Blind Sight
By
LigerJager
Naruto © Masashi Kishimoto
Scroll 9: Duty
"Uzumaki-san, you do realize that you are a wanted person?"
"Wanted?" the question was said with genuine curiosity though there was a sliver of alarm in his voice, "what for?"
Taking in the sudden hostile body language of the Kazekage, Neji immediately realized how he phrased his question and mentally began backpedaling. This was not a good way to start out his political forays into inter-village relations.
"Ah, perhaps I phrased that incorrectly," the Hyuuga cast weary glances at the stoically hostile façade of the youngest kage to ever gain his title. He didn't know Gaara, even with his genial welcome from the man, and had to practice caution with his words. Their villages might have been allies, but they were by no means comrades.
"A select few of us have been searching for you for a while, discreetly of course, just to look out for you."
"Ah." The reply was cool causing Neji to stare at the blond. Naruto had, once upon a time, never acted cool towards his birth home. It was always Hokage this, and being the 'Greatest Ninja Ever' that. Now it looked like more than just a future Hokage was lost to time and, more importantly, Konoha.
Naruto crossed his arms and regarded the Leaf ninja carefully. Neji was slightly unnerved by the action and secretly wondered if Suna had found some way to restore the blonde's sight. "I assume there was a reason?"
"Well," the stoic Hyuuga was slightly embarrassed to be put in such a position. After all, he was raised in a clan where emotions were generally done away with unless in private.
"There were those who counted you as friend and comrade."
"Hn, that's not particularly a good reason, but…" the familiar happy grin split his features, "It's still a reason, thank you."
"Your thanks are not needed. We did it because we wanted to. No one forced us to."
Naruto nodded in acknowledgment. After all what was there to say? He felt a slight lightening of the weight on his soul knowing that there were those whom actually did care about him.
"I trust you'll hold your tongue regarding my current whereabouts and status?"
"If that is what you wish?"
"It is."
"Then, you have my word."
The blonde dipped his head. After a moment of silence he continued.
"Might I ask who was searching for me?"
"Ah. They would be my cousin, Hyuuga Hinata, Umino Iruka, and Jiraiya of the Sannin."
If the blind ninja was surprised by the line-up, he didn't show it. Though, he did blink.
"No one else?"
"None of the rest knew you well enough to go looking for you. Academy, a botched chuunin exam and the retrieval mission hardly constitute camaraderie."
Gaara watched his second-in-command. It was hard to read him right then. Though, the red-head supposed, the news that you hadn't created bonds strong enough to garner attention was a painful revelation to have.
He knew he would be dragging the blonde off for a sparring session in the desert later, if anything, to beat the angsty-tar out of him. A trick he learned a long time ago.
"Perhaps if you had been put on another squad, they might have also added their efforts-"
"Why not you?" Naruto cut him off. It was one of the questions that made the Hyuuga genius somewhat uncomfortable even though the reasoning behind it was understandable.
"I had to distance myself, I was seen carrying you out and thus watched under close suspicion."
"That makes no sense."
"It doesn't. The changes in security were instituted shortly before Uchiha's attempted defection. An older political figure, by the name of Danzo, had pushed for more security and a stronger ninja village. He had much support under his control and was able to put a lot of legislation through."
"What you didn't know was that after the Uchiha retrieval mission, the Hokage had lost much power and is restricted in jurisdiction. Everything is scrutinized and inspected."
"Naruto, the way things are now in Konoha, even the slightest hint of fraternization with those not in the spy network is considered treason. Punishable only by death."
Neji stopped talking as he let the revelation sink in. He too had been shocked at the changes. It seemed that whoever was trying to control the strings of their village was gearing for all out war.
"As I'm sure Kazekage-sama here has apprised you of the politics, you should know that there was nothing either sannin could have done to help you. Even the concession of banishment was the best you could have hoped for."
"I know."
"Hokage-sama had pushed for more leniency but she had solid opposition within and without the leadership of the country."
"I knew that a long while ago."
"Perhaps if you had the support of your jounin sensei and the remaining squad member, they might have considered it. He is well known and as a student of the Fourth, his words would have weighed support in your favor."
"Which is why I forgive her."
Neji watched the blonde carefully. He had been surprised by the admission and also more aware than anything else, that time had changed the jinchuuriki. Something within him mourned that loss.
"She hasn't forgiven herself you know."
"Hm?"
"She blames herself for not doing more for you. Of course she hasn't spoken to anyone, but we all feel the same way."
"You mean at least those who cared." The blonde replied sardonically. Neji conceded.
"So…what now?"
Neji pondered. What now indeed.
"Ah." Was all Gaara could say Courtesy dictated that he be there in attendance to show Suna's support. And as the most recognizable kage, he and not a liaison needed to be there personally.
However he couldn't leave his village unguarded and therefore vulnerable. Thankfully he didn't have to.
"Has she specifically asked for anyone by name?"
"No." the ambassador shook his head, "she just wished for the extra support as there have been rumors about the power each of the Akatsuki nin wield."
"She does not have faith in her own?"
"No."
"And why would that be?" Gaara peered at the diplomat. The dissension within Konoha's ranks was become quite apparent over the years, much to their chagrin. He was also well aware that some of the other villages, major and lesser, were looking for a prime opportunity to pounce.
That said, they also knew that if Suna made a strong show of support for the aging super power that their chances of success would be slim to none. And while the political figures ignored Suna's rise in power, the other countries and villages did not. Whether he or Naruto liked it or not, Gaara knew they were being watched closely.
Neji took his time to answer, choosing his words with great care. Betrayal, of any kind, never went well with ninja villages, especially ones where certain military leaders would rather kill their tools than have then 'betray' them. A very good example was Root.
"Our forces have been compromised by an internal organization. There is no proof, however, but both sannin suspect something."
"And they'd both prefer if their trusted allies would ensure sabotage is thwarted."
"Would not our presence give the perfect excuse for them frame us?"
"That is why the Hokage is hoping that you will bring only your most trusted and finest." The Hyuuga genius paused for a moment, "a small entourage if you will."
"That is acceptable. Any larger and they would have considered us an invasion force. Though, traditionally Suna has always brought a large entourage when something of this importance requires our presence. Then again, from what you've told me, that's probably what they are factoring in." The Kazekage nodded, "However, even a few powerful ninja would be enough to make anyone nervous. How well known is the strength our forces?"
Neji sat back. He didn't really know how to answer the man. It was actually embarrassing that the information they truly had was minimal at best. Especially, since he had virtually been living in Suna for the past three years.
On one hand there was Gaara and his siblings and perhaps one or two other jounin, but not much else was known about the strength of the village. Naruto didn't exactly count as he was only a whispered and much scoffed at rumor (said to bolster up the image of the desert village). No one had really seen the black ops commander in action (or lived to tell about him which was more likely), and Suna wasn't talking.
Considering the fact that he had indeed secured the agreement of their allied at the request of the Hokage, he was considerably relieved that the man before him was placing stipulations on the agreement. That said, it was considerably disheartening to see that they would only have a few there to provide a united front at the inauguration and snot a force to ward off the impending attack. Neji was almost certain that it was going to occur. Nothing the old hermit ever turned up was idle information.
Neji was pulled out of his thoughts at the impatient air that was surrounding the redheaded leader. He must have been sitting for quite a while and, calmed or not, the Kazekage wasn't one to be kept waiting.
"Nothing of value really. Unlike Konoha with its many notorious clans, Suna has kept its strength a well guarded secret," at this Gaara nodded at the compliment, "The only concrete facts that I know are yourself, your two siblings as they are your entourage."
Again the young kage nodded. The three of them were well known because they were the most visible and easily recognized.
"However, I wasn't made aware of what is known about their current power levels, nor was I apprised of any other prominent figures with surnames."
"What of Naruto?" the Kazekage spoke up, "Are you not aware of him?"
"Personally, yes. For official purposes, his status as the legendary Maelstrom has only filtered to us as rumors. The leadership is loathe to label anything a threat without prominent facts."
"Ah." The was good to know. That meant they could keep their number one Ace a secret a while longer.
"So," the Hyuuga liaison lent back in his seat, "shall I send word to Hokage-sama that you will be attending?"
"Yes. I will have to arrange my security detail."
Neji stood with Gaara and bowed. "By your leave then."
At the Kazekage's nod, he swept through the door, leaving the young leader alone. Gaara looked out his window, the mid afternoon sun still high in the sky. Naruto would be back any moment.
……
The blind commander paced outside of the operating rooms. His team was in there and they had just made it back within the time limit before the anti-venom wore off. He just hoped there wouldn't be any lasting nerve damage.
He still had to obtain another dosage. This last mission had him using the entire phial. Not that he minded, but the anti-venom itself was notoriously hard to come by.
Naruto and a few of his stronger teammates had to literally cart home the rest of their team. It seemed the poisons that the Kusa nin used were more tenacious than he thought.
So all he could do now was wait it out. Something he hated.
None of the hospital staff bothered him, well aware of his habits. They had long since learned that the blind shinobi abhorred such places, mostly because he was always in the waiting room and his team mates were under the knife. That and he almost never went in for treatment.
The few times he had, the attending physicians and medics needed a few minutes to regain their composure from all the horrendous scar damage on the shinobi. The most gruesome were the twin swirl scars on the jinchuuriki's chest that punctured right through the back. There was one for each side, as though someone had tried to kill him.
It was a wonder their commander was still alive and breathing. By all rights both of his lungs should have collapsed and his heart punctured and destroyed. Needless to say, once word somehow got out it made the hospital staff, and Suna by extension, more protective of their Black Ops captain, much to his chagrin.
They weren't overt about their concern, but it would take a complete idiot not to notice the worried inquiries about his person after every mission. And if he were to count his faithful Black Ops, two to three random visits a week…minimum.
The tell-tale signs of an incoming sand-shunshin notified the blind commander that he was no longer alone. Just as the final swirl of dust settled, the chuunin messenger found himself looking into a pair of unnervingly blank eyes.
The nearly entirely covered Black Ops captain patiently waited for to receive his message. After all only Gaara would send a messenger to him so shortly after his mission.
For his part, the chuunin felt slightly unnerved by the man. It wasn't very often they were in the famous ninja's presence. Generally they had met with liaison's and secretaries if they were required to pass on a message. With a swift bow, he delivered his orders.
"Kachuu-sama, Kazekage same wishes to speak to you."
"Ah, I'll be right there."
With a nod, the chuunin shunshined away in a swirl of sand, leaving nothing of his presence behind.
Naruto hailed a nurse and asked her to verify the conditions of his teammates. After all, who knew if he was going to be back in time for them. As captain and mission leader he was responsible for bringing the news to any family. It was a job he hated and, unfortunately it was a necessity.
……
It was quiet in the Kazekage's office. Gaara was seated at his desk, looking out the window.
Gaara had been mulling the diplomat's request over in his mind. No matter how he looked at it, the entire situation was…less than desirable.
Showing up for the Hokage's inauguration was nothing really other than a matter of inconvenience and Gaara normally didn't mind. It was the during and after that he wasn't liking.
It smelled of deceit and a setup.
They were ninja, yes, but Konoha (and some of its higher ranking officials) still held grudges against them. And what most people tended to forget was that politics still had a disgustingly powerful place in the world.
With the right twist and the wrong situation, Suna could very well be doomed. Or they could demand something of vital importance to the desert village. Either way Gaara didn't like it one bit.
He would honor his alliance with Tsunade. She had made a personal request of him and his village and he would do no less than fulfill it for her.
"You wanted to see me?" The well known voice cut into the young wind-lord's musing.
"Yes." With even turning form his current position, the young red head continued on. "I have received a personal request from the Godaime herself. She would like Suna's best to be there for the inauguration."
Naruto made no move. He would find out eventually anyways. Gaara wasn't' the type to beat around the bush when it came to his men and his village.
"Akatsuki plan to attack Konoha during that time and she would like to ensure the safety of that village one last time before she leaves permanently."
"What are Akatsuki's motives?"
Gaara finally tore his unseeing gaze away from the scenery and looked at his second.
"According to the Hokage, revenge might be a possible motive and you."
"Ah."
"Apparently they believe you were hoarded away somewhere and locked up."
The blonde made a disgruntled noise, "They should know that jinchuuriki are held in contempt, especially in Konoha."
Gaara's captain tilted his head to the side and pursed his lips. When it came to this particular group, he had a special interest in their affairs.
"This is probably a two-fold attack. On one hand it has to be a grudge. Revenge is a powerful motivator after all. The other, and most likely the main reason, is that it will be used to flush me out."
"I concluded as much." The Kazekage rejoined. As far as motives went, Akatsuki was pretty straight forward.
"Too bad they were so impatient. Ten years ago they could have snatched me up without a problem. Perhaps they did…meh."
"I'm surprised they waited this long."
"As I recall, their plans were thrown into jeopardy when one of the jinchuuriki were killed." The blonde commander hummed as he tried to recollect, "The Kirigakure shinobi, was it?"
Gaara nodded, though it went unseen. The Suna delegation had made diplomatic overtures to the mist village over the years when they had found that bit of information when the Sanbi carrier was found murdered. That had been around the same time Gaara had been kidnapped and the Ichibi extracted.
Finally giving up his view in favor of the shinobi in front of him, the Kazekage turned in his seat. Naruto made no move to acknowledge the change.
"What say you about the arrangements?"
It was a moment before the young Anbu commander figured out what exactly Gaara meant. The red head did that sometimes. Spoke in dual meanings that could alluded to their previous topics or a new train of thought.
"I would decline the invitation altogether and send out apologies." The Anbu just shrugged, "however, since you can't, I'd say take four besides yourself. That should be enough to make a suitable appearance."
"And who should it be?"
Naruto almost sighed in irritation. Gaara could take whoever he wanted, however, his siblings were always with him. No exception. So that solved his problem for half of the contingent.
"I'll send two support from my division. Close quarters or long range?"
Gaara had to think it over. Most, if not all, of the shinobi in Suna had mid to long ranged sniper abilities. Close combat was for glory hounds and taijutsu.
"Long range, heavy assault, I think that would probably be best." After all he could cover their back while they wrecked havoc on the masses. Konoha was a close quarters, khand to hand, in your face, super power. But their long range was sorely lacking.
The special ops commadner just nodded. Better stick to what they knew that what they didn't. Long range was an easier battle formation…and less likley to engage in a battle.
"When will you need to leave?"
"In one month's time."
"Ah." With a short bow, the blind blonde turned and made for the door.
Gaara watched him go, curiosity slipping into his countenance. Over the years he'd come to know the blonde's quirks and gestures better than anyone.
Naruto was up to something. He would just have to find out what.
……
It was late in the evening hours when the Anbu captain appeared again. This time carrying several pieces of paper, one of which he promptly handed over to the Wind Shadow.
"This is a summoning seal. I commissioned it from Chiyo-baa-sama before your abduction. It's keyed into my signature. Should you have need of me, just push your chakra into it and I should know."
"So that's where you were off to all those times."
"Yeah, field testing." The jinchuuriki shivered.
"Anyways, because its three-days of travel by ninja speed from here, I need you to plant at least three to five seals on the way. That way I can lock into them."
"How would I do that?"
"Here." Naruto handed over a small stack of few identical seals. "You'll just need to apply them to a surface with your chakra. That way when you active them, it will read your signature and come straight back to me."
"It should take me about ten to fifteen minutes, give or take, to reach you when you summon."
"And that's all?"
"Just be sure that I end up near you Kazekage-sama, otherwise I won't know what is expected of me in whatever situation you called me for."
"Ah."
"By your leave. I have to arrange the guard and a chain of command while you are away."
Gaara nodded. And with that, the black ops commander was gone.
He looked down at the seal array before folding it up and putting it away. Knowing his commander as he did, the blonde never gave up one of his trump cards unless it was an emergency; Gaara had a sneaking suspicion that he would have to use them
Naruto always had this uncanny sense for the future. Not premonitions or anything like that, just this feeling about how things were going to go. Gaara just hoped that he really didn't have to use them, because he really didn't want to involve Suna in a war.
:Tsuzuku:
A/N: I think might be one of my favorites to write at the moment. For those of you wondering how Naruto can 'See' and 'Read' when it suits him (or at Gaara's command), he has to saturate the entire area with chakra (or document). It lights up the background and leaves the silhouettes (something like what Neo sees in the Matrix). In the case of documents, the actual paper lights up, leaving the silhouette of the kanji.
This chapter is dedicated to InaRealPickle (your list is entertaining), thank you for making me laugh in your last review and also sticking with this fict from the beginning. I did see a point in your rather…expressive…vehemence for any kind of mercy for Konoha. That said, you can't blame a village for the mistakes of a few…no matter how tempting.
And in the real world, it just isn't plausible for the entire leadership of one village (or country) to just uproot and attend an occasion. Unlike in a lot of ficts I have read. Even the Kage summit in the manga didn't have the entire leadership of a village as an entourage. Only the most trusted of body guards.
Before you start railing on me about 'show of force' and 'strength of a village' let me ask you: does it make sense to send all your strongest leaders and most powerful military figures and leave your home (relatively) helpless, defenseless, and leaderless?
LJ 9/21/2009