Leaving Sunagakure

That evening, just as Hui was about to return to her room, the captain of the caravan she had escorted came to find her. Hui watched him with cold eyes, feeling an uneasy premonition.

The man approached her timidly. Fear showed in his eyes, yet for some reason, he still dared to speak with her.

He rubbed his hands together and said respectfully, "Lady Hui Youling, we're leaving tomorrow. You'll still need to escort us out..."

A chill flashed through Hui's eyes. The man took a frightened step back, his face twisting as he tried to suppress his fear and revulsion.

Hui narrowed her eyes at the captain. He had actually started calling her "Lady," even though he was terrified. He was determined to negotiate with her regardless. She could clearly see the cold sweat on his brow, and his body was trembling slightly. She had no idea what was driving him, but he still forced himself to say, "I... I've already paid you... more than half the fee... so please..."

As he spoke, Hui sensed four chakra signatures appear around them, lying in wait in different places. They seemed to be targeting her. There was even one in her room. Was the man in front of her just a pawn? He certainly had some nerve, Hui thought.

The chakra signatures around her stirred when she remained silent. They were about to spring at Hui Youling, but she finally spoke. "All right."

The caravan captain breathed a sigh of relief and unconsciously wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Hui ignored him and went inside, opening the door. As she turned to close it, the person hiding in her room leaped out through the window. Hui stood facing the door, lost in thought. The chakra signatures around her also left, with two people staying behind to keep watch on her.

Hui felt a pang of sadness. Did she really have to leave? It had only been two days. They weren't giving her any time at all, Rasa!

A trace of hatred seemed to spread inside her, building in her eyes. Her eyes stung, but she couldn't cry. Her mind was filled with Gaara's face.

She truly couldn't imagine the pain and loneliness Gaara would have to endure after she left. It hurt so much. It felt as though something were squeezing her heart, and an immense sense of loss overwhelmed her. What was she even doing?

A voice seemed to question her from inside her mind. Why couldn't she do it? Why couldn't she do more for Gaara? Why was she so weak?

The voice was so clear that it even seemed to carry a sob, like soft weeping circling her ears. It was as if a gentle rain had begun inside her, and her turbulent state of mind made her ears ring again. She felt trapped.

Hui Youling turned around and leaned helplessly against the door, slowly sinking to the floor. She stared at the open window as the cold wind poured into the room, making the temperature drop rapidly. Her eyes were empty and unfocused, and only a cold smile touched her lips.

"L-Lord... I lured her away. Does that mean our caravan can get a discount next time?" The captain's eyes gleamed with greed as he spoke.

"Lord Kazekage promised you. There's no need to worry. Go back for now, before she gets suspicious," the man said flatly.

"Y-Yes..." The captain left, satisfied.

Not long after he was gone, the ninja glanced toward Hui Youling's room and sneered. Then he left to report back to Rasa.

Hui felt as if she had fallen into a dark place. In a daze, she couldn't sense anything around her, and all she could hear were hushed whispers.

"I love him... I love him... I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

The words repeated over and over, as if they were going to be carved into her mind. She parted her lips, wanting to say something, but her body wouldn't obey her. The feeling of being at someone else's mercy, as if her soul were imprisoned in her body, made her resist with all her might.

Hui suddenly came to her senses, and the discomfort vanished at once, but those words remained in her mind.

Knowing she would have to leave tomorrow, and that she still had many new techniques she wanted to test with Gaara, she slowly got to her feet and went to the table. She took out a blank scroll and began to write down all the ideas in her mind in greater detail.

Time passed slowly. When a beam of light fell across the table, Hui's whole body trembled slightly, and all she could manage was a bitter smile. She knew she had to go say goodbye to Gaara...

Hui Youling arrived early at the Kazekage Residence. She didn't have to wait long before Gaara opened the door and came out.

He was a little surprised to see Hui Youling. Her face looked haggard, with dark circles under her eyes.

Yashamaru had told him the night before that even friends needed to give each other space, so he hadn't gone to see Hui.

He had happily shared his time with Hui with Yashamaru, telling him how glad he was. Yashamaru had also said it was wonderful to have met a friend like Hui Youling. Now, opening the door to find her waiting there, Gaara felt an inexplicable rush of delight.

Gaara smiled at Hui. "Hui!"

Hui's lips lifted slightly, but her voice was heavy as she said, "Gaara, how about we talk on the rooftop?"

Gaara looked at her in confusion, but didn't object. "All right."

The two of them went to the rooftop, a place where they could look out over Sunagakure. It was still early, and there were only a few ninja on the streets. Hui took a small box from her bag, and Gaara's gaze fell on it, puzzled.

Hui Youling solemnly opened the box. A smooth, lustrous piece of jade appeared before Gaara. It had been carved into the shape of a small gourd, with the character "love" engraved on it. The jade was the same cool color as his eyes, yet it was beautiful.

Hui took out the jade. It was a necklace. She held it up before Gaara and gazed at him.

Gaara looked at the jade, then at Hui, his confusion deepening.

Hui Youling explained slowly, "Gaara, this is a gift for you. Try putting it on."

Gaara looked calmly at Hui. For some reason, he had a feeling she was going to leave. This special girl was leaving, but along with his sadness came a sense of relief. She would be safe. He still remembered how he had nearly killed her, and how clearly his father had shown his hostility toward her.

Although he didn't understand why Hui was giving him the jade, it seemed nice to have something to remember her by. So he did as she wished, taking it from her and fastening it around his neck.

Hui looked at the jade around Gaara's neck, her eyes unusually calm. Although she was leaving, she had left her mark on his life, and he remembered her. The gift gave her peace of mind, and she was glad she had had the jade made.

"Gaara, I have to leave Sunagakure. Although I can't stay by your side, this jade will take my place and stay with you." Hui smiled, her gaze as gentle as water.

Gaara looked into those dark eyes. So she really was leaving. He had expected it, but hearing it aloud still made him feel a deep sense of loss.

"Do you really have to go?" he asked quietly.

"Yes."

Gaara fell silent, then looked at Hui Youling and suddenly asked, "Will I see you again?"

Hui tilted her head and smiled, her eyes reflecting Gaara's face. "You will. You're so strong, Gaara. One day, you'll surely become one of the village's finest ninja. Maybe we'll meet when you're outside the village on a mission."

"Good. I'll give you a gift then," Gaara said with a smile.

He wanted Hui to stay, but he knew the situation wouldn't allow it. Hui wasn't from Sunagakure, and she would only be in danger if she stayed. Besides, he didn't know whether he could control Shukaku. He didn't want her to get hurt. Her life was so vibrant...

Hui's gaze settled on the jade, fixed on the character "love." Now it constantly reminded her that Gaara would have to endure Yashamaru's betrayal and an assassination attempt by a ninja sent by Rasa. At last, she understood: if she still insisted on trying to change their fated destiny, she would only destroy herself.

Hui looked at Gaara solemnly, speaking as if making a vow. "Gaara, no matter what you become—even a monster—I will never betray you. Please believe me. I'll believe in you too, because this is our promise."

Gaara looked at Hui. She wasn't smiling, but he could still see her radiant smile and the gaze that had held only him.

"All right," he promised softly, a gentle smile on his lips.