Son of the Red Sand

by PuppetMaster41

Eien Ningyo is a young boy in the Village Hidden in the Sand, Sunakagure. Being raised by his mother and Grandmother he became a puppet prodigy. One to rival his father Sasori of the Red Sand. Becoming a Genin at the age of twelve, he would find himself learning early how cruel the ninja world would be and also find love from another who had never had any to begin with.

3. Missions That Change the Heart

Kyatsu was on her way to meet her new team. She was shocked that Rasa had decided to let even lead a team. He hadn't shown any trust in her since she had come to the village all those years ago. No matter how many missions she went on he never gave her the chance. All that time away from her baby just to be held at arms reach.

It had been an easy option coming to Suna though. When she was younger Kyatsu had worried so bad about whether to go to Konokagure instead. Her once clan had a treaty with the Konoha when they had their own village. That was long ago though. She was a little girl when the village fell. She'll never forget it either.

They wouldn't defend her boy from Sasori though. If he came she was sure that they would feed them to the wolves just like they did the Uzumaki. No, she brought him here. To a place that hadn't his father. A place that would take him and turn him into a weapon. A place that could absolutely give him all the things he needed to defend himself from that man.

Walking into the Kazekage office the Uzumaki bowed, "Kazekage-sama." Rasa looked up from his desk. His expression ever serious as he pulled out a scroll. As she grabbed the scroll her eyes widened with shock. The door opened and three teenagers walked in, "Welcome Team Kyatsu. Kyatsu Uzumaki these are your newest genin."

Looking at the teens she spoke up, "Hello Temari, Kankuro, and Ameno." Looking over the three kids she smiled softly. The Kazekage's children were not pleased at being here. That much was clear right off the bat, "Come on. Lets go somewhere else to talk. Thank you Kazekage-sama."

They followed her to the top of one of the taller buildings in Suna, "We are going to get to know each other today. I want to know what you are skilled in, likes, dislikes, and dreams. For instance, I am Kyatsu Uzumaki. I'm a kenjutsu and fuinjutsu expert. Not to mention I'm also skilled in wind, water, and fire release. I like my son, training, teaching, and fighting. I hate my ex more than life itself. My dream is to give my son the life he deserves."

"I'm Kankuro. I am a skilled puppet user and want to be the greatest puppet user our village ever produced. I love training and building new puppets. I hate my father and what he turned my brother into. I dream of getting close with my brother."

Ameno spoke up quietly, "I am Ameno. I like reading and learning new healing techniques. I hate fighting but will if I must. Um I'm good at water ninjutsu and medical ninjutsu. My dream is to become the best medical ninja in all of Sand."

"I'm Temari. This is pointless but whatever. I am skilled in long range Ninjutsu. Like my brother Kankuro I hate what our Father and the council turned my baby brother into. I will help him become a better person and a strong ninja. Even if he should be on our team."

Rubbing her forhead Kyatsu let out a sigh, "I get you don't want Gaara on a different team. Not like I'm fond with my son being on a team with a Jinchurki that has a faulty seal." Temari glared daggers at the konouchi, "However. My son can handle himself. If anyone can fix Gaara's seal at some point it's either Eien or myself. All we need is the Kazekage's permission."

"Tomorrow we begin on D-rank missions. It will only be a few days to get us into some sort of groove. Your father believes you two are both ready for higher mission already. Ameno, I know you are new to this but I promise we will get you caught up."

Eien had his new puppet outside. Using the mantis blades hidden in it's arms to slash through entire groupings of puppets. Pushing his chakra through the chakra strings he began trying to move the binding cloth that came off of the priestess. Just no matter how had he tried he couldn't get it to move properly. Sitting down he stared at the puppet in frustration.

Just before he began trying again he heard someone coming up behind him, "Woah! Eien, that puppet is beautiful." Eien though crossed his arms and turned away from his mother. Trying not to cry he looked up to the blue sky.

It didn't take a genius to realize something was wrong. Kyatsu tried to touch Eien's shoulder only for him to stand up and walk away. Kyatsu felt her chest tighten at her baby boy walking away from her. Stopping at his puppet he quickly sealed it, "Why didn't you tell me."

"Tell you what sweety?" Finally Eien turned to face Kyatsu. Tears streamed down his face. In his eyes was betrayal as he stared at his mom, "That my father was….is Sasori of the Red Sand." Suddenly time stood still. Kyatsu wanted to rush over and wrap her son in her arms but knew he'd just push her away.

"All this time. The reason everyone was always trying to keep me happy. They'd avoid me. Or act like I shouldn't be trained as a shinobi was because they thought I'd be like him." Seeing his mom take a step towards him made him step back, "Stop. I don't know what to do or say. I'm starting at C-Rank missions tomorrow so I don't think I'll be home for a few days."

Turning around he left to go to bed. His anger and frustration was pouring out right now. Eien has never truly been made at his mom before. Not to this extent anyways. He loved his mom. She was the entire world for him. Eien had spent so much time wanting to be like her that he never thought she'd keep such a secret from him.

Quickly laying down he thought of everything that had happened. He had spent so much time focusing on his mom he hadn't even thought of his mission. Smiling to himself he rolled over and hoped that tomorrow would be a better day. Closing his eyes he thought of different ways he could use his puppets. Maybe even creating something different than anything he'd ever used. Lost in thought he let the world fade into obscurity.

Arriving at the Kage's office, all three genin waited for their first mission. Sitting down Eien pulled out a notebook. Pulling out a pen he began drawing different designs. Letting this distract himself for a small time. Gaara watched him closely until Baki finally rejoined them, "Come we are headed to a village at our Northern border. We are going to deliver a message and return home."

"Hai!" Shira and Eien both called though Gaara just turned around and began walking. Eien kept his hands in his pockets as they left the village. He now noticed the mistrust that the elder shinobi gave him from their side stares. At least it wasn't the look that they gave Gaara. He saw that even if the sand user didn't want it to, it was so obvious that it affected him.

Making their way out of the village Eien walked up next to the other red head. Shira was further ahead with their sensei giving him a bit of space, "You know who should try to actually talk to it." Gaara didn't say anything just kept looking forward. Eien was looked around before looking at the boy, "My mom talked to me about the tailed-beasts. She said that my ancestors the Uzumaki didn't believe them to be monsters. That they are just imprisoned together."

Gaara glanced over at the boy who was staring off into the desert sky, "I don't know if that all true." Putting his arms on his head he looked back into Gaara's own, "If it is though I imagine it be lonely. Trapped away from everyone else. I guess you'd know more about that than anyone."

"I've heard you call it mother before." Gaara stopped in his tracks, "I don't know why you do but it's not your mother. If you two could get along though, maybe he could be an ally for you." Eien stopped not to far off and looked at Gaara with a smile, "You don't like me and that's fine, but when you two are ready I'll help make a seal that will let you two truly work together."

Gaara didn't know what to say. His mind was hazy as the voice in the back of his head was stunned silent. He'd only known this boy for a few days and yet he was able to get him calmed down. Was it not really his mother? Gaara didn't know, he did know though that he wanted to be near the puppet user. Eien wasn't triggering the need for blood anymore. Why?

Catching up to Shira, Eien bumped his shoulder, "So Shira we going to spar a bit? I think my puppets could help in your training you know!" Shira chuckled nervously, "Yeah I don't know. You're really out of my league."

"What ever! In now time you'll be just as strong as Gaara and I! Just you wait." Eien's carefree attitude was enamoring for the boy. He hadn't had anyone to actually believe in him before. Especially someone his own age.

Soon the two boys were talking about their favorite snacks and games they liked playing. Apparently Eien loved shogi, while Shira loved playing koma. They talked about training to different things they could design. Eien told Shira of his skills in Fuinjutsu. How he could seal almost anything and with some time could even make a seal that nullifies chakra. Shira preened at that, making everbody in a zone his level would be incredible.

Baki listened closely to the boys. He was shocked to hear of them get along so well. The more shocking thing was seeing Gaara try to inch his way into Eien's proximity. The boy did have somehting infectious about him. Though Baki still didn't fully believe this was the real Eien. He couldn't help but think of the boy that had spared with him. Eien if pushed could be a mindless killer. Baki just had to find what was his trigger.

Two days of travel they had finally made it to the village. Walking through nobody really gave them a second glance. Eventually they were led to a small official building. Baki knocked for a small round man with grey hair to open up, "What's this? Shinobi. What is it that you want with us?"

"My team and I have come to deliver a message that you did not pay your trade agreements with the Diamyo." The man instantly began sweating, "Because of this you will not be receiving addition supplies for your people or their defense."

"What?! You can't do that!" Baki just grinned, "Yes he can. We are here to make sure get his message. Loyalty to the Daimyo is paramount in the Land of Wind." His smile turned into a venomous grin as a kunai flew out at Gaara only to be stopped by sand. Looking over his shoulder he saw three shinobi standing not far off.

Eien looked off to see on his side there was four ninja glaring down at him. Baki didn't seem worried though. Just as he was about to respond a man appeared next to him. Landing a strong punch sending him sailing backwards. The mountain of a man fly past them going straight after the jonin. Eien looked at the Taijutsu user, "Stay close to my puppet. It will cover you."

Throwing a scroll into the air Futsuumeichi appeared in front of them. Shira moved quickly, jumping he landed between two of the ninja. One drew a katana swinging down at him. Just as the blade was about to meet it was blocked by Futsuumeichi arm. The puppet jumped up just high enough for Shira's foot to hit the man sending him crashing into a store front.

Spinning he began blocking the barrage of attacks from two of the other shinobi. Eien was impressed with the strength from the slightly older boy. He was efficient and he couldn't see any openings in his form. With a flick of his wrist Futsuumeichi tackled a ninja. The jaw opened and a metal rod shot out stabbing the man in the forehead. Shira took the opening punching a man so hard he crack all his ribs on the one side before jumping away from the final ninja.

"Water Release: Washing Tide!" Water shot from his hands in a massive wave. Shira was pulled under quickly. Moving as fast as he could, Eien sent chakra strings from his right hand latching onto Shira and pulling him out of the water. Looking at the enemy he sent Futsuumeichi. The small puppet landed a kick to his face before it's fingers grabbed the man's atoms apple and pulled it from his neck.

Running to Shira Eien looked the boy over, "Are you okay?" Shira couldn't help but smile at the boy. The boys helped him and now is fussing over him like a mother hen., "I'm good thank you Eien. We work well together."

Eien couldn't help but laugh, "Yeah we do! Wait till we fight stronger enemies!" Looking over he saw the red staind sand. He had killed two of the four shinobi instantly. He hadn't even hesitated. Suddenly he felt his stomach drop as vomit shot out of his mouth. Water started swelling in his eyes, "Eien! What's wrong?" The boy shook his head as he pointed.

Gaara looked the three so called shinobi as they tried to hit him with different attacks. One tossed explosive tags but couldn't even get through his defense. Another attempted to cut through with a tanto. His sand snatched the blade and shot it back going through his chest with ease. The third tried water jutsu which slowed his sand down but ultimately did nothing to him. Annoyed his sand shot out at the water user, "Sand Bullet." The three shots hit the man kiling him instantly.

Looking at the final ninja he raised his hand, "Sand Shiruken." Spinning blades of sand flew at the final target. Several hit him severing his head from his body as the rest was cut to ribbons.

"Eien. Don't waste tears on the weak and stupid." Baki appeared holding the head of the ninja he had just killed. Walking into the mayors office again he dropped it on his desk, "Next time don't hire a bunch of washouts. Not a single guard was a true shinobi. To be dispatched so easily by children is disgraceful."

"I'm sorry! I'll pay the Daimyo back! I promise just spare me please!" Baki rolled his eyes before turning around and walking out the door, "Come on. We are heading back for our pay." Eien shaken followed his sensei. Still trying to not throw up again as he walked pass the dead guards in the road. Making out of the small village Baki turned and faced his genin, "Good work team. Eien and Shira."

Both boys stood at attention. Though Baki could see Eien was struggling, "Your first kill is rough. I'm happy to say that your reaction is normal. If anything I have to say that this reaction is a relief for myself." Eien nodded wiping his eyes while he felt Shira's hand on his shoulder. "You two perfromed well as a team. Eien you held a lot back but in doing so protected your more dangerous techniques. Shira you fought well and integrated around the puppets naturally."

Looking at his Junchurki he saw that the boy was staring at Eien. Though the jonin couldn't tell why he was looking so hard, "Gaara you did well. Now I know it wasn't your first time killing. I was told you tend to be more…...brutal." That got his attention, "Why did you hold back?"

Gaara crossed his arms almost bored, "They aren't worthy opponents. They do not prove my existence. Both the other genin looked at the boy like he had two heads. Eien though felt his heart ache for a second. This boy had no remorse in his heart. He wanted to hug Gaara like his mom hugged him.

Over the next few weeks they continued on missions. Mostly C-Rank with a few B-Rank missions. In that time all three had improved in different ways. Shira had gotten stronger and faster. His speed was so fast he could make after images of himself. His constant sparing with Baki showed his improvement as their sensei actually had to work to get a hit on the boy now.

Gaara had gotten more docile. He hadn't had hardly any outbursts since joining their team. Not to mention his almost protective nature over his new team. Especially Eien. It wasn't just him though. Shukaku was also wanting to protect the boy. He hadn't heard a human speak well of his kind in over a century. Because of this he had been quieter anytime the boy was with them, Gaara in turn was getting more precise and skilled with his sand. Even improving at his defense.

They had learned up to a certain speed it was hard for him to achieve any actual defense. Shira was fast enough to tag him a few times. Not significantly but enough to show him that he couldn't always rely on his automatic defense. However in his spars against Eien it was a different story. The boy himself was actually quite fast. Especially with his tanto and chakra chains.

Though the thing that shocked Gaara was his puppet Shinigami. It was a demonic looking puppet that used a sythe. In pure speed he couldn't follow it. Baki fought it a few times and even struggled. If he had used it in tandem with say Kinja than even Baki would actually struggle with Eien.

Speaking of the puppet user. He had gotten much quicker at reacting. On their last B-ranked mission they were chased by shinobi from Iwa. These ninja were after secrets that the boys were escorting to Sunakagure. To his surprise Eien disappeared from view. Using his puppets he effortlessly killed two of the ninja. The third one located him and attempted to kill him and stop the puppets at the source. However he didn't know that Eien himself was skilled in close combat. Between him and Byakko they easily killed the chunin.

Lastly he created two new puppets. They were designed as support. Using his chakra he was able to use them to create chakra shields. He stated he got the idea from his Granny Chiyo. Using them to cover himself of his allies if they were pinned down, Much like Shinigami and Tennyo wore white robes that covered most of their bodies. In their left hands were their staves that when used were able to create the shield. Their right arms were used for offense. Holes in their hands shot poisoned darts. When their arm opened up mantis like blades appeared to cut down enemies. They were Hokuto and Nanto Sennin.

Getting home from another B-ranked mission Eien went to his workshop to work on his puppets. Kinja took some heavy damage in their last mission. The shinobi he had fought was beyond skilled in kenjutsu. Pulling off some of the scales he looked at the inside while humming to himself. He was so distracted he hadn't heard his mother walk in.

"Hey sweetie." Stopping he looked up at his mom with uncertainty, "I know you're still mad. I just wanted you to know I did what I needed to do to protect you. As did Granny. If you haven't seen her you should. It's been almost two months." She kissed him on the forehead before leaving the room. Huffing he crossed his arms and laid his head down on them.

Eien was beyond frustrated with them. He had accepted that they were trying to help him. The thing he didn't get though, were they afraid he'd be like his dad. Did they not trust him to be his own person. Sasori was a hero for a time so he supposed it was justified. It's hard to not look up to someone who was able to halt Iwa and Konoha single handed in the last war.

Getting up he packed his things and decided he should listen to his mom. He hadn't seen Granny in a couple months and she didn't deserve the disrespect. Walking up to the mountain top he that she lived at he couldn't help but pout the whole way up. As he was rounding a corner though he raninto Gaara, "Oh sorry Gaara. I should pay attention."

The red head looked at him with a small tinge of confusion, "Why aren't you afraid of me. Or of my demon?" Eien was taken a back by the forwardness of his teammate. It was true he really wasn't afraid anymore. His mom had given him ways to fight against tailed beasts just in case. It's why she focused so much on Fuinjutsu, "Because you're my teammate. We have to rely on each other and since your father told me of who my donor is I can't help but feel we are the same."

"You may be born of a monster but I am one." Gaara's voice was very matter a fact. Eien though let the comment roll off of him, "No, you're what your father made you. You and the beast inside you can be what ever you want you know. If you want to be psycho murderers than you can, if you want to be hermits and hide from the world you can." Gaara looked down at his hands. Hands that killed so many and could kill nearly everyone in the village, "Or if you want to become protectors and change how the village sees you than you can."

Gaara looked up at the puppet user. For the first time in years he felt tears. Deep inside of him he felt the urge to protect and defend this other boy. Could he really be different he wasn't sure. The monster though inside him was resonating the same feeling though. A need to protect this sun child. Eien seeing the tears build up in the other boy's eyes made his chest hurt. He suddenly knew that nobody had ever believed in him, "Um I know this is weird but can I give you a hug?"

Stunned Gaara could only nod. He hadn't known what to say. As Eien's arms wrapped around him he felt his world slow to a halt. Gaara couldn't remember the last time he had felt such warmth outside of blood. How this other boy was so willing to be there for him. Slowly he lift his arms and wrapped them around the other boy's waist. Putting his head on Eien's shoulder, Gaara couldn't help but silently cry.

Rasa watched from a far. He didn't do anything though. The Kage hadn't sent any assassins after his sun in sometime. Gaara was changing. It really wasn't to hard to see. Baki was one of the few that were strong enough to stop a full transformation so he put the man in charge of his youngest. Yet to Rasa's shock, he had gotten reports over their time doing missions that his son was changing. He was becoming more grounded., precise, and effective. Never before had he thought his son would start getting his mind back. "Maybe I should let the boy's mother look at his seal?" He thought to himself before fading away.

Eien had offered to allow Gaara to come with him. The jinchuriki though wanted to go home. He said he had some things to think about. So he left, letting the puppet user go on his own. Not that Eien would object. He needed to talk to Granny on his own. Without his friends their to get in the way.

After arriving he saw Chiyo was sitting at her own work station. She was making adjustments to her arm. Humming to herself until she decided to speak, "You might as well come in child. It's a waste of time just staring."

"Hey Granny." Eien said softly. Nerves suddenly kicking in as he approached. Turning in her chair she looked at the boy, "So you're mother told me that you know about your father?" Eien nodded before pulling up a chair next to her, "I'm sure you have questions?"

Eien pulled out one of his scrolls containing parts for his Shinigami. Chiyo chuckled as she took the hint. Working and talking was something she understood all to well, "Why didn't you tell me?" Chiyo saw the confusion in Eien's eyes as he pulled out what looked to be some sort of whip like tail for the puppet, "I was worried you'd try to be like him."

Eien looked up for a second, "What was he like?" Chiyo frowned, "He was always a hurt and broken boy. His parents died in the Second Great Shinobi World War. Defeated by Konoha's White Wolf. It destroyed him. His first puppets were of his parents."

At this point the younger puppet user was no longer working, "He later got a friend. His best friend actually. During the Third war. They were holding the Northern front together when he was killed. Sasori couldn't take it. He took his body and turned him to a puppet. Making him his eternal friend."

The thought of taking the dead and turning them into puppets made Eien's skin crawl. Seeing this filled the old lady with some relief, "You're mother wanted to tell you. However your great uncle and I decided against it. We thought if you knew it would do one of two things. Either you'd try to become him, or you'd fall under the pressure of restoring honor to our family."\

"So she did want to tell me?" Chiyo nodded, "Kyatsu agreed that you shouldn't know till you were ready but she hated keeping it from you." Looking at his granny he wiped the happy tears away, "Thank you for telling me."

Smiling Chiyo pulled her Great Grandson in for a powerful hug, "Just be careful. He will come for you eventually. Especially when he hears how good of a puppet user you are." Eien thought about that as he left. He wouldn't let himself fall for that though. He'd be ready and he would make sure that his friends were ready to. First though he needed to go to his mom and apologize. Then they needed to go to the Kazekage's office to change his name. He would from now on be Eien Uzumaki.

Gaara got home to see his siblings were eating dinner without him. Both got nervous seeing their baby brother. Not that he didn't deserve it. Sitting down he sat silently for a moment. He wasn't to sure what he wanted to say. Temari picked up on this, "Gaara whats wrong?"

"Do you think I could be a protector?" Kankuro dropped his chopsticks in surprise. Temari confused asked, "Why? Do you want to? Where did this even come from Gaara?" Fiddling his thumbs the jinchuriki couldn't look his older siblings in the eyes, "Eien. He said I had a choice in what I want to be. That me and the demon both do. I just don't know? What if people are always afraid of me like you guys are?"

Kankuro finally responded out of his stupor, "Gaara. You're our little brother. Yeah we are kinda scared of you. But if you wanna be something different we will do whatever we need to to make sure you can." Gaara sat there silently for a moment longer, "Thank you." He said almost monotoned as he walked towards his room.

Kankuro turned to his sister, "I think we need to meet this kid." Temari smiiled softly, "Yeah we do. Maybe it was a good thing that he was put on Gaara's team."

Thanks for Reading Everyone! Much longer chapter this time. There will be some major changes to Cannon starting at the Chunin exams. Naruto himself will become a bigger part of the story then as well. Any comments or ideas I'd love to hear them. Hope you enjoyed.