𝑰𝑵𝑶𝑪𝑯𝑰 𝑵𝑶𝑯𝑨𝑹𝑨 :: Dauntless

26. YOU BELONG TO ME [END]

Inochi left Konoha at dawn, as she saw Naruto and Kakashi waving her goodbye from the village gates. She wasn't at all anxious as she knew she would be meeting them soon enough and that her "punishment" was more like a precaution.

- "I understand why Lord Kazekage didn't punish you harshly, but I would never realise why he asked you to train Gaara sama" Baki said. "Suna has way more skillful shinobi who can train Gaara sama better"

- "I don't think I would be the one training him solely though" Inochi replied. "I don't even know much about the wind style chakra. My brother has it but I haven't trained him either in wind specialised Jutsus. I am sure I will just have to look after his basics and over all development"

- "Baki, don't worry. Inochi here is actually a pretty good ninja" Sajin said. "Although not a very good spy. She couldn't even tell that I was in touch with Yura all this time"

- "Would you let go of that already" Inochi whined. "I am still just 14. What's embarrassing is that you got kidnapped by a shinobi 10 years younger than you"

- "Hey! I am not that old-" Sajin chuckled.

- "Well, atleast everything is sorted out now. I guess it will be difficult for you to stay away from your home but it seems Gaara sama is like your own brother now" Yura sympathised.

Inochi smiled as she heard Yura. It was true, she saw Gaara as her own brother. She nodded a bit in agreement and continued on the path just when a feather fell on her shoulders. Inochi suddenly stopped making the others confused.

-"Is something wrong?" Baki asked as he started to take out his Kunai.

Inochi stood with a black crow feathers between her fingers, smiling. It was the parting gift from her rival Itachi, who was now on a similar path of redemption.

-"Ah no. This feather suddenly fell on me so I got startled" Inochi joined the group while pocketing the feather in her clothes. "I hope I can meet you soon Itachi... Next time, we will surely take down the masked man" Inochi thought. "Next time.... I will surely find out if it is actually you.... Obito niisan"

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(3 years later)
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- "Neechan, are you sure you don't want any gifts?" A ten year old Gaara huffed as he looked after his garden. "You know I can make you the perfect bouquet"

- "Gaara you need to stop bullying me into taking care of plants" Inochi whined as she helped Gaara plant a few seeds in the greenhouse.

A lot of changes happened as Inochi became Gaara's governor. She was a mentor and an older sister to him instead of just being a babysitter.

- "How would you remember me if I don't give you plants to take care of? Everyday you water them, you will think of me" Gaara said plainly.

-"Gaara, those communication scrolls are famous for a reason. We could talk everyday. Plus I am already getting gifts from the Kazekage for my birthday. Why can't you give a normal gift, like a card or something"

-"..... Fine. I will give you a sketch" Gaara huffed and stomped out of the greenhouse. His demeanor changed a lot as he started demanding for things and not just being a passive person. Inochi herself helped Gaara learn his worth but sometimes, it made her regret her decisions. "That kid would be the end of me". Inochi breathed out in exhaustion and went out in her muddy shoes and gloves.

She walked down the lane as she saw faces she had become familiar with in the three years.

-"Kuro Ojisan! Don't forget about the feast today!" Inochi shouted from outside the shop which made Kuro run outside to greet her.