Side by Side - Chapter 2

Years had passed sinse Higaku had begun to train Haruna with ruthlessness. She had suffered from insecurity thus far, and chose to avoid failure by giving up her taijutsu completely, except for her speed, and became a support class kunoichi instead. This greatly disappointed her father, but refused to scold her any further, since, it was his fault. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he made her want to quit being a ninja altogether; something she loved being. By this time she was now 14, and her dog, Ame, was accompanying her on missions. On one day in particular, someone new had arrived in the village...

The day had just begun, it was hot, but a dry heat - a young man with red hair was admitted passage into the village accompanied by his advisor. The young man wore a Kage's attire, a hat which read, "Kazekage", on the blue patch in the front, and wore a long white robe with a ruffled collar.

"Thank you for letting us in," The boy had stated before he walked to Yoku's council hall, only being half a mile away. Upon entering, Haruna noticed the unfamiliar faces and watched him in particular. He walked past her as she gazed upon him with deep curiosity, before being motioned by her father to get into her robes and come sit in the circle.

"Yes sir, I'm on my way!" She replied assuringly before going into the closet to change before she walked into the room, and sat on her pillow amongst the council. Higaku stepped in from the back room and leaned over to the elder stating her guest had arrived.

"The Kazekage has arrived milady. I shall bring him in at once." Hikagu went to the door and opened it.
"You may now have an audience with the elder. Please, come sit and I will have Haruna brew a hot cup of Lily leaf tea for you." He bowed courteously. He then motioned to his daughter to stand and go brew the tea.

"Thank you, I'd enjoy some very much," He smiled slightly before taking his seat and neatly placed his hat on the floor in front of him. After Haruna brought his tea he smiled and said "thank you". The elder finally initiated the conversation upon being given a brief moment of silence after Haruna had sat back down from pouring everyone else and herself some tea as well. The elder lifted her head up, and addressed the Kazekage.

"To what honor brings the Kazekage to our doorstep...?" She questioned with concern.

"You see we-" 

"We're here on behalf of our council to address a treaty - to ally your village with ours for military and political benefits.. I assure you, we'll gladly do what we can to prevent any regrets if you agree to accept our generous offer." Baki insisted, abruptly interrupting his young leader. The elder lowered her head, closing her eyes and fixing her arms in her sleeves.

"I see.. I appreciate your generosity , but we are not inclined to accept your offer. Please leave." she ordered assertively. Baki grew impatient.

" You're allowing your villagers to suffer with no ties to the outside world. I heavily insist you rethink your rash decision, milady.." Upon the room growing quiet, the Kazekage lifts his hand, pointing and looking towards Haruna.

" ... You. What do you think is best for your village...?" He asked, insisting he was not just going to sit idly by with no say so, however, expecting her to stay quiet or agree with the elder. Haruna lifted her head wide eyed and confused, staring eye to eye with the Kazekage. Everyone was surprised as well, glancing toward Higaku's daughter, except the elder.

"She does not speak...-" The elder stated before being interrupted.

"It would be very beneficial for an alliance to be made immediately..  My father and I cannot protect everyone alone, plus in return for shinobi assistance, I can heal your wounded during conflict. We are rich with tradable goods that would profit your village and in return, we would appreciate protection in times of hardship... An alliance will strengthen our village's trust and bond, and even create many beneficial friendships with your shinobi and citizens that will overall increase relatability to each other's needs.. It is foolish that Yoku's council has not allied earlier, as we have lost several citizens to rogue threats because of this.. In conclusion, we need an alliance and I for one accept your offer." Explained Haruna.

To his surprise, the Kazekage was deeply impressed of Haruna's knowledge on her village's mistakes and needs. How she spoke her opinion without hesitation out of passion for her people was something he admired. Her father showed the faintest of smiles, extremely proud of his daughter, and reminding him of her late mother.

"You see? Your own shinobi acknowledges your mistakes... and even has a knowledgeable political standpoint of the village's needs and solutions.. She was even so noble as to offer her own assistance as to heal and care for our shinobi, not just your own, for our services, which we didn't even ask of you... yet, you were about to insist she didn't speak at all or know anything knowledgeable." While detestable and insulted, she sighed roughly, before calmly adjusting her decision as she knew it was a true.

"Very well.. I will sign for an alliance... Thank you for coming.." She glaringly glanced toward Haruna as everyone stood but her, before taking and signing the treaty scroll.

After business was completed, the two young shinobi were talking off to the side. The young Kazekage held out his hand to her, unfolding it across his chest.

"I am the fifth Kazekage.. You may call me Gaara. What might your name be?" He asked curiously. She blushed and hesitated, avoiding eye contact, yet shook his hand politely.


"Ha-Haruna..." He reassuringly placed his hand upon her shoulder, she looked to him again.
"Do not be ashamed of your opinion, Haruna. You were the only one willing to speak up, and you should be proud... You have a kind heart... and it shows." He assured her before pausing in silence and folded his arms again.

"It was a pleasure... but we must leave. Until next time..." He looked her in the eyes for a moment before walking off with Baki and making his journey back to Sunagakure.


While Haruna rested that night, her father had tears running down his cheek as he looked at Himiko's portrait.

"She reminded me so much of you today... We raised an intelligent and beautiful daughter... And I know you must be proud." He smiled before turning off the light and falling asleep.