Soulmates - [ GaaNaru / Gaara x Naruto ]

Chapter 2

Naruto's p.o.v:

It wasn't that late yet, probably around 3pm, so I decided that we'd set off today. I told the little brats to pack the things they'll need for the mission and to come to the gate of the village after they'd done so.

I quickly made my way home to pack. I decided on using the biggest backpack I had since we'll probably be away from home for a few days. It was a neat gray one, which had enough space to storage all the things I wanted to take with me. I looked around the room and collected two different pj's, some boxers, three T-shirts, two pairs of jeans, some food and snacks in case I get hungry on the way, a big water bottle and a sleeping bag because we'll have to spend the night outdoors. I stuffed everything into my backpack, making sure that the food and water bottle is on top of everything else, then I took it and slid it on my back. Satisfied, I put on my shoes, took a last glance at the mirror and exited my apartment with a smile on my face.

As I arrived at the gate, everyone was there already. Did I take that long? No, it doesn't seem that they'd been waiting for long. <<Hey, Naruto! Let's go!>> Moegi shouted happily. The other genins grinned at me and made their way through the gate. <<Hey, wait up! I'm responsible for you three! Stay close to me!>> I ran towards them to catch up. As I finally arrived at them I asked <<Do all of you have a sleeping bag with you? And something to eat and drink? We'll be walking for about 6 hours so we'll have to sleep on our way there.>> Moegi, Udon and Konohamaru nodded and looked up at me. <<We've thought of everything! Don't worry!>> Konohamaru stated, a grin forming on his face. <<Good, then let's hurry! I want to come as far as we can before it gets dark!>> The three genins in front of me agreed so I took the lead as we were jumping from branch to branch.

The forest we had to overcome was huge. I knew that so I wanted to get out of it before it gets dark. The three little ninjas beside me were perfectly trained and had a lot of stamina. They could almost keep up with my speed but eventually they became tired after some time. <<Naruto, can we go a bit slower or take a quick break?>> Moegi huffed. All three of them were breathing heavily and looked like they really needed a break. <<Alright guys. Let's take a break.>> I decided and jumped to the ground. I was quickly followed by the genins who were lying down as soon as they hit the ground. Heavy breathing filled the air a good five minutes, then it eventually died down. I sat up and opened my backpack to retrieve my water bottle and a little snack. I was so thirsty that I drank half of the bottle in one gulp.

While I was eating my snack, the brats came to life once again and started to rummage in their backpacks. After some time, they all found something to drink and eat. They were happily enjoying their snacks and once he was finished Konohamaru turned to me. <<Hey, Naruto. The sun's already starting to set. Look!>> I looked to the sky and saw that he was right. It was already starting to get dark. <<Oh, yeah! You're right, Konohamaru! As soon as we get out of this forest we won't be far from Sunagakure. We're almost at the end of the forest. let's get out of here before it gets dark.>> I grabbed my backpack and stood up once again. The tree brats copied my actions and before I could realize they were ready to go. These kids will be great ninjas in the future! I nodded at them and jumped up at a tree.

As soon as I made sure that they were following me I picked up my old pace. With this speed we'll be able to get out of the forest before the night falls. After some time, I could already see the setting sun through the leaves of the trees in front of me and soon after we arrived at the end of the forest. Now we were at the border between Konoha and Suna. Right after the forest ended the sand took over. Our feet were now covered in sand as we took in the beautiful sight in awe. It's like standing in the middle of a desert! I haven't been to Suna often and my last visit was ages ago. I sighed happily and put my backpack down. <<We'll stay here for the night. The sand is still warm so we won't get cold>>

I wanted to sit down but a small hand that was gripping on my sleeve prevented me from that. It was Moegi's. <<Naruto, I've never been to Sunagakure before! I'm excited but also a bit scared..>> She looked down as if she was ashamed to admit that. I flashed a comforting smile at her. <<Don't worry, Moegi. It's okay to be scared sometimes but Suna is a really great village with a lot of awesome ninjas. And I'm here too! I'll protect you if something happens!>> She looked up at me and smiled. The worry disappeared from her face. <<Thanks, Naruto>> I ruffled through her hair and began to unfold my sleeping bag just like Konohamaru and Udon had done already. All of us were really exhausted so we fell asleep as soon as it got dark.