Gaara Story: Chapter 1

Note: Yukari is 29 at the start of this story (same age as Konahamaru). Naruto and his fellow teammates are all around 33 years old. This story is loosely based on the current manga. It won't follow the storyline much and is meant to be a fun read. Hope you love it!

Prologue:

There was, at one time, a small clan living in the Village of Hidden Leaf called Ozoro. The tradition in this family was to place a seal on the children, ensuring the seal could not be broken until a suitable marriage was performed. The seal could only be broken by those with considerable chakra. This ancient practice helped to keep the bloodline strong, passing on the strength of these matches to their descendants. The Ozoro were known for their strength in battle and continued with the traditional seal in order to protect that.

When Sayuri Ozoro found out she was pregnant with her first child, it fell to her husband Hiro to make the arrangements for the seal. Having married into the clan himself, Hiro sought the advice of elders in their clan for the preparations. Hiro had no clan himself, and was unaccustomed to the politics involved. It was suggested then that an arranged marriage would be mutually beneficial for both the Ozoro clan and Hidden Leaf.

The candidate most suitable for the match, according to the elders, was the son of the Kazekage at Hidden Sand. This match would strengthen ties between the two nations and ultimately strengthen both bloodlines.

And so it was that after the birth of Yukari Ozoro, the seal was placed, and the arrangements were set. Yukari would marry Kankuro of Hidden Sand.

It was not forseen, however, that the great ninja war would devastate Hidden Leaf.. or that Ozoro would lose the majority of it's clan in battle. Among the lost were Yukari's parents. It had not been revealed to her, prior to their deaths, that Yukari's marriage was already planned. And as the Kazekage and his wife had died many years before, the arrangement seemed lost. The marriage was not spoken of for many years, until the elders of Hidden Sand sought to secure the leadership in their village by providing their young Kazekage with a wife.

The elder's searched and found a young woman called Hakuto. She was a suitable match for the Lord Kazekage Gaara and he was willing to follow through on the arrangement. That was, until it became known that Hakuto had a lover. The elders were enranged and broke off the preparations. Gaara of the Sand ultimately remained single, allowing the elders to focus on his brother. If Gaara and Kankuro did not marry, the bloodline of Kazekage would fall on Temari's son. There were rumors that in the wake of a failed arranged marriage, the Kazekage had adopted a son. But the Elders persisted. And that is how the arranged marriage of Yukari Ozoro came to the desk of the Hokage in Hidden Leaf.

Beginning:

Sakura turned around to face the clinic waiting area after escorting a patient out the door. She spent most of her days here, overseeing the basic medical needs in the village. Peace made her work mundane but she was grateful for it. Her eyes fell on a petite girl in the corner of the clinic. She was fiercely combing through patient files. Her name was Yukari, a bright young woman Sakura chose to train as a medical nin herself. Sakura assumed Yukari was auditing the previous patient charts, looking for errors or missing information.

Sakura approached Yukari, putting her hand over the paper she was reading, "Hey, you need to take a breather. Those files aren't going anywhere."

Yukari sighed deeply, having lost her concentration. She was a bit of a work horse when it came to tasks. "I know. I just don't like the clutter. It needs to be done at some point."

Sakura eyed her and took the files from her hands, "Give me those! I need to…. Send you on an errand!"

Yukari looked at her quizzically, knowing full well that Sakura had no errand in mind for her. Sakura blew off the accusing look Yukari gave her. "Yeah! You know… take these medications over to the Hyuuga residence. They'll be grateful you brought them".

"But the Hyuuga's usually come in themselves…"

Sakura grabbed Yukari's arm and heaved her up off the chair. "Take the meds! Get out of here! Geeze, you seriously need a breather."

Yukari brow furrowed as she slowly walked towards the door, knowing full well that she was being kicked out for working too hard. Sakura called to her before she reached the door, "You need more to live for than this job, Yukari friend. You deserve more than what this clinic has to offer. Take a break from it for now."

Yukari offered Sakura a smile, appreciating the intention behind her actions. "I'll be back soon".

"No, you won't!" Sakura laughed. "Or I'll send you on another errand! " She watched as Yukari headed out and shut the door behind her.

Sakura's insisted Yukari branch out for more reasons than one. Having been crazy happy recently, Sakura was overjoyed just raising her daughter with Sasuke home. He'd only recently returned from his long journey, and Sakura couldn't stop talking about it. Her family life was her obsession. She discussed it with patients. She talked about her family with street merchants and strangers. And she gushed over Sasuke when Yukari was the only person around for company. It got to the point where Sakura realized she was the only one sharing information. Yukari was pretty quiet the entire time Sakura gushed. Becoming more self-concious, Sakura had realized she was going overboard. But then she started thinking about why Yukari must be so quiet. What did she have to contribute?

Sakura had known Yukari for many years. But they had only become close after Sakura had begun training her in healing jutsu. How long had it been now? Ten years? Maybe a little more? Sakura cared deeply for her student, confiding in her for most everything. And Yukari had thrived as a medical nin, being more peaceful and specializing in defensive jutsu. Sakura was proud of her and considered her to be one of her greatest friends.

But Yukari was extremely introverted. She lived in a small apartment downtown and lived a quiet life. Sometimes she would visit with Hinata at the Uzumaki residence. Sakura knew Yukari loved to read and take long walks. Her life was peaceful. Sakura knew Yukari wasn't very brave when it came to relationships. She'd briefly dated Kiba Inazuka, but he'd reconnected with a previous girlfriend and that had ended their almost-relationship. Yukari hadn't mingled with anyone since.

Sakura wished her friend could have the happiness that she had, with a family who loved and relied on her. Yukari would be an amazing mother. Sakura's mind wandered to the possibilities… who was available in Konoha? Was there anyone Yukari might get along with well that was single? Every option seemed… wrong. Yukari was so gentle and kind-hearted. She needed someone who understood her soft edges.

Sakura exhaled forcefully and pursed her lips. It was a puzzle she couldn't solve right now. She had an appointment with the Hokage. Naruto kept a tight schedule, much to his own irritation.

When Sakura made it to the Hokage's office, she noticed Shikamaru was already standing in front of Naruto's desk. Naruto spotted her and called her in enthusiastically, "Sakura! I need an update on your supplies! Shikamaru and I are almost finished".

Sakura came forward, nodding to Shikamaru briefly. He acknowledged her and continued his discussion, "You think a couple of chunin should handle traveling to the Sand Village?"

Naruto shrugged, "It's just a gesture of good will. Gaara doesn't need anything from us. Really just a political move on our part. Have to keep up our presence in allied villages."

Shikamaru scoffed, "My marriage to Temari isn't enough for them?"

Naruto smiled wickedly, "You know the elders want more than that. It won't hurt to send a group down. Our chunin can mingle with their chunin! It solidifies our relationship. Is Temari planning to accompany them, you think?"

Shikamaru made a face, clarifying his annoyance, "What a drag! Temari will most likely want to be there but I honeslty haven't discussed it with her."

Naruto nodded, "Alright! Temari is experienced enough to lead that mission. We could maybe send a medical nin with them. I know Gaara had mentioned in his letter something about a need in their hospitals. What do you think, Sakura?"

Thinking of her family, Sakura answered, "I would personally prefer to remain in Konoha. But I can recommend someone else for you."

Naruto nodded, "That sounds good. Maybe Yukari? Hinata's always talking about their sparring matches. She says they're pretty evenly matched."

Sakura smiled, "Yukari is strong. I'm sure she would do well and represent Hidden Leaf appropriately".

"Then it's decided. We'll lay out further plans tomorrow. Let Temari and Yukari know they'll be needed for this mission. I'll decide which team of genin go with them." Naruto made a satisfied grunting noise and relaxed in his chair. Shikamaru took this as his cue to leave.

Sakura lingered, suddenly thinking hard about the mission. Naruto looked towards her, " What's up, Sakura?"

Sakura hesitated, "How is.. Gaara doing?"

Naruto shrugged, not thinking much of her question, "He's fine, why?"

Sakura pressed, "That's not what I mean exactly. What is his life like? Is he still… single?"

Naruto's eyebrows flew up towards his hairline, "Didn't realize you were so interested, Sakura."

Sakura resisted the urge to smack her teammate, "You know it has nothing to do with me".

Naruto offered a devilish smile, "Who are you looking for?"

"Well, I have a very good friend who happens to be an extremely talented shinobi, has a kind heart, and is conveniently unattached."

Naruto looked at her like she was from another planet, "You do? Who the heck is that?"

This time Sakura did smack him, "It's Yukari, you idiot!"

Naruto recovered quickly, accustomed to Sakura's violent outbursts, "Ohhhhh hey, yeah! Now that you mention it that might be a good fit!"

Sakura felt excitement spread through her belly having received affirmation from Naruto. "Right? It really could be. She needs more than the clinic, Naruto! Yukari is a hidden treasure. Definitly needs to spread her wings and fly!"

Naruto smiled wide, "That sounds great! I can't imagine Gaara with anyone! That will be so awesome to witness! I'm all for it!" He cut off briefly, "You know about the drama with that arranged marriage? It was maybe five years ago."

Sakura had forgotten, but it was coming back to her, "Oh, some elders wanted him to marry a specific girl. What ever happened with that?"

Naruto looked pained, "I went down to Sand Village after it all happened. I guess that girl, her name was Hakuto, ended up having a lover on the side. She never intended to marry Gaara. I gave Hakuto and her lover Konoha citizenship so they wouldn't remain in Sand. Not sure what they're doing now. But Gaara was pretty torn up about it. He put on a brave face but I could see it in the set of his shoulders. He didn't speak much about it afterwards."

"Does he ever mention anyone else?"

"Nope. Seems like he totally moved on from the idea of a woman in his life. He adopted that kid and kept living his life with all the Kage responsibility. He's doing well now. But a girl would loosen him up a little bit." Naruto grinned.

"Do you think Gaara would interact with Cherushi enough if we sent her to aid their hospital?"

"Honestly, I'd say ordinarily not. But we can influence that by letting Temari in on the idea. I'll send a letter to Gaara too! It'll ruffle his feathers but he'll thank me later." Naruto laughed at the idea of sending his friend a mail-order bride, even if the intended bride was in the dark about their plot.

And that's how Yukari came to be in the Sand Village, surrounded by unfamiliar desert land. When Sakura had first approached her about the idea of traveling to Sand, she'd objected with the suggestion that Ino was more suited for the task. Sakura wouldn't hear anything else but 'yes'. Confused as to why Sakura wanted Yukari to go on the journey so badly, she reluctantly gave in.

Yukari POV:

'This place looks like the sandbox version of Konoha. Maybe the mountainous areas around the village block the wind enough to keep it from stirring up too much dust? How do they deal with sand storms? There isn't anything green here.'

My thoughts were interrupted by Temari, who nudged my arm slightly, "We'll head up this way." I followed.

Temari lead me, and the chunin who trailed behind, towards the center of the village. People greeted Temari as she passed. They must recognize her as the Kage's sister? A shadow flashed above us, and I recognized a pair of shinobi running over rooftops to bring news of the party's arrival.

The Sand Village officials were there to greet us when we arrived outside the political office. I didn't recognize anyone. There were a few shinobi mixed in with the elderly officials, but nobody stood out immediately to me.

A man stepped forward from the others and held his hand out towards Temari, "Sister. I'm grateful you have returned safely. How are you?"

Temari greeted him warmly and stepped back, eager for the formalities to be over.

I could now focus my attention on the man designated as Temari's brother. He was a tall and an unignorably foreboding presence. Everything about his dress and overall appearance was hard and dark. He was all edges. 'He would have to be hard to be strong enough to be Kazekage…" My thoughts wandered off, suddenly confused as to how this man could be close friends with Hokage Naruto. Naruto was bright and this man was… all blackness.

The Kazekage's eyes fell on me. He merely observed me briefly. But his gaze wasn't harsh. There was gentleness in his eyes and I felt my heart bounce a beat. But then his eyes moved to address his sister again. 'What is this guy all about? His demeanor is the polar opposite of his appearance. I didn't expect to see kindness in his eyes.'

Temari introduced everyone and explained the purpose of each of us being there. The chunin would train with the Sand chunin during our stay. Temari would act as ambassador between the villages. And I was meant to review their hospital system and make improvements. I couldn't help but notice Temari slip a piece of paper into the Kage's hand as he dismissed the elders. He looked at it briefly and smiled, obviously happy to see who had sent it.

"I'll show Yukari to her room and report back to you, Gaara." Temari interrupted his perusal of the letter's surface.

Gaara sent a small smile my direction and nodded. "Of course, it is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Yukari. I have heard great things about your medical team in Konoha."

It caught me off guard that he would address me at all. I felt small next to him. He was the Kage of an entire village and I was… your average shinobi from a neighboring land. I felt my face flush as I bowed and answered, "Thank you, Lord Kazekage. I hope to meet your standards and provide as much support to your village as I can".

The Kazekage seemed satisfied with my answer. He nodded and excused himself, muttering something about a mountain of paperwork. I watched him go. His stride held purpose and there was strength in his step… but it was his eyes that left me perplexed.

Gaara's POV:

Closing the door to my office, I made my way over to the cushioned desk chair. Plopping down in the chair, I let the letter fall out of my hand onto the desk with all my other papers. I grabbed a document and started to peruse it lightly. Something about trade… and road development… The words evaded me. My hands came up to rub my temples and brush the tired out of my eyes. It wasn't enough to be strong as a Kage. You had to be politically minded and patient with paperwork. It was bothersome.

I went to pick the document back up but gave it a second thought and pulled Naruto's letter into my hand. I needed a break anyway.

The letter was lighthearted and brought me joy. Naruto was a good friend. I wished I could see him more often, feeling the weight and responsibility of a Kage being something we could now share in common. Along with every other way we were similar…

After perusing over Naruto's explanation of life in Konoha and inquiries about my family, the final paragraph of the letter caught my eye. The words 'THIS IS A SET UP' blared in my vision.

I could feel my face and ears heat up like a furnace. It was both embarrassing and infuriating. My control was slipping as I lost my temper. How could Naruto do this to me?

As if sensing my emotional turmoil, Temari stepped into the office without knocking. She eyed me warily, "You read the letter?"

I growled back at her, a deep and throaty snarl.

Temari rolled her eyes, "Chill out, brother. Yukari has no idea about any of this. She thinks she's here just to help out your medical team. No pressure! It's the ideal situation actually."

"What are you talking about?" I bit back at her.

Temari's shoulders shrugged in reply, "Get to know her! Make an effort to just BE around her. Nobody has to know. It's an opportunity! If it doesn't work out then she goes home without a clue!"

The rhythm of my breathing began to normalize. This was… a gift? I scowled. 'Please! This is ridiculous!" But there would be no harm to her… even if I avoided her like the plague. She would do her job and leave.

My eyes met my sister's then, "And if I don't want to try?"

Temari pouted in discontent, "You would give up an opportunity like this?"

I was silent for a moment, really considering the situation in practical terms. "And what of Shinki? You think a woman would really take on the responsibility of mothering a boy that is not her own? Especially one as unique as my own…"

Temari smirked back at him, "You don't know Yukari, Gaara. She'll surprise you".