Behold the Darkness

I Do Not own Naruto.

Chapter 4

Tracking Naruto was proving harder than Sai thought it would be. He had just left the limits of Suna, but when he had asked if anyone had seen a traveler pass by, no one knew anything of any importance. Obviously, Naruto had kept well away from civilization. The artist sent inky messenger birds back to Kakashi, but so far, all he could do was keep guessing which way Naruto had gone and hope for a hit on his trail. And so far, that had worked. But now that Sai was in the desert, he figured that tactic could only get him so far.

But the Kazekage apparently knew about Naruto's absence, as he had personally come to speak with Sai while he was just outside Suna. Kakashi had informed Gaara, and only Gaara. The red-head had kept this all secret, even from his brother and sister. And the Kazekage was desperate for Naruto to be found promptly. He was all but distraught over the blonde leaving the relative safety of Konoha, and admitted that, if he were not the Kage, he would have left Suna the moment he had learned of Naruto's disappearance and hunt the blonde down himself. Gaara had also told Sai that whatever happened, if Naruto was no longer welcome in the Land of Fire, Sai was to bring him straight to Suna. Gaara would take care of any of Naruto's problems and house him if necessary, even if that were to mean Suna lost it's allies in Konoha.

Sai didn't know what to think of the Kazekage's protectiveness over Naruto. But he also didn't know much about their history together. Were they just really good friends, or was this a one-sided kind of thing? Like how Naruto was with Sasuke? Sai wanted to ask Gaara how he felt about Naruto, but he knew it wasn't his place to so rudely question the Kazekage. He knew he felt jealous toward the red-head, but he wasn't about to test him. Sai knew who would win that battle. Sai was a great ninja, but Gaara hadn't become the leader of Suna at such a young age for nothing.

Trekking these arid deserts was rough on Sai, but eventually, he got lucky. He had picked up a trail less than a day ago. He wasn't sure if it was made by his prey, so he moved forward without rest. If he wasn't following Naruto now, he would need to find out as soon as possible, so he could go back without losing too much time. But, Sai was on the right track. As night approached, he came across a small campsite on a very small oasis. The fire was long put out, but the bedding made from palm leaves had Naruto's chakra imprint. So, Sai followed this path all night. He was too anxious to find Naruto to even think of stopping now.

0-0

Kakashi had only thought he was off the Hokage hook. But no, he still had to play leader. But at least it was only for a little while longer, just until Tsunade was able to fully take over again.

Today had been yet another hectic day. So much paperwork for a town that was only half built. But there were a few new shops that needed clearance to be constructed. Some new clothing stores, and a new library, but most were restaurants. One had already been completed. It was a sushi bar that was said to be very nice. Kakashi was about to head there now, as he was starving for something other than ramen. He could not fathom how Naruto could eat the stuff constantly.

He wondered where the little idiot was. He knew how Naruto thought, and knew it was only a matter of time before he had decided to take off after Sasuke alone. After the last encounter with the Uchiha's, Kakashi didn't think Naruto would want to leave the village again so soon. That's why he hadn't been able to gauge Naruto's behavior in time to stop him. But luck would have it that Sai had caught on. And hopefully in time. If the ex-Root member could find Naruto when he found Sasuke and send their whereabouts to Kakashi soon enough, the jounin would be able to report to the other Kages, and maybe end Madara's reign before it got really bad.

He'd decided it was best to go ahead and alert the Kazekage to the situation. Kakashi knew Gaara must be worried, as he is so fond of Naruto. And the last time they had run into the sand ninja only confirmed Kakashi's suspicions about how Gaara must feel about Naruto. Gaara was thankful for Naruto. And having been a host for a demon created an understanding between the two boys. But Naruto must feel something for the other as well. Otherwise, he wouldn't have nearly pummeled the late Akatsuki member known as Deidara to death. Or at least try to. Yes, Naruto had freaked when he found out that Gaara had been abducted by the rogue ninjas. If Kakashi didn't know Naruto as well as he did, he would just say that the blonde had a hero complex. But Kakashi did know better. Naruto cared about people, is all. And would do anything to protect the ones he loved. He even went as far as to announce his own death wish to Sasuke.

'That kid really is something. If Iruka knew he was gone now, the poor man would have a stroke. Hmm, I wonder if Iru-chan is busy. I know how he loves his sushi…'

0-0

The wildlands were called 'wild' for good reason. Hidan had warned his blonde partner of the creatures that lurked in the forests and marshes they would need to journey through. There were all sorts of things creeping in the dark corners of the world, things most people refused to acknowledge out of fear. But their fear was not unfounded. Even the most skilled of ninjas wouldn't want to cross paths with a Jung sloth, which was gigantic, and slow, but unpredictable and carnivorous. Next there were the amanojaku; small, imp-like things that liked to eat kids and dainty women and parade around wearing their skin as clothing. Though Naruto was somewhere in his teen years, he was short, and looked quite edible. And then they might have to deal with the kappa. Hidan hated those little water monkeys. If they weren't playing pranks on you as you tried to bathe, they were attempting to kill you. Hidan really hated those green fuckers.

Fortunately, they hadn't run into any of those creatures as they neared the end of the marshy forests and went to cross into the Land of Swamps. But what they had run into was just as bad. Naruto just had to find an aswang. A banshee. Hidan was quick to warn the brat to cover his ears, as this monster, who looked like a woman, would sing a song of death. Literally. It must have been a funny sight when the kid shoved his fingers in his ears and sang 'la la la, I'm not listening, la la la' like a child. Though Hidan couldn't see Naruto, he did get a good look at the banshee's face as they made their getaway. And she was livid. She immediately started screaming. If the Jashinist wasn't immortal, he would have died a very painful death.

When they finally made it safely to the swamps, they were greeted by a terrifying sight. Though Hidan had seen this once before, it was still intimidating. There were humongous crocodiles littering every inch of the place. The silver-haired man remembered them well, and almost fondly. When he had first come to this land in search of the same priestess he was to meet again now, he had had some bad experiences in the woods. He was a fucking kappa-magnet. They followed him constantly. And when he couldn't get rid of them, he had started slaughtering them. But their numbers where great, and he had tried to make a break for it. He thought when he reached the swamps, they wouldn't follow. No other animal was in these swamps. Here the croc was king. But a few wayward kappa had entered the swamp with him. But as he journeyed by boat, they never made it past the shore. These crocodiles looked lazy and apathetic, but they proved extremely fast and vicious. There was absolutely nothing left of those little ape demons after the crocs shredding them. Nothing but a blood stain in the murky water.

But Hidan had to reassure Naruto about the giant reptiles. If you didn't bother them, they didn't bother you.

And so, Naruto cautiously climbed into the awaiting canoe, and the two made their way slowly along the winding waters.

0-0

When news reached the world of the death of Kisame Hoshigaki via decapitation, there had been much celebrating. And even better, the Hachibi was still secure with Killerbee and the Raikage. But Gaara of the Sand couldn't be bothered with happiness, apparently. Kankuro could always tell when his brother was in a bad mood. Most people couldn't, because to them, he always looked that way. But the Kazekage had been morose and withdrawn this last week. Sometimes, when Kankuro would have time to spare, he would lunch with his little brother. And every time he did, Gaara would always comment on the beauty of the gardens he loved so much. But not today. Today, Gaara said nothing. He didn't even eat. It was like old times again, and that scared Kankuro more than anything.

The puppet master wanted to talk to Gaara, but couldn't find the words. Maybe if Temari had been here, she would know what to say. But she had left for Konoha just yesterday. She claimed to be overseeing trade routes and export, but this big brother figured she just wanted to see that lazy genius boyfriend of hers. Kankuro had no idea what his sis could see in a guy who had hair modeled after a pineapple, but to each his own, he guessed.

"Hey Gaara. Is something wrong, man? You look out of it. You okay?"

Kankuro decided he'd just go for it, but carefully.

Gaara was silent, though he finally stopped fidgeting with his fruit and set his fork gently on the table. Even his slightest movements seemed calculated, but that was just how Gaara was. His carefulness was sometimes misjudged as hesitation.

As Kankuro watched, the Kazekage blinked slowly, as if he were weary, and turned his head to look upon Suna. The red-head acted melancholy, but Kankuro could see the aqua pools that were Gaara's eyes swimming with emotion. He was looking out at the deserts beyond, but his focus was random, like he was looking at nothing. Or searching for something. The brunette just stared at his leader. His little brother. He had never seen Gaara this…troubled. And like any good brother, he was worried.

"Gaara?"

Amidst the commotion of daily life in the village beneath them, the air around the two males was deathly silent. The Kazekage was still as stone, only his eyes moved. He was searching. Finally, he spoke, and the silence was broken by his low tone:

"Brother. The extraction of the Ichibi was very painful. I remember nothing but that pain. Then it was lifted from me and I saw nothing. I felt nothing. In that moment, I knew I was dead. But in that weightlessness, I was sad. I selfishly wished for more time; time with you and Temari, time with this village, which I love despite the hatred and scorn I once was accustomed to. And I wanted time to find something else. I believe our sister has found the same thing I seek. I think Temari has found love in Konoha. Tell me, Kankuro, have you found love as well?"

If he wasn't a man, Kankuro would cry. He hated when anyone brought up Gaara's death. He had failed to protect his brother. But at least he found out what had Gaara so depressed. His brother must really like someone to let them steal his thoughts so easily. And Kankuro figured he knew who.

"Not yet. But I guess you have someone in mind for yourself. I just wonder who it is…Have you told them yet?"

Kankuro reclined in his chair, trying to act cool. He saw Gaara's eyes cut to him in a side glance, and he looked right at his little brother, urging him to reply.

"I do not have the courage to. You are good with people, Kankuro. You have had many girlfriends, while I sit and dwell. But to answer your question; no. I have not told him. And I fear I may never get the chance now."

A loud thump resounding as the legs of the tilted chair hit the ground. Kankuro swung forward with the momentum and looked straight at Gaara.

"Why not? Gaara, did something happen? Is Naruto okay?"

0-0_0-0

This chap seems kind of fillerish to me. Like there wasn't too much in the development of the story. Just useless info. I don't know.

Anywho, thanks to all that have given my fic a shot so far. And an extra special thanks to reviewers! You guys are so great!