Demons

Chapter Eight

A week went by, Naruto swiftly regaining his strength, Gaara drowning in work as the Allied Shinobi Forces' Regimental Commander. The effort and preparation for The Forth Ninja War were charging ahead, gaining momentum. A chill could be felt through the streets. Tension mounting. Anticipation setting teeth on edge.

Lee excitedly fulfilled his promise to help Naruto recover and gain use of his newly re-attached arm, Kakashi, Sakura, and many others showing their support and helping in any way that they could.

But where Naruto grew in physical might, his emotional status began to strain and suffer.

Things were different after that morning with Gaara. He'd only been able to receive a few letters since, no visitations. Understanding the burden on the young Kazekage, Naruto tried to pace himself and rationalize his anxieties. But, beyond the busyness and stress of war on the rise, he felt something else between them.

Had he been wrong about this love too?

The time came for him to travel away to meet Lord Killer Bee and the Eight-Tails, Captain Yamato as his escort. Still unaware of where he would be hidden to train, Naruto packed, and tried to prepare as best as he could, heartbreak creeping more into his heart each moment he grew closer to leaving with no word from Gaara.

Five days before they were to leave, Naruto could no longer stand it. If this was the wrong path, he was going to run the full length of it before turning back on it too. He threw a small knapsack over his shoulder, and set out on his own for The Hidden Sand Village.

The journey was perilous for him, taking every ounce of his energy, trying his freshly healed body, pushing it beyond its limit. He knew it was stupid to go out on his own, that Lady Tsunade would be furious, that Captain Yamato was probably right on his heels, but he didn't care. He had to know.

Finally arriving, haggard and weary, Naruto did his best to sneak through the outer patrols and to the office of The Kazekage.

Within five minutes, Tenmari had caught him.

She smirked largely, "It looks as if I've apprehended a Leaf ninja disobeying his direct orders, and trying to break his way into our Village offices... This way." She instructed, leading him right up to Gaara's door. "I'm afraid I'll have to leave you to be dealt with by The Kazekage himself. I'll warn you though, he's not a man to be trifled with."

Her eyes met his with serious threat, before punching Naruto's arm and heading back down the hall.

Naruto looked to the great wooden doors. He swallowed hard, sweat beading up on his forehead.

Then, in a burst of courage, he opened the door and strode in.

Gaara was on his feet instantly, a mess of papers scattered over a large desk, a cup of tea cold and untouched leaving a ring on one of the documents.

"Naruto," He swelled with joy. "You're here...Is anyone with you? Did you travel here alone? ... Naruto, it's not safe right now. Lady Hokage is going to be-"

"I don't care how Granny Tsunade feels." Naruto interrupted, Gaara giving a small gasp at the confession.

"Naruto," he sighed. "You need to have a bit of awareness and respect for Lady Tsunade and what she's trying to do. There's a lot more going on here... Have some formality. We're-"

"At war," Naruto interrupted again, "I know... I will have formality. I will call Granny Tsunade, Lady Fifth Hokage of The Leaf, and you Lord Fifth Kazekage of The Sand, for the rest of my days if it will please you, but I had to come. Let me have a moment more of behaving informally, please."