This was a difficult chapter to get into, it wasn't in my original plan. Saying that, i did find it very easy to right the part from another characters perspective. maybe that character will be the star of my next story. I wonder if anyone has any idea of where madara is going with his story. I bet you can't figure it out!

Disclaimer: The only thing i own is pizza. No, not own it, but OWN it! I wonder if Choji likes pizza...

The strength of my will

"He realized that his error was allowing others the knowledge of his power. The only way he would be seen as a god was if he was the only being capable of the Shinobi arts. But there was no way he could make himself the only living Shinobi without people somehow discovering what he was doing. He had to wait for an opportunity to arise. The problem was, the rest of his life wasn't enough time."

"There it is." Kankuro said, bitterly. Konoha. Gaara wasn't sure if it was his imagination or not, but the village always looked welcoming, even during the night. As far as he could tell, the only thing that had changed was that a new face had appeared on the Hokage Mountain. It was the face of... Tsunade? Was that her name? Gaara gave a mental shrug as they neared the gates.

"Umibe, revert to your normal colour." Gaara ordered.

"Hai, Gaara-sama!" Umibe replied, turning the colour of sand.

"Hey, look." Kankuro said, pointing to the entrance to Konoha, "Aren't those gatemen the guys from before?"

Gaara looked ahead. Those two were definitely the other members of the team that they encountered at the bounty station.

"Don't mind them." He said, walking on. He approached the main gates, heading straight for the gatemen. They looked up as he approached them, shock on their faces.

"Is Uzumaki Naruto here?" Gaara asked. The two of them leapt to their feet, kunai drawn.

"You think you can just waltz in here & ask us that?!" the bandaged one asked, hate on his face.

"If you know what's good for you, you'll surrender!" the other one added, angrily. In an instant they were both trapped in sand.

"I am not here as a member of Akatsuki." Gaara said, glaring at the two, "Perhaps you should contact your Hokage."

As he said this, a Shinobi with an animal mask appeared by the sides of the gatemen.

"Gaara-san." The ANBU said, "Please release these two. I will escort you to Hokage-sama."

Gaara complied, the gatemen falling back onto their seats. He turned to the ANBU & nodded.

"Take me to her." He said. The ANBU turned & walked off, Gaara & the others following him. When they arrived at Hokage Tower, they headed straight for Tsunade's office. The ANBU knocked on the door, awaiting a response.

"Come in." Came a begrudging voice. The ANBU opened the door, allowing Gaara & the others to enter. Tsunade looked up at Gaara, shock & anger on her face.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she demanded, standing up.

"I came here to speak with Uzumaki Naruto." Gaara replied, "It's regarding Uchiha Sasuke."

"You know something about him?" Tsunade asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Yes. But I will speak only Naruto, this is for his ears only."

"You are aware that after you tell him, I can just order him to pass the information to myself?"

"That is your decision, I don't really care."

Tsunade regarded him for a moment before looking away, grunting.

"He's out on a mission." She told him, "And don't ask what he's doing, because I won't- are you listening?!"

Gaara opened his eyes.

"He is seeking Uchiha Itachi." He said, "You should call him back, there is no point in his search."

"Thanks for the advice, but I don't think I'll take it." She replied.

"That is your decision." Gaara said, turning to leave.

"Hey, I didn't give you permission to go!" Tsunade exclaimed angrily.

"You're right, you didn't." Gaara replied as he walked out the door, the others in tow. Tsunade dropped back into her chair, looking seriously pissed off.

"He's as arrogant as ever." She noted, her brow creased.

"Yes, but what he is doing is necessary." Jiraiya replied, sitting outside, "It's best to leave him be."

"I guess. But I won't tolerate his lack of respect!"

"Cut him some slack, what he's doing isn't easy."

Tsunade rested her head on her fist.

"Tch. I still think we should stop him. What he's doing is worse than anything Akatsuki has done."

"I'll admit, his story is unlikely. If he's telling the truth, then the way of the Shinobi will change forever. Then again, if not, then we could have a problem."

"Which is why we should investigate this ourselves. He didn't tell Naruto much & what he did say is impossible."

"How do you suggest we do that?"

"... damn."

Jiraiya chuckled. Tsunade frowned at her desk.

"And that woman." She said, "She looked familiar."

"Yeah. I know what you mean..." Jiraiya shot up, staring at the group leaving Hokage tower, "Wait a minute, Konan?!"

"Konan?" Tsunade repeated, "Wasn't she a student of yours?"

Jiraiya didn't reply. He was already gone.

* * * * *

He walked through a park, wandering in the dark. Temari & Kankuro were staying at an inn, but Gaara decided to stay outside. Konan came along as well, enjoying the idea of time alone with each other. But that wasn't what was on Gaara's mind. Things were getting complicated.

"To give himself more time, he created a jutsu powerful enough to grant him immortality, without losing his mind. He called it 'Keiro no Hanasu'."

"'Keiro no Hanasu'?" Gaara repeated, "Paths Divide?"

Madara smiled, "Something like that."

"What was its purpose?"

"To kill him."

"So this is Konoha?" Konan asked, "It's a nice place."

"I'm glad you think so."

Gaara & Konan stopped as a shady figure dropped from the rooftops. The figure was blocking their path, staring at the two of them.

"And who might you be?" Konan asked, her hand secretly changing to paper.

"What's the matter Konan-chan?" the figure asked, "You've forgotten me already?"

The figure stepped forward, moonlight shining on him.

"Sensei?!" Konan exclaimed. Gaara looked between the two, wondering in what world these two could even meet.

"It's been a long time." Jiraiya said, a small grin on his face, "This sure is a welcome surprise."

Konan looked away, a nervous look on her face.

"Do you want to leave?" Gaara asked her quietly.

"Leave?" Jiraiya repeated, "What, did I do something?"

"You left..."

"Huh?"

"YOU LEFT US!" She screamed, causing Gaara & Jiraiya to take a step back.

"What are you talking about?" Jiraiya asked, a scared look on his face.

"You left us all alone." Konan replied, tears welling up, "We still needed you!"

Jiraiya stared at Konan, his brow furrowed.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Don't pretend you care!" Konan cried, running off. Gaara watched as she left, angry at Jiraiya for upsetting her. But being anger would not be helpful, so he forced himself to calm.

"Years ago." He said, "A man named Hanzō kidnapped her & offered her life in exchange for Yahiko's."

Jiraiya was staring at him, eyes wide.

"You mean..."

"Yahiko killed himself. Then Nagato lost it & killed Konan's captors, the exception being Hanzō, who escaped. It would seem that Konan blames you for this."

"Yahiko... he was a cool kid. I can't believe he's gone."

"He isn't."

Jiraiya paused, giving Gaara a strange look.

"What do you mean?"

"It takes more than a kunai to kill a god." Gaara said, turning to leave. But Jiraiya was by his side in a second, his hand on Gaara's shoulder.

"No." He said, "Tell me what you know."

Gaara stared at the spot Konan had disappeared at.

"To kill him?" Gaara repeated, "Why would he create a jutsu to end his own life?"

"So he could be reborn."

Gaara stared at Madara. What was he saying?

"He knew of immortality jutsu." Madara continued, "But he also knew that those who use them live cursed lives. Instead, he created a reincarnation jutsu."

"Training Yahiko & Nagato was a mistake." Gaara said, his cloak shifting so Jiraiya's hand lost its grip. He left Jiraiya standing there & went to look for Konan. She wasn't far away. After she'd disappeared from sight, she'd slowed down to a walk. Gaara caught up with her & put an arm around her waist.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"I hoped I wouldn't see him." Konan replied, "It brings up too many bad memories."

Gaara looked at her. He didn't know what to say. In the end, he decided being there was all he could do. They found a bench & sat down on it. The moon was disappearing behind some buildings. It wouldn't be long before sunrise. Gaara watched Konan, who appeared to be in her own world. Gaara sighed & sat back on the bench, his arms hanging over the back. The action seemed to snap Konan out of her trance, she glanced at Gaara questioningly.

"I wonder what will happen when my mission is over." He said, tilting his head back so he was facing the sky, "It's hard to imagine doing anything else."

"When you spend your whole life preparing for one moment, you're left feeling empty as the moment passes." Konan replied, resting her head on Gaara's shoulder. Gaara smirked.

"Then I'll have to find something else to spend the rest of my life doing." He said.

"I think I know what you're saying." Konan said, shifting a little closer to Gaara, "But you shouldn't call me a thing. I might get offended."

"What happened to 'you're still just a boy'?"

"That doesn't mean I can't tease you." Konan replied, smirking.

"And you call me evil."

Konan laughed as Gaara pretended to sulk. She put her arm around his shoulders and cuddled up to him. She soon fell asleep, right there on the bench. Gaara smiled to himself as he felt her breath on his face.

* * * * *

"We'll get him next time." Haruno Sakura said, "He can't run away forever."

"Yeah." Replied a melancholy Uzumaki Naruto, "See you later Sakura-chan."

The pink haired Kunoichi waved to Naruto as she walked away in the direction of her home. Naruto took his time walking to his apartment, looking at the ground with his hands in his pockets.

"Sasuke." He thought, "Where are you?"

They had just returned from their mission to capture Uchiha Itachi, which was a failure. Not only had Itachi escaped, but they'd even encountered Sasuke, but he also got away. Was it a coincidence that the two Uchiha's had been in the same place at the same time? No. Sasuke found Itachi. Does that mean that they were now fighting, or had already fought? If so, who was the winner? Naruto couldn't empty his mind of all these worrying thoughts.

He passed Ichiraku Ramen, where the man himself was getting ready to open up.

"Hey, Naruto-kun!" Ayame called, "Coming for an early breakfast?"

"I'll drop by later." Naruto replied, "I just got back, I'm going home for now."

"Ok, see you then!" Ayame said, brightly. Ichiraku frowned as Naruto exited the street. Something was definitely bothering his best customer.

Naruto climbed the stairs up to his apartment, a sombre look on his face. He opened the door to his room & stepped inside. It made him feel a little better to see his home tidy on his return; he was glad he'd thought to clean it up before he left. He didn't bother changing into his pyjama's, he just fell on his bed, exhausted. Spending so many nights sleeping in the dirt, he often forgot how comfortable his own bed was. The breeze was nice too.

His eyes snapped open. Why was there a breeze? He looked up at his window, surprised to see it open. He was sure he'd closed it when he left.

"Naruto-kun."

Naruto snapped up to a sitting position, looking at the invader in shock.

"Gaara?!" he exclaimed, all signs of tiredness forgotten, "What are you doing here?"

Gaara was leaning against the wall, arms folded as he looked to the hyperactive Ninja.

"There's something I think you should know." He said, "About Uchiha Sasuke."

"What, have you seen him?" Naruto demanded, leaping to his feet.

"One week ago, he became a full member of Akatsuki."

Naruto's eyes opened wide, his mouth hanging open.

"That- that's impossible." He breathed, "Why would Sasuke join the same organization as his brother?"

Gaara closed his eyes.

"Uchiha Sasuke no longer aims to kill Uchiha Itachi." He said, "He instead aims to work alongside him."

"WHAT?!" Naruto exclaimed, grabbing Gaara by the shirt, who opened his eyes in surprise, "Why would he do that?"

"He's keeping his word." Gaara replied, "I told him the truth about Itachi, in exchange for his help with my mission."

Naruto blinked, "He's- he's helping you?"

"Yes."

Naruto let go of Gaara's shirt, letting out a sigh of relief.

"That's good to know." He said, "So, you came all this way just to tell me this?"

"No. I actually have something to request of you."

"You do? Name it!"

"I need to speak with Hatake Kakashi."

"Hm? Kaka-sensei?" Naruto repeated, "Why do you need to talk to him?"

"It's an experiment I am conducting." Gaara replied, "The information I could gain is vital to my mission."

"Uh, ok then." Naruto said, losing a little steam, "I'll do my best to help."

"Thank you." Gaara said, turning to leave.

"Hey, Gaara?"

Gaara turned around, looking at his one-time friend.

"Is this mission the reason you helped us?" Naruto asked, "You know, back at the Chunin exams."

Gaara turned back to the door, unable to look him in the eye.

"I only found out about this mission during the invasion at the third exam." He said, "Everything up to that point was preparation for that mission to begin. But to answer your question, no. At that point, my mission was to stop Orochimaru from gaining the Sharingan. I was ordered to kill either Orochimaru, or Uchiha Sasuke. The only reason I helped you was because of the Curse Seal."

Naruto stared at his back, silently.

"I ask you to understand, "Gaara continued, "I never believed in Akatsuki's goals, back when I didn't know the truth. It was my master's will for me to join Akatsuki & it was my will to follow my master's will. I gave him my word."

"Oh... right." Naruto replied, eyes on the ground.

"But I am glad I helped you. You & Shikamaru were the first people that I considered to be friends."

"Wha- really?" Naruto asked, surprised.

"Yes."

Naruto stared at Gaara for a couple of seconds longer, before grinning broadly.

"Alright then!" he said, "I'll see you later, after I speak to Kaka-sensei!"

"Thank you, Naruto-kun." Gaara said, as he left.

* * * * *

Gaara walked through the streets of Konoha, the sunlight shining on his back. They had each gone their separate ways, deciding to spend the day by themselves. Konan was down at the hot baths, she had aches after sleeping on the bench. Temari was going for a walk in the forest while Kankuro was going to get something to eat. Gaara looked around the stores, wondering why he never purchased anything. Looking back, the only time he had ever bought anything was whenever Umibe was hungry, which was rarely seeing as the sandworm's position as his cloak didn't burn too much energy. But as he looked at what the stores had on offer, he realized why he never bought anything.

"Do people really need these things?" he thought, "Why would there be any demand at all for such useless trinkets?"

He passed a shop selling water imported from all over. He was having difficulty imagining something more idiotic. But the shop suddenly became very interesting as he spotted a Kunoichi with brown hair tied in buns. Gaara looked at all the different bottles of water. There were some from Kirigakure... Kumogakure... Sunagakure? Gaara shook his head. What nonsense. Carefully, he glanced to his right. Damn. She was looking right at him. He knew there would be no avoiding what was about to happen, so he turned to face her completely. Tenten slowly walked over to him, uncertainty clear on her face.

"Gora-san?" she asked.

"Gaara."

"Oh, sorry. What are you doing here?"

"Passing through, talking to old acquaintances."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"You wish to see him." Gaara noted.

"What? No!" Tenten exclaimed, "I now he's your brother, but that bastard left me!"

"He told me himself that was his single biggest regret." Gaara replied, "He often said that what you two had was something he would never experience again."

Tenten faltered for a second. Then she folded her arms & looked away.

"Why should I care?" She asked, "He made his choice!"

"If you didn't care, then you wouldn't be showing so much emotion."

Tenten didn't answer, but she tensed a little at Gaara's words. He sighed.

"I wonder..." he began.

"What?" Tenten asked, scowling.

"Do you keep your word?"

Tenten stared at him, frowning.

"Of course I do!" she replied, "What kind of person would I be if I didn't?"

"I see..." Gaara said, tilting his head to the side slightly.

"Why?"

"I remember you once made a promise to me." He replied, moving minutely, so the sunlight would bounce of Sasayaki & glance her eyes.

"Argh." She groaned, shielding her eyes. Then she blinked, "Are you saying..."

"Where's a good place to do this?"

Tenten paused for a second, disbelieving. Then her expression changed to that of determination as a grin spread across her lips.

"Come on." She said, running off. Gaara smirked & followed her.

She led him to a dojo in the woods. She pulled open the door & poked her head inside.

"Lee-kun!" she called, "Can I borrow this place for a minute?"

"Of course my youthful comrade!" Lee replied from inside, "If training is your aim, then this is your domain!"

"Uh... right." Tenten said, pulling the door aside. Rock Lee stood inside, his thumb up & a shining smile on his face. His smile dropped the instant he saw Gaara.

"You..." he said, "You are to spar Tenten-chan?"

"If you will allow me, yes." Gaara replied, bowing, "Unless you don't want me here?"

Lee shook his head.

"Naruto-kun explained what happened back there." He said, "You were not in a safe state of mind. He told me of your efforts to fix your mistake. I thank you for that!"

Lee bowed, much to Gaara's surprise.

"You're sure?" he asked. Lee snapped back & gave a thumbs up.

"Definitely!" he exclaimed, "Besides, I would very much like to see the power of your youth without the ailment of your demons!"

Tenten sweat dropped at her teammate.

"Very well, I hope this will entertain you." Gaara said, entering the dojo. Lee took a seat on the sidelines, a very serious expression on his face.

"I shall referee this battle!" he announced, "What are the rules?"

"One weapon each, a naginata." Tenten replied, "Whoever's weapon breaks first, or is unable to continue loses. How does that sound, Gaara-san?"

"That is fine." Gaara replied, "But how about we make it more interesting?"

"How so?" Tenten replied, smirking.

"The victor can make one request of the loser, who must comply without complaint."

"That's a deal!" Tenten replied, excitedly. She eyed Sasayaki, a look if desire on her face.

"Would the combatants please take your positions!" Lee called. Gaara & Tenten stood in their designated positions, staring each other down.

"You better not hold back!" Tenten said, challengingly.

"This battle is to preserve honour." Gaara said, removing his gourd & tossing it to the side.

"A battle to preserve honour requires both combatants to fight at full strength." He continued, his cloak dispersing & settling next to the gourd.

"To fight an opponent such as yourself, I must put aside my concern of others & focus entirely on this match." He went on, removing his shirt. Tenten blushed slightly as his bare chest was revealed. He placed a hand on Sasayaki & drew her, running a hand down her shaft.

"Despite these words, this is not a fight between you & I." He said, removing his naginata's guard, "This is a fight between your naginata & Sasayaki."

"Well said!" Tenten told him. She summoned her own naginata, which looked nothing compared to Sasayaki, "But you're wrong. It's you & Sasayaki against Nakigoe & I! Don't underestimate me or I'll have my way with you!"

"Excuse me?"

Tenten blushed again & shook her head in annoyance.

"Would you put your shirt back on?" she asked, clutching her head.

"Lee-san?" Gaara asked.

"Combatants may fight in whatever condition they choose, but are not allowed to augment their abilities through choice of clothing!" Lee announced.

"Then I shall remain as I am." Gaara said, taking his battle stance.

"Fine, but I'd hate to scar that body!" Tenten warned.

"Perhaps your attention should be somewhere other than my body." Gaara replied, resulting in Tenten blushing furiously.

"Are both combatants ready?" Lee asked, "Then... BEGIN!"

Gaara didn't move as Tenten charged at him. He didn't blink as she swung Nakigoe at him. But at the last possible second, Sasayaki intercepted the attack. Tenten recoiled, grabbing her shoulder & wincing.

"My turn." Gaara replied, dashing forward. He held Sasayaki, blade aimed at Tenten's stomach. He thrust forward, but at the last second, as Tenten blocked, he used a Shunshin without disguise to get behind her. He swiped at the back of her knees with the safe end of Sasayaki, but Tenten dodged it just in time.

"Your turn." He said, adopting a defensive stance.

Tenten ran at Gaara, the blunt end of Nakigoe facing him. She planted it in the ground & vaulted at him, aiming a kick at his chest. Gaara raised Sasayaki, who took the attack, but Gaara was pushed back several meters.

"Why did you suggest this?" Tenten asked, jumping back.

"You have misdirected anger." Gaara replied, "I suggested this so you could get it out of your system."

He circled her, then ran forward, rolled towards her & stabbed. She leapt over Gaara, avoiding the attack & countering with a downward slash, which Gaara blocked, resulting in a struggle for the upper hand.

"What do you mean 'misdirected anger'?" Tenten asked, pushing hard.

"For years now you have been angry at Kankuro for leaving you." Gaara replied, his face still in comparison to Tenten's strained one.

"Of course I'm angry at him!" Tenten retorted, pushing harder, "That asshole left me!"

"He left to be there for his family. Is that a bad thing to do?"

"No." Tenten replied, breaking the struggle. She leapt back, gripping Nakigoe tightly. Gaara stood still as he looked at Tenten.

"You are not angry at Kankuro for leaving." He said, "You are angry at me for taking him away."

Tenten blinked. She then glared at Gaara & charged, attacking him in a feral manner. Gaara blocked the continuous assault; he was left with no openings to attack himself. Gaara noticed the fire in both Tenten & Lee's eyes. This fight was going to be interesting.

Maybe not. Gaara spotted something in Tenten that made him decide to end the fight. He grabbed Nakigoe by the hilt. Tenten stared in shock as he snapped it with a flick of his wrist.

"Do you see it now?" he asked, "The reason why Kankuro left you for myself?"

Tenten's eyes were brimming with tears.

"Why?" she whispered.

"A person's will is the most powerful force imaginable. It can build civilisations & destroy them. The force of my will is so powerful, it emanates from my body. My will becomes the will of others. Just seconds ago, I noticed your will falter. It was then that I realized this battle was over."

"What are you saying?"

"It was my will for you to get over your anger. That became your will as well. You were not as angry as before."

Tenten fell to her knees.

"I could never win this fight, could I?" she asked, looking down.

"No. Your will is strong, but it has no direction. If you wish to achieve true strength, you must find what your heart wants & seek it."

He pulled Tenten back to her feet.

"Like your body, your will can become stronger if you hone it."

"How? How can your will be so strong?"

"There are three people in this world whose will is stronger than my own. My master was one of those people. He willed me to become strong, so it happened."

Gaara turned away.

"As victor for this fight, you must now obey my will." He said. He turned his head slightly, looking Tenten in the eye, "Go to him."

Tenten faltered for a second. She looked up at Gaara, a worried expression on her face. Then she nodded & ran out of the dojo. Lee stood beside Gaara.

"It was not your will to win." Lee said.

"My will was for her to lose her anger." Gaara replied, "It was her will to lose."

"You are adept at manipulating more than sand, Gaara-san. But you should watch out, there may be people whose will could manipulate you."

Gaara nodded. He gathered his things & bade farewell to Lee.

"Three people whose will is stronger than my own." He thought, "Uchiha Madara, Uzumaki Naruto, and you, 'Pein'."