Chapter 18
Gaara has been observing his second eldest brother since they left their house this morning. Finally, Gaara turns to face the shinobi at his side "What are you doing Kan—" Kankuro moves the balls of his eyes to his left, opposite the side where Gaara is. Gaara then understands and with only a slight pause that is indiscernible, continues "—maru-niisan?"
Kankuro smirks, he is able to signal to Gaara that he as Kankuro doesn't want to talk since their father's spies are still following them. "Father asked me to supervise your training" Kankuro replies tonelessly.
Gaara walks more briskly, ultimately going ahead "I don't need supervision"
"Tch" Kankuro is tempted to argue with Gaara but as Shikamaru, he couldn't. Kankuro just continues to walk unhurriedly with both his hands inside his pockets.
With no forthcoming opposing answer, Gaara glances back behind him, observing the annoyed glint in Kankuro's eyes. Gaara own eyes then reveal his own frustration at the situation. Without bothering to say anything he jumps away then disappears.
After a couple of minutes, Gaara returns back and resumes his position ahead of Kankuro.
Kankuro inquires "Dispatched our tail?"
Gaara smirks evilly and unseen by Kankuro.
Taking Gaara's silence to mean yes "You shouldn't have killed them or you would have just made my plan useless" Kankuro complains.
"I didn't" Gaara adjusts his gourd at his back in a more comfortable position "But father just have to be satisfied with what they have to report since they can't give more information after they have properly seen me"
Kankuro gives a knowing grin. He has realized even before that Gaara doesn't kill cold bloodedly anymore unlike years earlier. That's why he didn't stop him a while back.
"How did you know it's me by the way?" Kankuro asks puzzled "I didn't just copy Kamaru-niisan look, I imitate everything even his walk. See I'm fucking stooping" Kankuro exaggerates Shikamaru's slouched back while walking languidly.
"You forgot to fill the pouch on your leg with sand" Gaara mentions, not bothering to look back.
"There's plenty of sand here" Kankuro glares at Gaara's back, gesturing at the sand around them with both hands even though Gaara couldn't possibly see his actions.
"Kamaru-niisan always carries sand" Gaara explains coldly reasonable, sensing Kankuro rolling his eyes.
"Yeah, you should know. Maybe you even talk to the sand that's why you noticed the pouch is empty" Kankuro remarks sarcastically.
Gaara stares back sharply at Kankuro.
"Hey, just a joke" Kankuro raises both hand, smiling at his younger brother "It's difficult being big bro. Walking this slooow is more tiring and doubly aggravating!" Subsequently Kankuro transforms back to himself revealing his face with its paint, discarding Shikamaru's robes and replacing them with his own black clothes with its hood.
Gaara swivels his head to face forward and continues to thread quickly, ignoring his second big brother, compared to his first brother, this one talks incessantly. The faster he reaches their destination the faster he could train peacefully. Shikamaru-niisan has a calming effect on him and it makes controlling Shukaku easier. He just couldn't say the same for Kankuro-niisan.
"Say Gaara, let's spar! And don't hold back" Kankuro runs to catch up with Gaara.
Gaara's lip twitches. Kankuro's presence doesn't calm him. It actually excites him and makes him look forward to a battle. Gaara answers by running faster toward their destination. Hands directed backwards as he travels, he seeks a place within Suna where nobody would be bothered if he transforms into his monster self. If he succeeds in not killing Kankuro, it means his control of Shukaku has again improved.
TBC
4/17/11
A/N: Thanks to the reviewers who continuously show they are still reading this...
Review and give concrits 'kay!