Angry Naruto, Crazy Gaara

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This chapter we will finally have Gaara and Naruto meet! Enjoy!

Last time:

Konoha Village, Hotel Guest Quarters

After looking about for his wayward charges; Baki picked up a note pinned to his door with a shuriken. It was in Temari's handwriting. 'Went out against orders at 9:15 A.M.; trailing Gaara.' was all it said. "Shit!" thought the Suna jonin aloud. "I'd best try to track them down before an international incident occurs. Kazekage-sama will not be happy. It's already 10:30 so who knows where they are by now."

…

ANBU Armory

Naruto, Maya and Hinata left the Armory equipped with new mesh and some new clothes to replace their damaged ones. They were generally in high spirits but couldn't seem to shake the feeling they were being watched. Hinata looked around with her byakugan and said, "I don't see anything out of the ordinary Naruto-kun."

Naruto shrugged. "Maybe I'm just being paranoid. I guess we have been under a lot of pressure lately."

"It's rare you are wrong Naruto-kun." said Maya. "We'll just keep our eyes open."

Naruto's instincts were right. Team 11 had a tail…

…

Chapter 35

Fire Country, Konoha

Team 11 was walking back towards the Natsume Clan home discussing what the three of them should do since they actually had the rest of the day to themselves. "Well, we could go see a movie or something." said Maya. "I also want to spend some time at home. I've missed Aya-chan and we need to catch up."

Hinata smiled. "Well, a fun and combat free afternoon would be great. I've missed Hanabi-chan as well."

"Maybe we should go out to lunch girls." said Naruto. "Does something sound good to you?"

Maya said, "I'm all for ice cream."

"I was thinking cinnamon buns." quipped Hinata. "It's been ages." she said drooling.

That's when a red-haired boy with dark rings around his eyes showed up and pointed directly at Naruto. "You; what is your name?"

Naruto looked surprised but Maya said, "It's impolite to ask for someone's name without giving your name first."

Kankuro and Temari caught up with Gaara about that time. "There you are Gaara. Let's head back to the hotel." said Temari.

Gaara growled, "I just found what I was looking for." He turned back to Naruto's group and said, "I am Sabaku no Gaara of Suna and these are my teammates Temari and Kankuro."

"So, you're Suna ninjas then." said Naruto. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto and my companions are Hyūga Hinata and Natsume Maya." he said motioning to each of his lovely girlfriends. "Why do you seem so excited to know who I am anyway?"

Gaara started twitching back and forth while holding his head and muttering.

"Is he okay?" asked Hinata concerned.

Kankuro shook his head rapidly. "NO, no he's not okay at all!"

"You will prove my existence Uzumaki Naruto!" said the unhinged Gaara with a manic gleam in his eyes. Sand slowly started to leak out of his gourd…

Naruto quirked an eyebrow. "Actually, I think you need a theologian or better yet a philosopher for that sort of thing. I'm a ninja. See the headband?"

Kankuro face faulted and Temari said, "Get back! Gaara's unstable right now! Gaara, control your sand!"

Gaara's sand started swirling about him and he said, "Mother wants his blood and Mother WANTS IT NOW!"

The blonde seal master appeared in front of Gaara with his brush in hand and a bottle of chakra ink in the other. "Ummm…How about no?" Naruto painted a tiny seal on Gaara's forehead and said, "Fuinjutsu! Chakra disruption!"

All three Sand Siblings stared in shock as Gaara's sand fell to the ground as if all the power that was holding it up was suddenly cut off. Naruto leaned in nose to nose with Gaara and said, "I was working on that little seal for myself but since it worked on you that means you're a jinchuriki and an unstable one at that."

The redhead looked panicked and said in a frightened tone, "I can't hear Mother's voice anymore! What did you do to me?!"

Naruto's electric blue eyes lit up and he asked in a thundering voice, "You can actually HEAR the bijuu sealed inside of you?!" Gaara nodded fearfully at Naruto's suddenly overwhelming presence. The blonde then said, "What kind of inferior seal do you have? This is an atrocity! I won't stand for it!" The blonde seal master painted a restraining seal on Gaara's forehead above the chakra disruption seal and the redhead was immobilized entirely. Gaara let out an 'eep!' sound when he found he couldn't move. Naruto snapped his fingers and two shadow clones appeared. Pointing with his brush Naruto said in a commanding voice that his Fuinjutsu Class knew only too well, "Take him to the dojo and we will fix the seal of this poor soul. When I find out who put such an inferior seal on a fellow container, I will make them beg for mercy broken and on their hands and knees!"

…

Back in Suna Elder Chiyo sneezed. "Somebody must be talking about me."

…

Back in Konoha…

Behind Naruto lightning flashed in the sky and thunder roared. Temari and Kankuro stood there holding onto each other in terror as Naruto and his two clones hauled the motionless Gaara off like a sack of potatoes…

Maya shook her head. "Well, Naruto-kun is in full seal master mode now. Even the gods can't stop him when he's this wound up." she turned to follow Naruto. 'I guess a fun afternoon is off. Damn it!'

Hinata said, "I guess Naruto-kun is going to fix your teammate's seal." '(Sigh) So much for relaxing and cinnamon buns…' "Do you two want to come with us or are you staying here?"

"Ummm…actually he's our little brother." said Temari.

"Well, if he's your brother come on then." said Hinata as she waved them on after her.

…

Hokage Tower

Blissfully unaware that his youngest son was being kidnapped, Rasa was discussing the possibilities of joint Suna-Konoha Missions with Tsunade. "If the Wind Daimyo continues to give his business to Konoha then Suna will continue to suffer financially." said Rasa. "You are suggesting that missions within Wind Country should be arranged so that Suna gets half of the pay? That seems awfully liberal Tsunade-sama."

"Considering the missions would be of a joint nature it would serve to strengthen our alliance, yes?" asked Tsunade. "Even if we have courier missions where a Konoha Team delivers things to a Suna Team at the border it would make the Daimyo understand that Suna needs to be involved. Giving missions to foreign countries that take place within the Wind Country Borders is ludicrous. We of Konoha are your friends but what if he did the same with potential enemies like Iwa? Wind Country's security would be compromised and there is nothing you could do about it. Also, Suna Teams and Konoha Teams working together would build a better rapport between our ninjas. In the last few years since the Kyubi's Attack I feel our alliance has been a bit strained due to isolation even though we are neighbors."

Tsunade continued, "Rasa-sama, this arrangement would also stimulate trade between our countries which would benefit us both economically. Ultimately the goal for Suna would be to bring the Wind Daimyo to his senses and prove to him that the Suna Village needs his support. The goal for Konoha here would be to preserve our alliance and stimulate economic growth for all parties involved. 'Come on man, I want to avoid being heavy handed and forcing the issue with Orochimaru.'

'The Hokage is being more than generous here. This could be Suna's way out!' thought Rasa. 'The question is why? Are her policies that different from Sarutobi-sama's or is she aware of Orochimaru's plans? The Snake sannin assured me he knew Konoha's policies inside and out but this move is unprecedented.' "So how do you propose we split mission pay in the case of a multi border crossing Hokage-sama? Say the Wind Daimyo decides he wants to by some object from Hot Water Country for instance…"

Both leaders continued to jockey for better positions in the situation without looking weak. It was a delicate process…

…

Path to the Natsume Clan Home

As Naruto led the group along (his to clones were hauling Gaara along like a prize kill) they ran into Team 10. Shikamaru, Emi and Ino had just finished training for the morning and in a rare show of mercy their sensei Anko gave them the afternoon off since it was Saturday. "Look, it's Naruto-kun and Team 11!" said Emi as she led Ino and Shikamaru over.

Team 10 paused when they saw Naruto's clones hauling along and apparently dead red haired Suna ninja. Shikamaru stared for a moment before he shook his head and said, "Only with Naruto would I see such a sight; how troublesome."

Emi trotted up to the original Naruto and said, "Ummm…Naruto-kun? Is there a particular reason you are hauling a corpse out towards the Natsume home?"

Naruto said, "Hi Emi-chan, Ino, Shikamaru. He isn't a corpse; Gaara has a messed-up seal on him and I intend to fix it."

Emi and Ino looked at the statue like Gaara who was wide eyed and whispered, "Help me!" quietly.

Maya, Hinata, Temari and Kankuro came marching up and Kankuro asked, "Is this Naruto guy really that good at seals?"

Hinata nodded. "Naruto-kun is an undisputed master in the arts of fuinjutsu. If there is anyone that can fix your teammate's seal then it is him."

Temari looked astonished before she looked thoughtful and said, "If Naruto can make my little brother sane, I'll be eternally grateful. Hell, I'll marry the guy as thanks!"

Maya and Hinata said in an identical dark tone, "I don't think that will be necessary."

Ino waved and said, "Hinata-chan, Maya; what's up? Who are your friends?"

Maya shook her head. "These are some Suna ninjas we met a little while ago and Naruto-kun is helping their teammate. He has issues."

Temari cleared her throat, "I'm Temari and this is my brother Kankuro. Naruto is trying to help our youngest brother Gaara with his…seal problem."

Ino smiled brightly. "I'm Ino and this is Emi. Shikamaru is over there. If it's a fuinjutsu problem Naruto-kun can solve anything. He's a genius at that!"

…

Hokage Tower

While Tsunade and Rasa were deep in discussion about their villages and their alliance upstairs; a different form of diplomatic disaster was being dealt with by one retired Sarutobi Hiruzen downstairs. 'I could be having a nice lunch date with Hanako-chan and this happens. I just know this is some kind of revenge plot by young Yūgao…The fun never ends…' "So jonin Uzuki Yūgao said you should come here and see me since the Fifth Hokage is unavailable Natsuko-san?"

"That is correct Sarutobi-sama." replied the beautiful Nadeshiko kunoichi. "She would not tell me where Uzumaki Naruto-kun lives and said it was classified. As far as I know the Nadeshiko Village is on good terms with Konoha Village and for me to consummate my future relationship with Naruto-kun I at least need to know where he lives!"

Hiruzen fought off the urge to smack himself and said, "Yūgao is quite correct in that we do not reveal the home addresses of our ninjas for security reasons. I'm sure you understand that safety is paramount."

"Yes but he is to be my husband!" said Natsuko in a huff. "A future wife should be able to see her future husband. I can assure you that he won't be in any danger with me. My intentions are only to make him very happy." she said in a sultry tone.

"But does genin Uzumaki share in your desire to be with him?" asked Hiruzen reasonably. "It seems to me that he would have invited you to his home if he had those same intentions. You already indicated that he dropped you off at the hotel yesterday with his teammates." '…And promptly ran like hell.'

Natsuko giggled. "Oh come now Sarutobi-sama; Naruto-kun is simply being shy. Besides, under the marriage laws of the Nadeshiko Village it is my duty and honor to marry Naruto-kun. Best of all he is the object of my deepest affections."

The elderly Sarutobi shook his head. 'A headstrong kunoichi in love is a dangerous thing.' "I'm afraid that Nadeshiko Village laws don't apply here in Konoha, Natsuko-san. I understand your point of view but you must understand ours as well."

The Nadeshiko kunoichi stewed for a moment. Then she said, "Perhaps an agreement could be reached. Would it be possible for me to use your aviary? I would like to contact the Nadeshiko Village Leader Shizuka-sama."

"I see no problem with that." said Hiruzen. "Konoha was planning to contact your village about your failed mission here in Fire Country to begin with. There may be reparations in order and things need to be discussed."

Natsuko was sweating a bit at Hiruzen's Grandfatherly smile when he said reparations. "Ah, yes. I'm sure that your Hokage Tsunade-sama and Shizuka-sama can reach an agreement." she said nervously.

"Wonderful." said Hiruzen beaming. "I'll set you up with the aviary so you can begin sending messages to Shizuka-sama right away. Do make sure to inform her that you are safely in Konoha custody given your failed mission."

Natsuko gulped and squeaked out, "Of course Sarutobi-sama."

…

Natsume Clan Home

Naruto entered the Natsume dojo and found it was empty. Quickly clearing a spot he had his clones lay Gaara down on his back in the center of the sparring area. He quickly painted a perfect circle around Gaara with various symbols around it that was about five meters across. "No one enters the circle." he said authoritatively. Motioning towards the others he said, "Just sit around the raised mat while I get the proper tools for the job." He turned to his two clones and said, "Strip him to his shorts and hope we don't have to go further. There's a lot of work to do." Everyone's eyes widened as the clones went to work on the panicked Gaara and Naruto went to his Fuinjutsu Study…

….

Temari was less than thrilled that Gaara was stripped to his boxers and even less thrilled that he was wearing the gag gift tanuki head patterned red boxer shorts they gave him for his last birthday. She was face palming and Kankuro looked a bit green. 'I can't believe Gaara actually likes those…' thought the two elder siblings…

About that time Naruto got back and didn't bat an eyelash. He simply sat down and said to Gaara, "I'm going to paint a seal on you that with reveal the seal that contains your bijuu." The blonde then started artistically painting symbols on Gaara's chest. Once the ink dried Naruto quietly said, "Fuin." and all the symbols started to glow and spread across Gaara's body with a life of their own. Gaara was sweating but he was in no pain. Naruto rolled Gaara onto his side and said, "It's on your back between your shoulder blades*①. I'm going to turn you fully over onto your stomach so I can examine it." Naruto's two clones quickly turned Gaara over, so he was lying flat and Naruto gasped at what he saw.

"A THREE POINT SEAL?!" roared Naruto. "This is insane! What so called seal master made this abomination?! This seal is so weak that it's barely enough to hold the weakest bijuu!" He looked over at Kankuro and Temari with fire blazing in his eyes. "Your brother contains the Ichibi Shukaku does he not?"

Kankuro nodded feeling rather frightened of the killing intent Naruto was throwing off. "Y-yes, it's the one tail. How did you know?"

Naruto growled, "It's quite simple my makeup wearing friend. This seal is so pathetic that the one tail is all it could hold. Even the two tail's power would have vaporized this seal and Gaara with it." Kankuro and Temari gasped.

Temari had tears in her eyes, "C-can you fix it?"

"Those are Suna state secrets boy!" bellowed Baki as he entered the dojo in a body flicker. "Free Gaara this instant or I'll-"

Naruto channeled some chakra through his foot into a symbol on the floor and Baki found himself unable to move except for his mouth. Gasping; Baki watched as Naruto pulled the jonin's veil like mask aside like a shower curtain and said, "You'll what; turban man? You just stepped inside my sealing circle." Before Baki could blink or utter a word Naruto had his brush out and painted a restraining seal on Baki's forehead. Naruto spun his brush around, so the blunt end was facing Baki and the blonde pressed it against the seal he placed there. Naruto simply said "Fuin." and tapped Baki backwards and off balance with his brush so the Suna jonin fell outside the circle and landed like a mannequin in a cloud of dust. Naruto turned back around and dusted his hands off. "Now where was I?" grumbled the blond seal master.

Baki was staring at the ceiling wondering what the hell just happened when he heard the dojo door slide open. The jonin heard Hanako-sama's voice say in a wry tone, "Naruto-kun; you do realize that holding an allied ninja prisoner is not the best thing for diplomatic relations." Apparently, she heard the noise and Baki lying on the floor helplessly held by a seal was rather amusing to the Hyūga matriarch.

Naruto said, "Bringing an unstable jinchuriki into an allied nation is tantamount to war then. Ask the turban man about that little tidbit."

Suddenly Baki found Hanako was standing over him with a byakugan glare so fearsome he nearly wet himself. She said in a tone so imperious that Baki felt compelled to answer any of her questions. "Explain yourself Suna jonin and be quick about it before I see fit to erase you."

Baki lied weakly, "Actually Gaara is usually quite docile." Baki was soon staring down the blade of a kodachi tickling his Adam's apple.

Hanako loomed over Baki like a specter. "Wrong answer." said Hanako. "The byakugan sees all. Lying to me is useless. Is your jinchuriki stable or not?"

Baki was fearing for his life by now. "G-Gaara can be violently unstable at times due to an improper seal placed upon him."

Though Hanako was still glaring at Baki she could see everyone in the room with her byakugan. She said in a deceptively calm tone, "Can you fix the boy's seal Naruto-kun?"

Naruto answered, "Yes I can Hanako-sama. I'm already in the process."

"Then please continue Naruto-kun." said Hanako. She then grabbed Baki roughly by the collar and sat him up so he could see what was going on. "You will watch in silence and see what a true seal master can do jonin. Then you will be freed to report this entire incident to the Kazekage." Baki just whimpered in acquiescence. Hanako seated herself to watch and said calmly, "Natsu, we have guests. Please bring them some tea -except for this one." she added motioning to Baki.

…

For the next hour Baki couldn't help but be amazed at the incredible intricacy of the seal that Naruto was painting on the floor of the dojo and on Gaara. 'This is like watching an artist crafting a masterpiece, I had doubts about this boy's skill but the best seal masters in Suna don't hold a candle to him. This is awe striking just to witness.'

Both Maya and Hinata had seen Naruto's work before but still were enjoying the sight of their boyfriend as he practiced his craft. Aya and Hanabi watched in amazement too.

For Shikamaru, Ino and Emi it was breathtaking. They'd seen Naruto make tags of various types before with great skill, but this was colossal compared to that.

Temari and Kankuro were both transfixed on the blonde seal master at work and Temari prayed that Gaara would finally be cured of his madness. 'For once please let us be a family…' she thought desperately.

Soon Naruto put the finishing touches on the new seven-point seal that would overlay and replace the subpar work of the three point seal that barely kept Shukaku in check. Naruto leaned down so only Gaara could hear him. "This will hurt a bit because the original seal will self-destruct and the new seal will take its place. DO NOT WORRY. I am the jinchuriki of the nine tails and I know your pain. I AM WITH YOU. If you have to cried out or scream, I'll think nothing less of you Gaara of Suna…Are you ready now?"

Gaara whispered, "Yes." and closed his eyes.

Naruto nodded, "Alright then, let's do this." He turned to everyone else in the room and said, "The light from the seal will be incredibly bright so you may have to shield your eyes. Here we go." Naruto slashed his palm and drew and Uzumaki sealing spiral on each palm in blood. Then he called out, "Fuinjutstu! Seven Point Seal!" as he slammed his hands into the seal on the floor and the five meter sealing circle blazed to life.

Gaara seized up in pain but didn't cry out as the faulty three-point seal vaporized for below his skin. Shukaku roared impotently and everyone in the room saw an apparition of the one tail before the seven-point seal spun like multiple gears in motion around Shukaku's image and locked it away. Gaara grunted loudly and the completed seal lit up like a star before it vanished into Gaara's skin on his back. Every drop of chakra ink that Naruto painstakingly painted was gone in a flash.

Gaara laid there limply and said, "Did it work?" in a tired tone. That's when he noticed he could move again.

Naruto said, "Gaara, don't move yet. Channel some chakra steadily through your back for me please." Gaara did as asked and Naruto soon saw the fruits of his labor; a perfect seven point seal.

The blonde seal master smacked Gaara on the back happily and said, "Success! Sit up Gaara, the seal is working perfectly."

Gaara sat up and was a bit disoriented. The first thing her saw was Temari in front of him cupping his cheeks. Her eyes were full of hope and fear. "Gaara, tell me how you feel! Can you hear Shukaku's voice? Do you feel rage?" Gaara saw Kankuro looking earnestly over Temari's shoulder.

The Suna jinchuriki said, "I don't hear the voice screaming at me anymore. I feel…peaceful."

The redhead was shocked when Temari embraced him and started sobbing her eyes out. "Gaara, I-I love you." For the first time since his Uncle Yashamaru died; Gaara felt a true hug from someone else.

'This feels…nice.' thought Gaara as he fell asleep.

At first Temari and Kankuro panicked but then they heard Gaara let out a tiny snore. "He's…sleeping? Won't the Shukaku come out?" whispered Kankuro.

Naruto shook his head. "The poor guy couldn't even sleep? It won't be a problem now. Let's get him to a futon where he can rest."

Kankuro gingerly picked up his brother and carried him to a spare bedroom. 'Man, he's sleeping like a rock. Gaara must have been exhausted.' thought the puppet user regretfully. 'Of course, he hasn't slept in years.'

…

Path from the Natsume Clan Home

Team 10 headed out after the sealing was complete. Hanako-sama impressed upon them that until the situation was resolved the three of them should consider the fuinjutsu work Naruto had done should be considered an S-class secret. They were quietly discussing what they'd witnessed among themselves. "Naruto-kun is amazing!" gushed Emi. "I knew he could do some incredible stuff with seals but between him healing Yūgao-sensei's boyfriend and what we just saw I think he can do anything!"

"I'm blown away too!" said Ino. "I know Naruto-kun always says 'You can do anything with seals' but that had to be seen to be believed. I wonder if that's what it looked like when the Fourth Hokage killed the Kyubi. They said he did it with seals…You know, now that I think about it Naruto-kun really looks a lot like the Fourth Hokage." Ino looked up at the Hokage Monument and said, "If you just add whisker marks…"

Shikamaru said, "Well, we already know his Mother was a kage level kunoichi that was descended of a nation of seal masters and was one herself."

"His Mother Kushina-sama was really beautiful too." said Ino.

Emi was surprised. "You've seen what she looks like?"

Ino nodded excitedly. "Yeah, there are a few pictures of her at the shinobi section of the library. She was a classmate of my Mom and Daddy as well as the Fourth Hokage. She had long red hair and was nicknamed 'The Red Hot Habanero' according to Daddy.

"She had that name because of her looks?" asked Emi. "I'm impressed."

Shikamaru groaned and shook his head. "Troublesome. My Dad said Uzumaki Kushina got that nickname because of her temper. He said she was scary strong and beat up Dad, Choza and Inoichi when they tried to pick on her as kids. I guess someone in the class nicknamed her 'tomato' because of her red hair and she kicked so many asses that day that she was known as 'The Red Hot Habanaro' after that."

"Maybe that's why Daddy cringed when I brought her up." said Ino thoughtfully.

"I'll ask Uncle Choza and see how he reacts." said Emi with a chuckle.

Shikamaru looked up at the carving of the Fourth Hokage on the monument and thought, 'Naruto's Mother Kushina-sama and the Fourth Hokage both were in the same class and both were renowned as seal masters…It sounds like Naruto's Mother was a hothead like Naruto was when we were little and the way he handled that Suna Jonin so effortlessly was damn scary…Ino's right. Naruto does look just like the Fourth Hokage. It isn't too farfetched really. How troublesome.'

…

Natsume Clan dojo

Baki stared up at Naruto who dispersed the restriction seal on the Suna jonin at Hanako-sama's command. Naruto glared hard at Baki and said, "How long did Gaara have to suffer?" When Baki looked shameful Naruto asked, "When was the Ichibi sealed within him?"

The Suna Jonin sighed. "Gaara was still in the womb when he was made into a jinchuriki."

Naruto ground his teeth. "Whoever did that to Gaara should rot in every kind of hell imaginable." The blonde turned to Hanako, "Oba-chan, everything is all cleaned up. I'm going to go wash up myself."

Hanako smiled and said, "You did a good thing today Naruto-kun. You handled things with the tact of a charging rhino as usual but I'll fully support your actions. Go ahead and wash up. I'm going to speak with Baki-san for a bit." Naruto nodded, gave Baki a sharp glare and left.

After Naruto left the Hyūga matriarch said, "Uzumaki Naruto has talents that only come every few generations. He hates seeing others suffer. This may turn into an international incident but Naruto-kun saved a soul from torture from what young Temari said."

Baki shook his head. "Gaara was supposed to be our most powerful ninja but now he is neutralized. On the other hand, his soul has been freed of Shukaku's torment. I think it's a fair trade Hanako-sama."

Hanako raised an eyebrow. "I have no idea what you mean by neutralized Baki-san. Naruto-kun informed me that Gaara's abilities should be enhanced now that the one tail is no longer influencing him. Young Gaara is far from defenseless."

"Naruto-san had the power to destroy Gaara as a threat forever and you say he just wanted to help him?" asked Baki. "I don't understand."

"Then understand this." said Hanako. "Tell Rasa-sama that Naruto-kun would never want anyone to suffer for being a jinchuriki for his own reasons. Let's leave it at that."

Baki's eyes widened. "Uzumaki is a jinchuriki himself? I-"

"Let's leave it at that." repeated Hanako. "Some subjects are best not discussed."

The Suna jonin nodded. "I understand Hanako-sama."

…

Natsume Clan Home, Study

Once things had settled down, the Natsume sisters went to discuss things privately in the study. Aya said sadly, "So Shin nii-san was there and attacked you for the Reiki…I hoped that someday he would come home sane. I guess it was a pipe dream."

Maya shook her head. "Well, he wasn't trying to kill me, but he did beat me up pretty badly. I think in his head he thought I was there to give him the Reiki and when I didn't, he felt betrayed. Shin is very, very sick in the head Maya. I'm pretty sure that his Ryugan activating so early in his life drove him to madness. Anyway, he kind of freaked out when the wood from that tree attacked him. He said something about one of our Great Grandmothers having a 'Power over wood' and I want to look it up in the family scrolls. We can get you the real Ryugan scrolls as well."

As Maya reached over towards the safe in the study Aya said, "Nee-chan, we already searched there. There were only three scrolls and they didn't say much."

"Did you look at the scrolls with your Ryugan activated Aya-chan?" asked Maya. Seeing Aya shake her head Maya chuckled. "Those scrolls have the instructions to get to the real scrolls."

"The instructions can only be read with the ryugan active?" asked Aya with swirls in her eyes.

Maya patted Aya on top of the head. "The Ryugan Scrolls are still in the safe Aya-chan. You and Jiraiya-sama missed the boat." said Maya with a smirk as she opened the safe again. She pointed to the empty bottom shelf of the safe. "Channel your chakra there."

Aya placed her palm on the bottom shelf and sent a pulse of chakra through it. A small seal became visible and a dozen scrolls of great age appeared in a small puff of smoke. Aya did the same with another empty shelf and three small scrolls appeared. Maya then pulled out one that had the kanji for 'genealogy' written on it she said, "This is the one I need."

Maya skimmed through the generations in the scroll showing her family's genealogy. She read aloud, "Natsume Iyo*② was the creator the Reiki by using her own chakra and is one of our earliest recorded ancestors that we have extensive notes on. Her Mother was Amaterasu Himiko who passed the Ryugan down and her Father was Senju Jinja who was Senju Batsuma's brother and the paternal Uncle of Senju Hashirama, the first Hokage and wielder of the Mokuton! That means we are distant cousins of the Senju Clan Aya!"

Aya was reading over Maya's shoulder and said, "Wow! It also says that all of Jinja and Iyo's children inherited the Ryugan except the youngest daughter Mēpuru who inherited the Mokuton like her cousin Hashirama. Mēpuru was our Great-Great Grandmother and the first guardian of the Reiki after her Mother Iyo passed away and the Mokuton hasn't been seen since and was assumed to have been lost forever."

"Looks like all of Mēpuru's children inherited the ryugan." said Maya. "Usually there is one per generation that doesn't have it and that person traditionally guards the sacred blade."

"Then that means you may have the Mokuton Maya nee-chan!" said Aya with excitement in her voice. "We should talk to Hokage-sama and see if there are some scrolls on the Mokuton she would let you use."

Maya smiled and said, "I never dreamed of having a bloodline other than carrying the Ryugan to pass down. I'm kind of excited! Come on Aya-chan; let's look over the Ryugan scrolls I'm sure there is a beginner one. We should start there."

The Natsume sisters were soon pouring over the Ryugan scrolls to see where to begin…

…

Natsume Clan Home, guest room

Gaara woke up not really recalling anything past Temari hugging him. He blinked and saw Temari and Kankuro were asleep sitting on a small couch by his futon. Kankuro was snoring softly. It was afternoon because the sun was lower in the sky from what the redhead could see outside the window. 'I don't hear the voice in my head anymore. My thoughts are very clear. I don't even feel angry. What should I do?' Gaara held up his right index finger and his sand swirled in a funnel pattern before he flattened it into a disk and changed it back again.

"Can you control your sand okay Gaara?" asked Temari.

Gaara turned and saw his siblings were awake. Gaara looked back at his sand and moved it through several complex patterns effortlessly. He said, "Controlling my sand has never been this easy. It follows my will exactly."

Kankuro said, "Well, Uzumaki said it would be much easier now. How about you? I've never seen you so relaxed Gaara. Did you sleep well? You've been out for hours; of course, I'm sure you needed it."

"Actually, I feel well." said Gaara. "Without Mother…without Shukaku fighting me for control I feel more peaceful than I ever remember. I wonder if I can use all my sand techniques."

Temari said, "If you feel like getting up, we can test it out. Or if you want you can sleep awhile longer."

"I feel rested." said the redhead. "Let's go outside and see what I can do."

For the first time since before their Mother died; Temari felt like she had a family…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: As far as I can tell the location, nature and appearance of Shukaku's seal on Gaara hasn't ever been shown in canon so I'm winging it here. All I really know is it isn't very strong.

*②: Natsume Iyo is an ancestor of the surviving Natsume family in Tenjho Tenge and created the Reiki. The rest of the family history and members are original except for her Mother Amaterasu Himiko which was referenced in the manga.

Well, that's a good stopping point. I was going to add a bit of the now sane(?) Gaara practicing a bit but I'll be putting that in next chapter. Baki seems appeased given the outcome of the situation looks to be positive. How will the Kazekage react to the situation? On other side of town Team 10 seems to be puzzling out Naruto's actual parentage. They already know he's a Prince of Uzu. What will happen if the information about him being the Fourth Hokage's son is let out of the bag? We also have found out the Natsume sisters have a bit of Senju blood in them. Natsuko is going to be contacting Shizuka-sama. Will she finally get to go home to the Nadeshiko Village? See you next time. Blue out. 7/11/23