The benefit of being under surveillance at all times was that surveillance, unlike Gaara, had to sleep sometimes. Which meant that twice a day, there were two members of the Suna special forces discussing current events and assignments in quiet code within sight of him.

Or within sight of his sand, which amounted to the same thing. It was just that usually Gaara chose to disregard any information he might or might not pick up during those times once he'd determined he wasn't going to be attacked for another twelve hours. But this time they had mentioned Temari, and how fortunate it was that the Kazekage wasn't letting the jinchuuriki hold her back from promotion opportunities any more. He'd never considered it that way, that by accompanying him since he'd made genin she might have suffered.

He didn't like the feeling that he owed her for a situation he had no control over. He had no say in his graduation dates or his team designation. But maybe he could help her progress, instead.

So there he was, arms folded and chin lifted in childish defiance.

"No. I'm coming with you. That's all."