Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Photograph ❯ Return ( Chapter 10 )

Theme #10: #10

 

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“Message for you, Kazekage-sama.”

 

Gaara made a vague gesture, letting the messenger come in, while he studied a map with Lee. “The northern wall is the higher priority.”

 

Lee tipped his head to the side. “The winds are going to come out of the west, and there is some damage here.” He set a finger against the map.

 

The messenger set the scroll down on the desk and bowed himself out quickly. Keeping his eyes on the map, Gaara opened up the scroll. “The wind never comes in perfectly from the west, and the northern wall is weaker.” He turned his eyes away to read his message, bearing Tsunade's seal.

 

Kazekage,

 

We have been pursuing a band of rogue ninja. It appears that this group has moved across the border into Suna. They are a violent group and a threat to both of our countries. With your approval, I will send Uzumaki Naruto and Nara Shikamaru over to create a team with Rock Lee and hunt this band down. Since both of our countries are involved, I am hopeful that you will be able to spare a team of Suna shinobi to support them.

 

Also, are you ever giving me back my jounin? The kissing photo is ancient history now.

 

Tsunade

 

 

Gaara looked at the message, and then over to the calendar on his desk. Some quick math came to a rather surprising conclusion. “You have been here for ten months.”

 

“What?” Lee's head snapped up to look at the calendar, doing the same calculations. “I guess I have. Well, we have been very busy. I have been tutoring my students, and there have been the missions, and now it's time to prep the village for storm season . . . “

 

“There is a mission coming from Konoha. Tsunade is sending Naruto and Shikamaru to hunt down a group of rogue ninja, and she wants you to be on the team.”

 

“Ah, Konoha's formidable Team Sand!” Lee's eyes lit up. “We have not had a chance to team together in awhile, and I will be excited to see them!”

 

“Hm.” Gaara reached over and snagged a blank piece of paper. He needed to send a reply back to Tsunade, but knowing her the shinobi in question were already on the way. Naruto and Shikamaru were sent to Suna often enough that they had permanent passports, just like Lee.

 

“So, are we going to repair the north wall first? I need to bring the plans to the construction team.” Lee started to roll up the various plans.

 

“Yes.”

 

Lee scooped the pile into his arms. “I am going to go deliver these, and then I will be back with lunch. What are you in the mood for today, Gaara?”

This was one of the moments that set Lee apart. Temari would usually drop something off on her way by if she thought her brother was not eating. Kankuro could barely remember to feed himself properly, much less anyone else. When Gaara needed to have lunch delivered, it was standard fare, whatever everyone else was having. He barely noticed anyways. But with Lee's insistence and influence, he was learning that there were different kinds of food. And some that he enjoyed more then others. “Yakitori.”

 

“Yakitori it is. I'll be back soon.” With a friendly wave, Lee disappeared.

 

Gaara considered his response carefully before setting his pen to paper.

 

Hokage,

 

Approval granted. There will be a team for support.

 

No, I will not return him.

 

Gaara

 

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