NS

For the first three years of her life, Destiny grows up believing she is an ordinary little girl. She knows that her father is the Kazekage, although she thinks this means he spends his days doing “boring paper things.” She knows Uncle Kankuro makes puppets, Aunt Temari has a scary fan, and Uncle Naruto becomes extremely loud whenever anyone questions whether he is fun. What Destiny does not know is that Shukaku sleeps inside her. Gaara never hides the truth because he is ashamed of her. He simply wants to wait until Destiny is old enough to understand that carrying a tailed beast does not make her dangerous or unlovable. During a diplomatic visit to the Hidden Leaf, Naruto promises to give Destiny the most exciting day of her life. “I’m the fun uncle,” Naruto declares. Kankuro points at himself. “I’m her actual uncle.” Kiba pats Akamaru’s back. “Neither of you has a giant dog.” Choji lifts several bags of chips. “I brought snacks.” Neji calmly produces a butterfly for Destiny to admire. Sasuke offers her carefully sliced tomatoes. Sai creates ink animals while Shikamaru reluctantly teaches her to identify shapes in the clouds. The women watch the competition from the edge of the training field. “They do realize none of them are going to win, don’t they?” Sakura asks. Ino laughs. “Let them dream.” Hinata smiles toward Gaara. “Destiny already has a favorite person.” At the end of the afternoon, Naruto lines everyone up and tells Destiny to run toward whoever she loves the most. Instead of choosing one of her uncles, Destiny turns around and races directly into Gaara’s arms. “Daddy!” Gaara catches her and lifts her against his chest. “Daddy wins,” Destiny announces. “I was not competing,” Gaara says. Temari smirks. “You didn’t have to.” The peaceful day changes when Destiny trips during Naruto’s obstacle course. Before Gaara’s sand can reach her, another stream rises from the earth and catches her.