Sand and Snow

Chapter 7 - The Jinchuriki of Suna

Chapter 7

The Jinchuriki of Suna

He appeared as if a monster.

Covering the right half of his body was a layer of hardened sand resembling the shape of Shukaku's arm and tail – the first phase of the one-tail's possession was completed. As if split, the left side of his face was mired by purple inscriptions and sand in Shukaku's likeness – the tailed-beast's eerie black pupil and sharp jagged teeth as evidence for its bloodlust.

From afar, the Ishi ninja smirked at his true form. "No wonder you're so powerful at your age," He exclaimed, eager to fight. "You're a jinchuriki!"

With a gaze that hungered for blood, Gaara's menacing eyes glared at the enemy – the eyes of Shukaku boring into his foe, the eyes of a monster. Desperately, he was fighting a war in his mind to regain control of his actions and urges - battling fiercely. "Get out... of... my head...!" He growled, his limbs trembling as he crouched in agony.

To his dismay, Shukaku decided to emerge at the worst possible timing. After countless hours of meditation and training, he was still in a tug-of-war battle to keep Shukaku at bay - its urges still too strong for him to handle alone.

Suddenly, he was inside his mind...

Looking up from his closed eyes as he stood, he sensed something burgeoning behind him. Turning around, his eyes widened – Shukaku was sitting across from him on the water-covered ground, its massive body casting a shadow over his stance. "So... you're finally here." It scoffed at him, darkly. "It took me awhile to gain control over your weak mind, but this fight really got me going! I'm going to slaughter them all!"

Glaring in exchange, he faced it alone and unafraid. "Why are you like this?" He questioned, sternly. "I can fight on my own, I don't need your help!"

"Help?!"

Forcefully, Shukaku slammed its sharp paws onto the ground - making the water ripple as their surroundings shook from the weight. In a threatening and intimidating nature, it leaned forward towards him. "I'm not helping YOU! I want to help myself! There's so much blood to be spilt, and so little time!"

Gaara's eyes narrowed at it. "I told you: I'm not doing that anymore." He barked. "I've found my resolve. I don't need to kill to prove I exist."

"Hm?"

"I've set out a new path for myself, I'm a shinobi of Sunagakure that can one day be the Kazekage. I'll protect the village and everyone in it... regardless what you think."

"Oh," Shukaku scoffed. "So you think you're better than me, huh?!" Whipping its tail, it gave a monstrous grin. "Don't forget! I'm the reason why you're so strong at your age, and the reason why you can't sleep at night!"

"I can deal without sleep, but my strength comes from me and my will to protect my comrades!"

Taken aback by his words, Shukaku leaned away. Gaara stepped forward, strong in his resolve against the tailed-beast. "I don't need you interfering with my psyche. Not anymore." He said. "Your words can no longer brainwash me."

"Tsk... Why you little runt! Just because I'm a tailed beast doesn't mean you can talk down to me like a dog!" Its tail whipped once again, displaying its sand-covered body with ancient purple markings. "You may think you can beat me... but I'll always be itching to take over your body and kill all the humans! Like the ones who sealed me... the bastards!"