Chapter 18: Unnecessary Sacrifices

Engulfed in the suffocating sand, their ears muffled by the grains pressing in, the trio stretched futilely to reach for help. In their desperate struggle, their hands clung to a silky spiderweb that clung to the sand around them. Through the haze, Sakura cracked open a single eye to witness Fu, who held the other end of the sticky web.

"Grab tight!" Fu exclaimed.

With her wings spread wide, Fu soared higher into the sky, clutching the web that contained Sakura and her team. As she ascended, she rescued them from the unforgiving quicksand, gently depositing them onto the solid ground before removing the sticky webbing. Gracefully, Fu descended and touched down in front of them. However, they appeared to be unconscious. Sakura observed as the turbulent sands ceased their restless motion, and Gaara descended from his sand platform above them.

"I am Gaara, the Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village."

"I am Fu, hailing from the Hidden Waterfall Village."

"Why did you save them? You're taking the Chunin exams, too, aren't you?" 

"Our village chief, Shibuki, taught me that many people might misunderstand me, but I must hold the people around me dear and do my best for them. If I do, then someday you'll be able to make a hundred friends." 

"I see, that's why. As I watched you, I remembered a particular man. Now I know why I did. He's a lot like you, and he's a lot like Sakura. I faced him in battle, and he taught me that we can learn to understand the pain and sorrow and the joy of others."

"Wow, I'd like to meet someone like that and become his friend." 

"Where am I?" Sakura whimpered as her team slowly regained consciousness. They rose cautiously, trying to ward off the dizziness that had enveloped them. At that moment, Gaara concealed himself from their view, eager to hear Sakura's reaction to Fu if he remained hidden.

With a warm smile, Fu leaned on one knee and addressed them, "Hey, what scroll do you guys have?"

"The HEAVEN scroll," Sakura replied.

Fu retrieved her EARTH scroll and handed it to Sakura, saying, "Take mine."

Yukata gasped with excitement, "Really? Are you sure? You're a lifesaver."

Sakura extended her hand to halt Yukata and said, "We can't accept it."

"Why not? I have a new goal, so I don't need it," Fu insisted.

Sakura stood proudly, her resolve unwavering as she replied, "Lord Gaara taught us to break down the barriers that we create, to overcome and win, and to grasp the results that we desire. We want that scroll more than anything, but if we allow you to give it to us, we can't claim that we fulfilled the conditions of the second exam. We will obtain it through our power."

Fu nodded, acknowledging their determination. "I understand."

In the turbulent sandstorm above them, her teammates called out for them. Sakura sighed, realizing they needed to rejoin their team. She told Fu, "It'll be a pain if they catch me, so I'll go now. Goodbye."

Fu fluttered away in the sky with her translucent dark yellow wings. Gaara emerged from the shadows as the wind and sand settled, filling Sakura and her teammates with pride and accomplishment. He wore a doting smile like a parent watching their child grow.

Sakura, caught off guard by his sudden appearance, asked, "How long have you been watching us?"

Gaara replied calmly, "I've kept my third eye on you from the beginning."

Sakura playfully teased, "Oh, were you worried I'd get hurt, so you came out here to rescue me? I thought the exam was a survival test. I also recall you stating that I couldn't have special treatment."

Gaara smirked and replied, "Kankuro wouldn't allow me to hear the end of it if I let anything happen to you, but I'm glad he's capable of holding back and protecting you so that you can grow into a strong Shinobi."

"Where is Kankuro?" Sakura asked.

"Rescuing the other Genin from the sandstorm. I'm sure he's worried sick about you," Gaara explained.

Her voice tinged with concern, Sakura said, "Thank you for coming to save us, but you've placed your own life in danger now. Someone could be out there plotting to kill you for Shukaku."

Gaara reassured her, "The lives of my Genin are far more important. Besides, I'd like to see them try to defeat me."

Sakura chuckled, "Okay, Invincible Kazekage. What are we doing about the sandstorm?"

Gaara replied, "We will have to wait it out."

Gaara raised his arm, conjuring a cocoon of hardened sand that enveloped them in darkness as they waited out the storm. The wind whistled as it hit the sand structure, and it took some time for their eyes to adjust to the darkness.

Sakura sat beside Gaara, a sense of companionship slowly growing between them after everything they had been through together. Given the unique circumstances, she needed to figure out how to start a conversation. Sitting almost alone with him on the other side of the protective dome was strange. He carried a scent reminiscent of sunshine and the ocean. Breaking the silence, Gaara asked, "How did you meet my brother?"

"After Temari brought me home from the hospital, I climbed the Kazekage office building to see if you were okay. When you spotted me, I was startled and fell from the building, but Kankuro broke my fall."

"What are the odds?"

Sakura laughed, "I hurt my ankle, but he brought me inside to patch me up. Don't you remember?" 

"Yeah, I do." 

Gaara smirked, "You are as beautiful as the day I met you."

"You always know how to make me feel special, even when I'm exhausted and nauseated," Sakura replied, yawning and closing her eyes.

"It's okay to rest. I'll be here to protect you."

Sakura mumbled her response and slowly drifted away to the soothing sound of the wind. Hours felt like moments when she awoke to Gaara's gentle voice, "Hey, the storm is gone. We should get going."

Sakura rubbed her eyes and yawned while Gaara waved his arm to melt the sand dome protecting them. The sky was a light blue, and the endless sand around them was devoid of other people.

Mikoshi and Yukata bowed in gratitude, expressing their thanks to the Kazekage. Gaara advised, "The second exam will probably resume shortly, so get going."

Sakura nodded, and the team ventured across the dry, cracked desert grounds. However, not even thirty minutes had passed when they began to hear the enchanting melody of a musical instrument playing from somewhere not too far behind them. Mikoshi was the first to come to a halt, with Sakura and Yukata sliding to a stop on the sandy terrain, all turning back to trace the source of the music.

Mikoshi's brows furrowed as he scanned the area, remarking, "Where is it coming from? We must have chosen the wrong route. From here, we can't see what's happening on higher ground."

Yukata, stealthily treading behind Mikoshi, whispered, "That sound gives me the creeps."

Keeping watch behind them, Sakura added, "We should probably move quickly but cautiously."

Mikoshi agreed, saying, "Yes, let's proceed carefully."

The three of them moved forward in a line, their heads on a swivel, scanning the surroundings for any sign of the mysterious musician. Unfortunately, the echoing quality of the music made it challenging to pinpoint its origin. The melody stopped briefly, only to be replaced by an even more lively and upbeat tune.

Mikoshi quickly assessed the situation and remarked, "The tempo's changed. Let's hurry."

Sakura concurred, "Yes." As she hastened to keep up, she couldn't help but notice her shadow behaving strangely. Puzzled, she pointed it out and inquired, "What's going on here?"

Suddenly, the shadows of all three team members began to elongate, emerging from the ground and looming menacingly over them. The dark, looming figures grew larger, causing Mikoshi to step back instinctively. He questioned, "What are these things?"

Before anyone could react, the shadows lashed out, trapping them, and they cried out as the bindings around them grew increasingly unyielding. Escape seemed impossible.

The music ceased, and the shadows released their captives, swiftly dissipating. The enigmatic musician resumed playing as the three Genin collapsed, bewildered by the strange encounter. They gazed in astonishment as Gaara's sand clones confronted the impenetrable shadows. An explosion reverberated through the area, filling the vicinity with a cloud of sand dust.

The actual Gaara appeared behind Sakura, taking her arm in hand. Sakura couldn't help but ask, "Gaara, what are you doing here?"

Gaara lifted her off the ground and replied, "This isn't part of the exam. Someone is targeting me. There's no need for you to get involved. I can handle this myself."

Sakura vehemently protested, "I'm not going anywhere, Gaara. We have to keep you safe."

Gaara sighed and maintained, "Return to the second exam. That is your duty as a Sand Shinobi."

However, their argument was cut short as they became aware of a menacing figure on a massive rock formation behind them. This individual was emanating intense, dark chakra that coalesced into formidable chains.

"Get down!" Gaara urgently commanded.

Reacting swiftly, the three crouched low as Gaara employed his sand to shield them. He erected numerous defensive barriers, but despite his best efforts, one chain found a gap in his defenses and struck him squarely in the chest. Sakura gasped, her concern for Gaara evident, "Gaara!"

With beads of sweat forming on his brow and his voice weak, Gaara confessed, "I'm losing my power..."

As the sand walls gradually disintegrated under the relentless assault of the chain, Gaara's chakra was rapidly being drained. Standing firmly before him, Sakura observed the chain piercing his body and determined, "We have to pull it out of him."

With his strength waning, Gaara whispered, "Go, I can handle this alone..."

In his capacity as the Kazekage, Gaara asserted, "I order you to withdraw immediately. And not a word of this to anyone, understood?"

Sakura scowled and shifted her attention to her teammates, "Mikoshi, Yukata... In the temple, my entire life flashed before my eyes. You have to trust me and leave Gaara to me."

Her teammates nodded, comprehending the gravity of the situation, and swiftly departed to return to the central tower as expeditiously as possible. Gaara, his strength ebbing away, turned his head to face Sakura, his expression marked by confusion. He queried, "What are you talking about? Are you disobeying my direct order?"

Sakura, with unwavering resolve, explained, "I'm sorry, Gaara, but with all due respect, you do not have this situation under control. I have regretfully kept a lot of secrets from you. Forgive me, but I refuse to let you die here."

Her words left him momentarily speechless. Sakura stood beside him, her eyes fixed on the chain connected to the man plotting to harm Gaara. The man was a bald young figure with brown eyes and a long, horizontal scar that stretched from his left ear to his face. He was clad in a dark blue monk's attire, though it lacked sleeves. His ensemble featured a white collar and garments at the ends. A dark blue sash wrapped around his waist, and he held a biwa tied to a white cloth. His wrists were adorned with red rosary beads, and a Suna forehead protector was affixed to the center of his attire. The strange man continued to play his Biwa, all the while sporting a vicious smile.

Undaunted by the chain's electricity surging through her, Sakura grasped it with her bare hands. The pain was intense, but she held on steadfastly. She explained, "I entered Shukaku's temple the night before we departed for the exams because I felt his calling. He showed me a future I couldn't comprehend, so I'm here to discover what he wants from me."

Gaara, struggling to breathe, implored, "We'll discuss this later. Please, stop, or you'll die."

With agony from the chain's relentless shocks, Sakura screamed, "No!" The electricity eventually overwhelmed her, and she was thrown to the ground, her consciousness hanging by a thread. Gaara, panic-stricken, shouted, "Sakura, are you all right? Please, be okay..."

Within Gaara, Shukaku let out a final, gut-wrenching howl. Bright orange chakra burst out of Gaara's body, surging into Sakura. The mysterious man continued to play his Biwa with increasing speed, a sly grin across his face. More dark chakra emanated from his chest, converging directly on her. Sakura struggled to her feet, her movements slow and deliberate.

"Sakura, be careful!" Gaara's voice rang out.

She turned to see the dark chakra coalesce into a chain with a pointed end. Despite her efforts to evade it, the chain struck her on the lower back. F fraught with panic, Gaara's voice called out to her, "Sakura!"

Sakura tumbled to the ground, her stomach pressed against the dirt. Wincing in pain, she uttered, "I'm sorry... I think I failed."

Gaara, battling his torment, snapped, "Damn it! I told you not to stay. What was Shukaku thinking?"

Sakura responded, her voice filled with determination, "How could I stay away? I care about you. Naruto would have come to rescue you, too, if I were him."

Gaara grumbled, "Yeah, that's because he's an idiot."

As the pain intensified, Gaara clenched his teeth and collapsed to his knees, struggling to hold on. Sakura's agonized scream pierced the air as she writhed in pain. She slammed her hands onto the ground with a deep growl reminiscent of Shukaku. A hollow pyramid of sand enveloped them, hardening around the chain.

In shock, Gaara rose to his feet and gazed at the formation she had created, astonishment in his voice as he said, "This is... but how?"

With determination, Sakura replied, "It's not enough to break the chakra chain, but I am going to try and buy us some time."

With her samisen in hand, Sakura began to play, the melody weaving another protective shield around them, suppressing the chakra from being siphoned from their bodies. She also started to sing, channeling a healing jutsu to help them recover. Gradually, the pain lessened, allowing them to function more comfortably.

Gaara turned to her, his expression a mix of wonder and concern, and asked, "What did you do? How did you do this?"

Sakura explained, "While I trained with you to use my musical jutsu, I taught myself to learn your jutsu to be one with Shukaku."

Gaara expressed his regrets, "You've dedicated yourself to becoming a Jinchuriki. I'm ashamed that I've allowed you to do this to yourself. For now, we have more significant problems. The rate of chakra being siphoned out has slowed, lessening the pain. However, Shukaku will be extracted... and we'll die..."

Sakura's voice remained steadfast, "Worst-case scenario, at least we will die together. But I'm sure Yukata and Mikoshi have contacted someone to inform them of what's happening. Someone should be here to save us eventually."

Gaara's tone turned somber as he said, "How can you be so positive?"

Sakura frowned and argued, "How can you be so negative? You put yourself in this situation. Why, so you can sacrifice yourself?"

Gaara looked away, his voice tinged with despair as he replied, "No one is coming to help us."

Sakura challenged him, her determination unwavering, "You want to die that badly..."

Gaara crossed his arms, his resolve unwavering as he stated, "If it keeps you and the village safe, then yes."

Sakura countered, "I guarantee you are not the only Jinchuriki to be hunted for your tailed beast. They want all of them for something, and you can't give up until we know what they want."

Gaara's voice, heavy with resignation, replied, "It doesn't matter anymore. No one from Suna will come to our aid. In the past, I could only relate to others with hate and a desire to kill. Now that I am the Kazekage, some believe I will rule through fear and are trying to eliminate me. That can't be helped. I'm the one who brought it on. If I have any regrets, it's only that I wish people knew how much I was trying to change."

Sakura, her tears flowing, whispered, "Gaara..."

Suddenly, someone cracked open the hardened barrier, and Neji entered, asking, "Are you two okay?"

Sakura smirked and said, "Hey, Neji. See, I knew they'd come to help us."

Gaara, frustrated, exclaimed, "I gave strict orders not to tell anyone..."

Neji reassured him, saying, "Don't be angry with your Genin. They were worried sick about you."

Glancing at the chains, Neji continued, "I figured as much. This chain has penetrated your chakra points, causing direct damage to the chakra network. They're controlling the chakra flow through the chakra points and siphoning away your tailed beast chakra."

"Yeah," Gaara admitted, "Eventually, the tailed beast's chakra will be weakened enough, and he'll extract the beast itself."

Sakura's voice, filled with hope, asked, "Could you help us?"

"Tailed beast or whatever, chakra is chakra. If we plug the chakra point used to siphon the tailed beast chakra, we can stop the flow," Neji explained confidently.

Gaara, filled with hope, asked, "Is that possible?"

Neji nodded, affirming, "Yeah, it'll be tricky, but it's worth a try."

"Please do, and save her first," Gaara urged.

Sakura sighed, exasperated yet touched, "You are the most stubborn man I have ever met. Neji, he's the Kazekage; help him first."

Neji nodded, positioning himself to perform his jutsu. He said, "Gentle Fist: Chakra Point Needle!"

With his index and middle finger connected, he struck Gaara where the chain entered, but the powerful-tailed beast chakra repelled him, sending an electric shock through his body. Neji stared in shock.

Gaara said, "What's wrong?"

Neji replied, "The tailed beast chakra is so powerful that it repelled me. I thought it would be a little weak."

"Your Hiashi's nephew, right?" Sakura reminded him. "Hiashi brought back my chakra so I could become a Shinobi. So I believe you can do this. Don't give up, okay."

Neji nodded and said, "I'll try again."

With his index and middle finger connected, he struck Gaara at the point where the chain entered. Despite the electric shock, he persevered, continuously applying pressure, and suddenly, the chakra flow stopped through the chain. He approached Sakura and said, "You're next."

"Do it," Sakura said with excitement.

Once again, with his index and middle finger connected, Neji struck Sakura at the point where the chain entered. Despite the electric shock, he persevered, continuously applying pressure, and suddenly, the chakra flow stopped through the chain. The chains unhooked themselves and pulled away towards the enemy. Neji stepped outside the sand pyramid, and Gaara came out after him. As Sakura stepped out, Tenten kindly helped her while she caught up to Gaara. She watched as the chains turned into black ink and wrapped around the Shinobi until he couldn't move. He and his Biwa rolled down the cliff.

Gaara asked, "May I ask you not to kill him?"

Neji nodded and said, "Yeah, I understand."

He approached the Shinobi and performed his jutsu to release the ink binding his chakra. Neji said, "We can still save him; take him to the medical team."

As Neji returned to speak with Gaara and Sakura, the Shinobi from Konoha nodded and helped the incapacitated man.

Gaara crossed his arms and said, "You have my thanks, Neji. Imagine being rescued by you."

Neji chuckled as Rock Lee approached to ask, "Is everyone alright?"

"Yeah, we're okay. Thank you, Lee."

Behind Sakura, her team hurriedly arrived, relieved to see her safe. Yukata hugged Sakura tightly, exclaiming, "I'm so glad you're okay."

"I'm glad to see you too," Sakura giggled.

Yukata released her grip and spun around joyfully, grateful that everything had turned out fine. Gaara turned to all the Genin and instructed, "Continue with the second exam. I need to return to the central tower."

Everyone returned to the central tower on their terms, waiting for further instructions. The Genin, covered in sand, engaged in conversations under the shelter of the building. Dinner was served, and they all went inside, except for Sakura, who had more important plans than staying with the other Genin.

Inside the central tower, Sakura ascended to the top, where Gaara's Demon Desert office was situated for overseeing the exams. As she made her way, she encountered Kankuro in the hallway. With a surge of emotion, she pressed him against the wall and kissed him passionately. After their kiss, Kankuro chuckled and inquired, "Hey, are you okay? Did you pass?"

Sakura smiled widely, "No, the sandstorm prevented most teams from succeeding, so I'm not sure what Gaara plans to do after the incident." 

Kankuro, visibly dissatisfied with the outcome, grumbled, "I told Temari that the essence of the exam was survival, but she was insistent on rescuing everyone. She knew that if most of the Genin had perished, it would have strained our relationships with the other villages. If they can't endure a sandstorm, they have no business becoming Chunin." 

Sakura sighed and said, "I'm sorry, Kankuro."

Kankuro assured her, "It's not your fault. I'll give you a special reward tonight for making it this far."

Sakura blushed and whispered, "Oh, I can't wait."

Temari deliberately bumped into Sakura, saying, "Come on, lovebirds. Gaara requested to see us in his office."

Kankuro and Sakura exchanged bewildered looks but decided not to question it. They followed Temari into the room where Suna guards were stationed.

The Suna family stood alongside Gaara's desk, their eyes fixed on him as he pondered his following words. With a thoughtful tone, he began, "I have something of great importance to share with everyone, but I'll have to hold off until the Konoha Shinobi arrive."

The entrance of a kind, an older woman accompanied by Shikamaru, broke the room's tranquility. She was fair-skinned and possessed a slender figure. Her long, untamed black hair cascaded down to her upper back, and her striking, unique eyes were a vivid shade of red with an additional ring. She wore makeup that included red lipstick and purple eye shadow. Her usual attire consisted of a red mesh armor blouse with only the right sleeve exposed, with a pattern resembling rose thorns. Bandages wrapped around her hands and upper thighs, and she wore the Konoha forehead protector and standard shinobi sandals. 

A warm smile graced her face as she approached Sakura and inquired, "I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting before. What's your name?"

"I'm Sakura, Gaara's right-hand assistant," she nodded.

Kurenai extended her hand in greeting. "It's a pleasure to meet you finally. I'm Kurenai Yuhi. I trained Team Eight in Konoha, the one you've already met – Kiba, Hinata, and Shino."

Sakura recalled the incident from a few years back and awkwardly scratched the back of her head. "Oh, right, yeah. They saved me from a group that tried to assassinate Gaara."

Kurenai nodded with understanding and turned to Shikamaru. "Was that before or after your Sasuke retrieval mission, where you shed some tears over failing the team?"

Shikamaru let out a sigh. "People won't let me forget that day. What a drag."

Might Guy, the spitting image of Rock Lee, entered the room, accompanied by the last Jonin from the Konoha team. Guy was tall with brown eyes, olive skin, short black spiky hair, and a distinctive beard. He wore the standard Konoha ninja uniform, with rolled-up sleeves, a flak jacket, shinobi sandals, and a forehead protector. Additionally, he sported a sash with the kanji for "Fire" (火) marked on it, wrapped around his waist. A pair of black bangles adorned his wrists, and bandages were wrapped around the arms of his sleeves.

Shikamaru introduced Sakura, saying, "You've never met my sensei, but this is Asuma Sarutobi. Asuma, meet Sakura."

Asuma extended his hand with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you."

Kurenai inquired, "So, what exactly is going on here?"

Beside his desk, Gaara announced, "I'd like to cancel the third exam."

"What?" Temari exclaimed, her shock mirrored by her brother, Kankuro.

"I'm sorry," Gaara began, "I can't go into details, but this is a domestic matter within Suna."

Shikamaru questioned, "How do we determine who passed the Chunin exams then?"

Gaara explained, "We've prepared detailed reports about each team's performance in the second exam. I want the respective villages to use them to decide whether their participants should be promoted to Chunin."

Shikamaru shrugged, saying, "Well, these exams were meant to test their ability to carry out missions as a Chunin."

Kankuro seemed rather pleased with the situation as he responded, "It can't be helped if things turned out like this."

Gaara concluded, "That's all for now. I will head to the balcony to inform everyone."

The Jonin in the room dispersed to inform their teams below of this new development. Kankuro and Sakura followed Temari and Shikamaru downstairs to speak with the Genin on the balcony.

Sakura turned to Kankuro and said, "I'm not surprised he would say that after what occurred in the desert today."

Confused, Kankuro asked, "Why would the sandstorm change Gaara's opinion?"

Sakura tapped her index fingers nervously and finally admitted, "He ordered me not to tell you, but it wasn't the sandstorm."

Kankuro crossed his arms, his expression turning more serious. He asked, "What happened when Gaara abandoned the tower?"

Sakura waved her hands defensively and said, "I told you, I can't tell you."

Kankuro leaned in closer, pressing his forehead against Sakura's, and whispered, "If you don't tell me, I swear I will stick my puppet's hand so far up your ass..."

Sakura babbled to avoid the consequences, "He came out to rescue me from the sandstorm, and some priest from Suna with a Biwa attacked us and tried to take Shukaku..."

Kankuro, in shock, yelled, "Wait, what?"

A sudden drumbeat announced the arrival of the Kazekage on the balcony above them. Gaara stood in his Kazekage robes, flanked by two Suna Jonin stationed to protect him. 

Gaara yelled, "Exam participants. I commend your strenuous efforts. With time, our Shinobi world needs a new system with new laws. Until today, we Shinobi were required to sacrifice even the lives of our comrades for the sake of our laws and rules. But I have realized we have something even more precious than rules and regulations. That is friendship with our fellow villagers, our fellow Shinobi, and the bond we share with others who understand the same pain. Each of you who stands here now knows precisely what I mean. Therefore, I deem the third exam unnecessary.

Furthermore, I am rescinding part of the requirements for the second exam. A detailed performance report will be sent to your respective villages for each of you standing here. Your Kage will make the final decision on your promotion. That will be all. I wish you a safe return home."

The crowd cheered, their voices ringing out with excitement and laughter, creating waves of celebration. However, time was of the essence. The Genin dispersed, heading back to their respective villages. Only the Suna siblings and Sakura chose to remain behind. Kankuro, still frowning, stood before her, waiting for an explanation.

Sakura began hesitantly, "Listen, it's a long story..."

Kankuro interrupted, "We'll meet later to discuss your exam results."

Gaara approached from behind, accompanied by Temari, and added, "The four of us need to discuss what to do with you. After all, you've lied to us numerous times about your abilities."

Kankuro glared at Sakura and asked, "What is he talking about? What did you do?"

Sakura, feeling uneasy, slowly started her march back to the village, pondering the complex situation ahead. There was no denying that she had a lot of explaining to do.