Chapter 27: The Return of the Fifth Kazekage

After traversing miles of sandy grass, they finally reached the desert. The wounded took pride in caring for themselves rather than relying on others to carry them. However, Naruto refused to let Gaara cross the border without his support.

The medical Shinobi brought a stretcher to carry Granny Chiyo hundreds of miles back home. Naruto assisted Gaara by allowing him to wrap his arms around him for support. Meanwhile, Kankuro supported Sakura's weight, ensuring her comfort as they walked across the desert with her injuries. They pressed on for two consecutive days until the towering walls of their home came into view.

Temari's eyes widened as she observed the village, sensing something unusual. She remarked, "Is that what I think it is?"

Sakura smiled, commenting, "I've never seen anything quite like this."

At the village entrance, thousands of villagers eagerly awaited the return of the Kazekage. A united front of sand shinobi and civilians had gathered to celebrate his homecoming. Baki skillfully maneuvered through the crowd, positioning himself front and center as the sun painted the horizon with its early morning hues.

Kankuro smirked and quipped, "Heh, what a grand welcome."

Rock Lee observed, "There are so many people."

Neji remarked, "Just as expected for the Kazekage."

The crowd erupted in cheers, fists raised in jubilation, as they surged forward to greet the returning heroes. Baki took the lead, stepping up to Gaara, and expressed, "I'm glad you're safe."

Gaara glanced back at his comrades and replied, "Thanks to everyone."

Baki nodded sincerely, stating, "Naruto Uzumaki, I am truly grateful."

Modestly, Naruto responded, "No, I wasn't able to do anything."

Sakura smiled as she remarked, "I thought I'd never see the day where the whole village would be this happy to see him come home."

At the village entrance, an enthusiastic crowd of thousands eagerly anticipated the Kazekage's return. A harmonious assembly of sand shinobi and civilians united to celebrate the triumphant homecoming. Baki navigated the crowd with finesse, securing a central position as the sun cast its golden hues upon the awakening horizon.

Kankuro, with a sly smirk, playfully commented, "Heh, what a majestic welcome."

Rock Lee, ever observant, noted, "There are so many people."

In his composed manner, Neji remarked, "Just as anticipated for the Kazekage."

The crowd burst into exuberant cheers, fists raised in joy, as they surged forward to greet the returning heroes. Baki led the way, approaching Gaara with a heartfelt sentiment, "I'm glad you're safe."

Gaara glanced back at his comrades and replied, "Thanks to everyone."

Baki nodded sincerely, saying, "Naruto Uzumaki, the village is truly grateful."

Modestly, Naruto replied, "No, I wasn't able to do anything."

"Lord Kazekage, the villagers are waiting for you," Baki informed.

Gaara paused, asserting, "Wait, we have something we need to do first." He tilted his head back to see Granny Chiyo's body in a tightly roped bag lying on a stretcher.

Sakura's eyes welled up in tears as the villagers formed two crowds on either side of the village entrance. Granny Chiyo's stretcher was carried down the path with solemn dignity as if she were royalty. Every villager bowed, offering prayers for her soul to rest in peace—a poignant moment of silence and reflection for a Shinobi who sacrificed her life for the future of Sunagakure.

The Kazekage, flanked by his devoted Advisor and siblings, solemnly trailed the stretcher bearing their departed grandmother. Villagers and Shinobi watched in admiration from a distance. The funeral procession wound its way to the Sunagakure hospital, offering solace for the day. With assistance from Sakura, Naruto gently placed the Kazekage on a hospital trauma bed. Nurses, with practiced care, inserted a needle and connected him to vital fluids, ushering the bed into a private room for treatment.

Kankuro gently seized Sakura's arm at the nurse's station, his usually composed demeanor replaced by genuine concern. She had never witnessed such worry on his face before. Placing her palm on his chest, specifically where Sasori had stabbed him, she expressed her fear, "I was so scared I'd lose you."

Kankuro covered her hand with his, reassuring her, "Are you kidding? You almost died out there."

A cautious female nurse approached, acknowledging, "My apologies for intruding, but I must admit you to the hospital for observations."

Sakura sighed, stating, "Can it wait? I have to report to the elders."

Kankuro, gripping her hand, asserted, "No, it can't wait. Lay on a gurney, or I will make you."

"I'm fine, really," Sakura insisted, releasing her hand from his grip to touch the healed stab wound.

Frustrated, Kankuro slammed his fist on the nurses' station, his voice raised, "No, you don't get a say on whether or not you are fine anymore."

The dramatic argument unfolded, freezing a few nurses on the other side in fear. Civilians and Shinobi attempted to mind their own business while a baby nearby began to wail in her mother's arms. The nurse beside them discreetly walked away, stating, "I'll give you some privacy. In the meantime, I am going to prepare for your intake."

Sakura turned to him, her expression forming a frown as she responded, "What's gotten into you lately?"

Kankuro waved his arms defensively and replied, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. Baki told me everything."

Confused, Sakura asked, "What are you talking about? What did he tell you?"

Kankuro lowered his head, avoiding direct eye contact with her. "He told me you had a miscarriage during my procedure."

The traumatic memory hit her like a train. Sakura turned her head toward the nurses' station, clenched her teeth, and tightened her fist. "We should find that nurse and ask if we can pick a quiet room upstairs."

Kankuro sighed and rubbed the back of his head. He decided it wasn't the place or time to bring up such a sensitive topic. Instead, he summoned the nurse, who brought them to a private room meant for the Kazekage and his closest relatives. Both Sakura and Gaara were hooked up to fluids, and blood was drawn to ensure her well-being. The nurses provided them with hospital robes for their extended stay, and in the meantime, Kankuro and Temari kept a vigilant watch over them. On her left, Sakura noticed Gaara lying on the hospital bed beside hers, his gaze fixed on the sky, lost in deep contemplation.

"I feared I had lost you," Sakura whispered. 

Gaara turned to face her and replied, "Your actions were reckless in pursuing the Akatsuki, but waking up to your beautiful face made me feel like it was all worth it." 

Sakura sighed, "I couldn't stand by and let those bastards kill those I care about." 

"I couldn't agree more," Baki said as he entered the room. The Sunagakure council trailed behind him, arranging themselves around the beds, ready to discuss formally with the Kazekage. 

Temari crossed her arms, stating, "This is unacceptable. Lord Kazekage needs rest." 

"It's alright, Temari," Gaara assured, sitting in bed. He continued, "Much as it pains me to agree with my older sister, she's correct. Sakura and I are in no condition to delve into the village's political matters. Give us at least today to recover." 

Baki nodded respectfully, acknowledging Gaara's request. "Understood. The meeting will be postponed until tomorrow morning."

Kankuro remained at Sakura's side, gently kissing her forehead. His gaze lingered on the ultrasound photograph. 

Baki spoke somberly, saying, "I'm sorry we could only save the three of you. If I could turn back time and save all four of you, I would."

Kankuro replied with a nod. In the ensuing silence, Gaara looked up in confusion, attempting to discern who the fourth person referred to. The elders calmly exited the room, leaving Gaara in suspense. Utilizing his sand, he deftly snatched the photo from his brother's hands, examining it until he realized the fourth person was the tiny life that had grown in Sakura's womb before its untimely end. Temari retrieved the picture from Gaara's hand and returned it to Kankuro, enveloping the room in an eerie quiet. 

Gaara whispered, "I'm sorry, I had no idea."

"We found out the day you were kidnapped," Kankuro sighed, "It happened before she left to rescue you, so don't blame yourself." 

A medical Shinobi entered the room, clutching two folders of paperwork. The quartet patiently awaited his words. He began, "Lord Kazekage, you were clinically dead for almost seventeen hours—the damage to your cerebellum resulted in a temporary loss of some motor skills. With therapy, a full recovery is expected in due time."

Sakura's expression reflected concern as she asked, "How long until he fully recovered?" After a thoughtful pause, the medical Shinobi responded, "At most, it might take a year, but I've witnessed recoveries in as little as two months."

Gaara silently groaned, grappling with the prospect of extended physical therapy yet remaining grateful for his survival. Shifting the focus, he questioned, "Enough about me; what is Sakura's diagnosis?"

The Medical Shinobi met the gaze of the Kazekage family, stating, "Her labs show elevated white blood cells, but no signs of infection from the miscarriage."

Kankuro, arms crossed and wearing a frown, inquired, "And Sasori's toxins?"

A reassuring smile played on the Medical Shinobi's lips as they responded, "No traces of toxins remained after she administered the antidotes."

Temari's smirk surfaced, "In short, they're going to be fine."

Affirmatively, the Medical Shinobi nodded, "Yes. The poisonous blade that pierced her vital organs was healed in time, but we recommend she stays for at least one night for observation."

Kankuro assured, "We'll ensure she does."

The doctor exited, leaving the family in a peaceful atmosphere. Looking out the window as the sun dipped, Sakura pondered Granny Chiyo's fate and the looming possibility of a funeral.

Breaking the silence, Sakura inquired, "How is Ebizo?"

Kankuro sighed, responding, "He's laying Granny Chiyo to rest in the cemetery, following her wishes against a formal funeral."

"I'd like to pay my respects before we leave," Sakura expressed.

Gaara nodded, suggesting, "Tomorrow, as a family, we can bid our final farewells."

Acknowledging the family duty, Sakura added, "Despite our love for Granny Chiyo, we owe the elders a meeting at sunrise."

The family silently agreed, reminiscing about their earliest memories of Granny Chiyo as the day unfolded. As the sun set, they prepared for rest, knowing that ahead lay challenging days.

"Kankuro, we should head back to the house; evening is approaching," Temari stated, making her way to the door.

"No, I'll stay here," Kankuro insisted. "I can keep watch in case of anything and be here for them if needed."

Temari nodded, responding, "As you wish."

She quickly exited the hospital to brief the elders, leaving the family to support each other. Kankuro pulled up a chair, settling between them, and an awkward silence hung as they confronted his unsettling smile.

"Sakura shared what happened in the desert during the Chunin Exams," Kankuro disclosed, his expression shifting into a frown.

Displeased, Gaara frowned at Sakura, complaining, "I explicitly told you not to tell anyone. Why did you choose to confide in Kankuro of all people?"

Sakura, arms crossed, asserted proudly, "Because I love him, of course I'd confide in him. You were on a suicide mission, and even after discussing it, you continued to pretend to sacrifice yourself pointlessly. Did you think I'd let you do that?"

Gaara turned away with a sigh, admitting, "I suppose I'm still not over you being Kankuro's girlfriend."

Kankuro, gesturing, interjected, "Wait, you did all this on purpose? Gaara, if I had known you were struggling, I would have supported you."

"You can't help me. It's something I need to work through on my own," Gaara responded.

"Now I regret bragging about Sakura being my girlfriend all the time," Kankuro admitted.

Gaara uncovered himself, stood up, and walked out of the room, stating, "I'm sorry, but a part of me is grateful your kid died."

In a tense moment, Kankuro confronted Gaara, but he walked away, choosing silence. The atmosphere grew overwhelmingly intense, and an unsettling silence marked the night.

Sakura's heart raced as her blood pressure surged dramatically. The shocking words from Gaara, a departure from his demeanor since childhood, left her unsettled. Kankuro exited the room pursuing Gaara, but Sakura's urgent call halted him, drawing him back to embrace her tightly.

"Gaara needs time to cool off, but we should keep an eye on him," Sakura asserted.

Kankuro gently kissed Sakura's forehead, his tone softening, "I'm still upset you didn't tell me what happened to our child, considering everything. But I'm just grateful you're home, okay?" With a protective instinct, he nestled into the hospital bed beside her, finding solace in their shared experience. The room lapsed into a comforting silence for the rest of the night as both chose the quietude to preserve their peace.

Under the ascending sun, its warm rays gently bathed the colossal cliff that stood as a protective barrier for the village. A serene glow enveloped Granny Chiyo's newly adorned grave, marked by a stone bearing the emblem of Sunagakure's hourglass and her name—a silent tribute to her enduring legacy.

Clad in an elegant black Yukata with a matching Obi, Sakura stood with grace beside Gaara, the simplicity of her attire elevated by a delicate white embellishment on each side of her collarbones. Gaara shared the moment's weight by wearing a white Haori over his black Yukata and donning the Kazekage hat solemnly.

The elder siblings, dressed in somber black Yukata, bowed their heads in profound respect, their silent tributes merging with the timeless landscape. At the forefront stood Ebizo, the sole surviving direct family member, his grief echoing through the still air as the funeral unfolded. Despite the recent battle's lingering echoes, Sakura remained resolute, serving as Gaara's unwavering Advisor in these moments of mourning.

As the crowds dispersed, leaving only the village elders behind, their collective gaze remained fixed on the Kazekage family. Gaara's subtle shift in attention prompted the others to follow suit. Addressing the elders, Sakura expressed gratitude for their patience and understanding of the solemn significance that marked the passing of a revered Shinobi.

Baki, offering a nod of acknowledgment, assured them that the Konoha Shinobi was recovering in the village hospital. Despite the elders extending the courtesy of returning after the meeting, Gaara, with quiet determination, politely declined. "No, it won't be necessary. We will join you there."

The Sunagakure Council of Elders retraced their steps toward the village, leaving the family alone beside the somber grave marker. In the wake of Granny Chiyo's sacrifice, Gaara grappled with newfound perspectives and altered beliefs, a profound sense of rebirth settling upon him. The weight of her selfless act rendered him momentarily speechless, and Sakura, sharing in the poignant moment, sighed in understanding. Together, they made their way to the Kazekage office building, where a crucial meeting awaited them.

Seated on one side of the expansive meeting table, the dignified council of elders from Sunagakure assumed their positions. At the table's end, standing behind them, Baki oversaw the gathering, keeping a watchful eye on the young couple who remained seated, their forms still cloaked in bandages. On the opposing side, the elder siblings shared the space with a few remaining wise council members. Baki took charge, initiating the conversation and delicately broaching a sensitive topic.

"Before we delve into our discussions, I sincerely apologize to each of you for the profound loss you have endured," Baki expressed with genuine empathy.

Facing the elder siblings, Goza nodded solemnly and expressed, "Indeed, our sympathies are with you. However, I mean no disrespect when I assert that we have pressing matters to address."

Recognizing the situation's urgency, Baki diplomatically redirected the focus, stating, "While we acknowledge the importance of our present concerns, let us not forget the gravity of the recent events. Sakura, the sole witness to the mission, has survived and is here to share her report."

Gesturing toward Sakura, Baki continued, "Her firsthand experience holds invaluable insights that we cannot afford to dismiss."

Nervous under the scrutiny of many eyes, Sakura took a deep breath before addressing the crowd, "Before embarking on the rescue mission, Baki informed us of the plan, prioritizing the village over Lord Kazekage because the Konoha Shinobi took on the mission to rescue him."

Gōza asked, "Would you prioritize rescuing one life over a hundred thousand?"

Gaara interjected, "Let her finish speaking before you ask questions."

Acknowledging the Kazekage's concern, Gōza turned away, choosing not to argue further, understanding Gaara's care for Sakura.

Continuing her narrative, Sakura explained, "At the end, we decided I would accompany the Konoha Shinobi, but Granny Chiyo insisted on joining to see her grandson one last time. We ran for days to the Land of Rivers, reaching the Akatsuki hideout. Guy and his students were already waiting to assist in the invasion. Neji Hyuga confirmed the presence of the Kazekage inside, but his Byakugan couldn't perceive the events within the cavern."

Gaara clasped his hand in front of his face, trying to grasp the gravity of Sakura's story. He questioned, "That doesn't make any sense. The Byakugan has the unique ability to see through anything. How could he not know?"

Sakura responded, "You'd have to ask him about that. Anyway, we opened the cave, and Sasori stood beside Deidara, who was sitting next to Lord Kazekage's lifeless body."

Disgust rippled through the room, but Gaara remained nonchalant; after all, Deidara was already dead. Temari, however, voiced her repulsion, growling, "He casually sat on him, manipulating emotions as if it were a sick game. Sitting on a Kazekage's corpse should warrant severe punishment if not death."

Kankuro said, "We should add his name to the Bingo book for retribution."

Sakura disagreed, shaking her head, and explained, "No need. After Gaara ripped off his arm, Kakashi took care of the other. Deprived of both arms, Deidara couldn't perform his clay jutsu anymore. When we closed in on him, he seized the opportunity and turned himself into a clay bomb, triggering a suicide explosion."

Kankuro, crossing his arms, pondered, "Suicide bombing; that's a coward's way out. Did you find any remains of him?"

"No," Sakura replied, "the explosion obliterated his body."

"A small suicide bomb would've left noticeable pieces of his body, similar to a hand grenade or a landmine. It's more likely he escaped," remarked Kankuro, skeptical of the claimed obliteration.

Gaara redirected the focus by interrupting the speculation, stating, "Let's address Sasori's transgressions. Explain how you and Granny Chiyo managed to defeat him."

Sakura delved into the account, revealing, "It was no easy feat. When he discarded his cloak, we realized Sasori was utilizing a puppet. But, it wasn't an ordinary one."

Inquisitive, Kankuro asked, "What do you mean?"

"Sasori had killed a man and turned him into a puppet. And this wasn't his first time," Sakura disclosed, prompting gasps from everyone in the room.

As she detailed the confrontation, Sakura painted a vivid picture of the gruesome reality – Sasori, beneath the puppet, preserved the appearance he had two decades ago. The revelation that he had turned himself into a puppet, kidnapping and slaying the third Kazekage as his puppet, left the room in stunned silence. Sakura continued, recounting the relentless battle against an army of over a hundred puppets and the ultimate confrontation that led to Sasori's demise.

Baki's firm hand resonated through the meeting room as he declared, "We unanimously agree that a recovery mission for every puppet on the battlefield is imperative. It's time to lay Lord Third to rest."

Gaara, showing his concurrence, instructed, "Kankuro, assemble a team for the recovery mission. I expect you to complete it within a week. Does anyone else have any additional points to raise before we conclude?"

Baki interjected with further information, "I do. Kakashi reported that Sakura remained with Gaara's body, using her sand to shield them from the explosion. Naruto, employing his shadow clones, managed to rescue them just before the blast destroyed the fortified sand shield."

Gaara's disappointment radiated as he fixed his gaze on Sakura. "You were aware the sand shield wouldn't last. Why would you do something so reckless?" he questioned with a hint of reproach in his eyes.

"Baki told me I'd be the Kazekage if you were to die, but I didn't want that burden. It would be a daily reminder of what happened to you. Thankfully, Naruto saved both of us. He's quite an interesting character; I now understand why you appreciate him," Gaara admitted.

"He cried for you, Gaara," Temari interjected.

Removing his hand from Sakura's wrist, Gaara calmly stated, "All I care about is that everyone is okay. Sasori stabbed you in the fight. It would be best if you took it easy for a few days. Please go home, rest, or spend some time with Ebizo. He may need help adjusting."

Sakura nodded and quietly left the meeting room, letting her thoughts settle. The siblings cared deeply for her, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she had caused them unnecessary worry. She pondered what she could have done differently to spare them the distress.

It took Sakura a little while to locate Ebizo. He stood in a daze, fixated on his sister's grave. Sakura could only fathom the difficulty he must face without his sister to nag him constantly. Approaching him quietly, she asked, "Did the two of you spend much time together?"

Ebizo slowly shifted his gaze towards her and replied, "Yes, we did. We knew the day would come, but it always happens when we least expect it."

"She didn't go down without a fight, I assure you. Sasori poisoned her, so she used the last vial to save my life."

"So either way, she wasn't planning on making it home alive."

Sakura groaned, her hands in her face, and said, "I can't believe she's gone. Now, I can't become the village Jinchuriki."

Ebizo pulled a scroll from his robes, revealing the sealing scroll he held. He said, "Never have I heard anyone say they wanted to be a Jinchuriki until Chiyo told me everything about you and how you would do anything to protect the Lord Kazekage and the Village Hidden in the Sand."

Sakura's eyes widened, her heart racing as she asked, "How did you get that?"

"Chiyo gave it to me before she ran off on the rescue mission. She told me we had another Shukaku, but how we obtained him was top secret."

"I'm Gaara's Advisor; I would have known about this if it were true."

Ebizo smirked. He said, "Did I say top secret? I meant only she knew of it. She said something about it being given to her by a Shinobi in the future. Strange, isn't it?"

"Why does that sound so familiar to me? I don't remember."

"That's not important anymore. Follow me; we have a lot of work to do."

Sakura followed Ebizo outside of the village, silently walking together. The anticipation was killing her, not knowing what he was planning. He guided her outside the hidden sand village, where she noticed he was leading her towards the temple of Shukaku.

The temple was empty and cold inside the solidified sand walls. Their whispers echoed in the chamber as they ventured further. On the north wall, an unusual symbol with Japanese characters caught Sakura's eye. Ebizu gently touched his palm to the wall, waiting for it to glow before removing his hand. A set of stairs opened beneath them. Terrifying as it looked, Sakura proceeded with confidence. She was determined to become the strongest Shinobi in Sunagakure.

Ebizo guided her into the darkness to what seemed like an empty room. He stopped a few feet from the door, extending his arm to prevent Sakura from passing.

"Be careful where you step. You might release Shukaku accidentally," Ebizo warned.

"What?" Sakura asked, her eyes struggling to adjust to the darkness. As the shadows receded, a massive figure in front of her began to reveal itself. She stepped back, and Shukaku's giant face slowly emerged, making eye contact with her in the human dimension. Sakura uttered his name quietly, and he stared back at her as if they had known each other for over two dozen years. Tentatively, she reached up with her hand to see how he would react.

Shukaku playfully tapped his nose on the palm of her hand and asked, "What took you so long?"

"You could have told me where you were all this time," Sakura replied, giving him a stern glare.

Shukaku raised his head slowly, laughing at the ceiling. He realized he had told Sakura so many times, and she hadn't grasped it.

"I hate to interrupt, but we should get started before anyone notices we left the village other than the guards at the entrance," Ebizo said.

Sakura pumped her fist in the air, her eyes twinkling in the dark. She exclaimed, "Okay, let's do this."

Ebizo nodded and unraveled the scroll on the ground, performing specific hand signs to summon the eight trigram seal. Eight small candles surrounded Sakura on a small, round brick platform. Chakra chains shot out of her chest, attaching themselves to Shukaku. His physical form transformed into Chakra and entered her body. A round seal appeared on her chest in front of her heart. Finally, Sakura became the Jinchuriki she had wanted her to be.