-1There was no rain today. It seemed wrong to bury someone in such oppressive elements, but for that old woman it was nothing less than befitting. She wouldn't expect anyone to cry for her, not like the third Hokage would have. The difference in each of their passing's contrasted like fire and water, but both had their impact. Especially on a youth like Naruto Uzumaki.

He stood there looking down on her marker, his brow beading with sweat in the dry wind whipping around him. His fists clenched tight, digging into the hard flesh of his thighs. He'd never been one to be afraid of showing how he felt, but standing here he found no way to show his gratitude for what this old hag had done, not only for him, but the village she'd given up on.

"Its never easy to say good bye to someone." Naruto turned, startled to hear the soft voice coming from beside him. Gaara stood beside him, his eyes transfixed on the stone marker. "But its even harder to say goodbye to a cherished friend, or even a brother."

Naruto nodded his head, his eyes turning away as he thought of the friend he still hadn't found yet.

"A person is only lost when they have no one left to hold on too. Until then, there still remains hope that one day they will return. I know when I died that I did so with the belief there was no one left for me to hold on too. When I came back, I do so because just one person willed it too happen." Gaara fell silent, shifting on his feet to turn and face him. "I know that person was you , Naruto. We are brother's of tribulation and of spirit. If you have not come for me I would not be here now."

Naruto faced Gaara. At first glance it seemed his face was stoic like always, but if you looked long and hard enough you could see the tiny quiver of emotion in his steady eyes. Naruto's eyes softened. Tilting his head, he smiled. "Of course," He said. "But if I'd left you dead, how would you ever get to see me as Hokage?"

Gaara's lips turned up into a small smile and he looked forward once again. "Yes, you do have catching up to do."

Naruto spat out in surprise before dissolving into a rash of laughter. Yes, Naruto silently acknowledged, even those most lost had hope if there was someone willing to save them.