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Princess of The Sand Village

This version of Princess of the Sand is strictly how Sakura (NOT HARUNO) is born in the village hidden in the sand falls in love at first with Gaara, but as soon as he hurts her she fears him and Kankuro vows to protect her and keeps her safe. She falls in love with Kankuro and they become a Puppet Master Duo

SakuraGibson · Anime & Comics

Not enough ratings

35 Chs

Chapter 14: Blood Is Not Thicker Than Water

Two years had passed, and Gaara, now fifteen years old, was gaining recognition as the youngest Kage across all the ninja nations. Within the grand expanse of the Kazekage's office, Gaara remained seated at his imposing desk, engrossed in his usual diligent work. The room boasted a spacious layout, adorned with verdant flooring and a regal purple rug that gracefully nestled beneath his substantial brown desk. Positioned as the focal point of his workspace, a rich brown cloth graced the desk's center, while a flourishing emerald plant adorned one corner, lending a touch of warmth and tranquility to the otherwise austere surroundings.

Lady Sakura entered with an air of elegance and donned a fresh Shinobi gown. Atop her brow, the customary black Suna Shinobi headgear rested in place. Instead of her previous long-sleeved Yukata with a shorter skirt, she adopted a short-sleeved shirt paired with a matching short skirt, tastefully complemented by fishnet accents. Her flowing locks had gained some length, and her figure had naturally developed, reflecting the growth of a typical young woman.

Sakura efficiently organized the files of the new Genin for the year and neatly placed them on Gaara's desk. She remarked, "We've seen an increase in Genin this year, thanks to the improvements we made at our Academy, including the newest addition to our family, Hikaru."

Gaara nodded in acknowledgment, saying, "It's reassuring that our efforts are paying off in that aspect. However, our diplomatic relations with a few other villages remain strained. I wish there were opportunities to mend those relationships."

Sakura smiled warmly and responded, "I may not be able to assist with diplomatic matters, but I'm always here to help you manage the stress they bring."

Gaara couldn't help but chuckle as he handed Sakura a stack of paperwork for next year's Jonin applicants. Just as they were about to delve into this new task, the office door creaked open, revealing one of the elderly council members. He was known throughout the village and by Sakura as Baki—a towering figure with a distinctive appearance. His tall frame was topped with a turban-like headgear, which concealed most of his head, exposing only his right and left sides. These sides of his face bore two striking, red markings. Baki was attired in the traditional garb of a Suna-nin, complete with a forehead protector and flak jacket.

Sakura had never been particularly fond of Baki due to his overly serious demeanor, which often clashed with her personality. Baki, holding an orange scroll in his hand, passed it over to Gaara with a stern expression. He spoke with gravitas, saying, "Lord Kazekage, a Shinobi Hawk, has delivered a message from the Fifth Hokage."

Gaara wordlessly picked up the orange scroll, unfolding it and silently reading its contents. Before him, Baki was trying to gather information to share with the other council members. Breaking the silence, Sakura inquired, "What does Lady Tsunade want?"

Gaara let the scroll drop onto his desk and calmly conveyed, "Lady Tsunade has requested a Kage meeting in Konoha." Baki, intrigued, scrutinized the scroll and inquired, "Is there any indication of the purpose of this meeting?" Gaara shook his head and replied, "No, but we will depart tomorrow, so I entrust the council with the responsibility of overseeing the village in my absence." Baki acknowledged this and departed, leaving Gaara in solitude with his thoughts. Leaning forward on his chair, he interlaced his fingers, placing his elbows on the desk, and murmured contemplatively, "I wonder if this has something to do with Naruto."

Sakura carefully placed the paperwork on Gaara's desk and gently said, "I will inform your siblings about our departure." Gaara offered a silent nod and swiveled his chair to face the window. Despite his usual somber demeanor, witnessing Sakura's happiness brought a hint of contentment to him.

Sakura hurriedly made her way to the Sunagakure prison, guarded by two sentinels at the entrance. Acknowledging her presence, the guards nodded and stepped aside, granting Sakura passage through the damp and muggy corridors that led to the area housing the more dangerous inmates. Inside, Kankuro was engaged in intense interrogation with the Wagu leader.

"Perhaps you'll be more inclined to cooperate now," Kankuro pressed, his voice tinged with determination. "Which village did you abduct that boy from?"

The Wagu leader, however, remained defiant, spitting at Kankuro in defiance. He retorted, "I'll never divulge that information, no matter what you do to me."

Growing increasingly frustrated with the obstinate prisoner, Kankuro scowled and delivered a stern ultimatum, "Tell us, and we'll consider relocating you to the minimum security facility, sparing you from the confines of our maximum-security prison—a room you'll never leave until your final day."

The Wagu leader briefly paused, weighing his options. Facing a life sentence, the idea of being in a minimum-security prison was significantly more appealing. He reluctantly coughed up some crucial information, his tone begrudging, "It took us nearly a year to apprehend that child. All our efforts have gone to waste. The boy's parents were originally from Sunagakure, but we pursued them relentlessly until we cornered them up north."

Kankuro let out an exasperated sigh, realizing the gravity of the situation. "So, he may have another family here, shit," he muttered, a sense of concern washing over him.

The Wagu leader sported a cruel smirk as he provoked them, his taunting words cutting deep, "Must be heartbreaking to have to let go of a child you've adopted, or would he be your nephew? Which one of you does she belong to?"

Kankuro's rage erupted like a violent storm. His eyes glowed with intense anger as he unlocked the cell door and forcefully slid it open. Without hesitation, he stormed inside the cell, unleashing a torrent of fury upon the Wagu leader, beating him mercilessly until he was a gruesome and unrecognizable mess. The other inmates howled and protested, accusing the Shinobi of brutality and hurling slurred insults.

Sakura, witnessing this ferocious side of Kankuro, stood in stunned silence. She had never seen him like this before, and the sight horrified her. Jonin Shinobi rushed to her side, hurrying to unlock the cell block. Two of them ventured inside, struggling to pull Kankuro away from his savage assault. Meanwhile, another Jonin carefully retrieved the unconscious Wagu leader and promptly escorted him to the prison doctor for urgent treatment.

Kankuro's voice was stern as he asserted, "Your job is to stand guard, nothing else. I'm the Jonin in charge here, and you will follow my orders."

The other Jonin defended their stance, saying, "We can't just stand by and let you beat up a defenseless prisoner."

Sakura intervened swiftly, gently stepping between them and placing her hand against Kankuro's chest. His expression remained grim as he shot an aggressive glare at the Jonin.

In a soothing tone, Sakura implored, "Come with me outside, please."

Kankuro complied, exiting the cell block with Sakura. Frustration boiled within him, and he couldn't contain it any longer. He slammed his fist against the prison wall.

"I should have killed him when I had the chance," he muttered bitterly.

Sakura reached out, her hand resting on his shoulder, and asked the question that weighed heavily on both their minds, "Are we going to have to give up Hikaru to his family?"

Kankuro frowned, looking away, and answered in a calm voice, "You heard that. I was hoping you didn't." Sakura gently cupped Kankuro's face, her touch coaxing him to meet her gaze. She pressed her lips to his and tenderly caressed his face, her eyes empathetic as they discerned the guilt and sorrow etched onto his features. Sakura spoke reassuringly, "Let's not lose hope, but we should consider hiring a Genin team to search for the relative within the village."

Kankuro couldn't help but smirk, teasing, "Did you try asking your team for help?"

Sakura sighed, frustration coloring her words, "I understand that my complicated life situation led me to join a Genin group, but it's frustrating being a sixteen-year-old teenager stuck with thirteen and twelve-year-olds."

"To participate in the Chunin exams, you have to be part of a team, so Gaara had to train you with a team."

Sakura questioned, "When are the Chunin exams, anyway? He's been training me for two years."

"The timing depends on Konoha, but now wouldn't be the right time due to the threat of the Akatsuki."

"So until the Chunin exams, I'll be the same age as you but two ranks below."

Kankuro leaned in and kissed her gently, reassuring her, "Don't take it too hard. Our father started training us practically from the moment we could walk." Sakura sighed heavily and conveyed, "Speaking of Gaara, we have a family mission. Lady Tsunade wants us to come to Konoha for a meeting, but we don't know its nature, so we're departing tomorrow morning." Kankuro nodded and stated, "I'll speak with Granny Chiyo to look after Hikaru for us. I must also discuss increasing security measures with the council while we're away."

As Kankuro walked towards the Kazekage's office, Sakura contemplated where to find Temari and share the plans for tomorrow. She knew that Temari's Jonin status in the village might have her stationed somewhere, issuing direct orders. Sakura searched the village until she spotted Temari in the field before the Kazekage building, conversing with Genin.

Sakura noticed her teammate Mikoshi standing alongside Temari. He was an intelligent Shinobi, especially for his age. Mikoshi had short, spiky brown hair and sported black, round glasses. His forehead protector was securely fastened across his head. Dressed in a light yellow and dark blue zipped jacket, along with blue and light grey pants and black shinobi sandals, he was pretty distinctive. Mikoshi also had a golden violet sash elegantly draped over his right shoulder and black fingerless gloves, adding to his unique style.

Finally, her second teammate went by the name Yukata, although Sakura wasn't thrilled about it since Yukata was considerably younger. Yukata was a fair-skinned girl with long, dark hair and large, expressive brown eyes accentuated by her noticeable eyelashes. Her attire consisted of a grey midriff vest and a short, plain shirt, revealing her bare midriff. Yukata had already donned her arm guards and skirt, completing her look with black stockings and the Sunagakure forehead protector.

Suspicious of their hushed conversation, Sakura decided to join them and inquire about the matter. She approached with curiosity, asking, "Hey, what's going on?"

With a sorrowful expression, Temari replied, "I sent them on a secret mission a while back to search for Hikaru's family because he deserves to be with his actual family. I thought it would be difficult to ask you, so I didn't."

Sakura hesitantly probed further, "What did we find?"

Temari lifted her fan gracefully, carrying it as she walked away, saying, "Meet me in Gaara's office."

Turning her attention back to her teammates, Sakura found Yukata lowering her head and twiddling her thumbs while Mikoshi pushed his glasses on his face and commented, "It wasn't personal."

Deep in thought, Sakura returned to the office, contemplating how her life would be impacted without Hikaru in it.

Sakura stood at the Kazekage's office door, debating whether to enter. After a few deep breaths, she decided to push the door open and step inside.

Gaara was in the office, standing beside Kankuro, and engaged in conversation. Sakura entered slowly, and as Gaara noticed her, he said, "Sakura, come in. He told me what happened."

The three stood together in solemn silence, fully aware of the impending loss they would soon endure. As Sakura entered the room, Granny Chiyo followed behind her, holding Hikaru, who clung to Sakura's clothes with tear-filled eyes. He adamantly refused to accept that he had to leave, tearfully pleading, "I don't want to go. I want to stay with Lady Sakura." Granny Chiyo rubbed his back gently and apologized, "I'm sorry, I couldn't get him to calm down."

Kankuro knelt down and tried to get Hikaru's attention by tapping his nose, but all the young boy did was bury his face in Sakura's leg.

Gaara spoke to Sakura, his voice filled with understanding, "This will be difficult for you. I'd understand if you can't come with us tomorrow."

Sakura shook her head, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, as she held Hikaru tightly and attempted to soothe him. Despite her efforts, Hikaru remained inconsolable.

Just then, Temari entered through the door, accompanied by a young woman with dark blue eyes and straight brown hair. While she didn't appear to be a Shinobi, she seemed at least twenty years old.

Temari entered with a paper containing crucial information about the child's real name and relatives. The woman approached Sakura and, though avoiding direct eye contact, reached out to the little boy. Kneeling down to his eye level, she tried to establish a connection with him.

As she did, the little boy stopped crying and questioned, "Aunt Yuuki?"

Yuuki offered a warm smile and replied, "You remember me? I heard you had forgotten your name, but you remember mine. How strange."

Temari added, "His family lives in the northeastern section of the village. His name is Daiki."

But the boy cried out, "No, my name is Hikaru!"

Yuuki sighed and gently rubbed his head, saying, "You've been through so much. You'll feel better when I take you home."

Daiki, however, pushed her hand away and clung tighter to Sakura, making it even more challenging for her to let go.

He sobbed, "Lady Sakura, don't let them take me away. I want to stay with you."

Sakura knelt before him, wiped away his tears, and forced a smile. She said, "Close your eyes and think of our home. Think of your happiest memory with me."

Daiki obeyed and closed his eyes, recalling when they had baked chocolate cookies together. Sakura sang him a lullaby, and he fell asleep in her arms.

Yuuki angrily cried out, "What did you do?"

Temari placed her hand on Yuuki's shoulder and calmly responded, "Sakura's jutsu can put anyone to sleep. It was for the best. Otherwise, he would have kicked and screamed all the way home."

Yuuki, still upset, snatched Daiki from Sakura's grasp and shouted at her, "His behavior is your fault. He wasn't yours to bond with."

Young Yuuki stormed out of the Kazekage building, holding the boy in her arms as he continued to rest in her arms.

Kankuro growled, "What a bitch."

Temari frowned at Kankuro, saying, "Don't say that. Yuuki wasn't angry with us; she just needed someone to vent her frustrations on due to her loss."

Kankuro extended his arms in protest and said, "Don't defend her just because you're a girl too. Sakura didn't do anything wrong. Any of us would have done the same to gain his trust."

Granny Chiyo nodded in agreement and said, "He was in a bad way when we found him. Daiki could have killed us, but with Sakura's kind words, he chose to trust us."

While the family argued, Gaara sat in his chair, sighing as he watched Sakura quietly leave the room. He was the only one who noticed her departure.

She hurriedly exited the building and ascended to the marketplace. Standing atop the Marketplace footbridge, its surface resembling sand-hardened mud, she wholeheartedly embraced the afternoon's beauty. Her fingers traced the railings, their texture reminiscent of sandpaper, and her gaze drank in the serene surroundings. She stood on the bridge, embracing the breeze as it tousled her hair, hoping to find a way to cope with the overwhelming loss. Her thoughts turned to the possibility of his return when he was older. She understood that the separation wasn't permanent.

About thirty minutes later, Kankuro emerged at the far end of the bridge, reminiscent of their encounter's before the first Chunin exams. Sakura tilted her head to catch a glimpse of him, but her tears blurred her vision. Kankuro approached and gently enveloped her in his arms, letting her cry for as long as needed. Kankuro's gaze drifted toward the sky as he reminisced about their shared memories in that place. He began, "Do you remember the day we first spotted each other here? I was overjoyed to see you; it felt almost unbelievable. You looked like a true goddess with the sun illuminating your beauty."

Sakura blushed at his words and playfully pushed him away. She replied, "I appreciate the compliment, but you make it sound like I'm the only one in the world with unmatched beauty."

Kankuro couldn't help but smirk as he twirled her, showcasing her allure. He affectionately stated, "In my eyes, you are the most beautiful person on this planet, the Princess of Suna."

Sakura raised her foot, pointing at the scar on her ankle, and said, "See, the permanent reminder that it happened."

Kankuro joined in her laughter as if they hadn't enjoyed themselves in a long time. They playfully rubbed their noses together and shared a passionate kiss.

With their foreheads touching, Kankuro shifted to a more serious tone, saying, "On a more serious note, we still need to talk to Gaara about your unique abilities."

Sakura looked confused, furrowing her brow as she tilted her head. She asked, "What are you talking about?"

Kankuro hesitated momentarily, then said, "Well, let's see. During the battle at the beach, you woke up saying Shukaku's name, and then afterward, I found out you're immune to Genjutsu, which is rare in people who aren't Jinchuriki. Are you secretly a Jinchuriki?" He squinted his eyes, trying to make sense of it all.

Sakura's annoyance grew, and her voice raised as she spoke, "I don't care about all that right now. I miss Hikaru. When we had Hikaru, I felt so overjoyed. Having someone so innocent around made me feel better somehow. I don't know how to explain it. Now that he's gone, it feels like a piece of me is gone."

Kankuro gently brushed her hair with his fingers and comforted her, "He's not dead or gone, Sakura. He lives in this village, and he can see us whenever he wants. Besides, we can make our own family when this Akatsuki business ends."

Sakura chuckled and said with fatigue, "I'm tired. Let's go home."

Kankuro winked at Sakura and accompanied her back home.

Given his newfound skills, including puppet summoning, Kankuro adjusted his face paint the following morning. He had even introduced a new puppet that Sakura had yet to see. He continued to apply the purple paint over his eyes like eyeshadow, drawing a thick line across his face and splitting the streak in two. One line remained straight, while the other angled downward. He then painted his usual line from his lower lip. Sakura also observed that he now carried three large red scrolls on his back, secured with a white cloth.

Temari had adopted a fresh style, donning a dark short-sleeved Yukata complemented by a vibrant red sash to secure her fan on her back. On the other hand, Sakura had opted for a black long-sleeved Yukata, accentuated by a red fabric tied around her waist to hold her shamisen. They had recently embarked on a shopping trip to acquire these new outfits and decided to match their styles subtly. Despite not making significant changes to his appearance, Gaara appreciated the effort everyone had put into their new looks.

The three siblings, accompanied by Sakura, made their way to the entrance of Sunagakure. As they stepped outside, they were met with a chilly breeze, a stark contrast to the warmer environment inside the village walls.

The quiet walk allowed for a moment of reflection. Temari, feeling the need to address the situation, gently approached Sakura and said, "I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for my actions. We're Shinobi, our lives are unpredictable, and it's not a suitable environment for a child. You, more than anyone, should understand the challenges we face."

Sakura responded with a warm smile, giving Temari a playful punch on the shoulder. "I'd never hold it against you for doing what's best. I got too attached and believed in a fairy tale that doesn't exist."

Temari's expression softened, and she lowered the corner of her lips. "As Kankuro said, you did everything right. Don't be too hard on yourself for something that wasn't your fault."

Sakura nodded in acknowledgment. Gaara had a private conversation with Sakura as they prepared to enter the desert. He said, "Sakura, consider this mission a valuable training lesson. One day, you might have to rush to Konoha or another village with no time to spare. What will you do?"

"I'd run for three days straight without stopping for rest or food," Sakura confidently responded.

Gaara nodded and allowed a slight smirk to play on his lips. "Are you ready for that?" he asked.

Sakura couldn't help but consider the idea a bit crazy. The thought of running without rest for three days seemed almost impossible, but she couldn't admit her doubts. Instead, she replied, "Yes, I'm ready."

As they embarked on their journey, the family traversed the desert, starting from a fantastic, calm night where owls perched on cacti could be heard in the distance. The weather became progressively more harsh, but their full suits offered protection against the relentless desert sun. They took short breaks to cool down with the sweat from the day and shared quick meals as they continued their run.

Running through the desert for over twelve hours had taken its toll on Sakura. She finally collapsed onto the ground as the sun rose over the scorching sand on the second day. It was still a challenging endeavor, but it felt like an improvement compared to the past couple of years. Under the scorching heat, Sakura opened her eyes to find the three siblings sitting on the floor, watching her. A little creeped out, she quipped, "Why do I always wake up to you guys staring at me like you haven't turned away since I dropped to the floor?"

Temari chuckled and replied, "Of course, we have to ensure you're alright."

Sakura leaned up and rubbed her forehead. Gaara placed a reassuring hand on her head, saying, "Take it easy. We can't afford to lose you out here."

Sakura nodded and assured them, "I'm hydrating, I'm fine. I can keep going."

Kankuro crossed his arms and offered, "Are you sure? We can carry you again."

Gaara intervened firmly, "No one will be carrying her. She can continue on her own. Let's keep going."

As they reached the large red gates of Konohagakure the next day, they spotted Shikamaru, who was dressed in his Jonin vest, waiting for them on the other side of the gate, not crossing the line that led into the forest. Sakura couldn't help but giggle under her breath and playfully whispered into Temari's ear, "That's Shikamaru, isn't it?"

Temari blushed and quietly retorted, "Shh, don't let him hear you gossiping like that."

Sakura continued to giggle, and the brothers paid no attention to the hushed conversation between the girls. They had no interest in getting involved in their gossip.

Shikamaru lazily placed his hands behind his head, extending his elbows as he remarked, "I was getting tired of waiting."

Temari placed her right fist on her hip and flashed a smirk as she responded, "You're our welcoming party? Thanks for coming out to meet us."

Shikamaru chuckled and said, "Well, it's a real drag, but when it's the Kazekage, you've got to give a proper welcome." Gaara responded with his usual calm demeanor, giving Shikamaru a nod of acknowledgment. Shikamaru motioned for them to follow and led them through the village of Konohagakure. This hidden village was nestled deep within a lush forest at the base of a majestic mountain known as Hokage Rock, adorned with the carved faces of all the previous Hokage. The village was encircled by imposing walls.

The standard attire for Konoha shinobi typically consisted of either blue or black shirts, sometimes adorned with swirl patterns on the shoulders, along with corresponding pants. Over this ensemble, they wore a green flak jacket featuring a distinctive red swirl on the back and chest pockets. Bandages were commonly wrapped around their legs. Many of the ninjas from Konohagakure were skilled in Fire Release techniques.

Having caught up with Shikamaru, Sakura inquired, "So, you're Shikamaru, right? What's your specialty?"

Shikamaru smiled warmly as he responded, "Yeah, that's right. We have clan names here. I'm a member of the Nara clan, and my specialty lies in manipulating shadows. When I connect my shadow to a target, I can restrain their movements."

Sakura's eyes lit up with fascination, and she exclaimed, "That's incredible! I've only recently become a shinobi, thanks to the Hyuga Clan helping me unblock my chakra. Now, I can create sonic waves and use my singing abilities."

Shikamaru's eyes widened in surprise, and he remarked, "That's quite a unique ability you have there. Are you still a Genin, then?"

Sakura sighed but remained optimistic, saying, "Yes, I'm still a Genin, but that's alright. I'll catch up to everyone eventually."

Inside the Hokage's office building, Shikamaru led them to a conference room.

Shikamaru swung the door to the conference room open and gestured, "Welcome to our conference room. Please, take a seat on the opposite side."

He sat at the end of the table while an elderly lady occupied the chair next to him. This lady had undergone noticeable changes with time. Her hair was adorned with pearls on her hairpins, and tassels dangled from the other end. Her earrings had grown considerably longer. Koharu donned a simple, long kimono secured by an obi, a jacket, and a sash. Time had etched deep wrinkles into her face, her hair had turned pure white and grown longer, and her eyes had grown heavy-lidded. She now relied on a cane for her mobility.

Seated beside Koharu was an elderly gentleman named Homura. With his distinguished grey hair, beard, and glasses, he still wore the same perpetual frown. He maintained a strong jawline and continued to wear attire similar to what Hiruzen wore while acting as Hokage. Deep wrinkles marked his aging face, and he had begun to experience some hair loss at the crown of his head. His beard had grown to reach his waist, and like Koharu, he now depended on a cane for support.

At the far end of the conference table sat Lady Tsunade, radiating beauty despite the passing years. In a considerate gesture, Kankuro stepped back and extended his hand, inviting Sakura to enter the room before him. She took the seat between Shikamaru and Koharu. Kankuro settled beside Sakura, and Temari occupied the chair directly across from Homura. Lord Kazekage and Lady Hokage sat facing each other.

With a warm smile, Lady Tsunade addressed Sakura, "Hey, Sakura. How have you been since your last visit here?"

Sakura returned the smile and replied, "I'm doing much better, thank you. I feel a lot happier now that I can use my chakra."

Lady Tsunade nodded approvingly, "I'm glad to hear that."

The Hokage's assistant, Shizune, arrived, distributing paperwork from the previous Chunin exams. Shizune, a woman of average height and slender build with onyx eyes and jet-black hair, wore a long bluish-black kimono with white trim held together by a white obi. She completed her attire with open-toed sandals featuring low heels.

Standing at the head of the table, Shizune presented the gathered information, saying, "Here is the data from the Chunin exams held two years ago, which had a total of one hundred and fifty-three entrants. It includes details about the participating villages, the three rounds of exams, and the qualifying statistics. However, the finer details regarding interrupting the final round and its sequence of events are more within your knowledge."

Tsunade cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention, and continued, "In light of the suspension of the last Chunin exams, Konoha would like to propose the sponsorship of a joint Chunin exam."

Temari said, "Thanks to the cooperation of Konoha, our village has enjoyed increased stability over the last two years. Our training programs have succeeded, making more Genin qualified to participate in the Chunin exams."

Lady Tsunade inquired, "So you have no objections to our proposal?"

In response, the Konoha council elders exchanged meaningful glances, appearing concerned about the discussion. Sakura and Shikamaru remained silent, carefully listening to the conversation. While wishing to support their younger brother, the elder sand siblings seemed to exert a certain level of control over him. Sakura felt a sense of unease but realized there was little she could do about it.

Kankuro crossed his arms and inquired, "Before we proceed, Lady Hokage, could you clarify your true intentions?"

Lady Tsunade asked, "True intentions?"

Kankuro sought further clarification, "What I mean is, why choose this particular moment for the Chunin exams? If the issue was merely a lack of personnel, this could have been addressed earlier."

Lady Tsunade revealed their intentions, "Very well, I'll be honest. The first reason for holding the Chunin exams is to assess the reactions of the various villages within the Five Great Nations, all of which outwardly advocate peace. Their responses to a combined Chunin exam will unveil their genuine sentiments. The second reason is to investigate the activities of Akatsuki. Although they have been known to pursue the Tailed Beasts from each village, their actions have been unusually subdued over the past two years."

Kankuro frowned in response, clearly disapproving of her answer, "So, you're suggesting that you want to use the Chunin exams as bait to lure out the Akatsuki?"

Lady Tsunade stated, "Given the current circumstances, the Akatsuki are likely to become more aggressive, and we must be prepared."

At this moment, Gaara's gaze shifted between his siblings, Temari and Kankuro, though they remained silent, creating an atmosphere of tension. It seemed Gaara had something to say, but Sakura couldn't discern the nature of the tension aside from the unconventional idea of the Chunin exams.

Kankuro raised concerns, "This is a highly risky plan—"

However, Gaara stood up and voiced a new proposal, "Wait. Regarding these Chunin exams... Sunagakure would like to host them in conjunction with my inauguration as the Kazekage." His siblings, Temari and Kankuro, sat in stunned silence, unsure how to respond.

Homura interjected firmly, "That is not acceptable."

Koharu echoed the sentiment, "Konoha must sponsor the Chunin exams. We must complete what we initiated earlier."

Homura added resolutely, "Indeed, that is the way forward."

As Gaara tried to continue, Temari interrupted him, asserting, "Lord Kazekage cannot make this decision unilaterally. He must consult with the village elders."

Kankuro concluded the meeting with a firm statement, "Agreed, we'll need time to reach out to the village elders. Let's revisit this topic during the next meeting."

Lady Tsunade concurred, "Very well, we can resolve this in our upcoming session."

The group collectively rose from the conference table and made their way out of the room. The sand Shinobi followed Shikamaru as they exited the building, heading back into the village. Under the scorching heat, Sakura opened her eyes to find the three siblings sitting on the floor, watching her. A little creeped out, she quipped, "Why do I always wake up to you guys staring at me like you haven't turned away since I dropped to the floor?"