Gaara was sitting outside the sand village walls. Being Kazekage, he didn't have much free time, so he escaped whenever

possible. Its not that he didn't like his job, it was everything he ever wanted, he just needed a breather from time to time.

As Gaara sat there relaxing, he noticed someone approaching. He stood up, ready to greet the unexpected visitor, preparing

himself to defend the village if the newcomer meant harm. Gaara relaxed as the person became fully visible. She looked like a

child, but carried herself as a skilled warrior, not one to be taken lightly. Luckily, Gaara sensed she meant no harm.

Toph could tell she was close, she could feel people moving about, smell the food, hear the voices. She couldn't see them, of

course. Reminding herself of this always put her in a bit of a foul mood, but she knew that it was pointless. As she neared

what she assumed to be the entrance of the sand village, she noticed a slight change in the air. Someone was close, probably

outside the gate, and they knew she was there.

"Hey, you, am I at the sand village?" she called out. She knew the answer, she just didn't want to seem unfriendly.

"Yes, yes you are..." replied the person she had sensed earlier.

"My name is Toph, and I am here looking for a friend. She is supposed to be in this village." Toph explained. She wasn't sure

why, but she felt as if she needed to tell this person her reason for being here. Maybe he was someone important, or a guard.

Either way, she wasn't keeping anything hidden.

"I am Gaara, Kazekage of the Village hidden in the sand." Gaara said. "If there is someone you are looking for, I will be

glad to help you." There was something about being Kazekage that gave Gaara a great sense of pride. It was his job to know

not only the village, but the people in it, and he made sure he did the best he could.

"Oh, well, thank you very much sir." Toph said meekly. She had just spoken to the Kazekage, the leader of this village, like

he was no better than a villager. "My friend's name is Matsuri." She said, determined not to become too shy and lose focus.

Gaara smiled. "I know Matsuri quite well, I'll lead you to her. I promised her a visit anyways"

"Thank you..sir.." Toph replied. She was surprised. How is it that Matsuri was so close to someone of such importance?

As if reading her mind..Gaara answered her question. "Matsuri was a student of mine, the only student actually."

Toph didn't quite understand what he meant by "only student", and he said it with a hint of bitterness in his voice. She

decided it was best not to push the subject. "Thank you again, sir." she said.

"Please, just Gaara. And, if you don't mind me asking, are you of the Hyuuga clan?"

"Excuse me, si..urm...Gaara?" Toph was confused. What was Hyuuga?

"Your eyes...they resemble those of the Hyuuga clan" Gaara said.

"Oh" Toph said, the resentment in her voice obvious. "No, im not Hyuga, im blind. I cant see."

"Ah, I am sorry." Gaara said apologetically.

"Follow me..I will take you to Matsuri" Gaara said. and with that, he walked off to the village, Toph following, guided by

the sound of his heartbeat and footsteps.