A/N: As some people asked for it, here is the sequel to F&S. I'm really liking how this is coming to be. It isn't complete yet but I would love to know what you think of it. I'm still deciding whether this fic should have a 2 or 3 chaps but I guess I'll figure it out as I work along. :D
A/N2: I'm mexican so in order to write the official dialogues, I made a little remix with the eng sub from the original jap. audio and the eng audio. I hope you like it I think it kind of blends real well and works for the story.
Feel free to review, fave and/or follow.
I don't own Naruto. Rights go to Masashi Kishimoto.
Part 1
Many things had happened. They had both changed so much. One became light, the other fell more and more into darkness. One found new friends, the other grew lonelier. The redhead was at the edge of the pit, only one thin string still held him attached to humanity, to hope. The question he constantly made: was it worth it? Was it worth to cling on?
With every mission the Kazekage gave him and his team, he felt a little a part of his soul drifting away, seemingly lost forever. Sometimes he would even doubt about the veracity of that holiday in the Hidden Village of the Leaf.
Holiday.
That's what his father had once called it. The Kazekage had even commented (quite harshly) that this holiday had weakened Gaara. The redhead was sad to have disappointed his father but was not sorry for having met Naruto and every time someone looked at him with hate and fear, he remembered Naruto's bright smile and warm eyes.
Every time he had felt the urge to kill a civilian, the blond's voice would ring in his mind:
– They treat you like you were a monster. Well, at least we have one another now.
But ever since Yashamaru's treason, it had been harder and harder to trust those words. The only person that he thought he could trust in Suna, betrayed him in the worst possible way. Believing the words of a little boy, miles away from him was even more complicated but it was all he had left. He was even beginning to have doubts on what trust really was and if he needed that in his life anymore.
Gaara was very aware of how his siblings eluded him constantly, even during missions and, specially during the full moons. These were the worst. The bloodlust was almost unbearable. He didn't want to be alone anymore but he had been forced to. Every time he came back from a mission, the chances of having more friends seemed to diminish. He wasn't going to disappear, his purpose was very clear in his mind. He needed to become stronger, then maybe…
They were summoned to an emergency meeting with Baki. A new mission had arrived. They were going to present the Chunin exams at Konoha. Gaara's insides retorted a little at the mention of the place. He was sure that Baki was taking note of each and every reaction of his, so he kept stoic on the outside. If the plan was to destroy the village, he would make sure that the blond was safe, if he was still worth saving.
To everyone's surprise, it had been Temari who had brought up the agreement both villages had reached after so many years of conflict. Baki then went to point out the negative effects of such agreement for them and, therefore, the urge of terminating the treaty as soon as possible. Gaara didn't care about the plan at all but it was definitely the only chance he might get to see his old (and only) friend again.
On the other hand, the blond had bloomed (even if at slow rate) beautifully. Always setting high goals and always with a smile. He got into the academy not very long after Gaara left and Iruka-sensei had helped him a lot ever since. The Chunin had noted the boy's longing looks, his gone sight and his watery eyes when he had asked once. Iruka had been reluctant to let Naruto in his life but once he had allowed himself to accept the boy (not without some intercession of a couple of people), he encouraged the blond towards, what he thought, the best ninja path he could think of.
The whiskered boy's hyperactiveness was hard to handle though. It made the boy's attention scarce and, the teaching, all the more difficult. At the beginning, he had trouble controlling his chakra too and the constant jokes from other kids sometimes managed to dampen his mood but never crush his dreams. It was clear he was no genius but he definitely understood the meaning of hard work. Iruka applauded that very much.
Nevertheless, the blue-eyed boy had lost his way once or twice, which, fortunately, had ended up well, but it was that possibility of losing the boy to the dark side that frightened and worried the teacher. The Shadow Clone Jutsu had been a perk to Mizuki's treachery after the blond's third attempt at becoming a Genin. Nevertheless, to Iruka's bad luck, Naruto had learned the painful truth about himself a little too brusquely. Still, it hadn't been enough to bring the boy's spirit down. He even said that as long as there was at least one person in the world that didn't hate him, he was going to keep fighting, he was one day going to become Hokage.
Finally, Naruto became a Genin and was appointed to Team 7. He had a little trouble to fit in at the beginning but, eventually, got along with Sakura and Sasuke. Kakashi-sensei had been quite accepting since day 1. He had wanted to prove himself useful and had shined during the missions (or at most of them). His rivalry with Sasuke always spicing things up. Both were definitely healthy for one another. Beyond the initial animosity, there was a great respect from the blond towards the Uchiha and a hope that eventually, the Sharingan heir would acknowledge him as an equal.
One day, though, it happened. He was playing around with Konohamaru and his friends when they managed to piss Sakura off. The Third Hokage's grandson had to run away but in his haste he forgot an important rule: keep your eyes on the road. That's why he collided with someone he had never seen before. Everyone else froze when the teen, dressed all in black and with purple lines painted on his face grabbed the young boy by the collar and rose him up. They all tried to apologise (specially Sakura) but the teen wouldn't let go. Sakura was actually surprised to see Naruto so shocked he wouldn't even talk but the blond wasn't as struck by the guy's appearance as for the metal plaque he wore on his funny cat-eared hat. He knew that insignia all too well.
A little too absorbed on that detail, he didn't seem to notice that the whole conversation was going south very fast until Konohamaru began kicking in direction of the sunanin, pain evident on his features.
– You are brave but not for long, – the stranger said.
Naruto's blood boiled. No person was allowed to hurt his friends, least of all right in front of him.
– YOU BASTARD! – he screamed as he ran to defend the boy.
The other seemed to have expected this and made a hand movement that threw Naruto to the ground. No one from Konoha really understood what had happened. It was evident who had the upper hand at that moment and neither Leaf Genin knew how to change that. Some more words were exchanged but just as the painted guy had a fist ready to strike the young one, a little rock was the second's salvation. Sasuke had appeared out of nowhere and was sitting on a nearby tree playing yet with another pebble.
– Apparently you are too weak to beat us, – said the dark haired boy.
Konohamaru ran back to his friends while the rest of the people looked at Sasuke. The teen grumbled and cursed holding his wounded hand. The Uchiha boy crushed the rock with one hand and warned the guy and the young woman at his side to get lost. The foreign took that as a challenge and things began to heat up again to the point where he placed, whatever he was carrying on his back, down. It had to be something bad if the blonde woman suddenly scandalized and panicked. She called that thing: the crow. Hell was about to ensue when…
– Kankuro. That's enough, – a firm but calm voice called out. – You're embarrassing our village.
Everyone turned to watch a mysterious redhead standing upside down on a branch next to Sasuke. Naruto's eyes widened. Could it be?
– GAARA! – he screamed enthusiastically and with a huge smile.
Now all eyes were on him but there was only a pair he was interested in. The sunanin looked at the other with barely any facial change.
– Don't you remember me? It's Naruto, remember? – he tried pointing at himself with his thumb.
The redhead got down the tree with a small and controlled, sand tornado while the rest of the present simply exchanged very confused or worried looks.
After arriving at the village, Gaara had separated from his siblings with no excuse at all. He had simply made a comment that could have indicated going to scout the place and he had disappeared. In reality, Gaara had been having this funny feeling in his stomach ever since they set out from Sunagakure but it had intensified the moment he stepped through those huge doors that Konoha possessed. This feeling pulled him away of his people to wander at the once-upon-a-time known place.
His feet guided him to a very familiar playground as the sound of children's laughter echoed distantly in his mind. A very far away memory flooded through him as he watched the swings. He knew Naruto wasn't that young anymore but, for some reason, he felt angry when he didn't find the blond there. Soon, he left the place, going back to regroup with his team. He was actually surprised to see his old friend then. He hadn't really changed at all.
– Gaara, do you know this kid? – the one named Kankuro asked.
Shukaku's jinchuriki remained mute but didn't break eye contact.
– Gaara? – Naruto's voice sounded almost like a plea.
– Let's go, – the redhead ordered as he gave his back to the Leaf's Genin after one more minute of intent contemplation.
No one understood what had transpired then and there but Sakura was the first to recover telling them that even if the Wind and Fire countries were allies, as foreign ninja they needed papers to walk around Konoha. Temari mocked her ignorance about the Chunin exams as she showed the pink-haired girl their papers then they left.
Naruto was a mess on the inside. He wasn't sure if he should be sad, angry, hurt or all of the above. He just stood there, head low and fists clenched. He was absolutely positive that this boy was his Gaara and it had hurted him to be treated like a stranger by someone he had always considered a friend. Why was Gaara acting like this? Why the indifference? Had he truly forgotten their promise, their wish?
– Oi! Dobe! – Sasuke's voice broke the spell. – What was that about?
– I just… I just thought he was someone else, – he answered softly.
– Naruto nii-chan?
– Ha ha! Don't worry. It's nothing, – the blond's smile shone back on place.
Still, neither Sakura, Konohamaru nor Sasuke were completely convinced of this. Each having their own personal reasons to doubt but they knew better than to force something from him when he had had that face. They all went their separate ways after that but none could take out the image of the sand ninjas, especially the one of the redhead with the gourd.
For a moment, Naruto debated on whether going home early of going to Ichiraku's Ramen and think of times long past. He decided on the second. As the was about to step in, a shadow lurking over him caught his attention. He turned his head only to find the ring-eyed ninja standing right behind him. Naruto was startled for a second before he turned completely.
– It's been a while, Gaara, – he said in a soft voice, very unlike him.
The other boy nodded and made a motion for the blond to follow. At full speed, both of them ran and jumped from rooftop to rooftop until they were out of the village and rather than moving on concrete, they jumped on tree branches. Naruto knew exactly where they were going.
Gaara had become so fast and, undoubtedly, strong, that Naruto believed not even he would be able to match him. The gourd boy stopped at a very familiar meadow and only then did he spoke. Not the shy, little voice that the blond remembered but rather a highly controlled and even monotone voice. It felt cold and soulless rather than hopeful and delighted.
– It certainly has been a while.
– Gaara, what's wrong? Why all the secrecy and indifference? – Naruto's voice was loud.
– It's necessary.
– Why?!
– Because I say so.
The blond seemed more frustrated with every word that dripped from that mouth.
– Are you really Gaara? I'm starting to think you two are entirely different people.
– I am.
– What happened to you?
– I grew up.
– Well I grew up too and YOU are definitely much more different.
He hasn't changed at all, Gaara thought.
– You're still very loud.
– LOUD! YOU HAVEN'T HEARD LOUD YET! – Naruto's fists turned white as he brought them up to a fighting position.
That's new, Gaara's mind kept going. Seeing this boy so angry and yelling at him was completely new and quite entertaining but a little too loud for his sensitive ears.
– YOU THINK YOU CAN COME HERE AFTER ALL THIS TIME AND NOT EVEN SAY HI BECAUSE YOU THINK IT'S NECESSARY?! THAT'S NOT WHAT FRIENDS DO!
For the first time since they had seen each other again, the whiskered boy saw a reaction on the redhead's face. Gaara's eyes had widened and his frown had dissipated.
– Gaara?
The mentioned boy blinked rapidly.
– You would still call me friend?
It was rather an unexpected question.
– Well,… shouldn't I? Last time we were together we were still friends. Why wouldn't we be friends now?
The frown was back in place now.
– Then tell me: are friends supposed to trust each other?
– Yes.
– Then shut up and trust me.
– WHAT!? – Naruto's voice rose in indignation.
– If you are truly my friend then trust me.
Silence fell upon both boys but, ultimately Naruto sighed in resignation.
– Fine. I'll do as you say for now, – his mood shifted like it always did. – So tell me, what did I miss this past years?
Gaara wasn't so sure on how to answer that question without becoming a monster to his friend's eyes. He had asked the blond to trust him although he himself had so many self doubts and was even struggling to understand the abstract concept so he could apply it to his day-to-day life. It was hard.
– I've been fine, – was all that he said.
– You look so much stronger. I bet you have been training hard, – the blond kept going on his fast paced voice, – but you know what, I have been training hard too. I've also finished the academy and I met so many people there. Most were really annoying but Iruka-sensei helped me a lot. I think I've made a couple of more friends though Sasuke doesn't count. Mister perfect is really annoying and can be a pain in the ass. He's my rival though. And you know what? You know what? We've been to so many missions that I've had many chances to practice my new jutsu. Once we…
Naruto kept talking, like he mostly did when they were younger. Gaara felt himself relax a little at the sight of the whiskered boy moving his body accordingly to give proper intonation to his recount of things. It seemed as if he deemed important each and every little detail of the story so Gaara just listened. The familiarity of the exchange filling the sunanin with some sort of peace.
Still, to be honest, he wasn't entirely pleased with the idea of sharing his friend with other people but he looked so happy that the redhead let go the urge to kill all the people Naruto was mentioning. He was a bit jealous of the blond to tell the truth. Naruto's people skill were so much better than his and the fact that he wasn't ordered around by a Kage to kill others, made the blond a bright sunshine to Gaara's eyes.
After an hour or so, Gaara took advantage of a small pause in Naruto's storytelling to end the day's conversation. The blond wasn't that happy to be cut short and his loud voice came back when Gaara told him they should go to their own places.
– But why?! There's still so much I want to tell you.
– We've lingered here too long. Someone might find us.
– So what?
– I've already told you. Trust me.
– Hmph, –Naruto pouted in anger.
Gaara thought he looked very funny but not even the ghost of a smile could be hinted so with that settled, they sped through the trees, the blond constantly complaining until the village was visible. The gourd boy stopped and told his friend to keep going, he would take another way to get to his temporary apartment. Sighing and waving farewell, Naruto left. The other one waited for some minutes before using his sand to transport himself.
At first, he wasn't sure where he should land but his subconscious apparently wanted to go somewhere in particular. When Gaara opened his eyes, he was at the playground once again. Due to the early hour, there were still kids using the facility. Same as last time, the redhead remained at the spot he had landed on for a while but, unlike the first time, he was out in the open now and was getting more than a few curious looks.
– Hey, you! The redhead! – a male voice called out.
Named boy didn't even flinch.
– Hey! I'm talking to you! – the voice was just a couple of feet away now, sounding more and more irritated.
Gaara finally granted a side glance.
– Don't we know each other?
Silence.
– I'm sure I've seen you before, – he kept going. – Is your house close by?
The boy in question did look vaguely familiar but the jinchuriki was so oblivious to his presence that didn't bother to give it a lot of thought. Still, what he did do was shuffle a bit until his hitai-ate was visible. That caught the nosy boy's attention.
– So you're a foreign. Can I see your papers?
Gaara was getting tired of this young shinobi (judging by the hitai-ate that he was wearing on his forehead). He wanted to crush him, see him bleed and be gone forever so that he could contemplate the swings. Nevertheless, it were exactly the swings and what they represented that he simply showed the damn paper and disappeared without a warning.
He had been right though. The amount of time he spent away from his team had tensed the situation. He was heavily interrogated by Kankuro and reminded by Baki that they had a mission to fulfill. He didn't care. No matter how loud Kankuro's voice was when making his questions, no matter how many threats Baki called out softly, Gaara knew it had been worth it and he would do it again if he had the chance.
Yet, that chance never came. During the next few days in which they had to wait in order to attend the exam's first phase, Gaara was closely watched by his siblings. As much as he wanted to meet with his friend again, it would have to wait a little longer. Again, he was tempted to simply slaughter his watchers but that would raise too many questions and unwanted attention so the idea was completely discarded.
When the day did come though, he was the first member to rise and be ready. His teammates certainly misunderstanding his eagerness. He walked to the front of the group in direction of the Academy as they had been instructed. Baki left them at the entrance with a final warning, the young ones going inside, directly to the third floor. The genjutsu placed around the second floor did little to misguide them as the arrived at the right classroom.
There were already some people gathered in there but none that caught the redhead's attention. Except perhaps those from the Hidden Sound Village due to the understanding the Kazekage had reached with them. They looked a little strong but Gaara hated them already.
Time went by around them, only occasional whispers could be heard when newcomers got through the door. The ring-eyed boy was faintly interested when the boy that had been harassing him in the playground the other day, came in with his team. The face still familiar but not really worth finding out why.
Evidently Konoha was the nation that sent in more Genin but it was interesting to see whole teams of his age coming through the doors. Perhaps Naruto,… No, he couldn't afford to think that his friend would be allowed to take part in the exams so soon. He had his sand to protect him but last he saw Naruto, the blond looked far from ready. Then again, all those mission stories made Gaara thoughtful.
Just then, the door opened again, all eyes on the new team. The redhead's eyes widened for a second as the atmosphere grew tense, his friend and his team being the center of attention. From a side, a blonde girl went to the dark haired boy and clung to his neck from behind. This made the pink-haired girl to begin screaming. Gosh, women could be so loud.
Next, two kids came from the same direction the blonde had come (certainly her comrades). One was apparently about to engage in an argument with Naruto but in the end decided not to while looking bored. That was good because Gaara was unsure he could've kept out of it should his friend had needed help.
Not a blink later, another of the younger looking squads got close to the other six people. He was sure they all knew each other, most likely from the academy. The girl from this last team was nothing like the other two and probably far from Temari's echo. Her pale skin making the blushes on her cheeks all too easy to see. Naruto didn't seem to have anything against her and not much against her teammates so Gaara relaxed although he was a little disappointed that the other jinchuriki hadn't even noticed him. Still, he kept watching.
A tenth konohanin joined them showing the rookies a card deck and explaining a couple of things by the looks of it, yet, there was something about that young man that Gaara didn't like at all.
Naruto on his part had been surprised with the support from the veteran ninja though he didn't like it very much when Sasuke had asked Kabuto about Gaara. He had to admit that he was a little curious about his friend's abilities but he would rather ask the redhead personally. The cards told about mission experience: 8 C ranks and 1 B. None of which had even scratched Gaara. Naruto was surprised at the beginning but then he remembered what the sunanin had told him. The sand had always protected him so it made sense that it still did. No one else had a clue about this and the blond wasn't going to spill out Gaara's secrets without his permission.
Kabuto had told them that there was far more competition this time than any of his previous attempts at becoming a Chunin. This was too much excitement for the blond who was trembling as the hot blood rushed through his body not even noticing his redhead friend watching him with relief. Gaara thought that, as long as Naruto and co kept quiet, the rest of the candidates would simply stop staring at them, going back to mind their own businesses but the whiskered boy had other plans.
– GRRRAAAAH! – he growled unexpectedly as he pointed his right index at the mob. – My name is Uzumaki Naruto and I'm gonna beat everyone of ya! Believe it!
Gaara should have known better. However, it was interesting to see the different reactions of the other rookies. They varied from panic passing by anger to complicity. Very interesting indeed.
– Hmph, – Kankuro began. – That's the same kid as before, isn't it?
– He yips just like a little dog, – Temari added.
– Shut up, – Gaara ordered softly.
Both siblings obeyed without another word. Sakura, on the other hand, held Naruto with a headlock and tried to apologize with everyone else. Gaara didn't like her but stopped Kankuro one more time at using the Crow. It wasn't time to show off.
After the Sound shinobi's demonstration, the exam's proctor, Morino Ibiki, appeared. He prohibited any kind of conflict highlighting that the use of fatal force was completely out of the question. Then he proceeded to explain how the written part of the exam was to be taken. At the prospect of a written test, Naruto panicked. To Gaara this was very odd but then again he knew that the blond was far from normal when he decided to name Ichibi's jinchuriki his friend. He deduced Naruto had trouble with academic matters and once the gourd boy got his own exam, he realized just how accurate his Konoha friend's reaction was.
Time ticked and even he had to admit that this was very hard. Gaara understood the point of this exam very early on but by the looks of it, his blond friend was in serious trouble. He wished he could do something but he couldn't. When time was almost up, the redhead noticed that the pale girl of the grey eyes tried to help the blond but the second failed to copy from her exam.
Time was up.
The proctor gave the tenth question. Again, it was a very hard decision to make and Gaara felt a tinge of urge when he saw many people leave the room. He was sure that many still present were considering the possibility of giving up as well until his friend spoke up. His words gave hope and confidence. They were a reassurance for everyone that had stayed at their places and so the first phase was over.
Yet, phase 2 proved to be more of a challenge for Gaara. The demon inside him demanded blood like a madman and those folk from the Hidden Rain Village had practically begged for it. A part of him was very afraid to let go of the beast. The other simply encouraged him to do so. There hadn't been nearly enough blood to satisfy him and he could sense the presence of another squad very close by.
He felt the pulse and the urge but it weren't neither Kankuro's words nor Temari's pleas that saved the rookies. In reality, the gourd boy had seen the youngster's team, noticing the shy girl from phase 1 among them. She might have not done an awful lot but had been willing to risk her chance of becoming a Chunin by helping the dumb blond he called friend. Just for that, he would spare her and her companions… this time.
The Sand Siblings were the first team to arrive at the tower of course. Kankuro and Temari feeling awfully restless after the bloodbath. Gaara, on the other hand, was quite appeased. They waited for little more than half a day before any other trio got to the base. When they finally heard more voices, the gourd boy had hoped it was Naruto but, to his surprise, it was the grey-eyed girl's team. Both of her male companions gave the redhead the look of hate and fear he was so used to, the girl simply looked at the floor. He stopped walking in front of them.
– What's your name? – he asked giving the girl a side glance.
– Tch, what do you care? – the boy with the dog answered rudely.
– Your name? – the redhead insisted one more time not minding the other's question.
– You bastard, – the other growled.
– K… Kiba-kun, i… it's alright, – the girl finally spoke up. – I'm H… Hyuga Hinata.
The sand Genin nodded once and kept walking. His siblings, a little dumbfound, collected themselves and went after their brother. No more was spoken about the matter but the two elders were very surprised, their minds working overtime as they tried to figure out the sudden interest of the young one on the shy girl. They had never imagined he had such taste in girls. They never imagined he had any kind of interest on something besides killing. It certainly was awkward.
Naruto, on his part, had been very busy with the whole Orochimaru thing to give too much thought about other things that didn't involve his team but after waking up and learning teams 10 and Gai had helped them against the sound ninjas, he began to think about his other friend. Was he alright? Would he have gotten to the tower already? Or was he still looking for a scroll himself? No matter the answer to these questions, Naruto never doubted that Gaara was alive and well. Being that the case, he couldn't allow himself to lose. He wanted to see the redhead again and, if possible, fight with him.
Like many things in his life, by a stroke of luck Naruto and his team were able to make it on time. Naruto said goodbye to Kabuto and they all went inside the tower. As Iruka-sensei pointed out, their delay would not allow them much rest. They needed to move on to phase 3 as soon as possible therefore, they went to the main quarters. That is, a vast room with nothing really but two balconies and a huge, stone statue forming the Ram sign at the very end.
Seven teams had made it and Naruto was beyond happy to see Gaara's was there too. Not only the applicants but their senseis, proctors (from phase 1 and 2), the Third Hokage and some other ninjas were already waiting by the statue. The Hokage then proceeded to explain more about the exam and its true meaning and purpose but when he was about to tell what the exam would consist of, a new ninja entered the place. He identified himself as Gekkou Hayate, phase's 3 proctor and told them that due to the high number of participants, they were going to have a preliminary round which consisted on one-on-one battles to determine the strongest contenders of all.
Sakura wanted to have Sasuke removed from this point on and Naruto was not sure about why. Those two were keeping something from him and he hated it. No matter what, Sasuke should be allowed to participate, otherwise, they might not find a better chance to test each other. At least that is what played on Naruto's mind but watching Sakura tearing up was very alarming. For her to be like this it had to mean that something very bad happened while he was out.
Against all odds, the person that did quit was none other than Kabuto. To Gaara this meant peace of mind, he really hated that guy as much as he hated those from the Hidden Sound Village but for the blond this was very shocking. He had hoped to see Kabuto fight for real under different circumstances and then he went and gave up at the last minute. Gaara had to admit that he didn't like the sight of Naruto's hurting face, specially when the pain was emotional, but he was glad to get rid of that man. For everyone's sake.
The rounds began immediately having that Uchiha boy against Kami knew who. They all had to admit that his taijutsu technique had been great considering that that was what actually won him the battle. Next up were Aburame Shino and Zaku Abumi. Gaara noted that the one with the glasses was one of Hinata's companions. He was weird, was the redhead's conclusion after the battle was over, having the insect trainer as the winner. Right after that was Kankuro's turn against a certain Misumi. The battle was over faster than the turn had arrived. Kankuro won, obviously.
With each competition Gaara felt the urge to leap forward and kill anyone, everyone, but one look at his blond friend was enough to keep him in check. Next up was that pink-haired girl against the blonde. Sakura and Ino he noted. It was obvious who his friend would cheer up. His teammate fought quite ferociously against the blonde but to Gaara, it was obvious that both of them were quite weak, at least to the sand ninja.
To Naruto it was quite the opposite, he could see the strength in Sakura that barely no one could. He was sure that the female member of his team could beat her lifelong rival although it wouldn't be easy. At the end, a draw had to do. After cheering Sakura and, unknowingly, liberating her from the Yamanaka's Mind Control Jutsu, both kunoichi were unable to keep going. Their chakra was spent.
The fifth battle was Temari against another girl named Tenten. Just like with Kankuro, the battle was very swift having the sand kunoichi as the winner. Rock Lee as well as Naruto thought that the way that Temari treated Tenten was very cruel, not at all how a true winner should act and then there was the way she talked.
– What is wrong with you?! – Lee asked loudly. – She may have lost but that is no way to treat an opponent who has done her best!
– Oh, beat it and take that sack of garbage with you, – Temari said.
Lee couldn't hold back any longer and attacked. The young woman in question didn't even seem to have done a great effort to stop his kick with her huge fan.
– Not even close. You know what, you're as dumb as you look.
– What did you say!?
After that, Gai sensei interceded only to have Gaara really stop the conflict. Still, nothing really prepared Naruto for what he heard.
– Temari, – he called in an unusually loud voice (loud considering his standards), – forget them. The match is over so get up here. You won, why are you wasting your time with that pathetic loser and his ridiculous mentor.
That was just as cruel as the rest of the team's behavior. It hurt deep in Naruto to see just how different this Gaara was. He clenched his teeth and gripped the rail even harder. Rock Lee seemed to be doing pretty much the same.
The next encounter brought up yet another sound Genin. The girl, Kin, seemed so very confident, and her opponent, Nara Shikamaru, who simply looked awfully bored. His whole team cheering him up or at least trying to motivate him out of his boredom. As improbable as it looked, he won the match quite easily though not unhurt.
Right behind them was the match that Gaara had actually waited for. At least half of it. He had wished to be the one to fight against Naruto but to see him fight against that dog boy would be quite entertaining, of that much he was sure at least. His hand tightened a little more around his arm.
When the first blow came in, it had been a little unexpected. It had for sure been a mighty punch but the redhead was sure that it wouldn't be enough to finish off his stubborn friend. Just like magic, the blond got back on his feet. Kiba and his dog attacking all the time but Naruto wouldn't give in. The gourd boy was surprised to see the blond using the Shadow Clone Jutsu. He knew that it was a highly difficult technique that required a lot of chakra but his friend seemed to be able to use it with no problem at all.
Gaara could barely look away from the battle. His admiration towards his hyperactive friend certainly growing at every passing minute. Naruto had certainly become stronger since they last saw each other and Gaara could understand how the whiskered boy had gotten so far in the Chunin exams. Every crazy idea seemed to pay off to the point where most of the other shinobis thought that Naruto had a chance. In Gaara's mind, Naruto had already won.
In the very end, the redhead had to admit two things. One, time hadn't made the blond anymore graceful. His little accident had given him the upper hand but it still was completely opposite from orthodox. Two, he really wanted to measure his strength against the konohanin. Who knew, perhaps it would be a very interesting fight.
The desert boy saw as the blond looked at him for the briefest moment and he couldn't help but give him an approving nod. Gaara also noticed the exchange between Hinata and Naruto and was actually sort of grateful for her help though when the names for the next challenge were up he was unsure of how to feel for the girl. She evidently looked terrorized.
Hyuga Hinata vs Hyuga Neji.
They had to be related. The family name and those eyes were unmistakable. Now, Gaara had always thought that as he grew up, he had become crueler and crueler but what Neji said wounded more than what his sand could ever do. Naruto seemed to think the same way as he tensed to each of the Hyuga boy's words. Hinata was far from unaffected by her cousin's words, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Gaara couldn't take it any longer and he would have done something about it had the blond not screamed with all his might.
– DON'T LABEL PEOPLE JUST LIKE THAT YOU IDIOT! BEAT HIM UP HINATA!
The girl in question seemed astonished for a moment.
– WHY DON'T YOU SAY SOMETHING BACK?! IT'S MAKING THE PEOPLE WATCHING GET ANGRY!
It certainly was, specially the redhead but he noticed just like everyone else, how Hinata's stance changed. She stopped trembling and, for the first time since they met, Gaara heard the girl speak without any stutter in her voice. Clear and fluid, she challenged her relative. Both adopted the same taijutsu pose and proceeded to activate their Kekkei genkai. It was obvious that Naruto's voice had reached deep within the girl and she went forwards with everything she got since the first punch.
– HINATA! WAY TO GO! – Naruto exclaimed.
Gaara nodded ever so slightly until a hard punch could be heard. No one moved for a second. Then two, three, four. All the while wondering who had gotten who. It finally happened. Hinata coughed a little, letting out some blood from her mouth.
– So, that's it, huh? That's all there is to the main branch's power? – Neji said calmly.
– What?! Hinata's attack hit him too!
Gaara echoed the thought in his mind. Still, though tired and out of breath, Hinata's resolution strengthened, trying to get the boy again. Neji caught her wrist mid-air and punched her with two fingers near her elbow. Without letting go, he proceeded to roll up Hinata's sleeve to show everyone all the red dots he had been making on the porcelain-white skin. The girl looked worried and scared.
– Did you… So you were… – she struggled to complete the phrase.
– That's right. My eyes could see your tenketsu the whole time.
Neji then proceeded to send her back with a single punch. She landed painfully on her back.
– Lady Hinata, this is the difference in our unchangeable powers. It's the difference that separates the elites from the failures, – he made a pause. – This is the unchangeable reality. You were destined to regret this when you said that you didn't want to run away. You should be in despair right now. This is your last warning. Give up.
Unlike the first speech, Hinata reacted instantly. Through the pain in her limbs, the blood still dripping from her mouth and the fact that she still was on the floor, she said brokenly:
– I'm… not going… to take back… my… – she was almost standing by now, – words. That is my nindo.
She panted heavily but had a smile on her face as she looked up. Neji didn't like her attitude. Gaara noticed the girl's look towards his blond friend. The second having quite a shocked face. A moment later she re-activated her Byakugan, same as her cousin but her confidence was interrupted by a dangerous cough. Blood spilled on the floor as she held her chest.
The redhead's bloodlust woke up. The thing inside him wanted to see more, so much more. Gaara was losing control when…
– HINATA! – Naruto's voice broke the spell. – DO YOUR BEST!
With that motivation, the girl re-engaged, powered up by the blond's voice. It was obvious who would win but it was still impressive the impact the whiskered boy could have on others.
Hinata lost her balance for a second and received two Gentle Fists from Neji. She was sent back again although this time she didn't fall. What did happen was that another (more violent even) fit of coughs caught up with her. Yet, it mattered not, Hinata went at her cousin with one last move but the young genius intercepted it with ease and gave her a final punch instead. The girl fell flat on her face.
– You are such a stubborn person. Your attacks had no effect on me to begin with. It's over.
Neji began to walk away. The proctor was about to declare him the winner until Naruto interrupted once again.
– DON'T STOP THE MATCH! Don't stop the match!
Again, he had clearly seen what no one else had. He smiled with pride and respect as all the others were shocked at the view, specially Neji. Hinata was getting up. Stumbling, trembling and panting but up she went.
– Why did you stand up? – her cousin asked. – If you push yourself you're really going to die.
Gaara could only nod again in a sign of approval and understanding but the girl's persistence seemed to bother Neji.
– I can still… – Hinata began, holding her side.
– There's no point in acting tough. You're barely able to stand up, – Neji replied. – I can tell with these eyes that you have carried the destiny known as the Hyuga Family. You cursed your powerlessness and blamed yourself but people can not change. This is destiny. There is no need to suffer. Let yourself go.
All through his speech she smiled and, at the end of it, she shook negatively her head.
– You are wrong Neji nii-san, – he was completely surprised by her soft statement. – Because I can see that you are suffering more than me.
– What?
– You are the one who is confused and suffering inside the fate of the head and branch families.
Neji was beyond furious. He prepared his attack and charged, roaring with anger.
– Neji-kun, the match has ended! – the proctor tried to intervene as he ran towards the boy.
He wasn't the only one. In a flash, 3 of Konoha's present team's senseis appeared in the arena to hold him back as well. His own sensei condemning in a soft tone Neji's actions.
– Why did the other Jounins came out? Does the head of the family receive special treatment?
The guy's obsession with the matter was too boring and bothersome in Gaara's eyes but it had given the Hyuga boy the strength to harm the shy girl all too much.
She collapsed.
Her sensei was at her side in a moment, letting go of Neji. Gaara watched as Naruto and two others jumped into the arena without hesitation running to check on the girl.
– Hinata! Are you ok? Hey!
Gaara could only wonder about her last broken words towards his friend and was quite sure that not even Naruto, being as close as he was to Hinata was able to get the whole message. The redhead was very angry towards Neji, he had no right to make the blond worry as much as he was making him worry at that moment.
– Hey you, loser, – Neji called out.
The sand ninja's blood boiled.
– Let me warn you about two things. If you truly want to call yourself a ninja, stop with that stupid cheering of yours. It's disgraceful. And one more thing. A failure is a failure. You can not change that.
The provocation was obvious and Gaara was dying on the inside to squash the smirk on the Hyuga boy as soon as Naruto responded him. The blond fell for it but the weird looking boy in green spandex intervened on Naruto's behalf.
– You…!
– I understand how you're feeling Naruto-kun, – he began, – but you should fight in a proper match. The loser defeating the gifted genius through sheer hard work. Now, would that not make for an exciting match? Even if I am the one who's going to have to fight Neji? Although, I will hold no grudge if you were to match up with him.
Naruto gnarled a little but understood and deflated.
– Fine, – he walked away.
Hinata coughed painfully and everyone's attention turned back to the wounded kunoichi. Her sensei made a quick check-up and glanced dangerously towards Neji.
– If you have time to glare at me, I believe you should use that time to look at her, – the guy said almost in a mocking tone.
– Medical team! What are you doing?! Hurry! – she urged.
Said team finally appeared and placed the girl on a stretcher. Naruto was in shock and Gaara's silent rage was piling up. He was truly sorry for the poor soul that would have to duel him.
– She won't last ten minutes at this rate, – Naruto heard the medics.
– Take her to the emergency treatment room. Hurry!
Naruto's eyes showed his worry and disbelief. Without warning, he kneeled and brushed his fingers in a small puddle of Hinata's blood.
– Hinata, I give you my word…
A blood promise, Gaara thought impressed as the blond turned to Neji, his fist towards the long-haired boy.
– I vow to win.
All the present stared at the whiskered boy but scattered quickly when Hinata's blood was being cleaned from the floor to allow the next match to be decided. Meanwhile, Kankuro's curiosity had been picked. He told Temari he was going to stretch a bit and ended up at the opposite platform. He got near Naruto (having seen that the boy had isolated himself the most and was closest to the stairs) and tried to sound as friendly as he could but the blond turned him down flat claiming that he neither found him interesting nor likable. Kankuro grimaced but kept quiet.
Gaara, on the other hand, watched very closely the interaction. The last thing he needed at the moment was to worry about the blond and his big mouth. The redhead was already trembling with excitement as the voice of his (literal) inner monster began to scream for blood. Muffling the voice was complicated but he got hold of himself as the names began to run on the screen. People stilled and were silent with anticipation.
The sorting stopped.
Gaara summoned some sand, which embraced his body and transported him to the arena. He was genuinely sorry for his opponent, he had no quarrel against the boy. Yet, his outer appearance showed no emotion at all.
Rock Lee was a different story. The spandex user was all hyped up and began throwing a couple of high kicks and punches in the air. Both the sensei and the teen were absolutely thrilled. There was fire in Lee's eyes as he jumped to the arena, landing softly. He took a taijutsu posture commenting on how glad he was to have Gaara as his adversary sooner rather than later.
The gourd's cork flew and the opponent caught it.
– Don't be so hasty, – Lee advised.
– Now, let the match… – the proctor signaled, – begin.
Lee sped towards the redhead intending to assert a Leaf Hurricane kick but the sand blocked it. Naruto was amazed by his sunanin friend. To be able to stop Lee's blast without even flinching only made more evident how strong Gaara had gotten. That kick had send the bushy-browed boy back, measuring his next move. With resolution he charged once again.
Neither kick, nor punch landed its mark. The sand crept from behind, forcing Rock Lee to use a kunai to dispel it. When it became too much, the sand came together and began the counterattack, making the opponent go back and throw some shuriken but long distance attacks were null as well. Naruto awed. During their time together he had seen very little of Gaara's control over sand but it was clear to him that, as they grew older, the redhead's jutsu became more powerful.
– The sand. He's using it as a shield, – Naruto let out.
– He's not doing it, the sand is protecting him of his own accord, – the guy named Kankuro replied.
– I know that, – Naruto said. – It comes to Gaara's defence when he needs it.
That caught Kankuro's attention.
– How come?
– Huh?
– How come you know that?
Naruto realized his mistake.
– I saw it happen before so I just assumed it, – he tried.
Kankuro didn't seem very pleased but let the matter go for now and he returned his eyes to the match. Rock Lee looked frustrated.
– Well, – Gaara's voice could be heard, – is that all? I hope you haven't finished entertaining me. We haven't had enough… blood.
That said, the sand went at the green spandexed boy more viciously. It grabbed one of his ankles as he tried to jump away, spun him like a ragdoll and slammed the boy into one of the walls. Lee was startled for a moment but dodged another attack and ran forward to try and punch his rival. The sand blocked him. Again and again he tried with the same outcome.
Right then, the sand shaped into a hand, trying to bring down the fast boy who back-flipped multiple times to get away of the sand but it caught up making him slip. A final blow was about to hit him. Nonetheless, Lee managed to escape with a mighty jump that placed him on top of the monument's fingers.
Gaara, Naruto thought. The look on his friend's face was so murderous and somber, Did he really mean the blood thing?
– Lee, take them off! – Gai-sensei instructed as he broke the blond's concentration.
– But Gai-sensei, I thought that was only permitted when protecting many important people, – the teen saluted in a military fashion as he answered.
– Come on! – Gai-sensei gave a thumbs up. – I will allow it.
Lee's serious face melted into a happy smile while he sat down and removed the orange leg heaters, revealing his leg weights. There were mixed feelings about the issue. Some were surprised, some were unimpressed. Some thought it stupid and useless, Naruto thought it was cool. All in all, no one really understood how this was supposed to help but Gai-sensei looked overly confident.
– All right! I can move more easily now! – Lee declared letting go of the weights from his place at the top of the fingers.
The heaviness of the weight created crates where they landed, making all look equally shocked and surprised.
– GO LEE! – Gai-sensei encouraged.
– Yes, sir! – the teen answered, practically disappearing from sight.
His speed increasing to such a point that Gaara's sand couldn't follow up. Even though the first few kicks and punches still didn't touch the redhead, Lee was getting closer every second until he did it. He managed to asses a heavy kick on the young jinchuriki's face. The gash on his right cheek left there for everyone to see. The rest of the sand team couldn't believe their eyes.
The bobbed-haired boy kept the offence coming, managing to punch the sunanin hard on the face. Gaara went backwards. Konoha's shinobi were amazed for a moment, then, the opponent stood up and fear grew in their hearts.
– This isn't good… – Kankuro commented.
– What do you mean? – Naruto inquired taking his eyes off the match for a second.
The middle sand brother looked worried. When the blond returned his attention to the match he was stunned. Despite the fact that there was sand practically peeling off his friend's face, as if it were another skin layer, what really troubled Naruto was the look Gaara wore. It was not only a deranged look, it was one filled with bloodlust and craving for violence.
That was not his Gaara. This boy right now was nothing like the shy little redhead that clung to his teddy bear during the day and held Naruto's hand at night as not to disappear. This wasn't the innocent boy lost in the woods or the amazing sand castle builder. This was a stranger, a murderer, a monster.
The blond couldn't bring himself to believe that entirely but this Gaara was certainly frightening.
– H… hey, – he managed, – what's that? Did he dodge bushy-brow's attack with that?
– Yeah, that's the sand armor, – Kankuro replied.
– Armor?
– Normally, the shield of sand protects Gaara automatically and if the shield is bypassed by chance, the sand armor will stop the attack. That's Gaara's absolute defence.
– That can't be. There's no way to beat that! Does he have no weak points? – Naruto grumbled in frustration and fear.
– Is that all you've got? – Gaara spoke up, his armor perfectly in place by now.
Lee seemed to hesitate for a moment then, proceeded to free the bandages on his hands, positioned himself and began his attack. First, he circled Gaara with such speed that only the dust he made go up was the only proof of him holding the same position.
– Hurry up and come, – Gaara said, still in his calm voice.
– As you wish!
Next thing Gaara knew, he had received a mighty kick on his chin. The might of Lee's leg was enough to send him up but not up enough. That noticed, the konohanin began a series of continuous kicks, separating them more and more from the floor with every collision. Due to the body strain, Lee struggled with one particular kick and squeezed his eyes for a second in pain but kept going. After two more blows, Lee wrapped Gaara's body with the bandages, held him tight from the arms and began spinning downwards at breathtaking speed.
– Take this! PRIMARY LOTUS!
The impact was imminent and the damage was done. Rock Lee panted heavily on his crouched position. The sunanin was motionless but with cracks all over his body.
– It is over. I got'im.
Gai-sensei began his celebration as the rest of the gathered mob was simply too surprised to talk.
– He did it, – Naruto finally said.
– No way, this can't be, – Kankuro answered.
The proctor approached the fallen redhead only to be shocked by the view. The desert boy was literally crumbling. The chunks of sand falling into himself. It was evident that, at some point, Gaara had left a sand clone instead of receiving the Primary Lotus himself. The match was still on.
The taijutsu genius was completely out of breath and the hair on his neck rose as Gaara came out of his hideout bearing an evil looking smile and letting out a small, sinister laugh. Temari and Kankuro froze with a knowing fear. They were absolutely aware of what was happening to their little brother and to see the beast unleashed again frightened them both more that could be said in words.
– That's… – Temari couldn't finish her sentence.
– No doubt about it,… Those eyes,… "It" has awaken… the monster within him, – Kankuro assured not to anyone in particular but that caught Naruto's attention.
The monster within him?, the blond wondered looking at the Puppet Master for a second before returning his eyes to both contendants. Gaara's whole countenance completely foreign to the blond. That smirk, that malice. If Kankuro was right and there was a "monster within" his friend, Naruto was helpless. He didn't know how to deal with a thing like that. He had barely been able to assimilate the fact that he himself had a demon sealed within his body. Could it be that Gaara is the same?, he hoped.
Meanwhile, Lee was receiving a painful beating from the unforgiving sand. A blow after the other, not being able to dodge any of those attacks.
– Run! – was the only thing Naruto managed to blurt out to the teen.
– The bobbed hair guy can barely move now, – Kankuro began. – Gaara is only playing with him.
No! Not Gaara! No!, Naruto thought violently but he couldn't change the reality of what his eyes were seeing.
Gaara wetted his lips in sadistic anticipation. The taijutsu ninja was all out of breath and barely able to more or less stand. As best he could, he dodged a couple of blows but that only helped to excite the redhead's demon even more.
– So useless, – Kankuro stated. – To begin with, he bobbed haired boy had the bad luck of matching up with Gaara.
– No, Lee is not a guy who will surrender to something like this, – Gai-sensei intervened.
– What? – both Naruto and Kankuro asked.
– That's because Lee is…, – the sensei drifted off.
After some specially hurtful blows, Lee spared a glance at his sensei and almost let a tear out. He assumed his taijutsu pose once again with a smile on his face and awaited for Gaara's next move. The sand came at him but he moved out of the way in a flash. Except for Gai, the rest of the spectators hung their mouth. The blond and the painted teen were so immersed on what they were seeing that they failed to listen to Gai-sensei's explanation about the Eight Gates and Lee's limits. They were simply too astounded.
This amaze grew even more when Lee, got still for a moment and began concentrating. After a couple of seconds, they could all practically see the chakra that he was emanating around himself.
– WHAT?! – Sakura called out.
– I don't know what you are trying to do, but you are going to be finished here, – Gaara's quiet voice said.
– Yes, – Lee agreed. – Either way, the next move will end everything. I can't be the only one who loses here!
More chakra accumulated creating two ascending strings of blue chakra.
– Third Gate… Gate of Life, release!
A crater was being formed at Lee's feet and even chunks of the floor were floating around.
– He's turning red, – Naruto said.
– What's happening to him? – Kankuro asked out loud.
Lee bended over his middle a little as he stated:
– Now for the Fourth Gate, the Gate of Pain… Release!
His pupils were gone, his skin had turned red and now the veins were marking heavily on his face in a similar fashion as the Hyuga's Byakugan. The bobbed haired boy flexed his knees and disappeared in a flash breaking the floor wherever he touched it. Next thing Gaara knew, a foot had made a painful collision with his chin once again but this time one kick was all it took to send him flying over the arena.
– Gaara?! – Kankuro called out worriedly.
– Where did they go? – Naruto moved his head energetically to find those two but it was Shikamaru's voice which guided them in the right direction.
Gaara was still midair, his armor cracking and Lee nowhere to be seen. Gaara's sand was finally catching up to the boy when the green spandex teen appeared in front of him. Lee gave a punch and disappeared again, reappearing at the gourd boy's back and giving him another mighty punch. Again and again and again Rock Lee moved like a blur to strike Gaara with heavy and powerful blows. Gaara began to despair. His sand armor was about to give in and his opponent didn't look anywhere near finished although his body was indeed beginning to falter.
The Fifth Gate had opened and Lee punched the redhead on the stomach, sending him directly to the floor. Still, he never got there. A force pulled him from his middle violently and the sunanin opened his eyes briefly to see Lee's bandages tied to his waist. The teen pulled the boy up and unleashed the Hidden Lotus. For a moment, everyone was blinded by the wave of dust that rose from the broken tiles. Lee landed painfully at one side of the new crater, exhausted, panting and lying on his back.
As the dust dissipated, everyone saw in fear that the redhead was still conscious. The gourd on his back having turned into a last-resource sand cushion. Unbelievable!, Naruto thought.
With what was left of his chakra, Gaara lifted his right arm to summon his sand. Lee watched in horror and tried to get away from the huge hand but was unsuccessful to even bring himself to crawl. It was evident that the forbidden technique had taken its toll. The sand crept towards him ever so slowly until it seized his left arm and leg.
Naruto watched in horror. That look on his friend's face was nothing but murder intent. The blond didn't want his friend to be this way, he didn't want Gaara to enjoy hurting people, he didn't want him to spill blood, specially when it was from an innocent person. He clutched his hands tightly around the rail, unmoving and unable to do something.
Lee screamed in anticipated panic.
– Sand Coffin!
The next scream was one of agonizing pain followed by a certain taijutsu genius to lose conscience. Yet, to the redhead it wasn't enough. The sand was about to strike the once-fast boy when…
– GAARA! STOP!
That was enough.
Gaara snapped out of the monster's control at the sound of that familiar voice and the sand stopped. It sounded clear as a bell but, unlike those happy childhood days, where the voice was warm and playful, the voice of that moment sounded desperate and even scared. It was true that at some point the redhead had promised himself to speak to Naruto with the truth but it made him uneasy to think that his once friend would turn his back on him. Just like Yashamaru. Now the blond had seen him, the real him and the monster. It had been inevitable. This exams had called for it. He hadn't had a choice.
Naruto's voice had not been the only surprise, Gai-sensei had appeared out of practically nowhere to protect his student. In the end it hadn't been necessary but it was a risk he wouldn't take. By doing so, Lee lost the encounter automatically but Gaara couldn't care less. His eyes had looked directly at the blond for a moment and then to the floor in utter shame. His head began pounding painfully as he rose from his sand cushion and the rest of his weapon flew back into the newly formed gourd.
The older sand siblings and their sensei were speechless. Out of all the incredible things they had seen that day, watching the youngest member of the team spare a life in the middle of a bloodlust attack without putting a fight was the most unbelievable thing of all. It was at that precise moment that Baki remembered the blond's face.
For so long he had forgotten the minor event of Gaara's disappearance when he was younger but now that he put his full attention into the matter, he remembered the blond boy perfectly well. He remembered how surprised he had been when the redhead asked permission to say goodbye. The tenderness of both boys' words and the high hopes in their voices as those last words were spoken. Could it be possible that the blond boy from Konoha has more power over our jinchuriki than I thought?, Baki wondered. After what he saw, he couldn't be blind to the possibility.
To the Sand Team it became second thought the fact that Lee stood up ready to keep fighting even if he was unconscious. What mattered to them was what happened when Naruto jumped from the balcony and ran towards the bobbed-hair teen crossing paths with Gaara. Time seemed to slow down as both jinchurikis locked their eyes for the briefest moment.
On one side, Gaara first looked ashamed, not even daring to lift his eyes from the ground. When he did, the shame turned to shock and, finally, deviated from the piercing blue orbs with a heaviness and sadness he hadn't felt in years. Naruto, on the other hand, showed only one emotion. It irradiated from every pore of his being and had many names but Gaara misinterpreted it with the thing he knew best: hate.
Naruto stopped near Lee when the medical team was arriving. He tried (to the best of his abilities) to asses the damage done to Team Gai's member.
– Bushy-brows, – he called softly.
One of the medics looked worried and called Gai-sensei to the side. The whiskered boy, unable to leave Lee's side, overheard the quick diagnostic of the medic. His eyes widened at the news in denial.
– That's… that's got to be a lie, – Naruto said in a quiet voice.
His whole body trembled as his emotions piled up inside him.
– This can't be… Tell me it isn't… – Naruto's tongue stumbled to let his words out. – What is bushy-brows supposed to do if he's told that?! He said that a failure was going to defeat a genius through hard work! CAN'T SOMETHING BE DONE?!
Kakashi-sensei rushed to Naruto before the boy could jump on the medic team for giving their diagnostic and placed a hand over the blond's mouth. They watched as Lee's body was carried away.
– Calm down Naruto.
Said boy slapped the hand from his mouth.
– But… Kakashi-sensei… He wanted to fight Neji and Sasuke so badly…
– That may have caused this unfortunate incident, – Kakashi answered and his pupil listened intently. – To make those wishes come true, he used a self-damaging forbidden jutsu to try and win. And that is the result.
The jonin made a pause still holding his student.
– He tried to abide by the wordless promise that he made with Sasuke, Neji-kun, and you, Naruto, – the boy's eyes widened again. – He desperately tried to head for the stage so he could fight you guys.
Kakashi placed a hand on Naruto's hair.
– Don't forget that, – he finished.
They remained like that while the medic team took Lee to the hospital. Gaara couldn't find the strength to walk up the stairs and he too watched as his former opponent was taken away. The gleam of guilt making a sudden appearance in the redhead's chest though the sentiment was a little foreign to him, it intensified when he turned one last time to see the hyperactive blond. It wasn't much more than a glance but he was unable to see what he had done to the one person that didn't think of him as a monster.
His ringed-eyes closed and the sand transported him back to where his sister awaited.
– Welcome back, Gaara, – she said sweetly but he was unable to return the sentiment, his mind too busy trying to process all his emotions and how to deal with them.
The final match was very quick. The last sound shinobi, Dosu vs Akimichi Chouji. The second showed some potential but in the end he lost miserably against the much older genin. Nothing much to say about it. With that, the preliminaries were over and the Hokage came down from his seat to give the last announcements, all the winners (except for Sasuke) formed a line to listen.
– The main match fights will be shown in front of everyone. We wish for all of you to show off your abilities as your country's representative power. Therefore, the main matches will begin in one month, – the Hokage began.
– We're not going to do it right here, right now? – Naruto interrupted.
– The month is a time to conduct appropriate preparations.
– What do you mean? – Neji asked.
– In other words, we are going to announce to the feudal lords and head ninja of the individual countries that the preliminary matches have ended. And time is needed to gather those people for the main matches. This is also time preparation for you candidates.
– I still don't understand, – Kankuro said rudely. – Explain.
– This time is used so you can know your enemy and yourself better. It is a time to analyze the information you have gathered during the preliminary matches. The battles we had were just like real combat situations. It has been done where both parties knew nothing of each other but the main matches will not be like that. There are those who had revealed everything to their rivals. To make things fair, work hard and improve yourselves on your own in the next month.
All the winners took a moment to assimilate what the Hokage had said.
– So I want to let you guys go, but there is something important we must do before the main matches, – the old man said with a hint of humor.
– What is it?! I have to hurry and train! – Naruto began to say with impatience.
– Don't get so hasty, – the Third recommended. – Take a paper from the box Anko is holding.
– I'll walk, so take it in turns, – said kunoichi instructed. – Take just one.
Following the instructions everyone took a piece of paper and opened it to reveal a number. Morino Ibiki asked each shinobi their numbers as he wrote something down on his writing clipboard and the Hokage proceeded to explain.
– We will now tell you the matchups for the tournament.
– WHAT?!
Naruto was as loud as ever.
– That's what we drew for? – Shikamaru seconded.
– Ibiki, show them the match ups.
– Sir, – Ibiki turned his clipboard for everyone to see.
Most of the participants were quite satisfied with whom they would face. Naruto was especially looking forwards to fulfill his vow. Gaara was both relieved and saddened that he wouldn't face Naruto on the first round but if both won, there would still be the chance of fighting each other. He wasn't sure if he was ready for that but he decided to take one step at a time. Without really noticing what else was being said, the ring-eyed boy played on his mind over and over again the way Naruto had looked at him when they crossed paths.
He hates me, was his conclusion. He thinks of me as the monster I am. This became his new mantra and ire began to bubble inside him.