I am so sorry for the long wait!!!! My life has been nothing but one bad thing after another. First I gave myself a concussion (not on perpuse) Then Giant tries to kill my grandmother (really), they gave her food posioning and had to go to the hospitle. Now school and registration. . Oh well I guess it really is no excuse for being this late. I'M SORRY!!!!!!!!! I HOPE YOU CAN FORGIVE ME!!!

Warnings!!: Gaara is MAJOR OOC!!!!

FLUFF (towards the middle)

Fantasy of Torture Chapter 09:

It's a Game

Everyone but Naruto left in that instant. He wiped away the rest of his tears getting ready to leave as well. He gazed at Gaara's lifeless body only to see it disintegrate into sand, letting the wind carry it away. A smirk formed on Naruto's face as he vanished in a swirl of leaves.

"Good of you to join us Naruto." To say she was angry was an understatement. But Naruto didn't let Tsunade's voice affect him.

"The pleasure is mine."

"Do NOT be smart with me!" She took a few breaths to calm herself so she can focus on the situation at hand. "First off, why were you fighting with Gaara and why do I have a dead sand-nin on my hands?!" Her voice slowly rose as she spoke, the anger was evident even outside the room.

Shizune decided it was time to come in with a cup of tea. Though everyone knew that tea wasn't what she wanted at the moment. "Tsunade-sama. You need to watch your blood pressure." Shizune set the tea down on the table as she spoke knowing what was about to come out of Tsunade's mouth.

"I KNOW!" The room remained quiet as they listened to the Hokage's breathing. She got it under control and seemed very much relaxed... on the out side. "Answer my question."

"Gaara started it by attacking me so—"

"I don't remember starting the fight. You couldn't keep your hands to yourself Uchiha."

All eyes seemed to pop out of everyone's head. All except Naruto and Gaara that is. "Isn't it wonderful what a good clone can do for you?" Was that sarcasm everyone just heard coming from Gaara? Oh my god the world is coming to an end. Since when did he develop a sense of humor?

Tsunade sighed in somewhat relief at least now she knows that the sand village won't be lynching her any time soon. So that was good. But only one of many issues were solved. "Now tell me why you were fighting with Sasuke. You know that goes against our treaty between the two villages."

"The Uchiha was bothering Naruto, so I put a stop to it. Simple."

"What were you doing Sasuke?"

"I didn't do anything. It's not my fault he doesn't like people touching him all of a sudden. It seems odd to me that that would happen considering that he use to drool over Sakura all the time." Jealousy, coldness, smugness, and more were in his voice when he spoke. There was something the boy wasn't telling and she wanted to know what is was or something will snap. Whether it's her patience or sanity.

"What are you hiding? I know Gaara doesn't like you and the same goes like wise for you. But from what I know about you two you wouldn't just fight for the sake of fighting. What really happened?"

"It doesn't matter Hokage-Baba..." Naruto's voice was distant. "Nothing happened and let's just leave it at that."

"Naruto—"

"I said DROP it! There is nothing to talk about. It is done and over with. ok!" Frustration was evident on his face and in his voice. She didn't know what to do at the moment she decided to let it go so she could think about what happened and use the little information she was given to see if she could figure out this puzzle that was getting more complicated by the moment. "I've made my decision..."

Why is he jumping subjects? Does he really want to make her life that more difficult? Tsunade sighed, "What are you talking about?"

"I want to go."

'Go? Go Where? I can't take this... Oh I see.' A light popped on in her head as realization dawned on her. "I see. What do you say about this?" She turned to Aya and who surprisingly hasn't said a word through out the whole thing.

"I'm cool."

"Very well on one condition."

"I'm listening" Tsunade waved to her assistant to bring someone in. A second later a yawning Shikamaru came in. "Nara Shikamaru will accompany you."

"With all do respect I don't think that is wise."

"Why is that?"

"He's a human. Demons don't trust humans that often. Plus if he comes he can not leave the village by himself. Another must join him, for our own safety. Our village is literally a hidden village. So you can understand why we need to be cautious."

"I do and as long as it's fine with Shikamaru I'm ok with that."

Everyone turned to see what he would say. "Whatever. When do we leave?"

Aya smiled. How would her comrades act around a full human? This will be an interesting 9 months.

"One last question for you Aya. What did you do to those girls?"

Aya smiled at the memory. It was so funny hearing them scream like that. "Oh nothing really. I just put them in their place. They should be up in a few more hours. Though they won't be sleeping much for a while. Come on guys lets go." She motioned for the little group to follow and did with out complaint. Before Naruto got far, Kakashi grabbed his arm. The others stopped, but when the blond nodded his head they continued walking knowing that they won't be to far away and he would join them soon. (Sasuke also exited the room).

"You don't have to leave with her you know. You could stay here and train. Wouldn't that be better then leaving to a place that is full of demons and who know what else."

"Why are you so concerned all of the sudden? Go have fun with Sasuke and leave me the hell alone!"

"Don't be like this"

"Like what?!" Kakashi's eyes widened at the sudden out burst though he shouldn't have been surprised by the way he's been acting lately. "I'm tired of people not taking me seriously. I'll show you and the whole stupid village that I can't be pushed around. They'll learn that the Kyuubi isn't the only think they should fear."

"What about being the Hokage one day? Wasn't that your dream?"

"Dreams die Kakashi-San. And new ones are born. I just have to find my next dream. See you later Kakashi-San"

"It was Sasuke wasn't it?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? He's a bastard like always wishing for thing he can never have. Nobody really changes do they?"

"You changed."

"No, not really. I've always been like this, but no one's ever seen it before. This is the real me, so I suggest you get use to it." Naruto left a stunned Kakashi behind to find his comrades.

Gaara's Pov

We decide that we'll all meet and 9:00am tomorrow at the gates of the village. But before I go to the inn I'm staying at I decide to visit Naruto. I have some questions I want answered.

When I make it there it doesn't even look inhabited. Not a single light was seen on. I open the door and still I see nothing. "Naruto?" I hear someone moving in one of the rooms so I follow it.

The movement seems to come take me to his bedroom. His room was a mess but it wasn't as dark as the rest of the house, the lunar light gave forth its soft glow lighting the small area. When my gaze fell on him I was looking to two pools of blood squatting against the wall under the window. "Why are you here?" His voice was calm and cold something that I didn't expect.

"Tell me what really happened. I know there's more." I seem just as calm as he did, but inside I wanted to scream. I don't know what to do at them moment. What seems like a possible task seems almost unreachable now.

"Nothing."

"You've never been good at lying so I suggest you stop."

"Or what?!" He stood up from his original position and took step towards me. Does he honestly think I'll back down from this? "What will you do if I won't tell you?" I shrug my shoulders. That seems to get him more wound up then before. We glare at each other nose to nose. Green to shifting red and blue.

"He touched you didn't he?" It's obvious the bastard did something to him. I can smell it, see it, feel it. It's something that seems to fill him now. Eyes are the gateway to the soul after all. And Naruto is no exception.

He can't hide his soul from me. I know it and he knows it. Why is he hiding from me. I'll find out eventually. I see his eyes shift from red to blue like lightening. Disgust now shines in his eyes and he breaks eyes contact with me and steps back. His whole from shakes with something... Rage? Anger? I cann't tell.

"Wh... What would you know!" He looks up at me, eyes glistening with fresh tear. He seems determined not to let them fall but they do so anyway. "Do you know what it's like to see him everyday. Knowing that he wants something that you can never give! So he decided to take it by force!!" He's breathing heavy and I watch his chest move with his pants. He tries to leave but I block his way. He seems to get angry again.

"What do you want! Are you happy now! Do you feel fulfilled now that you found out the great mystery. Well?"

He sounds so defeated that I almost regret making him tell me. But I needed to know. Now I have my reason to kill the Uchiha. He completely breaks down now. The moon reflecting off his tears making them look like pure clear crystals. I walk towards him and timidly embrace him. He struggles a little but I don't let him go. I whisper in his ear and run my hands though his silky soft hair. He calms down a little and just lets me hold him. "I would never hurt you. You know that don't you?"

He takes in a shaky breath. "I know."

"Let me here you say it. I will never hurt you."

"You will never hurt me."

"Good."

I pick him up and place him gently in bed. His eyes seemed to panic for a brief moment then relaxing again. I pull his covers up and start my exit when his hand grabs mine. His sun kissed skin to my moon drained on. I seem to stare at his hand holding mine. You can't imagine how that feels. To have someone touch you with out fear in their eyes. It was refreshing. I follow his hands up his bare arms to clothed shoulders and then to his tear stained face. Eyes red and puffy from crying and pouring his soul and frustrations to me.

"Stay." I raise an eyebrow towards him asking him a silent why. "I don't want to be left alone. Please don't leave me."

He looks so lost and alone. How can I denie him? I nod and he releases my hand. I pull up a chair next to his bed and sit down. I lean in and soothingly run my hands through his hair once more. I've seen a mother do it when her daughter was crying and the child fell asleep. Hopefully it will work for him. And he didn't disappoint. He was a sleep a few minutes latter but I don't stop my caresses.

What are you going to do now?

'Get him to trust me so he will open his heart to me once again.'

And what about you? Will you do the same thing to him?

'If he'll let me.'

Naruto Pov

For the first time in days I feel warm and unafraid to open my eyes. I don't know the cause but it's soothing. Slowly I open my eyes and look in to a deep forest green. Then I remember... The night before, the fight, the confession of what happened to me, his reaction... It wasn't something I expected from him. I guess I thought he would act like Iruka-San and Kakashi-San, but he didn't. He asked me to trust him, he wants me to believe that he won't try to hurt me like Sasuke did. I don't know if I can. Then I remember that I'm staring at him and my face grows hot with embarrassment.

"Morning." A simple greeting that seems to touch me more then he'll ever know. He doesn't know how long I've yearned to hear that simple phrase with out a crude remark back or the satisfying eyes of Sasuke after what he did. I felt myself smile at him for real. He seems to be shocked by that and that's when I realize his hand in my hair stroking softly, comforting in a way. No one has ever done that for me. Not ever Iruka-San when I was little. I think he realizes it to and removes his hand. The heat leaves with him and I feel cold once again.

How pathetic I sound. I sound like a sniveling girl who's lost their only love.

(Yes and your love is sitting right in front of you)

He did NOT just say what I think he said...

(Oh I did) I can feel him smirking in my mind. Stupid bastard.

(Hey don't hate on the thing that give you power)

I chose to ignore him at the moment. I see Gaara getting out his seat ready to leave the room and by impulse alone I reach out for him grabbing his wrist. He stops and looks at me with his penetrating emerald eyes. I look down at the floor and whisper a, "Thank you for staying and keeping your promise."

I'm so weak! I disgust myself. I can't even say a stupid thank you to a friend with out being embarrassed. I think he feels my frustration and walks towards me. I still don't look up. I just stare at the floor wishing it would swallow me up so I don't have to look into his face. But he grabs my chin in his strong yet gentle grip and pulls my face up to look at his. I've never seen this side of Gaara. He seems human, not the killer that he is known for. Though I shouldn't be surprised to see this side of him. Where I was always happy and expressed like and dislike, he was sad and indifferent. Now I'm angered and cold, while he is calm and warm. We are opposites yet the exactly same.

He smiles down at me and I can feel myself blush again. "You're welcome Naruto. Now get ready so we can have breakfast and meet up with everyone."

He lets me go and exits the room. I just sit there trying to figure out what happened.

Time change

It seems like they have been walking for hours when in reality it's only been may be one hour or so. It was extremely dark our even though it should have been mid day. The others didn't know why but assumed it had to do with her village being the Village of Shadow and all.

"Are we almost there?" Naruto gave off a frustrated sigh.

"Yes we are. But you must remain silent till we get there."

"Why?"

Aya stopped walking and turned around facing the boys. "Tell me, what do you hear?"

They listened to there surroundings and were baffled.

"Nothing..." was all Shikamaru said. There were no sounds except for their breathing at the moment. But hearing wasn't the only thing they found odd. There was no chakra coming off the plants or anything. "Why don't we hear or feel anything?"

"Because it is one of the tricks of this forest."

"What do you mean by tricks?"

Aya turned back around and continued walking. The other three were on alert now looking for danger. Though they were before, but the thought that an enemy might be able to hear them with out realizing it bothered them.

"Well, this forest is, I guess you could say dead, yet it's very much alive. This forest has it's own way of protecting itself. It gives off the notion of danger because you can't hear anything except those around you."

Aya did some hand seals but continued walking like she didn't even do anything.

"What did you do?"

She didn't answer but the little bit of light they did have seemed to go out. Little puffs of fire seemed to light their way going around like it was some type of maze. What they didn't know was that it was a maze designed to keep unwanted visitors out. That was the point of the jutsu, it had to be taught and couldn't be copied by things like the shirangan and of blood abilities like it. This was how the village protected itself instead of having people change traps every five minutes.

Before they know it they were in a market place. It looked like every other market place except it was in the dark. Even the people looked human. Why would they need to look like that if they weren't.

"Hey. Are you sure were at the right place."

Aya gave an amused chuckle before answering. "Yes Naruto I'm sure. Welcome to the Hidden Village of Shadow."

She gestured them to continue to follow her and they did with out any hesitation. She ushered them around the different stores and people. Some stopped and looked but did nothing, others just ignored them going about their business. It gave Gaara and Naruto a sinking feeling that this village would be like their own.

They wound up at a tall building that reminded them of the Hokage tower back at Konoha. When they entered the room they were looking into a bright hall that seemed to have very few people in it. The chatter that was heard when they entered died down.

They were the center of attention and that seemed to make everyone nervous, except Aya.

"Hi everyone. Guys, these are the other Genins." Aya gestured to the center of the room where three other genins stood.

"This is Naruto, Gaara, and Shikamaru."

"I thought you were only bring two. And why is a human with you?" One of the genins said. She was a girl with brown hair that framed her face. She wasn't very tall but the way she held herself told others not to mess with her.

Aya gave a sigh of frustration. She didn't need to argue with her at the moment. That girl just likes to give Aya a hard time. "Because situations change. The Hokage wanted someone to monitor us. Because I felt like it. Choose your pick."

A quiet mumbling was heard but the girl who spoke before could be heard. "I still don't like it."

Aya shot her a glare that caused everyone to shut up. "I honestly don't care what you think. I suggest you treat them with respect, just like you expect them to do towards you. If I find out any different... you will not be a happy camper."

The girl stepped out of her little group and approached Aya, determination and anger in her eyes. Aya looked the same way. It is obvious they don't like each other. "Is that a threat?"

Aya gave her a dark smirk, "I believe it is a threat. What are you going to do about it Yuri." Aya stepped in front of her giving her a growl. "I suggest you step down off your high horse and learn to be nice to new people."

Yuri just snorted and turned her back to Aya and left the main room. Aya to turned to her comrades and gave them a victory smirk and motioned them to follow her. On their way out they heard a 'C'ya latter guys.' From one of the other genins. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all.

Once they were back on the street Aya decided to speak. "Don't worry about Yuri. She's doesn't like many people and I don't know if you noticed but I don't get along with her."

"We can see. Where are we going." Gaara decided to put in his two cents and ask the question the others wanted to know as well.

Aya stopped mid step and turned around towards them and rubbed her head nervously. "Sorry I for got to tell you. You guys will be staying at my place. Oh but I must warn you, there is another person staying with me. Don't get on his bad side. That is the best piece of advice I could give you."

Then out of the shadows two arms snaked themselves around Aya's shoulders and waist. She didn't seem to surprised. His lips were near her ear, he spoke loud enough for all of the to hear. "You don't seem to mind my bad side." The new person looked at the other three and smiled at them. "Good after noon."

"Hi." they said in unison. Something was off with him. He didn't give off the impression of someone who angers easily. But smiles can be deceiving as Naruto knows so well. Is this person like him in some ways or is this just his personality.

"My name is Katsu. And I'll be your instructor. Though things will be different then what you're use to."

So this will be their new instructor. Not what they were expecting, but then again neither were some of the instructors in Konoha or in the Sand. Katsu removed his arms from Aya and they continued walking once again. The walk wasn't long but it was done silently. Everyone seemed to be lost in their own thoughts. When they reached there new place of residence there were a little surprise as to how big it was. It wasn't anything huge like the Uchiha's or the Hyugas but it was a decent size house. On the main floor was where the kitchen, living room. Down stairs was a dojo for training and weaponry. Up stairs were the bedrooms. Every floor had a bathroom to it.

It was a nice size house yet it seemed so lonely and empty. Like something happened and the life of the house just died along with the occupants. It was a hard feeling to explain. Katsu and Aya gave them a tour and showed them where their rooms were. They were next to each other and no one seemed to mind. In fact, it gave them more comfort to know that they were close. They placed their belongings in their rooms and met back in the living room down stairs.

"Ok." Aya stated when everyone was present. "You guys have a choice. Eat now and then start training, or eat now and do nothing the rest of the day. But let me warn you the next exam in only months away."

Well that decision was a simple, they decided to eat and train. Shikamaru didn't know what to do with his time and just sighed. Why did he have to come with them. He couldn't see the clouds of the day, only clouds of the night. He couldn't train with them because he was a Chunnin and among other reasons. So he had nothing to do.

Katsu saw his inner turmoil and just smiled at him. "Don't look so down and dare I say bored Shikamaru-kun. You are free to train with us if you like. I assure you it will be different from what your use to."

Yay Shikamaru actually has something to do know. But this teacher unnerved him somehow. He didn't know why but he did. But he could wait til later to analyze why he thought that way.

They walked for a few minutes in to another forest near their new home, there was light but not enough to see clearly. They ran into trees, bushes, each other; it just seemed impossible to see in this. How could they practice with these conditions.

"You will have advantages by training with us. If you didn't know some of the other countries were considering having the next exam here..."

For pairs of eyes started and Katsu in disbelief. Are they serious? Why on earth would they want to hold an exam in a demon village. It was unheard of, but if you think about it, it did make sense. They didn't have anything to gain by attack the humans like the Sound village has with Konoha. Plus there would be the fear if any village did try to start something the "villagers" would not allow it. Or it could be that fact that the other villages didn't want the 6 gennins to enter their territories.

"Now we have many things to work on but the main thing that I will do for you is leave you be."

"What kind of teaching is that?!" Naruto was at a loss. This isn't how someone is taught.

"You can not rely on my when in battle. You must rely on your teammates and work together. I will be there to teach you new things but first we need to work on some things."

"Like what?" Katsu gave a small laugh. Aya knew what was to come and the both knew it will not be easy for any of them.

"Tell me..." Aya's looks at the three in front of her. "If you were to fight me or another genin right now, could you win by either working together or individually?"

"We could win." Gaara gave this answer with confidence but he was about to be disappointed.

"That is incorrect. You would loose."

Gaara narrowed his eyes. "Why."

Aya started walking around the small group thinking about what to say. "Because you must first realize that you are not invincible. Gennins no matter where their from think that they can beat anyone. First you must realize that you can die in battle. Once you- -"

"Realize this and know you are not as strong as you like to think." Katsu cut in. "You then can mature and become strong. Determination is not enough to win. You must know your weakness and strengths."

Katsu walked near Shikarmu and ushered him away from the others but not to far. Just far enough so that when the training begun they wouldn't be caught in the middle of it. "Shikamaru-kun, tell me, your clan uses shadows do they not?"

"They do."

"What is the weakness to you technique" It didn't sound like a statement of fact saying that he already knew the answer. But wanted it confermed.

"Lack of light."

"That is where you're wrong. Who ever said that light is the only cause of shadows? Let me show you how to... better manipulate shadows with out light."

"How?"

"Simple..."

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TBC...

I hope my explination for having the Chunnin exam in the Shadow Village wasn't to dumb. Was it? Or should I put it in another village? I'm so sorry for the long wait.

Reviews:

Matitia: Man your review lit my day I swear. Glad you like it. Do you honestly think I would kill Gaara before the got with Naruto? O.o I'm not that mean. Hope you don't mind the major OOC of Gaara. I had to give him a personality. .

Ookima: We all know deep down that Sasuke will get a serious ss-Kicking by someone later on. At least I hope he does. ::laughs nervously:: Who doesn't love Gaara? ::looks at person at my anime store that hates Gaara with a passion -.-)

Nikkler O.o: Look I reviewed myself!!! No not really. Hey fluffy-kins aka sister. I know you love me who doesn't? . But hey you know what's going to happen because I run most of my ideas by you before I write. Oh and don't worry things will happen for Sakura... don't you worry.... Mwahahaha!!!!

Polka dot: Yeah I know but I thought it would be funny if I made it look like he lost and I wanted to see the reaction on my readers ... posts.

Goettia: Don't worry in the anime world spelling doesn't count. Heck I can't spell to save my life!! It's a wonder how I got to college. What is it with the death threats? Oh my... Please I love Gaara way too much too just kill him off that easily. If he's going to go he will go with style. . (though I'm not saying I'm going to really kill him)

Spellcaster Hikaru: Yes Yes I brought Gaara back. Gaara wouldn't do something like that to me. For I am the mighty Nikkler and besides he works at my "Male Companion Services" Mwahaha.

Crystal-Chan2: Don't hurt me I'm fragile. Plus Fluffy-kins will seek revenge.

ChOuXiAoYa: I am so sorry that it took so long to up date! I hope it was worth the wait

Subaku no umunayo: Wow I'm glad I got that kind of reaction. Do you honestly think I'd kill Gaara like that? With out killing Sasuke first? No I will make it pain full if I decide to kill Sasuke.

Neko-Zordaray: O.o Well for the longest time I thought I was a Mommy fearing person. But know I think I might be a Neko Demon fearing person instead.

Aya666: Yay insanity is a good thing. I'm glad you like my concept I honestly didn't think it would take off like it did. I'm happy. Huggles