Kapitel 12: Gratitude
Author: Previous chapter was edited a minute ago, bunch of you have read the old version, please re-read.
Sakura and Kakashi caught up to them as soon as possible. Sakura spotted them in the distance, and she couldn't contain herself from shouting.
"Naruto! Naruto!!"
The blonde gave them a plain look before he took a sip of his green tea. He appeared calm. Sakura stopped before him, she gasped for breath... She took the tea from his hand and chugged it in.
"Phew... Cough... Naruto, we need to go to the sand!"
Temari's expression turned serious. Naruto, however, stared at the empty teacup, and then at Sakura.
"Naru-"
The Uzumaki raised his hand, gesturing her to shut up. Then, he stared blankly at her. Temari glanced at him, surprised as to how quickly he changed to his usual face... It was impressive, honestly.
It was like he had turned off a switch... But that moment of appreciation quickly died down as she recalled Sakura's words, but before she could voice out her concern, Naruto cut in.
"Gaara's fine"
Kakashi gave a stern look before he took a step forward.
"You don't understand the circumstances, Naruto. The Akatsuki are the on-"
Naruto looked Kakashi dead in the eye, making him forcefully shut up. There was not a hint of sarcasm in them.
Not at all reading the atmosphere, Sakura cut in:
"Jiraiya-Sama said you visited the Sand Village the day before you arrived in Konoha... Is it related to this?"
Sakura was no idiot, she could tie the strings and come up with a rational conclusion. It's just that, the rational side just seems to die when it comes to Sasuke.
Naruto silently nodded, making all of the three frown.
"How can you confirm he's Safe? From the urgency of the matter, it doesn't sound like it...?"
Temari blurted, her previous shyness washed away by a cold face. Naruto didn't seem to care as he hung his head over his shoulder and stared at the ceiling above.
"He's safe by now... You see, the one-tails is different from the rest of the tailed beast because of a reason..."
The words parted from Naruto's lips made Kakashi's eyes widen.
"No... No... No, you didn't"
The veteran Shinobi's face lost all colour as he stared at Naruto in pure horror.
"Yes... Yes, I did. You see, the seal on Gaara is the weakest I have ever seen"
Naruto didn't even get a moment before Temari grabbed his collar and stared at him with icy eyes. Her dark eyes gave a hint of threat.
"If anything happens to Gaara... I will kill you myself, Naruto Uzumaki"
Her tone was ice cold, Sakura felt shivers run down her spine. Naruto, however, completely ignored her and gazed at Kakashi.
"Do you know what sets apart Shukaku from the rest, Kakashi?"
By now, Kakashi had composed himself. He stared at Naruto with hollow eyes and shook his head.
"It's because... Unlike Kurama or any other tailed beast, he can shape the earth. The sand is his domain, and if he were to be released in a place... like a desert..." Naruto slowly took off Temari's hands and snapped his fingers. "Gaara is surely knocked out by now, and they should be traversing the Desert to their hideout. So, Shukaku should have taken over, and they must be having a battle to the death at this moment"
Naruto walked out of the shop. "Let's wait in Suna, and congratulate him for his victory when he arrives..."
'If he wins, that is'
Sakura and the others stared at each other with doubt-filled gazes. But they decided to trust Naruto's words and pray that it was true... If not... That would be tragic.
It took them three days to reach Sunakagure, and when they did, Temari rushed toward the main building, others followed suit, too.
Temari stood in front of the Kazekage's office, Naruto and the others caught up with her. She took a deep breath a turned the knob, Sakura's and Kakashi's hearts tensed as the door opened.
As she opened the door, her eyes scanned the room and landed on a person behind a desk. His uneven, spikey red hair shook her heart.
"Gaara!!"
She yelled as she ran toward him. Gaara approached her and embraced the hug. Sakura sighed, Kakashi also seemed relieved.
Gaara patted Temari's back and gave a slight smile.
"I'm alright, Temari..." His gaze flashed across the room, toward Naruto. "Thanks to my friend, Naruto Uzumaki"
Everyone's eyes landed on Naruto. Kakashi, Temari, Sakura, the higher-ups of Suna in the office... A hint of gratitude filled their hearts as they felt a sparkle of hope ignite in their chest.
Unburdened by their gazes, Naruto nodded.
"We need to speak."
Nodding, Gaara ordered them to give some privacy. They obliged and went out, leaving only Naruto and Gaara alone in the room.
Gaara sat down on his desk and gestured Naruto to take a seat, and he did.
"Thanks for trusting me"
Gaara smiled. "It is only natural that I trust my friend. Is that not right? But to be honest..." His eyes drifted toward the glass window. "... I was startled and doubtful when you approached with the intent to tear off my seal and place a new one. I am ashamed to say that I doubted your capability as a seal master. I ask your forgiveness for that, Naruto"
Naruto shook his head.
"There is no need for forgiveness, you didn't do anything wrong. But that matter is trivial, you and I both know that they won't give up that easily"
Gaara sighed, he leaned forward and placed his palm on the wooden desk.
"Yes, the Akatsuki are an unyielding bunch. They will come for me, again and again, until I fall succumb to their vile clutches... If not for you, I would have been brought dead now, at this moment. I cannot express how much gratitude I feel for you, my friend. Please, is there anything I can do to return the favour... I know that nothing from me can match the scale of what you have done to me, but still.."
Naruto stood up, approached Gaara and grabbed his shoulders. "Your friendship is more than enough"
Of course it wasn't, he was just acting humble for now. Gaara smiled, but he revealed a doubtful expression.
"If I may ask... How did you get this information?"
Naruto sat down on his chair and smiled, a confident smile that would make anyone believe what he said.
"You see... I have an ally, in the Akatsuki"
Gaara's mouth went slightly agape at those words, Naruto chuckled at his reaction. "I know, impressive, right?"
He didn't, it was utter bullshit.
"H-How?"
Startled, Gaara stood up. But seated down as quickly.
"It's a long story, I'll tell you that later. Now, let's celebrate your victory, shall we, eh?"
Gaara revealed a smile, full of gratitude.
"Yes, we shall celebrate my... No, our victory!"
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein