Empty Eyes: The Sequel

Chapter 24

After breakfast the following day, Madara announced what'd happened last night before I could approach Gaara on my own with the news.

"So, what are your intentions now?"

Surprise hit my eyes as I realized the king asked me rather than the Uchiha man. Usually, that kind of thing would piss Madara off, but he seemed unbothered and looked at me expectantly.

Now that it's time to make a choice, I'm not entirely sure what we should do. So long as Nagato's alive, I'm a walking tracker. Amegakure knows where I am at all times. The same goes for Deidara, but he doesn't get to choose what happens to him. They will be in danger if I'm around.

"I need to leave before Amegakure attempts another attack. The sooner I find this "Jiraiya" person, the sooner I can go home."

Sasuke's voice was gruff and firm, "We."

I looked at him with a frown, "It's not safe to travel with anyone right now. I should go alone."

The prince and his uncle shared a look before the older of the two repeated the word "we."

The table was silent momentarily before Matsuri broke the tense aura, "Well, at least stay one more night so we can enjoy a celebration this evening as comrades. Will you please?" Everyone seemed in agreement when I looked around, so I sighed in defeat and nodded.

The soon-to-be queen pressed her hands together in front of her with a bright grin, "Wonderful! Lord Gaara, please excuse me so I can prepare." The redheaded king bowed his head slightly, the blank expression on his face softening ever so slightly.

Matsuri bowed in response before facing me, "Would you like to join me, Sakura?" I nodded with a slight blush, astounded by how diligently she's adjusted to being a royal. Everyone's wrapped around her little finger, the king and prince included.

She pulled my arm into hers once I was on my feet, and I glanced back at Sasuke as she led me away. A slew of aides followed us around the castle as Matsuri delegated tasks amidst conversing with me. After sending two pretty brunettes off to fetch a large order of Danbo Saki, the clear alcohol that Ino and I had taken such a liking to during our last visit.

"I will also send a shipment of it to Konoha. Consider it a congratulatory gift on your turning!"

I brought a hand up to my mouth and laughed softly, "I'll be sure to save a bottle for when you visit. We'll share it, okay?"

Warmth met her features, "That sounds lovely. Oh! I almost forgot to ask about your sister. How is she adjusting to motherhood? Lord Kankuro says she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy."

The smile on my lips widened as I thought about my adorable nephew. When we left Konoha, Ino and Sai were equally as delighted as they were apprehensive that Inojin's first tooth was beginning to come in. He's been such a well-behaved baby that it's almost scary, but he was starting to become fussy. Mikoto seemed almost smug watching her son deal with a teething child, as though she was happy to see him deal with what she went through so many years ago.

"She and her husband are pleased, and Inojin is healthy."

Matsuri's free hand raised to cup her cheek as a dreamy look met her eye, "I can't wait to have Lord Gaara's children. They'll surely be gorgeous and strong like him."

It's hard to picture Gaara anywhere near a child, much less an infant and even more so one that he sired. After seeing the drastic change in Sai, though, maybe I shouldn't make assumptions.

"Well, I wish you luck then. May you have as many children as you wish for."

As we strolled casually through the well-lit halls, my friend motioned for another aide to approach. After sending them off to retrieve a specific type of incense, she turned her attention back onto me, "What about you? Are you and Lord Sasuke planning on having children?"