Summary: Naruto, Gaara and Sai have been orphans together all their lives. THey look out for each other, keep one another safe and play like little boys do. They'd stay together always. When the news of all three being adopted suddenly pops up it drives to stay closer than ever. (Even though they all live on the same block) Will they be able to break free of the emotional cages and accpet their adopters or will the world that's already been so cruel to them swallow them up?

AN: This is a new style of Naruto fanfic i'm trying out where the manga pretty much has no part in it. Let me know what you think of the first installment and tell me if i should keep it going.

The headmistress' office of Konoha orphanage was a strange place. All four walls were whiter than fresh snow despite their years of service. A thick black streak ran from one end of the door, all along the walls and met at the other side of the door, creating some sort of band that held the old room together. Various glass vases were adorned with beautiful red roses which helped to bring the contrast of colours closer together. Iruka couldn't help but notice how the deep velvet petals were almost identical to the colour of the head mistress' eyes.

"Good afternoon, Kurenia-Sensei" beamed the bronze guest. She looked up form her papers, her ebony locks had grown longer and now curled over her shoulders.

"Iruka, I have known you since you were ten. Please, call me by my name only for once" They smiled, both knowing full well that would never happen. They could greet each other a thousand times over and it would still come out the same.

Iruka sat himself in the visitors chair in front of the desk. Kurenia reclined in her own; grateful for the break from her tedious paper work. "I think we can skip the usual formalities" she said casually. "A little birdie told me you're looking to adopt?" Iruka just let his elbows rest on his knees, allowing the weight of his reassuring smile to confirm her query. Kurenia pressed the small button on the corner of her desk. It gave it's usual crackled buzz. "Arashiro-San, would you please prepare some tea for myself and my guest?" There was a quick 'thank you' exchange and Kurenia was able to give her full attention to her old resident. Although, she preferred to refer him as a friend, despite Iruka's need for formalities.

"Before we get started, tell me, how is the teaching business going for you? I heard you became fully qualified with your own class a few years ago" Freshly brewed tea was brought into the office as Iruka chatted freely about his experiences as the pre-school teacher at the academy. It was surprisingly more difficult to qualify than he originally anticipated. Far more advanced than the qualifications he would have earned if teaching adolescents. But, it had been worth it. Kids at that age were more interesting anyway. Their young minds were open to multiple concepts about the world around them. Plus, they were never afraid to ask something which left Iruka in a few embarrassing situations over the years but wouldn't trade for anything. Kurenia sipped the remains from her cup.

"Well, I'm glad to see my class clown is sharing wisdom with the next generation" she giggled and sat the cup down. "I guess we need to be serious at the moment though. Why do you wish to adopt?" There was a brief moment where Iruka just glanced from to corner to corner on the ceiling; a trait Kurenia knew too well was Iruka's unconscious way of saying he was embarrassed. "Have I ever laughed at your opinion before?" She said, easily reading his thoughts like a large font book.

"Well," he smiled sheepishly, "I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. The idea just came to me. But, if I have to give a specific reason then, I guess it's like a small voice I can hear in the distance saying, 'please give me a home'." He scratched the back on his head, a deep blush spreading over the scar on his nose. "You think I've finally gone around the bend right?" He laughed. But there was nothing funny about it from Kurenia's point of view. For as long as she's known Iruka, she'd noticed his strange sixth sense for those in need. He was always the one that found the missing kid during their class field trips years ago that sometimes she often considered hiring him for that job alone.

Adoption was almost inevitable for Iruka. Kurenia reached into her left hand drawer and pulled out several folders. She ruffled though them quickly and handed over one marked with a orange sticker. The identification photo showed a bright blued eyed boy with a crooked grin and hair that rivalled the yellow of a sunflower. What caught Iruka's eye the most though were the strange black marks on both sides of his face.

"So what's his story?" Iruka asked without looking up. The boy seemed normal enough but that drawer had those folders in it for a reason.

"Not much" she answered dryly. He came here one night in the middle of the rain asking to use the bathroom. I remember thinking how grubby he looked and how ashamed his mother should be. His clothes were at least two sizes too small for him and his face looked liked it hadn't seem the back end of a wash cloth in years." Iruka shuffled through the papers. Sure enough, Naruto's records began from the tender age of seven. The word, 'unknown' recurred several times. "I don't believe he was a runaway" She added. "He didn't even have shoes on his feet much less a backpack of kids runaway trinkets. After I coaxed a meal into him he said he wasn't sure where he came from and all he remembers is living on the streets. I haven't had much luck tracking down any relatives" A mutual feeling of pity swept over them both but it blew over quickly as these two weren't the type to let past get in the way of the future. Iruka held the picture up.

"And the marks?" Apparently no-one knew for sure what they were. Doctors found no trace of tattoo needles and there was no record of anyone, ever, being born with black birth marks. Especially one's that came in such a bizarre pattern on a child's abdomen and face.

"Wouldn't someone like Naruto be better suited in a full family? You know, both parents with children of their own or something?" It seemed like the most logical and obvious answer; a boy with no previous record or memory of a family of his own would surely long to be part of something like that. Kurenia just shook her head gently. Although, that was just the quizzical question she'd been hoping for. Someone who thought along the same line as she did and would, therefore, be able to understand her alternative solution.

"We attempted just that. Unfortunately the outcome was something I had not anticipated" It felt so horribly classic that Kurenia felt so utterly stupid for not thinking of it beforehand. She'd been blinded by the hope and joy of seeing that little blonde so happy. However, that 'suited' family could only give initial love. As soon as the welcoming shower of attention dwindled away back into it's regular routine that barely involved Naruto, he began to crave the attention. Why wouldn't he? He's been moved into an environment that suddenly flooded him with praise and happy smiles and when it was suddenly taken away, he had to find some way of getting it back. Tragically, pulling pranks and getting into fist fights might not have been the best way to go about it. If Kurenia felt like her heart had split in two at such a cold rejection she could only imagine what her poor little Naruto had went though.

"It's not like he needs constant attention. He's not a stupid boy, not in the slightest. Well, he has his moments but that's not the point. He understands people are busy from time to time and he has to keep himself entertained but that doesn't mean he should be expected to adjust to someone else's standards. What he needs is the reassurance that he can be his own person. I don't want him rejected like that ever again, not for being himself" Iruka closed the folder. His brow furrowed slightly, either from contemplation or anger, Kurenia wasn't quite sure.

"And you think I'm 'suited' for Naruto?" Kurenia was almost shocked to hear her Iruka sound so grim. She shook it off.

"You referred to me as 'Sensei' didn't you? That's all the reassurance I need" She stood proudly, knowing in her heart she'd made the right judgement this time. "You even call him by 'Naruto' already. I just know you'll treat him right and he'll finally be able to grow" Iruka felt completely embarrassed yet oddly flattered at the same time. He took out the picture one more time, smiled at the grin looking back up at him and imagined what his voice would be like.

XXXX

Konohagakure is such a large place; full of building and structures as grand and full as the ocean is with fish. Yet, it was also made up of small things. A flower shop where occasions of sorrow and joy came by daily and women gossiped about who that nice young man might be giving flowers to. Noodle stands, where athletes and low income teenagers alike could eat their hearts out. Tea houses were multiple as traditional tea houses kept their guests in few to keep their quality high. This is where Kurenia arranged her meeting with Yamato. The man was quiet and solitary by nature. Places like these, where guests could be left to their own devices without the loud chit chatter of too many customers and were only disturbed when asked if they'd like a refill were ideal for a man like him. The seating was adequately comfortable; not the traditional attire for a tea house but, in all honesty, the only thing that was traditional around here was that the tea was brewed instead of boiled. The place served it's purpose though; peace, quiet and comfort.

"Afternoon, Tenzo. I see you haven't changed your usual hangout. It seems only yesterday you were working here part time."

Yamato smiled. Her attire hadn't changed much either since his childhood days. She was adorned in white; an elegant woman's suit with a knee length skirt. A thick red belt hugged her hips neatly. It was a nostalgic treat to hear his old nickname again. Kurenia settled herself down on the arc of the couch, resting her collection of folders by her side.

This was certainly a surprise though. Kurenia had never thought of her Tenzo as the family type. He'd never even been in a long term relationship before. It gave no interest to him. Spending large amounts of time with another person interrupted his work and leisure time. Kurenia had suspected her Tenzo would become the workaholic type but he had the strange habit of burying himself in work and suddenly lounging for days on end. Apparently, to Tenzo, even lounging time was his time only. Such a strange boy in his youth but never a handful and always so helpful. But this however, was strange. Even for him. She was very curious.

"So, why do you wish to adopt, Tenzo? I must say, your call caught me off guard"

Yamato casually paid the waitress for the tea without so much as eye contact or word towards her way. It must be second nature to him by now. "You wouldn't be the only one. But, we all have moments where we surprise even ourselves. I figured it was time to take care of something other than redwood or oak"

If it were anyone else, Kurenia would have immediately left in a fury at such a rude remark towards a child. However, this was Tenzo. As a young boy, he only cared for something if he was told to. Others were of no interest to him and why would they be? He has no parents of his own, he had been switched from home to home before Kurenia took him in and no-one particularly took an interest in such a 'plain' looking child with not a care for another person. As a result, he was left grow in the orphanage until legal age and was allowed to fend for himself.

This, was a remarkable moment. The little Tenzo she'd known for over ten years now, who had always been so closed off and solitary, wanted to let someone in. Being close-up with his personality once again reminded Kurenia of a another 'plain child' who could do with a secure home. And maybe someone who could he could relate to. A folder with an odd black stain on one corner was pushed along the table. As Yamato glanced at the picture inside, Kurenia imagined it must be like looking in a mirror.

"He seems ordinary" Yamato remarked in a plain tone. Dark black hair cut into a simple shape, dark eyes that had an obvious 'don't bother me' expression bored into them. No distinctive facial features that would make him noticeable in a crowd. "But, I know the system well, 'ordinary' kids don't grow to his age without being adopted. No-one wants a problem child. What's he like?"

Her Tenzo's old habit of talking from morbid to curious hadn't changed over the years. But this was good, he's taking an interest.

"He does have a few odd traits. For example, he's a borderline mute" Yamato just stared blankly, not sure what was more bizarre; the mute or that his old carer was smiling when she said that. How could someone be a borderline mute? You either were or you weren't. "He talks occasionally. The reason I class him as 'borderline' is because he has very interesting ways of communicating"

Of course Yamato would want to know more about these 'traits' so he could let himself know what he was in for but, Kurenia felt the curiosity might entice Tenzo more and possibly begin a bridge.

Hopefully, this kid didn't come with too many surprises.

"Oh, I should warn you though" Typical. "If you ever see him smile, keep a very close eye on him"

XXXX

Why do some people insist of begin difficult to find? Honestly, Kurenia was having more trouble finding Maito Gai than organising a field trip. The academy playgrounds were flooded with children tall and small; running frantically and playing chasing games. High heels were not exactly the most manoeuvrable footwear when darting between flying dodge balls and scattered marbles. She survived the onslaught of the battle field but, now she had to find her way through the monstrous layout of a building called a school. To think, she thought it would be a smart idea to come along when the children were out of class.

There wasn't a teacher in sight and Kurenia doubted her ability to find the teachers lounge before lunch was over. There was a stroke of luck for the lost maiden. A young student teacher who had been left to tidy the art room was kind enough, or grateful for an excuse to leave, to direct Kurenia to the P.E department where Mr Maito could be found.

Despite the complete lack of architectural depth in this building (stairs leading in too many directions, hallways that worked in circles instead of grids and the oddest of smells that seemed to crawl from some unseen source) the place did have it's charms. Almost every hallway that accompanied a class room didn't have piece of plaster wall to show because of the numerous projects cluttering them. Every pupil must have had something up to take up so much space. Some of the writing on several pieces looked faded and worn, like they'd been there for years. Didn't schools normally take this stuff down at the end of the year? The head teacher must be the treasure keeper type. If they kept this up for much longer though the building was going to look like it was help together with crazy glue and glitter.

I should have my bunch make projects like these for our walls. She kept that thought stored for later as a new tactic to boost some her little one's creative spirits.

After descending all the way to the basement floor and hallway or two more, a bright green door with the name MAITO, GAI engraved on the front made itself known. Opening the door suddenly reminded Kurenia why she pestered her little ones about 'knocking first'. She knew that Gai was the athletic type but, vain was a little too much for her to handle. Gazing in the full length mirror was a tall, shirtless man. Hair as dark as the black beetle and shaped like it too. He flexed and curled his bulging arms, smiling broadly at his own reflection, admiring his own 'craftsmanship'.

Kurenia coughed like Gai had invaded her personal space instead of the other way around. Embarrassment appeared to be a foreign concept with this man as he spread his arms wide and greeted Kurenia very loudly. Thank heaven that student teacher left before she opened the door. Her shoulder was almost yanked out the socket when Gai shook her hand. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea? He beckoned her to sit in one of the green cushioned chairs, he obviously brought in himself, pulled out two water bottles from the mini lime green fridge and perched himself on top of his own desk.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Kurenia" He bellowed. "Please excuse the mess, it's report card season"

That doesn't explain your need to pose, a silent voice seemed to call. The strange man took a long swig from the bottle and twisted the cap back on. "So, why the sudden visit?" He asked. "I have a feeling it's not just a casual stop-by" The man may be aesthetically blunt but his intuition was as sharp as ever.

"I came to ask a favour of you, Gai"

"Well, I do owe you after you helped me adopt my beloved nephew. How can I help you?" She let her shoulders relax to allow her bag to slip to the floor. She pulled out a single folder marked with a red kanji symbol that had been smudged at some point, now obscured and illegible.

"I was wondering…..if you would like to adopt again?" If only this moment could be captured on camera and moralised on a giant billboard for the entire village to see because no-one would believe that Maito Gai was actually speechless.

"This boy needs a home, Gai. But, I need someone with a great deal of experience with the energy and strength to deal with him" Gai may be loud, rambunctious and a little on the dramatic side but, on paper, he was more than qualified. Nearly twelve years of teaching under his belt and a reputation to top it. He made himself known throughout the village with his 'aggression release' programme designed for the more uncooperative youth of the generation. The academy had never approved as they believed it might lead to violent scuffs and bring down the schools name in the end but were soon forced to acknowledge Gai's skill at handling what others would cast off as ' the lost causes'. Grades were going up.

However, the boy Kurenia had in mind didn't need a cage keeper, he needed a parent. Gai took the folder and stared at the picture clipped inside.

"His name is Gaara" she said sombrely.

"Grumpy little tyke, isn't he?" The picture wasn't exactly the most flattering. Un-brushed red hair, sulking face, the dark rims looking larger than ever with the eyes glaring at the camera. Little Gaara really disliked having his picture taken . It took a great deal of effort just to get him to stand still, she wasn't about to push her luck and ask for a smile. Kurenia looked at her knees glumly.

"He's what the system likes to call a 'problem child'. She sighed. Gai flipped though the pages morosely. He'd came across some violent kids in the past but this one felt like a doosey.

Unsociable Characteristics

.Easily provoked

.Dangerously aggressive

.Violent to others

. Prone to loud fits of rage

Gai knew Kurenia well enough to know she hated writing down all the 'problems' children had. But, the system never seem to include a nice list and insisting on knowing all the faults these kids came with to prevent future uproars. The record continued to read a pretty grim past. When the Mother died from child birth, the Father gave full custody to the Uncle and was never heard from again. Turned out the Uncle wasn't exactly willing to take the cause of his sister's death. Several runaways and broken bones later, people were starting to realise there might be something afoot. Too little too late though. When action was finally taken they found a dead Uncle and a crying child with bloodied knife clutched in his hand.

"I've came across abusive parents before but none of the kids were ever brave enough to fight back. I'm assuming the charges were dropped in a defence plea?" He noted.

"That and I offered to take him in or they'd dump him in the asylum. Just a fancy word for prison if you ask me. He's an brutal a little bugger at times but he's got to be the sweetest little boy I've ever known. He's so curious about anything around him but can never buck up the nerve to ask." The folder was suddenly slammed shut.

"So why me? I've always had the impression experience alone doesn't cut it with you" Kurenia stood with her shoulders broad and stiff.

"Youth should never be interrupted." She said boldly. "That's what you said the day you asked me to help you adopt Lee. I've lived by that, everyday since. Gaara's youth has been interrupted long enough" Gai suddenly felt a spark ignite his flame of passion. He grabbed Kurenia's hand firmly once again, his eyes serious with dedicated glint.

"Just tell me one thing though, does he have any friends?"

"Amazingly, two. You'll learn to fear them soon enough"