Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Rated T.

R&R please!

- Chapter Two -

Gaara sat in his office in silence, the only sound being that of his pen, which gently tapped against every paper he signed. He didn't even look up when the door to his office opened and closed, revealing none other than his student, Matsuri. "And what are you visiting me for?"

She nervously fidgeted with her hands, smiling softly at him. "Sari and I wanted to see if you were okay." Matsuri watched his movements, although he didn't bother to look up at her. He was too pre-occupied with getting the orders done and he didn't need interruptions.

"Unless there is a real reason for your visit, I suggest you leave. I am very busy, as you can see." He pushed the paper to the side, grabbing another and began signing once more. "So, what is it?"

Matsuri exhaled a shaky breath. "I was wondering if we could... train today."

The red head sighed. "Not today." This made her shoulders slump in defeat, and she looked down at the floor. What she really wanted was to see if he wanted to go for a walk. But since he was too busy, she thought against asking. "Now if you don't mind-"

Before he could even say what he had wanted to, Baki ran into the office, almost breaking the door off of the hinges. "Gaara-sama! You need to head to the hospital for regular-"

Gaara frowned, while his left eye twitched irritably. "Can I get my work done? When Sakura gets here, we will then go to the hospital. Right now, I need to sign these papers."

His ex-sensei gridded his teeth together. "You don't need to wait until Sakura gets here, Gaara-sama." Matsuri looked between the two men, obviously too nervous to step into the conversation.

The red head placed his pen down on the desk and flicked his eyes up toward the both of them. "I have tons of paperwork. I do not need to leave my job for some hospital check-up. Especially when they don't even know what is wrong." Baki opened his mouth to protest, but Gaara held up a hand, telling him to be quiet or else.

"Hai, Gaara-sama. I understand." Baki looked toward the young girl standing next to him. "We should get going." Baki and Matsuri bowed respectfully to their leader, turning to leave the room. When the door was closed once more, he sighed out of relief. Gaara stood up and placed his hands behind his back, walking toward the large windows that showed his Village.

He saw an instant clutter of civilians walking around the market-place, unaware of his presence at the window. Gaara couldn't believe how prosperous his Village had become over the years, ever since he's been in power. Their alliance with Konoha is stronger than ever, and they've grown drastically, both mentally and physically.

The only problem, were his medics. If Sakura could heal him perfectly, he would probably ask Tsunade if she could stay and teach them her ways.

One more day... Gaara thought, as he sat down in his chair, going back to doing his work.

XxX

"Has Gaara shown any visible signs of sickness?" Sakura asked the Sand Siblings that night, watching their faces from across the campfire. Temari looked down in her lap and Kankuro just averted his eyes. She could tell they were both sad about their little brother, since he did die that first time.

"No, but you can tell it's effecting him. You see," Temari pointed toward her eyes. "His eyes show tiredness, sickness, more than we've ever seen. He looks worn out, like..."

Kankuro interjected. "Like he can't do anything."

Sakura nodded in understanding and silence overcame them once more. She didn't know why they came to her for help, they should have just brought him to Tsunade. The pinkette was sure her Master would know more about his affliction than she would.

She sighed and looked toward the sky; wondering just what Gaara was doing right now. Maybe he was sleeping or looking up at the moon like she was.

Gaara had changed, everyone visibly saw this when he woke up from his death, knowing he was surprised to see the people of his Village surrounding him with smiles on their faces. And although Elder Chiyo had lost her life, they couldn't help but feel grateful he could get another chance, and able to be their Kazekage once more.

Sakura and Elder Chiyo defeated Sasori, one of his murderers, and Sasuke had killed Deidara a few years back. No matter how much the Uchiha was hated by Konoha, Naruto couldn't help but be happy Gaara could be avenged, even if he wasn't the one to do it.

The pinkette smiled to herself. She would know what to do when it came to saving Gaara, no matter how many times it would take. Sakura was determined to heal him, something she couldn't do when he laid there in the grass, lifeless. And Naruto... seeing him so upset, killed her.

Sakura placed her cheek on the palm of her right hand, and watched as the clouds floated by. Now she knew why Shikamaru always did this. It made her feel relaxed, more at peace. And now that she thought about it, he was the laziest ninja ever, but he was still skilled perfectly at his job.

She giggled quietly to herself, which made Temari and Kankuro look at her questioningly.

"Sorry. I'll take the first watch. You guys go ahead and sleep."

"Alright, but first you have to tell us, Sakura. Why did you accept the mission so easily?" They both leaned in, expecting it to be some big secret. Suddenly she felt very uncomfortable with their intense stares.

Sakura looked at Temari with thoughtful eyes and thought about their question before answering. "Because he is my friend. Even if he doesn't know, or think so. Gaara is my duty, my responsibility. I will heal him. No matter what happens, you can count on me." Now she sounds like Naruto, thinking about how she wouldn't give up no matter what it took. The actual thought made her smile.

"Ah, I'm glad you think so." Obviously satisfied with her answer, the two Sand Siblings went into their own tents to catch some shut eye.

Sakura knew they would have a busy day ahead of them.

Since tomorrow, they would finally reach the Village.