Section Five - Chance Meeting

Every thing in this world is part of a pair.

Man and woman, night and day, yin and yang, shadow and light.

The, there are beings that live in the space between those pairs.

Those beings are shinobi.

Gaara and Shijima found Hakuto and Shigezane near the border of the Country of Fire, in a region where the desert came to an end.

Rather, prairie would be a more accurate word than desert. There were short trees growing here and there, a telling sign that this area was blessed with rain.

It might have been a dreary sight for people from other countries, but for those who were born in the desert like Gaara and the others, anywhere that simply had rainfall was like a paradise.

Over the horizon, you could faintly see a dark green forest. In short, that meant the people who lived there were blessed with plenty of water, and didnt hate the sun as if it was a red hot demon.

Shigezane and Hakuto were holding each others hands, staring at the approaching sunrise over the horizon.

It was almost like they were looking a hopeful future that lay ahead of that sunrise.

Should I just turn a blind eye?

Just for a moment, that thought entered Gaaras head.

But, at the end of the day, Gaara was Sunagakures leader.

And he couldnt stop being their leader.

Shigezane. We will have you return Lady Hakuto. Gaara pulled the injured and exhausted Shijima slightly behind him and called out from behind the pair, severing all his hesitation.

He refrained from making a surprise attack out of respect for Hakuto.

Gaara-sama?! Hakutos voice was bewildered and also had traces of a guilty conscience.

Hakuto, get back. Shigezane said, stepping forwards.

His face didnt look as composed as it did last time.

As it should be.

They had run all the way to the country border without any breaks.

And then thered been the quicksand that had covered the ruins.

His body couldnt put up with all that.

Gaara didnt see him as unsightly.

A shinobi who had lead around the Kazekage by the nose couldnt be seen like that.

All Gaara thought of was how much he regretted not being able to find his talent earlier.

You have magnificent skills. As the Kazekage, I feel very proud of you. You dont have any intention to return to Sunagakure?

He wasnt pretending to aid the enemy to move along his own agenda. Those were Gaaras true feelings.

From the bottom of his heart, he thought Shigezanes talent was precious.

And even more so when Gaara saw the resolute look in Shigezanes eyes, and understood he wasnt intending to kill a target for money like the group of assassins from before.

Im honoured to hear that. Shigezane said, and gathered water release shuriken inside the palm of his hand.

So that was his answer.

Well, it would be, Gaara thought.

Shigezane was that kind of a man, and that was why things had come to this.

Gaara-sama! Hakuto was walking towards them, looking like she couldnt stand this any longer.

Hakuto?!

Gaara-sama, please, somehow, stop what youre doing!

Hakutos eyes looked desperate.

Like Naruto, back on that day.

Shigezane is my

You dont have to say it. Gaara said, cutting Hakuto off.

Even Gaara understood that the relationship between Hakuto and Shigezane was that of a man and woman.

The plot may have been drawn up by someone else, but the two who were caught up in that scheme were in a relationship.

In the same way that Gaara had his own life, Hakuto had hers too. You couldnt learn about a persons life in just one or two days of acquaintance.

Shijima and the rest werent attacked at full force. And Shijima wasnt killed. Your footprints in the sand as you followed Shigezane were neat and calm. All of those signs point to the fact that you knew you were going to be to be kidnapped.

Gaara had decided to play the role of the bad guy.

I dont know who instigated you, but they moved things along until there was a talk of a marriage meeting. You were to take on the role of my betrothed in the public eye, and then elope. It would be a great blow against the Kazekages authority. Hakuto, who had never stepped out of Houki tribes lands, was going to run away with the Houki tribes Shigezane and disappear. Thats the general gist of it, isnt it?

Why would come after her while knowing all that?

Shijima was the one who asked that question.

I told you. Gaara told her, Im the Kazekage. I cant be anything other than that.

Thats no different from how I couldnt do anything else other than act as a Lady of the Houki Tribe, Hakuto said. Her eyes were wet as she looked at Gaara.

It wasnt a lie that she had cared about him.

It was just that she cared about the man by her side, Shigezane, more.

So I could leave the place I was born and raised in, so I could be free, I didnt have any chance other than being your marriage partner. I apologise for using you. But-

Leave the apology. Gaara said, sand shifting out of his gourd.

It was a signal that he was ready to fight.

I have no thoughts of interfering with your romance. Gaara said, We never agreed to an engagement. It just publicly looked like we did. Im not someone with the right to tie you down. However

The sand from Gaaras gourd morphed into a sword.

I cannot turn a blind eye to shinobi who abandon their village. He said, Shinobi who use their power without following the lawtheyll eventually harm more and more people.

Gaara knew this for a fact, from his personal experience of fighting the terrorist Akatsuki.

One single shinobi could destroy a fortress, a whole city, if they only felt like it.

It was because that fact restricted them that Shinobi had come to coexist with society. No, they had no choice but to coexist.

And that was why.

Now Im coming for you! Gaara said.

Come. Shigezane replied.

The land under his feet was full of pebbles.

His opponent could no longer make quicksand.

However, Gaara couldnt afford to use large, eye-catching techniques either. It was because he couldnt afford this fight being noticed by the public. If he used flashy, wide-area attacks, then naturally it would raise unnecessarily alarm in the foreign shinobi in this region.

In a nutshell, they were both equally handicapped

A water blade pierced through the dark towards him.

But Gaara had already understood everything about that technique.

Its useless. He told Shigezane.

Gaaras shield of sand deflected the attack completely, or absorbed it.

No matter how much water you had, water wasnt superior to sand.

It was the same as how an underground channel couldnt water the desert.

Shigezanes storms of water attacks kept disappearing in front of Gaara.

The sad look Hakuto had every time it happened did not pain him.

Theres nothing that sand cannot do. Gaara said, closing the distance between him and his opponent.

If he got in close, he should be able to put an end to this with taijutsu.

He thickened his shield, moved forwards, and it was at that moment

A particularly huge water javelin was launched towards him.

Gaara twisted his body aside.

!

A burning pain ran through his side.

The water javelin that had broken through his sand shield had pierced through.

I didnt think he was to this level!

Shigezane wasnt the first person to have pierced Gaaras Absolute Defence. However, he could count the number of people who had managed to pierce through with such sharpness.

Why!? Why could you avoid it?!

It looked Shigezane had been very confident in that jutsu. His voice was confused.

The reason those sorts of words could come out of Shigezanes mouth was that no matter how much of a master Metal Miner he was, he wasnt a soldier of his skill.

That was the difference between the worlds Gaara and Shigezane lived in.

It didnt mean that one way of life was better than the other, but it was a deciding factor when it came to survival of the fittest on the battlefield.

It was Hakuto. Gaara said.

Huh?

I was looking at Hakutos eyes.

What are you saying?! Shigezanes tone was coloured in confusion and jealousy.

Well, that was natural.

But, Gaara hadnt been looking at Hakutos eyes out of any lingering feelings or regret.

Shinobi are those who will fight on the battlefield while noticing, observing and analysing every piece of information.

The look on Hakutos eyes changed when you threw that last javelin. She looked like she was afraid of someones death. For her to feel that while she knew about my fighting style meant that she believed your jutsu, Shigezane, would defeat my Absolute Defence.

So thats how you avoided a fatal wound! Shigezane looked markedly in awe.

I am the Kazekage. Gaara said, The wind and sand that run over this desert cant be caught by anyone!

Gaara stepped forward like a god of death that had taken on human form.

Troops have been deployed to the main facility.

I see. Toujuurou listened to Maizurus** report, and gave a satisfied laugh.

Hed thought Kankurou mightve noticed something was up when he made alterations to the plan, but it didnt look like he had.

How ironic, that the shinobi Gaara had trained and raised for rebuilding Suna would sweep the rug from under his feet.

The sweet irony made Toujuurou very satisfied.

But I, on the other hand, am not going to explain about how I broke through your shield!

I wonder, Gaara said, avoiding another water javelin by sliding to the side.

Since he knew the water javelin were being aimed at his body, all he had to do was make sure he wasnt anywhere expected. Gaaras level of taijutsu allowed him to do that.

Of course, Shigezane was also throwing the water javelins while expecting that Gaara would avoid them in that manner.

But, none of his throws ever hit the target.

It was because thanks to his sand that hed stretched and laid out across the ground, Gaara could sense the movement of water underground before they burst above.

If you knew where the attack was going to originate from, you could also make a rough guess as to where it could land. As long as he quickly evaded them while mixing in some feints, it would be fine.

Gaara drew closer.

Closer.

Avoided a water javelin.

Avoided another.

Closer.

He jumped back.

The he drew forward again.

Forwards, avoid, forwards, avoid avoid avoid, forwards, forwards, forwards, slide, leap, run, avoid, advance forwards again, jump back in avoidence, turn around, jump forwards, advance forwards, forwards, close, closer, deflect an attack, avoid, closer, closer, avoid, deflect!

Gaara-sama, please stop! Hakuto yelled.

He couldnt afford to stop.

He shouldnt stop.

He wasnt able to stop.

For the sake of remaining himself, he couldnt bend his principles.

Gaara swung a blade of sand down towards the man who was beloved to a woman hed once thought he wouldnt mind marrying.

Gr, but! A stream of water burst out in a javelin shape from underneath Shigezanes feet, along with a shrill battle cry, If its at point blank range, then-!

The water javelin split apart into several other javelins.

He couldnt avoid them.

But, Gaaras sand shield deflected every single one of those javelins. It was because this time, Gaara had used the magnet release he had inherited from his father. His shield had faint, sparkling bits of metal compromised in it, that had let it deflected the javelin.

Gaara had known the secrets of his sand shield technique had been exposed. One of his countermeasures to make up for that weakness, was this: his fathers technique. He hadnt used it at all until now, but when he did, he used his fathers magnet release along with the sand his mother had given him to make his current shield.

Wha-?!

My principle is to act before I boast. Gaara said.

A sword of sand stretched out of his shield, standing against the back of Shigezanes neck.

Ive theorised as to how you managed to pierce through my shield, Gaara said, But I didnt have time to confirm it. Either way, the fact that you managed to break through is something praiseworthy.

I take out hydrated calcium and volcanic rock from the underground water, and mix it with the water javelin. When it hits your sand, it changes the sand into concrete, and then I can break through your shield, Shigezane said, both pride and envy in his voice, Its a technique the Fouth Kazekage came up with, and yet you

Is it a technique my father came up with to kill me?

It is. In the end, he never used it since a more efficient solution than using the magnet release was found, but

.

Gaara no longer had any intention to condemn his father.

The dangerous potential of a jinchuuriki was endless. It was natural to prepare a jutsu to stop one in case they went on a rampage. Flames were useful, but you had to prepare water, just in case a wildfire broke out. Gaara and the other jinchuuriki were like sentient flames.

If it was the old me, it probably wouldve killed me. But you cant kill the current me with that..

Why? Shigezanes voice was so heartbroken, it sounded like he was wringing blood from his heart. Are you saying the Kazekage bloodline is special? Is the chakra of jinchuuriki and the chakra of us normal humans so different? Are you saying that no matter how hard we try,those of us with weak bloodlines have no right to be happy?!

Blood has nothing to do with it. Gaaras voice was hot like sand, and cold like sand.

It was true that in the shinobi world, there were many situations where bloodlines meant everything.

The technique Gaara had just used to defeat Shigezanes technique, the metal release was one of those situations. The magnet release was a kekkai genkai hed inherited from his father, and if he hadnt had the genes for it, he wouldnt have been able to use it. It was using that kekkai genkai that Gaara had been able to change the nature of his sand and defend himself against the attack that would change his sand to cement.

It wasnt something he could say hed mastered, but it was more than enough for when two clever tricks were facing off against each other.

But then, take Konohas Haruno Sakura for example. She didnt come from an unusual bloodline, but her strength made her an outstoundingly great shinobi. In fact, there were a great number of normal people who, by polishing their techniques or with pure strength alone, had surpassed others.

Gaara had seen many people who had relied only on their bloodline, and yet been unable to produce any real results.

Siblings who were all excellent shinobi like Gaara, Temari and Kankurou were few in number. And it wasnt the result of luck, but their own hard work.

And then, more than anything else

Bloodlines are chains that tie down people like me or Hakuto. They arent a blessing. Gaara said, Shigezane, dont you already know that?

Thats-!

I never wanted this power. Gaara said, What I wanted was the power to be friends with someone as equals. What I wanted was the power to just spend time with my family. People like you, who werent born into the Kazekage line, who werent made jinchuurikifrom where Im standing, its you who feels like a special chosen one.

He had honestly spoken from his heart.

Gaara himself didnt understand why he ended up saying all that either.

It was just that he thought it was common courtesy to fight someone honestly.

Weve taken control of the communications department.

The lightning train station* is under control. Dispatch.

The Sixth Ninja Weapon Workshop has been taken over. Dispatch.

Several monitors were placed around a dark room, showing the situation as the young shinobi led by Kankurou slowly took over important locations in Sunagakure.

Things were progressing even faster than Toujuurou had expected.

But, Toujuurou didnt attribute that to the excellence of the young shinobi.

Instead, he was deliriously proud, thinking that it was all due to the plan that he had drawn up.

Now, all thats left is!

It could very well bethat normal people are the chosen ones. However, sacrifices are needed for happiness. Shijima said from behind him.

Gaara could feel indications that she was getting ready to attack him.

He wasnt surprised.

As I thought,was the only thing that crossed his mind.

Stop what youre doing.

Gaara had known from the start that Shijima had helped Hakuto and the others escape.

The guards hadnt been killed. And then Shijimas guidance had lead them to that trap of quicksand. If he looked, there was far more evidence to be found.

But, more than anything, he had known the truth because Shijima was Hakutos elder sister.

Gaara-sama, prepare yourself. Shijima said.

You wont be able to beat me with your techniques. He told her.

Thats certainly so. Shijima agreed. She dropped her houshuriken. They rolled across the earth with dry, rasping sounds. If its a jutsu I need, then I know which one.

Shijima raised her hand to her glasses.

! Shigezane yelled, Shijma, dont do it!

Thats- you cant do that, big sister!

The sound of Hakuto and Shijmas voices had changed.

It was very likely that Shijma was about to use a technique that would risk her life. No, not a technique. Something more basic that would put her life at risk

The doujutsu!

Shijima took off her glasses.

Shijimas pretty, bare face was finally out in the open with nothing to obscure it.

So that who she looked like.

Gaara finally realised who Shijima so strongly resembled.

She looked like Yashamaru.

The man who had raised Gaara like a father would. The man Gaara had loved more than anyone else, and who had been ordered to kill him precisely because of that reason.

Shijimas face looked just like Yashamarus had, back in that critical moment. It was full of the same hope, and resignation, and something else that Gaara still didnt understand.

Her eyes were open.

Those eyes werent a humans.

They were a whirlpool of nothingness, that shined with seven prismatic colours.

Her control over the doujutsu was disordered because of the artificial measures put in her chakra channels. It was a mark of her crime in unnaturally altering herself in the past to become something inhuman, similar to that of Orochimarus other subordinates, and Sasuke.

My bodyits feverish!

It was far stronger than hed expected.

Gaara felt like his consciousness was being pulled out by the roots by that cavern of emptiness.

Sand rolled around him.

It was moving beyond the scope of Gaaras control.

No, maybe it was even beyond the control of his mothers chakra, embedded within the sand.

But, even still, Gaara didnt undo the sand blade he held at Shigezanes throat. If he let him go now, everything wouldve been for nothing.

At this rate! Shijima said, My and Gaara-samas chakra will both go completely out of control, and well die from the strength of both our jutsu! That is my last power.!

You could call it a sort of parting gift from Orochimaru, huh? Gaara replied.

The activator of the jutsu, Shijima, looked like she was in far more pain than Gaara was.

Gaara had already died once. He was used to physical pain.

Physical pain wasnt what was frightening to him.

Just sadness was.

The seven colours of nihility reflected in Shijimas eyes looked like tears to Gaara.

Do you intend to die for your sister? Gaara asked, his voice staying calm to the very end.

It wasnt that he didnt feel pain. His whole body was enwrapped in pain, like all the meridians in his body were being ripped out, like his teeth were being pulled out without anaesthesia. He was desperately burdened with how his insides felt fevered, like he was about to explode with his own chakra.

But, Gaara was the Kazekage.

Even if they were runaway-nin, he couldnt forgive himself for doing something as unsightly as wailing in pain in front of his subordinates.

If Ihadnt been taken in by Orochimarus cajoling Shijima answered, If mylittle sister hadnt been forced to become the clan head, then she wouldnt have been put in a position where she was faced with giving up on her love!

So then why, Gaara asked, Didnt you kill me back in the cave?

!

For one moment, the doujutsu became disturbed.

It was natural that he would ask Shijima that question.

At that time when Gaara had collapsed, Shijima mustve thought countless times about giving him a killing blow.

While Gaaras defense operated even as he slept, if Shijima had activated her doujutsu, she wouldve been more than enough of an opponent for him even while he was awake. Even if she couldnt give him a fatal wound, she couldve injured him enough to make his pursuit impossible.

There could only be one reason that she hadnt.

Shijima had likely seen Gaara cry while he was asleep.

If a young man risked his life to save you, and tears leaked out of his eyes while he lay unconscious in your arms, of course you couldnt kill him.

Killing him wouldve been going against the last principle that Shijima believed in as a shinobi.

That was why.

Because thats my ninja way. Shijima answered.

I see.

Gaara was content with that answer.

Other people may have called it grotesque, but for Gaara, the Shijima who had sacrificed her own body for a cause was very beautiful.

The fact that someone as noble as that, as high minded as Naruto was, had been born in the village of Sunagakure made Gaara think that all his efforts as the Kazekage hadnt been in vain.

Because in his village, there was a person who would sacrifice themself for someone else.

Shinobi are no longer just machines who carry out missions.

In that case, your principles shouldnt be twisted.

Gaara rolled up the sand that he had laid out under Shijimas feet. It encased her body, restricting her.

No way! Shijima gasped.

Gaara turned towards the restrained Shijima, and stretched out his left hand.

Ever since I was born, I have always lived fearing that Shukaku would take over my consciousness, and fought against it constantly. Compared to every other shinobi in the worldI have had the most practice in retaining my consciousness.

A tiny glimpse of the large chakra that lay within Gaara had woken up.

Shijima finally, truly understood what she had- who she had come up against in battle.

In the same way the wind couldnt be tied down, the Kazekage would not be dominated into submission again.

Never again. By anyone.

This is goodbye.

Gaaras blade of sand flashed out like a needle.

Sunagakure village was silent as death.

Nobody noticed the shinobi who had taken it over from the shadows.

Now all that was left was for Kankurou to give the signal.

Kankurou-sama. Amagi was muttering in Kankurous ear as if he couldnt bear staying silent anymore. Sir, is this truly what you want?

What are you saying now? Kankurou asked, Didnt you have the same opinion as the others?

I dont know anymore. Amagi lightly shook his head. Youre the one who taught me that shinobi must endure. It somehow feels that what were doing might be something that cant be undone.

Kankurou wondered what he should say, but decided to just give a strained laugh.

The things he was thinking about inside his head werent simple enough to be spoken out loud.

It wasnt easy to say the things he thought in his head out loud. He didnt want to think that hed gotten so old that hed one-sidedly lecture someone when theyd finally stepped towards the right path by themselves.

Its gonna be alright.

Sir?

Well, just leave it to me. Kankurou said. He swallowed down the words: leave it to Gaara.

Uugh

Blood had sprayed across the desert.

Drip, drip, it fell, staining the parched desert floor.

Gaarasama?! Hakuto was stunned too. It wasnt a surprise that she was.

Gaara hadnt pierced Shijima with his blade of dand.

He had pierced the small lump of sand that was behind her.

It was from that lump that human blood was spraying out into the air.

Whydid youknow I wasthereThe person who crawled out of the sand and said that in a pained voice was none other than one of the siblings who had attacked the marriage meeting: Metoro.

His whole body was covered in bandages and he was suffering from a life-threatening injury, but Metoro was still alive.

Most likely, after that fall, he had pretended to die while following Gaara around the whole time in order to take his revenge and indict this scandal.

I knew you were following me, Gaara said, I just didnt want you to know that I knew.

Scattering sand during their break, as well as scattering the sand during his large techniques while fighting Shigezane, they were all for this purpose. Thanks to being able to sense things through his sand, Gaara had been able to roughly pinpoint Metoros location as he watched Gaara, Hakuto and the rest.

And then just a while ago, Gaara had decided that rather than waiting for Metoro to launch a surprise attack, it would be better if he pierced him while pretending he was subject to Shijimas doujutsu.

Was it Toujuurou who instigated you? Gaar asked.

Metoros body seized up with a jolt. That was answer enough.

The taciturn shinobi seemed to have finally realised thathehad been the one who had been drawn into a trap.

So, it was him after all, Gaara said. He intended to instigate Hakuto, draw me away from the village, make up a scandal and then premeditatedly kill me. Its just what an elder would think of.

Ill takerevengefor my brother! Metoro kept persistently trying to move his body.

He let out a scream when Gaaras sand enwrapped him.

He was still under the influence of Shijimas doujutsu, so being in in control was hard. But, when it came to simply imploding the sand and crushing someone, it didnt require much effort.

In one instant, Metoros body had disappeared without so much as a bone left behind.

Ah, ahh

After witnessing such an overwhelming sight right in front of their eyes, Shijima, and Hakuto and Shigezane too, had already lost their fighting spirit.

This was what the Kazekage was.

Hed taken on two jounin opponents, on top of that, he endured Shijimas doujutsu while injured, and in the midst of all that, he killed another hidden jounin.

His talent, his strength, his fighting experience. He exceeded them in everything.

Just who did we pick a fight with?

As dawn approached in that moment, under the desert sky, Gaara was the exact embodiment of a god of death in human form.

Gaara picked up Shijimas glasses from the dirty ground, wiped them, and put them back on her face.

The sand restraining Shijima relaxed, and let her loose.

Then, he turned back to Hakuto and Shijima.

Gaara-sama

Hakuto and Shijima werent attempting to hide their feelings anymore. They held hands, looking at Gaara with facial expressions that expected the worst.

Sand slowly wrapped around the pair.

Stop, please stop! Shijima threw herself to cling at Gaaras body, Its alreadythe winner of the battle is already clear. There isnt anyone watching, either.

I told you, Shijima. Gaara replied, I cant turn a blind eye to runaway-nin. And Hakuto and Shigezane dont want to return to the village.

And, more than anything, Gaara didnt want Hakuto to return to the village and become a caged bird again, much less be forced into becoming his wife.

It wasnt because he thought she was a bad person.

Rather, it was the opposite.

It was because it was the opposite, that Gaara couldnt swallow the idea of forcing her back.

People who are swallowed in my sandnot even a bone will be left of them. Gaara said, The Sand Waterfall Funeral sends people to the other side without even the slightest pain.

His sand began to wrap around them but-

Being straightforward, and never going back on our word. Thatsourninja way!

That was true.

Gaaras promise to protect Hakuto hadnt been a lie.

Ah

At that moment, Shijima clearly saw it:

Hakuto was smiling.

Her little sister was smiling like they she going to be released.

It wasnt because shed given up.

It was because she had faith.

It was the same thing that had happened when she, Shijima, hadnt killed Gaara.

Hakuto had seen that warm something inside Gaaras eyes.

Those eyes that made people trust him.

And so, that day, all Shijima had to do was see her off her little sister.

The entire village of Sunagakure was now already under the control of Kankurous subordinates.

Toujuurou was very, very satisfied with the reports streaming in from the monitors and communications systems. He was nodding to himself in satisfaction.

Alright, and now, all thats leftMaizuru. Go and arrest Kankurou.

Pardon? As expected, Maizuru looked surprised.

Its obvious, isnt it? We cant let the leader of a Coup get away. Toujuurou said, Arrest him, and exile the rest of the members of the Kazekage clan. And then, after that, we just need to make you the Kazekage, and the reform will be complete.

You tricked Kankurou-sama?

Its nothing new for shinobi to use every trick up their sleeve. Sometimes, you have to trick your allies, too. Although, in this case, you couldnt really call me that guys allyEither way, this is a fitting stage for an old-fashioned puppeteer like him.

Isnt it just?

Suddenly, Maizurus bodycrumbled.

His limbs, his neck, his abdomen, they all crumbled into pieces and fell to the floor along with his clothes.

Wha-, Touujuurou stuttered, Wha- wha- what-

Whats this about, you ask? A relaxed voice came out of the darkness. A shape was moving in the shadows.

White face. Red markings.

Kankurou.

Im-impossible, Toujuurou was stunned.

The monitors were clearly showing that Kankurou was taking control in the Kazekage office.

But, the Kankurou in front of him wasnt a genjutsu. He wasnt supposed to be here. No matter how old he was, they shouldnt be able to trick a jounins eyes.

Obviously, its not a genjutsu. Kankurou said.

Puppets?!

Bingo. Kankurou gave a sly, wide grin. Thanks to the reports about that group from the moon, I got a lot of new ideas. I used threads too thin to see with the human eye, and suckered you in with a long distance puppet manipulation technique. There neverwasa shinobi named Maizuru. You were having a ball talking to my puppet this whole time. Thanks to that, I was able to collect plenty of evidence and testimonies on you.

A jutsu I dont knowyou say?!

Toujuurou was backing away.

He was feeling something he had forgotten about for a long time: fear.

Th-then Gaara as well?

Obviously, he knew about it from the start. Kankurou said, If he didnt how do you think I couldve gotten made such good fake videos?

Fake!? Then, it is a ninjutsu?

Its more science and technology than a ninjutsu. Though we do have to use lightning release to power it. Kankurou said, and then snapped his fingers with a theatrical flair.

Amagi appeared from behind him, and restrained Toujuurou.

As for your forces at the oasis, Kankurou continued, Temaris contacted me to let know that Bakis crushed them completely. In a word, I guess you could call this checkmate, huh?

Times have changedis that what it is. Toujuurou heartbrokenly hung his head.

He hadnt been able to admit it.

Time had passed, and people had changed. Ninjutsu he didnt know had been created, shinobi he didnt know had been born.

That was certainly because he was old.

I wont resist. Toujuurou said, I understand it now.

Understand what?

That Sunagakure is heading out to meet a new future. I always kept looking back at the sight of the previous Kazekages back, so I never noticed how you were all growing behind me.Id intended to make Gaara the Kazekage and manipulate him but this is how everything turned outBut,you know, Toujuurou lifted his eyes sharply, fire burning within, One day, you too will feel the sting of times passing. One day, new shinobi are going to surpass you as well.

Well you know, Kankurou clapped a hand on Amagis back, a big, proud grin on his face, Im really looking forward to that!

Ten or so shinobi had collapsed around Bakis feet.

They were all Toujuurous subordinates. Every single one of them had arrived with the intention of aiming for Gaaras life.

And every single one of them had bowed down to the earth thanks to Bakis sword.

To think that Gaara would even play dumb in front of me to pull of a trap

He didnt feel the slightest bit angry about being left in the dark.

Rather, he was happy.

The era was really changing.

Fourthit looks like my job is finally over.

Baki started seriously considering the old offer people had repeatedly giving him to be inaugurated as a counsellor.

Alright, the Konoha shinobi whod been staying in the shade of a rock came out into the open, Its over.

Finally. Gaara replied.

Shijima recognised the Konoha shinobis face too. Shed seen his photo in documents.

Nara Shikamaru.

He was the fiancee of Gaaras sister, Temari.

It went without being said he was also the recipient of the letter that Gaara had entrusted to Temari.

Good grief Shikamaru grumbled, You call people out to help you at every little thing. It looks like Ive gotten myself a troublesome little brother.

Shikamaru scratched his forehead, his face so relaxed that youd never think he was an authority over at the Shinobi Union.

Shikamaru had been the one to rescue Temari back at the battle at the venue of Gaaras marriage meeting. He had also received Gaaras letter from Temari, and started making preparations. It also went without being said that Gaaras letter had anticipated trouble and asked for his help.

Youd been watching over my marriage meeting right from the start, hadnt you? Gaara replied, So that makes us even, elder brother.

Tch Shikamaru mustve been holding himself back a lot during his hidden surveillance, because he took out a cigarette and started smoking. The runaway-nin Shigezane, attacked and killed Lady Hakuto. You Gaara, killed Shigezane in return, and mourned for the Ladys losswell, itll be sufficient if we keep the story like that.

Your quick-thinking has been very helpful.

Its a common story. Shikamaru said, exhaling. The white tobacco smoke drifted up into the morning sky. The minute I heard what was happening from Temari, I guessed something like this could be the cause.

The Sand Waterfall Funeral doesnt leave anything, even bones, behind. That, along with your testimony about what you saw happen from where you were watching, brother, will make sure that nobody objects. Gaara said, And, after that, if two new shinobi came to exist Konoha, that wouldnt have anything to do with me.

It definitely wouldnt. Shikamaru replied to Gaaras words with a broad grin.

Ah Shijima looked like she was near tears.

It was because she could definitely see the two people moving under Gaaras sand.

The sand was simply wrapped around them to hide them from plain sight.

This is an old tactic of subterfuge, Gaara said, Im a little embarrassed for you to see it.

Established strategies are things to be used when the circumstances call for them, Shikamaru replied. There isnt anyone in the Houki tribe whos seen Hakutos face without makeup, so that wont be a problem. We will have to change Shigezanes face a little bit though.

Since thats so, well leave that to Hakuto.

Thats true.

And if you can, take Hakuto to my sisterto see Temari. The customs and ways of life in Konohagakure and Sunagakure are different. Hakuto will feel relieved to have someone she knows around.

I get it already, I get it. I wont do anything poorly, you know. Shikamaru said, quickly turning around.

That was his way of saying leave everything else to me.

Lets go, Shijima. Gaara said.

Eh

Shijima didnt know how to answer.

Im a betrayed, so wont I be erased?No matter what, that thought hadnt been erased from her head.

It wasnt that she didnt trust Gaara.

It was just that she hadnt ever known a world other than the kind where traitors were gotten rid of, she she honestly didnt know how to behave towards Gaara.

Gaara looked at Shijimas state for several seconds, and then scratched his head like he was troubled.

He suddenly noticed that Shikamaru was constantly sneaking peaks towards him and Shijima, with a strangely delighted grin on his face. It looked like hearing gossip had made him curious.

Gaara sighed, and kept talking.

Whats wrong? Youve achieved your mission, he said, Returning to the oasis before sunrise.

Is that really okay?

The truth is what weve just stated earlier. If I were to get rid of you here, it would contradict that truth. Gaaras tone wasnt cold. Rather, his words were warm. Sunagakure needs shinobi like you from now on, too.

Yes, sir. Shijima took off her glasses, bowed with her eyes closed, and then, once more, looked at him from behind her sealed and closed eyes.From now on, Id like to serve the Kazekage, if I could. Ill stake my life.

Ill be relying on you.

Gaara said only that as a reply, and leapt onwards.

Shijima leapt forwards too, following him.

After watching the pair head off in clouds of dust, Shikamaru had a satisfied look on his face as he started his work to break through the sand barrier that was hiding Hakuto and Shigezane so the two could get out.

Its finally over, huh.

The three siblings were standing on a hill that overlooked all of Suna, watching over the village that had finally regained its serenity.

Processing the uproar after the coup had gone fairly smoothly.

Kankurou had ordered his subordinates to suppress any other elders who sympathised with Toujuurou, so in a way, it felt like an infection had been purged.

After that, Gaara had just silently carried out the villages law. Toujuurou and the rest had acquired names and been driven out of the villages centre.

Ugh man, I really wanna sleep. There were bags under Kankurous eyes that had nothing to do with his makeup. Hed spent his time after the fake coup constantly giving orders to his subordinates.

Youre not going to say something Shikamaru-like? Temari asked.

The face that Kankurou made was so hilarious that Temari pointed and let out a laugh. Gaara gave a small smile too.

Something about the three siblings smiling faces looked alike.

Bloodlines may be chains that tie people down.

But, they were also bonds.

Even if they separated, they were still siblings, and he was gaining a new brother. And before long, a nephew, a niece, he would be able to go and meet new family members like that, too.

You two dont ever change, do you? Gaara noted.

Che. Kankurou grumbled.

Fufu, could be. Temari replied.

There were many things that changed. But, there were also things that didnt change.

Like the desert, Gaara thought.

The wind was constantly blowing in the desert hed been born in, creating new forms all the time. But, it was still the desert.

Gaara believed that they would be like that, as well.

Shinobi are those who endure.

They endure absurdity. They endure hardships. They keep fighting.

And, shinobi prevail under the most impossible of circumstances.

Even if swords rain down on them, their spirits never disappear.

That was enduring.

That was a shinobi.

And that, was Gaara.

And that was why from now on as well, the wind that blew over Sunagakure was always kind.

Translators Notes:

*So, after puzzling over the term raisha literally lightning/thunder cars for almost the whole novel, i finally figured out what it meant. Train in Japanese is densha electric car. The Nardy universe probs uses lightning instead of electricity. Hence, lightning/thunder car = electric car = lightning train = ELECTRIC TRAIN! I admit Im a bit sheepish as to how long it took me to figure that out lol.

**Some of you mightve noticed that the other chapter I made a few typos on Maizurus name (in my defence I was sleepy, but I apparently wrote Maizuru and Maijuru in rotation lol) but yeah, the correct versions Maizuru. Apologies for that XD

And, heres an extra explanation for anyone who missed out the clues that resulted in that AWESOME TWIST.

Remember the unexpected ally who saved Temari in chapter three? We thought it was Shijima because she said Temari told her to go help, BUT NO, IT WAS SHIKAMARU. Shikamaru who is apparently such a worrywort over his brother in law he was secretly keeping an eye on the marriage meeting the whole timejust like Temari wow you two wow. Match made in heaven XD So yeah, Shikamaru saved Temari from collapsing, and he probably helped her get back to her senses before she went looking for Shijima and asked her for help.

Second, the letter Gaara entrusted Temari with wAS FOR SHIKAMARU. Thats why she made theyouve gotten to understand some things comment because sHE KNEW HE KNEW SHIKAMARU WAS THERE, MY DAYS.

Third, the comment Gaara made abouthaving to decieve a trust ally wAS ABOUT BAKI. BECAUSE GAARA WAS IN ON THE PLOT WITH KANKUROU THE WHOLE FREAKING TIME.

Im just. smh. SMH THAT TWIST WAS BRILLIANT.

And, since there seem to be a few people who were confused about this, Gaara stopped his sand waterfall funeral technique at the last moment, and wrapped the sand around Hakuto and Shigezane to hide them from plain sight instead. His conversation with Shikamaru was about sneaking Hakuto and Shigezane into Konoha so they could live there from now on, while telling everyone in Suna that theyd died.