asgardeventide | One Copied Jutsu

[The audio function abruptly turns on, and captures Gaara speaking in mid-sentence.]

-truly be functional? Violence is not conducive for bonds of this nature. For civilians, even less so, compared to shinobi.

[Even though Gaara is the leader of an entire village there are still things he doesn't understand. Like relationships. Especially relationships.]

In spite of his defection, and their attempts to harm each other after the fact, they have still maintained their ties…

[A brief pause, and then he recounts.] Earlier, you mentioned that they dine together frequently. This activity isn’t exclusively exchanged between couples, correct? Naruto and I have done so as well, but we are not romantically involved.

[There's the sound of shifting as Kakashi puts his hands into his pockets.]

Naruto is not the sort to give up so easily. [Something Gaara knows well.] Especially on another person he has a bond with.

[After not having bonds for most of his life, giving one up is just not something Naruto's willing to do.] I said nothing of them dining together. Merely that Naruto is often found at Sasuke's residence, eating.

[That, he does, although it sounds like they have a great deal of lost time to account for, given the distance between them, back in their world.]

It must be mutual, on some level. If Sasuke placed no value on Naruto’s life, then he would seek his death. Does Sasuke bear an emotional attachment toward him, then?

[That is a more complicated and difficult question. If asked Sasuke might say he didn't. Last time they were together they went at each other like they were going to kill each other. But even then he believes there was still a bond between them.]

If he didn't have one then he wouldn't acknowledge Naruto's existence. [Even when seeking Itachi's death, there was still an emotional attachment - though it was one of hatred.]

Mmm.

[After that noise of agreement, Gaara releases a low grunt as he folds his arms over his chest. He shifts uncomfortably for a moment, before finally getting out the most difficult question on his mind.]

…How does one determine if he is worthy of receiving love? Whether or not he is capable of pursuing this particular type of bond?

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Kakashi.

End this recording, please.

[His brother has had enough embarrassment for one day.]

[Sigh. This was not a conversation that was supposed to be public.]

I hadn't realized it was recording.

Then be more attentive.

[He doesn't doubt your capabilities, Kakashi, but in this case sympathy = none.]

Clearly I must be.

[It seemed more difficult to turn on the bracelet than this. This won't happen again.]

[...It could have been worse, but now he'll be more careful as well.

He stares at Itachi impassively for a few moments, unsure of how to respond. He isn't going to make any excuses.]

...If I may ask, Lord Kazekage, why does this interest you as it does?

[He knows a little about Gaara's post, but clearly not enough.]

[This is unexpected. He blinks, surprised by the softer demeanor. It allows him to be less tense, even though he stays quiet for a little while longer.

Finally, he answers.] I wish to learn more about this type of bond.

[And then, after another pause.]

Perhaps... experience it one day.

[Too bad he was told that he's too ugly for it.]

The love of a close friend, or the love of someone you wish to become intimate with?

From what I've seen of you, I don't think you would have difficulty with either. Just continue to be who you are and allow others to get close to you.

[Though this might not be something he should be offering advice on himself, as the latter was something he rarely did.]

[There's a bit of uncomfortable shifting on his end. It comes with the territory of opening up to other people, making himself vulnerable again. He did that multiple times as a child, and it always ended in rejection, except with Yashamaru. Until that bond was also severed.

Having confidence in himself as a ninja and as a man are two completely separate aspects.]

Friends can share love as well? [He wasn't aware of this. Familial, patriotic, romantic - he's seen those cases in particular.

Intimacy... Can he really hope for that much?]

...Hmm. I was told otherwise. [A small twist of his lips in a wry, almost smile.] Given the depths of our training, it seems counter-intuitive. To allow such a level of closeness, that is.

It is. Secrecy is the nature of a ninja, to keep oneself distant and thus keep both yourself and those near you from harm. Attachments can be used against you, and their attachment to you can be used against them. Bonds can be seen as an exploitable weakness.

But one person alone will ultimately fail. You're speaking with Kakashi now. You're the Kazekage. You clearly know the necessity of putting trust in others. The most difficult part is knowing when to take that trust to a higher level.

You have siblings, don't you? Do you think you love them?

Mmm. In this world as well, should the giants decide to take advantage of the bonds that have been formed. [The way Thiazi did to Naruto, by manipulating him to kill Sasuke. And everyone else as well, hurting their friends, due to influence of the black blood.]

Based on prior interaction, I have always considered Kakashi to be trustworthy. [A brief pause.] Until Naruto and Sasuke claimed the opposite, that is.

[He nods in agreement.] I have placed faith and trust in my countrymen, my allies. It's necessary, in the context of our occupation. [His lack of experience lies in, obviously, the social part.]

Yes. Both of them are precious to me. [His expression turns curious just then.] You and Sasuke - do the two of you share love?

[Anyone else might have had something to say about the way Gaara worded that question - might have been amused, if nothing else. Itachi just takes it in stride, though actually answering the question is still somewhat difficult. He's already been coming to terms with the fact that there are certain things he's not going to be able to keep hidden here.

So rather than deny it, he closes his eyes and responds truthfully.]

My brother is the most important person in the world to me.

Love takes many forms, Lord Kazekage. That shared between two siblings, the love shared between the closest of friends, and the love of a couple - they all vary in some aspects but are all forms of love regardless.

That attachment you feel to your brother and sister - do you feel anything similar toward anyone unrelated to you? Is there anyone else you would move the world for?

Edited 2013-11-07 23:19 (UTC)

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