Because I Met You

Chapter 62: Trusted Teammate

Back at Sunagakure, I'm intercepted by one of the shinobi who work at the entrance.

"I'm sorry but we were requested to immediately bring you to the Sunagakure council as soon as you returned. Please follow me."

I sigh and nod. What do they want now after trying to assassinate me? I just want to get this over with at this point, there's something much more important on my mind.

As I arrive in the council's office, they all have a slightly displeased look on their face.

"So you finally came back, Kiu."

The oldest one says with a bit of sarcasm hidden in his tone.

"Oh yes, even though my clients were on a mission to assassinate me, I made it back just fine. It is really odd though how they were able to bypass you with how vigilant you always are."

I add a side of mocking into my statement.

"Well... Mistakes happen and we are glad you came back safely."

One of the younger members of the council says through his teeth.

"I'm sure you are. Now do you need me for anything else or may I take my leave?"

As I am about to turn around, they call out to me.

"Yes, actually, we do need to speak to you about something else."

I roll my eyes before turning back to face them.

"As a Sunagakure ninja, it was your duty to come back and report this to us as soon as it happened. However, you left your comrades there to fend for themselves and went on a little vacation on your own. We got reports from some of our scouts at Ceramic village saying that you were just lounging around, relaxing. We did not authorize any vacations for you. As a disciplinary measure, we decided to not pay you for this mission."

I'm sure they were going to find another excuse not to pay me even if I had come back right away. Still, I really don't feel like arguing any more with them, because I'm going to end up being the one losing in this. I have no power against their corruption right now.

"Fine. Anything else?"

"You may go now. We were easy on you this time, but let's hope for your sake this doesn't happen again."

I finally leave the office and start heading back home to see if Gaara is back. I have this need to tell him about my feelings towards him. On my way back, I bump into Maru.

"Oh Maru, you're back from your mission?"

"Yeah it was pretty easy. Just felt a bit weird with just Koji and not having you there to mediate."

He let out a small laugh. I grin, feeling some sense of normalcy back in my life.

"How was your mission with your two worst enemies?"

"Long story..."

"I got time."

We decide to catch up at the sand dumpling shop since we've both been craving it. The dusting of soy powder on the sticky rice cake with red bean filling is such a heavenly combination. No wonder it's the most popular food that Sunagakure is known for.

I tell Maru about everything that happened, not really holding back since I had nothing to hide anymore. I tell him about my past, the hidden plotting of the Sunagakure higher ups, and Mari's involvement. I tell him about Koji's role in all of this as well and the plot to assassinate me including Hana and Mari's role in it all. Before we know it, the sun started to set.

"You weren't kidding when you said that it was a long story..."

Maru seems pretty baffled. I give him a few minutes to process everything.

"So that's why it was awkward between you and Koji."

I nod.

"And that's why Mari hates you so much."

I nod again.

"What the hell?! After all they've made you go through now they're trying to assassinate you?"

"Yeah... I don't know how long it will be until the next attempt. If they tried once and it didn't work, I'm sure they'll end up plotting something else."

"I can't believe Hana and Mari stooped this low. Even if they don't like you, to straight up betray their comrade like this... I lost all respect I may have had for them."

I smile warmly. It's nice to feel like I have someone in my corner like this after that aggravating conversation with the council.

"Thank you Maru..."

"Why are you thanking me for?"

"For believing me and for supporting me."

He puts an arm around my shoulder and grins.

"Of course, you're my teammate and my friend. I mean we've gone through so much together too. If I'm able to trust you with my life, then the least I can do is trust what you say."

I stay silent for a while, a bit speechless.

"Wow, Maru. I never thought you'd say such touching things. I'm at a loss for words."

Maru removes his arm to scratch the back of his head and gives me a bashful laugh.

"But you know, Kiu, this all happened because the previous Kazekage allowed it, right? The council usually would not take such drastic actions without being backed up by the Kazekage."

"Yeah, that's true."

"So I wonder. If the next Kazekage is aware of the full story, wouldn't they be able to back you up and protect you?"

I look Maru in the eyes. I feel like this is my opportunity to convince him that Gaara would be a great Kazekage.

"So Maru, I've actually been thinking the exact same thing. That's when an idea came into my mind. Someone who's powerful, compassionate, and would always have the people's best interest at heart... The one person that came to my mind is Gaara."

"Gaara?"

Maru says in a baffled voice.

"Yes, Gaara. Think about it, he's extremely powerful and he hasn't hurt anyone since he was very young. He also knows about a lot of the corruption that's going on and he's the previous Kazekage's son."

"I mean, when you put it that way... I guess it does make some sense. I just never pictured Gaara being Kazekage. Trust me, I have no problems with the guy, he just never really crosses my mind in general."

"But you get it right? I think he might be the best candidate for Kazekage."

"Yeah... Maybe you are right. I think I can stand behind that decision."

I grin and give Maru a friendly tap on the back. We finish up our conversation and head our separate ways. It's already dark now. I head home, hoping that Gaara's back from his mission.