wear glasses because of that bloody paperwork.'

Samayoi smiled. That was so like her daughter, hiding her frustration through jokes. 'Could you fix the door, please? I don't want the sand to bury all the things in the house.'

'Just in time for my new technique!' She said excited, running outside. After five seconds, a scared man appeared in the hall, starting to repair the door. Kizu's head popped out of the doorpost and she grinned: 'It's called Death-glare Jutsu. OK, I'm leaving. Bye, Mum! I love you!' She screamed from the middle of the street.

Her face was now deadly serious. 'The moment of truth, dear uncle. Now let's see who is a true Elder, although I think you win at the physical part. As for the brain part, you will regret choosing me as your rival.' She thought with a smirk.

His eyes quickly scanned the last piece of paper before putting it on top of the mountain which flooded his desk. Gaara hated paperwork because he would always get a terrible headache after the infernal hours spent in his office. When he accepted to be Kazekage, he thought that he would protect the village and go on dangerous missions, not that he would use his hands to sign papers instead of making Sand Jutsu signs. He sighed looking at the useless gourd from the corner of the room. His Ultimate Defense couldn't protect him against these annoying sheets of paper. He pushed his chair away, throwing his head back and closing his eyes.

'Just splendid. I wanted a noble purpose for my existence and I got stuck doing paperwork.'

Shukaku laughed in the darkness of his mind. 'Pathetic human! The time will come when you will miss the days when you killed people. Ah, those screams of excruciating pain, those eyes filled with horror, begging for mercy, the adrenaline rushing through your body…'

'Shut it, Shukaku. Those days are gone and they are not coming back. Deal with it!' The Kazekage replied, fed up with his demon's insatiable blood lust.

'Listen up, kid. Your mind is devastated by this boring routine. I know you can feel the pain, but I am the one who fuckin' lives here! I need some peace once in a while!'

Gaara smirked. 'As you would know the meaning of that word. You made my life a hell, now I'll make yours. It's as simple as that.'

'Idiot! Hmph, Gaara of the Desert… more like Gaara of the Paperwork now.'

The 19-year old Lord growled, but he stopped when a knock was heard along with his secretary's voice. He quickly pushed the chair back and took a random file, pretending to be studying it before saying in a low, authoritative voice: 'Come in.'

The young secretary entered with her arms sustaining a new pile of requests and Gaara's emotionless mask was about to break for once. Fortunately, he had a considerable amount of self-control and he succeeded in stopping the frown which was about to appear. However, the sand demon did not.

'I'm going insane! I swear that even your perverted brother would be a better host than you.'

'Of course he would since you both have the same sick carnal desires.'

'Hn, kid, I can't wait to see you entering our league.'

'Excuse me, Kazekage-sama.' He immediately ended his inner talk when his secretary placed everything on his desk. "Have you finished the previous ones so I can take them?'

Gaara agreed and looked at the mountain which threw him into shadow, almost wanting to consign them to the flames. 'Why the hell are there so many?' Shukaku growled, making the Jinchuuriki's headache emphasize.

'Where is Tokaru?' He tilted his head to the left so he could see the girl.

'Elder-sama didn't present himself to the office today. I have been notified that he is currently in hospital because of a serious injury.'

Shukaku's annoyed face changed into a smirk. 'Oh, my deepest condolences for the gaffer.'

'I hope he will return soon, otherwise I will have to take over his attributions, as well.'

There was a small pause in Gaara's statement and the demon really didn't want to hear the continuation. The red head grunted. 'Twice more paperwork…'

'THAT'S IT! I WANT OUT ! OUT!'Shukaku growled in every part of Gaara's mind, nervously walking like a lion in the cage. The Kazekage caught his head in his hands because of the pain, hiding himself behind the heaps of paper.

The secretary opened the door and silently added 'When you finish, please let me know so I would bring the other two series.' Then she exited the room, leaving a suffering boy and a very pissed-off demon.

'Of all the nine demons, I had to be the one who got stuck up with a hero.'

Kizu entered the Kazekage Tower after being greeted by the guards and she went in her uncle's office, seeing that there was no secretary whom she could inform of her presence. She looked into the drawers of the desk, finally finding the key to her success.

'Coffee!' she stated excited, grabbing a sachet and a mug and heading for the water tank situated on the hall. As she poured hot water in the mug and mixed it with the brown powder, she heard the secretary talking to the Sand Lord and then she saw her retreating to her desk, so Kizu walked towards her.

'Namida-sama!' Suzumi stood up and bowed, much to Kizu's despair.

'My name is Kizu and if you want to keep that pretty face of yours intact, you'd better call me this way.'

All the colour drained from the girl's face and she nodded weakly. 'Do you have any news regarding Elder-sama?'

Kizu just shrugged. 'Don't know, don't care. What is it with those?' She asked, pointing at the piles of paper on the floor.

'Oh, these are the requests your uncle had to check and approve or deny. But since he is in no condition to fulfill his duty, Kazekage –sama will have to work harder.'

The dark-haired girl bit her bottom lip. 'I bet he isn't happy at all.'

The secretary removed her glasses and began moving her hand through her hair.'Kazekage-sama never complains about anything. He is so powerful, hard-working, intelligent, gorgeous and… perfect!' Then, she cleared her throat, set her glasses back on her nose and added in a serious tone: 'He is an exceptionable leader.'

'A fangirl, huh?' Kizu thought looking at the girl's blush. 'I'll verify them.'

'You…will?' The other one asked confused.

'From this day fourth, I will be the Kazekage's adviser, so everything which used to be my uncle's duty will be mine. Understood?'

'Yes'. The secretary instantly approved, finding it impossible to stand against the girl.

Kizu took a pile and went to her new office, followed by Suzumi, who brought the other one. Once left alone, she looked at the terrifying amount of papers and she gulped. 'This is going to be a loooooong night.'

It's been six hours since Gaara started reading the files and after writing an undecipherable signature on the last one, he threw the pen on the desk utterly annoyed.

'Finally, a break!'Shukaku growled visibly irritated, but his facial expression, as demonic as it appeared, was nothing in comparison to Gaara's. 'Two more and that's it!'

He yanked the chair out and exited the room, looking in the hall for his secretary, but she was nowhere to be seen. And neither was any of her stuff.

'Could she have possibly left?' He looked at the clock. 'It's already eleven. Of course, she always leaves at eight, but where did she put those damn files?'

'Who cares? Let's get the hell out of here! This place makes me sick!'

But there was something which caught Gaara's attention – the light which came out of the Elder's office. 'I thought he was in hospital.'

'Look, kid, if there isn't a woman in there at this late hour and alone with us, I say we should leave.'

But Gaara headed towards the room and stopped in the doorway, looking inside since the door was wide open. His eyebrows knitted at the sight.

'How lucky can you be? Kid, this is your chance. Go to her and-'

'What on earth is she doing with MY paperwork?'Gaara hissed.

'You really need to arrange your priorities. You have a beautiful girl at your whim and all you care about is those damn files! Get a life, kid!'

Gaara looked at the girl trying to recognize her, but in vain. Shoulder-length black hair with red tips, a fair complexion, an elfin face with cerulean eyes, two spiky earrings on the side of her left ear… He didn't know her.

Kizu's eyes were furrowed in concentration and her eyes were peering every detail, shining in the lamplight. She had five more requests to resolve and then she was free to go home. However, something interrupted her and she looked rather confounded at the sand which surrounded her desk.

'I hope you realize that those are classified documents and you are not allowed to read them.' A hoarse voice was heard and she darted a glance towards its owner. Cobalt eyes met sky-blue ones and he was surprised to see her returning her gaze to the piece of paper in her hands.

'Yes, I am aware of that fact.' She replied nonchalantly.

The sand began to inch closer and closer to her as she finished other three files. 'Let me complete this one and I'll leave, OK?'

'This is a restricted area. And you are signing something which is not your attribution.' Gaara continued, his inscrutable face as always, but the truth be told, the girl was starting to drive him round the bend.

She finished the last one and leaned in her chair. 'Your point being?'

Her statement only added fuel to the flames. That was the moment his mask cracked and his eyes narrowed dangerously. 'This is one of the Elders' offices and you are not one of them.'

She smiled at him. 'I don't look like an Elder pretty much, do I?'

'No.' His response was rough and quick, sign that he was losing whatever patience he had.

Kizu sighed. 'I wish everyone else would see me the way you do.'

'She has no idea how I see her.'Shukaku said in a husky voice.

'I just couldn't let our powerful, hard-working, intelligent, gorgeous and perfect Kazekage do all the job. I wouldn't want you to burn yourself out.' She said, giving him a smile of cherubic innocence.

'Fangirl…' Gaara growled, his sand retreating back to his gourd.

'Look on the bright side. We might have some action tonight. I mean, look at those-'

'Don't. Say. A word.'

She raised from her seat and approached him, the same smile present on her lips. She was wearing a short scarlet clingy shirt which covered only her chest and a pair of black baggy pants shoved in black jackboots. 'Don't worry, I'm not a fangirl. That was a quote from your secretary's little speech today.' She giggled while Gaara was thinking: 'She is either ignorant or plain stupid if she laughs like that in my presence.'

Seeing his upset face, Kizu took his right hand and placed the mug of coffee in it. 'I know this is the most stressful job, but you really need to realx, Kazekage-sama. Drink some coffee, go for a walk, watch a movie or do whatever you like. Just don't sleep, we wouldn't want to see a furious sand demon devastating our village.' She replied smiling and putting her index finger on his nose. Gaara stiffened when she first touched him, but it lasted a few seconds since he easily got accustomed to her soft skin. His eyes looked at her finger on his nose and she laughed. His face resembled that of a clown. However, her reaction didn't please the boy since he grabbed her hand and pinned her to the wall, making her gasp. 'Could he be more gentle?'

'I don't want to see you here again. Do you understand?' He said in a threatening voice. The girl looked at him bemused. Gaara was practically breathing fire.

'I work here.' Her statement made him scowl more. 'Explain.'

'My name is Kizu Namida.' The frown from his face disappeared and he released her.

'Namida? Are you related to the Elder?'

'I am the new Elder.' She affirmed very serious.

This surprised Gaara and she divined this from his expression. 'So you are the one Tokaru was going to give his post.'

'Indeed.'

'Who would have thought that an Elder could be so…young? But enough with the talk, kid, let's get to the part we both want to see.'

'Don't confuse your desires with mine!'

'So you do have desires, right?'Shukaku teased.

'What happened with Tokaru?' He inquired.

She remained with her back glued to the wall while Gaara took a few steps away and she folded her arms, looking away. 'He needed someone to shake that huge ego of his.'

'Someone?' Gaara had a hunch who that certain 'someone' was, judging by her reaction.

'I didn't give him a fatal blow, so I don't think he has something serious but a few broken ribs.'

Gaara turned to leave, ignoring Shukaku's comment related to 'bad girls who deserve to be punished', but Kizu quickly barred his way. 'I will do my best to help you and the village, Kazekage-sama. Whenever you need something, don't hesitate in telling me. Have a good night!' She went for the end of the hall, turning her head just before she started descending the stairs. 'And enjoy the coffee!' With that, she winked, and was out of sight.

The Kazekage blinked a few times before realizing that he was still holding the mug in his right hand. He turned back to the office and placed it on the desk, looking at the mountain of documents.

'What? Aren't you going to drink? I can still see the mark of her lips.'

'I wouldn't want to take something from her.'

'Like what? Normality?'

'That girl…she is anything but normal.'

'In comparison to you…'

Gaara growled. 'Maybe I should take a look on these requests. She is a beginner, after all.' He affirmed, taking a seat and picking up the first file.

'SOMEBODY, PLEASE, GET ME OUT OF HERE!'

Hm, I know that Shukaku is out of character, but I really wanted to give Gaara a perverted side since he seems so... not interested. And it's fun to write him this way! Ah, and yes, I know Shukaku uses the word 'kid' too much, but if you have other ideas, please let me know.

Thank you for reading, please leave your opinion,

Christine