Sakura sighed quietly as the team dispersed, it had been roughly five weeks since they had returned from Wave and the general mood had yet to really thaw for the team. While they worked well enough together no one could really call them a unit, they were just three people that worked in a group.

She sighed again, she and Sasuke had been furious with Naruto and bonded in that fury, or so she thought. Once the anger ran its course however Sasuke went back to his usual behaviour and Sakura was left standing alone again, only this time Naruto wasn't there to fall back on. She had refused to continue working with him and he accepted it as her choice, but now that Sasuke wasn't paying attention to her it felt lonely.

Despite everything Naruto was right, you are weak. I can ill afford having you as a distraction

Sasuke had bluntly told her to stop seeking him out, and so the three of them sort of drifted. Even Kakashi's attempts and subtle pressures weren't working the way he hoped.

'Why, why did you do it Naruto? The team is falling apart and it's your entire fault!' Sakura fumed, her fist clenched tight. The fury left her as quickly as it came.

Who was she trying to fool?

It boiled down to one thing; Sasuke. When she first raged against Naruto she had been genuinely hurt by his actions and behaviour. Everything after however was a play to get closer to Sasuke, one that ultimately got her nowhere and losing her training partner. Still she had Naruto's notes on herbs and toxicology and he had yet to request them off her.

What a mess

Sakura stood at her front door and was about to let herself in when a presence made itself known

"Sakura" she turned to the voice, her face carefully neutral.

"Naruto, what is it?" Naruto was equally blank; he inclined his head at her.

"Can we talk?"

The two members of team seven sat quietly atop the Hokage Monument content to look out on the village.

"All my life-"Naruto broke out suddenly, drawing Sakura's attention "-I've looked up to and deeply admired the Hokage's. They are the yard stick I measure myself against. The shadows I chase in the dark and the light I run towards, hoping one day to run beside and surpass."

"I don't want a scripted speech from you Naruto" Sakura growled out. Naruto shook his head, his eyes distant.

"Not a script, merely truth"

"People often focus on the legends; they never really look to the man. I was fortunate enough to have one who was both legend and man" Naruto turned towards her, his eyes shining bright.

"I am not the most liked in the village, maybe you know or maybe you don't. But the Sandaime is like a grandfather to me, he sponsored my application, took care of me as best he could and would always tell me stories. He was there for me when I needed a leader and there when I needed a guide."

Sakura couldn't help the curiosity growing and wondered where this was all heading.

"The stories he told me, about his genin days and his journey as a ninja always thrilled me, but I could see the toll in his eyes too, the expressions he couldn't always hide. Being a ninja is not a game"

"I thought I understood…until Wave" Sakura's focus sharpened, but Naruto wasn't paying attention.

"Haku, he was the fake Hunter Nin working with Zabuza. I met him; we had an exchange and were stalemate"

Sakura's eyes widened in shock, they hadn't heard this part of the tale.

"When did that happen Naruto?" She asked softly. Naruto didn't look at her as he replied.

"The morning before I attacked Gato, I traced Haku back to his hideout and tailed Gato from there. Once I had the layout of his base I infiltrated and took the mercenaries out. Once Gato was dealt with I set the whole place on fire."

Naruto took a deep breath then continued in a much lower voice.

"I thought I had strong convictions, but meeting Haku shook something in me. Sakura if we had to face them, I don't think I would have been able to fight him" Sakura snapped back at the frank admission.

"What are you saying? We would have had to defend the client. How could you not fight?"

"Sakura, when I think of Haku, His life in many ways mirrors what I went through. If I had gone against him it would be like fighting with a sheathed sword, against a stronger opponent who blade was ready and his heart was sure."

Understanding slowing came to Sakura as she observed her teammate. Naruto would do his best to defend their client, but if his heart wasn't fully committed it could have possibly led to someone being wounded, perhaps fatally.

'Going up against Gato and his thugs on the other hand would not be an issue, nothing to stay his hand or shake his resolve.' Sakura realised in a flash.

To be honest not fighting Zabuza had been a source of relief and guilt. As much as she had improved it was nowhere close to either of her teammates. She had been relieved once it was apparent Zabuza had moved on, but that only reinforce the fact that she was not as capable and would be treated as such.

That was the other reason she had been angry for so long, she was weak and it took her too long to admit it to herself.

"Sakura, what I said in Wave, I meant every word. But using you in a disagreement with Sasuke like that was in poor taste and for that I do apologise" Naruto looked her square in the eyes which made her feel better.

"That's okay Naruto" Naruto seemed to deflate slightly in relief and grin slowly grew on his face. He glanced back over the edge towards the village and called Sakura's attention

"Look"

Sakura turned to what he was seeing and a slight gasp escaped her. The sun was setting over the village and bathe it in an almost ethereal glow. Civilians were winding down from the day and going about their evening business, children could be made out running and playing games. The faces of the four Kages on the monument seemed to overlook them, standing watch over the leaves of Konoha.

"When you have something to fight for, something to protect, then you will be truly strong" Sakura turned to Naruto at his words. "Haku said that and I firmly believe in them. I became a ninja because I had nothing else, but I learned from an old man what it means to truly give up yourself for something greater."

Sakura pondered Naruto's comment for a bit. What were her goals and dreams? Why had she even decided to be a ninja in the first place?

She needed a new outlook; she would not be left behind.

"Naruto, do you think you could help me with my training again?"

The next day the team met up as usual and waited for Kakashi to arrive. The difference however as Sasuke noted was that Naruto and Sakura had made up and resumed working together again. Sasuke was thrown for brief moment then proceeded to ignore the whole thing.

He kept close attention to what they were doing however.

Meanwhile Sakura and Naruto were working on genjutsu. Sakura was a natural at the art and was ideal in helping Naruto refine the techniques he used on Gato and his bodyguards.

"I understand much of the theory behind genjutsu Sakura; I just need to get a better feel for it. It took way too long to get Gato, had it been another ninja I'm not sure to would have taken at all." Naruto groaned out in frustration.

Sakura nodded and ran through several handseals before activating an illusion. Naruto blinked several times and turned his head sideways as if seeing something. His eyes closed as he concentrated, trying to get a feel through Sakura's presence to understand how the chakra was aligned for genjutsu.

"All right Sakura that's enough" immediately the illusion stopped and the chakra faded. Sakura looked on with curiosity.

"How do you do that?" seeing his confusion she elaborated "I've done some reading Naruto, what you do isn't very common. The way you read and accurately sense chakra, it's amazing"

Naruto nodded in understanding. "I'm a sensor"

Sakura perked at the term and Sasuke visibly started.

"I-I think I read about them somewhere" Sakura began thoughtfully "they have special chakras-"

"-Sensors are ninja capable of detecting the presence of others directly via their chakra" Sasuke cut in. He stepped closer to the duo never taking his eyes of Naruto.

"It is said that they can sense over great distances and can even tell a shift in a person's behaviour by their chakra alone. I never expected you to be one, though it does explain a few things about you".

Naruto nodded cautiously, trying to figure Sasuke's angle. He hadn't yet made things up with the Uchiha and would much prefer to avoid the whole thing. Still there was no way Kakashi would let it stand and he wasn't about to let the title of hypocrite stand over his head for much longer.

Still, humble pie was foul especially when it came to Sasuke.

"Sasuke…I cast judgement on you where I had no cause or right to do so." Naruto kept his gaze firm not wanting to look weak or hesitant. "For that I offer a formal apology."

Sasuke tilted his head, a hint of a smirk forming on his face.

"You obviously believe in what you said Naruto, are taking those words back?" Naruto's eyes narrowed imperceptibly.

"No I don't. But I was in no position to judge you, on that and that alone do I offer the apology."

Sasuke merely kept the irritating smirk on his face, he was clearly enjoying the uncomfortable position he had Naruto in, and was going to milk it for all it was worth.

"I see. Y'know, Kakashi left the position of leader in my hands." Sasuke continued. "That has to mean I am more capable than your words failed to imply" Naruto refused to be baited.

"It would appear so".

"Okay, present your formal apology and I will accept"

Naruto's eyes flashed, however the words came out without incident for which he was thankful for. Sasuke acknowledged the apology, but the uneasy truce between them only grew wider. Sakura couldn't understand why the two of them couldn't just get along and voiced this privately to Naruto.

"I will admit I am somewhat biased when it comes to Sasuke" Naruto confided frankly to her " you already know this, but Sasuke hasn't exactly made himself approachable, not even to the one who looks up to him the most" he added slyly, thoroughly enjoying the bright red blush she was now sporting.

"In all seriousness his attitude doesn't mix well with mine, he is a self-entitled, self-obsessive, emo-twerp with issues the span of the Kage Monument. That said he is very skilled and I won't deny the efforts he puts to being the best."

Sakura nodded at that "Is that why you both speak to each other in that sort of formal tone? I only noticed because you only use it on him"

"Yes, I don't want anything to get mixed up when it comes to him, and he probably realises the same. It makes working together somewhat bearable."

"Well, enough on that. Let's get back to our work on genjutsu, don't forget you wanted help in making a few unique ones too" Sakura started at the sudden change of topic but quickly focused on the prospects.

"Hai"

Sasuke moved off once he confirmed that Naruto was indeed a sensor, the apology had not been anticipated but he welcomed the discomfort it caused Naruto with relish. It wasn't often the blond had to eat his words and Sasuke wasn't about to let go of an opportunity like that.

On leaving his teammates he made his way back to his clan home. The sounds tapered out gradually as he drew closer to the Uchiha district. What was once a thriving community was now a ghost town - a result of betrayal.

The air around felt heavy, a chill persisted despite the climate of Konoha. Sometimes Sasuke could almost feel the will of his clan pressing on him, crying out to him as he walked the lonely streets.

No one could understand the need that drove him. It was a song in his blood, a fury in his veins. The Uchiha had been laid low by one they called their own.

His brother, Itachi

You lack hatred, Sasuke

Sasuke's eyes itched as he walked but he steadily ignored it. Soon he reached his destination, a shrine not far from his home.

Sasuke took off his sandals and stepped inside, idly noting the signs of wear and resolving to return to see to its maintenance. He picked one of the incense sticks and stepped closer to the burner. On a pedestal were several plaques, each bore the names of every Uchiha that had been alive during the massacre, Sasuke had painstakingly etched every single name on the plaques, committing each one to memory.

Itachi will die at my hands….this I swear my ancestors, my father, my mother, my clan.

Long live the might of the Uchiha Clan.

Calmly Sasuke lit the incense and let it stay for a moment before blowing it out with a wave. He placed it in the burner and slowly knelt for a prayer.

"I swear, on my life as an Uchiha, Itachi will pay for what he has done. Until he is brought to account I will know no peace"

"Vengeance will be ours."

A slight breeze came through and to Sasuke it was as if calm had settled over him, his family knew his oath and gave their blessing.

No matter the cost, I will venture even to the deepest hell for the power I need.

Itachi must die, Itachi will die.

And the Uchiha will know peace.

Sasuke opened his eyes and rose smoothly; the incense had long burned out.

He grabbed a long broom and slowly swept the area clean.

Is it that time already?

"Good work all of you" Kakashi called out to his team. So far the last few weeks had seen a marked increase in their teamwork and individual skills.

It was time to see the fruits of their labour.

"Consider yourselves on early release today" At that he shushined away.

"Well…what now?" Naruto asked as he sealed Byakuya into his scroll. Sasuke merely snorted and walked off. Naruto turned to Sakura with a raised eyebrow.

"Well… we could head into the village and grab a bite. It's not too late yet." Sakura offered, only to trail of at the slightly dazed look in Naruto's eyes.

"There was I time I'd have offered everything to the Kami to go on a date with you" Naruto intoned, his expression full of manic glee.

Sakura immediately blushed and sputtered angrily, causing Naruto to burst into hysterics.

"I kid, I kid" he called through his chuckles as Sakura took menacing steps towards him. Naruto resumed walking occasionally bursting into quiet chuckles as Sakura kept muttering under her breath.

As the two walked down one of the side streets and something registered on Naruto's senses and he stopped abruptly.

"Naruto" Sakura called out inquiringly as Naruto looked around, trying to make sense of what he was feeling.

"Nothing Sakura" Naruto said after a while "Probably just the wind" He resumed walking but kept alert to his surroundings. Sakura nodded and shifted her posture as she walked beside him.

"It wouldn't happen to have anything to do with our three shadows now would it?" She asked in a soft nonchalant tone. Naruto smiled and shook his head.

"No, those shadows I know fairly well, and they still haven't learnt to hide properly" Naruto raised his voice at the last bit, letting their shadows know they had been caught.

"Heh heh, as expected of boss-niichan" Naruto jerked his head back and a ball swept passed, he quickly grabbed as second and cursed when both went off. Sakura quickly jumped clear and fished several kunai from her pouch.

She waited for the smoke to dissipate, only to find Naruto crouched in front of three tied up academy students by the looks of things. Sakura relaxed her stance and slipped her weapons back into her pouch as she walked closer to her teammate.

"Well, you got caught and in less than 30 seconds, you know what this means right?" Naruto said with a smirk on his face.

The two academy students tied on either side slumped in despair while the one in the middle continued to struggle, his face petulant.

"Aww c'mon Naru-Nii, we totally had you. And this rope is too tight." Naruto shook his head at the display.

Konohamaru was the grandson of the Third Hokage and had become very fixated on Naruto, often calling him Naru-Nii or boss-niichan. Most people often let him get by because of who his grandfather was and would use titles like "Honourable grandson". It drove the boy mad.

Naruto however was different.

He saw the boy for who he was, someone who desired to be seen as his own person, an individual, not the shadow of the Third Hokage.

In some ways, looking at Konohamaru was like looking at himself, without excess negative baggage.

Naruto cemented himself into the nine year olds life, as an older brother would be to a younger sibling.

Konohamaru had expressed an interest in puppetry but Naruto wouldn't go for it. Part of it was selfish, he would admit. But more importantly he wanted Konohamaru to find his own path, develop into his own style, like he had found puppetry.

Still, as conciliation he helped the boy train when he was free, soon he was unofficially watching over Konohamaru and his two friends, Udon and Moegi.

Dealing with the three of them at their worst gave him sympathy for Kakashi.

Not much…but some.

"There was no totally involved little leaf. I caught you, the three of you, and so there are consequences."

"Yeah yeah" came the grumbled reply. Naruto untied the trio and stood motioning to Sakura.

"Meet my future students. Udon, Moegi and Konohamaru, aka little leaf"

"Oi!" Sakura couldn't hide her smile at the indignant protest from Konohamaru. She idly wondered how Naruto was on such close terms with the Hokage's grandson and filed it for later.

"Niichan, you said you'll help us today" Moegi called out, Naruto merely nodded and ruffled her hair.

"I know, I'll meet you at the usual spot, bring your notes okay." The three academy students nodded eagerly and took off.

"Sorry Sakura, but duty calls." Sakura smiled and shook her head.

"It's fine, next time"

"You could join us, I get the feeling Moegi might appreciate it" Naruto said with a smile. He was about to continue when his eyes widened and he turned his head sharply.

Little leaf!

Immediately Naruto took off, following the panic in his little brother's chakra and that of his friends. He could feel Sakura trailing behind him in concern but paid it no mind. Moments later he was on location and he took stock of the situation.

Udon and Moegi were on the floor shaking in fear and Konohamaru was held aloft, his feet dangling as he feebly struggled to break free from a tight grip.

"Lemme go! When my Niichan finds you, you'll be very sorry" the figure holding Konohamaru smirked darkly, dressed in a black jumpsuit and face paint. Over his back was a mummy wrapped item.

"Well, you bumped into me. And I don't take kindly to brats and people who bump into me" his grip tightened causing Konohamaru to squirm feebly "that means you're well out of luck kid, don't worry your big brother will go the same way"

"Kankuro" came a female voice beside him "let it go, now is not the time for games" Kankuro scoffed.

"No games Temari, just want to teach the little gaki some manners" Kankuro raised his other fist when a voice stopped him.

"I'm the big brother to the gaki in question" Naruto stated calmly, leaning on the side wall. "I'm asking you once, let him go" Kankuro took a good look and merely scoffed.

"More brats, just what I need, it's starting to piss me off"

Temari shook her head in annoyance and stepped up slightly "We are representatives from Suna. The little brat ran into my brother and was mouthy."

Naruto cocked his head slightly and nodded

"Maybe so, however as representatives arguing and escalating to violence on a child in a foreign nation doesn't bode well for you or your intellect now does it?" immediately they bristled at his words.

"I see where he gets smart mouth from" Kankuro growled out, his fist clenched tight. Suddenly a smirk grew and his fist swung for Konohamaru's face "too bad for him" Kankuro crowed.

"Kankuro!" Temari called out in warning but to no avail.

Baka

Kankuro blinked, his hands trailing across empty air.

"I asked you the first time to let him go" Naruto said softly, his gauntlet hand a hairsbreadth away from the Suna Nins chest, chakra rolling deceptively around the limb. "Now I'm telling you, back down"

"Tch" Temari cursed and her hand drifted towards the large battle fan strapped to her back. Just before it could make contact a stone struck, causing her to flinch.

"Nice timing Sasuke" All eyes turned towards the large tree on the side. Sasuke sat leaning casually on one of the large branches, tossing another stone into the air.

"Perhaps we didn't make it clear enough for you" His silky tones carried through, the stone dropped back into his hands and without much strain he crushed it in his palms "challenge us again at your own peril."

Temari dropped her hands down, her reaction tense. Kankuro remained still, glancing between Sasuke and Naruto.

"Kono-kun" Naruto called out, catching the little boy's attention. "Take Udon and Moegi back to Sakura." Konohamaru nodded and the three ran towards her. She placed them behind her and drew out her kunai and settled for a neutral stance.

Kankuro's eye kept twitching at the whole ordeal and imperceptibly his fingers twitched, sending several chakra strings out and attempting to connect to blond brat's leg.

'No one makes a fool of me!'

He tried to keep his scowl on but Naruto could sense the mood shift and immediately delved deeper. He sensed the strings and connected the dots in rapid succession

Suna Puppet Brigade

Naruto let the chakra strings connect and felt as Kankuro tried to get him off balance, with a focused burst of chakra he disrupted the technique much to Kankuro's shock. Before the Suna Nin could recover Naruto sent another pulse through his hand as he struck, sending Kankuro backwards.

"Kankuro!" Temari called out again before growling at the Konoha Nins, she reached for her fan again as she manoeuvred to cover her downed brother only to have her hand trapped in a piece of cloth. She followed its trail back towards Sasuke in the tree.

"Naruto" Sasuke called casually

"Self-defence taicho, naturally"

Sasuke smirked at the reply

"Naturally"

Temari's anger grew at the continued humiliation and it seemed Kankuro was of the same mind. His eyes were wild as he removed the mummy figure from his back.

"I've had it with you Konoha brats" he snarled out, ready to go on the offensive "you will learn your place!"

Naruto kept his expression disinterested, hoping to exploit Kankuro's current mind frame. He was about to let loose a taunt when a chill went down his spine, a fraction of a second later a presence made itself known and Naruto's eyes widened dramatically.

He turned towards Sasuke's position, a warning on his lips but it was no use.

"Kankuro, stand down" the dead tone rang clear and everyone stiffened.

Sasuke's pulse skipped, the voice was coming from the tree, not more than a few feet away.

And he never sensed the approach.

He looked around and spotted the figure, standing upside down on a branch a little lower from his position. He was short and skinny, with dark circles around his eyes and what appeared to be Kanji tattooed over his left eyebrow though Sasuke couldn't make out the writing.

The other distinguishing item was the massive gourd strapped to the teens back.

The teen kept his eyes square on Kankuro, before slowly drifting and then suddenly pinning Sasuke with a stare. Sasuke barely stopped himself from flinching and met the glance head one.

Sakura and the three academy students had been shocked and terrified by the voice and the appearance of the new Suna envoy. His entire presence screamed danger and the academy students huddled closer to Sakura.

Kankuro and his sister Temari froze at the voice, apprehension growing as they tracked its position. Kankuro gulped loudly as he acknowledged the speaker.

"G-Gaara"

Gaara's gaze shifted from Sasuke towards Kankuro and Temari.

"You disappoint me" Kankuro flinched at the tone. "Have you forgotten our purpose here"

"It wasn't my fault, these twerps bumped into me." Kankuro protested.

The air around Gaara swirled dangerously, leaving trace particles around.

"I didn't think you could sink any lower. Perhaps you are of little use Kankuro" Gaara hissed out.

Temari shifted closer to Kankuro and tried to smooth the situation.

"You're right Gaara, it shouldn't have escalated. Let's leave things as is, ne?" Kankuro bit his lip and nodded, eyeing Gaara apprehensively.

Naruto meanwhile, couldn't get over the sensory data he was getting from Gaara. The chakra levels were high, comparable in some ways to his own. But it was what he could sense from the chakra that stopped him in his tracks

Hate, resentment, pride, frustration, fury.

Loneliness.

Madness.

The emotions were a heady cocktail raging furiously behind a blank shell.

Naruto was terrified.

"I apologise for this incident between my siblings and you all, we consider this matter finished" Gaara called out, no longer on the tree but standing in front of his siblings. Sasuke narrowed his gaze at the speed and also shushined in front of his team.

"The matter is concluded, we don't take kindly to foreign nationals waylaying our own."

Gaara barely acknowledged the veiled warning.

Naruto kept silent during the byplay, keeping his focus trained on Gaara and determined to learn more from the Suna Nins chakra. The world fizzled out of view as Naruto delved deeper into the foreign chakra, indistinct shapes and patterns colouring his mental picture.

Suddenly, a presence swept round and through him, utterly relentless and full of primal energy. Naruto could barely begin to make heads or tails of it when to his horror he felt himself being swept away in its currents.

No, no, no, no, no, no!

Naruto struggled and tried to stem the rage and shut off his senses but its presence filled his mind.

Pitiful.

A sharp pulse of energy went straight through Naruto, breaking him free from the influence of the chakra presence and allowing him to shut down. As Naruto became more aware of his body he saw Sasuke and Sakura literally keeping his panting body upright as the stood defensively against the Suna ninjas.

Gaara was no longer focused on Sasuke, his deep stare penetrating through Naruto, Naruto couldn't hide the shudder that went through him as a fey light entered into Gaara's eyes and the very air around him grew more oppressive, filled with killing intent.

"Mother craves your blood. All her thoughts, her very focus is in seeking it" Gaara's tone shifted, all could hear the madness in his voice. He stepped towards team seven, a crazy grin slowly growing on his face.

Another sharp pulse and a quick flash in Naruto's eyes stopped him in his tracks. Everyone else stood tense, Gaara's expression went from manic to neutral and he turned to face his teammates.

"We are leaving this place"

No one argued and once they left team seven let loose a collective sigh of relief.

"What happened there?" Sasuke queried sharply. What had just happened left him feeling vulnerable, a position he never wanted to be placed in ever again. As such he wasn't in the mood for word plays and games with his teammate.

Naruto merely shook his head, his body trembling with exertion as he tried to piece what was left of his mind together.

"Naruto, what happened!" Naruto gritted his teeth hoping the questioning would cease. Sasuke opened his mouth to ask again but Naruto tore through it.

"I heard you the first time, I don't know"

Sasuke wasn't impressed with the answer.

"Now is not the time for your games Naruto, what just happened between you and Gaara?" Naruto merely cursed under his breath and attempted to block Sasuke out. Just when it seemed their tempers were going to boil over a pair of hands planted themselves firmly on both boys' chests and split them apart, breaking through their haze.

"Naruto-"Sakura's soft tones bringing him back to focus "what can you tell us?"

Naruto sighed, his shoulders dropping significantly to the shock of his teammates.

"Gaara, he's strong, obscenely so." He took a deep breath and continued in a calmer, factual tone. "His chakra levels are monstrous, it exceeds even yours Sasuke. Given that you are in the top tier of recent graduates and even several older genin that is saying something."

"The only other person with as much chakra that I know of is me"

Sasuke frowned at the knowledge immediately cataloguing it for future note, Naruto continued.

"He is very unstable, I could sense his core personality and it was rife with madness. Do not get caught unawares with him, if he is set off who knows what it'll take to stop him."

"So what is he doing here? I didn't think Suna envoys will just turn up unannounced even if we are allies." Sakura questioned. Naruto shrugged but continued in a softer more urgent tone.

"What matters is what I felt behind Gaara's madness. There was a presence, something I have never felt before. Whatever it was, it was powerful…and aware, extremely so."

"What do you mean?" Sasuke asked his eyes intent on Naruto.

"I, I can't say for sure, but it knew what I was doing and I almost got swept in its chakra, it almost drove me mad." Naruto looked up again; his teammates could see the distress in his eyes.

"Be careful with Gaara, whatever else he is dangerous."

Sasuke liked to think he knew Naruto fairly well, and no one could say Naruto was a coward. That something he felt from Gaara had nearly reduced him to tears... reduced him to this frazzled thing in front of him definitely bore caution.

"We'll tell Kakashi, see what we can find out."

Naruto nodded in relief. He knew he hadn't been entirely honest with his team but it wasn't for them to know. Speaking to Kakashi would open the door for him to make specific enquiries.

What he felt from Gaara…he had felt them before. He could feel it even now, right beneath the surface.

Whatever was different with Gaara, he was the same. Something in him recognised something about the presence. Something stopped Gaara.

He just didn't know what.

He needed answers.

We live in interesting times do we not, Wretched child.