The GaaNaru Letters (part 15)
Interlude time!
Progress back towards the Sand Village was slow. Gaara’s body was still… stiff, and that made Naruto tremble, even as the Kazekage made valiant attempts to reassure his villagers of his wellbeing. His friend looked so vulnerable without his signature gourd across his back, which was now unprotected by the sand which had kept Gaara from injury for most of his life.
In addition, what had started off as a small rescue party now consisted of a huge contingent of Sand shinobi, led by those who loved Gaara most—his siblings and his student. Not to mention the body of Elder Chiyo, being watched over by Sakura and the old man. They would have to stop for a rest soon.
Naruto watched, chewing on his lower lip, as three tents were set up. Not something that would usually be done when only stopping for a few short hours, but these were unusual circumstances. Gaara would get one as Kazekage, of course. One was given to house Chiyo and her brother. Another was set up to house those who were injured. Kakashi would rest there, as would the others who were exhausted from their mad dash to save Gaara from the Akatsuki.
Naruto wouldn’t. He wasn’t sure he could rest at all. It had taken a tremendous amount of willpower to allow Gaara to detach from his side and check in with some of the shinobi that had come to his rescue. Naruto was only slightly mollified by the fact that Temari was sticking close to her brother, fiercely protective.
Gaara deserved to see how much he was loved. He’d earned it.
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If anyone ever visits this page, they should know that this is a story I love, from an author I admire, and they must read it.
