Old Job

Back in Business

"So... you want to work as a shinobi again?"

"Yes, Gaara-sama."

"Do you mind me asking why?"

"I simply feel more alive when I'm risking my life for others, rather than just risking my life for a marriage I hate." She answered, a sad smile on her face. "It's been two years, but I'm still strong. I haven't forgotten how to fight, and I can still follow orders." The kazekage, watching her intently, gracefully set his elbows on the table and rested his chin on his clasped hands.

"I don't doubt your capability to fight. Being able to do gen jutsu so naturally doesn't just go away. There are rumors that your husband beats you, though."

She paused. "... what does that have to with me reinlisting as a kunoichi?"

"I need to know your emotional state before I send you on missions again. Not only that, but I need to know how much influence he has on you. I've recieved information that may tie him to certain people that are not our friends. You do realize that this information does not leave this room?"

"Of course. Ties to who?"

"First I'd like you to convince me that you're not easily influenced by him. In times like this, I can't be too careful."

"Alright... Until recently I saw things differently. As you know, my parents were killed shortly after I was born. I was raised by my single aunt, and didn't know anything about relationships. Abuse seemed normal in a relationship, and being raised as a shinobi, hitting wasn't unfamiliar. The best form of torture is through the mind, and as you know I'm the best at it. There's no way he could-"

"There are different kinds of mind control." He interrupted. "It could be a kind that you're not aware of."

"He has absolutely no influence over me, Gaara. I want to start new in a relationship that does not require violence outside of my work."

"Does he know that you're here?"

"There's no reason for him to."

"Are you going to kill him once you're a shinobi?" He asked, watching as she just stopped and stared back. Her black hair tied back in a pony tail fell straight down her back, much so mimicking her very straight and plain attire. After a few minutes of silence, a smile twitched at his lips. "We were planning to anyway. He's a puppet for the Akatsuke, mailing important imformation to dangerous people. He probably wasn't aware of it, since you didn't pick up on it."

"Why didn't you kill him off sooner?"

"We found out a month ago, but knowing your ability, I wanted to wait. Plus he's not that much of a risk, but it would be less of a worry if we took him out."

"I know how to pick 'em."

"Consider it you're first official mission back. Kill off your husband." He said with a chuckle.

"Accidental?"

"Of course."