Do you Beleaf?

Chapter 13: Ino-Shika-Chou's Retaliation

Shanel POV

My words seemed to have shocked the fifth Kazekage because he didn't say anything for a while, just blankly looking at me with a worried expression. Why would he be worried?

"You...killed him? Why?" Gaara asked slowly and unsure. I looked at him and gave a fake smile, who was I kidding right now.

"I don't think you would want to know." I paused for a moment but started to think back at that mission.
"He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"What?" Gaara looked a but confused but I just laughed.

"I never intended to kill him, but he was simply in the way." I said with no remorse. "I don't feel as much remorse anymore..." I was cut off.

"Why are you lying to yourself?" Gaara interrupted me and stated by raising his voice. I felt a chill up my spine.

"I'm not-"

"Since a few years ago, your personality changed greatly. Perhaps you're suffering, perhaps you're feeling guilt." He closed his eyes and sighed. "You don't have to suffer alone. The bonds with your friends, allies, and comrades can help you."

"What if I don't need help? What if I found my own solution Gaara?" I said with a somewhat spiteful tone.

"Like what?"

"Why do you think I joined the Anbu ops?" He looked confused and unsure what to say. "In my bingo book I had assassinated every single person except...Sasuke, Itachi, and Nicoole." The look on his face changed from confusion to shock and somewhat sad.

"You, all?" He looked speechless. I nodded my head and we both went silent.

"People can't change easily Gaara, no matter how hard they try."  Before I could leave he grabbed my shoulder.

"So are you going to continue washing you hands until you can get rid of the blood that's not there? Or are you going to face reality and move on?" I felt frozen in place, his words making me question myself.

" You don't need to find the answer immediately. And I don't expect you to move on so quickly. But if you want help I will support you just like how you supported me when I was kidnapped." He gave me a almost forgiving and genuine smile. 

"Kaze...Gaara."  I looked at him. "Thank you." Before I could leave I heard a leaf bird flying nearby. It stopped next to me and was motioning for me to take the parchment off its foot. I read the note and was a bit surprised at what was written.

"What happened?" Gaara questioned.

"Lady Hokage wants me, no almost begging me, to back up team Ino-Shika-Chou, and Kakashi-sensei. They're going after the Akatsuki. The one's who killed Asuma-Sensei."

"I think I need to head out." I explained to him. "Thank you for hospitality, I hope that I can return again." I smiled at him and started to get ready to depart.

—

**At a deserted ground somewhat far away from the Leaf**

Leslie POV

We traveled far from the village. Shikamaru explained the plan to us in great detail. To think that he was this smart was unbelievable. 

"Does everyone understand and remember the plan 100%" Shikamaru was finalizing and confirming with us.

"Yes" we all replied.  We knew what each of us had to do. Take down the guy with the hair coming out of his mouth, while Shikamaru will take down the one that does the creepy circle ritual.