Sorry for the late update—I was supposed to update this like three days after the previous chapter, but I was a pessimist, and I thought I wasn't getting any reads. Well, it doesn't matter, anyway.

I'm applying for an online writing job so I'll be busy, but don't worry haha I promise one chapter per week! You have my word <3

I also got accepted on my dream school for senior high. De La Salle University Manila. If anyone from PHL knows this, just drop by at Manila and let's have coffee! Haha

I'm working so I can have money to buy clothes (our school has no uniform) and for a digital piano. If I get one, I'm going to master all songs of Naruto/Shippuden ;) ;)

TWO ANIME MUST-WATCH for real, no kidding! No bullshit or anything.

Horror: Shiki

Time-travel, drama: Steins Gate

Remember...Neji died at this point. Brace yourself for a surprise! Haha. I hope you like it.

5.4.16: advance happy birthday, Deidara (May 5)

Reference to Avicii's Waiting For Love song. 

—————————————————————————————

Thunderbolts and a grave storm.

That was expected from the City of that Always Wails, Amegakure. It cries for its fallen leader; the 'blood that rained down from the wars', someone said; but most of all because of its blurry solitariness and detachment from other villages. Hanzō the Salamander built a high security system that required surveillance and security checks that even though Pain already overthrew him, it appeared that there were no changes: Amegakure was still an enclosed universe, where the outside world remained a strange place. Villagers stuck into the Hidden Rain because for some reason ever since their God ruled, no harm was brought. The rain might even be considered a blessing. Tears and blood: all sorrows of humans were a salutation.

At least, that was what Yamato heard.

Due to Amegakure's location, it had served as a battle ground for many years. A civil war broke, a case not entirely looked upon—no one from Konoha really knew. And maybe that was why despite Nagato's peace, the alliance between Ame and Konoha grew even distant from time: Nagato knew much about Konoha but Konoha never knew a thing about Ame, except that it's a village from an unnamed country. The only contact between the two almost sibling countries was Jiraiya, whom Pain killed. And hypothetically if it weren't for Naruto, the villagers might still have a leader.

"Senpai, I don't wish to pry, but why me? I'm no longer committed to the ANBU. As far as I'm concerned, I've done my part in the village. Naruto has filled my resignation."

"It's odd for you to question my choice of companionship, isn't it, Tenzō?" Kakashi said. The outcry of the rain didn't change the tone of his voice: calm, but a bit of superior. "Don't be flattered. If it weren't for his 'disability', Gai would have fled here in an instant. I don't consider it a mission, either. Kind of a favor since it's from our student, isn't it?"

"It might change your mind about leaving." Kakashi added, "Don't let someone's presence be a burden to you. It's all in the past."

Yamato said nothing. Yes, it had been Orochimaru's son—Mitsuki—that troubled him. Not in a paranoid sort of a way, but a big frazzle. Seeing a torn piece of Orochimaru around the village...of the man who had abused, caged and toyed with the body of a boy...it was too much to handle. It wasn't as if he regretted what Orochimaru made out of him—a rare wood-user that could only be found in Hashirama's era—but that experiment changed him. He couldn't help but wonder what if Orochimaru had never used him as a subject, and he would never live alone; he'd still have a family. He would happily carry on and let others call him Tenzō. There were diverging lines in the world, the what if's, for example if you were never hired as part of the Foundation—you would have a future different from the present.

Imagining possibilities was free as to dreaming. The point was, when Yamato discovered nirvana and wiped out every single detail from his past, that was the time he had to show up, didn't he?? He was a missing-nin who did nothing but to play with nature for his own selfish needs. He did other scampish things. Even if he was the only one against letting a crook live in the village (despite doing service), he wasn't going to turn a blind eye.

No, he won't let himself coexist with a snake.

"Let me tell you something: all of us have a troublesome past. If you let it get into you, or if you keep holding on, there is no future." With a heavy breath, Kakashi plodded. "Koko ni ita [We're here]."

The skyskrapers remained tall as they were in rumors. With a stubborn look Yamato followed Kakashi's trails. The two quondam ANBU were headed toward the heart of Amegakure: a very tall tower that was worthy to look at, as if it was cast down from Heaven as a gift to mortals.

Once, an orange-haired god was here, and he glared down in his city with an overcast look.

He was gone, yes, but his spirit may never have left. Two purple eyes watching from a distance—it's a scary thing to imagine but it didn't mean it was impossible.

"Come in." The feminine voice said, calm, smooth and open. That voice was someone both of them had not heard, not for a long period of time. "I've been expecting you."

Yamato gasped, but Kakashi kept his silence.

Konan of the Akatsuki.

❖

Northern Peninsula of Kumogakure, Second Division's Battle Grounds

Shinobi World War IV

In the stretch of darkness, the masses of White Zetsu attacked like a swarm of ants. The enemies' hideout had not yet been found; two of the Divisions were given orders to hunt down the enemies' hiding place: Kabuto was still out there, who had brought the dead back to life. It's possible that with him gone, the zombies do down, too. But the battlefield was oceanic; there were parts and dark places that no men had gotten wind of. Applying precaution was a must, and so the search for Kabuto and two captured Shinobi was delayed (Anko and Yamato, whose presence were highly needed).

Gentle Fist Technique: Body Blow!

Hyuga Clansmen had yummy chakra: anyone of a Dōjutsu had a tremendous chakra in them. Which is why White Zetsu chose Hyuga Neji, who was in fact—charming and difficult in a way that was interesting and enjoyable.

Until he got blown off the edge, and he was killed by that spoiled little brat—his sister. Palm Bottom! were the last words he'd heard, before he died. He was just another Zetsu, anyway, a pawn; which he didn't mind. Because he was immortal. Madara made him a monster.

Laughing silently, he took his last breath.

Shinobi were hopeless fools.

"Were you hurt?" Neji asked.

"I-I should be asking you that question."

"It is just some Zetsu trying to drain our chakra like blood. I shall be fine."

"That's good to hear."

Neji didn't say a word. The silence went on for a minute, until Neji gave into his chord. He took Hinata's hand, pulled her close, close that he was hugging her tightly.

"Do not let yourself be hurt. I will not let anyone—not any of our friends die. That is the path I'm choosing."

Hinata smiled, and placed her palm upon his cheek—this was something she did often when it came to comforting anyone—and the Rookies considered it like a lucky charm one would wear as an accessory; it never wore off, such as the kindliness living inside her. "Thanks. T-thank you for everything."

Neji simply smiled. It was a smile he didn't give very often. "You don't stutter much. I'm proud of you."

Kitsuki, the leader of the Second Division, waved to the soldiers with a voice that could tear through an unbreakable silence. "Reinforcements! They're here! The Medical Corps and Mid-range Division!"

Akamichi Chōza was first to be seen. A gaggle of Medical Kunoichi tended to the injured, including Karui, the kunoichi from Kumogakure. They were one-fourth of the First Division that diverged from the Western Peninsula. A little fast-forward and the Western coast shall be spilled with blood—from Shinobi that would be dispatched by the Gold and Silver Brothers, Ginkaku and Kinkaku. But you would not need to read that—these chapters were recollections from the war, which might surprise you: for there were secrets that were enshrouded in the past, too many that one could not afford to spill in detail; or tell any tale at all.

Despite the win, numbers still decreased largely. 

Death was impartial to everyone. Love, purpose, beauty—when your time is up, all these shall be destroyed into a total wreckage.

Someone asked him if he feared death. Aren't you afraid of dying? One person asked him before Gaara had announced the war. What if I ran out of air? What if I drowned? It was Kiba, who snuck upon him just to tease him for a small thing; but Neji had always been fascinated by his friend's humor, that despite the boy's bleakness, Neji knew that there was still hope for him. Neji guessed that every person had a potential in them—they just hadn't unlocked it yet. Then you would better not forget to breathe. Everything you have lived for, depends solely on this.

"Niisan?" Hinata asked, when Neji was leaving, entering into a maze of trees.

Neji didn't say something, but his eyes must have been somewhere between 'There's something I must do' or 'Ja ne'.

That was the last time Hinata had close contact with Neji, before the man named Obito was responsible for the fatality that happened on October 10th.

Forest, blood and bright fire.

The sight of the Battle Field was disgusting. He didn't see any of this at home—despite picturing how someday the Hyuga would resolve to bloodshed because of a narcistic politics. Neji hadn't caught sight of anything this bloodcurdling. He couldn't stop wishing that his home was the best place to be; Konoha.

He looked up into the star-studded sky.

Home...soon.

But first things first. Where the hell was she??

"Hey Neji! I'm here."

Finally. Neji sighed inwardly.

He turned around, and he was greeted with a light kiss on the lips. Neji didn't even see it coming: the person he had been looking for was fast like someone who was eager to do knavish things.

As expected from someone he'd been sparring the whole midsummer.

The grin on TenTen's face didn't even change. Her brown eyes twinkled on the night, and her lips were pink as the long-sleeved blouse she wore (but not today). She hung her arms around his neck, giggling.

"Don't tease me again like that." Neji said.

"Oh come on, we're in a war. Life is a rush hour—everything fleets." TenTen didn't break from her laughter. "And everyone deserves a little love around."

"Was there anyone who saw you?"

"No one. Not even Lee. I told you, I've got this." TenTen pouted. Suddenly her face drooped as if she were a flower. "This would've been better if we were legal."

"In time. Now is the worst place; we'll be like two dead Flamingos falling in love."

"When will be the perfect time for you, Neji?"

"..."

"If you really love me, you will tell the whole world—isn't that right?"

"TenTen, this is not the best time nor place to argue."

"That's the fucking point! We're in a war! A terrible, fucking situation! I don't even know when's the next time I'll see you again. Do I even want to know? You're too honorable, Nej. Too independent. You think you know the answer to everything, and that's going to keep yourself in harm. I'd rather have the old you in here, if it turns you back to the person that looks after himself more than anyone. Let me go with you. At least I'm assured that nothing's going to happen." She looked at him, eyes not watery, but they were shining. "Let me be there for you."

Neji didn't swear much in his life, and to think that this one would not even be returned.

"I will not perish, Love," Neji grinned, and it was in that dark moment had TenTen would later go back to, the mystery of her shutting herself in her own room and sometimes clasping her hands into her chest, shaking, where tears didn't help in forgetting. "It's a promise. When this is all over, we'll tell Kiba and the others, who'll probably be shocked more than ever—and then I will pick up your chin; just like this and kiss you, right in the middle of all bloody people: dead or alive, and they'd be jealous as hell that they never had a love like ours—despite hidden in the shadows; it is real, it has happened—it is a grandest surprise."

TenTen wasn't sure why she was in the Forest of Death, which had been closed since no Chūnin Exams would be held in the village; she had been in her weapon store as always, when a friend showed up to her door, asking for a favor: what would you say you and I help a little kid who's in the dumps? 'You don't have a child.' 'Please, I don't need that. And it's not mine. Can you guess who it is?' But TenTen didn't daresay a word; in fact, her inner curiosity sparked like wildfire.

And there it was again—her adventurous soul, looking straight upon one of the blades that hung on her shop.

Finally, a mission: for her, and it wasn't pleasureless.

TenTen nodded, smirking towards the brunette boy. 'Game on.'

"You ever think of having kids, Higurashi?" Kiba spattered, leaning against a dead tree.

"No. It'll save you a lot of trouble

TenTen just chuckled. "And here we are: saving them from a battle can't even win: themselves." She looked at him; she really wasn't close to a boy except from a member of her team, but she guessed that in time—if people were meant to be friends, they'd sure as hell last longer. "This is really nice of you, Kiba."

"Yeah, don't mention it."

"In the end, we're all lost souls."

"What happened to you?"

"I used to think being a Legendary Kunoichi was all it'd take for my life to make sense. Now I have all the sharp objects I can think of, I feel like they're getting duller. Like I'm being cursed for owning anything. Nothing is mine. Nothing in this world belongs to me. If I attach myself to something, I feel as if I'm cutting them down. All this time, every boy I've met just feels the same...so I make them bleed." She added later on, "If you know what I mean."

There were suitors. Not a lot as Sakura's, but they came. TenTen sometimes kept her hair by itself, loose, or sometimes in a ponytail. The Chinese buns were used around missions where she didn't want her hair to be a bother or a distraction.

The thing about TenTen is, most people probably think she's the most upbeat girl among the Kunoichis...that was wrong. For the past seven years she had been reading, studying, and classifying things. It was because she simply didn't want to grow up as a woman who hid weapons around her shaded clothings; she wanted to be somebody else, too, perhaps a different person. She was used to staying by her teammates' side, Team Nine that she became too trustful. She didn't notice that Lee already had a kid, and Gai was far from his youth. Some of the Konoha men, which were once boys, have had goatees. The girls had gone very pretty and beautiful (Ino was the most beautiful flower, they said)—they wore feminism like a perfume, an attractive appeal. It was the sign of maturity.

All of them were embracing every happy moment in their lives, embracing what's coming.

Unfortunately for TenTen...

...time was a foe.

Time was betrayal.

Before you even know it, you start to lose everything despite it was recently there...

"TenTen..."

Leaves swirled on top of the trees which she stood from below. TenTen just looked up.

"Watch out!"

TenTen was about to do an Unsealing Technique, when the strange figure was no other than a little girl.

Though TenTen must hand it to her: she didn't really meet a lot of children, but this one had the voice and aura of a daredevil.

Uchiha Sarada. She recognized the same outfit whom Sakura used to wear back in the day, which was similar to her Chinese blouse.

And she was pointing a Kunai against her throat, while she rode on her back.

"I got you. What are ya gonna do now?"

Kiba, who had stood there doing nothing, just sweatdropped. He was fed up with too much sight, emotion and things he never could imagine in his lifetime that he wasn't able to stop the child.

TenTen looked annoyed. It's a good thing she didn't have the temper of an animal, or else she would have literally made the Forest of Death a place of dreadful annihilation. She closed her eyes, grabbed Sarada on the arms, throwing her in full force towards Kiba, the useless bystander. She clapped her hands to remove the dirt and brought them to her clothes in inspection for any dust left, as if saying, I'm done with you, though you have created nothing but a mess of yourself. "Shinobi who use words just to get dominance from their enemies are the worst—it's just a feeling. I hate people who keep up a smug face as if they can take down anything." TenTen looked sternly at Kiba, that look when you just pissed someone of, and it'd take time before they'd even get over with it. "And you: you're certainly not the dumbest person in this place. Fool! You should know better to tell your comrade what type of attacker is coming so we could avoid hurting them unintentionally!"

"Yes, Sarada, that's exactly what you should do: give your Senseis a heart attack, and let the blame fall on one of them."

"Sensei?" Sarada said, angry that her plan didn't work and was shockingly flabberghasted.

"You have a problem with me?"

"Technically, she has problems with everyone." Kiba reasoned, though he sounded thrilled.

"Yesterday I was hit painfully on the cheek. My Mother hit me because I was disrespectful." Sarada turned her gaze to Kiba, hoping he could reason with her. "I don't need another woman telling me I'm bypassing my limits."

"Well if it makes you feel better, I'm not a woman." TenTen said, her arms in her hips. "'Coz I'm a man. Didn't Kiba tell you that I was savage? Didn't he tell you? What do you call it—a tomboy; that's me. If not, get used to it. Do you want to start or no?"

Sarada just raised an eyebrow. It was the first time she heard of that word; and being the curious girl she was, who always learned from books, a person that identified himself as a different category in gender...was someone who had been through a lot before he could finally be totally honest with himself. Looking back, by the silence of her Kiba-sensei, perhaps it was only a joke that she was over thinking. Gender was just so...personal, taboo and can be savage.

Was TenTen dropping that subject just because she finds it too small? Was it a smart joke to her?

Kiba sniffed his nose. Another incoming. TenTen felt it too, as she nodded to him. Sarada wasn't really following; all of a sudden she was confused by the adults in front of her, which turned out to be stronger than they looked. That meant more than said...she hadn't met half of Konoha Shinobi fight yet; and it amazed her that both of her parents actually lived here, probably had walked into her shoes (small, useless; not getting enough fill). But Sakura and Sasuke were stronger than any of these people, she knew that, and so the idea of surpassing her masters someday came. But she knew it would take a tremendous amount of time and guts coming from her. All she had to do was to learn how to socialize.

"My turn!" Kiba laughed, like he had been released from tight chains that prevented him from making a Jutsu. "This is what happens to little children that don't obey their parents, ha!"

Passing Fang!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!"

TenTen's face was a bit of hilarious and crushing. What in the world—

They were looking at the two children of her friends, and another kid whom she wasn't very familiar with. If she could remember their names, they were Shikadai, Boruto and Mitsuki. Children didn't know when to stop fooling around until trouble was upon them.

But that wasn't it.

What stood between the children and the ball of energy—was Rock Lee.

"This violence stops here!"

Kiba tsked. He stood up, like the whirling motion was nothing. "What, you think I'm a fool? I was never going to hit them. I wanted to teach them that hiding will make them an easy prey to catch. Were you following TenTen?"

"It doesn't matter. If something ever happens to the children—"

"That'll never happen. Asuma gave us proper instructions." said a female voice, but it wasn't TenTen.

For the last time, another chakra popped out of nowhere.

A girl with golden blonde hair appeared behind Kiba, smiling.

Inojin's Mother.

He shared the same peaceful, humane look with her, Sarada noticed. Some children took after their Mother's, she thought. At that moment Sarada recalled the historic Kunoichis that were printed on lost books, the faces of women that gave a likely impression: they weren't clueless; they had seen too much back in their old days; they dealt with many rogues alongside a handful of friendly faces—people that never abandoned each other.

This girl...was the very definition of a 'friend'.

She had heard her Mother talking about Ino Yamanaka, but forgot which part of her story. She stopped listening to her Mother's tales not very long, so there was an instinct that her debut here was a good sign. She was just...so beautiful. Probably more beautiful than Temari, Shikadai's Mother, whom she just sometimes looked up to for no reason. Strong women were great people—and what's more was that they were mothers.

"Children were supposed to be protected, not let them grow in fear. Children are the kings; the future in a village, despite its hindrances. One day, they'll be the death of you, too, Kiba."

Kiba felt another adventure lining up to him. He had never challenged a Kunoichi before...but his younger days were behind him now, and looking at the very beautiful woman in front of him, Ino wasn't someone to be underestimated: all of them learned lessons when they walked away from the war, and some—almost all—received years of serious training after that.

Kiba bobbed his head to the girl wearing purple.

"You wanna fight?"

TenTen screamed Meh???, Rock Lee complained loudly, while the six-or-seven-year-olds made overwhelming expressions—even Sarada's jaw was dropped, but with indignation.

"It's a random idea, but our Senseis were lovers. Don't inspire me to make a voodoo doll out of you."

"Oh, no. I have no intention of hurting you." Kiba smirked, baring his fangs. "Let's just give the kids a grasp on crossing with Shinobi, shall we? Basic Shurikenjutsu and the like. I'll go easy on you."

"As if you ever." Ino chuckled, and with a twist she swung a shuriken towards Kiba's direction—deadly and piercing, it jabbed the heart of a Nara tree, which Kiba wouldn't have dodged if the natural smell of metal did not alert him. Ino just chuckled, until the blades she had sent flying were tied with strings. That was the time Kiba cracked his neck—that was enough of warm-up.

After the fight, the Rookies, which were now young adults, did other several things with their companions. Ino and Rock Lee, who had other duties ahead, promised to guide them until sundown. TenTen took the lead: she was testing the children's early abilities to shoot a Kunai. Rock Lee handled most part in Taijutsu. Ino interrogated the kids' such as studying their backgrounds, testing their mental capacity and personality in a gentle, motherly way. Kiba took over defence and mechanism.

'What are you doing here, Boruto?? Didn't I tell you to leave me alone?' Sarada whispered. Break time for fifteen minutes and the forest became bonhomous, the trees dancing into the soft wind. 'And you, you're not supposed to come here. This place is dangerous.' She looked at Shikadai, who clicked his tongue stubbornly. Lastly, Sarada looked at the stranger whom she never talked to—not even dared. 'Do I even wanna know you? This place is mine. I found it first.'

'I was worried you'd do something weird.' Boruto said, lying with his head against his arms. 'Can't have you playin' around and hurt.'

'You look like you have a lot of pain inside. You need friends.' The boy, Mitsuki, introduced himself; he had a very mild voice, like an echo Sarada must have heard in a life that wasn't this one.

'And you?' Sarada asked aggressively...she didn't know why. She just felt like part of her had this domination over everyone, and every living thing was cursed—she hated it. She detested that personality where the universe had her in her boiling point that things and people—no matter how beautiful they were—she would find a way to loathe it. 'Are you just another one who's here out of pity?'

"Nah. I was bored." Shikadai said. And I couldn't get your speech out of my head. The scars part really hit me.

Those were the words Shikadai wanted to say...unfortunately he didn't have the willpower to. But someday maybe he will. He'll tell her every wandering thought that drifted off to the clouds. Since the recitation day he felt that Sarada's mind was a colorful world to implore...so many wonders there...troubles and fears. Letting her go; letting a day be spent in black rumination—that was bullshit. A waste.

'Don't you realize we could be exhausting these kids? I mean how old are they, six? Seven? Back in the day, I didn't even care if I couldn't make a Transformation Jutsu because it was too early for that.' Ino asked, sitting on the bench with TenTen. Lee was going to meet Gai for a C-rank mission, so he was already gone.

'Ask him. He started the idea.' TenTen whispered, an arm slung on the arm of the bench.

Kiba was about to point Sarada's direction when part of him refused to tell. He sighed. 'It's early preparation. It's perfectly substantial.'

'Kiba, would you look at me?' Ino tested. Kiba couldn't. She smiled upon her victory. Damn psychiatrists, Kiba thought, always knowing what was up. 'Liar. Come on, we're Konoha 11. If you know something, tell us.'

'Is it weird if I smell something in the village? Something odd?' Kiba admitted. He was standing, a hint of his restlessness. 'Naruto's been acting strange. Everyone gets busy. Your husband was sent on another mission to locate Sasuke's ass, by the way, I heard.' But Ino just frowned, a look of pain visible in her blue eyes. The fact was, Kiba often damaged someone without hearing himself—that was so him, and so TenTen just kept her ears perked up for his ramblings. 'I sense a wild chakra nearby. It's not in the village, but I feel it. I think most of you do, too, sometimes. But you're afraid. You want to maintain peace, is that it? There's no peace, you know. There's always gonna be a strife, a misunderstanding or a common brawl and it'll spark a fight. I don't want these children to find a Kunai new to them when one of these days, they need to protect themselves—from whatever is coming. Open your eyes. You think they're safe? It's better if they get slapped with reality as early as possible.'

Leaves swirled. A flower flew onto Kiba's sandals. The sun had finally set, and dark clouds was upon them.

"We'll see them again in five years." TenTen broke down, as she stood. She didn't look back at the children, but she did stay for a while, without turning—trying to hear out Kiba's emotions.

TenTen was tired of people making rash decisions. Neji saved Naruto because it was the only way to save him; he was probably the only person alive that was able to see Madara's weapons, let alone willing to be the Savior's shield. With that quick, dreadful moment, all of TenTen's dreams shattered. I don't have a future anymore. She didn't want the same to happen to Kiba, who was probably going to be in a big trouble with the Hokage.

"Such a pretty face." She heard Ino's flirtatious voice say, and she could picture her placing a hand on his cheek, with Kiba looking into her as well, like they were each other's misery.

❖

Sunagakure was located in the country of Wind. Due to its position and weather, the village itself was deterrent to assaults. Very few powerful parties have had tried to overcome the mercurial sandstorms, and because of the thick sand, it was made difficult to attack from underground. The houses were made of clay or stucco, but if you looked from afar it may only seem like a bunch of tiny sandcastles.

Despite the drought, the never-ending heat and the previous rough history this village had faced, it still stood celestially on the sand, above the earth; it was dry as hell during the day, but cool winds sprung up during the night. Feel the sand on your palms during sundown, it'll feel fresh and soft.This is why villagers often wore a scarf—the wind never left; be it a sad occurence that happened in the village, a happy event—no matter what, nature was always at their side. Some believed that it started since the reign of the Fifth Kazekage, who held the sand on the tip of his palm and was able to divert winds; others like the Elders knew from the beginning that Sunagakure was never abandoned by the Gods when during the myth times that either Amaterasu or Susanoo, were responsible for the sunken terrain of the village.

Suna is home to the people that live here, despite ordinary families more dominant to 'clans', Sand citizens have held one belief: accomplishing a mission predominates the life of a ninja who's trying to accomplish it.

Gaara was standing on the rooftop terrace of his office when he traced his thoughts of this.

All of them—their faces...

Temari.

Kankuro.

Karura.

His father Rasa.

All of them fought very well.

They were his family, and all he ever had—apart from Suna. It was a strange recollection since he barely looked back to the past; the 23-year-old of him always lived in the moment. Frankly Gaara looked forward to the future as if his past was a hole inside a tunnel, and beyond it, the end—was a light.

Gaara looked below, into his beloved hometown.

All rebels' attempt to revolt against him failed. He wasn't so sure if this was something to be acknowledged, for it meant that his ruling was unsatisfactory, questioning and weak.

They say you can't please anyone...but what if you're trying your best? What if you've done enough? What if you've given them everything?

Gaara looked at his palms. For the first time, he sweated. The wind became hot.

Then he looked again towards the city. With a heavy breath he sighed; something was pulling him down like an anchor.

He never looked back because he didn't want to see himself as the monster he once was—one that tried to hurt things intentionally. He killed because he felt the hunger to...to crush them in coffins, a quick bearable death—he actually considered one's demise a blessing. In the Shinobi world, you were born to either kill or be killed. It's the survival of the fittest. To kill someone, the 12-year-old of him said—was benevolence: it was to save them from a pain that will devour them; it's torture. He didn't eradicate his siblings yet because he thought they still had use to him: to cover for his bloody tracks, to follow him with eyes of illusion that one day he would be redeemed. Monsters were psychopaths; villains with a broken conscience. What saved him, pray tell—was another monster who didn't consider himself as one—and maybe that was what everyone needed: a clear vision of themselves and what they chose to be.

Now, how will he prove to the village and the Shinobi world that he will not fail them, ever?

The way he sees it, his image isn't depicted as someone with strong representation, but young and deteriorating. He was the only Kage left to retire, so he had led not one but two reigns in a lifetime. He governed Suna well, but there was an itsy bitsy feeling that the shadows the rebels left weren't forever gone. No matter what, people will find a way to bring you down. Should he show a sign of force, people would see him as a dictator. Should he let the peace stay as is, people will say he's done nothing—a useless Kazekage.

It's like the universe is conspiring for his failure.

Kankuro was his brother, yet due to the present circumstances, they talked less—he was working often at his puppets, or sometimes he was hearing from Suna's military—a task for someone light and plain-saling. Temari was a mother and is weeks away from their homeland; she was a mother now, and she needn't any assistance from her little brother. Temari could make devastating whirlwinds and blast the enemy out. Gaara met the child once, Shikadai, and to be honest that kid was known as the Kazekage's 'spoiled nephew'—he had given him gifts, presents, and Shikadai replied to him through a modern cellphone.

"Lord Gaara," a voice said from behind. It was Baki, the stern soldier, who was also Gaara's right-handed man. "It's time."

Gaara looked at the sun setting, and realized he had better go.