Copyright notice: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.
A/N: I originally intended this story to start off differently but last minute went a different way. I wanted to make Gaara more complicated than he is, so he might seem OOC and I made Hinata start out weak but she blossoms from a fragile bud into something very beautiful.
Prolog
"Even a person from the side of evil has someone precious to them."
~Sabaku no Gaara
"It is decided then. We will honor our alliance to Konohagakure and send Baki's team to assist in the retrieval of Uchiha Sasuke,"the eldest member of the Sunagakure council's deep voice concluded firmly.
The dark room full of other men dressed in beige robes and white shinobi clothing nodded their heads, their faces weary. The council had received a letter from the Hokage more or less demanding assistance from Sunagakure's shinobi, specifically the 'Sand Siblings'. The Sand Siblings being the deceased Kazekage's children, some of the most gifted shinobi and one being the most deadly. It was not too long ago that Orochimaru and the Kazekage had agreed on an alliance to invade Konohagakure, a plan that failed miserably due to Orochimaru's sly betrayal and the underestimation of the shinobi forces of Konohagakure. After many meetings, a treaty had been established once more and peace resumed again.
Despite this, the council had been wary of sending the Siblings due to their anxiety and concern that still lingered over the youngest child that held Shukaku, Sabaku no Gaara. Since the invasion, Gaara had made substantial changes in his attitude toward the council and his family, even his treatment of the village but the fear of old still lingered. What if his beast took over? What if his old rage, that anger erupted? Baki and the family argued that it would not ever again, but still those old fears stuck. Yet they agreed with Baki's persistence and reasoning that the Siblings go and assist the Retrieval Team.
After many sighs and deep silences, the council agreed and Baki left after the eldest pronounced his judgement. Now they could release their sighs and conclude their meeting and retire to their homes before nightfall and the cold winds.
Baki stood at the gates of Sunagakure's borders and observed the three teenagers in front of him, his arms crossed. The tall blonde girl with the four pigtails stood with her hip cocked, hand rested on her large fan and a smirk pasted on. The second tallest stood, his purple face paint gleaming in the sun and his eyes on his puppet he was adjusting in his bag before receiving an elbow from the girl.
"Ouch Temari, that hurt! What the hell?" The teen yelled, rubbing his head in pain.
"Pay attention, idiot! Baki called us out here for a mission, an important one, and you need to listen. Not play with your puppet!" The girl's smoky voice sneered before adjusting her fan again.
During their banter, Baki fixed his attention on the smallest and youngest. A slight breeze had whipped up through the village and picked up towards the group. The wind whipped past the boy, ruffling through his dark red locks that were parted on the left side to reveal his angry red tattoo on his forehead. Even though his siblings argued like children, he remained still and quiet with his arms crossed stiffly. His expression remained calm, the dark rimmed eyes closed, almost blank as if his mind were elsewhere but Baki knew better. Gaara's mind was aware and never anywhere else.
Gaara's eyes slowly opened, revealing intense turquoise eyes, and he turned to tilt his head at his siblings. "Temari, Kankuro, behave."
His gravelly monotone voice silenced his siblings immediately and the siblings immediately turned their attention to Baki.
"The Hokage has asked that the three of you are sent as backup to assist in the retrieval of the rogue nin Uchiha Sasuke. This is extremely important. It is reported from sources that the Uchiha has gone to join the Sound nin and Orochimaru,"Baki sounded off quickly before handing the scroll to the Siblings.
As their faces became serious, aside from Gaara who was always serious, Baki motioned to a shinobi by the gate and with a nod quickly opened it. Baki returned to look at the Siblings and scrutinized each one. They had grown so much since the Chunin exams and his confidence in them remained solid, even elevated. His fear before for and towards Gaara had faded. The teenager was different, changed, and Baki could sense it even if the village and especially the council could not yet.
"I expect efficiency and perfection as a Sunagakure shinobi. Good luck."
Kankuro sniffed. "Of course, Sensei. I've worked on Crow and we are unstoppable. He even smiles."
Temari scrutinized the scroll, analyzing it then closed it. " Baki, you worry too much for a jonin. We got this in the bag based on what I've read."
Baki watched Temari and Kankuro start off out the gate while Gaara paused silently then moved forward by Baki. Baki tensed and waited quietly, knowing how his student was. Gaara was never one, at least now, for idle talk. He thought his words out before speaking.
"I have precious ones in Konoha and they need my help. I would not disappoint someone I consider a friend, a friend who has helped me in return."
With his quiet words, never once looking at Baki, Gaara followed his siblings out into the desert towards Konohagakure. Baki watched quietly, his face blank before turning away and heading back towards Sunagakure's square. His last thought was simply that the gods help any enemy who tries to harm a precious one of Gaara's now that the boy was beginning to understand the term and what it meant.
Author Note: This story starts a bit uneven (I started this months ago!) but please read and progress further. Everything adds up, makes sense later, and I think you will enjoy where it goes! There are some grammar and spelling errors so please excuse them but PM me if they are large.
October 29 2012