Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Rated T.
R&R please!
- Chapter One -
Sakura nervously walked through Hokage Tower; anxious about the new mission Tsunade was assigning her. The Fifth had explained to Kakashi that it was quite urgent, and that Sakura would need to report to her right away. She was quite worried, but contained her composure none the less.
She knocked on Tsunade's door, half expecting her to throw her sake glass and tell her to go away. The roseate had no problem with that, however, for she just wanted to crawl back in her bed and sleep. "Come in." She heard her master say seriously, which in turn sent chills down her spine.
Once she opened the door, Sakura came face to face with two of the Sabaku children, her eyes widening a bit in surprise. "What's this about?" She asked, walking into the office more so she could step in between Temari and Kankuro.
"Ah, Sakura... I'm glad you finally made it," Tsunade said, without breaking eye contact. "It seems the Sand has a problem concerning their Kazekage."
Sakura blinked in confusion. Gaara. He had Shukaku extracted four years ago. What's going on?
As if Tsunade read her mind, the Hokage answered her thoroughly. "Gaara is sick, Sakura. None of Suna's Medical Ninja know what's wrong. And you're the one I'm sending to heal him. No questions, no buts, you are ordered to go."
Temari glanced at the pink haired woman carefully, studying her appearance. She was a standard issue Medical Ninja, that much was obvious. She watched as the pinkette's facial expression changed from confusion to worry in a matter of seconds.
"Hai, Tsunade-sama. I understand completely." Temari and Kankuro looked at her with surprise, expecting her to argue about going. Gaara did try to kill her a couple years back, but they guessed she knew he has changed for the better.
Tsunade gave her a small smile. "I'm glad to hear you say that. I have no idea how long this will take, so pack as much as you need. Temari and Kankuro have come here to escort you to Suna, personally. You leave tonight, meet them in an hour. So hurry home," The blond swat Sakura away with her hand and watched as she left. "I wish you two the best of luck."
Temari and Kankuro both snorted at her comment. "Thanks for that Hokage-sama, but we don't need luck. We know of Sakura's temper. Remember?"
The blond smirked at their response and didn't reply. Instead she told them to leave and proceeded to get her sake glass out of her drawer. I hope Sakura will be able to fix this. She thought, solemnly, drinking some of the precious alcohol she poured into the cup.
XxX
Sakura walked toward Konoha's main gate, her backpack strapped on her back. The moon shined brightly on top of the pink haired girl, radiating beautifully against her porcelain skin.
She sighed softly once she saw Temari and Kankuro come into view, dreading the mission already. Even though Suna and Konoha were good allies, Sakura was still nervous to visit. The pinkette didn't really have a clue as to why, maybe it was because of their attack on Konoha all those years ago. But that was the past and she should just let it go.
"Are you all set?" Temari asked, once she walked closer to the siblings.
"Hai. We should get going. We have a long road ahead of us."
Temari, Kankuro, and Sakura all nodded to each other once, then took off into the forest.
XxX
A shallow wind blew in from the north, brushing against his face gently. He stared out at his Village with the upmost authority, for he is the Kazekage of Sunagakure. Gaara closed his eyes for a moment as he inhaled the humid air of the desert. "What do you want, Baki?" He turned his head to look behind him, seeing his old sensei standing at the door with his arms crossed.
"Konoha is sending one of their medics to heal you." Baki said, joining him by the railing. "She has the knowledge and the power to help. The Hokage said she was the best choice." Gaara stared at him blankly. "You're sick, Gaara. Kankuro and Temari had traveled to the Leaf for the medic."
Gaara turned away. "If I was meant to die, I will die."
Baki frowned. "You don't have to be so straight-forward about it!" He yelled, frantically. "The Sand Village needs you. The ones who care for you still want you to live. You can't be seriously ready to die!" His eyes scanned his face, searching, wanting, needing an answer.
"No. I am not."
"Then stop acting like you are."
He nodded once and went back to looking down at his Village. There were ninjas, civilians, and little children in a clutter all around. His lips twitched as some of the children played together, making his heart clench. He wanted to see them grow older and turn into fabulous shinobi's. Gaara didn't want to miss that chance.
He turned toward Baki, his voice barely above a whisper. "I will give it a try."
Baki felt a pool of relief flow through him. "Thank you." With that, he turned to leave, letting Gaara tend to his own thoughts. He was rough around the edges, but he'll come around. He was sure of it.
The red headed Kazekage watched as the sun began setting in the east, disappearing behind the buildings of the Village. A soft sigh escaped his lips, as he realized night would arise to Suna once more. For some reason, the moon calmed his nerves.
His thoughts drifted toward the Medical Ninja Konoha was sending their way. He knew it would be Sakura, the pink haired woman who had been there when he died and came back to life. She was very sad about Elder Chiyo passing away, but the old woman was resting in peace.
Gaara had visited her ever so often, laying flowers on her grave, and thanking her for giving him another chance at his life. He also visited his mother and his uncle, never able to truly understand his father's cruel intentions.
Now that he thought about it, Sakura was the one to heal Kankuro from the deadly poison Sasori had inflicted him with. She would probably be able to heal his sickness, for no one really knew what it was, causing the him to be so afflicted.
He sighed softly; knowing he'd have two more days until the young medic arrived. At least she was coming, or he would probably die soon.
And Gaara did not want to die.
Again.
Gaara whirled the sand around him, allowing himself to float down from the roof unharmed. Those who were watching, stared with awe, eyes wide with surprise. He ignored their intense stares and walked toward Kazekage Manor, his eyes positioned on the ground intently.
I hope she can find a cure. The red head silently prayed in his head.
