"I've noticed no one else can sense him," Sasuke answered. "His power is usual and monstrous."

Sasuke knowing he existed shocked Sakura. Her heart sped up, and she quieted it a second later, something that would not go unnoticed by Sasuke. What should she do? Would he alert the Hokage of Gaara's presence? If so, would she believe it or would she force Sakura to tell the truth? As Hokage, Sakura understood that Gaara's questionable status may be a threat to the village. Sakura knew Gaara wasn't... at least when he remained calm. If he lost control, would he endanger the village? Sasuke's ebony orbs pierced through her while he waited for an answer. Sakura shifted her weight while racking her brain for a solution. Sakura paused when Gaara's presence appeared behind her.

"He's here," Sasuke murmured.

The male attempted to brush past Sakura again, but she hooked an arm around his neck and forced him back outside. She raised a finger and her eyebrows furrowed. "I told you I didn't invit you into my house so don't push past me Sasuke."

"Sakura, either you tell me who this man is and what he's doing in the village or I will bring this to the Hokage."

"Allow him in Sakura," came Gaara's voice.

Sasuke brushed past Sakura and inside without waiting for her response. That was the last straw. She refused to accept his horrible attitude. She raised her fists and channeled chakra into it.

"Are you out of your fucking-"

"No Sakura, let it go."

Her temper was still boiling, but she put her fist down. Sasuke gave her an amused smirk. Sakura moved two inches from his face. "Try something stupid again and I'll knock your head off."

"You know your miniscule power is no match for mine, Sakura."

She had gotten much stronger, and she could avoid genjutsu from the Sharingan thanks to training with Kakashi. She may still have difficulty facing an Uchiha, but she would not go down without a fight. The fuming pinkette grasped the front of his white shirt. Sasuke's hand closed over her fingers. He moved his forehead, so it was touching hers. Sakura had just about had it. Just as she was about to punch his stupid, smug face, Gaara yanked her from Sasuke and caught her in a warm embrace. She turned her eyes upward to see Gaara's gaze locked on Sasuke. The power inside him fluttered as he held her close to his muscled chest.

"Do not touch her," he ordered. "Or I will end your existence."

"You can try," Sasuke responded.

"What do you want with me?" Gaara questioned.

Sasuke removed his left hand from the hilt of his katana. "Tell me what you are and why no one else in the village seems to be aware of your presence."

Gaara gazed at this child. This little brat was questioning him with such a cocky attitude, Gaara wanted to splatter his blood all over the floor. His attitude toward Sakura made the Shukaku shake at its mental cage. Sakura belonged to him and this boy sat glaring at her, oblivious to the imminent death his actions would cause. Was this the person Madara warned him of? The person after him and Sakura. The One remembered hearing her call him "Sasuke", but he must know Obito. He could sense Gaara when no one should be able to but other Ones and Sakura.

"Tell me Who is Obito Uchiha?"

"Answer my question first," came Sasuke's reply.

Gaara paused. He stole a glance at Sakura, her hands still fisted in his shirt. A curious expression graced her features. He realized he needed to reveal himself. If he didn't find Obito Uchiha, he would find Gaara first, and he wouldn't put Sakura's life in danger. She now meant something to him. The thought of her dying tore at him.

"I am a One," Gaara answered, releasing Sakura from his grasp. "A celestial being sent here to protect a mortal for five years. Sakura is the mortal chosen for me."

Sasuke remained quiet for a moment before saying, "You expect me to believe that?"

"You can believe whatever the hell you want," Sakura snapped. "You know Gaara's different!"

"Gaara?" Sasuke questioned, letting the name run over his tongue.

The name sounded familiar. The stories about Madara Uchiha, the supposed founder of the Uchiha Clan itself. He was in control of nine beings that contained powerful beasts and he called them Ones. His chakra was more menacing than any ninja he had ever faced, even his brother Itachi. The Ones were just a myth that his grandfather used to tell him as a child, but could it be true?

"Do you know of Madara Uchiha?" Sasuke questioned.

"He sent me," Gaara responded.

A pregnant pause filled the air as they locked gazes. Sakura wasn't sure who Madara was, but he had the same family name. Was he part of the Uchiha Clan?

"Who is Madara?" Sakura questioned.

"He created the Ones to keep mortals from abusing their power and to keep the Beasts from destroying humans," Gaara answered.

"Where did the beasts come from?" Sasuke asked.

"I'm not sure," Gaara answered. "Madara chose me as the holder of the Shukaku, but didn't explain their origin."

Sakura listened to his words. He once was human. That made her feel a little closer to him. She was seeing into his life, something she desired for weeks. Sasuke sat down on the couch, picking up a glass of water perched on the small dresser next to it.

Gaara took a step towards Sasuke. "Now you will tell me about Obito Uchiha."

Sasuke turned the glass in his hand. "Why should I cooperate with you?"

Gaara refused to allow this welp to toy with him. If he lost control, there was no guarantee that Sakura could stop him. Gaara opened his mouth to speak, but Sakura beat him to it.

"Don't play this game Sasuke. You agreed to give him the information he asked for. Stop it with the childish games."

Sasuke stood, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You've changed. Is it his doing?"

"I changed for the better," she countered. "Now spill it!"

Sakura swore she saw a hint of a smirk on his lips. He turned to face Gaara. "It's believed Obito Uchiha is dead. He was a traitor to the Uchiha Clan along with my brother Itachi. I took care of him myself."

"He's not dead," Gaara answered. "Madara has told me to be wary of him."

Sasuke's eyes widened. "Where is he?"

"His whereabouts are unknown."

Ebony orbs gazed into cyan ones before Sasuke returned his attention to Sakura. "I will not inform the Hokage of this as long as you inform me of details concerning Obito Uchiha. I give you my word."

"Why should we cooperate with you?" Sakura shot back. "Those were your exact words, right?"

"If Obito is still alive, I am on your side," Sasuke stated.

With that, he let himself out. Gaara looked at Sakura before pulling her into his embrace. He buried his face into her silky locks, one hand cupping the back of her head as his other arm snaked around her waist. Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck. The naturalness surrounding their embrace warmed Sakura's heart.

"Is he a bad guy?" she asked.

"He is," Gaara answered, "but I will make sure nothing happens to you."

Why would this man be after me?

Sakura couldn't voice that question as Gaara's lips pressed against hers. Sakura loved the boldness that overtook him once they admitted their feelings. Her heart seemed to always speed up whenever he was this close to her. Although that had only been a handful of times, content washed over her each time. He pulled back moving his hand from the back of her head to brush her cheek. His fingers were smooth, most likely from using his sand rather than engaging in hand to hand combat.

Gaara looked down at this mortal who countered his mindset on humans. He despised them, yet now he embraced this woman without hesitation. His heart longed for her and the fact that she cared about him too was the most amazing feeling.

"Will everything be okay?"

"I will ensure it," Gaara answered.


Naruto sat in his room contemplating the strange presence he detected. It lurked more often than before, but he couldn't see who it belonged to. They had immense power, yet no one else could sense it. He had even asked Kiba during a spar if he noticed it. He told Naruto he was being ridiculous, and no one was there. Someone was there. Naruto also noticed when he sensed that chakra, Sakura wasn't far off. The Jounin was getting worried. He was thinking he should talk to Sakura about it. He didn't know if this person was could be dangerous or what possible connection they had to Sakura. If there was anyone he had to keep safe, it was Sakura.

He wondered if it would piss Lady Tsunade off for not telling her about that guy who came to him. The stranger told him he would reunite with rage and to keep "her" safe. What did he mean? Who was he supposed to protect? Naruto decided to talk with Sakura. It was a little late, and she would punch him for bothering her, but he was just going to take that risk.


Sakura had just finished up dinner and was sitting on the couch with Gaara. He hadn't left since the confrontation with Sasuke. Gaara didn't seem ready to leave, and she didn't want him to. His warm embrace differed from the cold, indifferent personality. Everything was moving so fast, but that was fine with the medic. She studied Gaara's solemn face. Something plagued his mind.

She was still a little skeptical with Sasuke, but he would hold to his word. She scooted closer to the One. "So, you used to be human? Do you remember anything about it?"

"Yes," he answered. "It was the same after I became a One. I've been on my own since I was a teenager."

"I'm here now," Sakura murmured, brushing her fingers through his red tresses.

He leaned into her hand and closed his eyes in content. It was late, and she had an early shift in the morning. Sakura stretched and stood to place her plate in the sink. After washing it, Sakura informed Gaara that she would take a shower. It took a few minutes for the pinkette to gather clean clothes. The water warmed, and she shed her clothes, stepping behind the curtain. Sakura allowed the water to just coat her for a few moments. She dipped her pink locks underneath the stream, her hair slipping over her neck and shoulders. Her eyes shot open when the door creaked. She peeked from behind the curtain to see Gaara standing in the doorway.

"What are you doing?!" she exclaimed while hiding her body.

He remained silent, cyan eyes burning a hole right through her. Adrenaline coursed through her when he shed his purple vest and pulled his long sleeve burgundy shirt over his head. Sakura swallowed, eyes drinking in his chiseled body. His defined arms and rigid six-pack made her fingers itched to roam his pale skin. She blushed and turned her head when he pulled his pants down. They acknowledged their attraction to each other two weeks ago! Was she ready for this? Maybe she was just overreacting, and his goal wasn't sexual. Still, she would see that part. It wouldn't be the first penis she'd laid eyes on because of her profession, but this was different.

Gaara pulled the curtain back and stepped into the shower. Her eyes dropped to his groin. When she tore her eyes from it and locked gazes with the One, her body responded to him. He held his hand out and Sakura took it without hesitation. Their mouths clashed together as their hands wandered over each other's bodies. Gaara did not understand what drove his actions, but he'd never experienced such a hunger for someone. Gaara ran his hands over her slick skin, his fingers enjoying each asset her body offered. The curve of her rear was firm, and he pulled her naked body closer to him. The Shukaku tried to break free of his restraints.

I want to touch her…

Gaara let out a feral growl of his own. Sakura was his and no one would interfere. He leaned down to lick the hollow of her throat, noticing her chakra spike and a breathy sigh brushing over his shoulder. The One reached underneath her bottom, hooked his arms underneath her legs, and hoisted her up. Her legs instinctive wrapped around his waist.

"What are we doing Gaara?" she whispered, their foreheads touching.

"I'm not sure," he answered. "I just know that you are mine."

"Then that's the same for you."

With her heart beating a mile a minute, Sakura ran her fingers down Gaara's stomach and reached between their bodies. She'd never gone this far with a man before, yet the normality of their sexual tension hit her like a wave. His length was thick and hot in her small hand. Despite his supple skin, he was rock hard, member throbbing for her. Was it too early for sex? She was giving her virginity to an immortal with serious anger issues. Despite that, it felt right.

Sakura stroked it but paused. They both looked towards the door. Sakura wiggled so she could get down. "Shit, Naruto is here!"

"Naruto," Gaara murmured.

Sakura turned curious eyes to the One. "You're not telling me something. I think you've met Naruto before."

Gaara's expression didn't change, but no words came out of his mouth. That proved what Sakura just said. How could he know Naruto? She and the blonde had grown up together. Gaara was hundreds of years old. Sakura continued studying Gaara for a moment before her eyes widened. Was there any way that Naruto was his best friend he had been talking about? That made little sense, Sakura was about to ask him when heavy knocking pounded on the front door. She turned off the shower then pulled the peach-colored curtains back. The chilly air outside the shower stung at her skin. She grabbed a fluffy blue towel off the towel rack and dried her body.

"Hold on a second!" she shouted from the bathroom door after throwing it open.

She slipped on a cotton white shirt and pulled striped shorts up her legs, not bothering to put on undergarments. Sakura threw a wild glance at Gaara, who just stepped out. His hair was a darker from the water's embrace. It brought his bright orbs out more. Sakura couldn't help but stare at his features.

Shaking her head to focus her thoughts, Sakura asked, "Are you going to put your clothes back on?"

"Yes."

"Are you going to leave?"

"No," was his simple answer.

Sakura stared at him for a moment. Would he reveal himself to Naruto, too? The sharp knocking continued on her door so Sakura closed the bathroom door behind her and hurried to answer it.

She threw it open and then stood her childhood friend. His expression was grim, his eyebrows furrowed with concern. The yell she had prepared for him caught in her throat as she studied him.

"What's wrong Naruto?" she questioned, leaning against the door frame and crossing her arms over her chest.

"Sakura," he began. "I've noticed that something is following you."

Her breath caught in her throat. He too detected Gaara? If both knew, who else did? There was no way he could reveal himself and continue his task without interference from others.

"Why would someone follow me?" she responded, feigning ignorance.

"Stop playing dumb Sakura! You never were a good liar!"

She sighed. He was right, she always wore her emotions on her sleeve, something she hated about herself sometimes. Still, if there was someone she trusted, it was Naruto. She moved and motioned for him to come inside. Her closest friend went to her fridge and took a bottle of sake. She gritted her teeth. "Stop stealing my stuff, you idiot!"

He held it up. "Can I have this?"

She threw her hands up in annoyance. "Well, you've already taken it now!"

Naruto chuckled, reaching behind his head to scratch at his wild hair. "Sorry."

The two of them sat at the dining table. The male opened the bottle in his hand and took a swig. After putting it down he asked, "Spill it, Sakura."

"His name is Gaara," she answered. "He's a One."

Naruto remained silent for a moment. Sakura expected him to start laughing or say she had lost it. Had he heard of Ones before? He studied his drink while lost in thought.

"What are you thinking about?"

Naruto didn't answer. Gaara... why did that name sound so familiar? He detected the presence and jumped to his feet.

"Hey! Why don't you come on out!"

Sakura whirled around just as Gaara appeared. His expression was unreadable, but she recognized the turmoil within him. She watched them lock eyes. The tension was almost palpable. Sakura swallowed, unsure of what to do.

Gaara took a step forward, his hand rising. "Naruto... you're alive."

"Duh!" he snapped. "What's that supposed to mean?!"

"You remember nothing?"

"Remember anything about wh-"

A sharp pain seared through Naruto's brain, forcing him to double over in agony. He yelled as it melted its way from his forehead across his skull. His surroundings morphed from Sakura's living room to white nothingness.

"Come on Gaara," he heard himself saying. "Let's go to the mortal realm!"

"We're not supposed to go there," came Gaara's answer.

"But it's so cool there!" Naruto whined. "Come on, just this once?"

"All right Naruto," Gaara answered with a small smile. "You are the One of Determination. You'll go either way."

Naruto got thrown into reality with the searing pain burning stronger, causing the Kyuubi to cry out.

He opened his eyes only to find himself within his own mind; the cage holding the Kyuubi looming in front of him. There were seals over his cage, something he had seen as a young child before. The Kyuubi pressed himself against the bars. His power was seeping through the cage with such a heavy force; Naruto found it hard to breathe.

"So," the Kyuubi's deep voice rumbled. "Have you awakened?"