Posting two days early for a particular reason that won't be shared yet. Who knows? You may know more tomorrow and you may know the day after. Possibilities are endless . . . 😉

Despite making such a statement, Gaara still won the fight only because of the Leaf jounin's interference.

After one last match, those who succeeded in their fights were allowed to know about the next portion of the exams. To take place in exactly one month, a fight tournament will be held for the victors to compete against each other. Since they now know a lot about their potential opponents, the time between now and the final part of the exam would be used for any necessary training—

Not that Gaara needed it.

In fact, the red-head spent his time ignoring Shukaku the best that he possibly could, but that monster was relentless. Constantly shouting in his mind, giving him so many gory details on how to kill his enemies, Gaara couldn't find a single moment of peace—

Until he returned to the Hidden Leaf Village, when the deadline was almost over.

Arriving exactly one day before the final examination would begin, Gaara found himself standing in front of a familiar gate with a plant in hand. It was a dumb idea, really. He wasn't sure what to say or what to do once he got inside. Gaara knew he couldn't go inside without special permission, especially because he was a foreigner. How could he possibly—

"Gaara!"

Barely flinching at his own name, Gaara adverted his gaze to see his blonde haired . . . friend smiling brightly at him with a peculiar shopping bag in hand. "It's been a while," Naruto greeted kindly. "Are you here to see Hinata?"

Gaara didn't give a verbal answer, choosing to nod politely instead.

"I was going to visit her too; see how she's doing after her operation, ya know?" Without a single thought, Naruto fearlessly pushed open the gates while still grinning eagerly at Gaara. "Just follow me. I know exactly where she'll be."

Still without saying a word, Gaara cautiously follows the whisker boy further into enemy territory. It was actually quite the sight to see the orphan maneuvering through the labyrinth of the home that belonged to one of the most prestigious clans in the whole ninja world. Within a few minutes, the two arrived at one of the furthest points with it also appearing to be abandoned—

Except for the Byakugan Princess, who wore a beautiful baby blue kimono as she dug through the dirt of a flower bed. Her moon-like eyes were covered in a thick bandage, like she had over-used her Byakugan once again.

Despite essentially being blind, Hinata somehow knew they were there when she called out to them, showing off her smile that could show anyone the way through the darkness. Naruto happily walked over Gaara trudged behind, still unsure what exactly he was doing.

Acting like that brat, Shukaku claimed. Being a damn fool when you should be plotting for blood.

"Gaara got you something too," Naruto revealed after he finished listing off the various flower seeds he got the girl. "Tell her about it."

Blinking himself back into the normal conversation, Gaara placed the plant next to Hinata, who cautiously ran her fingers around the petals. "It's an adenium obesum," Gaara informed, "or desert rose, if you prefer. I wanted to give it to you to apologize for my actions from before."

Hinata snarled her nose in confusion. "What are you talking about? You haven't don't anything wrong—"

"I almost lost control of Shukaku," Gaara explained quite abruptly. "I promise, I won't let it happen again."

So you say, Shukaku scoffed, but I am close to breaking through. I can feel it.

Choosing quite wisely, Gaara didn't reply as he tried to focus on his . . . friends' exchange. To keep it brief and simple, Naruto wanted to have a quick training session with Hinata's father so he could be better prepared for tomorrow's match.

So about fifteen minutes later, after Naruto defended the idea of having him stay, Gaara found himself sitting next to the still blind Hinata, watching the fight between Naruto and 'Lord' Hiashi, the Head of the Hyuga Clan. Upon first glance, it was obvious that the blonde-haired boy was no match for the elder man, but Hiashi still continued to give advice no matter the circumstances.

After the first few strikes with a painful yell being made at the end of the combo, Gaara just happened to notice the way Hinata flinched for no reason. A few seconds later when another groan was made, Hinata moved less noticeably.

"Why do you keep flinching like that?" Gaara wondered. "You're not the one getting hurt."

"I know," Hinata claimed with a sigh. "Naruto is, but it sounds so awful that it makes me worried for him. It doesn't help that . . . I have feelings for him."

"I don't know what you mean," Gaara stated bluntly.

"Romantic feelings," Hinata clarified with a blush. "I like him as more than a friend, like a crush. I know it's stupid to feel that way, because he will never feel the same."

But as she spoke, Gaara watched as Naruto glanced over at them—at her, like he was disappointed in himself—

Like he wanted to impress her.

"Give it time," Gaara advised. "You may be surprised."

How would you know?

No one has and will ever care for you.

You will always be lonely.