Chapter 13: Family of Orphans

The male Shinobi blocking their path regarded them with a noticeable lack of patience. After enduring the harsh desert elements, their disheveled appearance unintentionally painted them as a displaced family seeking refuge in Sunagakure rather than the respected Shinobi they were. The Shinobi raised two fingers and extended his arm, his expression clouded with frustration as he repeated his demand, "I'll ask again. Who are you?"

Sakura felt a surge of panic, her grip on Hikaru tightening protectively. She implored, desperation in her voice, "What are you doing? Please, stop. We've been living in Sunagakure our entire lives. I submitted my mission scroll to the guards on duty this morning."

The man's frown deepened as he countered, "If you're Shinobi, then where are your headbands?"

Granny Chiyo's patience wore thin at the scrutiny and the implication that they might be outsiders with nefarious intentions. She spoke up, her voice carrying an air of authority, "I am Chiyo, a counselor and a leader of the Puppet Brigade. This boy is Hikaru, the blood relative of Kazekiri."

The Shinobi's eyes widened slightly as he recognized the significance of her words. He slowly dropped his arm in confusion. Granny Chiyo continued, her voice firm and commanding, "We possess the Suna-Tessen, an artifact that played a pivotal role in the foundation of Sunagakure. It would be best if you never questioned the bloodline of the ancestor Kazekiri, nor should you doubt my presence. I will be speaking to your superiors." 

The Shinobi's voice quivered and stuttered as he spoke, "I... I didn't expect to see council members and the Kazekage's personal entourage on a mission. It's quite... unbelievable."

Granny Chiyo responded firmly, "Our reasons are not your concern."

Recognizing his misjudgment, the Shinobi quickly bowed in apology. "I apologize, Granny Chiyo, Princess Sakura. Please, proceed."

They were granted entry into Sunagakure, going directly to the Kazekage's office building. Inside, Kankuro was engaged in a conversation with Gaara at his desk. Gaara raised an inquisitive eyebrow with his distinctive green eyes as he spotted Sakura, Granny Chiyo, and the young boy entering.

Kankuro spun around in his seat, shock registering at the sight of Sakura, Granny Chiyo, and the boy returning so quickly.

Gaara rose from his chair, his fingers lightly tracing the massive fan that symbolized the strength and history of Sunagakure. His voice held a tone of awe as he remarked, "I've only heard the stories, but to witness it in person is an entirely different experience."

Kankuro couldn't help but voice his curiosity, "So, what's the deal with the kid?"

Granny Chiyo explained, "In a village almost twenty miles north of here, there was a temple. When we arrived, the Waru had already been defeated in battle. As we ventured inside, we found the child clinging desperately to the Suna-Tessen, his body marked with cursed symbols. But when he released the weapon, the marks simply vanished."

Gaara's brow furrowed in confusion as he asked, "Are you suggesting that he's a blood relative capable of wielding this weapon?"

Sakura nodded in confirmation, stating, "The last surviving blood relative, as far as we know."

Granny Chiyo gently covered the child's ears with her hands and added, "His power unleashed a devastating sandstorm that leveled the entire village and took the lives of everyone there."

Kankuro and Gaara exchanged glances, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads. A child possessing such incredible strength was indeed an extraordinary and rare sight. Granny Chiyo removed her hands from the boy's ears, offering him a reassuring smile to convey that he hadn't harmed anyone while confronting the Waru.

Gaara nodded in response, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. He commented, "Well, he's effectively an orphan now, so someone will have to look after him until he's old enough to care for himself. Do we know his name? Perhaps we can start finding a suitable home for him right away."

Hikaru, feeling the weight of Gaara's intense presence, clung to Sakura's arm, his tiny fingers clutching her skirt. He peered up at Sakura with an apprehensive expression and stammered, "I...I need to use the bathroom."

Sakura responded with a kind smile and a soothing tone, "Of course, sweetie. Let's go."

Granny Chiyo stepped out of the room, allowing the three privacy. Once the door was closed, a momentary silence enveloped the room. Granny Chiyo spoke, her voice laced with concern, "Gaara, the child is only six years old."

Kankuro gasped, his voice filled with realization and sorrow. "That's how old you were when you killed Yashamaru."

Gaara nodded solemnly, a heavyweight of understanding in his gaze. He inquired, "Does he have a name?"

Granny Chiyo said, "He couldn't remember his name, so Sakura decided to call him Hikaru."

The room was filled with uncertainty as they grappled with the complex situation. The boy possessed remarkable power, and they needed to find a trustworthy solution for his future.

Kankuro was concerned, "He's already grown so attached to her. He might not want to leave her side."

Gaara agreed, recognizing the bond forming between Sakura and Hikaru. "For the time being, he will have to stay with us."

Kankuro, his emotions running high, crossed his arms and inquired, "So, what exactly happened out there with them?"

Granny Chiyo shared what Hikaru had disclosed to Sakura, her voice heavy with sympathy. "Hikaru told Sakura that the Waru group was using him to start a war between the hidden villages. He was consumed by anger when they killed his family and took him as a weapon to harm people. In his rage, he inadvertently wiped out the entire village. Sakura wanted to save him because she couldn't save you."

Kankuro shook his head, turning to face the window to hide the tear that escaped his eye. He mumbled, "What a mess..."

Gaara cast his gaze downwards, contemplating the complexities of their intertwined pasts. He had never realized that Sakura had been carrying this burden of guilt all these years, even though she knew it wasn't her fault. Blaming Shukaku or herself seemed like an attempt to avoid implicating Rasa. Gaara couldn't find the words to address it, but his empathy for Sakura deepened.

As Sakura re-entered the room with Hikaru still clutching her skirt, the weight of their shared history hung heavy in the air. Gaara knelt down to Hikaru's level, trying not to appear intimidating. Hikaru met his gaze and stated firmly, "I don't want to leave."

Gaara smiled reassuringly and asked, "What if I told you you could live with us instead?"

Hikaru's face lit up with an almost radiant smile as he responded, "Really, are you sure?"

Gaara nodded and affectionately rubbed Hikaru's head. He then stood and turned to Sakura, kissing her forehead. With a hint of playfulness, he remarked, "You've completed your mission. Even though Hikaru did the hard part for you, I'm proud of you."

Sakura chuckled and playfully teased, "I'd hate to impose on you, but I didn't get my Shinobi headband yet."

Without hesitation, Gaara unclasped his Shinobi headband from his brown sash belt, tied it securely around Sakura's forehead, and declared, "You are officially a Genin now. Happy now?"

Sakura couldn't contain her excitement, and she screamed joyfully. She hugged Gaara tightly and squealed, "Thanks, Gaara."

Gaara, despite his stoic demeanor, blushed slightly but maintained his composure. He instructed Sakura, "Take him home and enjoy the rest of the day off."

Sakura tenderly caressed his chest and asked, "Are you sure?"

Gaara nodded, offering a reassuring smile. Behind Gaara, his older brother Kankuro wore an equally satisfied smile, proud of Sakura for achieving such a significant milestone after all her challenges. Sakura, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions, unexpectedly rushed to Kankuro and embraced him tightly. He blushed but returned the hug, still sporting that warm smile. She carried Hikaru in her arms as they left the Kazekage building and stepped outside into the warm, golden sunlight that bathed Sunagakure's streets.

With a playful grin, Sakura looked down at Hikaru and said, "How about we have some fun, Hikaru? Ever pretended to be a flying machine before?"

Hikaru's eyes lit up excitedly, and he shook his head vigorously. "Flying machine?"

Sakura laughed and gently set Hikaru down on his feet. She crouched beside him, spread her arms like wings, and said, "Okay, Hikaru, hold on tight!" With that, she began to lift him, carrying him through the air as if he were a flying flying machine.

Hikaru's laughter filled the air as he pretended to soar through the sky, his arms outstretched. Sakura twirled him around, carefully making flying machine sounds as they "flew" around the area. It was a simple and joyous moment, a chance for Hikaru to experience the carefree happiness of childhood.

Sakura asked, "Hikaru, would you like to see more of Sunagakure before we head home for dinner? I can show you some of the beautiful places in our village."

Hikaru's eyes sparkled with excitement, and he nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, please! As long as you're with me."

Sakura smiled warmly and ruffled Hikaru's hair affectionately. "Of course, I'll be right here with you. Let's go explore, Hikaru."

Hand in hand, they set off on their adventure, ready to discover the hidden treasures of Sunagakure together. The bond between Sakura and Hikaru continued to grow stronger with each passing moment, and they both cherished the special connection they had found in each other's company.

They walked through the bustling streets of Sunagakure; she couldn't help but notice how curious the young boy was, his wide eyes taking in everything around him. The village was lively, with merchants hawking their wares, children playing in the streets, and Shinobi on patrol. Sakura pointed out various landmarks and explained the village's layout to Hikaru, who listened quickly.

They came across a grand paper-constructed sign by a restaurant displaying the stone water fountain, symbolizing their village's alliance with the Hidden Stone Village. Sakura pointed towards it and said, "Look, Hikaru, would you like to see the fountain and make a wish?"

Hikaru nodded. "Yeah," he cheered. 

As they continued down the labyrinthine streets, Sakura suddenly realized she had lost her way. She chuckled nervously and admitted, "Oops, I got us a bit turned around. I can't believe I forgot where the fountain was. Maybe we should ask someone for directions."

Turning towards a nearby figure leaning against the narrow alleyway's entrance, Sakura waved to get their attention. She politely asked, "Excuse me, sir, do you know how to use the stone fountain from here?"

The man in the grey cloak didn't respond, his unfriendly demeanor giving Sakura an uneasy feeling. She instinctively gripped Hikaru's hand tighter to ensure he was safe by her side.

Just as she was about to turn away, a tall, imposing figure emerged with a wicked grin from the shadows. The Wagu rogue Shinobi stepped forward and sneered at Sakura, concocting a lie on the spot, "Well, well, what do we have here? A pretty little Shinobi girl with a little lost boy. Would you mind handing him over to us? We've chatted with his parents, who hired us to bring him back to them."

Sakura's protective instincts kicked in immediately. She couldn't allow the Wagu members to claim Hikaru after their previous encounter. Confident and relentless, she retorted, "I can't do that."

The tension in the alleyway thickened, and Sakura prepared herself to defend Hikaru and ensure his safety at all costs.

The Wagu leader chuckled darkly and gestured to his comrades. "I don't think you understand the situation. We don't take no for an answer."

Without hesitation, Sakura prepared for a battle she had not expected. 

The rogue Shinobi advanced, forming hand seals and preparing their jutsu, but Sakura was ready. 

One of the Wagu Shinobi, his eyes gleaming gold and his hair a deep brown, charged at Sakura, manipulating white cloth with remarkable skill. Sakura, her reflexes honed through years of training, expertly dodged a barrage of cloth attacks. She countered by swiftly tossing Kunai knives, each finding its mark in the fabric and pinning it to the walls of nearby structures.

Amid the chaos, villagers screamed and fled in all directions. Shop owners, valuing their precious merchandise, hastily closed their stores and hid behind their goods, determined to keep them safe at any cost.

Sakura seized her opportunity and used the Kunai-secured cloth as a makeshift rope, leaping onto it and scaling the wall with the agility of a seasoned ninja. She closed in on her assailant, but another rogue Shinobi, this one with Earth Release abilities, displayed astonishing strength. With a guttural roar, they expelled earth from within their body, sending it hurtling from their mouth. Sakura was thrown across the narrow market and crashed into a display on the opposite side.

The Earth Release Shinobi smirked, sensing the advantage they had. Swiftly, they manipulated their earth to create a protective barrier, conjuring walls of compacted soil around them on all sides. Undeterred by the formidable defenses, Sakura assessed the situation and devised a plan. Drawing her tekko-kagi, a set of metal claw-like weapons, she dashed headlong toward her opponent.

The Earth Release Shinobi, anticipating her movements, promptly shaped the earth into a barrier, forming a solid wall between them. Sakura, however, was prepared. She executed a skillful slide just in time, circumventing the newly formed earth barrier. Before the Shinobi could react, she lunged through the opening, breaking through each of the four earth barriers one by one with a burst of incredible strength.

In a split second, Sakura brandished her shamisen, a stringed instrument she had mastered, and leaped into the air. Strumming the shamisen precisely, she unleashed a powerful musical composition, creating a resonating sonic wave that crashed into her Earth Release adversary. The force of the wave shattered the remaining barriers and sent the Shinobi hurtling backward, knocking them unconscious.

Sakura couldn't help but silently cheer to herself as she declared, "One down." She swiftly made her way to the bustling market and returned with an oil lamp. With precise aim, she hurled it toward the ensnared Shinobi, who struggled to free his cloth from Sakura's Kunai. The oil lamp shattered upon impact, and as the flames danced and spread, the Shinobi let out agonized screams, writhing in pain as the fire consumed him.

Meanwhile, another Earth Release user had grown earth-covered fists and swung them menacingly in Sakura's direction. His movements, however, were ponderously slow, allowing Sakura to sidestep his attacks with ease gracefully. Sakura's keen eyes spotted a nearby electric sign affixed to the side of a building. Her mischievous smirk was unmistakable as she baited the Earth Release Shinobi to pursue her.

Intending to catch Sakura, the Shinobi manipulated the earth to create a series of obstacles in her path. Sakura skillfully navigated through the improvised hurdles despite his efforts, leading him closer to the electrified sign. At that precise moment, she gracefully sidestepped, and the Shinobi's mighty fists collided with the electrified sign, sending a jolt of electricity surging through his body. He convulsed in agony, incapacitated by the powerful shock.

Now, Sakura stood before the leader of the Wagu, unwavering and unafraid. She had dispatched his comrades with resourcefulness and determination, proving she was more than ready to confront the remaining threat head-on.

As Sakura approached the Wagu leader calmly and firmly, he couldn't help but break into a cold sweat, his fear palpable. She exuded an aura of unwavering determination, her eyes reflecting a resolute resolve that sent shivers down his spine. Sakura's gaze bore into him, and it felt like she held death's power.

Frustrated and shaken, the Wagu leader growled, "What the fuck are you?"

Sakura's smirk remained unfazed as she confidently declared, "I am Sakura, Princess of the Sand."

Without hesitation, Sakura retrieved her tekko-kagi and gracefully leaped into the air, poised for battle. However, before the confrontation could escalate further, a sudden burst of sand erupted between them, forcibly separating the combatants and compelling them to retreat. Gaara and Kankuro had arrived on the scene, commanding attention and respect.

As Sakura turned to acknowledge her allies, the aftermath of her swift and calculated actions became evident. One Wagu member lay unconscious, his white cloth scorched and smoking. The Earth Release Shinobi had been subdued, with his earth-formed fists crumbling away and his protective shield disintegrated. Another Wagu member was sprawled unconscious atop the electric sign, still emitting sparks of electricity.

Kankuro, clearly taken aback by the swift and decisive resolution of the conflict, stammered, "What the fuck happened? Sakura, did you do all this?" The question hung in the air as everyone present marveled at Sakura's work of art across the market area. 

Hikaru dashed toward Sakura, his tiny arms enveloping her waist as he buried his head in the warm crook of her abdomen. Sakura lovingly stroked his hair and began recounting the recent events, and her voice tinged with relief and caution. "More members of the Wagu appeared and attacked us," she explained, "though it seems their leader has vanished."

Ever the vigilant protector, Gaara observed their surroundings with a discerning eye. "I can see you made good use of your environment," he acknowledged, "but remember that in the Chunin exams, you may not always have such advantages."

Kankuro chimed in, offering a more encouraging perspective. He gently nudged Gaara aside and praised Sakura, "Setting aside Gaara's negativity, I have to say you did an excellent job, especially for a Genin."

Gaara adjusted his focus back to Sakura, emphasizing the importance of their ongoing vigilance. "We need to remain on high alert in case their leader returns with intentions of kidnapping him," he cautioned.

Hikaru tugged on Sakura's skirt, his childlike innocence and weariness evident in his eyes as he pleaded, "Can we go home now?"

Sakura nodded warmly, her maternal instincts guiding her response. "Yes, that's a good idea," she agreed, her thoughts already shifting to ensuring Hikaru's safety and well-being.

As Gaara and Kankuro tended to the attack's aftermath, Sakura led Hikaru back to their home. Upon entering, her maternal instincts immediately kicked in when she noticed a few fleas bouncing off the boy's clothes, and she observed him occasionally itching himself.

Sakura couldn't help but gasp in concern for Hikaru's well-being. She knelt at his level and said, "Oh, you poor thing. We need to clean you up in the bathtub."

Confused by the unfamiliar term, Hikaru furrowed his brow and asked, "What's a bathtub?"

Sakura smiled warmly, gently taking his hand as she replied, "I'll show you. Come with me."

In the bathroom, Sakura turned on the hot water spout to fill the tub. She quickly removed Hikaru's filthy sand-covered robes, which were infested with bugs, and tossed them out of the window. Hikaru watched in fascination as the steaming hot water filled the tub, its clarity allowing him to see the bottom.

Hikaru relaxed, feeling the warmth enveloping him, finding comfort in the steamy room. Now unclothed and holding a soapy scrubber, Sakura brought over a couple of wooden stools. She explained, "I've been holding you all day, so I'll need to bathe too."

Sakura guided Hikaru to sit on the stool, her arms resting on his shoulders, gently coaxing him into a comfortable position. She scrubbed his tiny body behind him, ridding it of dirt, bugs, and debris. The soap suds turned a dark hue as they lifted away the grime. She methodically worked her way down his body, ensuring every inch was clean.

Once Hikaru was spotless, Sakura filled a bucket with hot water. She explained, "Now, we usually pour water on ourselves to cleanse before sitting in the bath, so we're not soaking in our dirt. Are you ready?"

Hikaru giggled excitedly, "Yeah, yeah!"

Sakura poured the hot water over his head, drenching his entire body. The soap instantly dissolved, leaving him squeaky clean. Sakura refilled the bucket with hot water, then crouched and lifted it over her head before pouring it over herself. Hikaru burst into laughter as the buckets of water splashed and cascaded around them.

Sakura lifted Hikaru off the tiled floor and said with a cheerful grin, "Time to dive in."

Hikaru cheered in agreement as she lowered him into the bath. The soap in the water bubbled up, creating ample white suds, and they played together, immersing themselves in the warm, cleansing bubbles, enjoying every moment of their newfound bond and comfort. The bathroom door swung open, revealing Gaara's surprised yet amused expression as he laid eyes on Sakura and Hikaru, sporting bundles of soap hats and beards. Gaara quickly covered his mouth with his hands, trying to suppress his laughter, which came out muffled but genuine. It was a rare sight to see Gaara laugh, and Kankuro, standing in the hallway, was equally taken aback and astounded by the moment. He couldn't help but express his shock, asking, "You're laughing? How? Why?"

Approaching the steaming hot room, Kankuro witnessed the heartwarming scene of Sakura in the tub with Hikaru, both wearing the bubbles they had created. Sakura, with a smirk on her face, commented, "Do you mind closing the door? It's cold. Either in or out."

The brothers entered the bathroom and sat on the two stools Sakura had set aside. Kankuro couldn't help but chuckle as he observed the scene, "Looks like the two of you are having fun."

Still in high spirits, Hikaru giggled, "I love bubbles."

Gaara raised an eyebrow, smirking as he responded, "We can tell."

Eager to get an update, Sakura inquired, "Did you find the Wagu leader?"

Kankuro nodded and replied, "No, it's almost like he vanished into thin air. We returned to the office to check our records to see if we recognized him, but only one figure stood out. The rogue is from Ishigakure, between the Land of Earth and Wind, which explains their skills in earth release."

Gaara added his insights, "Rogue Shinobi from Sunagakure and Ishigakure joining forces so they can control both lands. Most likely, you saw the Sunagakure Rogue Shinobi group at the other village, who were waiting to meet up with Ishigakure Rogue Shinobi to develop a plan together when they realized the child was so young."

Sakura sighed, "Well, speaking of the office, you might want to hire someone to clean your office. He came home with me, and I saw fleas."

Kankuro's face contorted in horror as he scratched his arms and stomach feverishly, whining, "Are you serious?"

Gaara sighed, resigning himself to the inevitable cleaning task, "We'll have to clean up the house and my office building."

His innocent eyes filled with worry, Hikaru asked quietly, "Did I do something wrong?"

Sakura, quick to reassure the boy, replied, "No, bugs are to blame, not you."

Kankuro, in a state of post-traumatic stress, hurriedly removed his clothes and began scrubbing his flesh so vigorously that it almost seemed as if he intended to scrub himself raw. He lamented, "I really wanted to forget about my fight with Shino in Konoha."

Gaara, on the other hand, displayed his characteristic calmness. He took his time cleaning himself gracefully, dropped the bucket of hot water over his head, and then slid into the large tub. Sakura scooped up a mound of suds and began shaping it into a Kazekage hat on Gaara's head. While it might not have been perfect, it certainly didn't disappoint. Playfully, they splashed water at Kankuro, who continued to scrub himself fervently.

Sakura laughed and declared, "Okay, we've been here far too long. Let's get out so I can cook some dinner."

Having rinsed the soap from his hair, Gaara agreed, "Good, I'm starving."

All three of them eventually stood up, water cascading down their bodies. Gaara climbed out of the tub first, making way for Kankuro, who seemed determined to clean every inch of himself. He remarked, "I'll get out when dinner is ready."

Sakura then shifted her attention to Hikaru, carefully pulling him out of the bath and gently drying him off with a clean towel. She asked, warm and inviting, "What would you like for dinner?"

Still in high spirits, Hikaru shook his wet head, sending droplets flying, and cheerfully replied, "Hamburger!"

Gaara inquired with a hint of concern, "How much hamburger have you had recently?"

His eyes shone with enthusiasm; Hikaru beamed proudly and proudly stated, "I eat hamburger three meals a day."

Gaara sighed, muttering, "That's not something to cheer about..."

Sakura chuckled warmly and reassuringly said, "How about I make you something special?"

Hikaru couldn't contain his excitement, his voice filled with anticipation as he exclaimed, "Hamburger, hamburger!"

Kankuro, listening to their conversation from within the bubbled water, couldn't help but shake his head. He remarked, "I thought protecting him would be the hardest part. I was wrong."

Her tone filled with determination and love, Sakura replied, "We'll figure it out one day at a time."  The Kazekage family cared for young Hikaru for a week without any signs of the Wagu's presence. However, this didn't deter them from bolstering the village's security, with additional Jonin and Anbu Black Ops tasked with vigilant surveillance to detect any suspicious activities related to individuals listed in the Bingo Book. Nevertheless, as they say, life can take an unexpected turn in the blink of an eye, faster than anyone's mind can comprehend.

In the dimly lit dining room, Sakura enters, carrying a chocolate cake adorned with powdered sugar and seven brightly lit candles. She sets the cake in front of Hikaru, who's sporting a purple birthday cap. With a wide, beaming smile, he takes a deep breath and blows out the candles, instantly flooding the room with light. Hikaru finds himself encircled by the Kazekage family of different ages and stages in life. Gaara is in his early teens, while his older siblings and Sakura are approaching their late teenage years. It's a family that cares for each other deeply, their bonds strong enough to navigate life's challenges without always needing the guidance of adults.

Temari grinned as she playfully pinched Hikaru's cheeks, admitting, "You know, I wasn't exactly thrilled with the idea of having a child here who's much younger than us, but he's grown on me." Sakura nodded in agreement and added, "He's made significant progress with his separation anxiety." Kankuro, with a sense of pride, affectionately patted Sakura on the back and remarked, "Hikaru doesn't cling to your skirt anymore."

Opposite Hikaru, Gaara nodded in his usual manner without uttering a word. Sakura removed the candles from the cake, slicing into it and revealing the rich, molten chocolate inside. Hikaru couldn't contain his excitement and clapped his hands with joy.

As the sand outside grew wilder, Gaara quickly glanced at the round windows, beads of sweat forming under his deep red hair. He silently adjusted his posture in his chair and exchanged nods with Kankuro and Temari. Temari leaned close to Sakura and whispered urgently, "Get down."

Confused and frightened, Sakura stammered, "What?"

Suddenly, a loud explosion resonated in the distance, causing Gaara to react swiftly. He raised a protective shield of sand in front of the long dining room wall. Temari, acting quickly, grabbed Sakura's shoulder and pushed her to the floor beside her, while Kankuro did the same with Hikaru to shield them from harm. The blast struck Gaara's sand barrier, but only a gust of wind blew through, knocking over the dining room table and scattering the food. Gaara, maintaining his stoic demeanor, calmly stated, "Wagu..."

The Wagu leader smiled, confidently declaring, "This time, I won't lose."

Kankuro, his brow furrowing in response, retorted, "How can you say that when you're at a clear disadvantage..."

With his mood soured, Gaara drew upon the swirling sand from the brewing storm around him. He skillfully manipulated the sand, launching it into the sky to catch the elusive Wagu leader. However, the nimble adversary managed to evade Gaara's sand assaults with the agility of a fly.

The Wagu leader had distanced himself from the house, seeking a more advantageous position. As Gaara pursued, the rogue unleashed earth formations in a desperate attempt to halt his pursuer. Yet Gaara expertly employed his sand, creating protective barriers that deflected the incoming attacks, allowing him to chase after his quarry persistently.

Temari gently touched Sakura's arm, reassuring her, "Take Hikaru somewhere safe. We've got you covered."

Sakura nodded in agreement, her concern for Hikaru's safety driving her actions. She grasped Hikaru's hand firmly and led him towards the back door, determined to protect him from the threat of the approaching enemy. During the chaos, Hikaru could only think about how the Wagu had ruined his birthday. Confused and anxious, he questioned, "Where are we going?"

Sakura scanned the property, and her memory kicked in, recalling Kankuro's puppet room underground. She realized it could be a secure hiding place. Determinedly, she replied, "I've got the perfect place."

Upon reaching the underground room, Sakura swung open the door, allowing Hikaru to enter first before closing it firmly behind them, sealing them off from the outside danger.

They descended the long, creaking wooden stairs; their footsteps hushed in the eerie puppet-filled room. Puppet arms and legs dangled ominously from the ceiling, surrounded by an imposing array of weaponry. Beneath layers of sand, the earth trembled and rumbled with the ongoing battle above, the sounds reverberating through the cave that offered them refuge. The intense conflict continued for nearly an hour, the echoes of war echoing around them.

The shockwaves sent Hikaru tumbling to the ground, his small form toppling over. Sakura quickly dropped to her knees, instinctively clutching onto him protectively. Above them, the puppet limbs suspended from the ceiling clattered like an eerie instrument, creating a dissonant cacophony. Hikaru, in distress, covered his ears with tiny hands, pressing them tightly against Sakura's chest for solace.

The relentless quakes intensified as Gaara continued his fierce battle near the house, their tremors oscillating between proximity and distance, keeping everyone on edge. As the turmoil subsided, the lingering dust slowly settled, and Hikaru cautiously uncovered his ears, his wide-eyed gaze sweeping across the room. It was now enveloped in a fine layer of powdered earth and sand, the air so thick with dust that visibility was severely compromised. Coughing through the dense atmosphere, they huddled together, waiting anxiously for someone to discover their whereabouts.

A small, circular, eye-like formation appeared in the sand, signifying Gaara's search for Sakura. She pointed it out to Hikaru, whispering, "Look, Hikaru. Lord Kazekage is searching for us. Greet him so he knows we're here."

Hikaru's face lit up with a bright smile as he waved at the sand-covered eye and greeted, "Hello, Lord Kazekage."

Moments later, the eye-shaped formation dissipated into a fine dust, fading into the surrounding air. Sakura led Hikaru up the stairs, returning to the natural light outside. It wasn't long before the Kazekage siblings finally appeared, diligently searching for them.

Temari crossed her arms, displaying a mix of relief and irritation, and commented, "We've been scouring the entire place for you—hiding in Kankuro's Puppet room, huh?"

Kankuro mumbled under his breath, his voice barely audible, "I have a lot of personal stuff in there..."

Temari playfully nudged her brother and smiled reassuringly, "All that matters is that you're safe."

Sakura couldn't shake off her unease, still haunted by the memories of the Wagu's attack a year ago. She inquired, her voice tinged with concern, "Where's the Wagu leader?"

Gaara, though not particularly proud of his outburst fueled by anger, cast a contemplative gaze at the aftermath of his massive sand burial jutsu. Sakura couldn't help but smirk and inquired, "So, can we consider our worries over now?"

Kankuro said, "He managed to dig holes under the walls to infiltrate Sunagakure undetected. I suggested to Gaara that we should trace back to where he came from to assess any potential threats. For now, Granny Chiyo is safeguarding the Suna-Tessen."

Filled with worry, Sakura asked, "Are you going alone?"

Kankuro crossed his arms confidently and replied, "Yeah, why?"  For a moment, Kankuro was momentarily perplexed. Balancing his duties within the village had taken its toll on him, causing him to forget to spend quality time with his best friend and secret lover. He gently caressed Sakura's cheek and tenderly explained, "I can't bring you on this mission because your presence is needed here. Hikaru relies on you more than anything right now. I'll postpone the mission for today so we can have some time together."

Sakura hadn't expected him to deny her from accompanying him, but Kankuro's rationale was sound. She had a responsibility to care for Hikaru until he was self-reliant. She nodded completely understanding, although her heart silently pleaded for him not to go. As they had reminded her countless times, the life of a Shinobi was far from easy.

Temari chuckled and declared, "I'm starving, so come on inside. I'll take over dinner duties tonight."

Gaara and Kankuro exchanged glances, trying to recall if Temari had ever cooked for them. They needed help remembering her culinary skills. Gaara turned to his brother and inquired, "Has she ever cooked for us?"

Kankuro, feeling a tad suspicious and uneasy, replied, "I have no idea. Why don't you let Sakura cook tonight?"

Temari, clearly determined, placed her hands on her hips and asserted, "I'm cooking so that Sakura can have a break. Preparing meals for the whole family twice daily isn't easy."

Of the three observers, Sakura was the only one looking forward to trying Temari's cooking, her excitement evident. Meanwhile, the boys wore expressions of mild sorrow, seemingly prepared for a night of starvation. As the family prepared to enter the house, they momentarily forgot about the sizable hole in the dining room wall. Gaara broke the silence with a calm remark, "I can create a temporary fix until someone can come and make the repairs."

Temari hugged herself, shivering slightly, and added, "I hope they arrive soon because I can already feel the chills."

Gaara raised his arm and deftly manipulated the sand, conjuring a solid wall made of rock and mud. Granny Chiyo strolled through the newly mended wall, wearing a smile approving of Gaara's impressive repair work. 

Hikaru joyfully sprinted toward Granny Chiyo, his tiny arms stretched high, celebrating her arrival. He cheered, "Granny!" and embraced her tightly, showering her affectionately.

Granny Chiyo chuckled warmly, "I heard it was someone's birthday today."

With a wide grin, Hikaru proudly displayed all seven of his fingers to her, exclaiming, "Seven? Oh my, you're practically a big boy now."

Temari extended a welcoming gesture, saying, "Would you care to join us for a meal?"

Granny Chiyo graciously accepted, replying, "Nothing would make me happier."

Granny Chiyo joined Sakura and Temari in the kitchen while Gaara, Kankuro, and Hikaru worked to clean up the dining room. As they gathered around the table to enjoy their meal, the dining room looked as good as new, almost as if the earlier altercation had never happened, save for the visible makeshift repairs on the wall. They sat together like a genuine family, their conversation filled with hope for the future despite their challenges in a village where not everyone embraced Gaara's role as Kazekage. Rebels lurked in the shadows, unwilling to risk death or imprisonment by openly opposing him.

After cleaning everything up, Granny Chiyo left and returned to her duties.

"Thank you for having me, as usual. I'll be around if anyone needs me," Granny Chiyo said with a warm smile as she headed for the door. The family members simultaneously bid her farewell, except for little Hikaru, who ran to her and grasped her robes, pleading, "Granny, don't go."

Granny Chiyo's heart warmed for him. She felt sad, knowing that most of her closest family members were orphans living together under one roof. She gently explained, "I'm sorry, Hikaru. I have to go home now to my brother. He can't live without me either."

Desperation filled Hikaru's eyes as he asked, "Can I come?"

Granny Chiyo glanced up at Sakura and the siblings, who nodded approvingly. She then looked back at Hikaru and smiled, saying, "Okay, but just for one night, you can sleep over."

Little Hikaru cheered excitedly, following Granny Chiyo out of the house, ready to explore the world, knowing he was no longer in danger.

A child's absence allowed the others to regain freedom and return to their everyday lives. Kankuro shrugged and headed out of the house, returning to his puppet cave. Gaara, on the other hand, left for a meeting with the Suna council. Temari playfully winked at Sakura and encouraged her, saying, "Go on, girl, give 'em a chase!"  Blushing, Sakura quickly exited the door, eager to catch up with her boyfriend. Ever so quietly, Gaara snuck up behind her, staring at what he desired under her skirt. He caressed her left cheek up her spine. Sakura pushed the drawer in and asked, "What are you up to Lord Kazekage?" 

"Its hard to work with you around, "Gaara admitted, pushing her body down on the filing cabinet. He lifted her skirt and slapped her butt cheeks bright red. 

Sakura gasped, "Ouch! I can't help that I'm so juicy." 

Gaara quietly replied. "I can't work while I'm hard, so bend over and take it." 

Bent over, she ascended to her toes, lifting her rear end. Sakura moaned, "I'm more than happy to serve you as your sex toy whenever you need me to be, Lord Kazekage."

Revealing his aggressive side of Gaara, he released his erect penis and pulled her hair back, plowing it inside. Her cheeks clapped against his body as he thrust into her wet insides splashed about. The filing cabinet creeked at each movement he made on her. She screamed as Gaara felt her tighten and twitch as she squirted on his penis. Sakura had gone limp from exhaustion. 

Gaara smirked, "So that's it, you like it rough. Well, I'm not done with you yet." 

He quickened his pace and grasped her neck with his left hand, then forced her to suck on his index finger as he pulled her hair with his right hand. Gaara felt her warm fluids surround his penis at his climactic moment. He pushed it in so forcefully that the filing cabinet moved, and he released his creamy load inside her. Gaara kindly lifted her off the cabinet to kiss her soft lips. The heat between them made the room steam up, and the windows fogged. With Sakura's help, Gaara returned to his desk, allowing him to focus on the work he was eager to complete before retiring for the night.  Sakura felt her cheeks flush as she approached Gaara's desk. She was utterly enamored with him, rendering her almost speechless as she gazed into his captivating sky-blue eyes. Gaara, slightly puzzled, inquired, "What's wrong?" Sakura finally mustered the courage to respond, saying, "I need to go home and freshen up. I'm still a bit wet." Gaara chuckled and reassured her, "Go ahead, I'll join you shortly." Sakura nodded and swiftly departed through the roof, gracefully leaping across buildings to avoid the giant scorpions lazily roaming the village. However, as she reached her home, she noticed Kankuro's puppet room and recalled that he was leaving the following morning. Her affection for him compelled her to spend time with him before his departure.

She strolled toward the puppet room, swirling sand danced around her face and hair, giving her a serene presence. She mulled over what to say to Kankuro, knowing it was soon after they had just seen each other inside the house.

Upon opening the door and descending the stairs, she greeted him warmly, "Hey, Kankuro. When you return from your mission, would you like to go on another date?"

Kankuro, inside Crow's mouth, while installing its arsenal, chuckled with a hint of amusement, "For you, Sakura, I'd go anywhere you want."

Curious, Sakura noticed the large scrolls leaning on the desk and inquired, "What are those?"

Proudly, Kankuro replied, "These are my summoning scrolls. They let me summon my puppets without having to carry them everywhere."

Impressed, Sakura complimented him, "That's incredible, Kankuro. You come up with such ingenious ideas."

Kankuro blushed slightly and scratched his head, humbly saying, "Well, it wasn't entirely my original idea. I learned it by watching Granny Chiyo."

Sakura leaned in and kissed Kankuro gently on the cheek, smiling as she expressed her admiration, "That doesn't change how proud I am of you for working so hard to protect me and our village."

An intense tingling sensation slithered through his spine, giving him a chill. Kankuro raised Sakura on his workbench, kissing her violently.

Kankuro moaned, "I love you so much it kills me." 

"I love you too." 

His hands lifted her shirt, and he sucked on her breasts. Sakura cupped her mouth and held back her screams of pleasure. The feeling was overwhelmingly hot. Kankuro, her legs over his shoulder, then rubbed the tip of his penis on her clitoris.

Kankuro groaned and asked, "How badly do you want it?" 

Her vagina soaked, Sakura cried, "Fuck me, Kankuro, I can't take it anymore." 

She screamed when he shoved his erect penis inside, but Kankuro pressed his hand on her mouth to shut her up. Holding on to her shoulders and thighs, he thrust so hard her brain rattled. A gush of cum squirted inside of her. Sakura clothed herself while Kankuro cleaned up the mess dripping between her thighs. Kankuro affectionately nuzzled his face against Sakura's, gently kissing her forehead. 

Kankuro held Sakura close, savoring the embrace as if it might be their last before his departure. Suddenly, Sakura remembered that Gaara would be returning home soon, and the last thing she wanted was for him to find her in this situation. She hurried to the door and explained, "Gaara's coming home soon, and it wouldn't sit well with him if he found me here, so I'll be taking a shower, okay?" Kankuro chuckled and replied, "Yeah, I'd rather not have a disagreement with a Jinchuriki." Sakura smiled in agreement and swiftly left the puppet room, heading into the house.

As she entered, Sakura noticed Temari standing by the door, seemingly as if she hadn't moved an inch since her departure. The house appeared to have been tidied up a bit, indicating that Temari had done some cleaning while she was away. Temari smirked at Sakura's disheveled appearance and teased, "Looks like you were having some fun." Blushing furiously, Sakura decided to evade further discussion about her complicated feelings and headed upstairs to shower. She did not intend to share her love triangle details with Temari. The Hidden Sand Village enjoyed relative peace and stability for the next two years.