As Naruto and Sasuke walked side by side, they realized they've been awfully quiet.

"So, how has it been all these years?" Sasuke tried starting up a conversation.

Naruto flashed him a smile.

"It's been quite peaceful." Naruto spoke with a grin.

Sasuke nodded. He then gestured to a bench and sat next together.

Naruto purposely got close to Sasuke to see his reaction.

Sasuke tensed up and froze, then he started feeling flustered when Naruto's face got closer to his.

"You've gotten more handsome over these past few years." Naruto said in confidence.

"You don't look bad yourself this time." Sasuke scoffed and turned away with his ears red.

"Thanks, I guess." Naruto said.

Within the bushes far from them were Sakura, Gaara, and Neji.

"Sheesh this is awkward." Neji spoke out.

Sakura and Gaara nodded.

"Speaking of which, how did Gaara and Naruto meet? They seem pretty close." Neji whispered to Sakura.

"Ask Gaara." Sakura said.

Gaara looked back and turned his gaze to his hands.

"It's a long story." Gaara said.

"And we have time." Neji said.

"Well, Naruto is a tailed beast who is still taming the fox in him. I was the same, but unlike Naruto, I was rude and cold-blooded. The older I got, the more dangerous I became. I then started attacking the village close to Naruto's and Kurama's kingdom. Kurama was supposed to stop me, but Naruto, he saved me from myself and saved the last bit of sanity I had left. I didn't mean to hurt anyone, but we all know that we'll lose control of ourselves one way or another. Naruto beat the crap out of me and I'm glad he did. Without that encounter, I just would've been a lost pup." Gaara chuckles as he finishes.

Neji nods. "So then, why do you follow him?"

"He protected me, so now I owe him as much to protect him."

Neji nods in understanding.

"I'm actually glad that Naruto is here." Neji said.

"Why is that?" Sakura questioned.

"Sasuke has been such a mess and let's just say the more he ignores the problem, the bigger it gets. Plus, from what I can tell, Naruto seems pretty chill. Sasuke can be very bratty about what he wants, but in the end once he makes up his mind, it's truly worth it." Neji finishes.

They were all lost into their conversation, until they sensed someone unfamiliar behind them.

"Do any of you know where I could find Sasuke Uchiha?"

The three of them froze.

Just as they were about to run, the man forcefully grabbed Sakura by the arm.

"Go on ahead guys! Please warn them!" Sakura yelled.

They both nodded and ran, but Gaara was hesitant.

The man smirked down at Sakura.

Sakura then pivoted to her right and punched the man afar. Then she saw the man heal himself.

"This is going to take longer than expected."

What do you guys think? Now you know Gaara's background :D