Chapter Two:

“I’m sorry Kazekage-sama, we were too late.”

The Kazekage sat at his desk, his face impassive as usual. He wore the traditional white and blue robes of the Hidden Sand. His eyes were dark, they always would be. But they had now lost some of the coldness they once possessed.

“Kankuro,” Gaara’s voice was as impassive as his face. “This mission was a success. Even if you had have arrived before the villagers had been killed, there is the possibility that you may not have been enough to stop them. Your mission was to investigate the village, which you accomplished. Do not blame yourself for things beyond your control.”

Kankuro and his two subordinates stood to attention. “Yes Kazekage-sama.” The two chuunin ninjas turned and left the office. Kankuro stayed behind.

“Kankuro, where is the survivor now?” Garra asked, his voice its tone, controlled and soft.

“He’s in the hospital for the moment. He has been through a lot, so I figured he should get some rest. The medics are taking care of him and making sure he is okay.”

Gaara nodded. He felt sorry for this boy, who had lost everything in one night. The Kazekage let out a sigh. “These attacks are getting worse.”

Kankuro furrowed his brow. “These bastards need to be dealt with. We know they are the Hidden Rock’s ninjas, we need to retaliate.”

Gaara shook his head. “We have no substantial proof that these attacks are being caused by the Hidden Rock. If we retaliate now we will be drawn into a war, which I do not want.”

The Kazekage looked calmly at his older brother. “Kankuro, you know as well as I do that these attacks are suspicious. And while I also suspect the Earth Country, we cannot prove their guilt. We need to wait until we have the proper evidence.”

Kankuro sighed heavily. He didn’t want to go to war anymore than his brother. He knew Gaara was right. And he also knew that Gaara had to act first and foremost as Kazekage. Kankuro’s thoughts were soon interrupted by his younger brother.

“What are you going to do with the child when he gets out of hospital?” asked Gaara.

Kankuro laughed. “I’m not really sure. I guess he can stay with me to start with. It must be hard for him. Then I’ll see what he wants to do.”

Gaara gave a questioning glance at black clad ninja. “I thought you didn’t like kids?”

Kankuro shot a sour look towards his brother.

“I don’t.”