Everyone was whispering about you, you could tell. The Leaf Village was already under scrutiny due to being the host of that year's Chunin Exams. But you and Naruto's presence was only making things worse. After all, what village just so happened to have two Jinchuriki residents? The other villages clearly viewed you as a threat. A sign that Konoha was getting too powerful.

You were hurrying through town after the Hokage's grandson, Konohamaru. The eight year old was one of the few people in the village to treat you like a person, and you did not want to be responsible for him getting into trouble under your watch. So when he ran straight into two people from the Sand Village your heart stopped.

"Watch where you're going, brat," the boy said, grabbing Konohamaru by the shirt. He was in all black with purple lines painted across his nose. The blonde girl next to him had a massive fan weapon in her belt.

"Let me go," Konohamaru whined, trying to struggle free. The two looked over as you approached, hand hovering over the kunai in your belt. There was a pause as they seemed to recognize the energy your chakra gave off. They may not know you specifically, but they knew what your type of chakra felt like. They felt it in their little brother every day.

"Kankuro. Put him down."

All three of you startled, looking up at the tree. Nestled on the lowest branch was a boy your age with messy red hair. His seafoam eyes were wide and unblinking, assessing the scene beneath him. The boy, Kankuro, released Konohamaru with some reluctance. Though he seemed too afraid of his younger brother to protest.

Gaara's eyes moved to you. There was a tug in his chest, the sand in his gourd stirring. Shukaku recognized Kokuo, the Five-Tailed beast sealed inside you.