My God...Am I...I Am! Writing Again!!
Wow, I wrote something!!
Not RPed.
WROTE!!
It's only half a chapter, nowhere near finished, but I'd like to get people's opinions on it please!!
Konohagure, the Village Hidden in the Leaves had never been more in conflict. Tsunade, Godaime Hokage, had finally announced her successor; Naruto Uzumaki. Whilst the younger generations of shinobi and a good number of the previous generation rallied behind the future Rokudaime, most of the civilians were as against the appointment as it was possible to be!
Many had said that if Tsunade planned to push this through the council (who were also opposed to it) they would leave the village forever. Troubling times indeed. And a complicated time to hold a Chunin Exam. But needs must. And they needed to observe the future of their villages in action.
But that was not the only reason Sabaku no Gaara, Godaime Kazekage of Sunakagure, the Village Hidden in the Sand, was here. He also wished to offer his support to the future Hokage. Naruto had taught him a lot after all, as well as help save his life five years ago. That had been the last time he'd seen the blonde. In fact, it had been the last time he'd seen any of the 'Rookie Nine' or Team Gai.
His duties were numerous and time-consuming. Time off simply wasn't an option. And under his leadership, Suna was stronger than in had been for decades. But this left little time for catching up with old friends. He knew very little of what had happened, beyond the engagement of Haruno Sakura and Naruto.
That had shocked everyone. Not least of all Gaara himself. He knew his friend had long carried a torch for the pink-haired kunoichi, but she had never been seen to return these affections until Uchiha Sasuke was brought home. Broken and beaten, but alive. It seemed that in the face of her old crush, she finally realised what she'd been rejecting all these years.
Gaara was as happy as he could be for them. He would have liked to attend the engagement party, if only to catch up on what had been happening in their lives. But it seemed fate was against him. That night one of his main patrols had been attacked by a band of powerful rogue nins and he had been forced to return without so much as a 'congratulations'.
Now, finally, he was back in a village that was almost as dear to him as his own. It held many of those he would consider his friends.
"Earth to Gaara...!"
A hand waving in front of his face brought Gaara back to the present and he glared at his older brother. "What is it Kankuro?"
The puppet-master grinned at him good-naturedly. "These guys need you to sign these papers before we can go in any further." Kankuro had changed a great deal in the five years since he'd seen the Leaf shinobi. His war paint now covered a series of scars that travelled along the left side of his face; results of a hand to hand combat with a Mist nin two years ago. He was taller than ever, and just as broad, three puppet scrolls still attached to his back and the ever-present cat-eared hood atop his head.
Gaara sighed in irritation internally, but outwardly simply nodded and signed his name on the various forms he had to fill in to enter Konoha. Ever since Orochimaru's attack all those years ago, security had been tightened. He had even been forced to perform a signature jutsu before they'd even let him past the gates. He doubted the shinobi on duty had expected him to begin a Sand Coffin jutsu on them though.
He'd almost, almost, let out a sadistic smirk at their foolishness. Kankuro had just burst out laughing. You didn't question Gaara of the Desert, and you certainly didn't question the Kazekage.
Once all was signed, Gaara was once again free to dwell on the subtle differences he could see in the village around him. It was...brighter somehow, despite the unrest. ANBU were subtly stationed in various spots around the village and even the civilians seemed to be excited about the upcoming final round of the Chunin exam.
"Looks different, doesn't it?"
"Hm."
Kankuro sighed, rolling his eyes. "You could at least give me an answer Gaara."
"I did." Gaara never understood his siblings irritation at his lack of communication. They knew what he meant, so why bother saying more?
"'Hm' isn't an answer. Hell, it's not even a damn word."
"It is in the dictionary Kankuro." Gaara shot his brother a subtle smirk. Kankuro just waved his hand, huffing.
"Whatever man. Do you know where we're staying?"
"The Hokage building. Rooms have been set up. Temari is joining us later. I don't know if Shikamaru will be accompanying her. Yes, you may go and eat."
Kankuro stared at his baby brother before shaking his head and opened his mouth.
"Yes, you have told me how 'creepy' it is when I do that."
"Dammit Gaara, let me get my own questions out!"
"It saves time when I know what you're going to ask."
Kankuro opened his mouth to speak again, then stopped, looking just behind Gaara and smiling grimly. "Alright, here's a question for you;" he pointed over Gaara's shoulder "what's wrong with that picture?"
Gaara turned slowly and blinked in surprise. Which was about as shocked as he got.
He recognised the shinobi currently walking down the high street; how could he not? The green spandex, even covered by the Chunin vest, and the orange leg warmers were a dead give-away.
And he could never forget the first person to ever touch him with the intention to cause him harm.
Rock Lee had changed though. His bowl-cut was now grown out into long spikes that couldn't seem to decide what direction they wanted to go in, and the rest was collected into a plait that continued halfway down his back. He looked stronger too; muscles clearly seen through the tight spandex. And that smile... It was flashed at everyone who wished him a good morning.
Kankuro was right though...something was definitely wrong with the picture; namely the long cane in Lee's hand that was feeling his way and the clouded look in his eyes.
When exactly had Rock Lee lost his sight?!
It was a question that Gaara wanted answered. Right now. Tact was not something that appealed to the Kazekage. A waste of time. Easier to simply ask outright. So that was what he would do.
Or would have done had Kankuro not grabbed the back of his collar. "Whoa there Gaara... I know what you're thinking, and you can't just go up and ask him 'hey, when did you go blind?'. It's insensitive and all that shit. It might upset hi-"
"Kankuro-San?"
Both men looked up to see the topic of their conversation standing in front of them, eyes not looking at them, but smile directed their way. "And Gaa- I mean Kazekage-Sama too! Welcome back to Konoha!" Lee beamed happily at them, holding out a hand.
Kankuro took it and shook it quickly. "Hey kid. Long time no see!" He winced immediately as the words came out of his mouth "Sorry..."
Gaara rolled his eyes. See, this was where 'tact' lead you!
Lee, however, just laughed, waving a hand. "Please don't worry. I have had some time to get used to it!" He poked at one of his eyes. "And hopefully it will not be permanent. Hokage Tsunade-Sama is working on them regularly."
"How did it happen?" Gaara asked bluntly, ignoring Kankuro's wince.
"Ah, that's a long story Kazekage-Sama." Lee chuckled. "I will tell you another time perhaps."
"You're still on duty?"
"Oh yes!" Lee twirled his cane absent-mindedly. "I do not need to see in order to defeat my enemies. Taijutsu is half about feeling your opponent's whereabouts anyway. And Gai-Sensei told me that I have fought in my sleep before. It was just a question of training my other senses to make up for my sight."
"Interesting. I would like to see you in action." Gaara said, curious as to how Lee would operate without his sight.
"Gaara..." Kankuro rubbed his eyes. "Battling a Leaf shinobi whilst being a guest in Konoha is not the best idea. Weren't you listening when Temari gave us that two hour speech on 'diplomatic incidents'?"
"Yes. This is a friendly match. I would not aim to kill him."
"An excellent idea Kazekage-Sama!" Lee exclaimed happily. "I have longed for a rematch for some years now!"
"You're both mad." Kankuro said fervently. "Completely mad. And I'm not sticking around for the consequences!" He waved at the pair before realising Lee couldn't see it. "Later." And with that he went to continue his quest for something to eat.
Lee nodded in Kankuro's direction before turning his head back to Gaara. "Do you wish to spar now?"
"If you're not busy." Gaara started walking in the direction he remembered the training fields being in.
"No, not at all! Just thought that maybe you would want to rest after your travels." Lee kept in step with Gaara, cane sweeping across the floor in front of him so he didn't trip. Mostly a formality to keep Sakura-Chan and Tsunade-Sama happy. He was sure he could identify hazards without it.
Not RPed.
WROTE!!
It's only half a chapter, nowhere near finished, but I'd like to get people's opinions on it please!!
Konohagure, the Village Hidden in the Leaves had never been more in conflict. Tsunade, Godaime Hokage, had finally announced her successor; Naruto Uzumaki. Whilst the younger generations of shinobi and a good number of the previous generation rallied behind the future Rokudaime, most of the civilians were as against the appointment as it was possible to be!
Many had said that if Tsunade planned to push this through the council (who were also opposed to it) they would leave the village forever. Troubling times indeed. And a complicated time to hold a Chunin Exam. But needs must. And they needed to observe the future of their villages in action.
But that was not the only reason Sabaku no Gaara, Godaime Kazekage of Sunakagure, the Village Hidden in the Sand, was here. He also wished to offer his support to the future Hokage. Naruto had taught him a lot after all, as well as help save his life five years ago. That had been the last time he'd seen the blonde. In fact, it had been the last time he'd seen any of the 'Rookie Nine' or Team Gai.
His duties were numerous and time-consuming. Time off simply wasn't an option. And under his leadership, Suna was stronger than in had been for decades. But this left little time for catching up with old friends. He knew very little of what had happened, beyond the engagement of Haruno Sakura and Naruto.
That had shocked everyone. Not least of all Gaara himself. He knew his friend had long carried a torch for the pink-haired kunoichi, but she had never been seen to return these affections until Uchiha Sasuke was brought home. Broken and beaten, but alive. It seemed that in the face of her old crush, she finally realised what she'd been rejecting all these years.
Gaara was as happy as he could be for them. He would have liked to attend the engagement party, if only to catch up on what had been happening in their lives. But it seemed fate was against him. That night one of his main patrols had been attacked by a band of powerful rogue nins and he had been forced to return without so much as a 'congratulations'.
Now, finally, he was back in a village that was almost as dear to him as his own. It held many of those he would consider his friends.
"Earth to Gaara...!"
A hand waving in front of his face brought Gaara back to the present and he glared at his older brother. "What is it Kankuro?"
The puppet-master grinned at him good-naturedly. "These guys need you to sign these papers before we can go in any further." Kankuro had changed a great deal in the five years since he'd seen the Leaf shinobi. His war paint now covered a series of scars that travelled along the left side of his face; results of a hand to hand combat with a Mist nin two years ago. He was taller than ever, and just as broad, three puppet scrolls still attached to his back and the ever-present cat-eared hood atop his head.
Gaara sighed in irritation internally, but outwardly simply nodded and signed his name on the various forms he had to fill in to enter Konoha. Ever since Orochimaru's attack all those years ago, security had been tightened. He had even been forced to perform a signature jutsu before they'd even let him past the gates. He doubted the shinobi on duty had expected him to begin a Sand Coffin jutsu on them though.
He'd almost, almost, let out a sadistic smirk at their foolishness. Kankuro had just burst out laughing. You didn't question Gaara of the Desert, and you certainly didn't question the Kazekage.
Once all was signed, Gaara was once again free to dwell on the subtle differences he could see in the village around him. It was...brighter somehow, despite the unrest. ANBU were subtly stationed in various spots around the village and even the civilians seemed to be excited about the upcoming final round of the Chunin exam.
"Looks different, doesn't it?"
"Hm."
Kankuro sighed, rolling his eyes. "You could at least give me an answer Gaara."
"I did." Gaara never understood his siblings irritation at his lack of communication. They knew what he meant, so why bother saying more?
"'Hm' isn't an answer. Hell, it's not even a damn word."
"It is in the dictionary Kankuro." Gaara shot his brother a subtle smirk. Kankuro just waved his hand, huffing.
"Whatever man. Do you know where we're staying?"
"The Hokage building. Rooms have been set up. Temari is joining us later. I don't know if Shikamaru will be accompanying her. Yes, you may go and eat."
Kankuro stared at his baby brother before shaking his head and opened his mouth.
"Yes, you have told me how 'creepy' it is when I do that."
"Dammit Gaara, let me get my own questions out!"
"It saves time when I know what you're going to ask."
Kankuro opened his mouth to speak again, then stopped, looking just behind Gaara and smiling grimly. "Alright, here's a question for you;" he pointed over Gaara's shoulder "what's wrong with that picture?"
Gaara turned slowly and blinked in surprise. Which was about as shocked as he got.
He recognised the shinobi currently walking down the high street; how could he not? The green spandex, even covered by the Chunin vest, and the orange leg warmers were a dead give-away.
And he could never forget the first person to ever touch him with the intention to cause him harm.
Rock Lee had changed though. His bowl-cut was now grown out into long spikes that couldn't seem to decide what direction they wanted to go in, and the rest was collected into a plait that continued halfway down his back. He looked stronger too; muscles clearly seen through the tight spandex. And that smile... It was flashed at everyone who wished him a good morning.
Kankuro was right though...something was definitely wrong with the picture; namely the long cane in Lee's hand that was feeling his way and the clouded look in his eyes.
When exactly had Rock Lee lost his sight?!
It was a question that Gaara wanted answered. Right now. Tact was not something that appealed to the Kazekage. A waste of time. Easier to simply ask outright. So that was what he would do.
Or would have done had Kankuro not grabbed the back of his collar. "Whoa there Gaara... I know what you're thinking, and you can't just go up and ask him 'hey, when did you go blind?'. It's insensitive and all that shit. It might upset hi-"
"Kankuro-San?"
Both men looked up to see the topic of their conversation standing in front of them, eyes not looking at them, but smile directed their way. "And Gaa- I mean Kazekage-Sama too! Welcome back to Konoha!" Lee beamed happily at them, holding out a hand.
Kankuro took it and shook it quickly. "Hey kid. Long time no see!" He winced immediately as the words came out of his mouth "Sorry..."
Gaara rolled his eyes. See, this was where 'tact' lead you!
Lee, however, just laughed, waving a hand. "Please don't worry. I have had some time to get used to it!" He poked at one of his eyes. "And hopefully it will not be permanent. Hokage Tsunade-Sama is working on them regularly."
"How did it happen?" Gaara asked bluntly, ignoring Kankuro's wince.
"Ah, that's a long story Kazekage-Sama." Lee chuckled. "I will tell you another time perhaps."
"You're still on duty?"
"Oh yes!" Lee twirled his cane absent-mindedly. "I do not need to see in order to defeat my enemies. Taijutsu is half about feeling your opponent's whereabouts anyway. And Gai-Sensei told me that I have fought in my sleep before. It was just a question of training my other senses to make up for my sight."
"Interesting. I would like to see you in action." Gaara said, curious as to how Lee would operate without his sight.
"Gaara..." Kankuro rubbed his eyes. "Battling a Leaf shinobi whilst being a guest in Konoha is not the best idea. Weren't you listening when Temari gave us that two hour speech on 'diplomatic incidents'?"
"Yes. This is a friendly match. I would not aim to kill him."
"An excellent idea Kazekage-Sama!" Lee exclaimed happily. "I have longed for a rematch for some years now!"
"You're both mad." Kankuro said fervently. "Completely mad. And I'm not sticking around for the consequences!" He waved at the pair before realising Lee couldn't see it. "Later." And with that he went to continue his quest for something to eat.
Lee nodded in Kankuro's direction before turning his head back to Gaara. "Do you wish to spar now?"
"If you're not busy." Gaara started walking in the direction he remembered the training fields being in.
"No, not at all! Just thought that maybe you would want to rest after your travels." Lee kept in step with Gaara, cane sweeping across the floor in front of him so he didn't trip. Mostly a formality to keep Sakura-Chan and Tsunade-Sama happy. He was sure he could identify hazards without it.