'The most beautiful place in the world' could not truly describe the elegant beauty of nature surrounding the sacred village. Each way the group of shinobi turned was a lovely, entrancing portrait of untouched nature that could take their breath away. However, even though there was nothing but beauty surrounding them, their focus was finding the missing sister of Ura's. They reached the village within a few days less than a week, but now they needed at least one day of rest to regain their strength. Ura, on the other hand, was fired up in determination to finding Leila. She could feel her sister was close by, there was no mistaking Leila's chakra.

Ura's breath was labored as she turned this way and that as they closed in on the village. She was about to rush in when she felt a strong hand on her shoulder. Her eyes flared as she wanted to snap on the person, but realized it was Gaara, so she held her breath instead. Gaara released her shoulder and took a few steps forward. A few shinobi from the Lightning village leaped down and scanned the group. The Kazekage took a step forward, "I have sent word a few days ago that my group and I would arrive. I am Gaara, Kazekage of the Village Hidden in the Wind. With me is the Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. There is a missing person we're going to retrieve."

The Lightning-nin eyed the group, but checked each person's ID before allowing them in. Inside held a few, large shrines with very little actual villagers around. Ura was tense from anticipation of finding Leila. Where was she? She could feel her close by, but where was she? Ura felt on edge from such fear of not finding Leila or something happening to her. Then, as soon as she stepped foot into the village, an overwhelming sense of peace washed through her mind and body. It was as if she were floating on air. Any stress she felt prior to entering seemed to fade away to nothing. She glanced at the others to see they seemed unfazed by the feeling.

"Ura? Are you feeling ok?" Lee asked softly as he noticed her dazed state.

"Yeah... I feel great actually," Ura murmured as she glanced around her, "This place is really nice.."

Lee didn't want to attract attention from the others as they, too, were scanning the area. But, as soon as Gaara turned to see what was going on, Lee knew it was all over. He didn't even try to hide the fact that Ura looked as if she had smoked something quite powerful. Gaara walked over to her and waved his hand in front of her face slowly, her pupils weren't even following his hand. He then grabbed her arm softly, "Ura?"

"She's under a genjutsu," Sakura quickly intervened, having Gaara step aside as she evaluated the situation.

Sakura put her hands together in a jutsu format to use the 'Release', but it didn't work. This was becoming a problem. She then tried to 'wake' Ura up by stabbing her carefully with a kunai or hari. Neither worked. If this was only affecting Ura, this was then a trap. Sakura looked around for a few moments, but couldn't detect where this genjutsu was coming from. She then handed Ura off to Gaara, "We need to find a place to stay now or start hiding. This was planned."

It was an immediate decision to split up. Gaara and his siblings, with Ura, went to one hotel while the rest were in another. Ura was placed in a bed to be watched by Temari while Gaara and Kankurou went to check out the village. Someone was hiding somewhere. As much as Gaara wanted to just get rid of the Kabutome guy now, he was hesitant about leaving Ura in her current condition. What if this person was trying to control her from a distance? What would happen if he left Ura alone with Temari and something happened to both of them? Or at least this village... Gaara was hidden in the trees as he used his third eye to scan the area. He waited for Kankurou's single before heading back to the hotel to see his brother was safe. Kankurou sighed heavily as he took off his helmet, "There weren't any signs of that Kabutome guy. Whatever is going on with Ura is definitely powerful."

"I know that.." Gaara grumbled, trying to put the pieces together.

Kankurou looked over his shoulder to see his sister trying to coax Ura to sleep through the genjutsu. Did Ura even know where she was at? It troubled him knowing that they didn't know how long this would last. Kankurou turned his gaze to his little brother, who was worried to the point where he could see the pulse on Gaara's neck starting to throb from stress. This was enough. At least Ura was safe. Kankurou placed his hand on Gaara's shoulder, "Get some rest Gaara. Ura is alive, and we'll continue the mission in the morning."

It was sound advice. Gaara gave a slight nod as he turned to enter the room where Ura was laying in the bed. Temari gave her little brother a sympathetic look as she exited the room swiftly. He closed the door behind Temari, then glanced at Ura. A sick feeling swept through him when he noticed the daze look in her eyes as she gazed up at the ceiling. Gaara sat on a chair beside her bed as he tried to find any signs of a genjutsu on her body. Nothing. He sat back in his chair angrily as he went through every bit of information in his mind to find the answer. There should be an answer.

"Gaara.."

His eyes widened slightly as he looked back down at Ura. She had turned over and reached her hand out to him. Ura slowly pulled herself closer to him to gently take his hand. At first, Gaara wanted to pull away and get her settled back in bed, but as soon as he met her gaze, he felt himself being guided closer to the bed. It felt as if she were pulling him closer, but he could tell his body was moving towards her as well. Gaara kept his gaze on her as he sat at the edge of bed as Ura sat up slowly as she pulled herself closer to him.

"Ura..." Gaara blinked for a moment and started to pull away.

"No, don't.." Ura placed her hand on Gaara's cheek, making him pause for a moment.

Gaara turned his position to face her, but found that she had wrapped her other arm around his neck. She pulled herself onto him where he was forced to lay down on his back. He couldn't fight her off. Then again, he didn't want to. Gaara felt his arms wrap around her as she gently placed her lips against his. Whether or not she was under some type of trick, Gaara closed his eyes as he forgot the situation completely. All that mattered was the warmth he felt from Ura's body and her kiss.

She squirmed slightly on top of him as she positioned herself to where she was straddling his waist. Her tongue caressed his in a soft battle of dominance. Through sheer willingness, Gaara gave into Ura and allowed her to control the situation. Her hands roamed his body, unbuttoning a few buttons, moving a few articles of clothing. A bead of sweat rolled down Gaara's forehead as her warm hands touched his chest. He finally opened his eyes and glanced down to see both of them were topless. His gaze went from her eyes to her chest, something he had not even thought of before. She looked so soft, her skin was hot to the touch, and the sweet aroma she gave off sent his mind spinning. His hands caressed her breasts as she lowered herself to kiss his neck.

It was a stabbing pain in his side that made Gaara shove Ura off of him. He fell off the bed as he looked to his side, a single hari punctured his skin. Gaara then looked back to Ura to see she had another two hari in her hands. What? His hand wrapped around the hari in him to pull it out, but leaped to the side when Ura threw two more at him. They stabbed the wall as Gaara kept a wide gaze on Ura. Her eyes were still dazed as a red chakra emitted from her body. Someone was controlling her. The chakra on her body was starting to turn from crimson to a dark gray, then to black.

A wicked grin curved on Ura's lips as her fingers twirled another hari in both her hands. Gaara watched carefully as he kept one hand on the hari sticking out of him. Finally, Ura spoke, but it wasn't her voice, "This little thing was too easy to control. I don't need you anymore, Shukaku and the Blood Jutsu are all I need."

"State your name," Gaara pulled out the hari in his side.

"I am Kabutome," the man using Ura emitted a soft laugh as he dropped the hari on the floor, "You'll be dead in a few minutes, your liver is bleeding quite nicely."

Gaara glanced down at his side to see blood pouring out of him. Now that he actually saw the wound, he was starting to feel the pain. He began to crouch down as blood loss started to mess with his head. The laughter grew louder, Gaara looked back up at Ura as he recalled just moments ago. Gaara growled lightly as he forced himself to stand back up, he wouldn't die now. Then again, he couldn't kill this man without killing Ura as well.

"This was just to show you how easily I can control her now," the man stated, "I'll give her back, but just know that I won't ever be too far."

Then, another moment passed and the dazed look left Ura's eyes. Gaara watched her come back to a normal state as she glanced around the room. Ura noticed Gaara standing across the room without his shirt on. Before she could ask any questions, she saw the wound on Gaara's side. It was a small, punctured hole, but blood was gushing out of Gaara. Ura quickly rushed to Gaara's side, "Lay down, Gaara, I need-"

"Don't touch me," Gaara moved away from Ura's grasp, "Go get Sakura."

"I can do it, just let me-"

"I said go get Sakura," Gaara stated angrily as he slid to the ground.

Ura wanted to argue against him. Why was he acting like that? She decided it was best to just get Sakura then and there. Ura rushed out of the room to the hotel that she could sense Naruto's chakra. When she could detect Sakura's, she barged down the door and stated, "Wake up, Gaara has been hurt and needs your help!"

Sakura sat up on her bed and rubbed her eyes. When the news finally hit her, Sakura jumped from her bed and ran to where she was needed. Ura remained in Sakura's room. She didn't want to be near Gaara at the moment. Something had happened to her and, when she finally woke up from a dazed state, she was met with his attitude. Even in their years of peace after the Chunin Exams, Gaara had never ordered Ura not to touch him. This is when Ura realized she was still without a shirt. She grabbed a sheet from Sakura's bed and wrapped it around her chest.

"Ura?"

She looked to the doorway to see Temari. Some relief came to her, but she still glanced away, "Is he..ok?"

"Yes, Sakura stopped the bleeding and has him laying in your bed. He asks if you would come back now," Temari explained, "Did something happen?"

"I don't know," Ura shook her head gently, "It felt like I woke up and I saw him like that... Then, he just got mad at me and... I'm not sure.."

"Whatever it was, it's over now. I'm sure he understands," Temari placed a hand on her hip, "Let's go back."

Ura nodded and followed Temari back to their hotel. When she reached the room Gaara was in, Sakura exited the room with a smile. Sakura looked over at Ura as she gave a 'thums up', "He's alright. There wasn't as much internal damage as I thought."

"I'm glad..." Ura tried to give a smile, "Thanks."

Sakura left their hotel as Temari went to her own room. Ura took a deep breath as she stood outside the bedroom door. She wasn't sure whether to go in or not. The door then opened as Gaara stood in the door way, his shirt back on, "I want to go to bed now."

"Gaara, I'm sorry-"

Ura was pulled into the room and the door shut. Gaara held her softly as he kissed her, silencing her from saying anything else. She melted into his kiss before she felt him pull away softly, "I didn't know what happened and-"

"Enough," Gaara murmured as he guided Ura back to the bed, "There is much to do tomorrow. We need to sleep."

Ura hadn't heard Gaara use that phrase before. Then again, without Shukaku, he was able to sleep now peacefully. She followed Gaara into the bed, laying with Sakura's sheet around her chest still. Gaara covered them with the blanket on the bed and turned out the light by the bedside. In the darkness, she felt Gaara close to her. Ura reached out for Gaara, feeling for his shoulder to pull him close to her. When Gaara complied, he nestled himself to where his head rested against her chest to hear her heart beat. Ura lowered her head, placing a kiss on the top of his head. She had her arms wrapped around Gaara. Whatever happened earlier was gone in the air of the room. The only thing that mattered was Gaara was still alive, and she was still alive to keep him safe.

Meanwhile

"You are complete. I have given you a new life," Kabutome murmured as he rolled up a scroll, "Do not think you are free from me, you are linked to me by your chakra."

"If I die, you shall die," Leila grumbled as she pulled herself out of a hot spring.

"Well, it's more along the lines if I die, you shall die. If you die, then I am still alive," he disagreed, gazing at his creation.

Leila was no longer the child she used to be. Instead, a young woman created by the pure hatred she felt for him, her village, and, the most, Ura. She was given a new life of power in order to harvest what kekkei-genkai her sister had and give it to Kabutome to destroy the Five Hidden Villages. Leila let her light brown hair fall down to her waist as she stood before Kabutome with nothing on. He tossed her a short white dress to cover herself. When she dressed, he then approached her, "Now, I must give you a power that may kill you."

She glanced up at him with her deep, brown eyes. There wasn't a hint of fear in her. If he killed her, then it would only be a relief. Leila looked down at his hands to see he held a small scroll. Kabutome's grin widened as Leila's heart sank. Death may be out of her reach as more pain was to come.

Morning

Ura woke to the early morning sun. She had slept easily even though last night's events weren't far from her thoughts. Even in her dreams, she remembered the blood that poured out of Gaara. She had been so adamant of keeping Gaara safe that seeing that blood... It didn't sit right with her. Ura propped herself on her elbows before being gently tugged back to the bed. Gaara had woken slowly, getting used to sleeping every night, but was having a hard time getting up. He nestled his face to her side as he groaned slightly. Ura softly smiled as she placed her hand against his head, "Good morning, it's time to wake up."

Gaara groggily opened his eyes as he glanced around the room. While he started to wake up, Ura quickly examined the wound on his side. Sakura did a good job healing him, there was little to no scare on him. Her heart sank as she recalled last night. She had let herself available to be controlled and harmed him... When Gaara met her gaze, she quickly put on her best smile as she let her sheet fall off of her chest, "I'm gonna get a quick shower if you..you know.."

It took Gaara a minute to remove his gaze from her chest to look into her eyes, "I have to meet someone who will guide us to Kabutome."

He left their bed and began to dress himself. Ura watched as he then left the room after he was completely dressed. Did she do something wrong? She decided to let the moment go and took her shower anyways. Maybe she could work on the mission at hand as well before diving herself into getting closer to Gaara. Besides, this mission could become fatal if she didn't pay attention. After her shower, she followed Gaara's chakra to where he was. He was outside talking to Naruto privately as the others were not too far from them. Ura approached Lee as she kept her gaze on the two Kages, "So, what are the plans?"

"Apparently, Gaara knows a mystic who could track Kabutome," Lee answered as he stretched, "Naruto is not too fond of the idea, but it seems Gaara has talked him into it."

"I hope he knows what he's doing," Ura commented as she watched the two Kages.

Gaara and Naruto approached the group after a few minutes. By their expression, Naruto was exhausted while Gaara seemed slightly irritated. Then, Gaara finally spoke, "We will be seeking the advise of a local mystic, Nanima. She will be the one to guide us to Kabutome's location."

"Who's Nanima?" Ura asked.

"A mystic I have kept in contact with for a few years," he answered.

A few years? Ura narrowed her gaze on Gaara as he glanced away from her. A few years... And she didn't know? She had been apart of his life for so long that she never heard of him talking to a mystic? Ura didn't say another word as they followed Gaara through the village until they had to climb stairs that raveled into a forest. Gaara and Naruto were in the front of the group with Temari, Kankurou, Sakura, and Sasuke were in the middle then Ura and Lee were behind. Ura was steaming with questions as she kept a sharp gaze on the back of Gaara's head. She felt a hand on her shoulder, Lee gave her shoulder a soft squeeze, "I am sure this is nothing more than a friend."

"Yes..i'm sure.." Ura grumbled as she twirled a long hari in her fingers, "I'm also sure this Nanima and I are going to have a long talk."

"Ura, you just started your relationship with Gaara and-"

"There isn't a foundation," Ura stated, then sighed when she noticed Lee flinch lightly, "I apologize.. It's because there isn't a foundation and last night. Did someone tell you?"

"Sakura filled me in on the details. It happened, Ura, and you must understand that we now have a strong enemy," Lee explained, "You are one of the strongest kunoichi in Suna, so if he was able to do that to you, then he must be quite powerful."

Ura nodded in agreement. She wanted to be positive too, but it was getting harder. With a deep breath, she kept on walking. It took about an hour to finally get to a hidden shrine. As soon as they arrived, a young, vibrant woman rushed out of her shrine with a loose kimono and flowing, blonde hair and hugged Gaara tightly. Lee had to force Ura back to keep the mystic safe. The young woman looked up at Gaara, "My Kazekage-sama! I have longed to hear from you!"

"Nanima, I have a request," Gaara pulled away from her grasp, "I need you to find someone for me."

"Oh," she curled a lock of golden hair around her index finger, "I will most certainly help you. Please, follow me, Kazekage-sama."

It took all Lee had to keep Ura from killing the woman known as Nanima. Ura chugged her canteen of sake to keep her calm as she stood in the private room provided by Nanima. She left the room though, it was stifling and she wanted to let Gaara know the disgust she found in that place. When she went to find Gaara, she caught the trace of long, golden hair turning around a corner. Curiosity filled Ura. She went to follow the trace of hair until it led to a long hall with a room at the end. What filled her with more curiosity was that Gaara's chakra was nearby. Ura followed the hall down to the room and gave it a light tap. When she heard a slight giggle from a woman's voice, she flung the door open to see Gaara over a planning table with a map with Nanima on the other side. Her eyes trailed the what seemed like 'calm' scene until she saw Nanima's hand covering the top of Gaara's hand. Gaara stood up straight as he gave Ura a curious glance, "Is something wrong?"

"Get. Your hand. Off of his," Ura pulled out her long hari as she glared at the mystic.

Nanima's deep blue eyes eyed Ura, then a small smirk formed on her lips, "So, this is the woman you spoke of in your previous letter. I certainly had higher expectations, Kazekage-sama. Surely, I had hoped she would've looked more like me."

"Look, bitch, this is-"

"Ura, calm down," Gaara stated as he went around the table, "Go scout around the area."

"Gaara, I-"

"Scout around the area for any signs of followers," Gaara stated more sternly, "That is an order."

Rage surged through Ura as her glare widened on him. She didn't even respond as she walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her. If Gaara wanted her to scout, hell she'd scout all the way back to the village. Ura had walked out of the shrine quickly, but she wasn't on her own. Behind her trailed Kankurou. He decided to follow when he caught the sign of her pissed off demeanor.

"Wait up at least!" he yelled at her.

She didn't slow her pace. When it took hours to reach Nanima's shrine to begin with, it only turned out to be a half hour run for Ura. Kankurou managed to keep up with her speed, but was out of breath when they reached the sacred village. Ura glowered as she balled up her fists, "Who does that bitch think she is!"

"Gaara had to keep her a secret from everyone, even me and Temari," Kankurou caught his breath, "She has a special power."

"Yeah? Like what? Having big breasts and a tiny waist! Anyone can have that!" Ura stomped through the village, a few villagers were out doing some work that day.

"Nanima can track anyone down," Kankurou walked besides Ura, forcing her to slow her pace, "Gaara told the others about Leila's disappearance. Before he wants to track Kabutome, he wants to track down your sister first."

Ura didn't say a word. She was angry at that woman coming on to Gaara, but her heart went out to the man who wanted to find her sister too. At least Gaara had enough sense to not desire that woman. The two Suna-nin walked for a few more minutes before they found themselves in front of a bar. Ura glanced up at the sign, feeling her empty canteen in her hari holster, maybe a drink wouldn't hurt. Kankurou sighed loudly as he looked over at Ura, "You're really not... C'mon, it's still morning."

"A little drink will sooth my spirit," Ura smiled as she pulled out her canteen, "Just a shot or two. C'mon, it's on me."

With a sigh, Kankurou followed Ura inside the bar...

Hours passed until it was early evening. Kankurou eventually left the bar to go back to the shrine while Ura took a few more shots. She didn't drink until she was drunk, instead she had left the bar as well to walk around the village. Finding Leila was her biggest priority. Leila's chakra was all around her. Ura kept looking this way and that to find any signs of her sister being in that area. She eventually approached a shrine that was dedicated a female deity. This one had Leila's chakra all over. Ura slowly entered the shrine where a golden statue of a naked woman with an ancient sword stood close to the front doors.

"Good of you to come, Sister."

Ura knew that voice, but it was altered somewhat. She looked ahead to see the front doors to the actual shrine it's self. Leaning against the doors was a young woman about her age. But why did she call her 'sister'? That woman looked an awful lot like...

"Leila?"

The woman had a boa constrictor snake around her neck and shoulders as she approached Ura. It was indeed Leila. Ura didn't know whether to be overcome with joy or fear as she saw the new chakra Leila had around her. Black. It was no longer their family's color of crimson red. Leila smirked as she held the head of her snake, "I gave up on waiting for you to save me, Ura."

"I left you in the desert to stop that man from killing our Kazekage," Ura stated as she took a step closer to Leila, "Our village needs Gaara."

"No, Ura. You need Gaara," Leila narrowed her eyes on Ura, "You left me to die so you could save that monster."

"That monster is your Kazekage as well, that will never change!" Ura raised her voice.

Leila laughed softly as she guided the snake's head to her chest. The snake then slid into her skin, the head first and the tail wiggling inside her skin. Ura felt her stomach knot up in disgust as Leila's skin began to change from normal to scalely. Her once human eyes turned to slits as her nose flattened to two small slits as her tongue turned to that of a snake's. Leila laughed even louder at Ura's obvious horror, "What do you think of me now, sister? This is what happened when you left me to die!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Leila spat a ball of poison towards Ura. The kunoichi ducked quickly and glanced back to where the poisonous ball landed. The front doors to front yard of the shrine had a gaping hole. Ura's eyes widened in fear as she looked towards the laughing Leila. Her sister... What did Kabutome do to her!