*Disclaimer: I do not own "Naruto" or any related characters*

The morning could not come soon enough for the two silent shinobi. Naruto hadn't slept a wink while lying next to his childhood love. He had listened to her as she cried herself to sleep. It was hell listening to her sobs and doing nothing. He hated it, but it had to be done. When she woke, she took no notice of him and began preparing for the final league of their trip.

The remainder of their trip to Suna went much the same as the beginning. They did not speak; they did not even look at each other. They reached the desert village without difficulty.

The streets of Suna were different from Konoha. Naruto missed the color green; everything here was brown, tan, or some shade in between. A delegate met them at the gate.

"The Kazekage wishes to speak to you, Uzumaki Naruto," the man spoke formally.

"It would be good to see Gaara," Naruto thought back on how similar they had always been. However, after that incident, Naruto's dreams were forever out of reach while Gaara had attained his. The three made their way past the market place to the Mansion of the Kazekage.

"Welcome, Naruto, Sakura," Kankuro greeted them at the door. "Gaara's finishing up some paperwork at the moment. Um Sakura," Kankuro turned to face the kunoichi, "would you mind checking in on our hospital staff? We've been implementing many of Konoha's medical teachings; it would be great if you could answer some questions."

"I would be delighted," Sakura offered a polite smile. Truthfully, she could not wait to leave Naruto's company. Without even glancing at her teammate, the green eyed girl headed towards the hospital. Kankuro quirked his head slightly confused. He did not let the Leaf shinobi's actions bother him long. He led the remaining shinobi to the office of the Kazekage.

"He'll be here soon." Naruto nodded and took a seat in one of the plush chairs across from Gaara's desk. His blue eyes wandered over the scene. Piles of paperwork littered the desk; scrolls lay here and there some open others practically untouched. There were shinobi files and role sheets. Mission lists and reports. It would seem that Gaara was quite busy with his job. Naruto sighed; it seemed like tedious, monotonous work, but he longed to fill that role. Deep within him, Naruto still harbored his childhood dream of becoming Hokage. He remembered even telling Gaara that one day they would be Kages together and there would be peace between their lands. But no, someone else would be Hokage, not him.

Naruto was pulled out of his thoughts by Gaara's entrance. The two shook hands, and Gaara took his seat. Naruto handed over the package from Konoha.

"It's good to see you, Gaara. You seem busy though."

"Un, they never mention that there would be this much paper work," Gaara's eyes scanned the mess on his desk. "But…" Naruto knew exactly what he meant. This job meant so much to him. The villagers had come to accept, respect, and even love him. Gaara would not trade his position for anything, despite the paperwork. "Rumor has it that the Hokage is considering retirement." The red-head added nonchalantly.

Naruto nodded. "I think Granny Tsunade misses her gambling." Naruto poked fun at his Hokage.

"Perhaps." Gaara still had not learned much about humor, Naruto thought to himself. "It's also rumored that you are on the top of the list for filling her spot. Is it true?" His pale eyes searched the shinobi intensely.

"I suppose, well that's what Granny told me," Naruto's gaze wandered to the nearby window.

"But…" Gaara noticed the hesitation in his friend's voice.

"But, I don't want it."

Gaara sat for a moment contemplating his friend, the man who saved his life. "And why not? This has been your dream."

"It's complicated. I just can't."

The Kazekage stared at the man before him. He had changed. His spirit had died. "It's the Uchiha isn't it?" Naruto did not answer; Gaara understood he had guessed correctly. "That's a shame. I was hoping to work with you. Oh well," the red-head let out a small sigh, "just keep an eye on whoever they appoint. I'm sure he will need your guidance, all of Konoha could use your guidance…" His deep voice trailed off. Naruto let out a small smile.

"I'll keep that in mind."

--

Sakura was pleased with the Sand's hospital staff. They were implementing much of Konoha's practices. They had only a few questions with the more difficult issues. She was glad the relationship between the Sand and the Leaf had flourished. She could only imagine how close the two villages would be once Naruto became Hokage. He and Gaara were already close; they had an understanding. Sakura smiled; the future would not be as dark as the past.

She finished making her rounds about the hospital, and went in search of Naruto. She found him as he was leaving the Kazekage's office. She smiled sweetly at the man with the pale eyes as he left for yet another meeting.

"Have a safe trip back. If you need anything…" Gaara had gotten into the habit of offering aid to Naruto if ever he should find himself in need. It had become somewhat of a routine between the two. Naruto smiled as the two shook hands.

"Take care. We'll be here if you ever need us." Naruto finished the routine. Though it had become like custom the words still rang true. Sakura waved her goodbye as she followed Naruto back into the desert.