The door clicks shut behind you, sealing the quiet. Gaara doesn’t look up immediately. He’s at his desk, fingers drumming, a single shaft of golden light cutting through the blinds, catching the faint swirl of sand drifting around his gourd.

You wait before he speaks without preamble.

“You’ve been chosen for a high-priority assignment.” His voice is calm—measured. But something in it feels heavier than usual.

“We’re traveling to the Hidden Cloud Village. Officially, it’s diplomatic. Unofficially…” His eyes meet yours, a sharp gaze piercing through your soul. “…I have reason to believe the Akatsuki are targeting me.”

“You think they’ll strike there?”

“Possibly en route. Possibly within the village itself.” He pauses, then adds, quieter, “I won’t take unnecessary risks. But I need someone I trust and that’s you.”

He stands and approaches, sand shifting faintly around his feet. When he stops in front of you, the space between you feels thinner than usual—like a line being crossed, intentionally.

“You’ll be my shadow on this mission. Don’t leave it.”

You nod, voice even. “Understood.”

“Good. We leave in three days. Any questions?"