Wind of Truth & Sands of Change

Allies of the Leaf, Shinobi of the Sand

062. New Mission

"You are to assist the ninjas of Konoha, as a request from – from the Hokage." He looked uncertainly at the passive red-head. Everyone always did. Gaara could see the man struggling. He was trying to give them a mission but was afraid of giving Gaara orders. Everybody, save for his siblings and Baki was.

"What is the situation?" Temari asked firmly, ignoring the man's fear.

The man fumbled. "I – It's unclear. One – One of the genin seems to be trying to abandon Konoha. It's believed he's being assisted by Sound ninja. We don't know how many…"

"Not that it really matters," Kankuro said coldly, "But which stupid genin is it?"

"Th-The Uchiha."

Temari nodded. "Is there anything else?"

The man shook his head.

"Let's go." Gaara rasped.

"Hai." Temari and Kankuro responded.

The man was left standing alone, the three shinobi long gone. Regardless of whether or not they were quickly becoming the strongest ninja of Suna, they were still the most terrifying people he'd met.

063. Trust

They were chasing after the Konoha ninjas who were chasing after the Uchiha Sasuke. They were a sign of proof that Suna had re-established its alliance with Konoha.

None of them minded.

They felt like they owed something to Konoha.

"They've split up." Gaara stated.

There was indeed a chakra disturbance to the right of the trail they were following. "They must have done so to let the others go on." Temari reasoned. "They could need help."

Kankuro branched off, "I'll go help this one. You two go on."

"Are you sure?" Temari asked.

"GO."

Temari and Gaara continued, letting Kankuro see about the other. He was her brother and Temari trusted him. He'd be fine. He was a really powerful shinobi.

They felt another disturbance. "I'll take this one, Gaara. You go."

Gaara analyzed her carefully before nodding and moving on. They trusted each other. Besides, they had things to prove.

064. Proven Herself

She grinned, "How was that?"

He looked shocked, baffled, even a little bit frightened. That expression quickly faded and was replaced by a lazy smile and a grunt.

She'd done well. Temari was happy with herself. She'd had to save the lazy shadow brat. And she had done in an incredibly short amount of time. She had a strong desire to dance around. He didn't really thank her or tell her she had done well, but the smile said it all for her. It was a real smile. A grateful smile. Actions speak louder than words, anyway.

All around them lay chopped tree trunks and tree stumps. Somewhere underneath all that rubble lay Tayuya.

Temari had more than proved herself. "Well? What now?"

065. Leadership Skills

Both the boy and the dog were injured. The boy could move, but Kankuro was afraid moving would worsen the boy's injuries. Too bad he didn't know any medical jutsus. They would've come in handy. He kneeled beside the boy and contemplated his options.

"You should go ahead…" The dog-boy muttered, "Naruto and Shikamaru might need your help."

"No," Kankuro said, calmly eying the injury on the boy's stomach. "They'll be fine. Temari and Gaara went ahead to help the others. Besides, leaving someone as injured as you are here isn't an option."

The dog looked pretty bad too.

"If you're worried about your comrades you should—"

"Why would I be worried?" Kankuro interrupted crossly. "They're strong and powerful. Temari's a bitch. She'll take care of anything or anyone that pisses her off. And as for Gaara, well, you know. You're the one I'm worried about. You're bleeding a lot."

"I'm fine…It's Akamaru…"

"The dog?"

"Yeah."

Kankuro sighed. He really didn't like decision making. Waiting wouldn't be a good idea but moving the boy didn't seem too appealing either. He wasn't the leading type. That was Temari's forte. He stood up. "We need to head to Konoha. Hold on to…Akamaru. I'll carry you."

The boy appeared to want to protest, but hissed and winced, his eyes reflecting deep pain. "…Okay."

066. Best Course of Action

Gaara closed his eyes briefly. He was tired, weak, and all out of chakra. He'd be of no help if he followed after Naruto. Lee…He was weak too. They'd only hinder the blonde boy if they continued on. The only logical thing to do was retreat. Head to Konoha. Medical attention was needed anyway. He glanced at Lee. "We need to head to Konoha. We're of no use if we go any further."

"No. We – You're right, but we should help the others. The ones behind."

"No." said Gaara firmly. "The best thing to do is rush to Konoha. Ask for them to assist and retrieve the others."

"But—"

"Are you a medical nin? Do you know any medical ninjutsus?"

Lee hung his head. "No…"

Gaara stood. "Therefore our presence wouldn't help. If we hurry back we can ask for a medical crew to aid them and a few shinobis to follow after Naruto. We are of no use to anyone right now."

Lee nodded and took of his leg weights. "I'm afraid you will have to catch up to me, Gaara-san. You're right, we need to hurry, and I'm much faster."

Gaara nodded. Lee gave him a wide smile, a thumbs-up and took off running.

A/N: So…review? Perty Please?? I'll give you a muffin…(Maybe…if I don't eat 'em all….) ;)