Sunagakure sent a cart, and Gaara used his sand to move the Raikage onto it. After an enormous struggle, the Ninja managed to get the cart moving and slowly set off toward the Land of Lightning.
Gaara invited Naruto to visit his village.
On the road from the deserts of the Land of Wind to Sunagakure, both deliberately avoided mentioning the changes in the Shinobi World since the Five Kage Summit. Like friends who had not seen each other in ages, they chatted casually about lighter things!
The two of them were relaxed, but Temari, Kankuro, Baki, and the other Sunagakure Ninja accompanying them were tense to the extreme!
After all, Naruto's current status was among the most sensitive in the Shinobi World, and his actions among the most unpredictable. Gaara's decision to invite him into the village had sparked considerable controversy!
They remained on guard the entire way, afraid something might go wrong!
Naruto noticed, of course, but acted as though nothing was amiss.
And so, the group arrived at Sunagakure.
Outside the Kazekage's residence, Gaara stopped and told the accompanying Ninja, "I'd like to speak with Naruto alone now. Wait outside."
Kankuro said, "Hey, at least let Temari and me come in..."
Gaara said, "No need."
Kankuro said, "But..."
Temari put a hand on Kankuro's shoulder and shook her head.
Deep down, she still believed Naruto would not hurt Gaara... because she had been among those who accompanied Naruto when he rescued Gaara all those years ago. To this day, she could not forget that warm tear the wind had carried onto her face!
Or... that declaration of loneliness!
Thus, the Ninja stayed outside while Naruto followed Gaara into the residence.
The door closed, and the lights came on. Outside the windows, windblown sand raged.
Naruto sat on