"And I welcome you, Baby Blue, to Sunagakure, the 'village hidden in the sand'! We still have quite a bit of desert to travel before reaching the city, but we're here alright!"

On a distant tree high above the trio, watching curiously, amused eyes sparkled at the woman's obvious aversion to the tight space of the entrance to Sunagakure. He slowly scrutinized her big blue eyes, and the way her raven hair shone like obsidian rocks in the setting sunlight. Being brought out of his careful observation of the young girl, he gracefully uncrossed his robe covered arms as his impatient adviser- or, on a more personal term, his brother- huffed restlessly.

"Okay, they're here now. You've seen the girl. Now what?" His brother grumbled silently, as to not be heard by the lively group now walking through the chasm of sand. He at least knew that if they were to be found out, he would anger his otherwise calm ruler. And his patience was not something with which you'd wish to trifle with.

Crossing his arms once more, he continued silently gazing off into the distance. His was the picture of unmitigated tranquility. Intentionally dodging his brother's question, he mused quietly, "The Inuzuka boy seems to have taken a liking to... Kagome?" He flickered his glance towards the other male, whom shook his head in exasperation.

"You're really bad with names, ya know? Yea, her name is Kagome."

His superior contemplated silently. "Recite all the information we have on her." He demanded.

His confident parted his mouth with a strangled protest. "Again?"

"Yes."

The man sighed, rubbing his temple in annoyance. "Fine, fine... Her full name- not that you'll remember it- is Kagome Ai Higurashi. She recently turned 18, her birthday being in the winter. She was found in an old dried up well, which was just outside Konaha's borders. Naruto, Kakashi, and the two remaining Sannine were the ones to discover her. The Hokage, not knowing Kagome's origins, made the rash decision to lock her up. She's been trying to get the girl out ever since, though, which is strange-"

"Stop." The other man interrupted. He glanced at his partner. "You've become quite familiar with her file."

The man sputtered in outrage. "W-well, yeah! What the hell do you expect?! You've been asking for updates constantly since she was found, and you're keeping your little fascination a secret, so I'm the one having to go out on my personal time to gather all the data! I don't get it! Sure, she's hot as hell and everything, but you're used to beautiful women! And you've never been interested in them! So why now? Why her?"

His brother cocked an amused brow. He placed a pale, slender hand in the pocket of his blood red regal attire. "My, my. That was quite the temper tantrum there. Could it be that you too have taken a personal interest in her? Hmm...?"

Glaring, he silently bowed to his king as an obvious show of respect and obedience. "Even I wouldn't do something so... idiotic. You obviously want her. It'd be stupid to interfere."

He heard the rustle of his brothers thick velvet cape as his footsteps caused a slight decline in the branch's slight slant. He felt a hand pat his head, like he was a child being praised. He internally growled in anger at being pet like a dog.

"You would do well to remember that, brother. As long as she is in Sunagakure, she is mine. Now," He turned towards the barren desert's setting sun once more. "I'm sure they're nearing the city. When we return, make sure the finest rooms are prepared for them, and quickly."

"Yes... My lord Gaara..." With a flash, Kankuro disappeared, leaving the Kazekage to be alone.

"Kagome..." He muttered to himself.

He thought to himself, Even without Sasuke by your side, you've completely bewitched me. Now, I wonder; will you be just as taken with me... as I am with you...? Will you accept my... proposal?