Desert Flower

Sealed Deal and a Compromise

  "Sayuri?" A voice echoed from above, and Ginko looked up while rubbing their chin.

  "Sounds like you're being called."

  "Are you fucking kidding me? You can hear everything in here, too?"

  "I used to be able to reach out and touch you, you think I'm completely closed off in here? I've wormed my way through your chakra pathways since you were a baby. I see everything you see, I hear everything you hear, I feel everything you feel. It's how I know when to override your body with my chakra whenever someone is strong enough to rip that piece of fabric and metal from your throat. The fear, the adrenalin, the instinct to fight, and the bare sensation on your throat is my signal to step in to make sure you, and I, in turn, don't end up dead." Ginko's claw tapped against the Konoha symbol on my neck.

  "Sayuri?"

  "I'm out of here." I huffed before Ginko's large hand grabbed my jaw.

  "Don't you forget my deal."

  "I'll think about it." I swatted their hand away before opening my eyes to bring me back to the gym.

  "Did you fall asleep?" Gaara questioned, and my expression went serious.

  "I was talking to Ginko."

  "....I see. Was it about what happened at the Summit?"

  "Sort of." Sighing, I leaned back onto my hands as Gaara sat down in front of me. "I wanted advice about what to do. Even if we jinchuriki went into hiding, there's always a chance we could be found. I wanted to know what to do if that were to happen, how to protect myself and the others if they couldn't protect themselves. Ginko....offered a deal."

  "What kind of deal?" Gaara tilted his head slightly.

  "First off, I didn't take it. I didn't tell them yes or no."

  "Sayuri, what was the deal?"

  "....Ginko offered me more power and easier access to their chakra to keep us both alive."

  "In exchange for what?" I averted my gaze while debating whether or not to tell Gaara what that old bastard had asked for. "Sayuri? You can tell me."

  "....Your chakra." His eyes widened as he paused. "Ginko wants your chakra on occasion in exchange for more access to their power."

  "How much?"

  "I don't know. Ginko said they wouldn't take more than what you could get back. They want to keep you alive to get more. Not like it matters, I don't plan on-"

  "Do it."

  "....What?"

  "Take the deal."

  "Gaara-"

  "I already told you that I would do anything to keep you safe. If giving Ginko some of my chakra is all that it takes, I'll do it." His tone was serious but his expression was void due to the sand armor.

  "Do you even know what doing that would mean?"

  "I was a jinchuriki for the majority of my life, Sayuri. I know what power a bijuu can give. I also know the risks if Ginko's will overtakes yours, but if your will and Ginko's will are the same, or you're able to block their will, you could protect yourself with that power." His hand gently cupped my cheek. "If you want to learn to use it, take the deal. It's not as if I've never fed that wolf before." Gaara's gaze softened, but I still wasn't sure.

  "You'll help me?"

  "I've told you before. If you ever need help again, don't be afraid to ask."

  "....Then I'll do it." Gaara dropped his hand from my face and sat back as I brought my hands together in my lap. Slowly closing my eyes, I went inside to talk to Ginko. I knew the bastard had been listening and would more than likely have that stupid, cocky smirk.