Chapter 10: The Land of Wind Invasion

After a night of deep slumber, Sakura awoke to the melodic sounds of birds outside Gaara's bedroom window. She gently turned her head to find Gaara sleeping peacefully beside her. A sense of concern washed over her as she knew he had to face an uncomfortable conversation with Shukaku later. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight and stroked his fair-skinned cheek.

As the room's door swung open, Sakura immediately sat up, inadvertently exposing herself to the intruder. Her eyes widened in shock as she realized it was Kankuro standing at the doorway. An awkward silence enveloped them as they locked eyes, and Kankuro finally retreated, closing the door behind him.

From the other side of the door, Kankuro's voice echoed, filled with embarrassment and frustration. "Temari, I'm never doing any favors for you again! Go tell him yourself!"

Curious about Kankuro's reaction, Temari inquired, "Why, what's wrong, Kankuro? You're blushing. All you were doing was waking them up."

Temari abruptly flung the door open, interrupting the tense moment inside. Still half-dazed from sleep, Gaara nearly tumbled out of bed, realizing the implications of Temari's intrusion. He hastily grabbed the bedcovers, ensuring his and Sakura's modesty remained intact, his face reddening in embarrassment.

"Temari, what are you doing?" Gaara exclaimed, his voice laced with irritation.

Unfazed by her brother's annoyance, Temari smirked mischievously. "What are you doing? Today is the day you have to deliver your first Kazekage speech. I've asked the maids to leave your outfits by the door. You truly are full of surprises, Gaara."

Gaara's annoyance grew, and he shouted, "Shut up, Temari."

Gaara summoned his sand with a wave of his hand, gently pushing Temari out the door, and swiftly closed it behind her. Temari couldn't help but chuckle as she made her way downstairs.

Gaara sighed, slipping into pants before stepping outside onto the balcony. Watching the sibling exchange with curiosity, Sakura asked, "Gaara, what's wrong?"

"Don't worry about it," Gaara replied, his frustration still evident. "I wish we could have some time alone without anyone bothering us. I want to wake up to you, not with Temari barging in as we're lying naked in bed."

Sakura sympathetically added, "Kankuro walked in here too, and I didn't realize it was him at first."

Gaara's expression softened a bit as he contemplated the situation. "I'll talk with him later," he conceded, realizing his frustration might have been misplaced.

Sakura, trying to lighten the mood, teased, "Look on the bright side, you got some sleep tonight."

Gaara groaned in response, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Oh, damn! Shukaku will probably try to have a long conversation with me the next time I talk to him. Dammit!"

Gaara stepped outside the door and retrieved the two pieces of traditional clothing, which resembled funeral attire but were in white instead of black. With a casual toss, he delivered Sakura her outfit. Together, they changed into the traditional garments, donning the symbolic attire of their village.

After enjoying a final shared breakfast, Gaara rose from his seat, signaling his readiness to go to the Kazekage building. His supportive siblings, Temari, Kankuro, and Sakura, accompanied him. As they ventured towards the building, they were met with a heartwarming sight – the entire village had gathered, all clad in the same white traditional attire. The villagers' expressions held a mix of uncertainty and approval, reflecting their anticipation for Gaara's inaugural address.

Upon reaching the Kazekage building, Gaara ascended the podium, flanked by Sakura, Temari, and Kankuro. The crowd hushed in anticipation as they awaited his words.

"Good morning, villagers of the Sand," Gaara began, his voice carrying through the air. "I am Gaara, and for those who may not know me, I am your fifth Kazekage. I accepted this position to demonstrate that I am no longer the monster my father made me out to be."

Gaara continued, recounting the pivotal moments of his journey, from the Hidden Leaf Village attack to his friendship with Naruto Uzumaki and the love he found in Sakura. He expressed his determination to make Suna a better place for all its residents.

The Sand villagers exchanged surprised glances, gradually breaking into smiles and applause. The crowd dispersed as they resumed their daily tasks, leaving Gaara, his family, and Sakura to embark on their new responsibilities. As Sakura assisted him, Gaara sat at his desk, buried in paperwork concerning the Suna army and the education of the village's young students, ready to lead his village into a brighter future.

"Sakura, bring Kankuro to my office. I have to discuss his new position with him," Gaara instructed, his gaze focused on the documents before him.

"Of course, right away," Sakura replied professionally.  Under the scorching sun of the beautiful, hot day, Sakura quickly made her way from the building to their house. As she approached their residence, she was drawn to a hidden doorway outside the home, leading to an inconspicuous basement. Beside it stood a large wooden sign that read "Kankuro Puppet Workshop," its eerie appearance giving her a moment of hesitation.

"Who's there?" Kankuro's voice echoed through the dimly lit space.

"It's Sakura," she replied hesitantly, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "Gaara wants to speak with you at his office."

Kankuro's abrupt pause was followed by a slightly annoyed tone as he responded, "What?"

Sakura watched Kankuro open the door, allowing the piercing sunlight to flood the previously dim interior. Inside, the basement revealed its peculiar atmosphere, with strings and puppets suspended from the ceiling, creating an eerie ambiance. Sakura took a step back, feeling an unsettling unease settle over her.

Kankuro's curiosity improved, and he asked, "How did you know I was here? Did Gaara tell you?"

"Yes," Sakura admitted, her voice tinged with guilt.

Kankuro's annoyance seemed to subside as he simply said, "Okay," and turned to walk away. As he passed Sakura, he lightly patted her shoulder and added with a mischievous grin, "Oh, by the way, next time, put a sock on the door."

Sakura's face flushed a deep shade of red as she stammered out, "Sorry!" Her embarrassment was palpable in the air, and she quickly exited, leaving behind the enigmatic world of Kankuro's puppet workshop.

Kankuro sighed, the thought of his brother dampening his good mood. "Yeah, he's giving me a new Bingo book. We've placed your father at the top of the list as 'most wanted' because he's even more dangerous than we initially thought."

Concern creased Sakura's brow as she cautioned, "Don't get yourself killed trying to settle the score with my father. You have to reason."

Kankuro couldn't help but smirk at her words. "I should be telling you that," he retorted playfully. "But don't worry, everything will be fine. Let's go to his office now."

Sakura nodded and joined him as they strolled toward the Kazekage's office building, basking in the warmth of the beautiful day. The villagers they passed by couldn't help but smile, happy to see Sakura, who had improved her life instead of becoming a rogue. 

Upon entering the building, they noticed the council elders whispering among themselves. Undeterred, Kankuro opened the door to Gaara's office and gestured for Sakura to enter first. With a polite smile, she greeted, "Hey, Gaara. I brought Kankuro with me."

Gaara nodded in acknowledgment and replied, "You can step out now Sakura."

Kankuro rolled his eyes playfully and retorted, "I've already spilled the beans to her."

Sakura's expression shifted to one of concern as she said, "I knew my father was still out there, but I had no idea he was causing harm to more people."

Gaara sighed, standing up from his desk. "I didn't want to burden you with the gruesome details of his recent actions, but it's essential that you know we're doing everything in our power to apprehend him. He's at the top of our Bingo book, and I asked Kankuro to dispatch some Jonin teams to locate him and report back without engaging in combat."

Sakura nodded solemnly, her resolve unwavering. "Okay."

Kankuro said, "I know a few teams I can contact. I'll get on it and see you all later."

Sakura called out after him, a hint of worry in her voice, "Be careful."

Kankuro smirked and replied as he exited the room, "Always am."

Shortly after, a man entered the room, donning a Jonin uniform and sporting short, spiky blonde hair. He waved to the Kazekage and greeted, "Good afternoon, Kazekage. I am Shiro, the head of the Sunagakure Academy. I heard you wished to discuss a potential shift in our teaching methods."

Gaara acknowledged with a nod and replied, "Welcome, yes. I want to propose a new policy that deviates from my father's outdated regulations." 

"Oh, and what would that be?" Shiro asked, picking up the paperwork, his interest piqued.

"I'd like to allow anyone who cannot use ninjutsu or genjutsu to enter the academy. For example, Kankuro just mentioned to me that a student named Shira knows only Taijutsu because his abilities were blocked," Gaara explained.

"Yes, I agree. I'm glad you and I can reach an agreement on that. Your father caused quite a stir with the parents and the school over this issue, but he didn't live long enough to see it through," Shiro commented, recalling past tensions.

"Well, I'm glad I can help. Shiro, if you need anything from me, don't hesitate to ask," Gaara offered, extending his support.

"Thank you, sir," Shiro acknowledged, appreciative of the Kazekage's willingness to collaborate.

Sakura glanced at Gaara with gratitude in her eyes, touched by his commitment to positive change and the well-being of their village. Despite her emotions, she maintained her composure, recognizing that Gaara was already an exceptional leader.

Once Shiro had departed, Gaara returned to the window, taking a deep breath in the following silence. The moment of introspection was interrupted as a messenger arrived, handed Gaara a letter, and promptly left the room. Gaara opened the letter and began reading, his expression shifting as he absorbed its contents.

"I might seem a bit self-centered for saying this, but did you implement that new rule to allow people who ended up like me to be accepted into the school so we can be taught to fight as well?" Sakura inquired, her curiosity evident.

"That was part of the reason," Gaara confessed, not shying away from the honesty. "There may come a day when, no matter how many ninjas we send out to protect our village, it might not be enough. I want to ensure we have strong fighters."

Sakura pressed further, seeking clarity. "Strong fighters for what?"

Gaara sighed, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. He ran a hand through his messy hair, his expression showing the stress of his role. "For a possible war…"

Sakura gasped, the idea of war unsettling. "Why would we be at war, and with whom? Orochimaru?"

"Have you ever heard of the Akatsuki?" Gaara asked, dropping a name unfamiliar to Sakura.

"No," Sakura replied, her concern growing as she sensed the seriousness in Gaara's tone.

"Konoha has encountered individuals on a few missions who claim to be part of the Akatsuki group. I need to investigate who might have information about them. I'm concerned they might target our village." Gaara explained, revealing his fears about potential threats.

A sudden knock on the door distracted their attention from the pressing conversation. Gaara's older siblings entered, returning much sooner than expected.

"What's going on?" Sakura asked, her curiosity piqued.

Temari crossed her arms and said, "I have new information on the Akatsuki."

Gaara, the vigilant leader, was quick to ask, "Who provided you with this information?"

Eager to share her findings, Temari explained, "Well, I have a close friend in Konoha now."

Kankuro couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Friend, my ass…"

Not tolerating his commentary, Temari smacked Kankuro on the back of his head and continued, "He shared with me all the details and asked me to convey them to you."

Gaara urged her to proceed. "Please, go on."

Shifting through Sunagakure records, Kankuro spoke up; his voice filled with seriousness. "I researched in the library to see if we had any information on this Akatsuki group. It turns out that after the Third Shinobi World War, a Shinobi named Yahiko, alongside his two comrades, Nagato and Konan, founded this enigmatic organization. Interestingly, these two friends were once orphans who had suffered the consequences of the Second Shinobi World War. Their goal was to bring peace to Amegakure, a village caught in the crossfire of numerous conflicts. It also mentions that Nagato possesses a rare and powerful ability known as the Rinnegan."

Temari picked up where Kankuro left off, her tone resolute. "After we annihilated Konoha following the passing of the Hokage, Danzō Shimura assumed the Hokage's position. During his tenure, Amegakure's leader, Hanzō, sought to make peace agreements with the involved nations. However, instead of peaceful negotiations, he orchestrated a treacherous ambush, utilizing his forces and those of Danzō. According to the information we obtained from Danzō Shimura himself, Yahiko met his tragic end during this attack."

Sakura, empathizing with the situation, expressed her understanding. "I can imagine his companions didn't handle that well."

Kankuro delved further into the grim history. "Exactly. Yahiko's dying wish was for Nagato to lead the Akatsuki. Tragically, Nagato and his group ended up eliminating all of them. The records indicate that four bodies were identified as members of the Akatsuki: Kei, Kyusuke, Daibutsu, and Yahiko. The sole survivors were Nagato and Konan. Nagato, driven by a desire to turn the world away from perpetual warfare, believed that the only way to achieve such a drastic transformation was to subject it to catastrophic death and destruction, with the hope that the world would never again tolerate the horrors of conflict."

Remark continued his tone grave, "Currently, according to the information provided by Konoha and my friend, Nagato has orchestrated the creation of the Six Paths of Pain, a coalition of individuals who all adopt the name 'Pain,' using Yahiko's deceased body as part of their ranks. Furthermore, they are actively recruiting S-ranked Shinobi whom their respective villages have ostracized due to their involvement in criminal activities."

Gaara, now standing before the expansive window with a view of the rising sun, pondered the implications of this dire situation. "What are they trying to achieve?"

Remark elucidated, "The Akatsuki is believed to be embarking on a quest to capture all the tailed beasts, harnessing their immense chakra to facilitate the destruction and subsequent reconstruction of the world, based on the information we've gathered."

His thoughts racing, Gaara issued a command to Kankuro as they exited his office. "Kankuro, I need you to comb through our records and search for any surviving outlaws who may have connections to the Akatsuki. Determine if any of them could potentially be a member of this organization with intentions toward Shukaku."

Kankuro nodded, acknowledging the task at hand. "I'll start investigating right away."

"Well, I'll be helping out on a few missions in Konoha. I'll be back once they're done," Temari explained.

Sakura couldn't help but whimper, her concern for Temari's safety evident in her voice. "You're going out there on your own?"

Temari smiled, appreciating Sakura's genuine concern. She reassured her, "It will be okay. Instead of sleeping in the desert, I'll stay at a few villages to be safe."

Sakura nodded, feeling somewhat relieved. "At least let me walk you to the entrance."

Temari grinned and agreed, "Sure."

As Sakura and Temari walked towards the village entrance, the two brothers, Kankuro and Gaara, silently crossed their arms, observing the scene. They exchanged no words but kept a watchful eye on their departing loved ones.

Passing through the main road in the center of the village, Sakura and Temari enjoyed their stroll. The streets were full of excited children pretending to be Shinobi and business owners announcing discounts on essential supplies for the Shinobi heading out on missions. The roads were more lively than ever in the afternoon, showcasing the village's vitality.

Breaking the silence between them, Sakura inquired, "So, why are you heading out alone?"

Temari couldn't help but smirk as she responded, "Well, like I said earlier, I made a new friend who happens to be a guy."

Sakura playfully teased, "Oh, who is it? Is it Shikamaru?"

Temari blushed and waved, exclaiming, "Yes, but it's not like that."

Sakura laughed, not entirely convinced, "Sure it isn't..."

With a sly grin, Temari countered, "Oh yeah? Well, what about you and Gaara?"

Sakura blushed, her words stuttering, "He's nice."

Temari continued to tease, "You two are so cute together; you should get married so we can legally be sisters."

Sakura blushed even more profoundly and stammered, "What? No, I don't think... we haven't dated for that long..."

Temari couldn't help but laugh, thoroughly enjoying their usual playful banter. She shifted the conversation, asking, "If you were to date any of the Konoha Genin, who would you choose?"

Sakura smirked and teased, "If I say Shikamaru, would you get upset?"

Temari insisted, "I'm being serious."

Sakura couldn't contain her giggles, replying, "So am I."

Temari, now red-faced, kept blushing throughout their journey to the village gates. Upon reaching the gates, she informed the Jonin of the duty of her mission and waved a cheerful goodbye to Sakura.  As the wind tousled her hair, Sakura bid farewell to Temari, her big sister, as she ventured beyond the village's borders. She watched until Temari's figure dwindled into a distant speck of dust. Being alone with the boys for the first time filled her with excitement and trepidation, but she felt ready to confront this challenging task.

Sakura retraced her steps to the Kazekage building and stared at its imposing exterior. Her gaze shifted to her feet, her thoughts drifting to when Granny Chiyo had imparted her wisdom about focusing chakra on her feet to scale walls. Determined, she tentatively placed her foot against the wall and attempted to climb. She ascended a few feet before her grip faltered, and she tumbled back to the ground.

Sakura's determination grew as she continued to climb, and eventually, she found herself halfway up the building. She paused momentarily, catching her breath, and a wave of pride surged. With her hands on her hips, she couldn't help but declare, "I am a Shinobi!"

However, a voice from inside a nearby window interrupted her triumphant moment. "Sakura?"

Startled, Sakura swiveled to see Kankuro peering at her from the Shinobi records room, and to her surprise, she lost her grip and began to fall. But just in the nick of time, she managed to grab the window ledge. Sakura let out a small whimper, "You made me lose my focus."

Kankuro couldn't help but groan, "You're such an idiot, you know that."

Kankuro extended his hand and helped Sakura back inside through the window. As she entered, her gaze fell upon a particular figure on the table, a face that stirred familiarity within her. She couldn't help but ask, "Isn't that Granny Chiyo's grandson? When I asked her about him, she always refused to talk about it."

Kankuro sighed and replied, "Yes, that's Sasori. When Sasori was young, his parents were tragically killed by Kakashi's father. This left him in the care of Granny Chiyo. In an attempt to ease his sorrow, she taught him puppetry. It quickly became evident that Sasori possessed an innate talent for this art, and he began to develop ingenious ways to overcome a puppet master's vulnerabilities in battle. He even created two puppets resembling his parents to fill the void of their absence. However, as these puppets couldn't provide him with the genuine parental love he craved, Sasori eventually lost interest in them, and they later ended up in Chiyo's possession."

Sakura was sad as she absorbed Kankuro's account of Sasori's tragic past. She remarked, "That's truly heartbreaking. It makes sense now why she refused to teach you because of what happened to your parents. What happened to him?"

Kankuro nodded solemnly and replied, "Sasori disappeared over two decades ago. I stumbled upon this while researching Rogue Shinobi. Officially, he's categorized as a missing shinobi since he never abandoned the village."

Sakura apologized, saying, "I'm sorry for bothering you. I only wanted to see if I could reach the roof alone."

Kankuro, still irritated, retorted, "Didn't I tell you to stop climbing buildings?"

Sakura defended herself, "I wasn't climbing; I was walking. There's a big difference."

Kankuro's glare intensified as he pushed her toward the table. He grumbled, "Do it again, and I'll fuck you so hard on this table your brain will rattle."

He stuck his index finger up her skirt to caress her clitoris. She grasped his arm and moaned. Kankuro smirked, sticking his hands in his suit. Sakura cried out, "Stop, not here. Gaara will hear us. Why are you always blackmailing me?"

Kankuro chuckled and said, "Fine. Get out of here before I do. I've got a lot of work to do, so don't let me catch you up here again."

With the door closing firmly behind her, Sakura found herself on the rooftop, determined to prove herself. She smirked and muttered, "I'll show him."

As Sakura prepared to start her ascent, a formidable wall of sand materialized, preventing her from proceeding further. Startled, she stumbled backward, tripping over her feet and landing ungracefully. Beside her stood Gaara, his arms crossed, and he calmly stated, "Stop, you'll hurt yourself."

Sakura, arms folded in a pout, retorted, "What happened to learn to be a Shinobi the hard way?"

Gaara remained composed as ever and replied, "I know what I said, but after what I did to you, I'm worried that another fall might permanently disrupt your chakra flow. What I meant was, don't practice these techniques at such heights unless my siblings or I are present to assist."

Sakura rose to her feet, lightly tracing the scar above Gaara's left eyebrow. She spoke softly, "I wish I could go back in time and heal not just the physical wounds but the emotional scars, too. In your case, the physical injuries were just a small part of your suffering."

Gaara gently pulled her hand away and kissed her, then invited her, "Come to my office."

Together, they entered the building from the rooftop. Gaara opened the door to his office, permitting Sakura to step inside before him, and then locked the door behind him. Sakura rotated roughly once she heard the lock click, and Gaara tugged her in for a passionate kiss. She felt an uncontrollable urge to fuck him. Gaara manipulated his sand through the window, snaring Sakura by her ankles. The sand pulled her up on Gaara's desk, and he extended her legs. With the sand tugging away at all her limbs, she couldn't help but moan. Gaara removed his erect penis from his long pants and jerked it before her vaginal opening. He lifted her shirt and groped her breasts. Gaara plowed his penis inside and thrust until he came. The sand collapsed, and Gaara clutched his head and staggered out of his office, leaving his cum to ooze out of her as she lay there laboriously breathing. Spread out and exposed, she slept. Gaara entered the room, wiped her with paper towels, and gently kissed her. She awoke with her face a shade of crimson.

Sakura blushed in embarrassment and muttered, "I can't believe I dozed off."

Gaara smirked, "I guess I'm just that good."

Sakura blushed and admitted, "I've been lying at the desk for so long, my body is practically numb. You'll have to help me up." 

Gaara extended his hand towards Sakura, gently helping her from the desk. He kissed her cheek with a warm smile and held her hand. He proposed, "How about joining me for lunch at the Udon place as I walk you to my office? I'd rather not dine alone at home."

Sakura beamed, her eyes filled with delight. "I'd love to."

With a few quick strides, Sakura closed the gap between them, wrapping her arms around Gaara's, and strolled down the bustling main street together. Eventually, they found themselves drawn to an outdoor Udon stall, its high stools inviting them to sit. Using his sand, Gaara gently elevated Sakura to take her seat, positioning himself closely beside her.

In a calm tone, Gaara addressed the chef. "Two bowls, please…"

The chef glanced at Gaara, inquiring, "Tempura or beef?"

Gaara turned to Sakura without a word, leaving the choice to her. She chuckled softly and responded, "Two Tempura's."

The chef smirked knowingly and replied, "Coming right up."

As the chef began to cook the Tempura, Sakura watched in admiration, savoring the enticing aroma of the large shrimp. Gaara observed her silently and then remarked, "You make good tempura, too."

Sakura blushed and responded modestly, "I'm glad you like my cooking."

Gaara's lips curled into a faint smile as he added, "I prefer your cooking over Granny Chiyo's. Where did you learn to cook?"

Sakura gently tapped her index finger against her chin, sifting through her memories. She replied, "My mother was my first teacher in cooking, and after she passed away, my sister shared a few recipes with me."

Gaara directed his gaze toward the wooden table separating him and the chef. He spoke softly, "After Naruto changed my perspective on the world, I started reflecting on all the times I've wronged everyone, including you. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me."

Sakura flashed a warm smile, her eyes filled with understanding. She playfully punched Gaara's shoulder and said, "I don't hold any grudges for what happened. What matters most is that you're okay."

Their conversation was interrupted by the chef, who promptly delivered their mouthwatering meals. The steaming, crunchy shrimp and vegetables served before them were utterly enticing. In unison, the young couple reached for chopsticks from the small jar and began to enjoy their delicious food with evident happiness. They finished their meal and moved on. As Sakura and Gaara walked through the bustling marketplace, their eyes scanned the various stalls and vendors selling all sorts of goods. Gaara's attention was suddenly drawn to a display of shinobi weapons among the many items on display. His gaze fixated on a pair of tekko-kagi, metal claws designed for scraping and striking.

Sakura noticed Gaara's interest and asked, "What's wrong, Gaara? Something catch your eye?"

Gaara hesitated momentarily, then replied, "It's those tekko-kagi. They could be useful for you in tough situations."

Gaara directed Sakura to a set of tiny steel claws on a cushion. A neatly printed paper label accompanied them, stating their name and price: eight hundred yen. The claws seemed tailored for smaller hands, ideally suited to Sakura's size.

Sakura's brow furrowed as she looked at the weapon. "You don't have to buy them for me, Gaara. I can defend myself just fine."

But Gaara was determined. He walked over to the market owner and spoke to him, negotiating a price. After a brief exchange, he returned to Sakura with a satisfied look.

"I got them for you," Gaara said as he handed the tekko-kagi to Sakura. "Consider it a gift."

Sakura sighed, touched by his gesture. "Thank you, Gaara, but you really didn't have to."

Gaara nodded and replied, "I want you to have more ways to protect yourself."

With the tekko-kagi in hand, they returned to the Kazekage building. Gaara suggested, "Why don't we have a training session on how to use these with your wind release?"

Sakura agreed, eager to learn. Gaara summoned his sand, causing the metal claws to float gently to the top of the Kazekage building. He held them in his hands, chakra flowing through them as he demonstrated their use. He swung his fists around swiftly and precisely, showcasing the weapon's effectiveness.

"These tekko-kagi are light and easy to use," Gaara remarked. He handed them over to Sakura, positioning her arms with Taijutsu as best he could, even though it wasn't his strong suit.

Sakura appreciated his effort and dedication to helping her improve. With Gaara's guidance, she began to practice with the tekko-kagi, determined to master this new addition to her arsenal.  Kankuro entered the rooftop through the metal door in a rush, with an urgent expression as he approached Gaara. He wasted no time delivering the news, "Hey, we've got trouble in the villages east of here. A group was suddenly attacked at the beach."

Sakura's eyes widened in alarm as she grasped the gravity of the situation. "Those villages are full of civilians. They won't stand a chance."

Gaara nodded, his demeanor remaining composed even in the face of impending danger. "Sakura, go with Kankuro to the eastern villages. I will inform the council and catch up with you later."

Sakura nodded resolutely and followed Kankuro, their footsteps echoing through the building as they descended to retrieve their arsenal from the first floor. Kankuro efficiently gathered both puppets while Sakura secured her Shamisen, fastening it with a red sash around her waist. A group of Chunin joined them, and together, they swiftly made their way to the village entrance, their hearts pounding with urgency.

As they sprinted through the desert, Sakura questioned, "Who are we fighting with?"

Kankuro, his brow furrowed in concentration and perspiration glistening on his forehead, replied, "I have no idea. They only said they needed backup because their villages were under attack. We have to hurry."

With determination in her eyes, Sakura nodded and followed Kankuro as the desert gradually succumbed to darkness, the horizon punctuated by a distant, foreboding bonfire that marked the location of the ongoing crisis.

Sakura and Kankuro's group sprinted closer to the edge of the Land of Wind. The scent of saltwater mingled with the acrid tang of burning wood, and the cacophony of battle filled their ears. The rhythmic clash of weapons, the frantic squawking of seagulls overhead, and the crackling of flames in the distance all coalesced into a disconcerting symphony.

As they approached the edge of the shoreline, the full-scale battlefield came into view. Armed with swords and a palpable sense of desperation, civilians were locked in combat with armored knights wielding morning stars. The clash of steel against steel and the cries of the combatants echoed across the sandy expanse.

Kankuro, ever the master of subterfuge, swiftly vanished from sight, melding into the shadows as he prepared his strategy. He enacted a quick transformation jutsu, morphing his Black Ant puppet into a humanoid Shinobi guise. With a leap, the puppet entered the fray alongside the Chunin. Black Ant moved with uncanny agility, lunging at one of the knights and thrusting its sword through the knight's chest. However, the knight responded with surprising resilience, hurling Black Ant into a nearby wooden fort.

Kankuro, observing the battlefield through Black Ant's eyes, muttered in disbelief, "What are they, immortal?"

Meanwhile, Sakura climbed atop a rock formation that gave her a commanding view of the battlefield. She swiftly drew her Shamisen, her nimble fingers strumming its strings to produce powerful sonic waves of high frequency. The knights, momentarily affected by the intense vibrations, quivered but soon resumed their relentless assault on the Chunin.

Gasping for breath as she witnessed the knight's almost supernatural resilience, Sakura replied to Kankuro's inquiry, her voice tinged with concern, "You may be right, Kankuro."

With this unusual challenge, Sakura had little choice but to rely on her Taijutsu skills, as her Ongaku-Jutsu seemed utterly ineffective against these formidable metal foes. Gritting her teeth in determination, she dropped her palms into the sand and executed a swift leg sweep, attempting to trip one of the knights. She snatched the morning star from the knight's grasp with deft precision and used it to strike at the metallic armor, hoping to find a weak point.

Meanwhile, one of the armored beasts charged toward Black Ant, exposing the puppet's proper form as its disguise crumbled. Kankuro, ever resourceful, swiftly stood Black Ant back up to face this formidable foe. He harbored a plan to put these seemingly immortal creatures to the test. With a deft movement, he opened Black Ant's torso, revealing chakra strings within, which he manipulated expertly to ensnare the armored beast. With a visceral, metallic shriek, he dragged the creature into the puppet's interior, where a set of hidden swords awaited. Black Ant proceeded to slice the armored adversary into pieces, and Kankuro observed, intrigued, as more knights began to close in on his puppet.

However, a loud, ominous rumbling resonated through the battlefield, jolting the Shinobi into action. It was a signal they all recognized. One of the Shinobi shouted, "Fall back!" The urgent command echoed through the ranks as they swiftly disengaged from their adversaries, retreating to a safer distance, their curiosity about the nature of these seemingly immortal foes giving way to the instinct for self-preservation.

The sudden announcement sent shockwaves through the battlefield, causing Sakura to stumble unsteadily on her feet as the very ground rumbled beneath her. She struggled to regain her balance, her gaze darting in alarm as the Chunin began their hasty retreat. Meanwhile, Kankuro, quick to react, guided Black Ant further into the chaos of battle. With precision and determination, he reached out to grab Sakura, yanking her away from danger and pulling her towards the relative safety on the other side of the battlefield, where they could seek shelter amid the burnt remains of wooden structures.

Just as the odds seemed overwhelmingly against them, an unexpected twist of fate occurred. A colossal sandstorm materialized out of thin air, descending upon the battlefield with furious force. The swirling tempest of sand struck the metal beasts with unrelenting power, leaving only a handful of them standing amid the devastation.

Perched atop a substantial rock formation beside the blazing fire pit, Gaara was the architect of this sudden reversal. He slammed his palms onto the rock at his feet and bellowed, "Giant Sand Burial!" 

In an instant, the armored beasts ensnared within the swirling sands met their grim fate as the tremendous pressure from the Jutsu crushed them into inanimate masses.

Sakura couldn't contain her elation and cheered, "Yeah, Gaara's here! You're all fucked now!" Her confidence soared, buoyed by the arrival of the Kazekage, who swiftly turned the tide of battle in their favor.

Emerging from the shadows with a characteristic smirk, Kankuro playfully teased, "Late as usual, Gaara."

Gaara, unperturbed by the remark, straightened up and crossed his arms, his piercing gaze focused on the situation. He inquired, "So, what are we dealing with here?"

One of the villagers, clutching his sword tightly, turned to address Gaara, his voice trembling with uncertainty. "We're not sure," he explained. "They all just emerged from the sea when we set up camp for the night."

The creatures, seemingly sensing the formidable presence of the Sunagakure Shinobi, began to retreat back into the sea. A brave villager determined not to let them escape, pushed a small boat over the wooden rods embedded in the sand that led to the water's edge. He leaped into the ship, his resolve unwavering as he shouted, "I'm not letting you get away."

Kankuro, quick to assess the situation, urgently called out, "Hey, stop! Don't go after them."

Two more villagers joined the man in the boat, which slowly drifted out to sea, disappearing into the darkness beyond the shoreline. The onlookers on the sandy shore fell into an eerie silence, their collective breaths held as they strained to hear any sign of what was happening.

In the distance, a cacophony of chaos erupted as the boat was violently torn asunder, and the desperate cries of the men filled the night air. The screams soon subsided, replaced by an unsettling silence.

Kankuro, clutching the cloth-wrapped puppet Crow to his back, faced the grim reality of their situation. He admitted, "We're at a complete disadvantage, and it's pitch black out there."

As evident in her voice, Sakura's fatigue questioned, "What do we do now?"

In a commanding tone, Gaara ordered, "Fire off a few flares."

Armed with large drum-shaped devices, the villagers ignited the flares, causing them to emit smoke as they ascended into the night sky. The flares burst into brilliant light, revealing the ominous silhouette of three massive ships on the horizon. A villager gasped, "What on earth is that? I've never seen a boat like that in my life."

The nearest ship began to pivot, adjusting its position to align seven ominous cannons directly toward them. Glowing orbs of red chakra erupted from the cannons, hurtling towards them with frightening speed. Kankuro instinctively pulled his head and shoulders back, clenching his teeth as he urgently shouted, "This is bad."

Gaara, somehow maintaining his composure in the face of imminent danger, decisively slammed his palms together, his voice unwavering as he declared, "No."

With a surge of sand cascading down like a tidal wave from higher ground, it raced toward the water to create a last-minute sand wall to shield everyone. However, as the sand hardened, the relentless red chakra balls bore through Gaara's formidable defense, unleashing a devastating explosion that sent the Shinobi hurtling backward. In a desperate move, Kankuro swung his Black Ant puppet to snatch Sakura inside, protecting her from the ensuing blast, at least ensuring her safety amid the unfolding disaster. The immense force of the explosion shattered the massive fire pit, plunging them all into darkness.