Naruto - Warlord
AN:
So this chap took quite longer to get out here than what i expected.
Couple of different reasons though: This chapter was actually finished quite a long time ago, but i was really unsure if i liked the way it would point some of the directions of the story. I ended up taking a break from writing this story in order to let my thoughts stew on it a little bit. Both my own ideas as well as you reviewers were, in the end, what made up my mind regarding where i wanted this chapter to lead us.
And again, to those of you who take the time to point out my grammar, thank you. I learn a bit more every time these chapters are released and you people are really helping me out.
I'm also really sorry that i have not been responding as much to you reviewers as i did in the beginning. I could make excuses for it, like having a lot of work and so on, but i can only say sorry. Rest assured i am still reading them, but I've just been in a bit of a low point in my life lately. I will do my best to respond more as i did in the beginning.
Anyways, Chapter 11, ENJOY!
Chapter 11
Temari glared at him from across the small table set between them. One of Naruto's men had come and served them water before leaving them to themselves within the tent that had been hastily put up for their meeting. Shou had been adamant about having someone to guard Naruto, not trusting the Wind shinobi, but Naruto had told him it wouldn't matter. They weren't ready to fight these people, no matter what the inflated ego of his people told them.
"You look good.", Naruto commented as he put down his cup, eyes never leaving Temari. While they had once been comrades in the short time between the chunin exams and his exile, Naruto wouldn't trust Temari even if he had been forced to fight alongside of her. Her loyalty was to her Kazekage, someone who owed their allegiance to a Daimyo who endorsed slavery and the murder of innocent people.
"Thank you.", Temari muttered, expression unwavering as she glared at him. Questions could be seen boiling behind her eyes. "Where have you been for all of these years?"
"Everywhere.", Naruto shrugged. "After I was exiled, I spent some years traveling before I settled in the 'Land of Earth'. Spent a few peaceful years there."
"And now you lead this band of brigands to invade our lands?", Temari scowled at him, gaze darkening.
Naruto could feel his hackles rise in anger from her provocation, but he steeled his feelings. Temari had never stricken him as a zealot, so chances were she didn't have all of the information.
"We're neither brigands nor invading.", Naruto muttered, taking another drink from his cup. "We're moving south towards the sea, as far away from the northern winters as we can before we make our way elsewhere."
"We received word of a large force without royal colors walk across our borders from the North and a unit from the royal army has gone missing." Temari narrowed her eyes at him. "Am I supposed to believe you and yours had nothing to do with that?"
"Of course we had something to do with that." Naruto's fists clenched, his halberd still at hand. "I killed that pillaging army of yours myself."
Temari's eyes widened for a second before a cold gaze came upon her features.
"...I agreed to have a peaceful meeting with you here, only because of our history.", Temari growled, her hands twitching at her side. "But if you are invading our lands-"
"For fucks sake, we're not invading!", Naruto snarled and interrupted her.
"No?", Temari scoffed. "Then what is you and your force of 1000 men and women doing here in our lands?"
Naruto sighed in annoyance.
"We were driven from our village by the Daimyo of Earth." If Temari cared about his words, she showed little of it. Her eyes was still set in a cold glare at him. "The noble family who governed our village treated us like slaves. When his son attempted to kill a friend of mine, I stepped in and provoked a rebellion among the rest of our people. We fought and won against the army that the Daimyo sent, but at a heavy prize."
"If you won, then why are you here?", Temari cocked a brow with curiosity, some of her cold exterior showing interest.
"We realized that we couldn't hold the village, no matter how much we wanted to stay." Naruto paused to think over his words. "The Daimyo would have punished us all, so we packed up and began to escape south before winter."
"And your conflict between our Daimyo's army?", Temari glared again. "How will you justify murdering over 200 loyal men of our country?"
"Your self righteousness is growing exceptionally annoying.", Naruto growled, his irritation getting the better of him. She had no right to sit there and judge. "You serve a despot who enslaves and murders innocent, so do not think you have any sort of moral high ground here. We marched through several villages despoiled and ravaged by your Daimyo's army, both before and after I killed them. Loyalty does not excuse them of their vile crimes." Naruto's eyes hardened as he glared at her. "I suppose it doesnt excuse you either. If I was given the same choice a second time, I know I would choose to do the same all over again."
Diplomatically, it was tactless of him to threaten Temari in such a manner, but his anger was beginning to boil at her words. Temari bristled for a second, her temper flaring, but eventually she sunk back into a somber grimace. It seemed like she both knew and agreed with the vileness of her Daimyo's crimes, but they both knew she could never openly agree to that.
"...No matter your reasons, I have my orders to follow. I hope you can understand that."
"I do.", Naruto muttered, his tone softening on seeing her remorse. "What are your orders?"
"The Kazekage ordered us to find a way to pacify your horde, preferably through diplomacy. Failing that...", Temari let her words trail off meaningfully. Naruto knew very well what the alternative would be.
"I see." Naruto rolled his shoulders; he'd grown stiff over the many months of travel. "We have no intentions of causing trouble. We will not attack any villages or armies unless we're provoked, and even then it will only be in self-defense. We have no ambitions of conquering or pillaging your lands."
"Considering our armies have done so to your lands and your people, I find your words difficult to believe.", Temari frowned at him, but her features had warmed up some. "What reasons do I have to believe your word?"
"You and yours may not think twice before including innocents in your petty wars.", Naruto shrugged coldly. He didn't really care if he offended her, but he still took note of the appalled frown on Temari's features. "But my people is comprised of different villages from Earth. We aren't soldiers or bandits; We're an independent group looking to take care of our own while we do our damned best to survive. Naturally, we will forage and trade as we travel, but that is the extent of what we're going to do here."
Temari observed him thoughtfully while she considered his words. It was obvious she wanted to argue his accusations, but she refrained from doing so.
"Can I convince you to make a detour?", Temari eventually asked. Naruto cocked a brow at her.
"Detour?", he asked suspiciously.
"Yes.", Temari said. While she didn't exactly smile, the initial tension between them had somewhat lessened. "The Kazekage would be cross with me if I didn't bring you to him. He has wanted to catch up with you for a long time now."
Naruto frowned at this.
"Who is the current Kazekage? I am afraid such news do not travel among common folk."
"My brother, Gaara." As Naruto's eyes widened in shock, Temari gave him the first smile since they had met each other again. "He has wanted to speak to you for a long time now."
"Gaara has become Kazekage!?", Naruto exclaimed, unable to stop the surprised grin from blossoming. "I... I would never..."
Chuckling at his sudden lack of ability to form words, Temari laughed warmly.
"Thinking back on how he was when you last met, I think nobody could have ever expected him to become what he is now. It is thanks to you that he has gotten this far."
"Thanks to me?", Naruto looked at her questioningly. "Far as I can remember, I just beat the shit out of him and explained to him how I saw things."
"Suppose that is true.", Temari giggled. "But your words inspired a change in him and he has become a completely different person since then. Even through the great shinobi war, he-"
"Wait, hold up!", Naruto frowned, hoping he'd misheard. "'The great shinobi war'?"
"Not quite a war, by definition.", Temari grimaced, the thought obviously bringing up several unpleasant memories. "But a great conflict none the less, one involving all the major Hidden Villages. Gaara would surely like to speak with you about this, at length."
Naruto looked thoughtfully into the water in his back before taking another drink. There had obviously been many things that had happened in the shinobi world since his exile. Had any of his former comrades died? The chance was great that some of them has passed away, but he didn't want to think too much on that. They weren't his comrades any longer after all.
"So, you wish for me to come with you to the 'Hidden Village of the Wind'?"
"Yes.", Temari simply stated, providing no further confirmation.
Naruto frowned in thought. If he denied her, would she and her shinobi fight them? He didn't think he could afford to tell them no; even if he could potentially escape or fight them, his people could not. They had known about their numbers, so Naruto would bet his worth on them bringing along some shinobi with mass destruction jutsu to take out as many of them as they could, if conflict came about.
Even so, walking into the heart of a shinobi village who pledged their allegiance to a Lord who were likely cross with them already? He wasn't sure he liked the odds in that bet.
It had been many years since he'd seen Gaara and he had no ideas as to what kind of person he had become. For all Naruto knew, his former friend could have become a loyalist zealot for his Daimyo or a tyrant. While Temari obviously believed his changes from his former psychotic self had been a betterment, he didn't think her judgement on the matter was to be trusted.
Despite all of this, a simple fact remained; he couldn't afford telling them no. He couldn't afford telling them no, but he would not endanger his people either. He didn't trust them at all, only a fool would ever trust shinobi.
"I understand and respect your orders, Temari.", Naruto began with pursed lips, noting the relief on Temari's expression. "And I will agree to coming along with my group, but you and your shinobi are not welcome to be anywhere near my people."
"That is acceptable.", Temari agreed a bit too quickly for Naruto's liking.
"I am serious.", Naruto glared, his tone grave. "If I find any of your shinobi within my ranks or among our families, I will personally execute them. Do you understand this?" Temari narrowed her eyes at him now, but nodded after a short while. Their moment of cordiality was over and the truth of the matter was that they had no reasons to truly trust the other. "Good.", Naruto nodded, pleased at her cooperation. Leaning forward, Naruto fastened a cold scowl on Temari. "And if your people harm a single hair on those in my flock or you betray us, I will personally raze your village to the ground and piss on your ashes."
While the words were meant for intimidation, Naruto was surprised to feel that he fully meant it.
Temari accepted his promise with gritted teeth.
It took them about 2 weeks of travel from where they had been intercepted by Temari and her shinobi until they reached the walls of the 'Hidden Village of Wind'. The walls around their wide village were layered in steps and reached tall and far above them. A thin and narrow passage was the only way inside through the walls, at least for everyone else except the shinobi who could climb over.
Naruto's flock made camp a good distance away from the village while Naruto insisted that the Kazekage could come and visit him. He would not take a single step within their village in suspicion of possible imprisonment. Temari looked like she had wanted to argue, but eventually relented. She'd posted some shinobi around their camp, most likely to make sure they didn't make a break for it if they were stupid enough to try.
As they waited outside the village, hours passed with growing tensions. Naruto did his best to ease his people's worries, but his guardsmen were more alert than ever.
Naruto found himself in his large tent, sitting on his knees before a small wooden table that supported the map of the elemental nations upon it when Shou moved the flap aside and peaked in.
"My Lord.", Shou muttered, bowing respectfully. "The Kazekage is here to see you."
Naruto took a deep breath, steeling his nerves as he nodded.
A second later, Shou held the tent flaps for a familiar figure to enter.
As they laid eyes on one another, Gaara looked much the same as he had in their youth. He was older, his face more angular and defined and the gaunt, hollow eyes that Naruto remembered from long ago was gone without a trace. He now wore the white robes of the Kazekage, without the masking head garb that allowed his red, short tresses to be seen for all, the tattoo on his forehead displayed proudly.
The gourd of sand was gone, but Naruto supposed he didn't need it when they were in his homeland, filled with nothing but sand already.
Naruto watched Gaara warily, taking note of the utter lack of emotion on his former friend's features.
"You look well.", Naruto muttered, allowing forth a smile that didn't reach his eyes. Gaara continued to observe him for several seconds, before nodding.
"Thank you.", Gaara began, no emotional inflection upon his tone. "Exile has been treating you well it seems."
"Better than what was expected of me, I'm sure.", Naruto gave a wry grin and Gaara's emotionless exterior faltered for a second as his lips tugged into a small smile. Gesturing towards the sitting pillow at the other side of the table, Naruto let Gaara seat himself before they would continue.
"How have you been though, Naruto?", Gaara questioned seriously after he had seated himself, giving Naruto a worried frown. "It took months for the news of your banishment to reach us. I was incensed, to say the least."
His words touched Naruto and he smiled in response.
"I've been good. As good as I can be at least, considering the last few months."
"Temari briefed me a bit.", Gaara nodded. "I imagine it's quite the tale."
"I imagine we both have tales to tell.", Naruto shrugged. "Temari mentioned a war?"
"Ah, yes." Naruto noted how Gaara's eyes darkened. Thoughts working quickly, Naruto realized that there was a third sibling he had not yet seen.
"Forgive me, but is Kankuro...?", Naruto murmured softly and let his words hang in the air. His meaning was obviously understood as Gaara nodded gravely. "My condolences."
"Thank you.", Gaara muttered simply and Naruto didn't want to push it. While he had never known Kankuro or spoken with him at length, he imagined he must have meant a great deal to Gaara, especially after reconciling with his siblings when he was done with his psychotic tendencies.
"If I may ask, what was the war about?"
Gaara took a deep breath, before deciding to indulge him.
"In short, a minor conflict between the 'Hidden Village of Rain' and surrounding lands blossomed into a war of enormous scale, uniting all the greater Hidden Villages from Fire, Wind, Earth and Ligthning." Naruto's eyes widened. Gaara chuckled at his expression.
"How in the world did a single hidden village manage to threaten the 4 most powerful villages of the 'Elemental Nations'?"
"I shouldn't speak too much of it." Gaara rubbed his chin. "But I can say, that an organization that I know you knew about before your banishment was a large part of it, namely the 'Akatsuki'."
"Aye, I remember them.", Naruto frowned. "Sasuke's brother, Itachi, was a member there after he murdered his entire clan apart from Sasuke."
"That's right.", Gaara nodded. "The Akatsuki is gone now, but they were powerful, led by even more powerful shinobi who took all of our combined forces to bring down and even then, it was a costly victory."
"For what?", Naruto cocked his head. "What were they after? What could have possibly worth the ire of so many large villages?"
Gaara's gaze bore into Naruto for a long minute, before he finally answered him.
"...I answer this, only because you deserve to know due to your status as a 'container'.", Gaara paused to let his words sink in. "They were after the tailed beasts. Ironically, i suspect they failed only due to your banishment and sudden disappearance."
"The tailed beasts...!?", Naruto whispered, shocked. What could one group possibly want with the great forces of nature? "What did they-"
"I cannot tell you what they intended to do with them.", Gaara held up a hand to stop Naruto's curiosity. "We have all sworn to make sure what they intended can never be repeated. But there is one thing you should know." Gaara looked at him observantly, obviously interested in his reaction. "You carry the last 'Tailed Beast' that exist upon this earth."
Naruto's mouth fell open, thoughts running wild.
"...B-But, what about your...", Naruto nodded towards Gaara, with a pointed look towards his gut.
"Gone.", Gaara shrugged. "And I got killed for it. Wouldn't recommend it."
Naruto's jaw clicked shut at that.
"...Sounds like quite the story."
"For another time.", Gaara smiled with an expression that was surprisingly teasing. Naruto ignored it in favor of another curiosity.
"What about those from Konoha?", Naruto questioned, a tinge of worry in his gut. While none had come to see him in his recovery after the fight against Sasuke, some lingering worry still reared its ugly head. He had considered them friends and family once.
"Tsunade is well and alive, but retired.", Gaara began and Naruto nodded. He'd expected that by now. "Jiraya has retired as well, crippled after the war. Neji died early in the conflict along with more that i do not know the names of." Naruto felt sympathy for Neji and his family. Despite his questionable behavior towards Hinata, he knew the sweet girl had loved him like family still. "Shikamaru is doing well and did attempt to court my sister for awhile after the war." Gaara grimaced at this. "They argued a lot."
Naruto couldn't help a bark of laughter to escape his lips, shaking his head at Gaara and his brotherly reaction.
"Different temperaments, I assume?"
"To say the least.", Gaara snorted. "Other than that, I'm not sure I know that many more from your village. It was only you I ever spoke with at length."
"What about my teammates? Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi."
"Kakashi's married." At Naruto's surprised gaze, Gaara merely shrugged. "Some anbu that I do not know of, but he's still in service as far as I know. Sakura and Sasuke were seeing each other last time I heard."
Naruto nodded and gave a smile at that. He supposed Sakura would be happy about that. That Sasuke finally agreed to it surprised him, but he supposed stranger things had happened. Maybe he'd gotten with her only to make her shut up about it, but he would keep that thought to himself.
"And who is currently Hokage?"
Gaara smiled mysteriously at this and actually chuckled, surprising Naruto even further. His friend had really changed for the better over the years. Maybe the lack of a tailed beast whispering its insanity in his mind had a lot to do with it.
"Fate has a foul sense of humor, I think." Gaara shook his head and smiled. "They took from you your greatest dream of becoming a Hokage... And gave it to the one who was inadvertently responsible for you loosing it."
Naruto's mouth fell open in shock yet again. Surely he was jesting?
"...You're not telling me, that SASUKE, the one who got my ass banished from the village in the first place got the hat?"
Naruto couldn't help his old mannerisms from affecting him in his surprise. Gaara chuckled mirthfully at his disbelief.
"That is exactly what I am telling you.", Gaara snickered. His expression turned more somber after a moment. "You're not too angry, I hope?"
Shocked, true, and maybe a bit bitter. But Naruto didn't find himself angry with the news.
"No, not at all.", Naruto began, pausing to take a drink from his water skin. His throat had suddenly become incredibly parched. "Just shocked. I would have imagined Kakashi to take Tsunade's place, but Sasuke...? He attempted to betray the village!"
"The 'Leaf' suffered a civil war, 2 years after your departure.", Gaara began throwing yet another surprise at him. "I do not know all of the details, but Tsunade was incapacitated and comatose. Sasuke led the fight against someone who attempted to take the mantle by force and he led several expeditionary forces during the war. I suppose that was what won everyone over in the end."
Naruto nodded, doing his best to ignore the bitter emotion within his chest. Naruto had fought so hard for so long to get people's approval, while Sasuke had done nothing for it and always taken it for granted. Hearing about Sasuke now having achieved what he himself had once longed for stirred up all manners of emotions in him.
Perhaps it was best not to linger on such things.
"...Absolute madness...", Naruto murmured, shaking his head as he was still struggling to wrap his mind around the new facts that had been laid at his feet.
"About as mad as you, the last 'carrier' of the tailed beasts, now leading a people of nearly a thousand man strong." Gaara looked at him expectantly. "Would you humor me, and tell me that story?"
Naruto did, and for a few hours they both forgot about their roles as the leaders of two opposing people and instead talked as old friends having finally reunited. It was refreshing to finally speak about his past with someone in greater detail than what he had revealed to Ryu and Shou.
Even so, no matter how therapeutic their conversation was, no matter the closure it gave Naruto, he never forgot for a single second that they were in absolutely no way allies. It was yet another lonely realization in Naruto's view on the world that was best accepted as quickly as he made it.
It was only when the sun was beginning to set that the two friends finally came back around to the matters they were there for.
"So.", Gaara began, a more serious expression coming upon his features. "What is it that you intend to do from now on?"
"Survive.", Naruto shrugged, smiling wryly at Gaara when he gave him a deadpanned expression. "It's obvious that we cannot return to 'Earth', not yet, and we cannot stay in the 'Land of Wind', not after i murdered 200 of your Daimyo's men."
"Temari mentioned that, yes.", Gaara murmured, rubbing his chin with an odd glint in his eyes.
"Don't start.", Naruto shook his head sternly. "We marched through the ravaged and the dead after you army had been there. You support these types of men, even if unwillingly through your position, but it was my people they were slaughtering. Anyone with a sliver of integrity would have executed those men themselves. If you intend to stop or punish us, i promise you-"
"Peace, Naruto.", Gaara interrupted with a hand in the air to pacify him. "I want no conflict between us, I owe you too much." Naruto sighed in relief at this and gave a nod. "I have no intentions of causing you and yours harm, unless you force my hand. I understand your dislike of our Daimyo, I even share it." Naruto cocked a brow at this: As a Kazekage, it was unbecoming of him to admit such, but Naruto supposed Gaara trusted him enough. "As it is, it is me who is responsible for what news are brought to the Daimyo from both within and beyond his borders. I can easily make sure your travel remains uninterrupted. It's the least I can do for you."
Naruto smiled sincerely at his friend and nodded.
"Thank you."
"It is no trouble.", Gaara returned his smile with his own. "I am assuming you will still travel south?"
"Aye, until we reach the 'Nanmen Ocean'." Naruto rubbed his chin. "From there, we will travel along the edge towards the east and into the 'Land of Rivers' while we continue to prepare and train for our eventual return to 'Earth'."
"For what reason?", Gaara frowned. "Surely, you do not hope to challenge the Daimyo of Earth at his seat of power? Your people can find a new place and make something new for themselves. Why risk complete annihilation?"
Naruto took a deep breath before answering. It was a good question.
"I am sure many of those who are with us now will eventually remain behind where we travel to try their luck, and that is completely alright. But Kisara Valley was my home, the home i chose after Konoha banished me." Gaara nodded in understanding. "The Daimyo of Earth forced us out, but I promised my people that we would return one day. I intend to hold that promise, and in the process create a place where no Lords or Daimyos can touch us. That is my dream now."
Silence grew among them, but activity from the bustling encampment right outside could still be heard. Gaara looked gravely at Naruto, eyes filled with worry.
"It is a noble dream.", Gaara began. "But I fear it will be the death of you."
"There are worse ways to die.", Naruto grinned wryly, but Gaara remained unamused.
"I am serious, Naruto. You aim to challenge a Daimyo for his lands? Its madness. Even if you were to win, what do you think the other Daimyo's in surrounding lands will think?"
"Some will feel threatened, i imagine.", Naruto shrugged. "Others will see it as an opportunity. In the end, the political landscape of the 'Elemental Nations' will change radically as a result."
"That's putting it mildly.", Gaara snorted, shaking his head at him. "You have no allies here in 'Wind. No matter your reasons for destroying a part of the royal army, our Daimyo will never back you now, not ever."
"Yet here you are...", Naruto muttered, smirking at his friend. "Helping me."
"Yet here I am.", Gaara nodded again, smiling wryly at him. "I will help you travel south by manipulating the news delivered to our Daimyo, but if you attack or sack our settlements, you are going to force my hands."
"We are NOT brigands!", Naruto stated firmly. "You have my word, we are only here to trade."
"And when you travel through our bigger cities whose main income derives from slavery? What then?" Naruto opened his mouth to reaffirm his statement, but found his words halt in his throat. He'd sworn to himself that he would no longer stand by and watch as people were misused by those who had been entrusted with their protection, but where did that leave him when traveling through a land ruled by slavers and despots? His thoughts could obviously be read on his face, because Gaara clearly noticed his hesitance. "I thought so. You always were an idealist."
"...I suppose I always have been.", Naruto murmured with chagrin. A moment of contemplation fell between them, both leaders taking a moment with their thoughts.
"If you can swear to restrain yourself and your people while you travel here, I propose a compromise."
Naruto narrowed his eyes in suspicion at Gaara's words.
"What sort of compromise are we talking about here? I meant it when I said we're only here to travel and trade."
"And if you're even half as headstrong as you were years ago, then I know you will find some way to cause trouble no matter your promises." Naruto supposed he had that one coming. "It's not so much a compromise as it is me shamelessly asking for a favor."
Suspicion truly reared its head now and Naruto scowled at his friend, who only responded with a sardonic grin.
"Well.", Naruto murmured, a dangerous edge to his words. "Let's hear it then."
"There is a city, south from here at the ocean side, called 'The Ivory Docks'. The city thrives due to its reputation for slavery, and the slavery rings who do their work there."
"And how does this concern me?", Naruto frowned.
"I will explain in a moment.", Gaara said patiently despite Naruto's rude interruption. He couldn't help it, he was growing restless. "The noble family in charge of this city, led by a Lord named 'Goro Mitsue', has in his recent years of surging power crossed our Daimyo and denied several orders. I have been tasked with removing him and his family from their position by any means necessary."
"And where do I fit in?", Naruto cocked a brow at his friend. "You seriously can't expect me to help you with this. What do you think your Daimyo will think of you if he hears of you elaborating with me and mine?"
"He isn't going to hear of it, because I am the one who decides and controls the news that reach him. I've already told you this.", Gaara admonished. "I want you to be the one to remove Goro from his power, however you see fit."
"However I see fit...?", Naruto muttered, shock clear on his face.
"However you see fit.", Gaara confirmed with a smirk. "Torch the city if you will, take the noble family as your prisoners or execute them. Whatever you wish. But they must be removed from the power they are wielding. I had hoped you would jump on this opportunity to exact vengeance upon someone deserving."
His friends pointed jape held an amount of truth to it, but Naruto wasn't so quick to jump. Looking at his friend, despite their previous hours of camaraderie, now smiled with an expression that never reached his calculating eyes. It made Naruto wary.
"Why?", Naruto narrowed his eyes. He feared it would be a trap, but he didn't want to believe his friend to do such a thing to him, but maybe that was just wishful thinking. "Why use me?"
"That is none of your concern.", Gaara simply stated. Despite his denial, there was no edge to his chosen words, it was simply stated as a fact.
Naruto stared at his friend, his mind working quickly as he processed it. There was obviously some internal politics at work here, IF he disregarded the chance of Gaara's proposal being a trap. The only reason Naruto could think of was that Gaara feared other nobles and lords in nearby cities gaining knowledge of him removing one of their own from power. Maybe the Daimyo had ordered Gaara to be discreet about it so as to not raise suspicion against the Daimyo himself. What better way to be discreet than having someone else who are completely unaffiliated with both the Daimyo and the Kazekage to do it?
In any case, this was just guesswork from Naruto's side, not holding any value at all.
"I hope you don't expect me to do this for free?"
Gaara chuckled at his question.
"Of course not. I am sure we can work something out. Do you accept my offer?"
Naruto pursed his lips. On one hand, he hated putting his people in risk like this. This was not their fight and he loathed the very thought of having his people do this.
...But Gaara's promise of reward was tempting. While neither gold or favors currently interested Naruto, Gaara could provide means of training his people in chakra. Even if some of his people had made progress with their chakra exercises, none had gotten to the point where they could actively and consistently draw on it for usage. Some aid in that and perhaps some knowledge on a few useful 'Jutsu' would be a fair trade in this task.
After a few minutes of thought, Naruto decided it was worth the risk.
"Aye, I accept." Naruto then narrowed his eyes and leaned forward to scowl at Gaara. His eyes promised violence. "But if this is a trap on your part, I will return. What happens then will be ugly."
Gaara merely nodded his confirmation, giving an eerie smile that yet again never reached his eyes.
"Of course."
Naruto and his people, under the vehement protestations of his advisers, spent a week outside of the 'Hidden Village of the Wind', trading and stocking up on whatever they could. As they finally made camp for a longer duration than a day, his 'People's Guard' were finally able to get some practice again as well.
On that note, Gaara surprised Naruto and provided several instructors who would travel with them for some time, including Temari, as long as they were within the borders of 'Wind'. Upon questioning, these instructors were either current or former academy instructors or medical-nins, the latter being shinobi who specialized within the medical field.
Apparently, the shinobi of wind had a reputation for being good medical-nins, not as much as the Leaf, but still up to par with some of the many nations best. Naruto had nearly lost control of his jaw when he realized the boon Gaara had sent him. Perhaps he'd treated his friend with too much suspicion during their last meeting?
No, suspicion would keep him and his people alive in the coming months. Even so, he would be eternally grateful to Gaara for this. He would be conferring with his advisers on establishing a medical corpse of sorts who could function as the backbone of their forces.
As his people trained and restocked, they were allowed small entourages to enter the village, but Naruto refrained from doing so. He never wished to step inside a shinobi village again and he was still wary of their intentions.
He spoke more during those days with Gaara, but Temari and the rest of the shinobi stayed clear of him. Word of who he was had obviously spread and Naruto figured they were hesitant to stay around the last container of the tailed beasts. Maybe they were afraid he was like Gaara was in his younger years, and in their defense; Naruto had killed 200 men of their Daimyo's army.
But now, he had another worry. If news of this spread among the other villages, the news of the whereabouts of the last container, it would only be a question of time before someone would come and try to do something stupid. Maybe his former village and comrades would come knocking, demanding his return due to the value of what was inside of him or maybe another village would do the same.
Upon questioning Gaara, his friend denied this. All the containers from the many different villages had suffered, Gaara being the only survivor due to something he refused to speak on further. The war and their loss had apparently brought the major hidden villages together with a pact written between them to never act in a hostile way against one another, so the greed and need for a 'container' was no longer as prevalent as it had been in the past.
In Naruto's mind, this was good news. Peace between the major hidden villages would surely mean more peaceful times among the many civilian settlements around the lands. He assumed the Daimyo's were unhappy about this agreement, especially Gaara's own since he was now in war against the Daimyo of 'Earth' and could no longer rely on Shinobi, but Gaara had just laughed when questioned and refused to explain further. Naruto understood the need for secrecy, but damned be his curiosity.
When the week was finally over, his people packed up and marched away across the sands under the glaring sun. Naruto remained behind for a short while, watching his people march from a tall dune with Gaara at his side.
The friends remained silent for a long time, before Gaara finally decided to break it.
"I hope we never see each other again.", Gaara muttered, glancing at Naruto as he turned to leave.
Naruto nodded and ignored the sting of his words. He knew what his friend meant; Chances were, they wouldn't be as cordial the next time they crossed paths together. Naruto would rather never see Gaara again than to be forced to harm him.
"I feel the same way, my friend.", Naruto murmured, giving his friend a sincere and warm smile as he passed him. "Take care of yourself and yours."
"I will.", Gaara nodded and walked away. "Take care."
"Aye..."
A windless surge of sand rose to envelop Gaara, covering him from view. It lasted only about a second, but as it fell away, his friend had disappeared.
Taking a deep breath, Naruto began to walk at a brisk pace to catch up to the lead of his marching people.
And done. There is going to be some action going down soon, so i hope you are not too discouraged by the last few "silent" chapters.
What are your thoughts so far? Let me know!
MiNdZeRo here, signing out.