Naruto Shippuden: The Legendary Team

They arrived at Suna in record time, with Konno giving them profuse thanks for protecting him effectively and promised to send good word to both the Hokage and the Kazekage. Steel had already dispersed, letting go of their hatred for an apparently dead man and finding a way to make a living after Konno himself persuaded them to make a new life for themselves since they were no longer locked up in cages, but free from their chains. With that, Konno and Kiji went on their separate ways, swearing that they would forget about each other from now on.

It was a good thing that no one was killed in their massive battle. Kakashi noticed that it gave Sakura a semblance of peace after knowing that. She was a trained ninja, but she was still young. From what he had gathered from her parents, she also harboured some insecurities of her own, and she felt too hesitant to fight someone. If she'd ever make her first kill, Kakashi would have to make sure that she was at least twelve or thirteen before doing it.

"Well, now that our mission's done," drawled Kakashi. "You three can go tour Suna if you like. We leave in three days after the sandstorm calms down. I'll see you at the nearest inn by the gate. Bye!"

He poofed out of existence before any of his three genin could question him.

"That stupid teacher… running off whenever he feels like it," Naruto grumbled.

Sakura looked around, mesmerized. Sunagakure may be a village hidden in the sand, but it had an almost otherworldly beauty about it in the way it was different from other countries. The weather was practically hot and a little smothering, but there were some interesting sights to see. The villagers looked at them with curiosity, and there were no hostile gazes so far. Of course, since Suna and Konoha were allies at the moment, no one wanted to break the peace treaty between the villages.

"Let's go look around," Sasuke suggested quietly, already walking ahead of them.

Naruto frowned, catching up to him. "Hey! Wait for me and Sakura-chan!"

Sakura lagged behind, still enthralled by the foreign country. It was her first time being outside of her home village, and it felt a little refreshing and scary at the same time.

"Hey, Sasuke," Naruto said. "Where do you think Gaara might be?"

"I don't know," Sasuke said neutrally. "Why don't you go find him yourself?" He turned around a corner, not even waiting for Naruto's response.

"Eh?! Hey, wait, Sasuke!" Naruto whirled around. "Sakura-chan — huh?!"

Sakura was nowhere in sight.

"…Why're you guys leaving me?" Naruto pouted. "All right, fine… I can find him on my own… Just you wait and see…"

Naruto walked aimlessly with his legs carrying him, his thoughts occupied by a chibi him throwing darts at a bull's-eye with chibi Sasuke's expressionless face on it. "Heh… Take that, ya smug bastard…" he muttered to himself in satisfaction, not noticing that he was about to hit a fence.

When his head collided with wood, he reeled back in pain, clutching his forehead in agony.

"Ow ow ow! That hurt!" Naruto complained, feeling a sore spot starting to form. "Stupid wall…"

Someone sniffed nearby in surprise, catching Naruto's attention.

"…A—Are you… okay…?" The voice seemed hesitant.

Naruto immediately turned to the source. As his senses became aware of what was around him, he noticed that he was in a deserted playground. There were no kids playing seesaw or sitting on the swings. Just a lone boy about his age sitting by the sandbox, his sky-blue, pupil-less eyes staring at him in confusion.

Naruto could recognize that distinct red hair anywhere.

Naruto almost cried out in relief. What were the odds of coincidentally knocking into Gaara this early ever since he stepped into the gates of Sunagakure? It was as if fate truly was guiding him.

"Ga—" Naruto stopped short when he suddenly remembered that he wasn't supposed to know him. Fl.u.s.tered and trying to amend his mistake, he stuttered, "—Good to see you! Heheh…"

Gaara's eyes widened in surprise. "…Good… to see me…? You… aren't afraid of me?"

Naruto grinned, sauntering up to him with a dignified posture. "Of course not! Why would I?"

Gaara averted his eyes, looking at the ground sadly. "Because… I'm a monster. Everyone says so…"

Naruto peered at him. "That so? You don't look like a monster to me!" He extended his hand towards him. "Hey, wanna play with me? Push me at the swings!"

Gaara looked up at him, eyes wide in shock and awe. "You… You really mean that…?"

Naruto nodded, his grin bright and inviting. "Yeah! I can't stay here for long, anyway. I'm from Konoha and my name is Naruto! Namikaze Naruto!"

'How odd,' he thought to himself absently. 'I was used to calling myself 'Uzumaki', and now my dad's last name just flows out so easily…'

Gaara's eyes shined in hope. His hand shakily lifted, grasping Naruto's hand. "…My name is Gaara! Just Gaara."

Naruto led him to the swings. "No last name?" He had never asked Gaara this before, so now he was curious.

Gaara shook his head. "Citizens of Suna don't have a last name. Only foreigners who come to stay here as permanent citizens have a last name, and they pass that on to their descendants. However, you will find that most of us here don't have one."

"Ah… I get it!" Naruto nodded in understanding. That explained Konno and why he had a last name even though he was from Suna.

"So… you're a shinobi?"

"Yeah!" Naruto said proudly, fingering his forehead protector. "I'm a genin!" He then happily sat on the swing. Gaara stood behind him hesitantly.

"C'mon, Gaara!" he encouraged. "Push me!"

Gaara, always eager to please, complied with Naruto's requests. His pushes were gentle, so Naruto urged him to make them harder. Gaara adhered to it once more, until he pushed a little too forcefully and sent Naruto flying forward.

"N—Naruto!" Gaara cried out, sending his sand to help him. However, Gaara still didn't know how to manipulate his sand, so it hit Naruto so hard that the latter fell to the ground in a tight gasp.

Gaara was horrified. He ran over to him, his heart hammering so loudly in his c.h.e.s.t. Naruto struggled to stand up, groaning as a pang shot from his spine.

"Man… That was some hit," said Naruto, turning to face Gaara with a grin. "Hey, you have some kind of awesome power there!"

Gaara froze. "…You…" He stumbled for words. "You don't… think I'm scary…?"

Naruto scrunched up his face in confusion. "What're you talkin' about?"

"But… I—I hurt you," Gaara said remorsefully, burying his face in his hands. "Aren't you… m—mad…?"

Naruto frowned. "But you didn't mean it," he said gently.

"Hey, Kurama," Naruto said, going into his Inner World. "Why is Shukaku still tormenting Gaara?! I thought he can remember, just like you!"

Kurama seemed to be frowning. "…Perhaps I might have the appropriate medicine for his… forgetfulness," he said mysteriously. "Shukaku seems to be sleeping right now. I shall wake him up."

Naruto nodded, going back to reality. He continued to comfort Gaara, telling him over and over again that it wasn't his fault.

Man, this was messed up. Gaara really went through a lot. From what Naruto understood, even his siblings didn't try to get close to him at this time, too scared of their youngest brother.

Suddenly, Gaara flinched, his pupils dilating. Naruto, puzzled, echoed his name, but Gaara's awareness seemed to be far away. Naruto watched in apprehension as familiar red chakra began to leak out of Gaara's seemingly frail body, rage bubbling out of its pores. Gaara's eyes narrowed, his teeth gritted together tightly as if he were resisting against it. However, he appeared to be failing.

"Kurama…" Naruto called out the Kyūbi. "I think Shukaku's awake, and he knows you're here."

"I know, Naruto," Kurama said in his deep, guttural voice, opening his eyes and glaring at Shukaku himself, who was fully awake and growling.

"Kyūbi!" Shukaku snarled, his teeth — or rather, lack of it — baring.

"Ichibi, long time no see" was Kurama's deadpan greeting before promptly whacking the Ichibi on the head. Hard.

A beat of silence passed. Then another.

Shukaku raised his head, his jaw slightly open.

"…Kurama?"

"Good, you remember," Kurama laughed in triumph, watching as Shukaku's eyes glazed over in recognition. "Now stop tormenting your vessel. Don't forget," he added, "he tried to save you before you were s.u.c.k.e.d inside the Gedō Mazō. This is your chance to make amends with him, as early as this is."

Shukaku was silent, something that was uncharacteristic of him. "Time travel… an unprecedented phenomenon that has always been unheard of." He glared at Kurama. "And yes, I know. Don't treat me like an idiot, you self-confident p.u.s.s.y," he said petulantly.

Kurama shrugged. "You can't blame me for being too used to your immaturity."

Shukaku was all but ready to snap, but Kurama interrupted him.

"Since you had no awareness of the future before I channeled my chakra into you," Kurama said, narrowing his eyes, "I assume that the others are the same as well?"

Shukaku knew what Kurama meant by 'the others'. "Your chakra triggered most of my memories," he said grumpily, looking a bit lost at the revelation. "The other Bijū are unlikely to remember events of our timeline unless they discover their own triggers."

"I see." Kurama closed his eyes, sighing. "Since Naruto went back in time, his abilities are unstable. Even the other Bijū's chakra that they gave him are not retained in this timeline, so there's no other way to contact them."

Shukaku was quiet for a moment. "Oi, Kyūbi… Do you have any idea who sent us back in time?"

Kurama sighed again. "I do not know. My last memories of the future were of fighting Kaguya alongside Naruto and Team 7. I cannot recall any instance wherein any of us activated a time-travel technique while our lives were on the line. I assumed that all of us Bijū would retain memories of the future since we are living entities of chakra itself, but that has been proven wrong judging from your situation. By channeling my chakra into you, I triggered your memories. It was the same with Naruto, whose memories were triggered by a memorable instance in his life."

"Then that means anyone's memories can be triggered?" Shukaku said.

Kurama shook his head. "I don't think so. If Team 7 were the ones who travelled back in time, then it makes sense why Naruto and Sasuke have their memories back. It was only a matter of time. As for you, you are a Bijū; your soul is immortal and retains in any timeline."

"Only those two? Hah!" Shukaku muttered. "As to be expected. What about the girl and their sensei?"

"Sakura and Kakashi have shown no signs of remembrance according to Naruto," Kurama responded. "It further strengthens the possibility that only these two travelled back in time to stop the Fourth Great Ninja War from happening again."

"Then that means only your brat, that Uchiha, and us Bijū remember the future!" Shukaku exclaimed. "It makes sense… you were still present while they were fighting against Kaguya…"

"A lot of things don't make sense. However, our goal is to stop Ōtsutsuki Kaguya from reviving again," Kurama said resolutely. "I will have to leave now. Give your chakra to Naruto so we can communicate again. That way, Naruto and Gaara can communicate with each other as well."

Shukaku seemed to be frowning. "Looks like… I'll have to work with you in order to survive," he muttered.

"It's for the world's sake. The Sage of Six Paths would be proud of us," Kurama told him. "Shukaku. Gaara… is a good person."

Shukaku turned his head away, his eyes distant yet hardening. "Mind your own business, damn fox."

Naruto felt the change in Gaara as the latter collapsed to the ground, his eyes wide in confusion. Naruto could sense about three Sunagakure Anbu that had tensed and were ready to go into action, but ceased momentarily when it seemed that the malevolent chakra dispersed, returning Gaara back to his normal state.

"It's done, Naruto," Kurama said in his Inner World.

"Thanks, Kurama," Naruto said sincerely. "I can feel Shukaku's chakra inside me now… Did he…?"

Kurama nodded. "I told him to. However..."

"What is it?"

Kurama frowned. "It may not only be Shukaku."

"Huh?"

"Shukaku could not remember. It was only when I channeled chakra into his head with my fist that he remembered everything."

"Then... does that mean..."

Kurama nodded. "As of now, it's only you, me, Sasuke, and the Ichibi who remember the future." Kurama's eyes narrowed. "We will talk more later. Shukaku has calmed down, so do what you must with your friend."

Naruto was snapped out of his Inner World by the sound of Gaara's shallow breaths.

"Wh—What happened…?" Poor Gaara seemed so raddled. "No… D—Did I hurt somebody again? I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"

"No, Gaara," Naruto consoled, placing a firm hand on the boy's shoulder. "I'm fine. See? Not even a single scratch!"

Gaara stared. It was true. Naruto looked completely unscathed, that same friendly, amiable smile on his face. Was it… a miracle, somehow? He couldn't even feel Shukaku's hate breathing down his neck. It seemed that the Ichibi was somehow subdued, though by what, he didn't know. Relief shot down his spine, spreading to the whole of his body. Finally, his mind was at peace.

He was about to thank Naruto — for surely his presence was the reason — when two familiar voices hesitantly yelled.

"Gaara." It was Temari's voice, Kankuro following reluctantly behind her. "Father… wants you home immediately."

Gaara looked at his siblings. "Um… C—Can I invite Naruto to dinner?"

Temari's eyes widened fractionally, her gaze resting upon the blond-haired boy standing beside her younger brother.

This kid was different from the others, she could tell. His proximity with Gaara was well within personal space, and his visage didn't even show subtle signs of fear.

Temari swallowed heavily. This was the first time anyone had ever gotten this close to Gaara except for Uncle Yashamaru. And she… never even bothered. Neither did Kankuro, who was indifferent — sometimes his feelings even bordered on dislike — to Gaara but was actually afraid of him, like she was, though she was good at hiding it more than he did.

And now, Gaara was inviting someone to dinner. Father would be shocked and uncertain, especially because the kid —what was his name? Naruto? — was obviously a foreigner, if that forehead protector of his was any indication, and there was also a possibility that Father would either be pleased or displeased by this development. It showed that Gaara was human, not a monster.

Temari was not stupid. She had an inkling that her father was gauging Gaara, pondering on whether or not he was safe for the village and also if the monster inside him was something Gaara could control capably.

Making up her mind, her lips formed words. "Yes, Gaara. You can invite him."

Kankuro whipped his head towards his sister, eyes wide. "Temari…?!"

Temari ignored him, walking away and gripping his hand in hers, leading him away from the playground.

Gaara smiled, anticipation flooding his c.h.e.s.t. Someone was actually going to his home for dinner! He never had someone who wasn't afraid of him before. This was going to be a happy night!

"Um… Gaara?" Naruto said sheepishly. "I… didn't come alone, so… can my two friends come, too?"

Gaara blinked, uncertainty showing on his expression. "Um… I—I'm not sure if…"

"They'll like you! I swear it!" Naruto encouraged. "They can be your friends, too!"

Gaara's lips parted in surprise. "…Friends…?" He tested the word on his tongue, the term seemingly foreign to him. No one had ever said that to him before…

"Yeah, friends!" Naruto nodded vigorously, beaming. "I'm your friend, aren't I?"

"My… friend…" The implication made pleasant feelings rise inside Gaara. "Namikaze Naruto…" He smiled happily. "Yes, please invite your friends, too, Naruto. I… would like to meet them."

Naruto laughed, accomplished. "Great! I'll go get them right away! You wait here, okay? I'll be right back, I promise!"

• • •

Sasuke aimed, and then threw the kunai cleanly, hitting the bull's-eye right at the center. The other Academy students, awed at the display, started crowding up to him and asking him for pointers. Sasuke, not used to this many people talking to him, backed away slightly, eventually finding that he was trapped. His right eyebrow twitched, but he patiently explained the gist of the exercise to them, speaking of how the posture and focus is the key to better targeting.

"Sasuke!"

Sasuke swivelled around at Naruto's voice. "…Naruto," he said neutrally, though Naruto detected the underlying request in his tone. Naruto, understanding, dragged him out of the crowd, earning him disappointed pouts from the children. And the funny thing was, about more than half of them were older than him and Sasuke.

"C'mon, Gaara just invited us to dinner!" he told Sasuke as they ran.

Sasuke blinked. "…That wasn't… part of the plan."

• • •

Sakura, who had lingered away from her two male teammates, was currently focused on the greenhouse. She had read numerous books about herbs and plants before; seeing that she had a good memory, she could even confidently enumerate the benefits of some plants as well as their potentials as either poisons or medicines.

The plants in Sunagakure's greenhouse were mostly unfamiliar to her, but there were a few that caught her attention. She was about to be shooed out by a Suna medic when she suddenly talked about the plants, resulting in an interesting discussion.

The Suna medic, Miko, was slightly puzzled but amazed by her extensive knowledge. "What intrigues me most, Sakura-san," she said, "is that what you've told me is—"

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto's panting voice reached her ears. "Finally! I've found you! I've been looking everywhere!"

Sakura blinked in surprise at the sight of her two teammates. "Naruto? Sasuke-kun? What—"

Naruto grasped her hand, gripping it tightly and dragging her out of the greenhouse with an apologetic wave at the stunned medic.

"Sorry, onee-chan! I gotta borrow Sakura-chan! It's important!"

While they were running, Sakura asked, "What's the rush, Naruto?"

"We're having dinner with the Kazekage's family!"

Sakura's eyes instantly bulged out from their sockets. "WHAT?! How did that happen?!"

"Long story!"

• • •

Gaara fiddled with his thumbs, still waiting for Naruto to come back. It had been about thirty minutes already. Dread filled Gaara's c.h.e.s.t, almost choking him. What if it had all been a trick? If it was, then it was very cruel. Gaara thought that he finally had someone he could connect to, and if Naruto had only planned to leave him hanging like this, it would break a part of him.

Gaara waited for another five minutes before standing up, his heart clenched, preparing to leave the vicinity. It wasn't until he was near the exit when Naruto suddenly showed up, panting as he brought two other people with him.

"Sorry I'm late!" he apologized. "The village is really big! I got lost about four times before I finally found them!"

The tightness in Gaara's c.h.e.s.t instantly loosened, relief taking in. So it was not a trick, after all! "It's okay," he said shyly. "Who are your friends?"

Sakura, who was still a little confused about the whole thing, spoke first. "Hello," she said warmly. "I'm Haruno Sakura, Naruto's teammate and a genin from Konoha." She bowed as she made her introduction, with him bowing back timidly.

"Uchiha Sasuke," Sasuke said neutrally, bowing his head a little in greeting. "Pleased to meet you."

Gaara bowed again politely in response. "Hello. My name is Gaara. Please follow me! I'll lead you to my home!"

They eventually came upon a large apartment. Taking off their shoes before entering, Gaara instructed them to sit in the living room and make themselves comfortable before running off to tell Yashamaru that they had guests.

"Nice place they've got," Naruto remarked. "Man, this is exciting!"

"Exciting?" Sakura squeaked. "This is nerve-wracking! We're inside the Kazekage's house!"

"He won't turn us away so harshly," Sasuke said calmly, resting his head against his propped-up arm. "Once he knows that Naruto's the son of the Hokage as well as the jinchūriki, he'll think twice." He eyed Sakura, who flinched at the latter term. "You do know, don't you?"

Sakura averted her gaze, nodding slowly. "…Yes. I know."

Naruto hesitated, about to say something.

At that moment, Kankuro and Temari stepped into the room, their expressions guarded but not hostile.

"Father would like to see you three at the table," Temari said stonily, eyeing them carefully.

Kankuro said nothing, only folding his arms across his c.h.e.s.t and observing them, most notably at their forehead protectors.

"Okay!" Naruto said, going into the dining room with Sasuke and Sakura behind him. When they entered, Gaara was with a pleasant-looking young man with blond hair, while an imposing-looking man seated at the head with red hair was staring at them, seemingly gauging them with his eyes.

"Konoha shinobi," he enunciated with narrowed eyes. "What is your business here in Suna?"

"Father," Gaara spoke, upset. Yashamaru shushed him gently.

"We escorted a Suna merchant by the name of Tanshi Konno here safely," Sasuke responded curtly.

Rasa nodded. "Tanshi Konno… All right. What are your names?"

"Uchiha Sasuke."

"…Haruno Sakura."

"Namikaze Naruto!"

Rasa's eyes widened. "Namikaze…?"

"Yup!" Naruto placed a fist to his c.h.e.s.t proudly. "My dad's the Yondaime Hokage!"

Temari, Kankuro, Gaara, and Yashamaru stared at him in surprise.

Rasa's mind spun. Of course, he had no intention of betraying Konoha (at the moment), but for the Leaf's Hokage to send his son on a mission to Suna without worry… implied that he trusted Suna.

Rasa didn't know what to make of this. Being solid allies with Konoha influenced pleasant tradings as well as a slight, recognizable increase in resources in their desolate, dry lands. At times, the Fourth Hokage would send a well-informed medic or even a merchant to stop by their country, proof of their alliance. The Hokage, although stern and efficient in his position, seemed also compassionate in his own subtle way. Rasa suspected that the man was rather fond of peace, and well effective when it came to his allies.

Rasa didn't know if he felt relieved or mildly disheartened by the thought.

"I see," he said slowly, gazing deep into Naruto's deep blue eyes. The same eyes as the infamous Yellow Flash Namikaze Minato, only his son's eyes were a lot warmer. Rasa admitted though that he had never seen the man outside of his cool professionalism before. Perhaps they would still have the same eyes…

"I really like Gaara!" Naruto suddenly spoke, surprising the entire room. "He's nice! Sasuke's boring, and Sakura-chan's nice, too, but she's a girl, so she doesn't count!"

"…" Sasuke wisely kept his mouth shut, though his eyebrow was twitching.

Sakura clenched a hand into a fist, shaking. "…I don't know if I should feel neutral or offended by that statement…"

Gaara's eyes turned misty. "It's… It's the first time anyone's ever said that to me…" he whispered to Yashamaru, who squeezed his hand gently in response.

"I…" For once, Rasa seemed a little fl.u.s.tered, unsure of this development. He always had a sort of problem with the Gaara's niceties; he felt that it would impede his progress with becoming the proper jinchūriki. He now didn't know what to do; Karura was infinitely better at this parenting business. But his wife was gone, and he was the one left.

He cared for his children. However, he felt that his actions concerning them were sometimes somewhat counter-productive.

"Why, thank you for saying that about my nephew," Yashamaru spoke up genially, smoothly making up for his brother-in-law's loss of words. "It warms my heart to know that he has a friend he can connect with. Naruto-kun, right?" At Naruto's eager nod, he introduced himself. "My name is Yashamaru. I'm Gaara's uncle. Pleased to meet you."

"No problem!" Naruto exclaimed. "Nice to meet you, too!"

Temari stepped up, earning her a surprised glance from Kankuro. "I am Temari, Gaara's older sister." She sent a glance towards her youngest brother, noticing that he was looking at her in astonishment. "Please take care of my brother."

Kankuro, who was reluctant to join in, caved the moment he saw the warning glance from his sister. "I'm Kankuro," he said dully. "Gaara's older brother. Pleased… to meet you."

"All right," Rasa's voice reverberated inside the room. "Our dinner will get cold. Let us eat."

Everyone took their seats at the table. Naruto gazed at the delicious-looking food served on the platters, his mouth watering in hunger. Sasuke and Sakura, who were starved as well, stared at the exotic dishes.

'I wonder what Kakashi-sensei's doing right now…' Sakura wondered absently.

----------------------------------

Meanwhile, with Kakashi…

----------------------------------

"…Er… just one dumpling, please," Kakashi ordered from a nearby restaurant, looking forlornly at his almost empty wallet. He had, embarrassingly, forgotten to stock it up back home, and the payment for their C-Rank mission was only something they could receive back at the Tower in the treasury section. He only had enough money left for two nights at a cheap inn.

Kakashi sighed, thinking about his students. 'I just hope they at least have enough money for decent food…'

----------------------------------

While eating, Yashamaru pointed out the names of the dishes they ate. Naruto turned green when the older man mentioned that the former just ate squid, while Sasuke inconspicuously placed more tomato slices into his salad. Though the fact that they had tomatoes around here was pleasantly surprising, given that the weather condition in their country was not very compatible with the growing of most plants.

When dinner was over, Naruto found himself sitting alone with Rasa and Yashamaru while Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, and Sasuke were persuaded by Sakura to play a board game together in the living room. Naruto could practically feel Rasa's intent gaze on him.

Naruto took a deep breath. He didn't know if his father would kill him or not by giving out s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e — or was it, really? — information to their ally, but this was now or never.

"Kazekage-sama," Naruto began, "you might not know of this, but I… am the jinchūriki of the Kyūbi, Namikaze Naruto."

Something flashed in Rasa's expression, but Naruto was too late to catch it. Yashamaru, on the other hand, had a surprised look on his face.

"I noticed that your son had trouble controlling the Ichibi's power," Naruto continued on, trying to find the right words, "so the Kyūbi inside me talked to the Ichibi and… um, persuaded it to stop tormenting Gaara."

Rasa and Yashamaru stared at him in disbelief.

Naruto waved his hands in front of his face frantically. "I—I know it's a little surreal to take in, but it'strue! Gaara — your son — is capable of controlling the Ichibi's sand. He just needs guidance and connection. I'll be here to help him, but…" He looked straight into their eyes, hoping for his hidden meaning to get through. "…it won't be enough if he doesn't have the connection in his own family as well."

"…What are you implying?" Rasa drawled, his tone a bit unreadable. However, Naruto had the feeling that the Kazekage was testing him. Naruto gulped slightly, knowing that his answer would either have a positive or negative effect on what Gaara's life would become from now on.

"All I'm saying, Kazekage-sama," Naruto said meaningfully, "is that all Gaara needs is support. I can control the Kyūbi's power without problems, and that's only because my friends and family have always been by my side every step of the way. Without them, I would never have gotten this far." An appreciative, wistful smile curved Naruto's lips. "My mother, who was the previous jinchūriki, once mentioned that I should fill the vessel with love. Only then would I be able to get by with being a jinchūriki." Naruto stood up, sending Rasa one last expressive smile. "Please think about it, Kazekage-sama."

He then left for the living room, joining the others on the board game. Yashamaru spared a glance at Rasa, who seemed to be wholly deep in thought. As for Yashamaru, there was no such conflict. He already regarded Gaara as someone precious to him. He would shower his nephew with so much love if need be, especially because of the absence of the poor boy's mother. And if Naruto's words were right, then Gaara wasn't going to be just the Sand's weapon anymore.

If anything, Gaara was going to be a very important ninja to Sunagakure, respected and admired by all. Yashamaru would give everything to see it happen.

tbc

• • •

• •

•

OMAKE/EXTRA

Sasuke, Sakura, Temari, and Kankuro were all sitting on the living room floor, every one of them stiff. Sometimes, Kankuro and Temari would glance at the foreigners in their house and then glimpse at the dining room where their father was. Sasuke and Sakura, on the other hand, did not know what to say. Both were... not exactly an expert on making small talk.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

When Naruto finally went towards them, he sweatdropped.

"...I thought you guys were going to play a board game...?"