Summary/disclaimer: Time for another chapter of Sand and Earth. Enjoy the 900-word chapter. I don't own Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto and a few others do.

Nao hummed as Kurotsuchi cracked her neck and settled into her chair.

"So, would you like to repeat yourself?" Nao asked as he raised his eyebrow with interest. "Because I'm still blown away you want ME as a bodyguard." Nao stated before leaning back in his chair slightly.

It confused him beyond all logic while Kurotsuchi would subdue an assassin. Then put him in a prison cell where he thought he was awaiting execution.

Which was followed by her approaching him to be her bodyguard. Kurotsuchi was either insane, or a genius he couldn't comprehend at all.

"I need a new bodyguard." Kurotsuchi stated as she crossed her legs. "I've been unable to get one currently. I'm not going to execute someone forced into this role… As the evidence currently shows. Kurotsuchi said as she took a breath before speaking once more.

"I want you to serve as my second body guard to atone for trying to kill me." Kurotsuchi added in while Nao hummed, still a little confused. "You do want to make up for that, yes?" Kurotsuchi questioned as Nao nodded.

Nao couldn't get much of a read on Kurotsuchi, she was very vague about what she wanted. It was probably a trick or test to see if he was faking his task or not.

Still? Nao wanted to save his sister. This did also allow him to atone for trying to murder the Tsuchikage in cold blood like he tried.

"Yes," Nao stated as he leaned forward. "I do. I'm just confused to hell and back why you want an assassin who tried to kill you. That tends to work out poorly for the person." Nao said as he cracked his back.

He hated trying to recline on the walls. Nao guessed though at least they were doing their job; the prisoners shouldn't be very comfortable. You didn't commit a crime and go to a hotel or something.

"Yes, I am well aware." Kurotsuchi stated before smiling only a bit. "You though aren't going to do that, Nao. I've seen you hesitate to kill me before. No assassin would be that hesitant to complete their job if they had a reward." Kurotsuchi added in with a bigger smile.

Nao sighed; this was totally confusing. Still? It was better then sitting in a prison cell and doing nothing all day, something that Kurotsuchi was offering a break from.

"I'll accept gladly." Nao said before sighing. "My sister though needs to be saved. I can't stop worrying she's dead or worse because of me." Nao stated while tapping his fingers on the table.

"I'll deal with getting your sister to safety." Kurotsuchi stated before standing up. "But if that's a deal? I'm headed back to bed, your arrival tended to… Throw a lot of my activities for the day into the trash bin." Kurotsuchi added in with amusement.

She didn't hate her government job, but it was exhausting for such. Kurotsuchi wondered if her grandfather had gotten his back troubles from working.

Nao nodded as he hummed and stood up as well. Nao nodded once more at Kurotsuchi before the woman left the room.

"This woman doesn't make an ounce of sense, does she?" Nao asked himself before waiting for the guards.

He had no real clue where to go and where he was allowed. Kurotsuchi really needed to make that clear.

(With Kurotsuchi)

Kurotsuchi made her way back to her room, putting her heels to the side as she climbed back into bed.

The Tsuchikage already had an idea who sent the assassins, there was plenty of people not happy with her leadership. a

"Nao was sent as a patsy." Kurotsuchi stated as she pulled the covers over her. "Whoever wants me dead is in the village. They're just plotting how to get me next since this plan didn't work." Kurotsuchi stated to herself as she ran her fingers through her hair.

It was annoying how much effort people could put into killing rivals. They could help the village, but they wanted blood and power.

"Nao is probably the worst assassin ever." Kurotsuchi stated, not knowing the full extent of his abilities, however.

Kurotsuchi would deal with whoever tried to kill her in the morning. She could guarantee that nothing would happen currently. There was far more guards and alert warriors to deal with now.

So, they'd go underground and plan another attempt on her life. Things wouldn't end well for them; it never once did in the grand scheme of things.

"I wonder if Nao is busy trying to figure out where to go next." Kurotsuchi said as sleep took her.

Garra was coming soon enough. She'd get answers soon enough and could plan then.

"Hmm, this is sure going to be different." Kurotsuchi stated to herself while she started to pass out.

Sleep took her only a few moments.

Author Notes

Phew, another chapter done! I want to point out that Nao and Kurotsuchi will end up being closer soon. Next chapter will be in 2-3 weeks. It will end up showing Nao as a bodyguard and Kurotsuchi starting her duties. Until then, Lighting Wolf out!

P.S: Ino will be next week or maybe Hanabi hopefully. Next chapter will be 900 words soon.