Finally, a Love Story

by snow-bun-buns1598

We all know the story of Gaara's redemption. From a lonely child who only loved himself, to a young man who aspired to atone and create precious connections with others. Until he became the well loved and respected leader of his village. What's there more to see? When he met an unusual girl who offered him food, it might finally be the start of a love story.

14. Chapter 14

A/N: Thank you so much to Ukrainian Snowstorm for betaing this story! This chapter won't look this good without your help.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

Everyone woke bright and early the next morning. To help familiarize Shinobu with the village, Gaara offered to bring her to various restaurants in Suna. Wanting to explore, she agreed immediately. The two were walking side by side, but one looked more excited than the other. Shinobu's eyes were full of anticipation while Gaara's lips curved faintly.

"Where are we going, Gaara-sama? What are we going to eat? What kind of desserts do you have here?" she asked the questions in rapid succession, her hands fluttering in time with her chatter.

Gaara shook his head in amusement. "Calm down Shinobu-san, I'm going to take you to a bake shop and the market, you can find everything there."

Gaara found Shinobu's changing expressions refreshing. Usually, she tries to be still, quiet, and polite, but she easily lets go of that persona when she hears about food. Her curious and lively attitude comforts him greatly.

"Alright," she lightly grasped his wrist and pulled. "Come on, let's go."

Gaara and Shinobu didn't get too far before Temari and Kankuro stopped them.

"Gaara, Shinobu-chan," Temari called as she and Kankuro strode towards the two with a frown. "Sumimasen but I need to talk to you."

Gaara raised an invisible eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Well, you see…" Temari scratched her head with an apologetic expression. "Baki-sensei just informed us about an emergency council meeting. They were arguing about the supplies we'd previously lent to Konoha."

Gaara sighed. "I already gave them a comprehensive report, what do they want now?"

"Those idiots just want to make our lives difficult," Kankuro grumbled, slightly kicking the sand around them.

"Sorry Shinobu-chan," Temari grimaced and curled her arm around Gaara's. "But the Kazekage needs to attend."

"Oh," her shoulders drooped. "I understand."

Seeing her sad expression, Gaara felt guilty. His brother was right, the council loves to make trouble for them. To think that he told Shinobu otherwise last night. It's really irritating.

"Say, how about I show Shinobu-chan around instead? I know all the popular places here and one of us is enough to keep an eye on things," Kankuro offered warmly.

Shinobu visibly brightened while Temari looked at Gaara, who nodded. He was hesitant but Kankuro gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before they went in opposite directions.

"So, what do you want to see first Shinobu-chan?"

"Hmm," she tapped her chin. "Gaara-sama promised to take me to different restaurants and Baki-san told me that he knows a pottery shop. How about we look at flowers or maybe find something artistic?"

"Yeah," Kankuro scratched the back of his head. "Flowers and plants aren't my thing so, let's just go with arts. I know a good place."

Suna's streets are a labyrinth of sandstone pathways and narrow alleys, bustling with villagers going about their daily lives. Vendors peddled vibrant fabrics, exotic spices, and intricate crafts in a vibrant marketplace at the heart of the village.

"Wow," Kankuro chuckled. "I think I can see the sparkle in your eyes Shinobu-chan."

"I hope so," she replied in awe. "Your village is beautiful."

"I'm glad you think so."

"This place is a paradise for artists," Shinobu said brightly. "It would be a delight to mix colors to create this landscape. That would be so much fun."

Kankuro looked pleasantly intrigued. "Do you paint?"

"Not usually." She turned to him and waved her hand at the busy street excitedly. "But this rare desert beauty is just begging to be put on a canvas!"

Kankuro's eyes twinkled. "Oh, but you haven't seen the good stuff yet."

Kankuro walked past the vibrant and glamorous shops and gestured for Shinobu to follow him. They took a few twists and turns until they reached a quiet part of the market. At the corner of the street, there was a rough-looking alley. It wasn't dirty but it lacked the liveliness of the other stores.

Shinobu blinked. "Are you sure this is the place, Kankuro-sama?"

"Hai, are you scared?" he teased.

"Iye."

"Come on then." He opened the door.

Kankuro was very amused as Shinobu's eyes lit up as soon as they entered. Wooden shelves were hung on each corner of the store and the colorful bottles were uniformly arranged. She flitted around, exclaiming at almost everything like an excited kid at Christmas. He brought Shinobu where he buys his paints when he found out that she was a fellow artist.

Since one of Sunagakure's products was oil, they boasted a large collection of oil paint. Their products were vibrant and lasted longer than other oil-based paints, so artists dubbed the store to be the best in the five great nations.

"This was still a little shop when I first came here," Kankuro said with a wistful look in his eyes. "But right now, they are the most well-known store in Suna."

"Really," Shinobu was curious. "How long have you been painting, Kankuro-sama?"

"Ever since I was a child," his gaze was distant, as if remembering an old memory. "You?"

"When the elders in my village told me to start training like a lady," she pouted but her expression was quickly replaced with a soft smile. "I never thought I would enjoy it though. But eventually, I did."

Kankuro nodded with a smile. "For me, it was my escape. When I want to be alone or just let my feelings out."

"Hai, it was the same for me too." Shinobu's gaze shifted to the side. "I'd often use painting to escape the nagging of those elders. It was a skill that they encouraged me to learn so, they couldn't punish me for being good at it."

Kankuro laughed. "You're a clever one, aren't you."

Shinobu blinked innocently up at him. "Why, I don't know what you mean Kankuro-sama. I was just honing my craft."

"Right, right," Kankuro's eyes were filled with mirth. "How about you show me this craft of yours?"

"Eh," she looked confused. "I already painted a tea set for Gaara-sama."

"That's from you huh," he murmured. "Makes sense."

"What's that supposed to mean?" she sounded confused.

"Nothing," Kankuro waved her question away. "How about we think of a project together? So, we can do something while you're staying in Suna."

Shinobu's face lit up. "That's a great idea Kankuro-sama!"

Shinobu and Kankuro took their time choosing the paint they wanted. Unfortunately, an hour passed but the two of them still couldn't decide on which color combination to use.

"Blue violet."

"Violet blue!"

"Iye, I think blue violet is better."

"Violet blue looks classy to me Kankuro-sama."

"They're practically the same color," the shopkeeper nearly snapped. "Just pick one, please."

Shinobu piped in. "They may look that way but the order of how the paints are mixed can affect when we use them to paint. That's why we are very careful to pick one."

"How about you just buy both and argue later," he pleaded, sweat gathering on his brow. "You're holding up the line, ma'am."

Shinobu quickly grabbed both bottles and ran to the counter with a guilty look on her face. "Sumimasen."

Shinobu and Kankuro got out of the store but Shinobu was still feeling guilty. A few minutes later, she was still glancing at the direction they came from, and then Kankuro distracted her with food. Being the ardent explorer that he was, Kankuro took her to expensive places and exotic joints. She was a good sport though and had readily eaten or drank what he offered.

Kankuro was the emotionally open one among the siblings and he got along with most people. Shinobu was thankful for that because she didn't have a hard time talking to him. She got to relax and be herself around him and Kankuro never judged her for it.

They laughed and chatted about various things while eating. The paints they use, their favorite artists, and their inspirations. Kankuro talked about how he made his famous puppets and Shinobu told him the story when she presented her first tea set.

"I wasn't kidding when I said that I'm the artistic one in the family, you know." Kankuro sighed in dismay. "My siblings just don't get it."

"I know," Shinobu gave him a sympathetic glance. "Mei-sama can't distinguish art at all."

"You think dressing themselves would be second nature but no," Kankuro complained. "If it weren't for me, those two would be a laughing stock."

"At least you can advise someone without the fear of losing an arm." Shinobu huffed. "Mei-sama would always get angry when I mentioned something that sounds like marriage so I had to be very, very careful when talking. If she followed what I told her, she might have had a better chance in her love life."

Shinobu and Kankuro both tried to look good as much as possible, which was why it hurt them to see others when they wore or bought something that wasn't to their high standard of beauty. The two of them also lamented the lack of artistic awareness of their close relatives and the many ways they helped them. As they went home, Shinobu was already mumbling fusion recipes that she would like to try with the ingredients she could find in the market while Kankuro walked beside her, carrying various bottles of paint.

"You don't look like it, but you're a tough cookie to crack."

Shinobu blinked. "I get that a lot."

"Oh good," Kankuro grinned. "I thought we scared you already."

"Were you trying to?"

"Iye," Kankuro sighed. "We're just worried about Gaara, he's our little brother after all."

Shinobu nodded. "I know."

"He may say wise words on occasion and look cool while doing it but emotions are new to Gaara," Kankuro's gaze was far away as he talked. "I just don't want him to get hurt."

Shinobu lifted her chin, her violet eyes bright. "I can't promise you that he won't get hurt but don't you think it would be good for him to try?"

"We'll work on that," Kankuro said with a determined nod. "Hopefully, Gaara will understand."

"Baby steps Kankuro-sama," Shinobu encouraged. "Gaara-sama cares for you deeply and values your opinion. Don't worry too much."

Kankuro ruffled her hair with one hand. "Arigato, Shinobu-chan."

Shinobu smiled. "Doitashimashite."

The next day, Shinobu and Temari went shopping. Gaara had a meeting with the council, so he and Kankuro decided not to come. The ladies also said that it would be a good time to bond so they let them be.

Shinobu blinked at the bed and the towel laid out in front of her. The place was nice, clean, and smelled good. Temari-sama was already settling herself on the other side of the room. When the older kunoichi suggested bonding, Shinobu didn't think that she meant this.

"Is there a problem?" Temari asked.

"Iye," Shinobu replied. She took off her clothes and got on the bed. "It's just my first time getting a massage."

"Good thing you came with me huh?" Temari smiled. "Because you're missing out."

The attendants came, let them choose their preferred aroma, and proceeded to give them a full body massage. The soft music, sweet scent of lilacs, and gentle ministrations of the masseuse lulled Shinobu to sleep. Temari-sama was right, she was missing out.

"So," Temari asked, sounding a bit smug. "How was it Shinobu-chan?"

"Everything was great Temari-sama," she replied, fluttering her hands to make her point. "The massage, facial, and hair treatment were the perfect combination."

"Please don't move too much ma'am."

"Sumimasen," Shinobu said when the girl drawing on her nails frowned at her.

"Finally, I get to drag someone," Temari smiled. "My brothers will just look at me like I'm crazy whenever I suggest it."

Shinobu giggled. "They're missing out."

"I know right."

"You should come and visit our inn next time," Shinobu offered. "Gaara-sama said you would enjoy our hot springs."

Temari raised an eyebrow. "Really, he said that?"

"Hai, and that you would love the little picnic tables near it. Oh, the boat market too."

Temari's lips curved upwards. "Wow, how thoughtful of him."

"He really is," Shinobu agreed, her face red. "Thoughtful, that is."

"You like that about him?"

Shinobu was nodding before she caught herself. "Am I that obvious?"

"Iye," Temari sighed. "I'm just a smart big sister."

"But that's not all, Gaara-sama is intelligent, understanding, and respectful. Sure, his silence can sometimes be awkward or intimidating but no one is perfect, right?"

Temari placed a hand on Shinobu's stiff shoulders. "Relax Shinobu-chan, you won't hear an argument from me."

"Oh," she looked flustered. "I'm not…"

"Don't worry," Temari gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I know he likes you too."

Shinobu's face turned red again. "I-I hope you're right, Temari-sama."

Temari laughed and teased a blushing Shinobu the whole time. After the spa, they shopped for clothes, shoes, and perfumes. Shinobu wouldn't usually buy a lot of stuff but Temari-sama insisted and shared that one of the reasons why she can be confident is the scent she wears. Shinobu was quickly convinced.

While the girls enjoyed their shopping, the guys faced a long and boring day working.

Gaara stamped another document, put it in the done pile, and glanced at the clock. Night was already falling but Temari and Shinobu weren't back yet. What kind of bonding did his sister mean, anyway?

"Temari won't eat her, you know," Kankuro said from his place on the couch in the Kazekage's office.

"I know that."

Oh yeah," his brother raised an eyebrow. "Then, why do you keep tapping your fingers on the desk and glancing at the clock every five minutes?"

Gaara's fingers stilled. "I wasn't."

Kankuro snorted. "Relax, Gaara."

"You're right."

"Of course I am." He smirked. "Big brothers know best, after all."

"I doubt that." Gaara's voice was dry as sand.

That conversation with his brother was an hour ago. Kankuro went home first but Gaara decided to finish his paperwork tonight. He planned to spend time with Shinobu before she met with the council. Baki-sensei had already given them a report of his first impression which was why they had stayed quiet till now but he couldn't delay it any longer.

A knock distracted Gaara from his thoughts. "Come in."

Shinobu entered with a smile, carrying a tray of tea and snacks. "Konbanwa Gaara-sama, we were worried that you might be getting hungry so, your siblings asked me to bring you this."

Gaara hid his surprise with a nod. "Arigato Shinobu-san."

She spread the cookies before him and poured tea with a practiced motion. "This is mint tea and it goes well with chocolate chip cookies."

Gaara smelled the familiar fragrance of mint and chocolate but there was another sweet scent mixed in. His brow furrowed in slight confusion but lifted the cup and blew on it before drinking. Shinobu pointed at the plate and he felt glad to try one just to see her smile.

"Do you like it?"

"Hai, you made them?"

"Temari-sama and Kankuro-sama helped me." Shinobu sounded proud.

Gaara stared at the oddly shaped cookies. "I see."

Shinobu glanced around his office with a frown. "I'd ask how your day went but never mind."

Gaara shook his head. "Tell me how your days went instead?"

Shinobu visibly brightened as she chattered excitedly. "Oh, your siblings are so fun to be around Gaara-sama. Yesterday, Kankuro-sama and I walked all over town, picking beautiful landscapes to paint. He even brought me to a paint store."

"Oh," Gaara looked interested. "I thought you don't do paintings?"

"I'll make an exemption for this one," she said with a dreamy smile. "And earlier, Temari-sama and I went to a spa and it was relaxing."

Since his sister used his card, Gaara hoped it was worth it. "I'm glad that you get along."

"We do," she nodded. "We bought and ate a lot too. I tried everything from camel meat to refreshing pomegranate and sweet dates. Oh, and I also enjoyed buying perfumes and soaps. I think aromatic products can be a big industry here, Gaara-sama."

"Perfume, you say?"

"Hai," Shinobu blinked and rummaged in her bag. Finding no bottle inside, she hesitantly presented her wrist. "Here."

Both of them were blushing by then and avoiding eye contact. Gaara cleared his throat before gingerly taking Shinobu's hand near his face. Gaara felt Shinobu's rapid pulse underneath her smooth skin as he inhaled the intoxicating scent that she wore.

"Lilac suits you, Shinobu-san."

"A-Arigato."

An awkward silence followed their brief interaction. Shinobu hid her face as she sipped her tea while Gaara's gaze was firmly on his paperwork. Every time one of them would glance up, the other would find an excuse to avoid their gaze.

"You don't have to wait for me Shinobu-san," Gaara finally broke the silence. "I appreciate the tea and cookies."

"It's alright," she gave him a small smile. "I usually stay until Mei-sama finishes her work. If you don't mind, I can clean up a little?"

Gaara looked at the pillows and blanket his brother left behind and sighed. "If it's not too much trouble, then go ahead."

"Sure thing," Shinobu quickly put things in order with a practice motion. "Don't worry, Mei-samas office is messier."

"Really?" Gaara replied absently, as he watched Shinobu.

"Uh-huh. You won't believe it Gaara-sama. Honestly, how can she find a husband if she can't clean up after herself? My poor, poor cousin."

She looked at ease in his office, picking up and carefully placing things where they belonged. Her nonstop chatter lightened the earlier mood and it was like that until Gaara finished for the night. After he locked up, the two of them went home together. If they walked a bit closer than before and their shoulders brushed a few times, no one noticed but the bright moon illuminating their path.

On Shinobu's fourth day in the village, the four of them decided to go to the Suna greenhouse. Today was their first outing together and everything was going well so far.

Wind chimes made of delicate glass and metal resonated melodically in the breeze, creating a soothing symphony that permeated the air. That was what greeted them when they finally reached the greenhouse. Plants that thrive in deserts filled the place and Shinobu happily examined them one by one.

Pretty pinks, vibrant reds, cheerful yellows, and tranquil whites littered the place. Rows and rows of desert lilies and roses were carefully trimmed, blooming magnificently despite the dry climate. Little patches of dandelion and snow flowers broke the monotony while pots of white wormwoods and verbena gave a fragrant air.

"Wow," Shinobu lightly touched everything she passed, curiosity written on her face. "The flowers are lovely."

"They are," Temari approached a row of dessert lilies, cut off one flower's bulb, and offered it to Shinobu. "We eat this here, try one."

Shinobu ate it and a bitter look crossed her face. "It's slimy but tastes like garlic?"

"Hai," Temari smiled. "We boil or bake them for it to be more palatable."

"Just think of the new dishes I can make with this."

"Oh," Kankuro grinned. "My stomach is rumbling already."

"We also have fruit trees here," Gaara pointed to the other side. "And edible cactus as well."

Shinobu looked intrigued. "You can even eat that?"

"Hai," Gaara replied and gestured for her to follow. "They serve cactus salads here and mint tea as well."

Temari and Kankuro watched the two walk but didn't follow. They had been chaperoning for a few days now and finally concluded begrudgingly that Shinobu and Gaara deserved more time alone.

"Shinobu-san seems nice, nee-san, what do you think?"

"Hai," Temari placed a hand on her chin. "She's pretty, polite, and loves to cook. Perfect wife material, according to the council."

"Who cares about them?" Kankuro frowned. "Gaara likes her."

"I can see that," his sister agreed. "Let's just hope that she's strong enough to push back if needed."

"Gaara scheduled the meeting tomorrow, I heard that he had Baki-sensei report his first impression instead of making her come in person."

"I see," Temari sighed. "I really hope this goes well, Kankuro."

"Me too." Kankuro gazed at Gaara and Shinobu brewing tea. "Me too."

"Temari, Kankuro," Gaara called. "We're going to eat. Do you want some?"

"Hai, we're coming."

Temari kept sighing and Gaara grimaced behind them and stared longingly at the exit. They had been here for hours, watching the two artists work. Wait, three actually, if they counted Baki-sensei.

After the pleasant tea time, Shinobu and the siblings went to the nearby pottery studio. Baki-san suggested it to Shinobu as a must-try in Sunagakure. His former students haven't tried it either so, he invited all of them when they visited the greenhouse.

They descended stone stairs and entered a spacious room with candle-lit chandeliers and multiple ceiling fans inside. The windows were currently wide open, letting the natural sunlight in, giving the place a relaxed and homey vibe.

The room has a few long tables and chairs were stocked near it. A large brick oven was tucked neatly in the corner adjacent to the sink. Sample pots were scattered everywhere, their size and designs varied. Not all of them had plants inside, though all of them were equally exquisite.

Baki was in the middle of carrying supplies when they came and Shinobu greeted him warmly as she hurried to help. She placed the bowls of water near a wooden wheel while Baki-san put bags of clay on each side. The two arranged what they would use and chatted like old friends.

Gaara exchanged bewildered glances with his siblings. "I didn't know that they're close?"

"Baki smiling is not a sight we see every day," Kankuro commented.

"Let's just go," said Temari and the siblings finally sat when their sensei called.

Shinobu was already sitting and Baki stood in front. He was holding a clump of clay while eying his students.

"As you know, pottery has existed for a long time and it has many benefits. So now," he scowled when he heard someone snicker. "What's funny?"

"Oh, nothing sensei," Kankuro's shoulders were still shaking slightly. "It's just that you look so serious, it's funny."

Temari shook her head with a laugh. "I agree with Kankuro on this one."

"I'm always serious," Baki frowned. "And if you're going to notice anyone, it has to be Gaara."

Gaara looked up, his eyebrows raised. "We're pointing fingers now?"

Baki dragged a hand down his face. "Let's just get on with this lesson, shall we?"

Shinobu watched them, amused. Baki-san's room and demeanor truly portray a harsh classroom environment and Kankuro-sama played the petulant student very well. But even if they were scowling and snapping at each other endlessly, she had never seen any of them more relaxed than in this room.

"Everyone, tear off a clump of clay and put it on your corresponding wheel," Baki did as he instructed them. "Now, gently smear your clay with a bit of water and start rubbing it with both hands."

"Gaara, don't try too hard, okay?" Kankuro teased. "Everyone here knows I'm the talented one in the family."

Gaara scoffed. "I don't need to cheat just to beat you Kankuro."

"Don't worry, I won't judge you if you did. Isn't that right, Shinobu-chan?"

Shinobu lowered her head to hide her smile. "I don't think Gaara-sama would do that Kankuro-sama."

"I remember when we were kids-"

"Stop chatting and start molding, Kankuro-sama!"

"Hai Baki-sensei."

Once they all made a hard enough base, Baki-san pierced the center with his thumb and they copied him. They then placed their creation on the wheel and held its center while their other hand spun. Baki reminded them to put a drop of water from time to time to make it even and solid.

Only Shinobu and Kankuro got it on the first try. Now, they were using the extra clay for decorations while Baki-san helped the other two. Temari put so much water in hers that it did not solidify properly. Gaara meanwhile had no imagination for the design and just made a simple pot.

Shinobu ended up making a large pot with four holes. She was now carefully engraving drawings on each side. Kankuro for his part, created a pot sculpture. Its body was the man's body and the hole was in the head. He even painstakingly sculpted Gaara-sama's face perfectly.

"Look, look," he placed the clay near his brother's face with a grin. "Don't they look alike?"

Shinobu and Temari burst out laughing at Gaara's dumbfounded expression. Even Baki-san's lips twitched before he stepped in.

"Stop teasing your brother please."

"But really," he continued. "If I paint this thing, Shinobu-chan might not be able to tell the difference."

Getting fed up, Gaara wrapped his sand around his brother, molded it like a spear, and made a circular motion to shake Kankuro inside. He didn't stop until Kankuro looked green and he ran to the sink as soon as he got out, promptly casting out his accounts. Gaara wiped his hands free with a smirk.

"My brothers are idiots." Temari shook her head, hiding her amusement.

Baki-san's shoulders slumped as he let out a heavy sigh. "Please clean that up while I put this in the oven."

Shinobu was the last to finish. She almost lost her concentration while the brothers were fooling around but thankfully, her creation was still beautiful. She planned to leave her pot in Sunagakure, for she was exploring while having so much fun here and she wanted to leave a memento behind. Actually, she would ask Baki-san if she could create little souvenirs to take home.

Shinobu learned that the siblings were all members of the Suna council aside from their other jobs like the foreign ambassador and puppet corps master. Baki-san was at Gaara-sama's side as his attendant and usually, one of them accompanied her during her stay.

Gaara-sama's siblings were nice people but it was Baki-san who made Shinobu feel truly welcomed. The older man was more open to sharing things and he always answered her questions truthfully. Shinobu caught him rolling his eyes at his students' antics once or twice but it was evident to her that he really cared for them.

"Oi," Temari-sama snapped at her brothers, hands on her hips. "Stop squabbling and let's start cleaning. You don't want Baki-sensei to throw us out, do you?"

"I'll help." Shinobu offered and quickly grabbed a mop.

Kankuro followed the girls and jabbed a finger at Gaara. "You talk to sensei and invite him for dinner. And since it's your fault, you're paying."

Gaara scowled. "How, exactly is it my fault?"

"You're the Kazekage," his brother grinned. "You should be patient and benevolent. Besides, Baki won't snap at you."

Gaara gave him one last glare before going to their sensei. While they talked, Shinobu and the older siblings tidied up the place. Unlike when Shinobu first came to Suna, the vibe between her and Gaara's siblings was surprisingly harmonious. They laughed and exchanged stories like old friends. Kankuro teased Shinobu more but she didn't hesitate to give him the same treatment while Temari supported her from the sidelines. The siblings ended up bickering though and Shinobu played the peacemaker between them.

When they were done, Gaara and Baki came out. They left after that and decided to eat dinner outside. Their time was filled with lively conversations and playful teasing. Shinobu was now comfortable to interject from time to time and she even joined in their banter. That night was one of her best memories of her visit and Shinobu fell asleep with a smile on her face.

The next morning, Gaara escorted Shinobu to meet the Suna council. They had asked him to not be present to form unbiased opinions about Shinobu and he agreed. She smiled at the siblings who wished her good luck and at Gaara who stayed by the door to wait. Shinobu then took a deep breath and knocked.

Mighty frowns and a cold silence were what welcomed Shinobu as soon as she entered the room. She would be intimidated if it weren't for Baki-san's encouraging nod.

"Ohayo," she bowed. "My name is Terumi Shinobu from Kirigakure."

"Terumi clan, eh?"

"I didn't know that the current Mizukage still has living relatives."

"It is rare for them to venture outside their own village, how would we know anything?"

Shinobu berated Gaara in her head yet her face showed nothing about her thoughts. Even if these prickly elders mocked Shinobu as soon as she stepped in.

"Welcome to Sunagakure Terumi-san," a woman with kind eyes greeted Shinobu. "I hope you find our village charming, despite our traditional beliefs."

"Hai," a soft-spoken old man said. "Unlike the land of water, we are behind in certain things."

"Oh, it is no trouble," she replied with a polite smile. "Customs and traditions are a village's culture, after all. It is usually the elders who are having a hard time adjusting and it is our duty as young ones to help them."

The man with a turban frowned. "How responsible of you."

"Arigato."

"Let's get to the point, shall we?" the other woman in the group said. "Gaara-sama chose Terumi-san from the other candidates and I approve. Can we let her go now?"

"How can you be so careless, Maki-san." One elder snapped. "This position should be handled-"

"As if you're actually concerned," Baki scoffed. "You were the ones who recommended the Hoki clan, or have you forgotten that?"

"Shut your mouth," one shouted. "This woman is an outsider!"

"Please, let us not get angry," the only medic placated. "Gaara-sama is free to date whoever he wants."

"I disagree," the elder with a turban said. He looked at Shinobu from head to toe and sneered. "This woman has average ninja skills, is from a side branch of a minor noble family, and not to mention that she dabbles in trade. Her only saving grace is her good looks. She is an embarrassment."

Maki's painted face twisted in disgust. "Oi, you've gone too far old man."

The others stayed quiet but kept their head down. Goza indeed went too far. The Mizukage is not a woman to be trifled with and insulting someone from her family is never a good idea.

"I find it funny," Shinobu smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. "You imply that our village is outdated yet it is you that have backward thinking."

"The Kazekage's bloodline is highly valued and an unknown girl from a poor noble house is not suited to bear an heir."

"I am a shinobi sir and I fought in the fourth great war," she said, her voice calm and composed. "Surely, my value is beyond doing house chores and giving birth."

"She is right," the soft-spoken old man said. "We produced some of the best kunoichi that contributed greatly to the war and believing that women should stay in the house is no longer acceptable."

"Would you really trust an outsider to roam around our precious village?"

"If I'm not mistaken sir, Gaara-sama suggested we work together with other nations and slowly break down the barriers that separated us for generations, do you not agree with him even if his idea garnered praise from the other leaders?"

"Iye," Maki said with a scowl. "It's just that everything Councilman Goza says is unpleasant to the ears."

"How dare you!"

"Enough," the most serious-looking of the elders said and narrowed his eyes on Shinobu. "We asked the Kazekage to marry because we value his bloodline. If you are not interested in giving him heirs, this conversation shouldn't go further."

"Excuse me?" Shinobu's eyes widened in surprise. "I came here to go out with Gaara-sama, not marry him on the spot."

"So, you are not serious then?"

"I am," she replied with a slight frown. "However, every relationship needs time and care to grow so, I can't promise anything for now."

"I understand," an elder nodded. "However, Kazekage-sama is not getting any younger and we all know how dangerous it is to live as a shinobi."

The soft-spoken man also agreed. "Hai, hai. Even Temari-sama chose to settle down. The Terumi clan is a shinobi clan as well, I'm certain that your elders discuss marriage talks with you at some point Terumi-san?"

"They have." Shinobu nodded but kept her face neutral.

The mild-mannered councilman smiled at her. "You are polite, pretty, and demure, a perfect lady, I say. Fighting in the war and seeing your friends die is a bitter pill to swallow and as your elder, I sympathize."

The sudden compliment baffled Shinobu but she thanked the man all the same.

"Your temperament suits Gaara-sama the best, in my opinion."

"Hai," a thin old man with glasses chimed in. "I'm certain that Terumi-san's kind nature and gentle disposition will balance our hard-headed leader well."

The man wearing a turban scoffed. "There are a lot of girls who would throw themselves at the Kazekage's feet, we don't need to import a b-"

Baki's fingers brushed his sword. "Finish that sentence and you will lose your tongue."

"Let's calm down everyone," The pretty medical shinobi raised both of her hands with a forced smile. "I think this has gone out of hand."

"You shouldn't be unreasonable about this," Maki interjected. "Gaara-sama already gave you a say when he agreed to meet with the Hoki clan representative but unfortunately for you, the match failed. So now, I believe that since it's love life, his opinion is the only one that counts here."

"Young ones should keep their mouths shut," the soft-spoken elder frowned in Maki's direction. "Especially when they don't know all the details."

"Such disrespect!"

"Gaara-sama is our leader and his every decision will affect us," Goza said. "How can you say that we should let i-him do what he wants?"

"Enough," Baki's voice was low and dangerous as he swept the room with a glare. "Gaara-sama is indeed our leader and as his council, it's our duty to follow him. He had proven himself again and again, even the late Kazekage and the whole world acknowledged his deeds. So tell me, what more do you want to see?"

Shinobu finally stood and glared at them. "Baki-san is right, Gaara-sama is not a tool that you can use or a breeding stallion that you can partner with anyone you choose. It is clear to me that you don't actually care for him and most of you are even bold enough to insult someone from an allied nation. I am patient due to my manners and the kindness that your people have shown but your callous words and backward thinking will get you nowhere. You don't deserve my respect."

"Did you hear what she said?"

"That politeness was just an act, I knew it."

"Hah, people from the Land of Water really are savages."

"Don't be rash, young lady."

"Mate, we can still talk about this…"

Hearing their outraged remarks, Shinobu bit her lips and gave them a flawless yet cold bow then walked out and closed the door. Baki and the women glared at the still-murmuring elders and followed her.

Gaara was waiting with his siblings for Shinobu but their greeting died on their tongues when they saw her fuming face. Shinobu's steps were strong and firm, her shoulders stiff and her usually bright eyes had a fierce glint in them. Gaara knew that the council meeting would be irritating but he didn't think they would make her this angry.

Shinobu's eyes were cold as she asked with a flat tone. "Gaara-sama, can we talk?"

"Sure."

Gaara wasn't sure why but Shinobu's flat voice and cold gaze gave him the chills. It seemed to him that Shinobu was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode and that ground zero would be his office. He resisted the urge to gulp nervously and proceeded to escort her with his siblings in tow.