I've never managed to make a story las this long before. this is probably my first ever real achievement. I'm enjoying writing this fanfic so much, i'm already forming new ideas. maybe i'll leave a vote at the end asking who my next fanfic should star... maybe.
Disclaimer: every time i think 'disclaimer' i then think 'proclaimers'. Then every time i think 'proclaimers' i think 'Frankie Boyle'. Whenever i think 'Frankie Boyle' i think 'when i take over the world, i will make him King of Scotland.'
Destiny rewritten
Gaara surveyed Madara, who looked to be quite dishelved. He thought pack to Pein's words, they defiantly seemed accurate. Perhaps Madara had lived too long. The man stared at Gaara, awaiting his reply.
"I'm sorry, Madara-sensei." Gaara said, "But I refuse."
Madara looked enraged.
"What?!" he yelled, "You dare disobey me? Are you forgetting your vow to stand by my side?!"
Gaara shook his head.
"You are not the man you once were." he said, "It was to him that I made my vow to stand beside. That man is now dead, I will follow his last wish & make his clan strong."
Madara glared insanely at Gaara.
"How could you?" he asked, unbelievingly, "How could you side with them over me?"
"As you live, you need a reason. Otherwise it's the same as being dead. You have given up on your purpose, so now, in soul, you are dead. Soon, your body will die too."
Madara roared in anger.
* * * * *
All over Konoha, every shinobi stopped in their tracks. Even Sarutobi & Orochimaru paused & looked past the main gates of Konoha. Everyone was looking in the same direction. Though each of their minds eye, all of them saw a giant red explosion about half a mile away from Konoha. The blast washed through them, poured over them. Together, they all shared the same thought.
"What killer intent."
* * * * *
Madara was seething. He glared at Gaara, hatred pouring off of him.
"You." he snarled, "I gave you power. I gave you life. I gave you a destiny. How dare you betray me?"
Gaara felt slightly shaken, having been meters away from the metaphorical explosion. Even he had never felt killer intent that strong.
"I'm sorry, but I cannot let you continue your path of destruction. I will follow the destiny you originally intended for me. But you will not leave this place alive. Forgive me Madara-sensei."
Madara blinked at Gaara. Something was going through his mind, but Gaara couldn't figure out what.
"So… you are going to try & kill me then?" he asked, in a surprisingly calm voice. It seemed he was beyond anger now.
Gaara shook his head.
"No." he said, "I cannot kill you."
"But I can."
Madara snapped his head round in shock. A fist struck Madara and pierced his body, the knuckles sticking out of his back. The assailant then placed a hand on Madara's head. Madara's eyes were shaking in fear as blood slid past his lips. The attacker removed his hand. Madara collapsed, dead.
The attacker faced Gaara & stepped into the light. Gaara raised his brow in surprise.
The man was a member of Akatsuki. He reminded him of someone. He had long hair, the same orange colour, and apparently the same interest in piercings. But what really caught Gaara's eye was that this man seemed to possess the Rinnegan as well. Gaara realized what he was seeing.
"So this is another one of your bodies?" he asked.
Pein nodded.
"This is my Human Realm." he said, "I must say, Gaara-san, I was surprised to hear your answer to Madara's request. I had come here, believing I would have to kill you both."
Gaara looked at the lifeless body of his former master.
"This piece of trash isn't worth my allegiance." he said, emotionlessly, "Besides, standing by him would be dissatisfying. If I wish to truly feel alive, then my place is with Akatsuki."
Although Pein didn't show it, he seemed pleased with Gaara's words.
"Well, this is a surprise." he said, "In that case, Gaara-san, welcome to Akatsuki."
Gaara bowed to Pein.
"Thank you, Leader-sama." he replied. He stood again, "If I may, I believe Madara was correct in one thing; if Sasuke joins Orochimaru, then in time he could become a very valuable asset to Akatsuki."
Pein stared at Gaara with his Rinnegan eyes.
"That is unlikely." he said, "The boy hates Itachi, he'd never work with the group associated with him."
"I believe he will." Gaara countered, "When I first brought Itachi here, I learned much of his past. I believe if I pass this knowledge onto Sasuke, he will definitely join us."
Gaara held up a file.
"With the evidence Madara gave me, Sasuke's hatred for Konoha will exceed that of all the hatred he has ever felt for Itachi."
Pein was greatly interested in what Gaara was saying.
"Very well." he said, "If you believe that you can succeed, then complete your mission. When you are done, I will send a subordinate to collect you. By the way, I should warn you; I have reason to believe that the sannin Jiraiya is nearby. He is the last person I want to know of our plans."
Pein turned to leave, but he paused.
"Oh, and, here."
He tossed something small to Gaara, & disappeared, taking Madara's body with him. Gaara caught the object & looked at it. It was a ring bearing the kanji for 'void'. Gaara's face was hidden in shadow.
"Finally." he thought, "I am no longer being held back."
He turned & headed back to Konoha. On his way, he noticed both Oto & Suna shinobi fleeing the area. It appeared the conflict was over. But when Gaara entered the main gates, he was surprised to find himself surrounded by dozens of Naruto's, plus the rest of the Konoha genin. The exception, of course, being Neji, Shino & Sasuke.
"Gaara!" the Naruto's shouted, "What are you still doing here?!"
Temari & Kankuro both appeared by Gaara's side. Gaara faced the Naruto's calmly.
"Naruto-kun, we are not your enemy. We have abandoned Suna." he said.
The clones disappeared, leaving the real Naruto looking surprised.
"Really?" he asked.
Gaara nodded.
"See? Just like I said!" Tenten exclaimed, indignantly.
"That is not all." Gaara said, drawing the attention of them all. He folded his arms & gave them his most serious look.
"We wish to join Konoha."
Everyone, Naruto, Shikamaru, even his own siblings looked to him in shock.
"Are you for real?" Naruto asked, disbelief painted on his face.
Gaara nodded again.
"Alright Gaara!" Naruto yelled, his previous anger forgotten. Shikamaru seemed pleased too, although he didn't show it quite so much.
Suddenly, someone was running through the streets.
"The Hokage is dead!" the person yelled, causing shock & horror.
During the distraction, Temari & Kankuro drew nearer to Gaara.
"So how'd it go?" Kankuro asked.
"I've been accepted, but I no longer obey my previous master." Gaara replied, watching the Konoha genin warily, "After we finish up here, Leader-sama will send someone to collect us."
Temari & Kankuro nodded.
"Meanwhile," Gaara added, "You are to socialize with these guys. Make friends of them."
"Why?" Temari asked, surprised.
"I believe bonds with these people will be beneficial in the future." was all Gaara said, before stepping over to Naruto.
"Naruto-kun?" he asked.
"I can't believe it." Naruto said, his brow raised, "The old man? He's gone?"
Gaara placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"You were close to him." he noted.
"He was close to everybody." Naruto replied, "Everyone loved him as much as he loved us."
Gaara nodded.
"So no Hokage." he thought, "That's a problem. We can't join Konoha if there's no Hokage to enlist us."
The new missing-nin let go of Naruto's shoulder. It wasn't his place to console him right now.
* * * * *
It wasn't easy explaining themselves to the council of Konoha. The Elders were particularly hard on them. Gaara was surprised to see the person from Itachi's genjutsu here, a man called Danzo. He seemed more than willing to allow the three into Konoha. He had seen how powerful they were during the chunin exams. He also seemed to like the way they abandoned Suna because of it being too weak. From what Gaara could gather, this man was the rule-with-an-iron-fist type.
"I say we accept their request." Danzo said, "We need strong shinobi like them now more than ever."
"Please." Nara Shikaku replied, annoyed, "You just want another Jinchūriki in Konoha, isn't that right?"
"Shikaku-kun!" Yamanaka Inoichi exclaimed, looking at his fellow council member in shock.
"Oh, right. Sorry." Shikaku apologised to Gaara.
"Nevertheless," Hyuuga Hiashi stressed, "The council does not have the power to enlist new shinobi into our ranks. That power resides with the Hokage alone. However, we have reports of you three assisting our shinobi during the attack. For that we will not have you arrested. When there is a new Hokage, you may request to join our military. Dismissed."
The three siblings bowed to the council & left. Outside the tower, Naruto, Sakura, Tenten & Shikamaru were awaiting them.
"Are you in then?" Naruto asked anxiously.
"Only the Hokage can let us in." Temari replied, "But at least we're not getting arrested!"
"Well at least that's something." Shikamaru said, slipping his hands into his pockets.
"So… does that mean you'll be staying?" Tenten asked, her hands behind her back, looking at the ground. Kankuro grinned.
"That's right!" he said.
Tenten lit up. She threw her arms around Kankuro's neck & kissed him. Shikamaru & Temari both rolled their eyes at the same moment. When the two parted, they held each others hand.
"We'll see you guys later." Kankuro said, the two of them taking off.
"See ya." they all replied.
Naruto cast a glance to everyone.
"So who wants ramen?" ha asked, causing Sakura to groan.
"What is ramen anyway?" Gaara asked. Naruto's jaw dropped.
"Ow! Naruto, my foot!" Sakura complained, thumping her team mate across the head.
In no time, Naruto had dragged Gaara & Temari down to the ramen stand.
"Hey, Ichiraku-kun!" Naruto called to the shop owner.
"Hm? What is it?" Ichiraku asked. Naruto pointed to Gaara & Temari.
"These two have never tried ramen before!" Naruto announced, to which Ichiraku placed a hand over his heart.
"And so you brought them to my humble restaurant? I'm touched." he said, before dropping his hand & grinning, "I'll bring you a couple of regulars."
He moved behind a veil & a sizzling sound could soon be heard. Naruto sat on Temari's left, grinning & rocking on his seat. Temari eyed him warily.
After a few minutes, Ichiraku returned with their ramen. They thanked him as he returned behind the veil.
"Alright, lets eat!" Naruto said, digging in.
Gaara tried the ramen. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't something he'd obsess about. Temari seemed to enjoy it a little more.
Later, Gaara & Temari said goodbye to Naruto & headed back to the hotel.
"You seem to have already made a few friends." Temari noted, a bemused grin on her face. Gaara shrugged.
"I didn't seek them out, they just kinda found me." he replied. Temari smiled.
"That's the best way for it to happen!" she countered.
"What about you?" Gaara asked, "Made any friends of your own?"
Temari thought to herself for a second before sighing.
"Unfortunately, most of the kunoichi around here are pathetic." she replied, "However, there's some pretty smart guys around here that are pretty skilled & pretty cool."
Gaara cringed slightly, "You're not gonna wind up as disgusting as Kankuro, are you?"
Temari blushed at the notion.
"I don't have to have a crush on a guy just to hang out with him!" she said hotly, "Haven't you ever heard of platonic relationships?"
"Doesn't that mean you just haven't done it with the guy yet?"
Temari was now in a full flush.
"No it- do you really think I'm like-" she gasped, looking past Gaara's stoic expression & seeing the mischievous grin he was hiding.
"You're teasing me!" she said, shocked. Gaara chuckled.
"So who are these 'pretty guys' then?" Gaara asked, looking at Temari from the corner of his eye.
"I-I didn't say-" she stammered.
"You said 'pretty' a little too often, it's 'pretty' obvious what you were thinking." he shot back, the hidden grin returned. Temari hung her head.
"Am I really that pathetic?" she asked, her normally strong composure shattered. Gaara sighed.
"With you two for siblings, I know that I'm gonna get bitch-slapped by puberty." Gaara replied. Temari laughed, but was shocked.
"Three jokes in one day?" she noted, "Is the new company really having that strong an effect on you?"
Gaara grabbed his head.
"It's like a disease, I can't help it." he complained, making Temari laugh again. Suddenly, Umibe appeared on Gaara's shoulder.
"Is Gaara-sama ill?" he asked, worried.
"No, he isn't." Temari replied, smiling at the young worm, "He's just discovering something called 'pleasantness'."
"Ple-sant-ness." Umibe repeated, before looking afraid, "Is he going to die?"
Temari laughed once again, "No, it just means he's not used to being so relaxed."
Umibe looked relieved. He returned to the gourd.
"What, he's going back already?" Temari asked, sadly.
"Sandworms have a peculiar calendar." Gaara replied, "This is their Time of Resting, so, we won't be seeing much of him."
Temari nodded. The two of them had reached the apartment, but they paused as they saw Kankuro & Tenten standing outside, talking. They decided it would be rude to interrupt, but not to listen in.
"It's amazing." Tenten said, looking at Kankuro's hand in hers, "I thought what we had was only a fling, seeing as you belonged to a different village."
"Hey." Kankuro replied, holding up Tenten's chin, "I never thought of this as just a fling, got it?"
The two embraced each other, tears of happiness pouring down Tenten's eyes.
"Wow. Who thought Kankuro could be such a rom- sap!" Temari said, adding the last part hurriedly as she saw the look Gaara gave her. Gaara sighed & beckoned for Temari to follow him away.
* * * * *
"Hey, Gaara!"
Gaara looked behind him. Naruto was running & waving.
"Naruto-kun." Gaara said, greeting his friend.
"Hey, Ero-sennin & me are just about top go on a mission to find some lady that could heal Lee!" Naruto exclaimed, excitedly.
"Someone who can heal Lee-san?" Gaara repeated, before giving Naruto a serious look, "I'll meet you at the gates."
Naruto grinned & ran off. Gaara headed immediately to the gates.
"Umibe." Gaara called.
"Yes, Gaara-sama?" came the muffled voice form the gourd.
"I want you to go tell Temari that I'm going on a personal mission. She'll be very worried if she can't find me."
"Hai, Gaara-sama!"
Gaara felt his gourd become slightly lighter as Umibe poured out of it & blew away in the breeze. When he reached the gates, he saw an old man waiting. The man had long, white & spiky hair. He had facial markings similar to Kankuro's & a headband with the kanji for 'oil'. Gaara walked up to the old man.
"You are waiting for Naruto-kun?" Gaara asked the man, who glanced at Gaara with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, what of it?" he asked, looking straight ahead.
"He told me you are seeking a skilled medic-nin."
The man sighed, "That kid really doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut."
Gaara folded his arms, "I'm coming as well."
The man shook his head.
"Sorry kid, no can do." he said, "It's already going to be a pain dealing with the idiot, I don't need another following me."
"What are you implying?" Gaara asked, dangerously. His voice drew the old mans attention. He looked Gaara up & down.
"Hey, you're that Suna kid, right? The one who left his village."
Gaara nodded. The old man seemed to think carefully for a moment.
"Alright, you can come. But don't slow us down!"
Gaara nodded again & unfolded his arms. Naruto came running down the street towards them.
"OK, I'm ready!" he announced.
"Fine, lets get on our way then." the old man replied, walking past the gates. Gaara & Naruto followed suit.
* * * * *
They had been walking for a while, not much was happening. Naruto was being annoying & the old man was getting annoyed. Aside from that, the place was-
Gaara whipped his head to the right. The old man looked at him.
"Your senses are strong." he said quietly, so Naruto wouldn't hear, "Don't worry about them; I know what to do."
Gaara didn't like the sound of the old man's words. Should he try to warn them? No, the old man would instantly know what he'd done.
Naruto was growing impatient. He was determined for the old man to teach him something.
"Teach me the next one! Come on Ero-sennin!" he demanded.
"Ero-sennin, Ero-sennin…" the old man repeated, annoyed, "You don't know that I'm a great person, do you?"
"A great person?" Gaara said, "Just who are you, old man?"
The old man suddenly seemed full of energy. He ran ahead of the two boys & faced them.
"I'm glad you asked!" he exclaimed, doing a strange dance, "The title 'frog hermit' is merely a disguise."
He took a step forward, grinning broadly.
"I shall tell you my true identity." he said. He then started rotating his head, causing his hair to fly around, "I am the man who has no enemies in the north, south, east & west. Not even in the heavens! I am one of the sannin. White haired frog tamer. Even a crying baby would stare in awe… The Great Jiraiya!"
Jiraiya stood in a pose, awaiting their reactions. Neither of them looked impressed, they both walked past him. Naruto was genuinely disinterested, but Gaara's mind was reeling.
"Of all the people." he thought, "It would be him that I have to travel with. I need to tread carefully."
"Hey Gaara, you ok?" Naruto asked.
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine." Gaara replied.
Later, Jiraiya had gotten over his embarrassment. He walked in between the two boys, apparently lost in thought, when they reached a small town.
"Alright, we'll rest here for the night." Jiraiya said.
"Already?" Gaara asked, "We haven't been travelling for long, is it ok to stop so soon?"
"The woman I'm looking for, Tsunade, travels all over the place." Jiraiya replied, "I don't have any definite idea where she is, so I'm going to ask around town to find out if anyone's seen her. But for now, lets check into a hotel."
Gaara & Naruto followed Jiraiya as he walked into a hotel & purchased a room. As they turned to leave, a woman walked by.
From what Gaara could see, she was attractive. But judging from the reactions of the two next to him, he was making an understatement.
"Why are these two idiots ogling her?" he thought, "She's not that big a deal. Nothing like-"
He stopped himself before finishing the thought. It was improper to think in such a way at his age… right?
"Here." Jiraiya said, handing Naruto the room key, "You two go up to the room & practice chakra control. I'll see you later."
Before Naruto could protest, he was already gone.
"Naruto-kun." Gaara said, "I'm going for a walk, I'll see you later as well."
Naruto blinked.
"Huh? Ok, yeah. See ya." he replied, heading up to their room. Gaara turned around & walked back out into the street. He looked to his left & saw Jiraiya walking away with his arm around the woman. Gaara growled in annoyance before walking off to the right. He hadn't gotten far before he sensed the presence from before. He immediately followed it into an alleyway.
"Gaara-san." Itachi said, "It is a surprise to see you here."
Gaara folded his arms & stared at Itachi.
"I could say the same to you. Where's Kisame-san?" he asked.
"I sent him to purchase some supplies." Itachi replied.
The two of them stood silently for a few moments.
"I take it you have heard of the chunin exams?" Gaara asked. Itachi shook his head.
"No, I wanted to ask you, seeing as you fought him. How did he do?"
"He has a lot of potential. He has mastered an A-rank lightning jutsu he calls 'Chidori'. But he still has a long way to go."
"From what you're saying, I assume you didn't kill him?"
Gaara nodded, "His death would be meaningless."
Itachi didn't show it, but Gaara could tell he was relieved. He smirked.
"Your eyes still reveal too much." Gaara noted, "By the way, you should know that Orochimaru placed the cursed seal on him, but from what I can see, he can resist it. On top of that, Hatake Kakashi has adapted the seal, so it won't act on it's own."
Again, they both fell silent. Kisame came in behind Gaara & paused.
"This that 'Gaara' kid?" he asked, reaching for his sword "What's he doing here?"
"It's alright." Gaara said, as he pulled out the ring Pein had given him.
"So he gave you the real one then." Itachi noted. Kisame chuckled.
"I still wish I coulda' seen that snake-scum's face when he realized his lopped off hand was a replacement!" he said, grinning. He took his hand off his blade & held it out to Gaara.
"Welcome to the club." he said, grinning as Gaara shook his hand, "We've got jackets, but apparently yours haven't been delivered yet."
"He won't have taken the oath yet." Itachi replied.
Gaara snapped his head towards Itachi.
"What was that?" he asked, anger welling up inside.
"Each new member must take an oath of allegiance on their own body to Akatsuki. Leader-sama then uses a jutsu that binds the person to that oath. If that person then breaks their word…"
"They die, their body burned by the fires of hell." Kisame finished.
Gaara's eyes narrowed.
"Is there a problem?" Itachi asked. Gaara shook his head.
"Far from it. In fact, I am glad to hear it." he replied.
"Well… we'd best get going." Kisame said, "We've got a Jinchūriki to catch."
"Right." Gaara said, "I'll get out of your way. I need Konoha to see me as an ally, so I cannot be seen with you two right now."
Kisame moved to the side to let Gaara past.
"See ya later 'comrade'." Kisame said, still grinning.
"A word of warning." Gaara said, pausing at the edge of the alley, "I don't think Jiraiya was fooled by your 'bait'. He won't be far."
"We know." Itachi replied. Gaara nodded & left.
He continued his walk, but was unable to take his mind off what he knew was about to happen to Naruto. Despite Gaara's best efforts to remain detached, the blond boy had an aura that made everyone like him eventually. But Gaara knew there was absolutely no way he would break his word. If only there was another way-
"What are you doing here?" Gaara thought, as he saw Sasuke run around a corner. The two of them looked at each other in surprise.
"What are you doing here?" Sasuke demanded, mirroring Gaara's thoughts.
"I'm here on a mission with Naruto-kun." Gaara replied. Sasuke's attitude changed.
"So you know where he is?" he asked, "Show me!"
Gaara realized that Sasuke knew Itachi was here. He turned & ran towards were Itachi & Kisame would now be confronting Naruto. Sasuke followed closely.
"I take it he's here then." Gaara noted, hiding his own knowledge, "I can't think of any other reason why you would come all this way."
"Shut up." Sasuke ordered, "There's no way Naruto can handle Itachi."
"And you can?"
Sasuke fell silent.
They reached the hotel & flew up the stairs to the correct floor. They burst around the corner to find Kisame, holding his sword against a large toad wearing battle armour. Behind the toad stood Jiraiya & Naruto, both surprised to see the younger Uchiha.
"Sasuke." Itachi said, without looking behind him, "You've grown."
"Itachi." Sasuke spat out, "I'm finally here. Face me!"
Itachi glanced back. His eyes shifted to Gaara for a second, before settling on Sasuke.
"Sorry." he said, turning back to Naruto "You don't interest me at the moment."
"Well get interested!" Sasuke yelled. He formed the Chidori & ran at Itachi at that same incredible speed. Gaara tried to stop him, but couldn't move in time. Sasuke barrelled at Itachi, the Chidori gouging into the wall beside him. He flung his arm at his older brother, only to be blocked as Itachi grabbed his wrist.
"Is this really all you have?" Itachi asked, pulling Sasuke close to him, "All these years, and this is all the hatred you can muster?"
With a flick of the wrist, Itachi broke Sasuke's. he then gave his little brother a kick which sent him flying back down the hallway & into the wall. In a second, Itachi was clutching Sasuke's throat, whispering something in his ear. Gaara took a couple of steps back & watched as Itachi used the Tsukuyomi on his younger brother. Three seconds later, Sasuke's head slumped. Suddenly, a strange red ooze poured out of the walls, pulling Sasuke in & causing Itachi to let go of his brother. Jiraiya had cast a jutsu on the hallway, making the strange substance grow. In an instant, Kisame was down the hall, next to Itachi & Gaara. He grabbed Itachi by the shoulder.
"We gotta go." he said, before casting Gaara a questioning look.
"You coming, or staying?" was what the look said. Gaara answered by stepping to the side, allowing the two to pass. But the substance was growing fast.
"Amaterasu!" Itachi called. Gaara's attention was drawn as he witnessed black flames burst into life, burning a hole into the strange wall of ooze. The two Akatsuki members jumped out into the sunlight, completely disappearing from view. Jiraiya & Naruto both peeled around the corner, eyes fixed on the flames.
"What is that?!" Naruto asked, shocked by the sight.
"That's a special Sharingan jutsu, the Amaterasu." Jiraiya answered, seriously. He dispelled his own jutsu, the ooze receding, grabbing Sasuke before he fell to the floor. He then laid the boy down gently, before turning to Gaara.
"Are you ok?" he asked, "I saw them run in your direction. I'm surprised they didn't grab you."
Gaara shook his head, "I'm fine."
Suddenly, a green blur flew past Gaara.
"Dainamikku Entorii!" yelled Maito Gai, delivering a powerful kick to Jiraiya, who was sent flying. When Gai realised who he had just attacked, he became very nervous.
"Ah- sorry about that, it was a simple mistake!" he exclaimed, rubbing the back of his head.
"Simple-minded is more like it." Jiraiya replied, getting to his feet, "What are you doing here?"
"Well… it was partially my fault Sasuke-san heard about his brother's return. He walked in on us talking about it in Kakashi's room & ran off with a strange look on his face."
"Wait, what were you doing in Kakashi-sensei's room?" Naruto asked. Gai gave Naruto a sorry look.
"Itachi & his partner were in Konoha not long ago." he replied, "We faced them, but Kakashi took the worst of the fight. He's been unconscious since."
Naruto looked speechless. Gaara watched the exchange from the sidelines, it still wasn't his place to stand by them in situations like these.
"Ok then. Gai-san, take him back to Konoha." Jiraiya ordered, nudging Sasuke with his foot, "We're going to continue our search for Tsunade."
Gai stared at Jiraiya.
"You're getting her?" he asked, "Then, does that mean she'll be able to help Lee?"
Jiraiya nodded, "Yeah, Sasuke & Kakashi too, hopefully."
Gai gave Jiraiya a pleading look.
"Please, do what you can!" he begged.
"Gai-san."
Gai turned to Gaara. The look he gave him wasn't exactly friendly, but Gaara wasn't really expecting one.
"I give you my word." he said, "If she can reverse the damage I have done to Lee, I will do everything in my power to bring her to Konoha."
Gai blinked. Gaara could tell this wasn't the reaction he was expecting from someone who had once proven to be very cruel.
"Fine." Gai replied, "But I will not forgive you until you do."
Gaara bowed, "That is fine."
Gai picked up Sasuke before casting one last glance at Gaara. He then ran out of the hole & vanished just like Itachi & Kisame had.
"Alright." Jiraiya said, "Lets get some rest. Tomorrow we'll head to Tanzaku town, I believe we might find Tsunade there."
Gaara nodded. He & Naruto both went to their room.
"Tomorrow." Gaara thought, "I must find Tsunade at all costs."