NS

Years later, the Sand delegation travels to Konoha to negotiate a permanent military and trade alliance. Rasa attends the formal meeting with Minato Namikaze, the Leaf council and representatives of the Uchiha clan. Fugaku and Itachi attend as military advisers, while Kushina, Mikoto and Karura speak privately about improving protections for jinchūriki children. Meanwhile, Gaara, Destiny, Temari and Kankuro join Team Seven at Training Ground Seven. Naruto immediately challenges Gaara. “Come on! Just one fight!” “No,” Gaara answers. Naruto follows him across the field. “Why not?” “Because the last time we fought, you destroyed half the arena.” “You destroyed the other half!” “That does not help your argument.” Nearby, Destiny practices controlling a narrow ribbon of sand. Sakura watches as it curls between Destiny’s fingers without touching the ground. “That’s beautiful,” Sakura says. Destiny looks surprised. “Most people think it’s frightening.” “Most people don’t understand it.” Sasuke stands against a tree. “Fear usually begins with ignorance.” Kankuro looks at him. “That was unexpectedly thoughtful.” Sasuke’s eyes narrow. “Do you want to spar?” “No.” Temari smirks. “Smartest thing Kankuro has said all day.” Destiny laughs. For a short while, the afternoon feels peaceful. Then several voices begin whispering near the edge of the training ground. “That’s the Kazekage’s daughter.” “The second vessel.” “I heard she carries the mad half.” “Don’t let her look at you.” Gaara’s head turns. The cork on his gourd loosens. Destiny catches his wrist. “Don’t.” “They are speaking about you.” “They always do.” “That doesn’t make it acceptable.” Naruto steps closer. “Want me to make them leave?” “No.” “I can be extremely annoying.” Sakura sighs. “That’s true.” Destiny smiles faintly. A young child suddenly cries out from beyond the trees. “Help!” Destiny’s sand reacts before anyone else can move. She runs toward the sound.