Chapter 48: Unexpected Attack
The next morning, we all wake up extremely early, even before sunrise. The first thing I see when I open my eyes is a bare manly chest. I remember now… I fell asleep in Gaara's arms.
Gaara hugs me tightly.
Gaara: "Good morning."
"I can't breathe!"
Gaara chuckles and pulls away.
"Good morning."
Gaara: "Ready to go?"
"I just need to fully wake up."
Gaara gives me a peck on my lips.
Gaara: "Did that wake you up?"
I start blushing and look away.
"No… You need to give me some more…"
Did I just actually say that? Am I out of my mind? Is it because I'm still half asleep? That's probably it…
Gaara: "Heh. You've become quite bold about these things."
We're both still lying next to each other when suddenly he goes on top of me with his arms on each side of my head, supporting his weight, giving some distance between us. He looks into my eyes and his face starts getting closer.
Then I hear the door of our room opening. Gaara and I both look at where the sound came from.
Temari: "Hey, I get that you two feel all lovey-dovey in the morning, but we have to start moving if we want to get to where the Five Kage Summit is being held before they begin."
Gaara sighs and gets up. Well if it's not Kankuro interrupting us, it's Temari… Oh well, I should get up and get ready.
The distance between Sunagakure and the Land of Iron is about twice as big as the one between Sunagakure and Konohagakure. It will take us around six days to make it there. We'll be right on time for the meeting.
We set off into the desert.
Temari: "This is going to be one long trip."
"At least we know that we'll make it on time."
Temari nods.
Temari: "If there aren't any interferences, we'll make it there around a day early."
Gaara: "Come on. Let's go."
Gaara is probably nervous about his first meeting with the other Kages. I'm sure he'll do wonderfully well.
After two days of travelling, we decide to finally take a break.
Temari: "I'm exhausted."
"Now that you mention it, I'm starting to feel tired too."
Gaara: "Let's find a good place to rest."
"All I see is sand…"
Gaara: "There are parts that are less at risk of sandstorms. Also we have to avoid any place close to quicksand."
Gaara finally picks a spot that looks the same as everything else to me. However, he's the sand specialist, not me. I trust him on this one.
Temari: "Looks like we'll have to sleep without anything over our heads."
"I can make earth domes if you want. They provide good protection too."
Gaara: "That would be great."
Temari: "Make a big one for all three of us to fit. It's better if we all stick together."
She's right. Even though I wanted to have one alone with Gaara… This is not the time to be selfish about these things! I need to focus on the mission.
"Earth Style: Earth Dome."
A rather large dome of earth forms around all three of us and closes up.
Temari: "Impressive. Does this thing have a door?"
"Not really, but I could always make one."
Gaara: "That would be practical."
I try to manipulate the shape of the earth dome and manage to give in a small opening. Anyone who needs to go out will have to crawl out.
"That's the best that I can do…"
Temari: "Well it's better than nothing."
Gaara: "We should all get some sleep. The journey ahead is still long."
We all settle down and find a comfortable position to sleep in. I start slowly dozing off, looking at Gaara sitting beside me.
It's cold… Why did it get so cold all of a sudden?
I open my eyes and find Gaara and Temari sound asleep. They don't feel this cold? Is it just me? Now that I'm fully awake, I notice that my body is perfectly warm… What is this cold feeling then?
"Behind you…"
I feel a tongue on the side of my neck. Who is this? I turn around and…
"Kabuto!"
I get away from his as fast as I can.
Kabuto: "Who else…"
He's… he looks different… He looks more like Orochimaru… The white skin, the eyes…
"What are you doing here?"
Kabuto: "I'm here to take what Orochimaru gave you."
Is it Orochimaru's chakra he's after? The one that was given to me through the curse mark? I look at Gaara at Temari. Now that I look more closely, they're not in a normal sleeping state… They're under a genjutsu!
"I won't let you…"
Kabuto: "It's not like I'm leaving you any choice."
He dashes at me. I block his attack, but his blow sends us both out of the earth dome. I need to undo the genjutsu on Gaara and Temari… It's my top priority right now.
I try to go back to the dome but Kabuto blocks my way with… a white snake! It's like it's part of him! It's coming out from under his robe. Is he even human anymore?
Kabuto: "Your feelings make you so predictable. The only thing going through your head is how you'll be able to save those two sand ninja. You'll never stand a chance against me."
He's right… I'm not thinking rationally… I just want Gaara and Temari to be safe! Is that a weakness?
Kabuto's chakra is barely noticeable. It's… natural energy. Is he in Sage Mode? I won't be able to defeat him in my current state. I need to activate Sage Mode too. But before that, I need have enough time to activate it.
"Summoning jutsu!"
Neiko appears from a wall of smoke.
Neiko: "Akia, it's been a while."
Kabuto: "A White Snake? You… You're more powerful than I thought. As expected from Lord Orochimaru's daughter."
"Neiko! Eat me!"
Neiko: "...I get what you want to do."
Neiko opens her mouth and takes me in it. Now he won't be able to touch me until I activate Sage Mode.
