Andromeda & Aburame

Chapter 25: Distinction

Sayuri's POV:

Upon seeing Andromeda all of the kage began shouting and preparing an offensive except for Lord Gaara and his attendants. I maintained my countenance but inside my blood boiled. They called her a thing, a weapon, but they didn't call her a person or treat her like one

It was all too familiar a sensation to me and my years of agonizing service in the Land of Woods came rushing back to me. When things got rough I had my mother there to remind me of my humanity, to remind me I was more than just a marriage prospect or a weapon; but they took her from me. They took everything from me and I was all alone until Lee and the team found me and gave me a life I hadn't known was possible.

This girl was a mirror image of myself and everyone who held her life in their hands was just trying to shatter her. Enough was enough, I looked over at Shino and the others and nodded. They nodded back.

Sasuke: "Too much talk, it could break free at any moment. I'm taking matters into my own hands."

In a flash he unsheathed his blade and positioned it.

Lord Raikage: "For once I'm in agreement with you Uchiha, let's end their reign of tyranny and show them what the people of Earth can do."

They charged in without taking the time to discuss with the others about this but before the two could land a blow, Rock Lee, Shino, Naruto and myself blocked their blows.

Sasuke: "Naruto. What is the meaning of this? She's cornered and weak, we have to end this before it can begin."

Lord Raikage: "Lady Sayuri why are you stopping this? Surely you must know this is the only way, of everyone here you should be the most motivated to end their clan. You said you were a healer in the great ninja war, then you of all people know what they are capable of."

He could have used his brute strength against Lee and I but instead I saw he was trying to understand and pin me against her in the same breath.

Lord Gaara: "Lay down your arms you two. Hear them out and let us discuss this before making any rash actions."

He walked calmly over to our side and stood between the Raikage and Sasuke. He then made a dome of sand around Andromeda, separating her from Ino and the rest of us. With him in their way they relented.

Lord Gaara: "There is no need to make a case against her as the mere mention of her name brings out hatred, but the far more difficult task is that which is in her favor. They deserve a chance to defend her."

Lord Kakashi: "Lord Gaara is right and that isn't me speaking on my sister's behalf but as a Kage."

Lord Mizukage: "Do try to convince us Lady Sayuri and friends."