A.N. the end rapidly approaches here. Keep your eyes open for "The Bond," which promises to be a longer, more complicated fanfic. Enjoy!
The Transition Chapter 21
The new threat made Shukaku stir in his host's conciousness. Through Gaara's eyes, he saw something of a level even the Kaguya were incapable of. The ninja did not look human, but like a grotesque creature not of this world.
Gaara felt Shukaku becoming more restless by the minute, and began to fear he might try to take over again. However, the rage emanting from the beast was directed towards... The Sound ninja?
I want you to give me some control...
What!
Dont argue with me, or it will be both our necks!
The Sound ninja had torn more bones from his body, this time a disgusting, spiny chain from his spine, which he lashed toward Gaara like a whip. The sand barely rose to protect him from the impact in time.
I dont want to transform, i just want to use my own chakra!
Fine, but remember our deal!
A large mass of bone had emerged from the ninja's hand, forming a thick, pointed spear. He advanced it towards Gaara, threatening to bore through him and his defenses.
The words that Gaara spoke were in his voice but rang with an inhuman power. A large golem of sand rose from the earth, taking the form of the demon Shukaku.
Lee saw this with a look of both awe and horror.
The Sound ninja took this as a challenge and bored the spear into the shield-demon. He only got a small way through the shield when the spear shattered.
The sound ninja looked at the still intact shield and the remains of his shattered bones.
"So strong!" he exclaimed.
Shukaku allowed him little time to marvel before he began to sink him beneath the earth.
He returned control to his host mere moments after the shocked face of the Sound ninja vanished below the earth.
"You did it!" Lee exclaimed.
However, a sudden, strange thing happened, and a forest of bone began to grow around them, threatening to impale the both of them on their sharp boughs. Gaara only had enough time to lift the pair of them out of danger on floating clouds of sand.
Lee looked around in amazement and horror, Gaara sat breathlessly on his own cloud.
"It is amazing how you can do so much in such a short time!" Lee exclaimed.
"It has become second nature to me... But I am at my limit, we must descend..."
"How dare you call me a pawn!"
Gaara turned around, only to stare face to face with the same spear of bone that Shukaku had shielded him from moments before. Wide eyed, he waited for the fatal blow to land.
It never came. As soon as the Sound ninja began to lash out, he succumbed to the condition that had plauged him before the battle even began.
They returned to the village hours later, Gaara supporting Lee on his shoulder, to learn that the mission had failed- Sasuke had indeed gone to the Sound village of his own will, but Naruto had put up a great fight to try to stop him. they nearly lost two of the Leaf villagers, but all had sustained some kind of injury.
Gaara found his siblings in Konoha's hospital, Temari keeping one of her own former opponents company, Kankuro looking for Gaara, after learning the circumstances of his battle, he feared Gaara had been injured, but was now making wise remarks at him.
Temari came running to them moments later with news that everyone would survive.
No casualties, thank goodness! Last time Gaara had been in this village, his wish was to see them all die, now he was grateful to see them all safe.
Later that day, Naruto's sensei found him, learning he was interested in his student's wellbeing. He had confirmed that Naruto would be OK, but told him of a new situation.
"One of the Sanin wishes to train Naruto personally, and he will be leaving in a few days to do so."
"That is a good thing. Having fought him, i feel a sanin could help him control his impulsiveness. It will be a while, wont it?"
"Training usually does, but I think he will return to the village in a fairly short time..."
"He seems that type...I hope it all goes well for him."
"I can sense a change in you, as well. Last time we met, death was your mindset. You've grown, and I think we can expect even more while Naruto is away. Can you not see the desire to improve throughout everyone in your age group?"
"I never noticed until now..."
"I hope that spirit spreads to Suna when you and your team return. I am sure Naruto would want to see that."
The siblings returned to Suna the following day. Those who were able to saw them off at the gate.
"Well, the score is even now, i guess..." Shikamaru, the boy Temari fought in the Chunin exams, was among them and was trying to be civil, but all could see he was having trouble.
"I am grateful to you guys, I would have lost so much more without your aid." Naruto's teammate, Sakura, was there on Naruto's behalf.
"Well, if you ever need someone to watch your back again, we'll be there!" Temari had started wise cracking at Shikamaru late the following night, and wanted to get one last dig in.
"I hope the best for you and your comrades..." Gaara spoke this time. "Please give Naruto my best wishes for his journey."
"I will, and I wish you three the same for yours..." Sakura had a bittersweet tone to her voice. "I am glad to see your own bond has strengthened."
"Well, I guess we better cut formalities short, we dont have long." Kankuro finally closed the greetings, which he too was uncomfortable with. The three siblings turned and headed back to their home in the desert, new hopes and ideas on their minds.
The End.