The Masks Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The next day Kankuro and Temari entered the Kazekage's office as requested by their brother. They were surprised to see a Suna citizen being this close to Gaara. Gaara had Nato sitting on his lap as he explained the history of the village. They tried to be discrete about their surprise but Gaara caught them.
"Temari, Kankuro, I'd like you to meet someone," said Gaara, startling his sibling, "this is Nato," indicating to the girl on his lap. He was met with silence so he continued.
"She will be travelling with us back to Konoha, she is to be the first student exchanged between the villages. The last member of her family, her brother has recently passed away, she like so many is alone but I think that with nurture, the best can be brought out in these cases," stated Gaara, "I was told by Naruto before he left for his mission that Iruka Sensei is a very friendly instructor at Konoha's academy. I think he will be able to guide her in her journey in the same manner that he helped Naruto and Naruto helped me, any questions?"
"Who were her parents?" asked Kankuro, causing Nato to tear up, earning Kankuro a punch in his arm courtesy of Temari, who moved towards Gaara to take Nato off of him and calm her down, while shooting daggers at Kankuro.
"File doesn't say. They were ANBU," stated Gaara, getting up to help Temari with Nato, "Her brother gave her the mask and weapon before the mission that left her with no one else."
"Oh, sorry kiddo," said Kankuro kneeling next to Nato ruffling her hair. She jumped at his touch, latching on to Temari.
"We're leaving after lunch, me and Nato are going to go to the barbecue hut, you're welcome to join us," Gaara asked.

Lunch was uneventful and soon the sand siblings plus one left Suna for Konoha.
When they arrived at Konoha Nato's eyes were everywhere as they headed to the Hokage Tower, where they were greeted by The Hokage, Sakura and Shikamaru. Nato immediately hid behind Temari's leg, much to the amusement of Shikamaru.
"Greetings little one," said Tsunade, crouching to Nato's level. She peeked out from behind Temari's leg and squeaked a "Hi," before hiding again.
"So this is the student that will spend the next weeks in Konoha, Kazekage?" Asked Tsunade, standing up and making her way to sit behind her desk.
"Yes, Hokage, her name is Nato, please step out from behind Temari, Nato. Her parents and brother were ANBU that fell in the line of duty," at this Nato began to sob silently, Temari tried calming her down, and was succeeding.
"It seems that she's bonded with your messenger, Kazekage," stated Tsunade observing the exchange between the young kunoichi and the child.
"It would seem so, would you mind if Temari stayed in Konoha until Nato graduates the academy? As her guardian," asked Gaara
"Not at all, it would make great idea," answered Tsunade, "the only thing is who's class she will enter and where she will be accommodated."
"Naruto suggested before leaving on the mission that Iruka Sensei would be an excellent candidate. He also informed me that he has kept up rent on his old apartment. Nato could reside there and Temari could take her to the academy and pick her up after lessons." informed Gaara, "is that acceptable Temari?"
"Of course Gaara," she replied, "I'll get Nato, go get the key from Hinata and help her set up the accommodations."
"First we'll have to find her," bluntly stated Shikamaru, causing a slight panic as everyone in the office frantically searched the office until Sakura brought them back to reality.
"She must be exploring the village," said Sakura, "Perhaps something caught her eye."
"How troublesome," stated Shikamaru.

As Nato explored the village she came upon the Memorial Stone and decided to pray for her family. While she was praying a ninja with brown hair approached from behind.
"Who did you lose, young one?" Said the Ninja, catching Nato of guard.
"Um.. I'm Nato, I was praying for my parents and brother," said Nato.
"Well Nato, my name's Iruka, I often come here to pray for my parents too," he said.
"Your Iruka? The one Naruto told Gaara about? The teacher at the academy?"  queried Nato.
"Slow down there, let's go for a walk and I'll fill you in, then maybe we can get a bite to eat, OK," asked Iruka.
"Yea," Nato exclaimed holding out a hand for Iruka.
The two proceeded back into the village talking about the academy and the ninjas who Iruka trained there.