By Deceit
He watches the enormous bird circling overhead.
Lazily circling.
Spiraling.
Coiling fear knotting in his gut joins it.
Something isn't right about this.
An enemy with such sheer audacity, hubris.
Intent to draw out but who? What?
All his experience tells him an attack is imminent.
But what is the purpose?
Do they intend to lure Gaara out so they can attack the village?
Troops scurry to muster points.
My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less
He watches Gaara with pride.
Then he surveys troops ready for Kankuro's and other commanders' orders.
It would be easy to be lulled into a false sense of security behind Gaara's sand and the village's stone walls.
Some genin are cheering Gaara and Baki curtly reminds them that they are Suna's last line of defense.
They straighten, unsure if it's a rebuke or praise.
Good.
That's what he wanted.
All Other Ground Is Sinking Sand
The attack on the village begins with bombs, the explosions are deafening.
Villagers panic and scatter like frightened chickens.
Troops rush to defend the breaches in the city walls, preparing for an invading force.
But it doesn't make sense.
The numbers aren't there.
There should be enemies at the gates.
He looks at the sky in the distance and his heart sinks as Gaara's body sinks toward the sand.