(Naruko's POV) Back to the story line! Okay, you guys might hate me for this but this is the LAST time I'm gonna change Naruko's age. I mean it! Of course, Sasuke and Shisui will have to change too so from here on out, Naruko is 16, Shisui is 16, Itachi is 16! Got it? Also, in my profile you'll see a blogspot link. Click it to see spoiler images for the next chapter(s). Don't have to, but it might give you a clue as to what's going to happen next. They also have Picture Moments including various scenes from the chapter. Just for those who need a little help to kick start their imagination. I don't own the images unless I said so.
'Seeing Itachi before we leave really messed me up...' I slapped my cheeks, 'Naruko, you're going on a trip with your baby brother. Block out all social problems and focus on him!'
Naruto was telling the man that he needed 6 ramen cups.
I jogged up beside him, "I'm paying."
That persuaded the shop owner. He picked out 6 different flavors and put them into a black paper bag.
"And can I also get," I lowered my voice, "7 chocolate bars? Put them in swiftly please."
The shop owner looked at Naruto and understood.
"Here you go. 6 ramen cups." The man winked.
I gave him 700¥ and thanked him.
Then, with the suitcase/backpack slung over my shoulder, an ice cream in Naruto's hand and a hat on his head, we left the village.
(3rd Person POV)
"So that's what happened!" Shisui exclaimed.
"Yeah." Itachi hung his head.
Shisui puffed out his chest, "Get up."
"Why?" Itachi didn't bother to move.
"Well you didn't even explain the situation to her. I'm sure if she heard your story she'd understand." Shisui said.
Itachi shook his head, "I can't do that. she's going to the sand village?"
"Is she moving?" Shisui asked, concerned.
"No. I don't think so. Would she?" Itachi looked at him.
Shisui shrugged his shoulders, "This village isn't as big as you think. 9/10 times you'll bump into the same person. Maybe she doesn't want to see your face anymore."
"Shisui..."
"Wait, I'm supposed to be making this better for you," Shisui scratched his chin, "All I can think of is that you keep tabs on her house and when she comes back you surprise her with gifts. Then tell her the full story."
Itachi felt slightly better, "Advice from the love master."
Shisui put his hands up, "What can I say? It's a gift."
(Naruto's POV)
'We've been walking for hours!' I stomped behind Nee-chan.
She stopped and looked at me, "Something wrong?"
I plopped down, "I'm tired!"
She smiled and walked back over to me. Then she ruffled my hair, "Well we've got to get there at a certain time or they won't let us in. Can you stand?"
Reluctantly I stood up, "Yeah okay."
But she stopped me, "You don't have to walk anymore. I'll carry you."
I didn't even argue with her and climbed onto her back. She pushed me up and I was on her back. She started walking again and I couldn't help but feel sleepy. She was walking in such a way that sort of rocked me back and forth.
I ended up falling asl...
(Naruko's POV)
I heard Naruto's soft snore and adjusted his chin so that it would stop.
Then I laughed to myself, 'He really was tired. And we're almost there to. Ah well. I guess I can wake him up when we get to the hotel.'
My mind went back to Itachi and I couldn't help but picture the hurt look on his face when I slapped him.
I closed my eyes deeply, 'He toyed with your feelings, made you feel like your were something, then nothing. You're done with him Naruko.'
I opened my eyes just to see two huge gates. I started picking up my pace, but carefully so I wouldn't disturb Naruto. We we're here! I ran towards the entrance and the gatekeepers stopped me.
"What's your business here?" Gate Keeper 1 asked me.
I took out the scroll the Sandaime had given me, "I'm the representative from Konoha. I'm here to speak to the Kazekage."
Gate Keeper 2 took the scroll and instantly went to the Sandaime's seal of approval. He handed the scroll back and nodded his head to Gate Keeper 1 who stepped back. They did some hand movements too quick to catch and the gate slowly cracked open.
I tapped my leaf headband to quietly thank them and walked into the sand village. It definitely wasn't like I'd imagined. I guess I was so used to the leaf village, it kind of hindered my imagination. The Sand Village was definitely sandy, but it had a kind of quiet feeling. Like the town was holding it's breath. But that might just be in my head.
Before the Gate closed, I asked the Gate Keepers.
"Where would I find the Kazekage?"
Gate Keeper 1 pointed forward, "If you just keep walking you'll reach the center of the village. That's where~"
The Gate closed, cutting off his voice.
I turned back around, 'Okay so he said if I keep walking I'll reach the center of the village. Might as well just follow his instructions.'
I started walking.
(3rd Person POV)
"Kazekage-sama." An attendant came into the room.
"What is it?" Rasa looked at her.
"Konoha's representative has just come through the gate."
"Is the person down stairs?" Rasa started to get up.
The attendant shook her head, "No, we think she might not know the way."
'So the Sandaime sent a female? She must be strong.'
"What are you waiting for? Find her!" Rasa ordered.
"Yes sir!" The attendant bowed and left the room.
As soon as the door clicked close, Karura came into the room.
Rasa's mood instantly brightened. He welcomed her with a hug.
"What was the shouting about" Karura asked.
Rasa waved his hand, "Nothing really. Konoha sent a representative to come talk to me. They want to form an alliance."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Karura questioned.
Rasa shrugged his shoulders, "It's mutual. I don't see how this could hurt us in anyway except..."
"Except?" Karura tilted his chin up so that they made eye contact.
"Except any enemies of Konoha will become our enemy." Rasa sighed.
"It's a trust thing then. If you do this, Konoha and The Sand will become close, like brethren. If we get attacked they'll certainly come to help." Karura said.
"But~"
"But nothing Rasa," Karura nuzzled him with her nose, "Either you're with them or against them. Isn't that how the shinobi world works?"
Rasa smiled, "You know too much for your own good."
"Maybe that's because I'm always around you." Karura teased.
"Um...she's here." The attendant peeked through the door.
Rasa and Karura separated and tried to look professional, "Let her in."
The attendant opened the door and stepped aside. A blonde haired girl about 5'8" stepped into the room. On her back was a toddler with blonde hair, fast asleep. The attendant bowed and left the room.
Rasa made deep eye contact with the girl who didn't even seem fazed.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Uzumaki Naruko."
(Naruko's POV)
'So this is the Sand's Kazekage? And this lady must be his wife. I could have sworn they were cuddling five seconds ago?' I thought to myself.
"Nice to meet you, Naruko-san. My name is Suna Karura." The lady introduced herself.
I know Gaara and his family don't have a last name, or at least it was never mentioned. So I made it as Suna, which means sand in Japanese. Okay, back to the story.
"May I ask," The Kazekage intrude, "Why that toddler is with you?"
I was confused, "Oh you mean Naruto? He's my younger brother. I couldn't just leave him by himself.
Karura stepped forward, "He's very precious to you, I'm sure. But would it be alright if I took him to another room?"
I looked down at sleeping Naruto, "I don't know...He might get anxious if he wakes up to see I'm gone."
"I'll make sure he knows where you are. I don't want him to interfere with your work." Karura answered honestly.
After mulling it over, I slowly slid Naruto off my back and eased him into Karura's hands. She must carry other toddlers because Naruto was no sweat. She left the office with him in her arms and closed the door.
Now look, I love Naruto. I really do. But now that I knew he was going to be somewhere safe (hopefully), I could get my head in the game. I didn't just come here for fun and games. The Sandaime had sent me here to successfully create and alliance between the Sand Village and Konoha.
The Kazekage took a seat behind his desk and motioned for me to sit as well. I kindly obliged and folded my hands, trying to think of what to say. After a minute of silence, I began.
For people that want action and cuddles and hugs, you might want to skip this part. This is just Naruko being a diplomat and proving her point. For my hardcore readers out there, this is for you. If you like a mix of both cuteness and discussion, read on!
"You probably know what I'm here for but I'll just be clear. No secrets." I said.
"I'm listening." The Kazekage nodded his head.
"They set me here telling me that I must convince the Sand Village to be on our side. But frankly, I'm not going to do that."
"...Come again?" The Kazekage was shocked.
"It's not really up to me to force you to side with us," I continued, "I could go on and on about how joining Konoha would benefit the Sand Village but in hindsight is that really a risk you want to take?"
"Do you read minds or something?" The Kazekage asked.
I shook my head, "I'm just putting myself in your shoes. If I were Kazekage, would I want an alliance? Yes, because if we ever go to war the alliance will help out. But on the other hand, no because the enemies of Konoha will also seek out my village. It's a double standard."
"Well then," The Kazekage sat up, "If you're not here to convince me then what are you here for?"
I smiled, "I'm here to tell you to give the next generation a chance."
"Huh?"
I closed my eyes, "As time passes, people become stronger and stronger. I believe, someone from both of our villages will take up the title of Kage and get along."
"Mm."
"And when that time comes," I chuckled, "The Sand and Konoha will be closer than friends. They'll be brothers."
The Kazekage cracked his knuckles, "You gave a convincing argument. But why wait for the next generation. Why not create an alliance now?"
I chuckled, "There's no problem with that. But remember, I said I wasn't going to convince you of anything. Whatever you choose is of your own free will."
(Naruto's POV)
I rolled over and rubbed my eyes. I was in a dark room, the only light coming from behind a shaded window. I yawned and stretched out my arms and legs. Then I remembered Nee-chan had been carrying me. As I sat up on the bed, a person entered the room.
"So you're awake?" He asked.
I nodded my head, not sure if I could trust this person.
He smiled, "I'm Yashamaru. Who might you be?"
'He seems nice enough. I guess telling him my name couldn't hurt.' I told myself.
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto." I introduced myself.
"Well Naruto," He sat on the bed, "It's nice to meet you."
"Do you know where my sister is?" I asked impatiently.
He thought for a moment, "You're sister? Oh she's talking with the Kazekage. But not to worry. They'll be done shortly."
I looked down, "That means I'm alone again."
"Oh not at all." Yashamaru patted my head, "In fact, we were just about to play Sudoku."
"Sudoku?" I questioned.
'I don't even know how to play.'
"That's okay. Temari will explain the rules."
I looked at him, 'Did he just read my mind?'
"No, but I can read facial expressions. And yours are very clear."
I hopped off the bed and Yashamaru stood up. He smiled down at me and I smiled back. He opened the door and led me to a bigger room. There were three other kids sitting on the couch. A girl and two boys.
I stepped forward, "Hi."
The red haired kid looked back at me and held his teddy bear, "Hello..."
"Yashamaru!" The girl stood up on the couch, "Why were you taking so long? I've already figured out the puzzle!"
"Oh really?" Yashamaru perked up his eyebrow, "Let me see it."
"Quiet Temari!" The boy with brown hair yelled, "You made me loose concentration!"
"Stupid Kankuro," Temari stuck her tongue out, "Those puppets are never going to move."
"Hey Temari. Be nice." Yashamaru scolded her.
Temari crossed her arms, "I'm just saying the truth. Those dumb puppets will never move."
"And those four pom poms you call hair will never grow!" Kankuro shot back."
Temari touched her head. She was very self conscious about the length of her hair, "My hair is the average length for girls my age!"
Kankuro sneered, "We should sign you up for the border guard. You'd fit right in!"
While Kankuro and Temari argued, I slid over next to the red haired boy.
"Do they always argue like this?" I asked him.
He seemed a little surprised, though I don't know why, "Not when Mother and Father are here. But every chance they get they bicker."
I snickered, "That's like Itachi-san and Sasuke."
"Itachi-san? Sasuke?" He w confused.
I shook my head, "Sorry. You don't know them. They're my friends."
He held his teddy bear tighter, "You have friends..."
"Well, not a lot. Just Nee-chan. Itachi-san, Shisui-san and Sasuke," I counted on my fingers, "Only 4."
"That's more than I have."
"Well how many friends do you have?" I asked him.
"Zero." He said.
Something made me feel sad when I looked into his eyes. It was like I could feel his pain.
"What about me?"
"Huh?" He looked up.
"Can we be friends?" I smiled widely.
"...What? You want to be friends with me?" He couldn't believe it.
"Yeah." I answered.
"O-okay!" He smiled happily.
"By the way," I grinned, "What's your name?"
"Suna Gaara." He told me.
"Well Gaara-san," I put a hand on his shoulder, "Let's be great friends, ya know?"
(3rd Person POV)
"So what's it going to be Mr. Kazekage."
"Rasa."
"What?"
"My name is Rasa," He told Naruko, "Suna Rasa."
"Okay Rasa-san. I'm Naruko," I reworded it, "Will you make an alliance or wait for the next generation?"
Rasa looked at her, "I will accept the alliance proposal. But on one condition."
"Go ahead." Naruko waved him on.
"You must be part of the alliance committee. Whether you're commanding General or second in command. I won't have it any other way."
(Naruko's POV)
'That's one tough condition.' I whistled to myself.
"Deal." I replied.
Rasa gave me a look, "There's no problem? When you back, you'll tell the Sandaime my conditions?"
I covered my heart, "The Sandaime will have no problem with it."
'Naruko, you had better shut the hell up!' I told myself.
But of course, I never listen to my own advice.
Rasa shook my hand, "Glad to become comrades."
I shook it firmly, "Same here."
Rasa stood up and I stood up as well.
"I guess I'd better get going~"
"So soon?" Rasa asked me.
I looked back at him, "Yeah. I mean, the whole point was to discuss with you. there's not really much I should stick around for."
"Why don't you sight see? Or just stay and relax. You can leave in the afternoon tomorrow." Rasa suggested.
I wanted to say no thanks but I remembered Naruto's eager face when I told him we were going to the sand village.
I sighed, 'I did promise him a vacation.'
"Why not? I guess staying here could help me."
Itachi's face popped into my mind, 'And I don't want to see that again.'
Rasa looked pleased, "Excellent. You don't even need to go looking for a hotel. You can stay in my home."
"Really?" I asked him.
He nodded his head, "It was always built too big. At least four extra rooms, never being used."
I was so shocked I had a hard time talking, "Wow! This is...it's...Thank you!"
Rasa smiled and that made him look nicer.
Then his face got serious, "Actually there's a problem that I can't figure out."
I was still smiling, "What is it? I'm happy to help?"
He looked very troubled, "It has to do with my son. You see, before he was born..."
(Gaara's POV)OMRS! SO MANY PEOPLE WONDERING WHEN GAARA WOULD ARRIVE ON SCENE! I TRIED TO HOLD IT BACK BUT IT WAS TOO MUCH! THIS CHAPTER WILL DEFINITELY BE LONG AND ANNOYING! :P
Mother, Father and a lady entered the room just as we started our final round of Monopoly. Naruto got up and ran to the lady, tackling her with a bear hug.
"Nee-chan!" He hugged her.
She laughed, genuinely, "Hey Naruto. Did you miss me?"
"Of course!"
Naruto's sister looked over in my direction and I ducked down.
"Really? Because it looks like you were having loads of fun while I wasn't around." She replied.
Naruto tried to make up an excuse but failed.
"Whatever," She playfully shoved him, "Go back to your fun. Gaara-san?"
'How does she know my name?" I held my teddy bear tightly.
Her footsteps got closer and closer so I closed my eyes. When I didn't hear her, I peeked one eye open. She wasn't in front of me. I turned to the left and jumped back. she was sitting right next to me.
She laughed hysterically, "Boy you sure flew back. Hi there! Nice to meet you. I'm Naruko, Naruto's older sister."
I looked at Naruto and he gave me a thumbs up.
I sat up straight and answered quietly, "Nice to meet you."
Naruko looked at Mother and father and mouthed something to them. I only caught the word, "bad."
"Gaara-san," Naruko got up, "Can you come with me and your parents? Just for a second."
I squeezed my teddy bear's head, 'This isn't looking good.'
"Please, Gaara." Mother said to me.
Reluctantly, I stood up and followed them. Mother held my hand all the way and kept telling me encouraging phrases. But that only made me feel worse. We walked into a room where Naruko sat down and so did I. then Mother and Father left the room.
I heard the door lock and immediately I got up.
"Calm down," Naruko said nicely, "Nothing bad is going to happen?"
"Then why can't my Mother be with me?" I asked.
"It won't work if any other people are in the room."
"What won't work?" I demanded to know.
"Shukaku, get out here."
I stood still. Shukaku is the monster that keeps me awake at night. I felt a tug at my head and sand started to form from beneath me. They slid next to me and started sticking together before forming a medium sized tanuki.
"Ha, ha, ha! Did someone call me?" Shukaku asked.
"Yeah, I did." Naruko got up.
I couldn't move, I was petrified. But Naruko kept a level head and went over to Shukaku. She put a hand over my red Kanji and put a hand on Shukaku's head.
She closed her eyes, "Shukaku, what's your problem?"
"I don't know what you're talking about. The sand spirit never has a problem!"
"Shukaku, tell me the truth."
Shukaku was silent for a few seconds, "Okay I do have a problem! Every time I'm set free, I'm chained back to another miserable human body that I have to protect."
"And you want to be in control of yourself for once right?" Naruko finished for him.
"You got it."
"Well, have you ever thought about the jinchuriki?" Naruko crossed her legs and sat down.
"I don't need to. They're just walking prisons that I'm chained to." Shukaku stated.
"Let me inform you then. Because you are sealed inside a person, that person can not interact normally with others. They will be cast out among other people."
"And?"
Naruko sighed, "Shukaku, what is the meaning of strength in your words?"
"Someone that can hold their own and doesn't need anyone to protect them."
Naruko shook her head, "I guess that's your personal opinion. But I have a feeling that very soon, you will find the meaning of true strength."
"That's what the old man said before he died." Shukaku replied.
"And I bet he wouldn't want you keeping children awake." Naruko took her hands off of us.
"Shukaku, you're dismissed." Naruko snapped her fingers.
The sand exploded and disappeared. My red kanji felt warm for some reason. And I no longer felt tired or scared. I looked at the teddy bear on the ground and reached for it lightly. I didn't feel like squeezing it.
"What did you do?" I asked Naruko.
She smiled, "I just made it so that you won't get anymore nightmares."
I ran up to her and hugged her tightly.
(3rd Person POV) Meanwhile, in Konoha
"Sasuke!" Itachi stormed into his room.
"What?"Sasuke sat up.
"Where's the headband?" Itachi asked.
"What headband?" Sasuke looked confused.
"Don't play dumb. I left it on the desk and when I came back it was gone."
"I didn't take it!"
"Yes you did!"
(Naruko's POV)
'I wonder if any of the stuff I actually said will work. I guess we'll have to see in the morning.'
I held Gaara tightly and he wiped his eyes, "Can we go back to monopoly now?"
I laughed, "Of course! You'll have to teach me the rules though."
"Sure thing!"
I have to apologize for this taking so long to release. I'm working on making my chapters a bit longer for my fast readers. I'm also thinking of having a time skip to Naruto's Genin years, which Naruko will be apart of. I don't know though. But before that, Itachi and Naruko are definitely going to come into contact with each other.
