"W-that do you mean, Father?", Gaara studderd. His teal eyes wide with disbelief. His uncle knew the situation, but didn't expect his brother-in-law to state it so bluntly. But he should have known.

"You heard me this first time. She's your slave now. You can do whatever you want with her. Think of her as a pet if your small mind can't comprehend the aspect of a slave", he barked back. His eyes traveled towards the girl who stood by quietly, staring at her bare feet as she fidgeted with the chains hanging from the metal cuffs on her wrists. He marveled at how well trained and obedient she was. Even some seasoned ninja didn't act that way.

"But she's not a-"

"That's enough! You will take what I have given you without questioning me. Am I understood?", he demanded. Gaara flinched back from his father's loud, booming voice.

Deciding to stop the argument before it escalates, Yashamaru stood in front of Gaara protecrively. He gave a slight bow of the head as he spoke. "Please do not be too upset with Gaara, Brother.", He pleaded. "He is still a child and has much to learn. I will personally look after him and the girl to make sure he has an understanding."

"Very well then. Get them out of my sight, Yashamaru. I expect him to have a thorough understanding or there will be consequences. You are dismissed.", he spat. Gaara rushed out the the room with his uncle and the girl close behind.
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"So now that we're out of that awkward situation", Yashamaru joked, "how about we start with introductions? My name is Yashamaru and this is my nephew, Gaara. What is your name?"

"My old master's daughter called me Sakura or sometimes Little Bitch. But you can call me whatever you want.", she spoke quietly. Yashamaru flinched at the girl's cold and lifeless tone, but it was to be expected. She was raised to think of herself as an object for whoever owns her. Gaara, on the other hand, was shocked. His uncle always scolded Temari or Kankuro whenever they said bad words, but let this girl go lecture free. Suddenly his father's words came back to him.

Think of her as a pet if your small mind can't comprehend the aspect of a slave.

"U-um alright. How about we just call you Sakura for now? Is that alright with you?", Yashamaru asked Sakura.

"As you wish."

No more words were exchanged between the two. He turned to Gaara and asked what he wanted to do for the time being. Gaara excitedly begged to go to the park. Yashamaru gave a happy his before accompanying the children to the park. While at the park, a ninja came to carry a message to Yashamaru.

The Kazekage has requested your presence immediately.

He then left the two in their own with a promise to be back soon. Gaara stood around awkwardly. This girl was hard to talk to and didn't seem friendly at all.

But....her eyes.

She had the same eyes as him. Eyes full of pain, sorrow, and loneliness. Maybe if he got to know her, he could make her happy.

He could have a friend.

"H-hey, Sakura? Do you want to play....with me?", he questioned. A blush of embarrassment quickly covered his face. He had never asked anyone to play with him before. Especially not a pretty pink-haired girl.

"If that is what you wish, Master.", she replied robotically.

"M-master?! Don't call me that! It's weird.", he pleaded.

"My apologies. Would you like me to call you Gaara-sama? If I have offended you, I accept my punishment.", she stated. She bowed her head deeply. He flinched back in shock and eyed the girl carefully. They remained silent except for the jingle of her chains in the wind. The full extent of his father's words suddenly hit him.

Slave.

She's a being who's only meaning in life is to obey orders.

His orders.

But did it have to be that way?

"No. No I won't do anything to you just...please don't call me Master. You aren't anywhere below me. We could even be friends. So please...dont treat me any different than a friend.", Gaara said. His foam green eyes met her emeralds. Her shock clearly showed.

I don't think she's ever had a friend before. Maybe I could be her first one and she could be mine.
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"Look! It's that freak! And he has a pink freak with him too!"

"Look at her gigantic forehead!"

"Get out if our park, Freak!"

"Yeah, you monster! Take your monster friend and leave!"

"Nobody what's you hear!"

The yells and insults of the children interrupted their play-time. Gaara was having a fun time teaching Sakura to use a swing. Now, they had to deal with the hate of the children who resided in the village.

Now Sakura will find out I'm a monster and hate me too.

Suddenly, the kids began to throw rocks. Most if the rocks were far off from the two. Truly disappointing. Especially since most of them were in the Academy.

One rock, however, managed to get rather close to Gaara's face. His sand prepared to act quickly and protect him, but didn't get the chance. The rock was intercepted by a hand.

Sakura's hand.

"Would you like me to dispose of them, Gaara-sama?", she asked. At the mention of being possibly killed, the other children ran off screaming. Once they were out of sight, she allowed the rock to slip from her hand and into the sand below. Gaara stayed frozen. He couldn't believe she protected him and didn't hate him. In fact, she even offered to kill those who disrespected him. Children or not.

His shocked expression turned into a genuine smile. Sakura watched him carefully, confused at his sudden burst if happiness.

If she would protect me, then I would protect her too.