Chapter 29: The Return of the Third Kazekage

In the vast expanse of the desert, a canvas of stars painted the night sky with celestial brilliance. The tranquil landscape resembled an exquisite work of art, the dunes beneath mirroring the cosmic beauty above. Sakura reclined on a blanket spread across the soft sand, her fingers forming an improvised frame to capture the alignment of stars on her hand.

Meanwhile, Kankuro maintained a vigilant watch from atop a giant boulder; his concern focused on Sakura's safety. Descending gracefully from his stony perch, he joined her on the blanket, drawn by the allure of the starlit spectacle reflected in her eyes.

While engaging in the night's calm, Kankuro reflected on their shared experiences. "You've always loved watching the stars during our missions," he remarked, acknowledging the familiarity of the moment.

Captivated by the celestial display, Sakura replied, "If you observe closely, some stars align to create objects or even animals."

Kankuro, mindful of their mission, issued a cautionary reminder, "Don't get too comfortable. We'll be entering the Land of Rivers soon."

Expressing her concerns, Sakura admitted, "The land itself doesn't scare me. It's the possibility of encountering the Akatsuki. After all, it was their hideout."

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Kankuro emphasized their primary objective. "Our priority is to retrieve the Third Kazekage and bring him home. While we aim to rescue the other puppets as well, if trouble arises, we have to be prepared to retreat."

Sensitive to Kankuro's emotional struggles, Sakura inquired about his well-being. "How are you holding up?" she asked with genuine concern.

Struggling to move beyond the recent harrowing events, Kankuro confessed, "I'm doing my best to leave behind the past few weeks."

Understanding the depth of their shared pain, Sakura, tears streaming down her face, empathetically admitted, "It feels like a part of me was torn away, and I can never heal from it."

Kankuro smiled and added, "Speaking of children, that boy from earlier reminded me of Hikaru." 

A dozen flashbacks struck Sakura's mind. She had forgotten entirely about Hikaru—the sweet little boy who loved to spend time with them. Sakura whispered, "I miss him." 

"I do, too," Kankuro replied, enfolding her in his arms, offering solace in the silent acknowledgment of shared pain. In that embrace, they understood it was a lingering ache that time might soften yet never truly erase. As the moments unfolded, the pain would dull, becoming a part of them, a faded scar on the canvas of their lives.

Sakura remained in Kankuro's embrace until the sun painted the horizon with its warm hues. Sleep eluded her that night as she pondered the fragments of her past, yearning for the moments she wished she could reclaim. Sensing the weight of her thoughts, Kankuro gently lifted her from the sand, urging the group to press on.

Recognizing the challenges awaiting them in the Land of Rivers, Kankuro understood the importance of an early start. With a silent resolve, they moved forward, leaving the shadows of the night behind and embracing the new day and the trials it held for their mission.

The team progressed toward the Land of Rivers, a region renowned for its intricate waterways and dense forests; natural and artificial challenges awaited them.

Navigating the landscape, they gracefully leaped over expansive rivers and towering trees, utilizing the branches to traverse the terrain swiftly. Amidst the seamless movement, a calm conversation unfolded among the Shinobi.

A young female shinobi began to whisper, "Hey, I heard a rumor that Lady Sakura is pregnant. Do you think it's true?"

In response, another female shinobi, her voice lowered, disclosed, "She was pregnant, but unfortunately, she had a miscarriage."

Expressing disbelief, a male shinobi interjected, "No way. Who is she sleeping with?"

The young female Shinobi whispered, "You idiots, she's in a relationship with Kankuro. Just look at how inseparable they've been since the mission started."

Kankuro, catching wind of the conversation, glanced behind him and retorted, "Our personal lives are not up for discussion. Focus on the mission at hand."

An uneasy hush fell over the team as they remained silent, steering clear of Kankuro's potential wrath. The younger members refrained from uttering words as they trailed the Shinobi couple. 

Sakura restrained herself from speaking aloud, her attention drawn to a sizable lake looming ahead. Its existence puzzled her, as it was absent from the map and reminiscent of the liquefied path leading to the Akatsuki hideout. In a calm tone, she murmured, "Kankuro..."

"I'm aware. Stay vigilant. We're in unfamiliar territory," Kankuro replied, his gaze scanning the surroundings for any signs of threat. Yet, the lake maintained an eerie stillness, with the reeds in the water producing a faint whistle in the breeze.

As she discerned a figure amidst the trees, Sakura's eyes widened, locking eyes with her. A slender man adorned in an Akatsuki cloak and an orange mask featuring a single swirl connecting to an eyehole stood before them. His black spiked hair provided no hints about his origin. Rather than making a hostile move, he observed silently, as if assigned to report without initiating an attack. Sakura stood frozen as the others combed the area for potential pursuers.

Noticing Sakura's unusual expression, Kankuro inquired, "What do you see?"

He positioned himself beside her, attempting to follow her gaze, but the Akatsuki member had skillfully vanished from sight. It seemed the elusive figure had no intention of being detected, successfully slipping away.

In a subdued tone, Sakura responded, "I'm uncertain about what I saw, but he's gone now."

Kankuro, wearing a furrowed brow, diligently surveyed the surroundings before questioning, "Was it the Akatsuki?"

Sakura gestured towards the trees where the Akatsuki member had been and confirmed, "Yes, but he looked different from the others."

"Different, how?" Kankuro inquired.

"He wore a peculiar mask, seemingly to conceal his identity. However, he lacked the menacing aura of the typical Akatsuki members," Sakura explained.

Kankuro sighed, responding, "What matters is that we're safe for now. It doesn't seem like they'll target us today unless we cross their path."

Sakura retrieved the map from her pocket, opened the section depicting the Land of Rivers, and indicated their location. "According to the map, we're supposed to be here."

A male Shinobi questioned, "Are we lost?"

Kankuro retorted sharply, "No, we're not lost. Let's proceed to the next mark on the map. If it's not there, we might have taken a wrong turn, but this lake isn't on the map."

The male Shinobi retrieved his map to verify Kankuro's statement and suggested, "Perhaps our maps aren't up to date with the rest of the world, or maybe the two of you are distracted by your personal problems."

Kankuro surged forward, meeting the Shinobi eye to eye, and bellowed, "What did you say?"

Sakura intervened, placing her hands on Kankuro's chest to push him back. She urged, "Calm down, Kankuro. We have to retrieve the Third Kazekage's remains before the Akatsuki seizes them."

Kankuro patted Sakura's shoulder, turned around, and declared, "You heard Lady Sakura; let's keep going. We'll reach our destination by tomorrow."

He surged ahead unexpectedly, channeling his frustration into a vigorous run rather than venting it on his teammates.

The team gracefully leaped over the moss-covered rocks lining the riverbank, and the tranquil sounds of the river's reeds echoed in the wind. In the serene atmosphere, there were no signs of the Akatsuki. Sakura couldn't help but ponder the unknown members of the notorious organization. Having encountered only three so far—Sasori of the Red Sand, Itachi Uchiha, and Deidara—she understood the formidable adversaries they posed. The fourth member she glimpsed seemed less imposing, yet Sakura couldn't shake the apprehension about the concealed threats they might pose. Fueled by anxiety, she quickened her pace to match Kankuro's, driven by the fear of encountering another Akatsuki member. Despite Shinobi's extraordinary skills, the limitations of a day's journey were a reality they couldn't escape.

Kankuro abruptly halted the team and declared, "We should call it a day."

"What? Why?" Sakura inquired.

Kankuro smirked as he pointed behind her where the exhausted Jonin and Chunin had collapsed in the grass. Some were audibly gasping for air while perched on nearby rock formations.

A young Chunin apologized, saying, "I'm sorry, Lady Sakura. We can't push ourselves much further."

Sakura kneeled beside her fatigued comrade, offering a comforting rub on the back. She reassured, "Don't worry; we're only human, after all. I can't expect any of you to be perfect."

"I'll keep watch while you guys start a fire," Kankuro volunteered, strolling away from the group.

Sakura grabbed his shirt and exclaimed, "You kept watch last night. It's my turn."

"Are you sure?" Kankuro asked, complying with her request.

"Yes, I'll be fine. Get some rest," Sakura insisted.

Kankuro succumbed to her allure, willingly following her every command. He and the other Shinobi scoured the area for firewood and food while Sakura perched atop the tallest rock, witnessing the sunset paint the horizon. Employing her jutsu, she created a sand eye to vigilantly watch her blind spots. The team gathered around a makeshift fire as night fell, each preparing their meals.

Kankuro, having caught two fish from the nearby river, expertly cooked them to a crisp. Climbing onto the tallest rock, he joined Sakura, offering her one of the freshly cooked fish.

Blushing, Sakura exclaimed, "You did this for me?"

Kankuro mumbled, "It wasn't easy catching them, so I hope they taste good."

Sakura nibbled on her cooked fish, relishing its soft texture. She remarked, "It's delicious. I should make you cook for me once in a while."

Kankuro blushed and chuckled, saying, "All I did was stab it with a tree branch and burn it. I'm not a gourmet chef like you."

"I couldn't make any food while I was up here," Sakura said, giving Kankuro a peck on the cheek. She continued, "Thank you for being so sweet."

Kankuro's radiant smile illuminated the darkening sky. Scratching the back of his head, he chuckled like a schoolgirl, finding it challenging to express his emotions with words. Instead, he leaned in and kissed Sakura.

Sakura, still smiling, gently pushed him away and teased, "You're distracting me."

Kankuro playfully whined, "Come on, not even a quickie?"

Sakura laughed and firmly responded, "No."

The two shared a brief laugh until the whispers of the other Shinobi from below interrupted their romantic moment. Kankuro glared at them, rolled his eyes, and shouted, "You guys should be sleeping."

A male Shinobi retorted, "What about you?"

Kankuro argued, "Enough, go to bed. I don't want to hear any complaints tomorrow about not getting enough sleep."

Sakura rubbed Kankuro's back, "You've been on edge these past few days. Seriously, you should sleep, too."

Kankuro sighed and replied, "I can handle a few nights of not sleeping, but if it will make you feel better, then I will."

"It would," Sakura affirmed.

"Okay," Kankuro sighed. He slid down the rock formation and nestled beside Sakura's bag, leaning on his massive puppet scrolls.

At the break of dawn, the recovery team gathered their belongings, preparing for the final leg of their journey—the remains of the battlefield. They found it had caved in and crumbled as they approached the colossal red shrine gate marking the water pathway leading to a cavern's entrance.

Eager to investigate, Sakura had already moved ahead, climbing the debris. She said, "This is it; the puppets should be here."

Intrigued, Kankuro leaped onto the rubble to join her. He questioned, "What happened to the cave?"

"The cavern collapsed in on itself during the battle. I was so focused on Sasori that I don't exactly recall what happened," Sakura replied.

Kankuro shrugged, "Damn, we underestimated you all this time."

"Yeah, you guys weren't the only ones," Sakura sighed.

Amid the heaps of rubble, Sakura delved deeper into the tangled aftermath of the battlefield, retracing the confrontations between Sasori and herself. She reached Sasori's lifeless puppet, hanging like a macabre ornament between his parents. Her hand gently moved his soft red hair aside as she stroked his face. The idea that this puppet was once a living being seemed unbelievable. Sakura murmured, "Sasori and I could have been friends in another lifetime, and I could have saved him."

Kankuro, with a solemn expression, replied, "Trust me, no one could save him."

Turning her attention to the Jonin and Chunin present, Sakura commanded, "Collect all the remains of Granny Chiyo's puppets in white cloaks. Pile them up outside the cavern."

"Yes, Lady Sakura," responded the Shinobi, attentive to her instructions.

In pairs, the Shinobi systematically gathered the numerous puppets scattered across the area. Sakura employed her chakra puppet strings, connecting one hand to the mother puppet and the other to the father puppet. It was her first attempt at controlling two simultaneously, and she handled them with gentle precision, coaxing their blades out of Sasori's chest, causing him to collapse on the floor. Seizing the opportunity, Kankuro lifted Sasori's arms over his shoulders.

"What are you doing?" Sakura inquired.

"I'm adding the asshole to my puppet collection. I'm sure Granny Chiyo would appreciate it if you took her puppets as well," Kankuro replied.

Sakura furrowed her eyebrows and clenched her teeth. "I've never controlled two at the same time."

Kankuro smiled and reassured, "It's easy once you get the hang of it. I'll teach you."

With her sand manipulation, Sakura lifted Sasori's parents and carried them out of the rubble. Meanwhile, the others worked diligently, lifting heavy stones, clay, and mud to uncover the final and most crucial puppet.

As dusk descended, Kankuro joined forces with Sakura to unearth the puppet she had painstakingly built from scratch. Despite being broken and in pieces, Sakura remained determined to rebuild it. Together, they gathered all the fragments and brought them outside the cave.

Sakura whispered, "We've found all of them, but the Third Kazekage. Where could he be?"

"Don't worry, we'll find him," Kankuro assured, approaching the cavern again.

"You don't think the Akatsuki took him, do you?" Sakura questioned.

"I can't say for sure, but I doubt they would have any purpose for him unless they had another puppet user," Kankuro replied.

A female Chunin Shinobi yelled, "Hey, we found him."

Sakura widened her gaze at Kankuro, a sense of relief washing over her. Together, they rushed over with the other Shinobi to find the Third Kazekage puppet lying under mounds of debris. Everyone stood and stared, awaiting the next course of action.

Sakura yelled, "What are you waiting for? Get him out."

The Shinobi diligently dug him out of the rubble. Once released, Sakura enveloped the puppet with sand, ensuring a secure hold without causing further damage. Kankuro smiled and directed, "Alright, good work, everyone. Let's bring the Third Kazekage home."

The team cheered, having accomplished their mission to locate the puppets. Sakura took it upon herself to carry the Third Kazekage and the puppet she had created while Kankuro hoisted Sasori over his shoulder. The other Shinobi employed their jutsu to carry the remaining puppets. Fueled by adrenaline, they journeyed through the night, covering the remaining distance in a few more days until they reached Sunagakure. There, Sakura eagerly revealed their findings, and they hurried through the village to the Kazekage's office, where Gaara impatiently awaited on the roof.

Sakura leaped into Kankuro's arms, cheering with unbridled joy when they accomplished their mission. Kankuro, taken aback by the unexpected physical expression, widened his eyes but responded with a warm smile, gently helping her back to her feet. Her excitement and relief were palpable, knowing they had avoided another excruciating battle with the Akatsuki.

Sakura exclaimed, "We completed the mission without facing the Akatsuki."

Simultaneously, Gaara descended from a sand platform he had created, gracefully lowering himself from the rooftop. Temari swiftly emerged through the entrance of the Kazekage building, eager to greet her brother and Sakura.

Gaara faced his older brother, eyeing the draped puppet over his shoulders, and asked, "Is that Sasori?"

Kankuro's expression soured, and he responded, "Yeah, now it's just an empty shell of what he used to be. We narrowly avoided a skirmish with one of them before reaching the battlefield."

Temari gasped, curiosity etched across her face, and pressed, "You encountered another Akatsuki member? Who was it?"

Sakura, reflecting on the moment she glimpsed the mysterious figure in the Land of Rivers, recounted, "We were by the lake, and across from us in the trees, I spotted the distinctive black robes with red cloud patterns. The person wore an orange swirled mask covering the entire face, featuring only one eyehole. Thin with black hair, they appeared less menacing than the ones I've encountered. He observed us, but by the time I tried to point him out to Kankuro, he had vanished. Instead of pursuing, we decided to move on."

Temari remarked, "That would have unnerved me."

After contemplating the situation, Gaara stated, "I can only imagine their motives. Perhaps they've found a new hideout nearby."

Sakura, her curiosity piqued, inquired, "How many Akatsuki members are there?"

"Nobody knows," Gaara replied with a heavy sigh. "For now, let's concentrate on safeguarding the village."

The trio nodded in unison at Gaara's direction. Sakura delicately lowered the sand beds that cradled the puppets, allowing the sand to disperse and unveil the wooden figures. Gaara couldn't help but notice the substantial number of puppets they had retrieved. Intrigued, he inquired, "How many puppets were there? It seems like it was quite a remarkable battle."

"For now, we need to store the Chikamatsu's Ten," Sakura gestured toward each puppet. "Kankuro intends to keep Sasori as a kind of trophy. The father and mother puppets were Sasori's parents, and I might consider using them. However, my immediate focus is on repairing and rebuilding my puppet. As for the Third Kazekage, what should I do with him?"

"He's your grandfather," Gaara remarked. "You can decide how you wish to honor him."

Sakura's expression turned somber as she spoke, "He served as the Kazekage and was one of the finest Shinobi to defend this village. A proper burial in the cemetery is fitting, and I suggest an open invitation to everyone in the village to pay their respects. However, attendance will be voluntary; I won't impose it on anyone."

Temari nodded in agreement, adding, "I'll notify the villagers promptly. Once you deliver his body to the morgue, they'll handle the necessary arrangements. As for the rest of you, you can rest after ensuring these puppets are safely delivered to Kankuro's puppet room."

"Understood, Lady Temari," affirmed the other Shinobi.

Kankuro nonchalantly handed over Sasori to the capable hands of the other Shinobi. He had more pressing matters than playing with his newly acquired "toys."

Kankuro offered, "I'll accompany you. You shouldn't be alone in a place like that."

Sakura blushed and replied, "I appreciate the company. Let's go; we should reach there before the morticians wrap up for the day."

"I'm with you," Kankuro affirmed, falling into step with her.

She quickly manipulated her sand to move around the body; she scooped up the Third Kazekage and carried it in the sand beside her. Kankuro followed her through the village as onlookers stopped and stared at the body she carried. Everyone eagerly waited to find out who it was. Due to their high ranks, the two could pass the nurses on the first floor to enter the morgue down below. Sakura gently placed the Third Kazekage on the table and closed his eyes. She felt so sorry for him that he had to die such a gruesome death. She couldn't care less about the fourth Kazekage; the fifth Kazekage was her best friend. Kankuro held her in his arms, rubbing her upper arm. He said, "I could only imagine how you felt when you discovered he was your grandfather and then seeing him like that. It's horrible." 

"I feel like now that he's not being used as a puppet anymore, he's at peace now, and I'm glad I could make that happen for him," Sakura said. 

A mortician entered the room, gloving his hands in latex. Already wearing scrubs, he approached the table and said, "Alright, who do we have here?" 

His mouth dropped, and his eyes widened at what he witnessed. The man was speechless, staring at a man he'd never thought he'd ever see again. He stumbled on his words and said, "It's been over twenty years; how did this happen?"

Sakura replied, "I fought Sasori of the red sand, and he admitted to killing the Third Kazekage and turning him into a puppet as he abandoned our village. I'm his granddaughter, and I'd like to give him a proper burial."

"I see," Mortician said, "Would you like some time with him before I begin?" 

"I've already spent much time with him these past few missions. I'll be okay, thank you," Sakura said.

"Okay, I will let you know when I'm finished so he can be buried properly," The Mortician said. 

"Thank you, I appreciate that. We will be on our way now," Sakura said. 

The young couple exited the morgue and began walking up the stairs. Kankuro couldn't help but focus on the last time they were there and what had happened to them. He asked, "Should we double-check with the doctors to ensure you're alright." 

Sakura rubbed Kankuro's back and replied, "I'm okay. We just completed an entire mission together after the incident with the previous mission. We should be okay." 

Before they could walk past the nurse's station at the front door, one called out, "Lady Sakura." 

They turned to see a group of nurses carrying a basket of handmade goodies. One handed it to her while another said, "We wanted to give this to you to show how sorry we are for your loss. We don't want you to give up on having children."

"Thank you," Sakura cried, "Kankuro and I won't give up, I assure you. However, due to the Akatsuki's sudden attacks, we would like to wait until they're dealt with."

The nurse bowed and said, "We understand, and we're always here for you if you need us."

The young couple nodded and left the hospital in a better mood than when they arrived. It was sweet that the nurses were so caring for them. Sakura walked at a quick pace and said, Come on, let's go home. I want to see what's inside."

Kankuro yelled, "Hold on, wait for me."