Because I Met You

Chapter 25: No Longer a Child's Dream

"Thanks for saving me, Gaara."

We're back at the Kazekage mansion. After going back to report our last mission, we were given a bit of a break. I'm now in Gaara's room, sitting next to him on his bed. He's reading some jutsu scrolls.

"I should've been there earlier..."

After he says that, Gaara looks at me. My heart feels a little weird. It's like someone is squeezing it! He then immediately looks back to his scroll when our eyes meet.

"I-It's okay, Gaara! You were right on time."

Why is there an awkward silence now? We've never ever had any awkward silence between us before! Well, of course there were moments of silence before, but they weren't awkward. They were really comforting, because we just... felt really casual around each other. Aaah! I can't take this anymore!

"I'm getting sleepy, so I'll back to my room."

Without even looking back, I dash out of Gaara's room. I'm pathetic! This was the only I thought of? Ugh, whatever... I really am tired, so I might as well just go sleep.

I wake up the next day, not feeling that great. I couldn't sleep for most of the night! Why did I keep getting weird thoughts about Gaara! Whenever I'd try to fall asleep, his face would suddenly appear. What's wrong with me?! I should just stop thinking about it.

I get out of bed and get ready. Today is the day our squad has its first gathering after the B rank mission we did. Before I leave, I should go check up on Gaara. I just don't know how I'll be able to look him in the eyes after all my weird dreams and thoughts of him last night...

I get to his room door and, before I could even reach for the door, it opens and reveals Gaara. He stands there, looking at me.

"Kiu? You're leaving?"

I look at him and look away. I really just can't look at his face... My face feels like it's burning. I manage an awkward smile.

"Y-Yeah! I wanted to tell you that."

"I'm actually going, too."

"Really? What a coincidence...!"

Do you want to go walk together? Why can't I say that?! This is so confusing. What's happening to me? Kankuro and Temari then come out of their rooms, which snaps me out of my weird state that I don't even know how to describe.

"Good morning, Kiu. Gaara, Kankuro, let's go. We can't afford to be late for this."

Gaara and Kankuro nod at Temari. Gaara then walks past me, saying a quick "see you later" and the three siblings leave the house before I know it. I kind of feel a bit lonely now. I wish I didn't run out of Gaara's room so suddenly yesterday. I could've spent more time with him...

I leave the mansion too, and head for the meeting spot of our team. I get there and notice that they're all waiting for me. I'm not late, though. They're all just too early.

"Now that Kiu's here, we can start talking about the reason why I brought you here."

Otokaze-sensei is getting right to business, I see. It must be something important. Before saying anything, Sensei hands us each a small paper. It has our picture and name on it.

"Chunin exam...?"

When Koji says that, I stare back at the paper. Wait, what?

"I think you guys figured it out, but you three will be attending the Chunin exams. There's a catch though."

"Wait a minute, Sensei. We just became Genin a few months ago!"

And after that last mission, I've kind of been thinking that maybe I'm not suited to be a ninja.

"Kiu, I've recommended all three of you for a reason. I believe you are more than ready to take that exam."

Otokaze-sensei has so much faith in us... I shouldn't let him down.

"What's the catch?"

"Sharp as always, Koji. The catch is that this is actually part of a surprise attack on Konohagakure no sato."

Huh...? An attack? This is all just another dangerous mission? Maru and Koji are also speechless.

"I understand your surprise. I was just as surprised when the Kazekage told me. The fact is our daimyo has been hiring Konoha's shinobi instead of Suna's shinobi. This is greatly bringing our economy down. It seems that the only way for this to turn around is to attack Konoha from the inside."

That means... war? Being a ninja has been so different from my innocent childish thoughts. I just wanted to be with Gaara, but this... this is not what I wanted.

"The main part of this plan is Gaara."

"Gaara...? Why? What's the Kazekage planning?"

Why can't he leave Gaara alone?

"Well, Gaara's supposed to unleash the Shukaku in the middle of the village, which will bring Konohagakure to a disadvantage for when the attack begins."

"He can't do that...!"

"Kiu, I don't make the decisions here. So, will you three go or not?"

"If Gaara's the main part here, then what are we going to do?"

"Good question, Maru. If only one Sunagakure Genin team participates, it will be way too suspicious. We need to have the same average number of Suna teams participate to not raise any questions on the part of the enemy."

I have no choice. I have to go, for Gaara's sake. I can't just leave him alone in this. The Shukaku is dangerous. For so many years, he's been able to contain it... Why make him go through this pain?

"We'll go. Right guys?"

Koji and Maru look at me suspiciously. It's probably due to my sudden change in attitude.

"I like your enthusiasm, Kiu! What about you two?"

Sensei turns to Koji and Maru. They both nod hesitantly.

"Alright, then it's decided. We will have a general meeting with all the Genin involved in this tomorrow. We will then immediately depart for Konohagakure."

Sensei then concludes the gathering by telling us to go rest for tomorrow.

"Kiu, you sure about this?"

Koji comes to me. He seems worried. About me?

"Yeah, I can't leave Gaara alone in this."

"Oh, it's about Gaara..."

What does he mean by that? Of course it's about Gaara.

"Well, don't freeze up like last mission."

"Sorry about last time, Maru. And of course, Koji, thanks for protecting me back there. I'm just glad we got out of there."

"Yeah, now we're getting into something that seems much more serious."

Koji says in a serious voice. This time, I won't freeze up. For Gaara's sake, I'll stay in these exams and be with him as much as I can. I'll protect him this time.