𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐤𝐢 | ɴᴀʀᴜᴛᴏ

Main Event

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The night's cold air blew in the wind, making fallen leaves brush against the ground. The night before the main event, Kazumi decided to go back to the abandoned training grounds despite mentally declaring she wouldn't do so for a while. She didn't know why or what possessed her to do it, but whenever she wondered over it, her mind would think back to Gaara.

Her idea of fighting to kill him during an upcoming match felt far from achievable. Like the other times before, Gaara left her conflicted. Although it wasn't just Gaara, but other's she grew to attach herself to.

Lee, for example, his unfamiliar kindness and determination to become strong and protect those around him. The very thought of his current state made Kazumi feel bitter inside. Ever since the Mist mission, Kazumi knew that a part of herself was developing for the better.

As she packed up her mess and stored away her used tools, she took one last glance around the familiar area. She couldn't sense anyone. Whether Gaara was truly lurking in the shadows or not, she would still be undiscovered by her lack of sensory skills.

For now, she'd stick with her intuition. An intuition she had to thank Sanjiro for engraving inside of her since childhood.

If you're out there... Know I'm prepared.

She frowned out into the shadows around her. Once taking steps away from the open field, her hand resting inside of her sandless pouch, she realised that this could've been the last time she would properly speak with Gaara again.

Unaware of the future disasters to come... Blissfully ignorant of her own personal doom, a tall silhouette who was not Gaara smirked at her retreating figure. His yellow eyes pierced brighter than the moon's waning gibbous.

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The birds were chirping, streets bustling with villagers. Kazumi walked past some stalls where a few excited owners would offer free, energising snacks for her to take. Whenever she'd try to decline, they'd only laugh and shove the snacks into her arms, giving her pats on the back for support.

"Good luck with today!"

"The world is watching, and their leaders!"

"I've reserved seats to get the best view, don't let me down, Kumo heir!"

Through the chaotic morning, Kazumi managed to slip past their hustles. Her arms were loaded with free food, making her grimace to herself.

It's so lively... I wonder if Sasuke's already there...

She thought, entering a dark, run-down building. Despite the month having already ended, neither her nor her team has seen Sasuke.

Oh... well... He better be there for his match.

She'd recall his confident declaration of going against her. Clan eye to clan eye. Although Kazumi still wasn't taking it as seriously as him.

The blonde girl stopped at a door, awkwardly knocking on it as she tried not to let the snacks fall. After a moment of silence, Kazumi pulled a face.

"Naruto... Are you still asleep?" She mumbled, frowning deeper.

Moments like this were when she'd wish she had the byakugan.

Is he seriously asleep?

Her hand managed to grab the knob, curiously twisting it open. To her surprise, it was left unlocked. Kazumi didn't know whether to feel concerned or relieved by that.