Eyes

It's All Relative

The following day Naruto sat nervously with Gaara and a representative from the Leaf. The guy was creepy, he didn't hide behind his ANBU mask and Naruto was trying to figure out whether this guy was related to Itachi and Sasuke somehow.

A few of Gaara Councilmen sat idly by as well. "Lord Sabaku, thank you for coming. What news have you of the prisoner Kimimaro?" Naruto saw it was Councilman Habra, a tall man with long limbs and greying blond hair.

Gaara sat up straighter and cleared his throat. "Kimimaro's been showing signs of responding to our efforts. Previously he remained mute and unmoving. Mr Uzumaki has even managed to bandage his wounds without incident." Whispers ensured, debating what that meant for his trial.

"If I may," Naruto said standing. Lord Habra nodded him to continue. "I've only had one shift looking after him but I really think with more care, we'll be able to talk to him about his time with Pein. I understand a trial is needed, but I think-"

"My boy you've said all of this before, I believe that we all agreed a trial would be undertaken." Councilman Tanaka exclaimed, Naruto recognised him from the last meeting, this time he had a name for the fat, red-faced man.

"We did, what I was about to say-" Naruto said with a glare, "-was that I think maybe we could you the Kioku Sōki no Jutsu." Again whispers ensured, Gaara looked confused.

Lord Habra stood again, "Who would carry out such a task? With all due respect neither the Kazekage nor yourself would be qualified, we need an impartial subject to be assigned." Habra looked nervous to say such a thing but Naruto just nodded.

"What are you speaking of, man?" Tanaka asked annoyed at his ignorance.

Habra turned to address him. "The mind recall Jutsu, it would show memories of the person the Jutsu is cast on. However, it also gives the caster the ability to plant, erase and alter memories." He summarised. "Therefore, in order for it to be legitimate, we need someone completely impartial."

"We would need to find someone like this, yes. I hope if we are able to do this it would provide more clarity on Kimimaro's actions, as well as information on Pein's organisation. I don't think Kimimaro will be able to stand up in front of a court and defend himself for many months, if not years. The damage Pein did to him is..." Naruto couldn't find the severity of the word needed to convert what Pein had done to him.

"The Leaf would accept this as a form of trial." The Uchiha-look-a-like said. "I am Sai of the Leaf, sent by Lord Danzo and Madam Hokage." He said bowing to Gaara.

Gaara nodded back to him. "The Sand would also accept this as a form of trial. If and when an impartial person is found and agreed on." He clarified sternly.

"If I may, while we are here, I'd like to place my hat in the ring." Sai spoke softly.

"Absolutely not, I won't have a Leaf ANBU member determine this." Gaara said right away.

Sai sighed gently and stood. "With all due respect, I only joined the ANBU a short time ago. Previously I was in a similar position to this Kimimaro, awaiting trial to be executed for another man's crimes. I doubt you will find someone with a fairer judgement than my own." Sai's explanation was calm and reasonable. It was almost freaky how much like a robot he acted like.

Would that be Kimimaro one day?

Gaara paused, and while Naruto saw other people in the room had questions they waited for the Kazekage to speak. "I will consider your application, I will also need you to fully interview for this." Gaara said and Sai nodded.

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Naruto sighed as he exiting the drawn-out meeting, he wanted to find Itachi and go to lunch with him but knew Sasuke would be an issue. He smiled when he remembered Itachi sneaking into his bed after his shift, he barely got to say goodbye this morning after waking up late.