Chapter 16
#TWO YEARS LATER#
Gaara stared down at the letter that had been received about two weeks before he'd finally returned from the desert. Temari had been ecstatic at his return. He was pretty sure her hug caused his ribs to puncture a hole in his lung. Kankurou had taken him out for sake, despite the fact he wasn't old enough to drink. He'd received the letter around dinner time. For two years he battled the desert elements, and now he was stronger than ever. He'd appealed to the Council, and they had given them their final decision. The redhead looked down at his letter and read it to himself as Temari prepared some kind of instant food.
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'Gaara-kun, Time is almost up for me in this training. It's been tough, and I definitely thought I was going to die a few times, but I made it. Grandmother is becoming too ill to train me anymore, but I think that I've become stronger than I have ever been. She says I am ready to inherit the Clan. I'm a Jounin now, along with Hyuuga Neji. My Clan is preparing the supplies needed for the Inheritance Test. I hope you are well, and I know you're probably as strong as a god by now. I hope to see you soon. I wonder…have you grown taller? I have. I can't imagine how pretty your sister must be by now. She'll be 18 right? Tell Temari and Kankurou I said hi. I'm sure they must be Jounin by now, or ANBU even! I should be out of here in two weeks. Write me back as soon as you can! I can't wait to hear from you. I've missed you. Send some pictures if you can. With Love, Akito Shia'
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He got out his pen and paper to scribble a reply. He described vaguely his training, and that his siblings and himself were indeed all Jounin. He didn't want to explain anything about the Kazekage situation, because he didn't want to jinx it. Gaara quickly searched for some pictures, finding only pictures of his siblings since he'd been gone for the past two years. He scribbled an apology for the lack of pictures of himself, and an explanation. The redhead then rolled it up, and attached it to the dove's foot. It'd been two weeks since he'd received the letter. She should be out by now.
Akito Complex Gates
A fifteen year old, brunette Jounin emerged into Konohagakure for the first time in two years. She wore her tight black, flame retardant combat suit that hugged her well formed slender curves, with a long white skirt tied around her waist. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail that hung just below her shoulder blades. She'd grown a couple of inches, standing at an average 5'4", and she was on her way to the Hokage building.
"Sh..Shia-chan?" a quiet voice said from behind her. The medic turned to see Hyuuga Hinata looking at her with wide eyes.
"Hinata-chan!" she cried out, lunging at her friend and squeezing her in a hug.
"Shia-chan! I..I haven't s..seen you in so long," the shy Hyuuga said, hugging back.
They broke apart, and Shia took a good look at her friend. Hinata had grown as well, and stood almost as tall as she did. The Hyuuga heiress had allowed her hair to grow long. It fell in silken raven strands to her waist. She still had a sweater covering her body, but Shia could see that the girl's curvaceous figure was no longer coverable. Shia would kill for curves like that, she was more slender with little curves here and there. Her breasts were a full b-cup, but Hinata seemed to be sporting 'Shinobi's Illustrated' worthy humps.
"How've you been Hinata-chan?" she asked. Hinata smiled happily.
"I've been working hard with Neji-niisan, and my father to get stronger," she said, and Shia could feel that she had. Hinata's presence was much stronger now.
"Has Naruto-kun returned yet?" the medic asked. Hinata shook her head sadly.
"I wish he would return soon though. We all miss him," the shy Hyuuga said. Shia translated it to 'I wish he would return soon so I can impress him with how strong I've gotten.'
"Where are you headed then Shia-chan?" Hinata asked. Shia's navy blue eyes turned to her friend, and Hinata thought they may have become an even deeper shade of blue since she'd seen her last.
"I'm headed to Tsunade-sama's office to report my training, and receive some letter or something," Shia said as they continued on their way to the Hokage Complex.
"Oh! Me too… Team Eight, Tenten, Lee-san, Neji-niisan are leaving on a mission tonight. Kiba and Shino already left for Tsunade-sama's office, but I had to get a few things ready," she explained. Shia nodded as they started up the long staircase to the Hokage's office. Once they made it to those huge doors, Hinata rapped softly with her fist.
"Enter!" a sharp voice called from inside.
Both girls entered quickly. At the desk in the front center of the room sat Tsunade-sama looking as beautiful as ever, and not a day older. In front of her stood five young shinobi awaiting orders. Kiba and Shino didn't look much different. Kiba still looked life a wolfish guy, and Shino was as mysterious as usual. Tenten looked older, and she'd filled out some. Her pretty brown eyes glittered with joy upon seeing Shia. Hyuuga Neji looked handsome as sin, taller, and with an even stronger presence.
"Sorry I'm late Hokage-sama. I had to inform my father of my mission," Hinata said bowing her head respectfully. Shia inclined her body also, and smiled around the room upon rising.
"I'll just wait outside until you're done," she said, walking towards the door.
"No need Shia…I've already given Neji the mission scroll. They'll be leaving to get ready now," the Hokage said, effectively dismissing the others. All of them left quietly. Kiba threw her a little wave, while Shino and Neji just inclined their heads politely.
"We'll be at the tea shop. Come meet us after you've finished here," Tenten whispered as she walked out. When all others had left, Shia approached the female Sannin.
"Well, let's get this little meeting started shall we?" Tsunade said, smiling a little through her obvious exhaustion. Shia nodded.
"You've completed your training, and passed the Jounin exam. I'm sure your Clan must be proud. What else should I know?" the blond woman asked. The brunette took a seat in one of the chairs in front of the Hokage's large desk.
"The Akito Clan plans to administer the Inheritance Test upon my grandmother's death. They will name me Head of the Clan, and I will be expected to marry within six months of ascending to said title," Shia said, obviously not too happy about that last stipulation.
"I see…and they don't think you are too young?" Tsunade asked, clearly thinking so.
"The Clan Council has decided that at my age it would be beneficial to have a second opinion on all of my decisions. Therefore, they wish me to marry. Of course he will have to be high status, and politically aware," Shia said, seeming bored with such details.
"I understand. For your own sake, I as Hokage, will attempt to stall this pressure of marriage for as long as I can. Having the weight of an entire Clan on your shoulders will be tough enough at your age, adding a marriage into the mix will only complicate things for you," the blond explained, and the younger girl smiled gratefully.
"Thank you so much, Hokage-sama," Shia said, bowing her head.
"Now…on to the next order of business. I have received a letter from Sunagakure in regards to the inauguration of the Godaime Kazekage," Tsunade started, getting straight to business. Shia tilted her head in confusion.
"I don't see what that has to do with me," she said quietly. Tsunade opened a scroll, and began to read it out loud.
"Akito Shia, you are formally invited to participate in the Inauguration Festival of Sunagakure's Godaime Kazekage. We wish for you to leave immediately upon receiving this information. Sabaku no Temari will be meeting you at the gates of Konohagakure, and will be your guide on your way here. You will be residing in the Sabaku household for your stay as requested by Sabaku no Temari, Sabaku no Kankurou, and Sabaku no Gaara. We ask that you consider being a part of this important occasion for our village. Elder Council, Sunagakure," the blond Hokage read.
Shia sat in complete bewilderment that the Elder Council of Sunagakure had just invited her to something so important. Why had the elders done it? Why hadn't the Sabaku family just sent her a letter or something?
"When I told your grandmother about this, she handed me another letter from Sunagakure from the Sabaku household," the Sannin said handing the young girl the letter.
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'Shia, I am doing well. I've just returned from my training, and I think I've gotten stronger. Kankurou and Temari are indeed Jounin, good ones at that. Temari serves as a link between our two villages, and Kankurou will become the Kazekage's right hand man. I sent you some pictures of them. Unfortunately I couldn't find any recent ones of myself seeing as I've been away these past two years. You'll see me soon enough. By now you should have received the council's invitation. It's really just an excuse for us to invite you out here, but you'll need that invitation to enter the village. Security triples whenever there's a festival that has to do with the Kazekage. Temari, Kankurou and I decided it would be the best time to get to see you. I'm sure you'd like a small vacation after such difficult training and the stress of your Inheritance Test. We have convinced your Hokage that it is a mission for you. As a way to strengthen bonds between our villages, you will come and help us with the preparations. Of course, there isn't much that hasn't been done, but Temari says that if we can get you a paid vacation, why not? We are looking forward to seeing you soon. I hope you are well. Sabaku no Gaara'
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Shia smiled down at the letter for a few moments. It'd been so long since she'd heard from him. It was wonderful to know they were all well, and that they'd all grown stronger substantially. She couldn't wait to see Temari's pretty face, or Kankurou's goofy looking smile. Or…Gaara…she couldn't wait to see how he might have changed. She was jostled out of her thoughts by the Hokage's voice.
"….will be leaving tonight after Temari-san has arrived to escort you. You're dismissed to go get ready," the blond said, waving a hand, and giving Shizune a look that said 'send in the next one.'
Shia walked out of the Hokage's office, and slowly through the corridors. She stopped when she saw Ino coming towards her. The blond had not changed too much. She'd let her hair grow out, and wore it as she used to in a long ponytail. She had gotten even more gorgeous, if that was possible.
"Ino!" Shia exclaimed. The blond looked up and squealed, abandoning whatever she'd been holding on the ground in favor of hugging her friend.
"Oh Kami! It's been forever! You look great!" Ino cried, releasing her and gathering what she'd dropped off the floor.
"So do you! What're you doing here?" the brunette asked, kneeling down to help.
"Oh, I'm just bringing this stupid paperwork to Tsunade-shishou," Ino said, and Shia gasped.
"You mean, you've been working under her too?" she asked. Ino smiled and giggled a little.
"Yea, I've gotten better, but…Billboard Brow has really grown," the blond answered, earning a chuckle.
"You two are still at it?" she asked.
"Yea, Miss Perfect Chakra Control is really good at this whole medical ninjutsu stuff! But I won't lose to her!" Ino said defiantly. Shia laughed.
"Well, would you know where Sakura-chan is right now?" she asked.
"She'd be at the hospital. She works there when she's not training," Ino answered adjusting the large stack of papers in her arms.
"Thanks!" Shia said.
"Well, I gotta go, it was nice seeing you. Maybe we can hang out soon," Ino said as she started away.
"As soon as I return from Sunagakure, we'll all have a big sleep over!" Shia called back, and Ino shouted back something that sounded like 'it's a date' before disappearing into Tsuande's office. Shia left the Hokage building to go searching for her best friend. 'I wonder how much she's changed…' she thought.
Sabaku Residence
"Well, I just got word from Temari. She just got to Konoha, and will be leaving with Shia tonight," Kankurou said, taking a seat at the table with his younger brother.
"It'll be nice to see her," Gaara said quietly, taking a sip of tea.
"Yea…so…what's for lunch?" Kankuro asked, and his little brother just looked at him for a few moments before answering.
"I ordered out. It should be here soon," he answered in his monotone. The puppet master's mouth fell open in shock.
"YOU! You mean…you actually talked to someone who's not me…to get them to order you food?" Kankurou asked, and the redhead nodded.
"Hn.." he said.
"Well, we'll have food at least," the brunette said, taking a sip of his tea.
There was a knock on the door, and the younger of the two got up to go answer it. 'He's really changed,' Kankurou thought happily. And so he had…Gaara was no longer afraid of the hatred from the villagers. He treated them politely, and he only held raw determination to change their minds, where there had once been hatred. When the redhead returned they ate their food in silence.
Konoha Tea Shop
"Sakura-chan…I have to say you've changed quite a lot," Shia complimented.
"Thanks…it seems like you've gotten stronger as well. A Jounin?" the pinkette asked. Shia nodded.
"Yea, I'll soon be locked away in the Akito Complex serving as their leader, and married to some bum I don't even love," Shia said in a not so happy tone. Sakura sighed.
"I'm sure you'll make a great leader Shia-chan," Hinata piped in.
"Yea, and we'll all pray he isn't too hideous," Tenten giggled, trying to lighten the mood. Shia smiled.
"Whadya mean married? You're like…fifteen!" Kiba cried out in confusion.
"It's in the Clan laws or something. Since I'm so young, they think it best if I had someone to help me make decisions," she explained.
"That's stupid," he huffed, not understanding at all.
"I agree, I hardly see how a marriage could do anything but complicate things and make them bothersome," Shikamaru added in. Shia sighed.
"I have no choice. I have to do it. Sacrifices will have to be made. For my clan," she said.
"I understand how your Clan would think so. However, they are missing a vital point. Having the weight of an entire Clan on one's shoulders is stressful enough on someone as young as you are. To have the added stress of a loveless marriage added on doesn't help at all," Neji said intelligently.
"Well, who knows…maybe we will fall in love. I'm prepared to make sacrifices for my Clan's better interests," She said. Her friends silently respected her.
"That is what will make you a good leader Shia…but…not all sacrifices are worth making Shia…some people have sacrificed things they shouldn't have in the name of their clans," Sakrua said quietly, and all of them knew who she was talking about. 'So she's not over the Uchiha.'
"Well, I personally think it is very un-youthful for them to force such a thing on you!" cried Lee indignantly. Shia smiled at him.
"Thanks Lee-san," she said.
"Love…love is something that should never be sacrificed," Sakura said, looking teary.
For a moment everyone contemplated those words in silence. Lee tried to comfort the pinkette. Shia took another sip of her tea. 'She's still in love with the Uchiha, and it's still tearing her up inside. She's gotten so strong, I can feel it. Can love really be so destructive? I've never been, so I wouldn't know what it's like to love and lose like that…..Love….love is not a luxury I can afford anymore…' Shia thought to herself.
"Shia-chan!" a familiar voice cried from behind her.
The brunette whipped her head around to see Temari running towards them waving an arm furiously. She was taller, leaner, but also more filled out. She had the body of a woman. Her blond hair was still held back in the four pigtails, and she still had that enormous fan strapped to her back. When the blond finally made it to where they were all sitting, Shia saw that she had changed slightly. Her green eyes glittered happily…and it was wonderful to see. Instead of the usual mask of anger she hid behind.
"Wow…look at you! When did I give you permission to grow up?" Temari asked, in a sisterly tone. Shia laughed and threw her arms around the older girl.
"It's great to see you! You look amazing Temari-chan!" the medic said, eyes shimmering in her excitement.
"How've you been Shia-chan?" Temari asked, allowing herself to be guided into a seat next to the brunette girl.
"Great! A little stressed, but you guys really saved me this time," Shia said smiling. Temari laughed heartily, her entire face lighting up and her eyes becoming glowing pools of excitement. Shikamaru almost had to look twice. Was it possible for someone to change so much in just two years?
"Oi…you lazy bastard! No hello?" she called across the table to him, her eyes glaring at him like he remembered. 'Okay, so maybe she hasn't changed that much,' he thought.
"You didn't say hi to me either troublesome woman," he answered in his bored drawl. She smirked at him while the rest of the table just looked on with mirroring confused expressions.
"Well, I hate to break up this lovely party, but I've come to take Shia-chan away with me to Suna," the blond said, rising from her seat and signaling Shia to do the same.
"Oh! Now? But..I haven't.."
"We already had someone go grab your things, and they are on the way to Suna as we speak. We should get going if we want to make it there sooner than later," Temari explained. Shia nodded.
"Well I guess I'll see you all when I get back," she said, smiling and waving. They all said goodbye to her, and she turned her attention to her pink haired friend.
"You'll be okay Sakura. You're strong," she said, grabbing the girl in a hug.
"Thanks," said girl replied. They broke apart. Shia followed Temari towards the gates. They got into the carriage and took off toward Sunagakure. The medic's stomach fluttered excitedly in her body. She couldn't wait to see Kankurou and Gaara. 'I wonder how much they've changed…' she thought.
