(2022/09/10): Hey everyone!
Life has been getting in the way of me writing, but I was luckily able to finally get this chapter finished! Lots of these chapters were sitting in my docs folder untouched since the spring, so it was nice to finally get around to completing some of the scenes I had drafted. I also wanted to say I appreciate (so much!) all of you who have been reading and following this story after reading Sand and Snow. It's very rare that sequels to fics have some acknowledgement, and I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who stuck reading this series through thick and thin. I'm hoping to have this story finished by next spring and the third and final sequel done by next winter, and I hope the ending satisfies you all!
Next chapter will be posted within the month, and will be a POV chapter.
As always, thank you all for reading xx
(If you want to follow my Tumblr, it's aela-targaryen)
Chapter 17
Summer's End
The air of the Land of Fire was not as unbearable as in the Land of Wind.
Above, scarce sunlight beamed through the lush, thick canopies of towering cedar and birch trees that lined the long, wooded road to Konohagakure. It was a warm day but pleasant enough not to suffer from the brutal summer heat. Already, the warmth in the air was waning as the winds warned of the approaching autumn, with the odd leaf in the canopy displaying brilliant shades of yellow and orange. The Sunagakure envoy had a fortunate and uneventful procession across the borders – although the trip was nearing the middle of its third day.
Gaara suggested the carriage for the journey because it was Kyōkurō's first trip outside the village and its walls. Still, Nomasaki took one look at the horses in the estate stables, and the utter look of refusal in her eyes cast doubt. The horses seemed relieved, too – for they whickered and whinnied in distress the moment she approached from the estate grounds. His wife was still unable to use her powers and it worried him deeply. The blood-seal was all but gone – or was it? Whenever Nomasaki tried to transform with her Ōkamitoko following the incident, she was overcome with sudden fear and anxiety. Sometimes it was so great that she would be left beside herself trembling.
"I feel my blood boil and then… nothing," She told him in the safety of their bedroom. "It's like that time when I was struck with that ginkō weapon – when Tenbu attacked me the first time."
Her words perplexed him. The jade ginkō ore that rendered her feral and powerless when Tenbu attacked the village appeared to be a weakness, but she was not exposed to the ore in his recent memory. The current affliction of mental trauma may have played a role in her situation, but he did not want to ask in case the topic was taboo. He only wanted her to be happy and not relive her nightmares on the birthing bed.
And then he realized.
Gaara wondered if some of the blood-seal remained locked within her.
Dormant.
And that damned Uchiha may be the key to figuring it out, He cursed himself.
Regardless, it was something beyond her control – whatever it was.
For the first day, Gaara was the one to carry their son across the desert.
Using a woven sash Sana made for them after his birth, Kyōkurō was held snuggly against his chest as they trekked through the yellow dunes. Subconsciously, the sands rose above them and sheltered the child from the sun's rays and the desert heat. It made Gaara think of his mother and his father's last words to him – and he soon found himself thinking his mother was sheltering her grandchild through the flowing sands. The thought warmed him yet stung with a tinge of melancholy, but he kept it to himself.
He at least has one grandparent, Gaara thought, That's more than any shinobi alive can ask for.
Kyōkurō hardly made a peep and nestled comfortably with his soother – leaving Gaara to think he was asleep for much of the ordeal. Nomasaki took over once they made it to the Land of Rivers, and at nightfall, they made camp amongst the bamboo glade to avoid curious onlookers travelling the same roads and any potential threats that may be stalking them in the wilds. It was clear that Kyōkurō was a pleasant baby and slept soundly beside his mother without much fuss or crying. And if anyone approached at night, Nomasaki would surely be able to sense their chakra or detect their scent – as being a mother made her especially alert, even if in sleep's embrace under the cover of stars and warm furs. Kankurō kept watch for half the night, with Gaara alternating when his brother would sleep. Insomnia appeared to have some advantages, it seemed. But he could feel the tension in his jaw and the strain in his shoulders, and the notion of sleep became a desperate thought.
The second day drew some contention.
A day's journey stood between the Suna-nin and Konoha, with the entourage finally reaching the Land of Fire's border by midday. Then, Kyōkurō began to stir, and his muffled cries grew restless. Following her motherly instincts, Nomasaki stopped along the road upon a fell tree to nurse their baby. She pushed aside the cover of her cloak and her yukata's fabric and allowed her baby to latch.
Kankurō immediately recoiled, drawing Gaara's ire.
"Hey… maybe you shouldn't do that in front of other people…?"
Nomasaki whipped her head to him, fangs barred and all. "What am I supposed to do? Let him starve?!"
Kankurō flinched back. "Jeez… sorry for asking."
"Kankurō," Gaara stepped in. "Respect my wife's decision. If you can't handle it, look away."
Hearing Kankurō attempt to form an argument left Meiyumi annoyed.
Tactfully, she rummaged through the pack and pulled out a bottle. "Honestly… you men are so weak-minded. What do you think breasts are for anyways? Surely not just for you to fondle…" She gave the bottle to Nomasaki, who discretely adjusted her yukata and cloak to cover herself. Once the Kazekage's son had the bottle eagerly in his mouth, Meiyumi drew a narrowed glance at her lover. "You saw people blown to bits in the war and can't handle something like this? It makes me wonder…"
Embarrassed, Kankurō forged ahead on the path with eyes averted from his disgruntled lover.
Nomasaki carried their son on the third day as they neared the Konoha gates in the distance.
It was almost midday, and the journey was an exhausting one. The only saving grace was the cooling breeze as they ventured further east, but even that was scarce. Nomasaki took the air in, taking in the strong scent of pine and birch. It reminded her of her forest back in the mountains and how much she desperately missed it.
Soon enough, she would be back in Yamagakure and could see her father again – and all the others she missed.
The Kazekage and his entourage were met with the guards as they approached the gates and were discretely shuffled through without much notice. The village was humming with the midday lull, with few villagers out during the cooling afternoon. Gaara was relieved just to arrive, sensing his tiredness catching up to him. His insomnia worsened in recent weeks, taking a toll on his mental and physical well-being – and it did not help that he had duties to attend to as Kazekage.
He hoped he could at least take a short nap when they arrived at the Nara Clan residence.
Weaving through the wide streets to follow the road to the Nara Clan, dogs began to growl and bark as the Suna-nin passed by. They stalked them, hiding within the shadows of alleyways and market stalls and their attention locked towards the she-wolf who carried a sleeping babe in her arms. By the time they reached the forested path that led directly to where Temari now called her home, the strays and runaway dogs continued to snap and yelp. Even some of the villagers had noticed, watching with confused stares from their homes and storefronts. Keeping calm, Nomasaki continued onward and tried her best to ignore them. As the barking grew louder, Kyōkurō stirred within the woven stash and whimpered.
Kankurō eyed the dogs at their heel. "What's with all the barking?"
"Damned mutts…!" Nomasaki muttered, placing a comforting hand on her child's head. Kyōkurō let out a waking cry, prompting his mother to soothe him in her arms. "Poor Kyōkurō… He was having such a nice nap until their infernal yapping…"
Gaara paused beside her, making their journey come to a halt. "It's alright, Nomasaki. They're just strays."
"Why is it that this happens anytime she's around dogs?" Kankurō groaned, putting his hands in his pockets. "Even in Suna, this happens… Strange, if you ask me."
Meiyumi sighed. "It's her chakra, Kankurō. Dogs are afraid of her and what she is, and they can smell the wolf on her." A chuckle passed her lips. "Funny thing is, she finds they smell bad because as much as she hates dogs, her sense of smell is just the same if not greater."
Nomasaki shuddered, annoyed. "They smell terrible! I can smell them from a mile away."
A distant voice was heard behind them, talking to the strays surrounding the square at their backs. "What's with you guys? Smell something nearby or what?"
Nomasaki tensed instantly, frustration entering her glance.
Gaara noticed, eyeing her warily. "What do you sense?"
"An annoyance." She muttered.
"Wha -?" The voice gasped. "I-It's you?!"
Gaara turned as they heard the sound of footsteps running closer to them. From the pack of dogs that gathered at the square, a tall brown-haired Konoha-nin bearing the markings of the Inuzuka clan met them on the road. Gaara swore he had recognized the young man before but could not put a finger on it. He wore a frayed fur coat and flak jacket, and his hair was unkept and wild looking. When Gaara noticed the man had his shocked stare locked onto his wife, suspicion arose within him.
"Who?" Meiyumi rose a brow, confused. "Nomasaki, who is this?"
"That stench -!" Nomasaki pinched her nose, concealing her son with her cloak. She eyed him contemptuously. "What do you want, dog?"
The man jolted, appalled. "Dog?! I'm an Inuzuka! Proud and formidable, at that!"
Inuzuka Kiba, Gaara realized, He was in the Chunin Exams back then… and fought Naruto. "Kiba, is it?"
And it was at that moment that Kiba realized who was before him on that village street.
The stench of blood that burned his nostrils on that fated day in the Forest of Death suddenly came back to the forefront of his mind. On that day, he saw a ruthless killer and borderline psychopath, but today he saw a calm and dignified man of great power and status. And the she-wolf who caught his eye stood furrowed-browed with her cloak moved over her breast as her piercing violet eyes were locked onto him.
Shit.
"G-Gaa -?! K-Kazekage-sama?!" Kiba cringed as he saw Gaara step closer. "What brings you here? A Kage Summit?"
Gaara glanced to Nomasaki, curious. "Do you two know each other?"
She huffed, averting her embarrassment. "He tried to hit on me once. As you can see, the attempt was unsuccessful."
"Hit on you…?" Gaara repeated, unsure of the wording. What does that mean? A thought crept into his mind, causing a wave of dormant anger to rise into his chest. He met the eyes of the Inuzuka, rage glaring through his stare. "Did you hurt her?"
Kiba flinched, gulping back his fear.
"Gaara! Not that, sheesh!" Kankurō intervened, noticing the gourd on Gaara's hip about to burst forth. Placing a firm grip on his cloaked shoulder, he drew Gaara's glare away. "He tried to pick her up…! He flirted with her, catch my drift…?"
The wind was swept from his sails.
Narrowing his glance in annoyance, Gaara tsked. "That's a strange turn of phrase to describe it…"
"O-Oh, that?" Kiba replied, shielding his embarrassment and fear behind a cocky grin. "Well… that was before I knew you were spoken for, so I take it back!"
He felt the Kazekage's eerie ringed eyes still upon him, near making his heart skip a beat. Please don't kill me, he pleaded internally, I really messed up – big time. He met Nomasaki's annoyed glance at first, but the more he looked at her, the more intimidated and flustered he became. Scratching the back of his head, he averted his eyes.
"That can all be water under the bridge, so let's forget about it and start over!" He looked back at her and gave her his hand. "The name's Kiba!"
Hesitant at first, Nomasaki took his offer and shook. She kept her grasp firm, and Kiba swore he felt her nails pinch as if claws. "Nomasaki, of the Yamamori clan." Then, moving her cloak, she revealed the sleepy infant snuggled against her breast. "This is Kyōkurō, my son."
"Oh?" Kiba glanced, awed by the tiny child. The infant was wide-awake and had a soother in his mouth. The child's hair was a feathery red and only a tuft, and his purple eyes were wide and wondrous as he watched the man move closer. "Wow, what a cute little guy!" A thought crossed his mind, nearly jolting him. "Wait – who's the father? Don't tell me it's…-?!"
"My husband, of course." Nomasaki replied flatly.
"Your husband?" Kiba repeated.
He's near just as stupid as Naruto, Kankurō sighed. Then, subtly, he pointed to his brother at his side.
Gaara turned on his heel. "Me." He spoke loud enough to hear the iron in his tone. "We should get going. Temari is waiting for us."
Without saying anything, the Suna-nin departed for the forest at the end of the road.
"Con… Congratulations!" Kiba shouted, waving a hesitant hand at their backs. Nearby, he heard Akamaru sniff from under the shade of a park tree. Folding his arms against his chest, he grew disgruntled and furrowed his brow. "What are you looking at, Akamaru?"
Akamaru whimpered, laying his head down on his legs.
And his ninja hound had to agree – that was a rather embarrassing encounter.
"You think he smells?" Meiyumi whispered, giddy. "I couldn't sense a thing!"
Nomasaki gave a brief chuckle, annoyance still lingering in her tone. "It's a perk of the beast-blood, I can't shut it off, and it's incredibly sensitive." She sighed. "I wish my powers were back to normal… then I could've shown him my true form to scare him off."
Meiyumi giggled, masking her smile with her hand as they walked.
As the two kunoichi walked ahead, Kankurō smirked at his brother beside him. "I have to admit, Gaara… for a second there, I swore I thought I saw a glimmer of jealously in your eyes."
The word grabbed Gaara's attention. "Jealousy?"
"As soon as you realized that Kiba-guy had a thing for Nomasaki, you tensed up like a statue!" Kankurō teased, smirking after he noticed Gaara's ire. Humoured, he moved his glance back towards the road ahead. "I never took you for the jealous type… then again, I never thought you'd be in a relationship with someone – and with a kid, too."
Irked, Gaara kept his anger at bay and shot a narrowed glance at his brother. "Thanks…"
As they continued onward, he caught a glimpse of his wife ahead of them. Seeing her talking with Meiyumi and being happy washed away the embarrassment and temper and filled him with admiration and calm. Her hair was near as golden as the sun that shone down through the encroaching canopy above, and her husky soothing voice was the most beautiful sound to grace his ears. It was enough to ease his turmoil in that glimpse of her cloaked back.
"I trust her completely, just so you know." Gaara said, drawing Kankurō's attention. A smile formed on the Kazekage's lips, and he welcomed it. "It can't be helped that many would admire her… she's an incredible woman." And I get to call her mine…- Realizing the potential for distraction, he stopped his thoughts before he could become further mesmerized.
And the Nara Clan residence was on the approaching horizon.
Temari leaned against the post under the veranda, her arms folded against the purple yukata that covered her chest as she watched her brothers and their partners come to a pause. "We were wondering when you were finally going to show up!" She tsked. "The tea's gone cold by now."
Gaara paid no mind to her tone. "We had to stop along the way,"
As Gaara and his brother followed Temari's snide smile inside the winding residence, Nomasaki held her baby close to her shoulder and stepped up the wooden stairs to meet him. "I'll help Meiyumi get the nursery ready for tonight. I'll join up soon, okay?"
"I'll take him. He slept most of the journey." Gaara offered, seeing the tiredness in his wife's eyes. "We'll be waiting for you. Rest a bit."
Nomasaki smiled, warmed.
Without saying anything, she passed him their son. Once Kyōkurō was moved to Gaara's arms, she gently brushed her fingers through their baby's hair. Then, meeting Gaara's glance, she ascended another wooden step to kiss him softly on the lips. She parted with a smile, waving to their son as he left with his father inside the large winding house within the forest.
Gaara entered the dining room to find his brother, brother-in-law, Naruto, and Hokage seated upon cushioned seats at the low table. Temari arrived from the adjacent hallway, bringing a pot of tea and cups on a tray. Once she saw her nephew, she paused in her tracks. She rose a brow as if surprised at the notion. "You brought the baby?"
Gaara looked down at his son fondly. "I insisted on a family trip. I figured he should meet his aunt and uncle in their village."
Temari approached after setting the tea down, smiling sweetly and cleansed of her usual rough demeanour. "Hi, Kyōkurō! Your aunt is exhausted from her mission but will stay up so I can see you!"
Kyōkurō reached out with a little hand, and his aunt was awed.
Gaara was perplexed. He wondered if a child was all it took for Temari to calm herself. But then he remembered her strict and bold temper. He already began to feel sorry for any children she may have someday with her husband Shikamaru – for those children could not escape the gruelling customs of Sunagakure even if their mother immigrated to Konoha.
Then an old conversation struck his memory.
I'm one to talk… my wife spent a month in the mountains alone to survive at age ten, he realized.
And then he started to feel sorry for Kyōkurō.
Temari sat near her husband, sighing as she sat. "He's gotten bigger since the last time."
Shikamaru grabbed a tea and nodded. "Kids grow fast, I heard Kurenai-sensei say about Mirai."
Gaara took his seat between Kankurō and Naruto, holding his son upon his lap. With his sand, he made a miniature train and a ball, and Kyōkurō was instantly preoccupied from the adults' conversation. "He's over five months now – and more fearless."
"Gaara!" Naruto called excitedly. "You have a son?!"
Gaara turned to him and smiled, then looked back to his child. "His name is Kyōkurō."
Beaming, Naruto leaned in towards the baby. "Hiya!" Upon seeing Kyōkurō give a small smile behind his soother, Naruto was awed. "He's so small!"
Shikamaru groaned. "No shit, Naruto. He's a baby."
Naruto shot the Nara an annoyed glance. "Obviously!" Looking back at the child, he was marvelled by the sight of his bright red hair that near covered his entire head. He could not help but grin at the prospect. "He's got your hair, that's for sure!" But the more Naruto looked at the baby, the more he grew unaware and suspicious. "But the eyes… those definitely aren't yours, Gaara."
Kankurō folded his arms against himself and lowered his head as he chuckled. Clearly, he was amused at something. "Don't tell me you forgot her name…"
Naruto flinched instantly. "W-What?! No, I didn't! It just slipped my mind, ya know!"
"He has her eyes." Kakashi entered, his calm voice drawing their glances. "Even if a small fragment of Shukaku was inherited, the eyes still resemble hers."
"'Hers'?" Naruto dared ask.
"The wolf-girl, remember?" Kakashi reminded. "We were at their wedding. And you've met her – quite a few times, actually. Over several years."
Naruto was beside himself.
"Oh, yeah… Guess I forgot, sorry!" He murmured, realizing his lapse in memory. As he looked at the cheerful baby playing with the sand, another thought crept into his mind. At least the kid has a chance of actually having eyebrows.
The wooden door to the room slid open, the cool air of the dying summer entering with it.
"Sorry, we were late!" Nomasaki greeted, making sure to close the door behind her. "Traveling with an infant was more difficult than I expected." Seeing the pairs of familiar eyes watching her, she timidly took her seat beside Gaara and her son. Then, she felt a gaze upon her, prompting her to turn. When she saw Naruto, she gave a light smile and a wave. "Hi, Naruto. It's nice to see you!"
Naruto flinched, masking his embarrassment with a grin. "You, too!" Then his words fumbled. Shit, I forgot her name! Quick, think… think…- "…Masaki…?"
Gaara narrowed his glance, irked. "Naruto…"
Kankurō sighed, covering his expression with his hand. You had to open your damned mouth.
Unaware, Nomasaki raised a brow. "What's wrong? Did I… miss something?"
"No, you're good." Temari sipped at her tea. "Just thick-headedness…"
Naruto huffed, wounded by the quip.
Nomasaki put her sleeve to her lips, hiding her laughter.
"It was a long journey, but it's nice to be away from Suna at this time of year." Kankurō sighed, leaning back against the tapestry-covered wall. He glanced at his younger brother snidely. "Not looking forward to a day's worth of discussions, though. Eh, Gaara?"
"Likewise." Gaara closed his eyes, masking his tiredness. "But it's part of being a Kage."
Breaking the calm, Kyōkurō began cooing noises and grasping the air, separating himself from the white-haired Hokage. Naruto noticed immediately, snickering. "Kakashi-sensei, I think the baby likes you!"
Turning towards the infant on the Kazekage's lap, Kakashi smiled behind his mask. Although he would never admit it loudly, there was something about small children that comforted him. Perhaps it was their innate joy and curiosity of the world around them – or maybe it was the innocence of not knowing the cruelties of the shinobi world. Either way, he felt moved.
"Hm?" Kakashi observed the child and studied his wondrous violet eyes. The Yamamori bloodline runs as strong as ever, it seems. "Aside from the eyes, he's the spitting image of his father. That's for certain."
Nomasaki smiled softly. "It's good you two meet! After all, you're fifth cousins. You and I are fourth-degree relatives, Kakashi-sama."
"Just 'Kakashi' please…" The Hokage hushed, too humble for his own good. The words caught his ear, surprising him. "How did you find out?"
Nomasaki took a teacup in her hands and glanced down at the table's surface in thought. "When I was with my clan on my last visit north, we did some family-tree tracing." She said, the others listening.
A certain sadness filled her chest as she remembered the day well.
It was months before she was wed to the Fifth Kazekage, where she was summoned to meet with the clan elder. The woman was a matriarch of ninety years, with her hair long and white kept in a bun bound by a woven band of ornate wool, and she was clothed in furs and an embroidered robe of deep red. She was near blind, but her faded violet eyes followed Nomasaki as she entered the hut to visit. It was the first time Nomasaki had met with her alone, having only seen the old woman at clan rites and the odd shrine celebration of the old mountain gods.
When Nomasaki sat before her at her hearth that day, the old woman was near brought to tears and said, "You are the one who unified the clans, at last, the branch and main household… never in my long life had I dreamed of this becoming a reality. Because of you, we are here in our homeland, and the mountain gods seem to have forgiven us for our past bloodshed… You may be a half-blood, but the wolf-blood flows strongest within you". Upon hearing that Nomasaki was to marry the Kazekage of Sunagakure, the matriarch was happy, but her glossy pale eyes appeared saddened at the news. Then, gingerly, she took Nomasaki's hands into hers, wrinkled and frail, and spoke, "When my time comes, it is you who will become the matriarch. Your bloodline is the last of the main household and the blood of the last true heir… Do not let the desert change you – remember who you are. You are of the blood of the wolf." Her aged face frowned, masked by the dimmed fires of the hearth, "Many years ago, women of our clan were used to fetch alliances with our enemies, used to broker marriages with the sons of those who fought our people. Ancestors we share… such as the sister of your great-grandmother. In the Warring States Era, we of the Yamamori barely survived… and that survival was owed to the marriage of one of the chieftain's daughters and the leader of the Hatake clan. That clan would later go on to settle in Konoha years later… and the Yamamori bloodline would be passed down to its descendants." Her frail hands clasped Nomasaki's gently, giving her a warm smile, "Regardless of this marriage and its intentions, you are of the clan, and your destiny is forever tied to this mountain. You are a wolf by blood and in soul and spirit. You must never forget. This is the way."
Nomasaki nodded. "This is the way."
When the memory passed through but a flicker of her eyes, she hid her rising grief with a soft smile towards the Hokage. "We share a common ancestor – my great-grandmother and your great-grandmother were sisters. She was married off to a man bearing the name Hatake to make peace during the Warring States Era."
Kakashi crossed his arms, taking in the news. "Who would have thought we could call ourselves cousins, eh?" He smiled beneath his mask. "Kazekage-sama, that makes us in-laws to some degree."
Gaara gave a half-smile, his attention focused on his son. "You're right."
Nomasaki nodded, lightly smiling back. She leaned towards her son, gesturing to the white-haired man across the table. "Kyōkurō, this is your fifth cousin, the Hokage. Say 'hello',"
Kyōkurō paused and followed his mother's finger to the man sitting across from them. As soon as he saw the Hokage, he smiled behind his soother.
And the cousins were formally introduced to one another.
After about an hour of pleasantries, Meiyumi came to put Kyōkurō to bed.
The skies beyond the open patio darkened, and the woods surrounding the clan estate became a void of rustling leaves and eerie silence. Not even the owls dared to call out into the night. Conversations between the shinobi soon ended, and the tone shifted from friends catching up to diplomats discussing political affairs. Naruto leaned forward, taken aback by the news.
"So no sign of them?" He gaped. "None at all?"
Nomasaki lowered her head sombrely, keeping silent.
"Nothing," Gaara answered. "Sasuke left Suna after the birth to investigate the symbol's origins. I don't know where he went, but he has yet to send a hawk." He glanced at his wife at his side, sensing her shame. It tore him. Keeping a calm face, he remained firm as stone. "We've begun scouring the village for the black market, but we haven't found an in yet…"
Kankurō nodded with a smirk on his painted lips. "The puppet corps is working alongside the Suna ANBU to find these rats. We'll find their nest soon enough." A stark silence came after he spoke, and the reality soon became clear. Just the look of Naruto and Kakashi's expressions was enough to say it all. "…Sasuke didn't return?"
"We've heard nothing of Sasuke – or Sakura, for that matter." Kakashi folded his arms and lowered his head, his eyes narrowing. "Last I heard, they were headed towards the northern coast of the Land of Frost… a bit abrupt, if you ask me. He did not explain why, just that it was necessary to the cause."
Naruto huffed. "And the bastard doesn't even have the sense to charge his phone! I swear, I called like a dozen times and nothing! So why even bother giving him a phone, ya know?!"
Nomasaki felt her lip quiver as she bit it, quelling her rising emotions.
"So… they're not back yet?" She spoke, her quiet voice drawing their attention. "That's… a shame."
Naruto rose a brow. "Hm? What's gotten you down, Nomasaki?" He asked, perplexed by her words. "You wanted to see Sasuke or something?"
She whipped her head towards him, fangs barred and all. Seething with anger – a beast's anger. "Not by choice!" She spat, standing from her cushioned seat. "I can't stand him! Why would I -?!"
As she moved her glance, she saw the bewildered and wide eyes of those around her. She raised her voice, and only then did she realize how loud she was. Shameful, she became small again and retreated down to her seat. Curtains of gold masked her face as she lowered her gaze to her lap. She felt a smooth and comforting hand touch the back of her dress – Gaara's hand. Hesitantly, she met his face and saw within his eyes. They were sympathetic and protective and held a flicker of pain. Feeling the emotions swirl to her throat again, she bit her lip and forced herself to face everyone.
Stay calm, she reminded herself, Be a sheep.
She took a breath, closed her eyes, and exhaled.
"Sorry, my temper is just…-," Opening her violet eyes, she met the faces of the Konoha-nin with as much poise as she could manage. "Anyway, what I meant was… I was hoping to talk with the Uchiha about his Sharingan."
"His Sharingan?" Shikamaru questioned, suspicious. "For what purpose?"
"Genjustu," Gaara replied firmly. "We think that the Sharingan's Tsukuyomi and its genjutsu might be able to help Nomasaki recover from the trauma she suffered at the hands of Tenbu. It's our only option… -," He turned to his wife, the seriousness in his expression changing to concern. "Although not the choice I personally think is right. I only think it's too dangerous, but I respect your decision."
Nomasaki closed her eyes and nodded, sitting as still as a mountain. "Noted."
"Why the Tsukuyomi?" Temari entered. "Why not any other genjutsu? Why does it require you to use that jutsu?"
"Because it's my memories," Nomasaki admitted, opening her eyes to reveal her broken glance. "It's my memories that I need to revisit… and conquer."
Naruto grew confused. "Your memories?"
Kakashi nodded, placing his tea on the table. "The Tsukuyomi is a visual jutsu that delves deep into the victim's mind. The user may not have knowledge of the victim's past or memories, but the jutsu can tap into those memories if the user wills it." He eyed the Kazekage and his wife, his dark eyes narrowed slightly. "I tried to learn the Tsukuyomi when I had my implanted Sharingan, but it was too powerful a technique for someone not of the Uchiha bloodline to master. I could barely manage a Kamui, but that was the most I could deal."
He glanced to the open patio, suspicious of the blackened night and fallen leaves.
"You there, step out of the shadows. I wasn't aware you were listening."
Within a flicker, Shijima appeared from the shadows and knelt. "Hokage-sama," She spoke, her tone as rigid as stone. "I couldn't help but overhear the jutsu in question."
Nomasaki gestured to the concealed kunoichi. "Kakashi-sama, this is Shijima – my bodyguard. She's of the Hoki clan."
Kakashi drew away his suspicion, surprised. "The Hoki clan…?"
He looked the kunoichi over, seeing only a shinobi concealed by dark-coloured garbs with no evidence of a face. But as he was reminded of the name, his suspicion returned. And with it, the memory of the vile snake. His eyes narrowed at her, sensing her chakra from across the room.
Was this the child Orochimaru experimented on back then? He thought, The records mentioned a girl of ten… could this be her?
He calmed himself, deciding to revisit his questions another time.
"You have interest in the Sharingan, I take it?" He asked. "Judging by your chakra, I had to ask."
Shijima nodded. "Sir, I have a Sharingan – an implanted one, as you mentioned having yourself." She stood to her feet, revealing her slender frame and shinobi presence. Her eyes were hidden by shadow, but the faint faded tan of her sash was slightly visible from the lamplight. "I was kidnapped by a snake as a child and given a faulty set of eyes. However, I can perform genjutsu to a degree. I would like to speak with you about how to harness this power – as a fellow non-Uchiha."
Naruto snorted. "You can't just ask the Hokage for training, ya know!"
"I'll teach you everything I know." Kakashi agreed. "Meet me before the Suna-Konoha meeting, and we can start there."
Shijima bowed respectfully. "Thank you, sir."
"What?!" Naruto gaped, shocked. "Kakashi-sensei, can you even trust her? We never met her! We have no idea what she's like! What if she tells other people how to use the Sharingan? That would be very bad for us and Konoha, ya know!"
Kakashi glanced at him, unmoved. "She's Nomasaki-sama's bodyguard and the key to stopping Tenbu for good." He looked to the bodyguard, seeing the dedication clearly in her stance. "If this woman can perform Tsukuyomi on Nomasaki-sama and help her recover and regain her locked powers, that's a good enough reason to try."
Nomasaki was near moved to tears, but she kept calm and at bay. Still, her violet eyes glistened as she watched them. Thank you, Kakashi-sama – Shijima…
Yawning, the Hokage rose from his seat and started for the open patio door. "In the meantime, I'm heading for bed. Why don't you young folk go out and enjoy the night while it's still young?" He paused and lingered at the doorway, smiling back at the Kazekage. "Kazekage-sama, I'll be seeing you tomorrow. Bright and early."
Gaara nodded in parting. "Kakashi."
Once the Hokage was gone, Naruto pondered to himself in silence. "So… you're fixated on that method, huh?" He looked up and gave a smile to Nomasaki. "Well, if there's anything I can do to help, I sorta went through something like this before the war."
His words drew her curiosity. "What sort?"
"It was part of my jinchuriki training with Octopops, ya know!" He beamed. But the smile soon faded from his lips as the memories of the past returned to the forefront of his mind. "We were at this waterfall, and when I meditated for a bit, I opened my eyes and saw myself staring back at me… only it wasn't me. It was my dark side."
Temari snorted. "Your dark side? You can't be serious."
"It's true, ya know!" Naruto shot back. "When I met my dark side, I was looking back into a mirror, a reflection of what I almost became if I hadn't met Iruka-sensei and everyone else… but I overcame him by accepting it and joining as one – and I was a stronger shinobi since then."
"What exactly was it?" Kankurō asked. "A genjutsu?"
Naruto shook his head, unsure. "I don't know, but Octopops said something about nature-energy and our connection to the earth." He looked back to Nomasaki and gave a hopeful smile. "So with you, you might be able to tap into that, ya know? I can ask Octopops if we can take you – if we can find that waterfall again and help you unseal your powers!"
Shikamaru sighed, leaning on his outstretched arm. "That sounds good, Naruto. But you forget that place is only for jinchuriki, so Nomasaki wouldn't be able to go there and do what you did. No average human can expect to yield the same results you did. It's a drag, but true."
Naruto groaned. "Gee, thanks for the info, Shikamaru!"
"But I'm not an average human." Nomasaki entered, her lips forming a light smile. Prideful, almost. The others turned to her, and a part of her felt confident instead of feeling small. Strong. "I'm a wolf, and I carry the blood of a beast. So maybe… there's a chance I can do this using a relic tied to my clan – like the wolf statue by our temple."
"Perhaps." Gaara agreed, pondering. "There's the Suna Temple as well. They are bound to have some ancient texts or relics that may be useful if this is the road you need to take."
She averted her glance to her lap, irked. "Last time I was there, they called me an 'oni'… the bastards…"
"Oni? Like demon?" Naruto dared to ask. "What did you do?"
Nomasaki met his glance and smiled. "Barred my fangs. And… my face might have transformed, too."
"Was that the day you had to ask for the marriage blessing?" Temari scoffed. "Damn it, Nomasaki. You have no idea how much I would've paid to see those wrinkly old priests faint at the sight."
Kankurō smirked. "Which is why you should never gamble…" Temari pinched his side without flinching. He jolted, nearly falling off his seat. "Ouch! What the hell?"
Gaara turned his attention to his wife's bodyguard. "Shijima, you are to travel with my wife to the temple when we return." He glanced to his wife, a small smile curving on his lips. "Make sure she doesn't have too much fun scaring the old men."
Shijima nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Tsukuyomi and self-reflection, huh?" Temari took her tea in hand, having a sip. "Good luck with that."
"This is something I must do. If we're to stop Tenbu, at least." Nomasaki replied, looking down at her lap, her hands clutching the fabric covering her knees. A sadness emerged within her – a void. And the emotions she pushed away came crawling back to her throat. "And for a return to normalcy… I still feel a shell of a person, and it's been months."
Naruto nodded, smiling widely. "You'll do it, ya know! I have faith in that, 'cuz you're a really determined person." His words surprised her, and as she looked up to meet his gaze, he sheepishly looked away. "Honestly, your resilience to things sorta scares me a little bit." He chuckled. "That's probably why Gaara loves you so much!"
Gaara looked at her with a warm smile on his lips. "One of many reasons."
Feeling the comfort of his gaze, Nomasaki felt a little lighter. She almost felt as if she could conquer her past – those memories that dared to render her feeble and broken. But as quickly as the confidence emerged, doubt remained. Her smile faded, concern in her glance as she looked at those around her. "You really think I can do it?"
Naruto grinned. "Of course!"
Temari set her tea down. "You're one of the strongest-willed shinobi I've met, and I can't say that about anyone else. We've trained together since we were new jonin recruits, and grew close since you became part of the family." She gave a tough-laced smile. "If anyone can overcome this, it's you."
Shikamaru nodded in agreement.
"We'll be here to support you in any way we can." Kankurō entered. "Tenbu or not, we got your back."
Shijima knelt before her, swearing her allegiance. "My sword is yours, my lady. I will be here to serve you in all ways, should you need it."
Softly, Gaara placed a comforting palm on her shoulder.
Seeing the trust and devotion in his ringed-eyes near pushed Nomasaki to tears. She looked away, sensing the sobs rise to her chest. "You all…-," She wiped away the stray tears from her eyes with her sleeve, cursing herself. "Damn it, I can't control my emotions!" She sniffed, meeting their faces. "I don't want to cry, I'm just proud that you're all here – and support me…-," She gave them a heartfelt smile of gratitude. "Thank you."
Naruto smiled widely, while Temari and Shikamaru gave glances of approval. Kankurō nodded, a proud smirk on his painted lips. Then, looking back at her husband, Gaara brought her close with the gentle guidance of his arm and softly kissed her head.
And for the first time in a while, she felt strong like she used to be.
Later that night, the Kazekage found himself whisked to a bar.
As Nomasaki and Meiyumi helped get Kyōkurō ready for bed, Gaara was thrust into the streets with his brother. He objected initially, but his wife encouraged him to spend some time with their long-distance friends from Konoha. Being apart from his family was not what he wanted. He was looking forward to a quiet night reading before bed and getting a good night's rest before meeting with the Hokage at the first crack of dawn. If his insomnia would give him a moment's grace, that is. "I'm alright here, and Meiyumi is with me," Nomasaki assured, "You go on ahead. It's been a while since you've spent time with Naruto and the others. I'll be here waiting for you to get back."
He was glad his wife was so gracious – and would give anything to be able to leave and return to her.
But at the bar, he was sandwiched between Kankurō and Naruto, who did not stop talking or drinking since they got to the stall on that lighted streetside. Shikamaru did not come, and Temari was able to fend off Kankurō enough to convince him to stop pestering the Nara. So Gaara was beside himself, trying to enjoy the night until he had his first chance to leave. Drinks came and went, and not even the Kazekage could avoid indulging in the sake that came to their counter. Kankurō kept irking him, so Gaara thought one drink would get his brother off his back. One drink soon turned to four. Then four turned to seven. The eighth was his last one, and the dizziness soon hit.
This was a terrible decision, he thought, And to think Nomasaki said she missed doing this…
"So I say to him, 'You never tell me you're in town. Why don't we just grab some sake and reminisce about the good old days', ya know?" Naruto slurred. "What the hell is his problem?"
Kankurō snickered, tinkering with his empty glass. "Maybe Sasuke's allergic to alcohol?"
Naruto huffed. "Sasuke's allergic to Konoha, apparently! Such a piss-off… and Sakura can't even convince him to come home…"
"He has a duty, so it's understandable." Gaara entered, his hazy eyes locked on the countertop.
"Hm?" Naruto turned, perplexed. "Don't you usually hate Sasuke?"
"I don't hate him. I dislike him. There's a difference." Gaara admitted. "The difference being he saved my wife from dying in childbirth. I owe him my thanks… but that's it."
Naruto grimaced. Cold as ever, even when drinking. Sensing an approaching chakra nearby, he turned toward the street at his back and waved. "Oh hey! Bushy-brow! Over here!"
"Naruto?" Rock Lee called. Upon seeing the red hair, he gasped. "Gaara-sama!"
In no time at all, the green-clad taijutsu master rushed over to join them.
And the stupor of the night ensued…
Midnight had passed.
Sleep heavy in her eyes, Nomasaki lay awake watching her son on the futon beside his cradle.
Meiyumi was asleep in the adjoining room, having stayed up most of the night with her. The two kunoichi put Kyōkurō to bed and then watched television – something they did not have back home. Growing up in Yama rendered a television useless, and her tiny apartment in Suna was barely affordable without one. Gaara and his siblings had a television set in the Kazekage's residence, but it was thrown out sometime after the war. When she asked about it, Gaara and Kankurō did not budge, and one of them would change the subject. Temari later told her the two brothers were arguing over the channels, and Gaara's sand accidentally pierced through the screen. And when Kankurō and Temari moved out, Gaara was barely at home long enough after work to even consider watching something, so a replacement was never bought or considered. After watching a late-night comedy with Meiyumi that night, Nomasaki decided to convince Gaara to get a television for the living room when they returned to Suna.
Soundly, Kyōkurō slept on his back. He was a peaceful sleeper and stirred only scarcely. Nomasaki could not help but smile as she was mesmerized by her child – her flesh and blood. He was everything she wanted in a child – calm, curious, and healthy. He was nearing six months, the mere knowledge of it shocking her that those painful and traumatic hours before his birth were that long ago. And it was six months since Tenbu made their last appearance. Pulling the fur blanket over his belly, she patted it smoothly and wished that his future would be nothing like her life – or her husband's.
A noise clattered from the sliding door at her back.
Turning, she saw Gaara stumble in. Kankurō's laughter was heard outside as his hands struggled to grasp the handle but disappeared as it shut lightly. Then, groggily, he removed his shoes in the porch area and started towards her in the dark.
She rubbed at her eyes, standing to meet him. "Gaara, are you…?" Once she was in front of him, she could smell the stench of sake on his lips. She was bewildered. "Were you… drinking?"
"Kankurō insisted… I didn't have much of a choice in the matter." Gaara scoffed, rubbing at his sore neck. Annoyed, he averted his glossy eyes. "I still don't like the taste… disgusting…"
This is so unlike him, Nomasaki thought.
But still, it humoured her. She could not help herself. Bringing her nightrobe's sleeve to her mouth, she hid as much of her laughter as possible, but her raised shoulders said otherwise. Feeling a pair of eyes on her, she grew silent and looked up to her husband. His gaze was still and calm and locked towards her. Ringed-eyes met her gaze of violet within the night, and she soon felt her heart beating hard within her chest.
"What are you looking at?" She asked timidly.
He spoke with no hesitation. "My beautiful wife."
A flush of red spread across her cheeks.
Flustered, she averted her blushing face and guided him toward the bed. Her hand grabbed his arm shyly, moving him along with her before he could say anything else to swoon her. "O-Okay, let's get you to sleep! You have an important meeting in the morning." Once they got to the futon, she began folding clothes for the next day as Gaara began to undress behind her. A memory crossed her thoughts, and she giggled to herself. "To think you would be the one to risk getting sick at the Nara's residence this time, and not me."
But then the full recollection came to pass, and embarrassment set in.
I did puke in Yoshino's rose bushes that time… I hope she didn't realize it.
"Nomasaki,"
She turned, tiredness weighing her gaze. "Yes?"
Gaara sat on the edge of the bed with his shirt in hand. His red hair hid his face, but she could sense an air of guilt around him. "I'm sorry if I was acting too overprotective after what happened to you, with Tenbu… I know you're capable, but… I don't want you to get hurt."
"I know. You don't have to apologize." She nodded, focusing back on the clothes. "It was for me," She looked to their sleeping child, a fond smile on her lips. "And for him."
A swift wind of sand fluttered her hair, and before she knew it, Gaara had his arms around her waist, holding her close. He rested his head against hers, and sighed into her. The sudden embrace near made her gasp, startling her into stunned silence and blushing wildly.
"You're going to do fine," He whispered. "I know you'll conquer this…"
His words caused her heart to flutter, propelling her to meet his gaze. Upon seeing his eyes of devotion and care, she held him close and felt the warmth of his chest envelop her. She nodded, burying herself in him.
"Thank you, Gaara… I love you…"
A sigh passed through his lips, and he smiled. "You smell so nice… like pine trees…"
She flinched against him. Fluster returned, and she was once again growing red in the face. "B-But I wasn't even in the woods-,"
When he saw her face, he came to a pause. He could not help but admire her right then and there, seeing her for what she was. He always wanted to be with her – and could not stop himself from acting upon his desires. Her timid eyes of soft nightshade observed him, yet drawing him in further.
Holding her in the dark, he met her glance. "Can I… kiss you?"
Nomasaki snickered, bashful. "In the morning and sober, yes." She placed a ginger hand upon his cheek, stepping out of their embrace. "Let's get you to bed… You have a meeting with Kakashi-sama in the morning, too."
Reluctantly, he complied with a grin.
He fell into the bedsheets and groggily pulled them over himself. "It's always meetings… I'm… tired of meet…-,"
She huddled in the bed close to him, and it was only moments before she wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. She always loved when he did that as they slept. She felt safe, comfortable, and secure. Sometimes she would be the big spoon on nights where she stayed up the latest, but she preferred him to play the role. He was warmer than she was, as her skin was always cool to the touch. The ice to his fire. Already, his breathing was calm and slow from sleep.
She rested her head against her pillow, moving the blankets over her chin. "Goodnight, Gaara."
"Goodnight… No…Ma…"
And so they slept.