Chapter 23: Retribution

The team engaged in lively conversation, oblivious to the looming presence of Itachi Uchiha, who stood before them with his index and middle finger aligned with his nose, poised to unleash his Genjutsu when the opportune moment arrived. A palpable need to devise a strategy to overcome him hung in the air. Itachi was a force never to be underestimated, and a carefully crafted plan was imperative for any chance of success.

Speaking in hushed tones to his team, Kakashi imparted his strategic insights, "Itachi's Genjutsu relies on visual perception. Avoid making direct eye contact, and we should be fine."

Sakura smirked, her confident tone laced, "Lucky for him, I'm immune."

Naruto, puzzled, questioned, "But how are we supposed to fight him?"

Based on his experience, Kakashi said, "Decipher his actions based on how he moves his body and feet."

Granny Chiyo, revealing her own expertise, whispered, "It's been a while since I faced a Sharingan."

Sakura, wide-eyed, inquired, "You fought an Uchiha before?"

Granny Chiyo responded, "Don't look too surprised. There are a few fighting techniques to counter this visual jutsu, and your immunity is one of them."

Naruto sought further clarification, "What should we do?"

Quoting an old adage, Granny Chiyo explained, "If it's one against one, then you must flee. If it's two against one, then take the back."

Naruto, scratching his head, quipped, "Say what now?"

Granny Chiyo elucidated, "In a one-on-one fight, the Genjutsu can catch both. However, with more than one of us, one will distract him while the rest constantly attack him from behind where the Sharingan can't see."

Eager to take the lead, Naruto proclaimed, "Amazing, you know a lot for your age. Then I'll take his back."

Kakashi intervened, grabbing Naruto's shoulder, and cautioned, "Wait."

Naruto, perplexed, asked, "What do you mean?"

Granny Chiyo shot him sternly and asserted, "Are you implying that my approach to countering the Sharingan is incorrect?"

Kakashi frowned, clarifying, "Your strategy would work against a standard Genjutsu, but with the Mangekyo Sharingan, it's a bit more complicated."

Granny Chiyo groaned, "How so?"

Kakashi explained, "He uses the Mangekyo Sharingan. If you fall victim to his visual Jutsu, you'll experience his Genjutsu in an instant. In other words, even though it may seem like seconds to others, the person who receives the Genjutsu will feel it for hours or days. In my case, I roamed around in his Jutsu for three days and lost consciousness for more than a week. It's not a matter of ending or not ending the Genjutsu."

Itachi finally spoke, his voice carrying a tone of acknowledgment, "Impressive, Kakashi. It seems you didn't endure my Tsukiyomi, the Nightmare Realm, in vain."

"That is not all I know," Kakashi replied resolutely, "After you unleashed the visual Jutsu, you were visibly exhausted, ending the battle immediately. I may have underestimated you before, but I've evolved since then. You see, it won't work the same way as it did before."

Brimming with confidence, Naruto smirked, "It's a huge mistake if you think I'm the same as before."

With a quiet urgency, Kakashi whispered to Naruto, "I'll deal with him. This time, cover me."

Itachi lifted his hand, pointing towards Naruto, and declared, "It's about time for you to come with me, Naruto."

Kakashi swiftly entered the fray, asserting, "I will go first."

Itachi, raising his hand to his mouth, bellowed, "Phoenix Flower Jutsu." Flames shot forth, but Kakashi deftly evaded the fiery assault. Itachi followed up with an enormous fireball Jutsu, a slower move that allowed the four standing behind Kakashi to dodge. The resulting explosion erupted, shaking the ground beneath their feet, and a cloud of dust enveloped the air, obscuring visibility.

As the dust settled, Sakura positioned herself atop the tree branches. Kakashi, revealing his mastery, extended the palm of his hand, blue electricity crackling within. He sprinted towards Itachi, crushing the ground beneath the electric cloud, a manifestation of his determined advance.

"Lightning Blade!" Kakashi's shout echoed through the battleground.

He aimed at Itachi, but the elusive opponent skillfully evaded the attack. Seizing the opportunity, Naruto propelled himself above Itachi, forming another Rasengan to land a decisive blow.

The ensuing dust and wind blew across Sakura's face, prompting her to remark, "Kakashi's team is strong. They work better together."

Sitting across from Sakura with closed eyes, Granny Chiyo concurred with a simple "Indeed."

As the dust began to settle, only Itachi remained, standing behind a massive hole in the ground, a white haze enveloping the battlefield.

Squinting through the haze, Sakura anxiously searched for Naruto and Kakashi. Panicking, she exclaimed, "What is this?"

Granny Chiyo opened her eyes, standing beside Sakura, and reassured her, "Don't worry, it's one of Kakashi's Jutsu. More importantly, the mist is getting thicker. Don't divert your attention from his presence."

"Right," Sakura affirmed, heeding Granny Chiyo's advice.

On the battlefield, Kakashi unveiled a shadow clone of himself, anticipating Itachi's next move. Itachi, once again, unleashed a fireball, resulting in another explosion. The white haze gradually faded, revealing Itachi standing alone. Then, rising from the dirt at Itachi's feet, Kakashi extended his fist for a punch, only for Itachi to swiftly snatch Kakashi's wrist and pull him down. Grasping the back of Kakashi's neck, Itachi forced him to gaze into his eyes, and the two fighters stood motionless on the battlefield.

However, the genuine Kakashi emerged from one of the holes in the dirt, and Naruto launched another attack with his Rasengan. This time, the impact was more extensive, causing the earth to split and trees to uproot from beneath the ground.

Sakura widened her gaze, remarking, "That was enormous. There's no way he could have survived."

She trailed behind Granny Chiyo to the battlefield, and the others followed the path where Kakashi's body had been dragged across the ground. They discovered a figure covered in dirt at the cliff's edge, but it wasn't Itachi. Sakura recognized him immediately—an individual of shorter stature with black hair cascading over his right eye, sporting a goatee and dark eyes. Previously, he had been seen in a beige robe with black trousers and sandals, but now he wore the distinctive black robes of the Akatsuki.

Groaning in frustration, Granny Chiyo questioned, "What is this?"

Kakashi shared his insight: "While we were fighting, I felt like something wasn't right…"

"That bastard underestimated us," Sakura growled.

Kakashi turned to the Sand Shinobi, inquiring, "Do you guys know him from somewhere?"

"Yes," Granny Chiyo quietly replied.

"That's Yura, a trusted member of the Kazekage Advisory Council," Sakura growled.

"What does this mean?" Kakashi inquired.

"I don't know…" Sakura sighed.

Granny Chiyo said, "I don't know either, but he went missing right around when Gaara was taken."

Sakura Haruno speculated, "Could it be that he was a spy for the Akatsuki?"

"Yeah, that makes the most sense under these circumstances. How else would they have infiltrated the village so easily?" Sakura sighed.

"I don't believe it. The man served on the council for four years."

Sakura crouched to examine the man's battered face and remarked, "Granny, we have to inform the council right away."

"Good idea, Sakura. They were stalling for time," Granny Chiyo said, pulling out an ink brush, black ink, and a scroll to write a note.

Sakura cried, "Does this mean we didn't make it in time to save Gaara?"

"They're undoubtedly already extracting the Tailed Beast."

Sakura clenched her jaw and fists, declaring, "The extraction is unbearable. I can't bear the thought of him suffering like that again."

Sakura Haruno asked, "What do you mean by extracting the Tailed Beast?"

Granny Chiyo explained, "It's likely that they intend to create a new Jinchuriki using the one-tailed beast, Shukaku. The Jinchuriki is the one who controls that power, and so far, there have only been three in Sunagakure."

She unfurled a scroll onto the grass and swiftly executed hand signs incomprehensible to Sakura. In response, a mechanical yellow bird materialized. Granny Chiyo wound up the mechanical bird and inserted the scroll into its mouth.

"I'm counting on you," Granny Chiyo said, releasing the bird.

Sakura Haruno frowned, gazing at the ground, and remarked, "So wars were often fought using the Jinchuriki."

Granny Chiyo nodded, "Yeah, that's right."

"Then the people who've been turned into Jinchuriki…" Sakura Haruno trailed off, her gaze shifting to Naruto with a heartbroken expression, understanding his struggles as an outcast.

Sakura Haruno inquired, "How can the Tailed Beast be distracted?"

Granny Chiyo explained, "What's required is a sealing Jutsu with the ability to instantaneously balance the power of the Tailed Beast, along with plenty of time. But if that's done, the Jinchuriki…"

Naruto and Sakura Haruno gasped, comprehending that the extraction would lead to the death of the Jinchuriki. This revelation meant Naruto would undoubtedly perish from the extraction of his nine-tailed beast. Sakura silently teared up, envisioning the potential loss of Gaara.

Naruto began walking back into the forest, saying, "Let's go."

Silence enveloped the group, recognizing that it might be Naruto's destiny, and they were also on a mission to capture him. Sakura now understood why Gaara had been adamant about preventing her from becoming a Jinchuriki. They followed Naruto through the dense trees as evening approached, the sky tinged with hues of red reminiscent of blood. Fear for Gaara gripped Sakura's heart.

Kakashi stopped the team at a natural clearing in the forest, instructing, "Everyone, stop."

They descended from the treetops and turned to Kakashi, curiosity etched on their faces, questioning the sudden pause.

Naruto queried, "What's going on, Sensei?"

"We're taking a short break here," Kakashi informed them.

Sakura, sensing urgency, hesitated before expressing, "What?"

Understanding the necessity, Granny Chiyo nodded and responded, "A wise decision."

Emotions bubbling within her, Sakura snapped, "We don't have time for a break. We've waited too long to save Gaara. I've been patient lately, but now I can't take it anymore."

Naruto said, "You said it yourself, Kakashi Sensei, we can't afford to waste time."

Remaining composed, Kakashi calmly replied, "Compared to right before we encountered the fake Itachi, our pace has slowed."

Sakura Haruno nodded in agreement, "He's right."

Kakashi elaborated, "If we rest up here, ultimately, we'll reach our destination faster. And tomorrow, we might face the ones who took Gaara. It's best if we're at full strength."

"Fine," Naruto sighed, accepting the reasoning.

Kakashi nodded, saying, "I'll keep watch tonight," as he leaped onto the lowest tree branch above his team. Meanwhile, the younger members unpacked their sleeping bags to rest briefly. Granny Chiyo gathered firewood while Sakura, seated, kindled a fire using a magnifying glass and dry sticks. The group roasted the animals they had encountered on their journey, sharing a meal together under the canopy of tree branches.

Granny Chiyo settled beside Sakura, offering skewers of cooked meat she had prepared. Reflecting on her past, she began, "My son was overjoyed at the prospect of having a son. His wife waited patiently through many cycles to welcome him, and in the end, I raised him on my own."

Sakura, empathetic, gently rubbed Granny Chiyo's shoulder and said, "You couldn't have predicted he would turn out like this…"

Sneaking in a few bites of the cooked meat, Granny Chiyo remarked, "Not once have I made the right choices in my life, so now is my chance to make amends."

Discarding her used skewer into the fire, Sakura inquired, "Granny, what will you do about Sasori?"

"I'll kill him if I have to," Granny Chiyo muttered.

Expressing her confidence, Sakura added, "I always knew Kankuro wouldn't turn out like Sasori."

Frowning, Granny Chiyo questioned, "How could you have known that?"

Sakura smiled warmly, replying, "After the boys got to know me, they moved past their anger towards others and embraced a more positive life. I wasn't afraid of Gaara, so I became the only person in the village who managed to break down the emotional walls he used to keep others away. I scolded Kankuro for bullying other kids after his friends attacked me, and since then, he has left that life behind. They've changed a lot more than you realized."

Kakashi descended from the tree branches, announcing, "Break time is over. We should get going."

Sakura Haruno rubbed her eyes and replied, "Okay, I'm up."

Naruto rolled under his sheets, murmuring, "Let me sleep a little longer."

Sakura stood quietly, approaching Naruto, sleeping soundly on his makeshift bed. Determinedly, she yanked the blankets off him, insisting, "Get up!"

Kakashi grinned beneath his mask, remarking, "Didn't you say you would save Gaara?"

Naruto sat up, groaning, "Of course I am."

Before dawn, the young Shinobi efficiently packed their belongings while Kakashi and Granny Chiyo extinguished the fire. Sakura, who had held back her emotions for too long, felt like she was on the brink of bursting. The team continued on their way, planning to rendezvous with Team Guy at the entrance to the hideout.

The team gracefully vaulted over tree branches, moving through the forest with the agility of frogs hopping over lily pads. The boundless sea of trees left Sakura in a daze, prompting her to drift into a memory of her and Gaara in Sunagakure, cherishing moments spent together.

Sakura reminisced when she brought Gaara to an outdoor stall, the waiter serving them cups of green tea in elegant ceramic vessels adorned with intricate squiggly designs. Throughout the encounter, she absentmindedly traced her fingers over the textured bumps on the surface, manifesting her nervous energy.

Gaara observed Sakura, captivated by her gazing at the chef skillfully preparing their rice bowls topped with grilled eel. He found himself enchanted by her outer beauty and the warmth of her kind personality. To break the silence enveloping them, Gaara inquired, "Are you okay?"

From her contemplation, Sakura responded, "Yeah, I'm just tired."

Gaara maintained his stoic expression, his gaze unwavering, as he remarked, "I know what you look like when you're tired, and this is not it. Something is bothering you."

Lifting her eyebrows, Sakura sighed heavily before sharing, "Kankuro has worked so hard to hunt down my father, but it's as if he vanished from the face of the Earth. It worries me if he started a new family somewhere and is torturing them, too."

Gaara shook his head and said, "Stop worrying about that and focus on what's in front of you. It may be that he is either dead or left the village. I can only hope that is the case for your sake. I couldn't read the incident report, so I am unsure what went wrong that day."

A solitary tear traced its path down her cheek as she revealed, "He hurt me in ways that are beyond description. It's always too painful to talk about, even when I try."

Gaara's gaze remained fixed on the cook expertly preparing their meal as he replied, "I don't want you to share if it will cause you more pain. I'll read the report and find a way to address the issue alone."

"Don't," Sakura interrupted, "That day, Kankuro was too frightened to intervene, so he's been working hard to make it up to me. I don't want him to feel obligated, but I'm sure he would never forgive you if you took matters into your own hands."

The chef presented them with two steaming bowls of white rice adorned with slices of grilled eel and green onions. They reached for their chopsticks, eagerly savoring the delicious meal. Sakura sipped her tea, and Gaara, curious to continue the conversation, hesitated before asking, "I'm curious to know why you and Kankuro have been so close since the three of us met more than ten years ago."

Sakura choked on her green tea, facing away from Gaara, and began coughing. It took her a moment to regain composure.

Sakura confessed, "I admit, I was terrified of you. Kankuro had assured me he would always protect me and kept that promise. That day, he walked me home, and my father was there. If it weren't for him, I might have died too."

"I stayed away from you for a reason," Gaara frowned.

Sakura countered, "No matter what, I'll dedicate my life to being a vessel for the tailed beast so everyone will stop hurting you."

Gaara sighed, pushing aside his finished meal. He stated, "Why must we have this conversation again? My answer will always be the same."

"As will mine," Sakura replied, crossing her arms and holding firm to her decision.

Gaara argued, "How do you think this will make Kankuro feel? He would spend the rest of his life worrying about you."

"I can't allow you to be some sacrificial lamb. I still care about you even though we're not a couple," Sakura assured him.

In a disappointed tone, Gaara whispered, "Sometimes I wish I had asked you out instead of casting you out of my life."

Sakura leaned her head on his shoulder and said, "Don't punish yourself for that. Let's enjoy the time we have left. We can never know what dangers would."

"Speaking of which, I'd like to work on some festival ideas with you," Gaara smirked.

The light in Sakura's eyes sparkled as she cheered, "Yes, I'd love to."

Reality struck Sakura, and she turned to find Granny Chiyo sprinting alongside her, following the Konoha team. Tears threatened to escape, the fear of losing Gaara looming over her, but she refused to surrender just yet.

Desperately clinging to hope, Sakura questioned, "Granny, do you think we'll encounter another one of those fake Akatsuki?"

Granny Chiyo replied with a soft assurance, "They won't be stalling us any longer. I'm only saying there's a good chance of that."

The wind carried Sakura's tears away. She uttered, "It's not fair, Granny. He didn't deserve any of this. I was the only person he had growing up, but even then, it wasn't enough to save him."

"You tried to lift that burden off his shoulders so he could live an everyday life, but all you could do was support him, and one Shinobi isn't ever enough to face an army. I've always known you to protect the sand siblings, so if I were to die now, I'd be thankful to know Sunagakure would be in your comforting hands."

Sakura sobbed, "Granny, I don't want to take his place. The council would celebrate his death, as would most of the older villagers who knew Gaara before he became Kazekage. The emotional pain is unbearable."

"Wipe your eyes, dear. The fight isn't over yet," Granny Chiyo frowned.

Summoning all his strength, Naruto raced to find Gaara immediately. If anyone understood him better than Sakura, it was Naruto. Kakashi sighed, "Naruto, wait up."

Granny Chiyo inquired, "Why is he putting in so much effort to save Gaara?"

Kakashi responded, "Naruto is a Jinchuriki of the nine-tailed fox. He understands Gaara's struggles just as much as Sakura does. Jinchuriki faces similar treatment in every village, so Naruto feels compelled to save Gaara. For him, it doesn't matter if Gaara is from Konoha or Suna. To Naruto, Gaara is a friend who shares his pain."

Sakura smirked, "Gaara always speaks fondly of him. He reciprocates the same feelings. I'm certain that if Naruto were the one kidnapped, Gaara would do the same, perhaps even more…"

Kakashi continued, "Naruto's dream is to become the Hokage. He felt frustration and happiness when he learned Gaara had become the Kazekage. While frustrated at his dreams, he genuinely felt joy for Gaara."

Granny Chiyo replied, "I have lived a long life and witnessed many things. I've learned about the nature of the world. The alliances with other lands were just for show. My use of Jutsu and forcing the Shukaku onto Gaara, after consulting with his father, the fourth Kazekage, was an attempt to protect Suna. Sadly, what I did to safeguard the village ended up causing harm. Now, a village I once avoided is extending help. Perhaps everything I've done was a mistake, except for training this remarkable Shinobi before you. Now that I've grown old, I've come to learn the art of letting go."

Sakura whimpered, "Granny…"

"Kakashi," Granny Chiyo continued, "Young people possess tremendous potential. I envy them so much."

Kakashi replied, "Oh no, you're just getting started. You're still very much in your prime."

Granny Chiyo laughed, "That's right. Perhaps there's still something an old bag like me can contribute."

Neither Sakura nor Granny Chiyo appeared to be in a good mood before Gaara was kidnapped by the Akatsuki away from the village. Sakura was heartbroken about him and worried about Granny Chiyo and what she might do once she saw Sasori. At the moment, Sakura refused to dwell on it and insisted on continuing to recall old memories to keep time from slowing down on her. She was determined to pretend those memories were her present ones, finding solace in the illusion. In her mind, she reminisced about one of Gaara's first birthdays after he became Kazekage.

Inside the Kazekage's residence, Gaara stood by his bedroom window, gazing at the city he dedicated his life to protecting. The soft echoes of footsteps reached his ears, and he turned to find Sakura standing at the doorway. 

Gaara asked with a hint of caution, "What is it?"

Sakura tilted her head to the left and offered him a warm smile. "Happy birthday, Gaara," she greeted. 

From her back pocket, hidden under her skirt, she produced a small red gift bag adorned with smooth, soft, dark red stars. Gaara graciously accepted the gift, pulling the strings to unveil its contents. His expression widened as he took in what lay inside.

Within the small gift bag, Gaara discovered a sleek black radio earpiece. It was a new technology Sakura had come across to enhance their communication during missions or when they might be in trouble in the village. 

Sakura waved defensively and explained, "Now, I know you're not a big fan of technology, but I believe this radio will greatly improve our ability to coordinate, whether out in the field or facing challenges within the village."

"I see," Gaara responded, his curiosity piqued. He touched the buttons on the ear device, considering, and then said, "I'll think about it."

Sakura smirked and said, "Today is your big day, so what do you want to do?" 

Gaara gave her a confused stare and replied, "I don't know. Only my Uncle and you were ever enthusiastic about celebrating my birthday. I never considered it a day to celebrate, but if you insist, I might have a few ideas in mind." 

"Like what?" Sakura asked.

"Kankuro recently stumbled upon a hidden gem in the vastness of the Land of Wind while tracking down rogues in the Bingo Book. It's an extraordinary find, and as of now, no one else is aware of it," Gaara shared.

Intrigued, Sakura responded, "Alright, show me."

Gaara took her hand and led her out the front door of their house. With a deft movement of his sand, he conjured a platform for them to sit on, transporting them effortlessly through various village sections until they reached the bustling market area. The unusual sight of the Kazekage and Sakura riding on a floating sand platform drew the attention of Shinobi and villagers alike.

Meanwhile, Kankuro, having received word of their whereabouts, traversed the rooftops to confront them. Upon catching sight of his brother and Sakura on Gaara's slowly drifting sand formation, he frowned, crossed his arms, and questioned, "Where do you think you two are going?"

Sakura smiled affectionately, "Gaara mentioned you found something outside the village that he wanted to show me."

Kankuro's mouth dropped, and he growled, "What the fuck, Gaara! I was planning to take her there on a date."

Gaara maintained his stoic gaze at his older brother and replied, "I didn't realize it held such significance for you."

Kankuro lowered his head with a sigh. "Well, it does," he admitted.

Gaara, indifferent, shrugged and suggested, "Would you like to come with us?"

Sakura leaned forward with a playful expression. "It's Gaara's birthday today, so we could celebrate it at the place you two want to show me."

Kankuro reluctantly agreed, "Fine, but I won't be taking a ride on your sand."

Curiosity lit up Sakura's eyes as the brothers guided her to the southern reaches of the Land of Wind, where a breathtaking landscape unfolded.

As they approached, Sakura marveled at the mesmerizing sight before them. The terrain was coated in a delicate layer of salt that shimmered in the sunlight. Just beyond, a thin sheet of ocean water rested atop the salt bed, creating a reflective surface that mirrored the sky above. The view was so stunningly clear that it appeared as though the heavens had found a perfect duplicate on Earth.

Sakura couldn't help but feel a rush of happiness as they shared this enchanting surprise with her. The scene's natural beauty left an indelible impression, and Sakura was grateful that Gaara had chosen to show her this breathtaking spectacle.

Sakura's eyes lit up like the glistening water, and she exclaimed, "How did this happen? It's stunning."

Kankuro, holding his girlfriend by the waist, smiled as they soaked in the breathtaking view. He explained, "One of the villages was attacked again from the ocean, but it wasn't as severe as that one time with the Konoha teams. The overflowed ocean water in that bay area turned into a masterpiece."

Excitedly, Sakura removed her Shinobi boots and dashed across the salty ocean water. The salt glaze beneath her feet was a natural exfoliant, cleansing away debris and calluses.

Gaara called out, "Hey, we should probably get back soon. It's getting dark."

Standing in the water, Sakura nodded and remarked, "I hope our land stays as beautiful as this forever. I'll come back here whenever I get the chance."

As the autumn hues adorned the sky, Sakura and the brothers sprinted northward, aiming to reach the entrance of their village. The Shukaku temple loomed in the distance, casting an enigmatic presence. Amidst the vivid colors, Sakura began to discern faint, gurgling whispers in her mind – as if a spectral companion whispered in her ear. The clarity of the voices unsettled her, yet she remained resolute, concealing this eerie connection from the brothers. Revealing Shukaku's attempts at communication might prompt them to intervene, so she bore this secret burden for years, carrying memories that unfurled her mind since they arrived at the house.

On the rooftop, Kankuro beckoned Sakura, extending the invitation to his brother and creating an air of anticipation. Neither Sakura nor Gaara had an inkling of what awaited them, making that day a tapestry of surprises for both.

"What are we doing up here?" Sakura asked.

"Wait for it," Kankuro smirked. 

At the center of the village, near the fountain, someone released a sparkling light into the sky, resembling a shooting star. The lights soared heavenward, exploding in a brilliant array of colors. The display was as enchanting to Sakura as watching stars on a night. The explosive sounds and vibrant lights startled the scorpions, prompting them to hurry away, unaware of the source of the commotion. Sakura laughed, reveling in the spectacle, and leaned on Kankuro's shoulder to embrace the night. The memory was so unforgettable that it almost made her smile when she returned to reality.

Emerging from her contemplative trance, Sakura realized they had ventured beyond the forest, reaching a colossal rock wall. The team sprinted to the scene, discovering an ancient torii gate standing in a shallow layer of water at the threshold of their shoes. Ahead lay a cavern with a substantial round boulder, safeguarded by a sealing tag at its core. Might Guy, Tenten, Rock Lee, Pakkun, and Neji had already assembled when Sakura's team arrived mere minutes later.

With a welcoming smile, Might Guy turned to Kakashi, remarking, "You're late, Kakashi."

Kakashi smirked in response, stating, "Well, we got caught up in something troublesome along the way."

Granny Chiyo fixed a stern gaze, inquiring, "By troublesome, you don't mean, do you?"

Tenten sought clarification, "You brought Sakura from Suna with you guys, but who's the old woman?"

With a grin, Sakura said, "Hey, I haven't seen you since the Chunin Exams. This is my Sensei, Granny Chiyo. She's a lot more than what she looks."

Granny Chiyo smiled warmly, adding, "Nice to meet you."

Might Guy's team convey nods of respect to the seasoned Shinobi. Seated on the floor, Pakkun observed the interaction in serene silence, his amiable demeanor evident.

Sakura, bowing respectfully, expressed her gratitude, saying, "Hey, Pakkun. Thank you for everything you've done. We wouldn't have found the hideout so quickly without you."

Maintaining calm composure, Pakkun humbly replied, "It's my job; don't worry about it."

In his resonant voice, Might Guy declared, "Now, shall we do this, Kakashi?"

"Yeah," Kakashi affirmed.

Might Guy turn to his team and declare, "Neji, you're up next. We're counting on you to unveil who or what is concealed inside that cavern."

Neji nodded, activating his Byakugan to inspect the cavern's interior. Thoughtfully, he reported, "It seems like there's a large cavern inside, but I can't discern what's happening. There appear to be several individuals present."

Anxiety laced Sakura's voice as she inquired, "Can you spot Gaara? Where is he?"

Neji, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, hesitated, "I'm not sure. What is that?"

Gripping Neji's shoulder, Naruto urgently asked, "What is it? Hey, what's in there, Neji?"

"Let go of me," Neji retorted.

Sakura pressed, "What is going on in there?"

"It's hard to explain in words…" Neji responded.

Might Guy reassured, "No worries, that makes it easy for me."

Might Guy executed a swift cartwheel, gracefully returning to the center of the torii gate. His arms extended around him as he leaned forward and, with a mighty yell, charged towards the massive boulder. Upon impact, the water rippled, causing a minor quake and an enigmatic surge of energy.

Examining the aftermath, Might Guy deduced, "A barrier…"

Rock Lee questioned, "What are we going to do?"

"We must dismantle the barrier by understanding its nature," Might Guy asserted.

Upon closer inspection, they discerned the words 'Forbidden' on the paper attached to the boulder. Kakashi seemed to grasp the situation already.

Granny Chiyo asked, "What do you suppose this barrier is?"

Kakashi responded, "It's a five-seal barrier. Created by paper tags with 'Forbidden' written in five locations around the area. There's the Forbidden tag in front of us and tags in four other locations."

Sakura sighed heavily, whispering, "So our journey to save Gaara just got longer... Unbelievable."

Might Guy inquired, "How do we remove these tags?"

Kakashi responded, "The barrier can only be lifted if we simultaneously remove the tags in all five locations. That's where Neji comes in."

Neji, focusing his Byakugan, affirmed, "I'm on it. I'll locate them."

"We need to be swift, Neji," Sakura urged.

Neji scanned the surroundings keenly, reporting, "I've identified them. One is on a boulder approximately five hundred meters northeast. The second is on the trunk of a tree along a riverbank, about three hundred and fifty meters southeast. The third is on a cliff approximately six hundred and fifty meters northwest. The last is within a forest, just under eight hundred meters southwest. Those are the four locations."

Sakura Haruno questioned, "Those are quite a distance away. What will be the signal?"

Might Guy efficiently unstrapped his backpack, assuring, "No problem at that distance; we can use wireless radios."

He produced a unique wireless radio device from his bag, a round object resembling a necklace designed to be worn as a choker.

Offering a thumbs-up, Might Guy declared, "We'll stay connected with Neji's guidance using these wireless radios. If it's a race, our team's speed will prevail."

Naruto reciprocated the gesture, stating, "We're relying on you."

Suppressing any retort, Sakura observed as Might Guy's team secured the earbuds and fastened the device around them. Might Guy then provide Kakashi with a set for his team.

Might Guy said, "Lee, head for the northwest forest. Neji, the northeast boulder is yours. Tenten, take the south-southeast. I'll tackle the northwest cliff; it's likely the most challenging spot. Alright, Team Guy, gather around."

He raised his hand, emitting an enthusiastic grunt toward Rock Lee, his inexplicably identical but unrelated younger self. Rock Lee smiled and nodded in response, agreeing to synchronize their hands in a group affirmation to boost morale. Might Guy grinned slowly, shifting his attention to Tenten, theatrically clearing his throat with a groan. Tenten glared at him but eventually relented, placing her hand alongside Rock Lee's. Finally, he turned his gaze to Neji with a determined look as if challenging him with his eyes. After all he had endured, Neji, repulsed by the idea of participating in this 'hip, hip, hooray' ritual, resisted being treated like a child. Might Guy persisted, groaning even louder and more obnoxiously until Neji reluctantly yielded a few minutes later, placing his hand alongside Tentens. Might Guy beamed and bellowed, "With the full power of youth, fight!"

His team halfheartedly echoed only the final word. Neji and Tenten were thoroughly embarrassed by their eccentric Sensei, yet Sakura didn't fault him; he was peculiar but undoubtedly well-intentioned. Following his directive, they promptly scattered, each heading to a different location to locate the Forbidden tags, with Pakkun remaining.

Naruto pumped his fist and exclaimed, "That enthusiasm is so cool! Come on, guys, let's give it a shot."

Sakura Haruno crossed her arms, turned away from Naruto, and retorted, "I'd rather not."

Shaking her head, Sakura, from Suna, added, "I'm with her on this one. Sorry, Naruto."

Kakashi smirked and nodded in agreement with the girls. "Right..."

Granny Chiyo glared at Naruto and muttered, "You fool..."

Naruto's awkward moment was cut short by Pakkun, who interjected, "I think it's time for me to make myself scarce. No sense in sticking around if I'm just a hindrance."

Kakashi waved and acknowledged, "Good job, Pakkun."

Sakura smiled warmly, saying, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Pakkun."

Pakkun nodded and uttered, "Alright, I'm out," disappearing in a puff of smoke. The diminutive canine vanished without a trace, leaving Kakashi's team to deal with the last remaining tag.

Kakashi stood before his team, delivering the plan with precision. "Once the barrier is removed, Sakura, your task is to obliterate the boulder at the entrance. That will be the signal for us to breach inside using the Button Hook Entry and retrieve Gaara."

A tense hush fell over the team as they awaited Might Guy's countdown to release the Forbidden tags. Sakura, teeming with anticipation, was poised to prove her capabilities and rescue Gaara from the clutches of the Akatsuki.

As Kakashi deactivated the Forbidden tag, Sakura sprinted towards the boulder, unleashing a powerful punch upon it. Kakashi swiftly evaded the cascading debris, and Sakura narrowly escaped being crushed, positioning herself on the rock wall with the rest of the team.

The team held their ground, anticipating any response from the Akatsuki. Kakashi signaled toward the cavern, prompting everyone to advance. Trusting Sakura to lead the way, they entered the dark recesses of the cave.

Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief as a chilling whimper escaped her. Before them, an Akatsuki member sat on Gaara's lifeless body. This individual possessed slanted blue eyes, long golden blond hair tied in a half ponytail, mouths on both palms and the distinctive Akatsuki cloak. He also sported black nail polish, dressed in navy blue pants and matching shinobi sandals, and was adorned with an Akatsuki ring bearing the kanji for "blue or green" in teal. He had marked a line across his forehead protector, symbolizing a severed connection with Iwagakure.

Due to a twist of fate, Deidara bore injuries to his arms, the left one severely crushed by Gaara's relentless sand assault. Beside him, Sakura could only presume the other Akatsuki member to be Sasori. He presented a weathered appearance, his chestnut skin marked by age. A torn piece of black fabric covered his mouth, a detail Sakura vividly remembered from when Kankuro took a part of Sasori's attire. The unmistakable Akatsuki cloak adorned his hunched form, concealing a suspicious lump on his back.

Rage surged within Sakura, yet an invisible force restrained her, preventing immediate retaliation. The sight before her hinted at a potential death sentence, and she felt helpless against it.

"We're too late," Kakashi somberly declared.

The man seated on Gaara taunted, "So, which one's the Jinchuriki?"

Equally consumed by anger over his friend's mistreatment, Naruto underwent a visceral transformation. His pupils narrowed, glowing a vibrant red, while his teeth morphed into sharp, jagged edges.

Fists clenched, Naruto bellowed, "You jerk! What do you think you're sitting on?"

Maintaining an air of calm, Sasori remarked, "The first one to start yelling and screaming. It's him."

The blonde smirked, "No doubt, he's the Jinchuriki. Itachi is pretty good at describing people."

Addressing Gaara, he added, "Gaara, what are you doing sleeping leisurely in a place like that? Stand up!"

Sakura from Sunagakure couldn't hold back a whimper. "Naruto, shut up! He's not sleeping..."

"That's right. You must know, don't you?" The blonde casually slapped Gaara's cheeks a few times, then continued, "That he's already long dead."

Sakura growled, "Give him back to me, or I'm going to rip you limb from limb, starting with the one Gaara already tore off."

Granny Chiyo extended her arm in front of Sakura, signaling caution. She glanced back at Sakura and shook her head. They needed to discern who they were dealing with before making rash moves. Naruto, however, yelled and charged toward them at full speed. Kakashi swiftly intervened, positioning himself before Naruto to prevent any impulsive actions.

Sasori turned his aged eyes toward his partner. The blonde smirked and asked, "What is it, Sasori, my man?"

"I'll take him," Sasori declared. "The Jinchuriki wants him back so bad."

"Sasori," his partner replied, "You'll probably get mad if I say this, but I'll take care of that Jinchuriki."

Sasori frowned and replied, "Our mission is one Jinchuriki each. Don't be getting all full of yourself, Deidara."

"An artist's passion starts to dull unless they seek greater stimulation, my man. The rumor is the nine-tailed Jinchuriki is quite powerful," Deidara said, staring into the palm of his hand where the mouth chewed on white clay, "He's an opponent suitable for my art."

"What? You're calling those explosions of yours art?" Sasori questioned, "Art is something that beautifully remains extensively into the future. Eternal beauty is art," Sasori replied.

Sakura stood resolutely, awaiting the two Akatsuki members, who were now engrossed in a seemingly pointless argument over their respective arts on top of one of the few people she cared about. The frustration was building within Sakura, but she respected Granny Chiyo and Kakashi's orders not to engage until the enemy made the first move. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were purposefully stalling.

Naruto swiftly unraveled a scroll, declaring, "Knock it off!" Summoning a two-foot-long Shuriken, he hurled it with the full force of his strength. A substantial skeleton-shaped tail, intercepting the attack, emerged from beneath Sasori's cloak. Unfazed, Sasori continued his conversation with his partner.

"To me, art is explosiveness itself," Deidara asserted. Rising from beside Gaara, he tossed a tiny clay bird forward. Deidara placed his index and middle finger to his nose and activated his jutsu, enveloping the clay in a puff of smoke and transforming it into a massive bird.

"It's a far cry from your silly puppet shows," Deidara taunted.

The bird landed beside Sasori, using its beak to lift Gaara. Sasori swung his tail at Deidara, growing impatient with his partner's fascination with explosions. The bird skillfully avoided the tail and took flight while Deidara jumped onto its back.

"See you around, my man," he smirked, looking at Sakura from Sunagakure with a giant smile. Compelled to watch, Sakura observed as the bird enveloped Deidara with its mouth, leaving his legs flailing about.

Sakura from Sunagakure growled, "Where do you think you're going with Gaara, you fucking asshole." 

Deidara laughed and replied, "Those are some naughty words for such a small girl your age. I hope you follow me and find out. That is if you can keep up." 

Bastard," Naruto growled. 

On foot, Naruto pursued him, leaving the cavern and everyone else behind. Despite a compelling urge to chase after them, Sakura had to accept that Gaara was gone. However, Kankuro was still here. She cast a fierce glare back at Sasori, fueled by a burning desire for revenge for his crimes, not only for what he did to Kankuro but also for the atrocities against her village.