Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Combined Elements ❯ New recruit ( Chapter 4 )

Combined Elements

 

Chapter 4: New recruit

Gaara sat at his desk… again. It was late in the afternoon and the sun's rays could just be seen peeking above the wall that surrounded the village. He sat with his back towards the door, looking out the window at the people below. Gaara enjoyed simply watching the people of the Sand village as they went about their activities. He had finished all the paperwork for that day and was just waiting for the team from Konoha. Tsunade had sent back a message with the hawk that she had sent a team for investigation, but she had failed to mention which one it was. He sighed and longed to go on just one more mission. It would be nice to escape all the paperwork for just a little bit.

 

Then the door burst open. “Gaara! Nice to see you again!” Naruto walked in with a large grin on his face. Sakura and Kakashi followed right behind him. “Hey Gaara!” Sakura smiled, and Kakashi greeted him with a wave.

 

Gaara's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and then he smiled. Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi were some of the few friends he had. He didn't completely understand Tsunade's reasoning for sending them, since Naruto wasn't particularly suited for investigation, but he was sure she knew what she was doing. Besides, Kakashi and Sakura could keep Naruto under control if his spirit took him too far.

 

Gaara motioned towards several chairs that stood in front of his desk. As the three ninjas sat, he started talking. “Tsunade sent a message that you are investigating Orochimaru and need some information. Would you prefer if I start telling you all the details of the fight?” Kakashi nodded. “That's what we came for. When you're done, we also have something to show you, but that can wait.”

 

In reply, Gaara turned his chair slightly, so he could look out the window while talking. He told them of the whole event, starting from when Kankuro came to fetch him, until he sent the message to Tsunade by hawk. His gaze traveled over the village, inspecting every bit of it, before occasionally returning to the three listeners. Even Naruto was quiet, as Gaara told them of every detail.

 

When he finished, his eyes turned back to Kakashi. Kakashi took the hint, and dropped the copy of Jiraiya's report on the desk. “Jiraiya is out on a mission to collect information on Akatsuki. While doing so, he found out something interesting. We'd like to know if there is anything you can add.”

 

Naruto watched Gaara carefully as he read the documents. He was still grinning widely.

 

One day, I'll be a Kage too. You just wait Gaara. We can be Kages together, and have peace between the villages.

 

Sakura guessed what he was thinking, but didn't say anything. Naruto still had a long way to go, but maybe someday, he could actually accomplish his dream. She remembered how everybody used to doubt him, but now, now a lot of people actually believed in him. He had achieved a lot.

 

Gaara finished reading and handed the folder back to Kakashi. “This is all new to me. I'm afraid there is nothing I can add. All I know is that he is starting to move, and he is aiming for great power.” Kakashi nodded. He hadn't expected anything more. It was surprising to them all that Orochimaru would want to take control of such a small village, not to mention in Snow Country. What would he want to do there? “We'll head out to Snow Country tomorrow morning then.”

 

Gaara nodded. “I'm finished here, so I'll lead you to your rooms.” The group left the office and walked through the town. Several people greeted Gaara enthusiastically, and he gave a nod in return. They accepted him, and it made him feel great. Plus, he had the company of Naruto and the others. It was quite enjoyable, and he caught himself smiling.

 

****

 

“Come on Naruto!” Sakura's voice rang out through the sand building. “We still have a long way to go before we reach the boat. You'll make us late!” It was early morning. The sun had barely risen above the horizon, and behind the walls of sand that surrounded the village, it was still very dark. Few people were out in the street where Kakashi and Sakura waited. Naruto was late; he had overslept, and was now hurriedly putting on his clothes. “Why didn't Kakashi wake me up earlier.” he grumbled.

 

When he was done, he ran downstairs. “Come on! Gaara said he'd meet us at the entrance to the village. You don't want to make him wait too long do you?” Sakura balled her fist at him as he stepped out of the building, closing the door behind him. Kakashi smiled. Those two were always at it, arguing the day away.

 

The team walked towards the entrance, enjoying the crisp air before it got too warm. Naruto didn't look forward to more running in the desert. He didn't understand how people could live here, and wear black too! Just look at Kankuro! That guy was impossible! He shook his head and kept walking. This mission was a chance to gather more information about Orochimaru, and more importantly, it was a chance to save Sasuke.

 

They reached the entrance, a passage running straight through the thick sand wall. Gaara stood there, resting with his back against the wall. His sand gourd was it his feet, and he was wearing full clothing for a mission. Kakashi raised one eyebrow at him. Gaara looked up at them. “I'm going with you. They threatened the village, so I'm going to teach them the side-effects of doing so.”

 

Naruto was practically jumping for joy again. “That's great! We'll definitely succeed with Gaara on our team!” Kakashi smiled, and nodded his approval. “Welcome to the team, Gaara.”

 

From the Kazekage's office, Temari and Kankuro had been watching their brother and the Konoha ninjas. Kankuro leaned against the wall. “I don't see why he would want to make Orochimaru pay. It was only a threat. The village didn't even receive a scratch, besides, wouldn't it be safer if he stayed when people threaten the village?” Temari just stood by the window and grinned at her brother. “Did you honestly believe him when he told us that? I'm pretty sure he is just trying to escape from being Kazekage for a while. You can't really blame him.” She pointed towards the huge pile of papers on the desk. Kankuro groaned.

 

 

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this FanFic except Saara Mizu and some of the minor enemies. The rest belong to Masashi Kishimoto.