Chapter 61
Usurper

Silence.

Throughout the cervices and corridors of the armed desert castle, a shadowy figure concealed by darkness bounded down the halls, snuffing out the fires of the lit torches – one by one as they passed. Turning a blind eye to the disappearing lights, any unsuspecting guard ambitious to investigate was promptly killed, crimson spraying against the crumbling walls of the prison as they collapsed with a thud to the cracked floor. One after another in blood-spurting wails, the Suna ninja fell with throats slit to the bone, kunai to the heart, or their bodies falling against the worn cobble from beheading – each one murdered as their torches lost their flames. Standing before the cell while covered in the blood of their comrades, a lone guard glanced down at the prisoner before them, their eerie mask curved in an expression of pure slate. Turning, the man within the cell met their narrowed eyes through the slits of their bloodied porcelain shroud, his dark eyes evoking suspicion from the noises further down the corridor.

"Is it done, then?" Kenzō spat through his teeth, watching the guard sheath his blade. "Have you killed the rats?"

"Most of them," They answered. "Some are still clinging to life, but they should be snuffed out soon enough."

"Good," Kenzō nodded, his bearded face etched with menace. "I expect you have everything in put in place?"

"Yes, sir. Now is the time."

Within an instant, the paper bomb placed over the worn sealing tags ignited, erupting into a burst of debris and flames. Frailly, Kenzō stood upon his decrepit feet, dragging himself out from his imprisonment at long last. Making their way through the winding corridors of the castle, they passed by the numerous bodies of the slain ninja, blood pooling upon the floor where they walked. As they reached the outside of the prison, they paused once they reached the barrier of the shattered fencing. Kneeling into the sands, the disgraced council member slammed his palm onto the desert beneath him.

"Turn to ash!"

A blue flash was summoned – with a foul noise soon following.

Suddenly, the confines of the desert castle exploded into a burst of blue flame as the night cried out, swallowing everything in its path. Leaving the burning prison behind, the two traitors disappeared into the harsh winds of the desert lands. No trace of their presence was remaining, vanishing within the flames that coated the collapsing structure.

And the desert turned silent.

At dawn, he stood upon the rooftop of the Kazekage's mansion with a glance mired in insomnia.

Once again, he failed to become enveloped within a calming night's sleep. Although he has been fortunate to sleep some nights, since the advent of Tenbu it became a constant struggle. Not even his late-night visits to Nomasaki's home could grace him with sleep. Feeling her rest her head upon his chest as she slept soundly in her bed gave him some comfort, but it always ended in him finding ways to stay awake before he left with his sands through the morning winds. Insomnia was a difficult habit for him to break, his stress only proving it worse. Finding solace in the rising sun's rays, Gaara's narrowed glance from his tired eyes eased.

"Kazekage-sama!"

Glancing behind him, a Suna shinobi suddenly appeared with a scroll in hand, its worn and tattered binding visible in the quaint morning winds. Their expression was painted in urgency and confusion, raising his tired curiosity.

"This was delivered to the aviary last night, specifically addressed to you." The Suna ninja spoke. "However, we don't know where the scroll is from. There appears to be no name attached."

"Is that so?" Gaara replied, raising a nonexistent brown. "What type of hawk was it?"

"A black hawk, sir. Not one of ours, but like the ones used elsewhere in the Land of Wind."

Pondering to himself, Gaara narrowed his eyes in thought, holding his fingers to his chin. "Strange…" He glanced back to the shinobi. "And you swear no one knows who sent this?"

"Yes, sir." They nodded, sternly. "Unfortunately, we have no leads."

Taking the scroll in his hands, his ringed-eyes scanned the rolled parchment thoroughly, surprised that such a prioritized message was not written in code. It must have been written in a hurry, he thought – its tattered edges confirming it. The words written within seemed rough, rushed and unpolished. Silently, he read the confines to himself.

"Kazekage-sama – they're coming from the ashes. Meet me at the oasis by nightfall. I will tell you everything I can."

From the ashes – Tenbu.

Surprised by the message, he narrowed his eyes in suspicion, unknown of the origins of the scroll and its contents. Was it a trap, or was it a plea from someone catching wind of the growing menace the organization evoked? He could not tell by pure words alone, but the hasty nature of its written words provoked his curiosity.

"This is certainly strange…"

"What do you make of it, sir?"

"It could be ploy by the enemy," Gaara answered, turning towards the Suna ninja as he placed the scroll into his satchel. "However, if this message is what I think it is, it may be worth the risk."

"Do you wish me to summon the ANBU, sir?"

"There will be no need of that, I will be going there myself."

"K-Kazekage-sama -!" The Suna ninja stammered, his eyes shocked. "Are you certain?"

"Yes," Gaara nodded, his eyes stern. "Don't notify the council of this. I will be sure to relay any intelligence to them when I return."

"Understood!"

Disappearing within a single hand-sign, the Suna ninja vanished within the growing winds, leaving the Kazekage alone once more to contemplate his thoughts before the morning sun. He was indeed facing a difficult decision, but he knew what he must do. To reach the oasis, he must depart immediately. Located at the southern portion of the Land of Wind's desert, the fabled oasis was a place of tranquil rest for travelers and a place of luxury for the wealthy. It was nearly half a day's journey away from Sunagakure, and time was certainly of the essence.

"May I ask what the commotion was all about?"

Alerted by the soothing voice on the winds, he turned to his side. With a light smile on her soft features, Nomasaki stepped beside him on the rooftop, her golden hair swaying with the winds while the violet in her eyes gleamed. Only apart for a mere few hours, her presence was always a welcome one. Averting his gaze towards the sun, he cleansed his expression with his stoic nature.

"It's Tenbu," He said. "We received a potential tip on the organization. A black hawk delivered an anonymous scroll this morning, saying to meet them at the oasis."

"Don't tell me you're actually thinking of going through with this," She stammered, her expression becoming concerned. "Gaara–,"

"I have to," He interrupted, turning towards her. "Tenbu is directly threatening the village, my clan, and you. If we can find out where they're hiding, or what they're planning, we can defeat them before they ambush Suna." Her worried gaze was not at all relieved by his words, growing more concerned – if anything. Turning back towards the rising sun, his ringed-eyes narrowed. "If they attack, thousands of civilian lives will be put at risk. I won't allow them to threaten my home. I'm the Kazekage, it's my duty."

"At least… let me come with you," She pressed, her voice quiet as her lilac eyes pleaded with him. "Let me protect you… Gaara, please."

"No. I want you to stay here."

"What?! Are you serious?" She barked, her worry transforming into frustration. "What if you fall into an ambush? What if you're–!?"

Surprising her, he turned to meet her expression. Before she had any time to react, she felt his arms wrap around her, holding her close to him upon the rooftop as the winds gently blew past. Her rising anger melting away, she calmed, comforted by his warmth and affection. In his strong arms, she felt assured – at least, for the time being. Releasing her from his careful hold, he gave a soft smile at her stunned expression.

"I'll be fine. You can trust me."

Biting her tongue, her fluttering heart got the best of her – giving in to his words. She nodded, lightly smiling up at him. "Okay," Poking the burgundy fabric of his shirt with her finger strongly, she placed her other hand at her hips, a slight smirk painted on her playful expression. She seemed pleasant yet intimidating at the same time, her wolfishness was seen clearly within her lilac eyes. "You better come back tonight or so help me… I'll go searching for you myself!"

With an assured sigh, he closed his eyes as he exhaled. Opening his eyes, he stepped towards her, placing a palm upon her flushed cheek as he softly kissed her forehead. Looking into her gleaming lilac eyes, he nodded with a smile – admiring her kindness.

"Thank you, Nomasaki."

Holding her hand over his, she closed her eyes in comfort, touched by his gesture. Startling her slightly, he changed into his sands, wisped away by the rising winds of the desert. Watching the sand-riddled winds disappear over the village as the breeze whipped against her blue kimono, her expression once again turned concerned – worried for his safety and troubled by the fact she did not know it was a Sand Clone.

Her senses had not repaired as well as she thought.

Pondering her troubling thoughts as she walked down the long corridor of the Kazekage's mansion, she could sense a familiar air approach from behind. Pausing in her steps, she turned to meet the friendly expression of Kankuro – his face painted in his signature purple ink while dressed in his black puppeteer clothes.

He must have been returning from a mission, she thought.

"Ah, Nomasaki," He said, pausing before her. "Looking for Gaara?"

Her eyes mired in building unease, she averted her glance from his, catching his curiosity. "Actually," She spoke, quietly. "I…–,"

"Kankuro-sama!"

Gathering their attention, they saw a Suna shinobi approach them, their expression stern and slate-like. "What is it?" Kankuro asked, his glance narrowing slightly.

"Kazekage-sama is nowhere to be found," They answered. "Do you know his whereabouts?"

"He should be in his office," Kankuro replied. "I'll see to it."

After a shared nod, the Suna ninja went along on his day, prompting Kankuro to investigate for himself – with Nomasaki accompanying him down the confines of the hallway.

Opening the door, he scoffed to himself. Not a single light was on in the Kazekage's office, with his desk and chair visibly vacant and unattended. Just as her worries confirmed, Gaara did indeed leave the village. "What do you know… the bastard snuck off." Kankuro chuckled to himself, under the guise of a smirk as they entered the room. "I would, too, if I had his job." Pausing by his desk, he noticed the towering stack of paperwork that quivered with each breath of movement, waiting for the right moment to topple to the floor. "Just look at this paperwork! It would take days to sort through it all." Turning to her, he gave a friendly glance. "Say, why don't we do him a favor?"

Timidly, she felt her hands flinch at her sides. It has been ages since she last signed and notarized one of the Kazekage's documents. She wondered if she forgot it all, a distant memory to her in her past as his assistant. Worriedly, her thoughts ran rapid with fears of making a mistake – her previous anxieties about her old job resurfacing. "Are you sure this is allowed?"

"It's not going to do itself," He sighed. "Come on,"

Watching him rifle through the immense amounts of pages, she swallowed her nervousness, putting it aside as she joined him. "I… guess you're right."

Sitting upon the carpeted floor, the two sorted and filled out the forms as best as they could, placing them in separate piles while pens and papers littered the office floor. Surprising her slightly, there was a part of her that missed the prospect of office work – although she did enjoy tracking more. Although she seldom spent time with Kankuro at all due to not being very close with him in the first place, she did appreciate his growing acquaintanceship towards her.

"I don't think I've ever told you this, but…–," Kankuro began, trying to gather the right words. "I'm glad that you're with my brother." Startling her from his words, her pen trailed across the paper, smudging her words in fluster. "Just because he's the Kazekage, doesn't mean he can take care of himself. You understand him, and that's important."

Humbled, she nodded to herself, looking down at her lap as a faint blush spread across her cheeks. "T-Thanks," She spoke, timidly. "He can be stubborn at times, and grumpy," Looking towards him, she gave a soft smile. "But… he's very kind, he always was."

"I have to say," He sighed, a smirk on his lips. "Since you've been together, he hasn't been nearly as grumpy as he used to be." Pausing his pen strokes upon the paper, he narrowed his eyes slightly. "…Any luck on your sensory abilities?"

Catching her off-guard, she glanced at her paperwork in a solemn nature as her smile faded. "Yes… and no," She answered, quietly. "It's… complicated."

"I heard about that meeting with the elders. I would've paid to see that! Serves them right… the bastards."

"Yeah," She chuckled lightly, her soft expression timidly returning – remembering the startled and frightened glances from the council members who spoke ill of her clan and heritage. "They're… bastards."

"You don't… swear much, do you?"

"N-No," She said, glancing up at him with a light smile. "But… thank you. It's funny to look back on, now that I think about it."

"Alright," He sighed, standing up with his piles of forms in hand. "At least we got some of it done. What drawer does he use to store them?"

Stepping towards the desk, she placed her forms upon its surface, making sure not to budge any of Gaara's cacti or other office supplies. "Oh, um… maybe this one?" She asked, examining the three drawers on the desk's side.

Slowly, she reached for the middle drawer, her curiosity getting the better of her. Knowing better than to go snooping around, she felt a slightly urge to investigate things. It was not jealously or fear that propelled her, but her tracker-side pushing her to inspect. With a slight creak, she pulled the drawer open. In plain sight, a stack of books was stacked messily in the drawer, their covers plain and devoid of visual draw. Taking some of the books in hand, she scanned their faces with a narrowed glance.

"What's this…?"

Suddenly, her face turned blank, her cheeks reddening greatly. In her hands, she held a book titled 'Romantic Intimacy', the words clear as day written upon its cover. The others under it were also named similarly, all alluding to romantic intentions and the human body. Unbeknownst to her, Gaara was conducting his own sort of 'research'. Tossing the books back inside the drawer, she closed it – pretending she never even saw them. Starting for the door, she bowed her head to Kankuro as she made a break for it.

"I-I have to go," She apologized, her timid voice quivering. "I'll see you later."

Confused by her sudden departure and flustered expression, Kankuro rose a brow towards her as she left. Walking towards the desk, he reached for the same drawer and opened it. Holding the book in his hand, he felt himself flinch as he read its cover. Instantly, he knew why she was so embarrassed.

"'Romantic Intimacy'…?" He stammered, shocked. "What the…?!"

Just as he arrived, the present moon slowly made its appearance in the sandstorm riddled lands.

Stepping over the dunes as his cloak whipped in the dying winds, he could make out the shape of the glistening pond and the palm trees that surrounded it, the only bastion of life so far from his home. Never having visited the oasis for himself, he took everything in first-hand. Although it was located far from the village and the distant sea, the oasis was remarkably beautiful with its crescent shaped pool and the blooming flowers with pedals of rose and gold. Along the twists of the pond were resting travelers allowing their horses and cattle a drink while some even went as far as to camp at its banks with stoked fires and tents. Hearing only from rumors himself, it was said that the river that flowed into its mouth could be followed to the ocean – but he was not so certain if it were true. Never in his life had he even seen the ocean, and such a thing was unheard of in his memories.

Approaching the heart of the oasis, he began to notice the sculpted details of the columns that marked the entrance to the extravagant temple-turned resort, its adorned red markings swirling against the pillars in a gleaming air as he walked past. Within the hidden resort, there were small factions of people, young and old, keeping to themselves amongst the tables and bars as the faint neon glow of the signs above lit the quiet foyer. Citizens, travelers, merchants, mercenaries – all gathered at the oasis for refuge from the sands and for a place to rest. Hoping not to draw any attention to himself, Gaara glanced at their backs as he made his way to the far end of the room, seating himself at the farthest stall he could find. Sitting to his far left was a silent individual, cloaked in a black shroud with their hand firmly on the cup of their cold beverage. Keeping to himself as the bar worker tended to their vast collection of bottles beyond the counter, he began to wonder if he placed himself into unnecessary danger after all.

Had he made a rash decision?

"You must be the Kazekage," The person spoke, their voice smooth and kind – a woman. "I've heard about you, Gaara-sama."

Startling him, he glanced towards them. "Are you the messenger?"

"That depends." She answered, her tone serious. "Are you being followed?"

"No," He said, his eyes narrowed at their hooded figure. "And you?"

Conveying their answer with the gesture of their nod, the cloaked woman stood from her seat, starting for the exit. "This way," She replied, calmly. "This setting is far too public for my liking."

Pausing along the towering clay walls of the temple, they became face to face within the confines of the alleyway – making sure no one could find them or listen to their conversation. Eyeing the area carefully, Gaara cautiously trusted in his messenger's judgement, surrendering all suspicions for the times being. The quiet of the desert surrounding the oasis made him uneasy.

"I appreciate you coming here on such short notice," She spoke, softly – her voice reminding him of Nomasaki in a strange way. In the shadows of her hooded figure, he could not make out her face nor her expression, but she could tell by the shards of moonlight that she wore a well-fashioned kimono – a symbol of wealth. "I'm sorry for the nature of things."

"Before we start," He began, his eyes narrowed towards her concealed face. "Who are you? How do I know you're not a spy for Tenbu who lured me here?"

"If I was from Tenbu, I would've attacked you by now." She chuckled lightly. "You can trust me, Kazekage-sama. I left everything behind to come here."

Her words striking his curiosity, he watched with widened eyes as she removed her hood. Standing before him in the darkened alley was a black-haired woman with soft facial features and shining blue eyes, her expression assuring and trusting. Taken aback for a moment of her beauty, he calmed himself, realizing his embarrassment.

"My name is Hakuto. I'm the heiress of the noble Hoki Family of the Land of Wind, or… at least, I was… until I fled."

"Hakuto." He repeated, surprised by the name. "Hoki Family, you said?"

Nodding, she gave a friendly smile as a quiet chuckle passed her lips at his stunned expression. "We were actually nearly engaged once, Gaara-sama. Do you remember?"

Jolting him for a moment, his turquoise eyes widened. "So, it was you–!" He stammered. "The council's arranged marriage–!" Upon seeing her nod in response, he washed himself clean of his distraction. His glance turning serious as he remembered his task at hand, he narrowed his ringed eyes in suspicion. "How did you find out about the organization Tenbu? What do you know of them?"

"My father hired them to kill you. That's what I know."

Shocked, Gaara felt his pulse freeze in his wrists, the gears in his mind spinning with emerging conclusions. Since the decline of the marriage, Tenbu suddenly appeared and became interested in wiping out his family and any carrier of the Kazekage bloodline.

It all made sense – or did it?

"Your father?" He questioned. "The Hoki Family has been an ally of Suna since the village's creation. What are you saying? Has your family betrayed us?"

Closing her eyes in held shame, she gave a subtle nod. "Since the arranged marriage between us was declined on your behalf, my father became enraged by Suna and its actions. Our family is in a state of decline, as our fortunes and authority that once made our family great are all but gone. The marriage between our families would have given my father more political power… so he thought by hiring Tenbu, he would be able to enact revenge." Opening her saddened blue eyes, she averted her glance from his. "My father hired Tenbu to do his bidding while he torments the remainder of our family… Strange masked men started showing up to our residence, practicing forbidden techniques…"

"What kind of forbidden techniques?"

"I'm… not exactly sure. Our home is no longer safe, so I fled in fear of my own life. Other than my father, I am the last survivor of the main branch of our ancient house. I had to depend on nothing except my faith in the desert-gods to escort me here in one piece… so I could warn you of what they're conspiring."

"What are they conspiring, exactly?" He asked, his glare easing from her confession. "I know they want to eliminate all traces of my ancestors and family, but I'm not so convinced that's their end-goal."

Silently, Hakuto glanced towards the sands at her feet, pondering her choice in words as the difficult answer rose within her throat. "Tenbu is plotting a coup against Sunagakure." Sensing his shocked expression, she looked at him, her blue eyes stern. "They are attempting to steal power from not only your clan, but the very village itself. Thousands of lives will be at risk, including yours and your family. That's why I risked my life to come here, so I can warn you in the hopes of their plan falling through."

Narrowing her eyes at her feet, she thought of the various vines between their plans, their plots, their schemes – there was another factor they spoke of that chilled her with the swiftest of unease. Her mind wishing that it was a mishearing from her eavesdropping, she could not get the words out of her thoughts.

Tenbu sought a final piece.

"I also heard those of Tenbu talk of the 'wolf girl' many times… They kept mentioning it with their talk of forbidden techniques... a ritual… referring to 'those eyes', 'beasts', and 'wolf's blood'. Would you happen to have any idea of what that may mean for their plans?"

He felt his heart sink within his chest.

The only words he never wanted to hear were spoken and rang true. Tenbu were searching for her, for Nomasaki – they always were. Flashes of the mysterious silver ore and the etched scar upon her arm were at the forefront of his memory as he wracked his mind for doubts – but he failed to find any. Her eyes, her clan, her blood – all spoken of in regard to a forbidden technique, but what? No matter the reason, he was sure it was for malice – and that her life was in danger. The timing of their blossoming relationship was perfect for not only himself – but for Tenbu. She was within their grasp, and he knew it as much as they did.

"…My lover." He spoke, bringing himself to look her in the eyes. "She's the wolf."

"Your lover?" She repeated, surprised for a moment. "Are you certain?"

Averting his gaze, he gave a solemn nod, shutting his eyes tightly as he held in his boiling frustration. Only the blackness of his ringed-eyes were visible, conveying his bitter hatred towards the menacing group that hid directly under their noses.

Noticing his silent response, Hakuto gave a sympathetic glance, realizing his hurt. "I guess those tales are true, after all." She spoke with a sigh. "Wolf-people, what a strange world we live in." Meeting his stoic glance and drained eyes, she smiled lightly to dissolve the tension as best as she could, remembering her fading time. "I also would like to thank you for declining the arranged marriage. Thanks to your rejection of the forced union, I am now able to elope with my lover and be with him. I… take it you've found love as well?"

Looking back at her friendly expression, he gave a small smile, attempting to shield his despair with the memory of the violet-eyed woman waiting for him in Suna. He longed to see her face, hear her soft voice, and find his way to her room once again within the confines of the night. His emotions getting the better of him, his smile grew warm with his unwavering love for her.

"Yes, I have." He nodded. "I appreciate your bravery for meeting me here."

Placing her black hood over her inky hair of silk, she turned her body towards the oasis path in the distance. "I should be on my way now," She said, her tone low. "The journey to Konoha from here is three days, so I have quite a bit of ground to cover. I have family within that village, so I'm hoping I can start a new life for myself there with my fiancé."

"Will you be safe?"

"Who knows," She sighed. "My father is… not the ideal clan leader. I fear for my life every day, but I hope I can at least rest along my travels." With a parting nod, she smiled softly at the young Kazekage. "Best travels to you, Gaara-sama."

Watching the young woman depart into the desert sands beyond, his gaze became riddled with concern. Although his mission was a success and not a ploy by the enemy, he was beyond certain that their next move would be a drastic one – troubling his mind for answers that would not come to pass…