A/N: First, thank you to the wonderful Ukrainian Snowstorm for being my beta! This chapter wouldn't look this nice without your help.
Second, thank you so much to my friend for making this cover. You're amazing buddy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
"Since the Mizukage isn't here, I just wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate your sister on her upcoming marriage, Kazekage," Kakashi said, smiling at the young leader before him.
The five kage summit is today and it's better for everyone's health if they discussed this topic while the Mizukage wasn't around. Things could get nasty otherwise. Besides, they have been at it for the better part of the day now, so most tempers are likely running short.
When the other Kages arrived at dawn, they didn't waste any time and promptly got to the business at hand. Boring reports after boring reports were passed around containing trade proposals, joint missions, and an interesting study program.
The Mizukage had already snapped once when she heard the word proposal. It was a good thing that it got clarified right away. It didn't stop there though; the Tsuchikage yelled at everyone for the smallest things and the Raikage was too intense. The Kazekage was stoic like always and Kakashi just wanted it to be over.
His eyes hurt from reading small letters and his ears were still ringing from the shouting matches. He suffered through three arguments just this morning and because of it, no one was in the mood to eat lunch. The room had no window but if Kakashi had to guess, it was now late afternoon. He'd rather not start trouble.
"Arigato gozaimasu, I'm certain that Temari would appreciate it." Gaara acknowledged the Hokage with a nod.
"This marriage between the Nara head and your sister solidifies the peace between Sunagakure and Konohagakure, as you are well aware, Kazekage. Other people might say that you are moving pawns around and that you might have different plans in mind," Onoki commented with a frown.
"I did not and would not interfere with my sister's love life. She's marrying Shikamaru because she truly has affections for him and that's that. No one can tell Temari what she can and can't do," Gaara replied evenly. "As for myself, I refuse to use my siblings for political purposes, it's that simple."
"Political marriages can be wholly advantageous when done right," A put in, slamming the table in the process.
The room's temperature suddenly spiked and the men saw that steam had slowly gathered in the doorway. It filled the room and revealed an outline of a woman, her hair like a vale of hissing snakes behind. Bloody snakes.
"Marriage? Are you all talking about weddings without me?" The Mizukage asked, a menacing aura around her.
"Iye, iye. It's just..." Kakashi immediately tried to explain but the Tsuchikage cut him off.
"It's the Kazekage! We're discussing if he's interested in a marriage alliance between one of our villages." Onoki didn't care about the Mizukage's delicate sensibilities when it came to these things, his back was hurting and he just wanted to rest! They should just say what they wanted to say and be done with it. This meeting had gone on long enough.
The Raikage decided to throw his support behind Kakashi. "We don't have to talk about that, let's just proceed to the real agenda now that you're here, Mizukage-sama."
"Nani! Iye, iye please, do continue. I also think it's a good idea. If you don't already have someone in mind of course Kazekage-sama," the female godaime said, fanning herself and sighing dreamily. "This is an important issue as well and we should all help solve it if we can. Helping each other should be our priority."
Gaara raised an invisible eyebrow but answered nonetheless. "No, I don't. But I don't think this is a proper topic in an official summit," he then gave a pointed look to the other kages.
Kakashi opens his mouth to agree but Mei beat him to it. "Nani? You don't know what you're saying Gaara-sama!" She exclaimed, looking thoroughly outraged. Mei stands to make her point clear. "As I've said, this is a matter of importance! Marriage is life. Why, I'm still searching for my one and only, you know? I plan to have an extraordinary wedding myself someday. I'm inviting all of you in advance by the way, so please all of you, save the date. Anyway, It's better late than never right?" The Mizukage turned and pointed at each of the Kage and stopped to look directly at the youngest kage. "Now is the perfect time to take action while you're still young and in your prime!"
"Mizukage-sama, we should really..." Kakashi interjected, but he quickly changed his mind when he felt a chill spider down his back. "Ask the Kazekage if he agrees to all of this first. This is his life we're talking about after all," he finished lamely.
"I see the logic to it, so I am willing to give it a try," Gaara said, his expression blank as usual.
"Great! I mean, I might have someone in mind." Mei clapped her hands in glee, an alarming glint in her green eyes. "She's nice, pretty, and sharp. You'll like her. Oh, and she comes from a noble family as well, so there's no problem there."
"Just you wait a minute!" Onoki demanded, scowling at the Mizukage. He won't let them outmanoeuvre him. "I have a granddaughter; you should meet her too. She's strong, stubborn, and independent, the perfect wife, if you ask me."
"You mean Kurotsuchi-san?" Mei asked as she sat, not hiding her grimace.
"Hai!" The Tsuchikage glared at the other kage. "What of it? Do you have a problem with my granddaughter?"
"I just do not think that she and Gaara-sama are suited for each other, that is all," the Mizukage replied, crossing her arms and barely holding back her derisive sniff.
"Why you!" Onoki growled, his face was but a few inches away from the Mizukage's.
"The kunoichis in my village would probably kill me if I tried to suggest anything regarding this matter. But, I'll try to ask my kids if they know someone. I'm sure they wouldn't lead you astray, they're your friends after all," Kakashi stepped in, trying to defuse the quickly escalating situation.
"Many kunoichis will throw themselves at your feet if we tell them you're searching for a bride," A mused, a hand under his chin. "Since a big event will cause unnecessary risk on security, I guess I'll just have to recommend a kunoichi or two."
"You are right, Raikage, I would prefer for this to be a private affair," Gaara said, a thoughtful crease on his forehead. "If we are truly going through with this, I have some rules and I wish for all of them to be strictly followed."
"Of course," Mei reassured, smiling and ignoring the Tsuchikage.
"That's that then," a relieved-looking Kakashi agreed.
"No complaints here," Onoki said, sending one last glare at the only woman in the room.
"Sure sure, just to get this over with." A waved dismissively.
Gaara gave them a curt nod and then, he took a pen and paper to write as he speaks. "First, a time limit. All of you should send me a dossier of your chosen candidate within a month, no more, no less. Second, I'll only accept one girl from every village. I do not want this to be a big affair hence that rule." He stopped to compose the other phrases in his mind. He needed to word this carefully or this might backfire on him.
He definitely doesn't want his siblings to find out about this. Or at least, not right away. They had become more protective after he told them what happened at the Hoki clan incident.
If other kages are going to get involved, Gaara wants this to run as smoothly as possible. Triple checking the girls' backgrounds and tailing them for months was the opposite of that. So are initial, second, and final interviews, two combat practices, and an IQ exam.
"Third, I will spend time with every candidate from each village." When he saw the others taking notes, Gaara continued. "After I've spent time with all of them. Then and only then, I'll finally choose a girl based on my experience. As the final test, I shall invite this girl to Sunagakure to observe her there. That's going to be the mechanics of the selection. My fourth and my last rule, keep this a secret. Only the people in this room can know about this conversation. No one, not even my siblings, can know about this. Are those acceptable to you?" Gaara finally raised his head and asked.
When Gaara hears a chorus of yeses, he stood and quickly strode to the door. He needed air to clear his head.
Gaara left his Kazekage robes in the arms of an unsuspecting assistant of the Hokage. He didn't have the patience to do anything else, he needed to get out. No one spared him a second glance as he walks the busy streets of Konoha.
Gaara thought that he had left the marriage talk in Suna, but even his fellow kages hounded him. Yes, he understood that producing an heir is necessary, but he couldn't help but find the whole process irritating. They couldn't control him due to his strength so they found other means, through a wife. If he finds a bride in another village, it's less likely that the elders in Suna would have influence over her.
If Gaara was in his village, he'd take his sand cloud and fly around Suna to get away from everything and clear his mind. But since he's still in Konoha, he had to content himself with just walking aimlessly. He sighed internally and let his eyes roam, he'll think more about all this later.
This village had its own charm and Gaara knew that he was fortunate to experience it. He almost didn't after all. He had tried to destroy it when he was still consumed with selfishness and hate, and It was then that he met Uzumaki Naruto. His first friend.
The crisp summer breeze that blew in Konoha was so unlike Suna's constant strong winds. The consistent sense of leaves tickled his skin. There were many colorful shops and restaurants everywhere, the people and shopkeepers shouting or just talking to each other was a novelty to see. Though it's nearly sundown, the people are still outside, waiting to partake in the lively nightlife.
Gaara's stomach reminded him that he needs to at least eat something before going back. He tends to forget to eat regularly, especially now that Temari wasn't always there to lecture him about it. He wanted more time to himself, so he circled and took the longer route to Ichiraku's. If he's going to eat something, he'll have the best.
Gaara kept up his leisurely pace walking; it's not the first time he ignored his hunger after all. He was about to make a turn when he smelled something.
A familiar sweetness tempered with a strong aroma. It was the enticing scent of freshly baked bread. Gaara followed his nose to see a girl standing beside him.
She's delicate looking with her slender frame and small stature, the top of her head barely reached his chin. She was wearing a simple mint green off-shoulder dress with an elegant pattern of blossoming yellow tulips on the hem and standard shinobi sandals. Her long hair is in a side ponytail adorned with a white bow. A Kirigakure headband is on her forehead.
Their gazes met yet she lowered hers instantly, but not before Gaara caught a glimpse of vivid violet.
The girl stood still for a moment but she managed to cross the small distance between them. "H-Here you go Kazekage-sama. It's called a mocha bun. It's delicious, please try it," she offered.
Gaara stopped and the girl dropped the bread, he put out a hand to catch it. "Go on, don't be shy," she told him, her cheeks tinged pink.
Gaara observed this unusual creature who approached him. People didn't do that unless they are required to or they are his friends and siblings. She's holding out the bag of bread to him, her gaze fixed firmly on the ground.
The girl seemed harmless enough. Though looks are often deceiving. Gaara mentally scolded himself for that thought. They were trying to put the era of suspicions behind them after all.
So Gaara decided to risk it. He did not feel a malicious intent coming from her anyway. He promptly raised his hand and took a bite. It's delicious. The bitter flavour of the mocha contrasts with the sweetness of the bread. It also had a soft texture that quickly breaks apart when he chews.
The girl was openly staring at him now. Her eyes were like a doe's, big and round. It was in fact a deep yet clear shade of purple.
Gaara broke the silence, "You're right, it's good. arigato gosaimasu." He finished it in just a few bites.
A smile lit up the girl's face, "What did I tell you? Of course it tastes great!" she bragged, a little indignation coloring her tone. Now, she shook the bag in front of him to make her point. "It's-" She grounded to a halt when she processed who she's talking to.
Red filled her cheeks and she made a hasty bow. "S-Sumimasen sir. I-I did not mean to be so rude, my Lord," she apologized, hugging the bag to her chest and refusing to meet his eyes.
Gaara shook his head, "You were not, you just gave me delicious food and for that, you have my thanks," he assured her and walked past. He could no longer ignore his protesting stomach, a measly bread won't do.
"Oh." she squeaked, but she's making eye contact again. "Um... I... Uh... T-There's more, i-if you want... We could share?" She offered again as she jogged to catch up to him.
Since she's being generous and Gaara really liked the taste of the bread, he took another bun, and the two of them munched until they got to the restaurant.
"Ichiraku ramen. I wonder if it tastes as good as it smells?" The girl mused while looking up at the sign.
"I've never tasted anything better," Gaara confirmed.
"Oh, really?" Long slender fingers grasp his sleeve and casually drag him inside. "What are we standing here for? Let's go in then. I would like to try one."
Ichiraku Ramen is a very busy place. Due to Naruto's endorsement, it had gotten larger and many customers from different villages were now eating here. The staff was running back and forth, serving people non-stop. Orders were shouted left and right. There were no empty tables. If someone finished their meal, there's always someone who will take their place when they leave. This is how it is now.
It's a good thing for them that the girl is quick and she managed to find them a table. When they sat, the waitress took their orders immediately.
"A large miso ramen for me with Naruto fishcake for toppings," Gaara ordered from the top of his head. It had been his usual order.
She scanned the menu at first but eventually decided to copy him. "I'll have the same, arigato."
"Okay! It'll just be a few minutes," the server said and she bustled off to attend to their other customers.
She placed the bag of bread between them so they ate it while waiting. "Where did you buy these?" Gaara finally asked.
"Hmm, I baked them. It's my hobby actually, I also bake when I'm stressed. How about you my Lord, do you have any hobbies at all?"
As if realizing that she'd asked a personal question, she waved her hands in front of her face and said, "Of course, you don't have to answer that if you don't want to. Actually, you aren't required to talk to me either. So please, feel free to ignore me," she turned away with red cheeks.
Gaara thought that the girl blushed a lot. Since she had skin like a porcelain doll's, it was more apparent.
"Cacti," Gaara blurted out.
"Eh?" She jolted back to face him; her large violet eyes are now focused on Gaara.
So Gaara elaborated. "My hobby is taking care of cactus."
The corner of her mouth curved upwards. "Really? Why? I-I mean is t-there a particular reason why you got in to that as your hobby?" She asked him question after question. "Are they cute? Uh, does it relaxes you, or are they useful or do you just like them?"
Gaara thought about it for a moment, but decided to tell her the truth. "I guess it calms me in some way. It's also nice, to take care of something."
"You really do have a loving heart, don't you?" The smile she gave him was different this time, it was softer and had a certain gentleness to it.
Now that Gaara was looking at her more closely, he saw that she had a heart-shaped face, button-up nose, and a lovely mouth. It was small like a petal of a newly bloomed rose. That information makes his heart skip a beat and Gaara doesn't understand why.
The girl's eyes warmed into a lighter shade. Her elbow is on the table, one cheek in her palm, and she was staring straight at him. "If that's the case, I'm happy for you. You had me worried there." Relief shone in her eyes but her face was apple red again.
Seeing his slightly narrowed eyes she said, "H-Hey, please don't look at me like that. It's just good to know that someone like you has something to look forward to. You are a busy man, being a kage and all that."
The girl suddenly sits up straight, looking determined. She puffed up her cheeks and continued, "Begging your pardon sir, but I'll be blunt here. We're the same age, you should have fun too. You shouldn't just have work 24/7 y'know. It's not healthy." she's gazing at her fingers now, as if they were the most fascinating creatures in the universe.
Gaara raised an invisible eyebrow, "Your concern is appreciated, ojou-san, though a bit unnecessary. But, I thank you all the same."
"O-Of course." She briefly looked up but didn't make eye contact again. "S-Sumimasen Kazekage-sama."
The awkward tension was painful, but it lifted when their food came. They gave their thanks and ate in silence, but the girl inevitably breaks it to say, "Oh my, this really is the most delicious food I've ever eaten! You're right Kazekage-sama, I owe you for this." She gave him a shy smile and continued eating.
Gaara nodded at her and they spent their time enjoying their meal. When they're done, the girl puffed up her cheeks to steel herself and tap Gaara on the shoulder. When he looks up she started speaking. "I know that I'm being presumptuous yet again for saying this, but I think you need to hear it! You, Sabaku no Gaara, are a kind and loving person. You are fair, brave, and tenacious. I lost hope that this shinobi world could ever change but you sure proved me wrong! You showed the whole world that jinchurikis aren't just weapons and that they... No, you truly care for others."
She raised a finger. "We're enjoying this era of peace partly because of you. You convinced the five kages and rallied an army made up of the shinobi from the five great nations just to protect a friend. Don't you see? You did not just change; you were able to inspire change in others as well.
"A lot of people care about you." She showed him her other hand and she started to tick off her points one by one. "Your siblings, the villagers under your protection, and your friends. Now, you can add the shinobis you commanded to that. So please, please, please, be careful and do enjoy the peace that you helped create with us. You deserve it and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
"If they do, they will just have stick it up their a, uh..." she suddenly stopped, blushing profusely yet again.
"Their asses?" Gaara supplied, an amused twinkle evident in his sea foam eyes.
She cleared her throat and continued. "Ha-hai. Ehem, a-anyway... This might not mean much to you because you don't know me and I obviously don't know enough about you. But still, I'll go all the way here!"
The girl took a deep breath and gazed directly into his eyes and said, "I want you to know that... Somewhere out there, there's a kunoichi who believes in you. She... I'm very, very proud of all that you've done. And that I wish you all the love and happiness always.
"That's it, I'm done. Now, where's..." She tries and fails to get a piece of bread. The girl blinked and gaped a bit. She grabbed the bag and promptly shook it. "It's empty!"
Gaara is holding the last of the mocha buns. "I thought you didn't want it anymore," was his explanation.
She giggled at the unexpected display. "It's fine, I'm glad that you liked it. That's my favorite comfort food actually. It's sweet but not really. Y'know what I mean."
"I don't like sweets. Except for these mocha buns," Gaara mumbled, eating the last piece.
"When you ever come to Kirigakure, I'll bake and cook for you, anything you want I promise," the girl said. "So... Um, what's your favorite food? So I can make it... When you know... You, come to Kirigakure." she stumbled through the question, looking at anywhere but his face.
"Salted tongue and gizzards," he replied, surprising them both, one less noticeable than the other.
"I see." she tapped her lips in thought. "That's a bit tricky, but I'm willing to rise up to the challenge. I'll make you the best salted tongue and gizzards you'll ever taste in your life!"
Gaara offered her a hand and said, "I'm looking forward to it." A small but warm hand squeezed back, sealing the promise.
When the girl withdrew her hand, she suddenly spun on her seat, giving Gaara her back. She raised her palms to cover her flaming cheeks, willing them to cool down.
"N-No wonder this place has a lot of customers, their ramen is delicious."
"Indeed. Besides, It's nearly dinner time."
"Huh. It's that late already?" She asked, whirling back to look at the clock. "Mizukage-sama will murder me! I-I have to go! Hajimemashite Kazekage-sama. Bye-bye!" she gave him a quick smile, jumped off her chair, and ran off.
That girl was unusual. She's a bit forward, yet Gaara could tell that she's truly concerned for him and everything she told him were her genuine feelings. That thought inexplicably warmed him.
He was about to leave when he noticed their empty bowls on the table.
"She didn't pay." Gaara blinked after her.
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