A/N:
The first part of this chapter was inspired by a review from "DarkShadowRaven" on the first chapter. If a review brings up an interesting idea or question I will be sure to try and adjust my story around it. I love audience participation.
Also I feel I should mention this isn't Yaoi. Gaara might have a crush on Naruto but Naruto doesn't return his feeling. Eventual ship will be Naruto / Hinata. I thought it might be cute, as well as a little sad, to have an unrequited love story as a subplot. Especially since Naruto and Gaara are going to become best friends in this story.
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Chapter 2
"I would like to formally apologize for the nasty business involving the scientists," The Hokage informed Picard as they enjoyed a casual cup of rice wine in the Kage's office.
The meeting with the other Kage and Village Leaders had ended near an hour ago, and the Shinobi should have finished boarding by now, but the Hokage wanted to talk with Picard on a more personal level before the fleet left.
Although this world was run by a council, with no real president or singular monarch, there was no doubt in the inhabitants' mind that this man ruled the world in all but title.
"They were researching not only how our Chakra works but also various Jutsus and clan bloodlines. These things are considered near sacred secrets to my people, and a capital offense. It is most unfortunate they were unaware of that...
"If I hadn't ordered their execution there would have been rioting in the streets and the other villages would have perceived me as too weak to protect my own village. Although the other villages would have still joined the council I formed, out of fear of the ship and the new threats of the greater galaxy... they would have lost too much respect for me as a leader to entertain the various amendments I suggested for our Doctrine... As regrettable as it was, your people's death ensured a new era of peace and prosperity on my planet,"
These people really were savages, "I shall make a note of it for the records," Picard swore.
"Please do,"
"It is good to know their deaths helped ensure your position of power," Picard couldn't resist making an offhand comment but it contained just enough respect to not be taken as an insult.
The Hokage sighed, "I never wanted that," he looked sincere, "I am an old man. I have been actively protecting this village since I was 8 years old..."
Picard paused as he understood the implications. This man, himself, had been one of the world's child soldiers.
"It would give me no greater pleasure then to retire and enjoy what remains of my golden years," The Hokage did not only sound sincere in that. He sounded tired, "Sadly there is no one else to take my throne. My old apprentices could, but they have all refused. No one wants this position and now it is no longer an option, even if I did succeed in changing their minds. This global government is far too new and leaving my position now, when so many turn to me for guidance... it would cause instability when we are trying to encourage cooperation. I don't have to tell you how dangerous a moment like is for peace. One wrong move and not only does it grind to a halt, but it very well could result in war. Maybe in a few more years I can finally enjoy my retirement but for now insuring the peace is too important,"
... Maybe there was more to this man then the leader of a savage world...
"Do you have toast on your planet?" Picard asked.
The Hokage smiled a near Grandfatherly smile, "Would you like to propose one?"
Picard raised his tiny bowl, "May the peace of your world bring about a lasting relationship between our own,"
The Kage raised his own palm-sized bowl, "And may we honor the brave men and women whose lives ensured it," clinking their bowls and downing the Sake.
###
Naruto awed as he looked out the window in one of the lounges on the Recreation Deck. There were a few other Genin with him, from various villages. They were all admiring the view of their world. The little massive green and blue ball under them.
There were dozens, maybe hundreds, of space ships all around the planet. Their business on the planet was over but all the Captains were supposed to meet on this boat in a few more hours for some kind of deporting ceremony.
Their Captain had just returned and summoned all the Jonin Senseis. Kakashi said the Captain had asked the Genin not be present, which was a little weird but it's not like the Hokage never asked to speak with the Jonin alone either. Usually it was something important and world ending, or just going over village secrets that were above the Genin's pay grade. Naruto couldn't fathom what was so important when they just got onboard a few hours ago. They hadn't even left orbit yet. If the Captain just wanted to meet the new crewmen and give a speech the Genin definitely should have been present. Those things were boring as hell but it was mandatory for a Shinobi of any rank.
Regardless the Captain encouraged the "children" to wander in his summons for the Jonin, which made Naruto think he was one of those irritating people that insisted on treating Genin like civilian children. Genin were legally adults regardless of age, it was part of the appeal of signing up for the academy. Yet here...
Naruto was legally allowed in any bar so long as he was wearing his headband, and the villagers were no longer allowed to refuse him service because of the demon in his belly. Yet the first place Naruto went to on this ship had kicked him out just because they served alcohol? He hadn't even ordered any! It tasted kinda weird.
He wasn't allowed in engineering or the Bridge, or basically anywhere but the Recreation Deck and his team's Quarters, so the Genin didn't have a lot of choices of where to go. They were being treated like children, not Shinobi, and it was clearly irritating many of them. They would have to talk to the Captain about this.
Still the Recreation Deck wasn't that bad. Although there was a red light district Naruto saw a Genin get dragged out by his ear while they were having their hide swatted. That lady was really lucky the Jonin told the "kids" to respect the authority of everyone on this ship, as this was a military base with the only civilians present being the crew's families... anyway that guy looked like he desperately wanted to slit her throat for the indignity. He was from freaking wave country, according to his headband. He would have done it to if not specifically ordered not to. That lady had no idea how close to death she just came for mistaking a Shinobi for an ordinary child.
He was ALLOWED in the red light district, at least on Elemental Prime, and Sakura said these aliens biggest laws were respecting other people's cultures! They sure as hell weren't doing that with the Genin!
"This place is rather peculiar,"
Naruto shrieked as Gaara seemed to just appear next to him. He hadn't notice him come over at all.
"Don't DO that," Naruto glared
"My Apologies," Gaara spoke in that emotionless monotone of his, "It's more a habit, Shinobi are supposed to move silently,"
Naruto was going to yell at the boy but wasn't sure if he was being a smart ass or genuinely thought Naruto didn't know that. Both seemed pretty insulting.
"These aliens don't appear to have a concept of 'teenagers'," Gaara went on with his original point, "Anyone under 16 is treated as if they were a small child, even 15 year olds like my brother. He isn't particularly happy about that,"
Naruto snorted, "No kidding, no wonder they have a hard time getting their heads around the idea of Genin,"
"My 17 year old Sister went into the red light district just to taunt him," Gaara informed. Although he seemed completely emotionless something told Naruto he was amused by their antics.
Naruto snorted again, this time due to the laughter he was holding back.
"Come on Gaara," Naruto placed his hand on the boy's shoulder, "Let's see what these aliens do for fun,"
Gaara just stared at the hand, trying to understand how this was possible. The hand was there, on his shoulder. He could feel it... it felt weird... Naruto was actually touching him. How was that even possible? He honestly couldn't fathom. The sand didn't let anyone touch him.
"Come on stop looking so creepy!" Naruto smiled as he removed his hand but retained his goofy smile.
He didn't stop there. He put his other arm around Gaara's shoulder. Then turned them both to face the door and casually walked out, near dragging Gaara with him as if he was an old friend... and it was indeed causal... Naruto-kun... didn't fear him at all.
"Why's your face getting red?" Naruto blinked as they walked down the hall.
"My face is getting hot," Gaara emotionless informed, "I think I might be running a fever," it was the only explanation he could think of for why he suddenly felt so weird.
"Well don't get me sick!" Naruto quickly unlocked his arm and scampered a good arm's length away... but he was still walking with him.
Gaara felt his heart speed up. He really must be sick, but why would it come on all of a sudden?
"I should report myself to sickbay," Gaara informed.
"Seriously!?" Naruto gaped, "You're going to go to the Hospital!? Voluntarily!?"
"Sudden onset illness is usually serious," Gaara informed.
"Well let me escort you," Naruto turned towards the elevator, "Geez I hope you don't have whatever Hinata does. That girl is always getting sick,"
Gaara's chest tightened more and suddenly he was feeling very jealous for whoever this Hinata girl was. Why he wasn't sure. Maybe he was getting delirious.
###
Kimimaro was still in the hospital wing, going through various test. His treatment only took a few minutes but he had been in here for hours as a result of all the extra test and scans the Doctors were doing. The Chief medical officer assured him this was a one-time thing and they were just trying to get a full map of his condition.
Hearing the door hiss open Kimimaro looked over to spot the two Jinchuriki step in. Kabuto wanted him to keep an eye on them. He wanted Kimimaro to analyze their seals and give him the information. He claimed that if he could analyze the seals he could develop his own. One that could make it so anyone with a curse mark could contain their Lord's soul indefinitely. He just had to tweak it so that Orochimaru would maintain full control, but then the serpent god would be able to live for decades, perhaps centuries, before he would need a new body. That would be particularly useful given their world's new plan to take their craft to the stars. Kimimaro didn't really care for the Medic but if he could do their lord such a service they were obligated to give it a try.
"What seems to be the problem," one of the nurses walked over to the boys.
"I feel very peculiar," The red head informed.
"Well hop up on the table and let me get a scan of you," said the nurse, pull out her "wand" or whatever it was.
The boy did as he was told.
"What are your symptoms?" The nurse asked as her device began to decipher its readings.
"My mouth feels kinda dry and my face is hot. My heartbeat is also abnormally fast," The Gaara informed.
The nurse nodded, as her device was still recording the data, "When did it start?"
"When Naruto touched me,"
The nurse paused, then her own face turned red as the readings came up on her device.
"Gaara isn't allergic to me is he!?" Naruto yelped
Kimimaro couldn't help it, he burst out laughing.
The nurse became flustered, "Errr, no, everything is fine. It's just a slight hormonal imbalance common during puberty,"
Gaara blinked, titling his head slightly, "Puberty? I am unfamiliar with the term,"
Naruto helpfully explained, "It's when white goo starts shooting from your-" at least he attempted to.
"OKAY!" The nurse's voice got panicky, "It's perfectly normal and there is nothing to worry about," she squeaked, while some of the other doctors and nurses started snickering too.
The 2 little boys just stared at her all confused.
Naruto asked, "but what does that got to do with Gaara getting sick all of a sudden?"
"It will be best if your guardians explain it to you," The Nurse insisted.
Naruto wasn't having any of that. He crossed his arms and glared at the nurse, "We don't have 'Guardians'. We're Shinobi!"
Kimimaro spoke up. It just came natural to him to go into lecturing 'Senpai' mode given how much time he spends with the younger children Orochimaru has rescued, "Don't get defensive. You know full well she means your Sensei. As Genin you should be used to civilians treating you like typical children. You need to be patience and tolerate them,"
Naruto pouted but said nothing
"I'll send a message to both your Senseis," The nurse tried again, "For now just go back to playing,"
Naruto opened his mouth, looking like he was about to start screaming obscenities at her, but let out a yelp as a bone dagger cut across his cheek and impaled the wall behind him.
"Respect your elders," Kimimaro warned, his finger still pointing at the child.
All the Medical officers began snapping at him and acting all hysterical, for a reason none of the Shinobi could understand. How did the Federation discipline their military forces?
Well the Medics yelled at Kimimaro Gaara guided Naruto out of Sickbay.
"That was weird?" Naruto commented as he rubbed his cheek. It wasn't even bleeding, just a little irritated. Most Shinobi wouldn't have been satisfied unless they drew blood or at the very least created a bruise. Kakashi was even prone to leaving bumps on top of his Genin's heads when they acted up. That Kimimaro guy even gave Naruto a warning through his light scolding first.
"Very," Gaara acknowledged, "Maybe these Aliens consider it taboo to use physical discipline?" He suggested. That never exactly worked on him, with his ultimate defense, but he wasn't exactly against it when Baki applied it to his siblings. Baki preferred to make Gaara run laps when the boy acted inappropriately. At least he had since Gaara started acknowledging his authority.
"That's not it," Naruto shook his head as he took his hand away from his face, "I saw a one of these Federation people spanking a Genin from Wave Country,"
Gaara... blinked, "That was rather... daring?" Gaara was trying to find the proper word for it that didn't cause insult.
"No shit," Naruto rolled his eyes, "Point is, if they are against hitting people why'd they do that?"
Gaara had no answer, so he just stared blankly.
Naruto rolled his eyes and moved on, "Well I guess that bone guy had a point that I should treat these guys like Civilians even though this is a military ship,"
Gaara again had nothing to add so he just stared.
"Come on," Naruto grabbed hold of Gaara's wrist and started running towards the turbo lift, "We still need to check out the Recreation deck well we can,"
