Chapter 12

Gifts from the Sand

Kiba, Shikamaru and Hinata all arrived in the Sand Village by the late afternoon. They were greeted by many villagers and shinobi as they made their way to meet the Kazekage, Gaara, to let him know they had arrived.

Gaara looked well for having been in a battle for his life the week before. Kankuro stood at his side, more battle worn than his brother, a smirk on his face. Gaara was welcoming and guestured them into his home. "We are happy to help the leaf village anytime, I have many supplies for you to take back when you go. I'm also sending some men that can help rebuild your village, some of their juitsus should speed the process along." He added enthusiastically.

Hinata spoke first, "Gaara, this was more than we expected, thank you for your kindness."

Gaara cupped her shoulder, "We are a united shinobi world now. Tell me, Hinata, how is Naruto." He asked.

"He's still in the hospital and will not be able to leave until he recovers from his operation, he's also lonely," she mentioned the last part reluctantly, with a twinge of guilt over not keeping her word to visit him. She realized she was no longer angry at him for his feelings. He couldn't help his feelings for her any more than she could help hers for him.

"He's still the same old Naruto," Kiba teased, "he was joking around and laughing when I saw him a few days ago."

"That's good to hear." Gaara said. "I wish I could go back with you to visit him but as Kazekage I cannot leave the village so easily."

"Temari should be here any minute now," Kankuro said as he watched Shikamaru's body go rigid.

"Temari," Shikamaru said her name as he pulled his hand through his hair. She was smarter than the average person and he respected how good of a strategist she was. It also didn't hurt that she was pretty. On the other hand, she could be kind of scary sometimes. He didn't realize that he had said her name outloud, and that everyone was also looking at him.

"Anyways," Kankuro continued, "we have a large load of supplies and more if you need, like Gaara mentioned. There's an Inn about midway from here and the Leaf, you have some rooms there for tonight so you will be rested coming home."

Temari came into the house, "Hi you guys," she said in general to the group of them, "Hi Shikamaru," she added while flashing a smile.

"Hey Temari," he half smiled back.

"We're all ready to head out when you are," she mentioned to him.

"We're? You'll be joining us?" Shikamaru asked.

"Yeah, I'll be helping the leaf village while it rebuilds. Don't look so puzzled" she teased.

They said their goodbyes and headed off together towards the wagons carrying the Leaf Village medical supplies, Temari and Shikamaru walking side by side in silence.

As promised the load of supplies coming back to the leaf village was pretty large. There were about eight wagons filled with supplies, and about 15 or so men to help with rebuilding the village.

Heading back was much faster because they had the wagons, and before they knew it they were at the midway point pulling up to the Inn.

The ladies Temari and Hinata shared a room, while the rest of the men had to share between 4 rooms. The town they stopped in was a nice town, and Hinata kept thinking about how normally she'd like to explore, but with how tired she was it would be impossible to enjoy.

Hinata got settled and ready to tuck in for the evening when Temari stuck up a conversation.

"Getting some sleep early I see," Temari remarked.

Hinata sat on her bed, "Yes, we've had a long journey so far that I want to be well rested on our return tomorrow."

"It's hard to believe any of us have energy after the war," she paused, lost in thought.

"I know what you mean," Hinata continued, "All of us have already been through so much, it's odd after big moments like that to realize that life still goes on."

"Exactly, I think that's how my village feels right now too with the war and with losing people, and with the things we've gained by counting on our alliances like the one we have with the leaf. It does feel like we're stepping in the right direction, but also like we are in uncharted territory." Temari added.

"It does, but our world is ready for a cause we all can support, and we are leaders of that cause Temari. It's important for all members of villages to realize that the cause starts with relationships between the people, like the one we're building for example." Hinata smiled.

"In that case," Temari hesitated, "I was wondering if you could tell me something…"

"What's that?" Hinata questioned.

"Does Shikamaru have a girlfriend?" she asked.

Hinata giggled, "no," she replied "he doesn't."

The next morning the caravan was ready to go bright and early. The group was together eating breakfast before their last day of journeying to the leaf village. As they were eating a Sand Village shinobi not traveling with the group was walking up towards them.

As he approached the group he called out to Temari, she stood up and walked over to the shinobi.

"Hi, I'm Oroku, and I was told I missed the caravan. I've been going as fast as I could hoping to catch you guys before you left the Inn this morning. I'm supposed to help with the rebuilding and wanted permission to join," he stated.

"Sure," Temari said as she looked him over, "We're just eating, grab something so that you won't be hungry on the journey, we have a big day ahead of us today." He smiled and introduced himself to his new comrades while grabbing something to eat.

There were only a few open spots left on the wagons for people to sit and ride in, and Oroku took the spot next to Hinata. He told her about his coming to the leaf village for the first time and that he was mostly excited about meeting Naruto.

"I'm glad you're coming to help us rebuild, thank you for your trouble," she mentioned to him.

"It's no trouble," he mentioned. "I'm alone now, after the war I mean. I lost my parents so this will help me keep my mind off what happened to them," he offered with a half smile. "That's why I really admire Naruto, I've heard he knows what that feels like, I'm really looking forward to meeting him when I get to the village." He added.

"Oh, well, it may take a few weeks before you can meet him," Hinata shared, "He will be having an operation when we return and he won't be recovered enough for visitors before that time. I know he would like to meet you," She reassured him.

"You think so?" he asked

"Yes, I do. I also admire Naruto. There was a time in my life where he believed in me when no one else did. That belief gave me the faith to believe in myself," she admitted.

They spoke like this for the rest of the way and were back at the leaf village before too long. Hinata had promised Oroku that she would let him know when Naruto had awoken and would introduce him to Oroku herself.