A Journey to Suna
A caravan from Sunagakure arrived, with a cart specifically prepared to transport the injured Raikage. Using his sand, Gaara carefully lifted the unconscious Raikage onto the cart. With great effort, the accompanying shinobi began to pull it, slowly making their way toward the Land of Lightning.
During this time, Gaara extended an invitation to Naruto Uzumaki to visit the Sand Village.
From the deserts of the Land of Wind to Sunagakure, the two deliberately avoided discussing the changes in the shinobi world after the Five Kage Summit. Instead, they chatted casually, like old friends meeting after a long time.
While the two leaders appeared relaxed, the accompanying shinobi—Temari, Kankuro, Baki, and others—were on high alert, their nerves stretched taut.
Naruto's current identity and unpredictable actions had made him one of the most sensitive figures in the shinobi world. Gaara's decision to invite him to the village was met with widespread concern and debate.
Throughout the journey, the Suna shinobi remained vigilant, fearing any potential mishap.
Naruto, of course, noticed their apprehension but chose to act as if nothing was amiss.
A Private Conversation with Gaara
Upon reaching Sunagakure, the group stopped outside the Kazekage's residence.
Gaara turned to his accompanying shinobi and said, "From here on, I need to speak with Naruto alone. Please wait outside."
Kankuro protested, "Hey, at least let me and Temari join—"
Gaara interrupted, "That won't be necessary."
"But—"
Temari placed a hand on Kankuro's shoulder, shaking her head.
Deep down, she trusted Naruto. Years ago, she had accompanied him during his mission to rescue Gaara. She still vividly remembered the tear blown onto her face by the wind—Naruto's tear—and his declaration of loneliness.
With that, the other shinobi stayed outside while Naruto followed Gaara into the residence.
The door closed behind them. The lights turned on, and the sound of wind and sand howled outside the windows.
Naruto sat on a sofa.
Gaara approached the tea table and asked, "Do you prefer black tea or green tea?"
Naruto replied with a faint smile, "Whatever you make is fine."
Gaara chuckled softly. "Then, how about oolong tea?"
He prepared the tea and handed a cup to Naruto.
The two sat across from each other in silence for a long time.
Unspoken Truths
Huff.
Naruto adjusted his emotions, reached up, and removed his mask. His face, along with the Sharingan hidden beneath the mask, was revealed.
Gaara remained composed. "You wear that mask not just to hide your eye, do you?"
Naruto's voice carried a mix of complexity and weariness. "You're right. It's also to keep old acquaintances from seeing the expression on my face."
"That must be exhausting," Gaara said softly.
"Not too bad," Naruto replied.
Another moment of silence passed before Gaara broke it, no longer avoiding the pressing topic. "I've heard about what happened with Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure."
Naruto nodded, acknowledging the inevitable conversation.
"I knew you'd eventually visit Sunagakure," Gaara continued. "So, I decided to invite you first. This way, it feels more natural, and we can avoid unnecessary awkwardness."
Gaara stood, walked to a cabinet, and retrieved a thick stack of scrolls, many of which were covered in dust. He brushed them off and placed them in front of Naruto. "Everything is here."
Naruto stared at the pile of scrolls, his emotions churning.
Although he had already suspected Gaara's intentions when the invitation was extended, the reality still struck him harder than he expected.
For a moment, Naruto felt an overwhelming urge to reveal the deepest secret he had been hiding in his heart.
"Gaara, I—"
"You don't need to say anything," Gaara interrupted him.
"If you say it now, it will feel like you're saying it out of obligation. I don't want that. Wait until you truly want to tell me. I'll wait for that day."
Naruto was taken aback, his gaze meeting Gaara's sincere eyes.
"We're friends," Gaara continued. "I believe everything you're doing is for the sake of this shinobi world. Just as you once saved me, I believe you'll save many others. Your methods may be different, but your intentions remain pure."
"So, if there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask. I'll disregard my identity, my position, and my responsibilities to stand by your side. If need be, I'm willing to give up my title as Kazekage and fight alongside you—even if it means opposing the entire shinobi world."
"Therefore, no matter what happens, Sunagakure—or rather, Gaara of the Desert—will always be your unwavering support!"
Naruto's eyes grew misty.
In that moment, words seemed inadequate.
All he could manage was the simplest, most heartfelt response: "Thank you."
Gaara raised his teacup. "Then, let's drink to that."
"Sure! Let's have a few drinks!" Naruto replied, clinking his cup against Gaara's. They downed the tea in one gulp.
Hack! Cough! The sharp taste hit Naruto's throat, causing him to cough. "Wait, this is alcohol?!"
Gaara smirked. "We're not of age yet, so I guess this is a first for both of us."
The Return to Amegakure
The warm moment between friends was brief yet unforgettable.
Later that night, Naruto bid farewell to Gaara and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to the outskirts of the Land of Wind.
Violet, who had been waiting, noticed the strong scent of alcohol emanating from beneath Naruto's mask. "Lord Pain, have you been drinking?"
Naruto waved dismissively. "Let's head back to the village."
Swish!
Using the Flying Thunder God, they returned to Amegakure, where the battle had already concluded.
Captured shinobi from Kumogakure, bound in chains, were lined up in the muddy streets. Among them were Samui, Omoi, and Karui.
Rustle.
Naruto glanced at them briefly before striding past, heading toward the tower.
In the corridor, Konan approached. "You're back."
"Yeah," Naruto replied. "Those outside—are they from Kumogakure?"
Konan nodded. "They planned to attack the village but were discovered by one of my paper clones stationed outside. It seems the Raikage didn't come himself. Did he go looking for you instead?"
Naruto smirked faintly. "Looking for trouble? Not exactly."
Konan noticed the weight in his tone and said, "You should rest."
The two parted ways, each returning to their rooms.
Naruto lay on his bed, and soon, the sound of steady breathing filled the air.
An Attempted Assassination
Swish!
In the dead of night, a shadowy figure landed in the rain outside the tower, their eyes fixed on the seventh-floor window.
"He's drunk. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Swish! The figure vanished, scaling the tower with agile movements.
Whoosh!
The window opened, and the intruder slipped into the dark room. They crept to the bedside, raised a blade, and plunged it toward the sleeping Naruto.
Their intent was unmistakably lethal.
Clang!
Without opening his eyes, Naruto's hand shot out, catching the assassin's wrist mid-strike. In one swift motion, he pinned them to the ground.
Clatter! A black rod slid from his sleeve, embedding itself into the assassin's hand and pinning it to the floor.
"Ahh!" The female shinobi let out a pained cry.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The commotion alerted Konan, who burst into the room. The lights flickered on, and her expression darkened as she took in the scene.
"Violet," she said coldly. "You hid yourself well."
Konan raised her sleeve, ready to strike Violet down.
"Wait," Naruto interjected, leaning against the window. His gaze was calm, his voice devoid of drunkenness. "Let's hear her reason first. Then, you can decide what to do."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
"8 amazing fanfics available on my Patreon.
Support for 200+ advance chapters:
patreon.com/DarkGolds"