Chapter 20: The Red Sand

When Sakura awoke the following day, she was overwhelmed with grief and morning sickness. The house was eerily quiet, and her solitude frightened her. She hurried downstairs and vacated the home to find the Kazekage's office empty. Her priorities shifted to preserve sanity. Sakura slowly approached Gaara's desk, her fingers gently grazing the edges as she went behind the desk to touch his chair. She clung to it as though it were her sole connection to the memory of him while he was still alive. Her gaze then shifted towards the window, where her eyes adjusted to the sight of the entrance still in ruins, effectively trapping the villagers inside. 

Baki silently entered the room and folded his arms, observing Sakura as she gazed out the window at the villagers' daily activities. He said, "Sakura, we're about to have a council meeting, and I thought it might be a good idea for you to attend."

Sakura inquired, "Why the sudden change of heart?"

Baki replied, "Don't paint me as the villain. I've always been on your side. I'm officially leaving you in charge during Gaara's absence. Just remember that the Sunagakure council makes the final decisions."

Sakura's face lit up with gratitude as she joined him in the hallway. "Thank you, Lord Baki."

As they strolled through the hallway together in comfortable silence, Sakura couldn't help but steal glances at the white fabric covering half of Baki's face. She still hadn't discovered the reason for him concealing his left eye.

Baki turned towards her and added, "I wanted to let you know that we're in the process of repairing the village entrance with the help of Chunin and Jonin Shinobi. I've instructed them to be cautious, especially regarding potential paper bombs. Early this morning, I dispatched four Jonins to locate the Akatsuki's hideout. They must avoid combat at all costs and return with a detailed report."

Concerned for Kankuro and Gaara, Sakura inquired, "Will they also be searching for Kankuro?"

Baki grinned, "Half of the team has been assigned to search for him."

Baki courteously held the door ajar for Sakura, allowing her to enter the meeting room. The previously peaceful council members ceased their murmurs as Sakura entered. The room was adorned with a large, round table to accommodate a leader's position. Sakura confidently occupied the head of the table, with Baki taking his place beside her. These council members were no strangers to her; she had been in meetings with them before.

Jōseki, one of the council members who bore noticeable lines beneath his eyes and running parallel to his nose, was adorned in the standard attire of a Sunagakure Senior, complete with a turban. He possessed black hair and dark eyes, giving him a distinguished appearance.

Jōseki placed his hands on the table, interlocking his fingers, and inquired, "Lady Sakura, are you stepping in for Lord Kazekage?"

Sakura nodded with pride, asserting, "Indeed, I am."

Goza, one of the elders, sported dark eyes and brown hair concealed by the ghutrah he wore. His full beard and traditional attire for a Sunagakure Senior, which included a dark kimono beneath a light-colored haori and a poncho, gave him a distinguished air.

Goza brought up the matter of their next course of action following Gaara's defeat, stating, "Now we must discuss our response to Lord Kazekage's defeat. We should consider selecting a candidate for the position of the sixth Kazekage."

Sakura, vehemently opposed to any suggestion that Gaara was no longer alive, couldn't contain her outburst. "Why are you discussing Lord Kazekage as if he were deceased?"

"We acknowledge the profound bond you share with Lord Kazekage and Lord Kankuro, but rest assured, our perspective is not rooted in personal sentiments. The Akatsuki represent a formidable assembly of rogue Shinobi with the strength to challenge even a Kage's authority. Why should we presume anyone, other than the Kage themselves, can take on this challenge?"

Sakura responded firmly, "Obtaining the title of Kage doesn't automatically equate to being the most powerful Shinobi in the village. It should have been me in that battle, not Gaara."

Goza reacted with amusement, waving his arms as he retorted, "Are you implying you're mightier than the Kazekage?"

Baki came to Sakura's defense, explaining, "Last night, I delved into Sakura's background, discovering she was one of the candidates to become a Jinchuriki. She received training in using Kekkei Genkai music releases from the Sand siblings. Her Yin Release allows her to perform Genjutsu and renders her immune. Let's not forget that she possesses mastery over Wind, Lightning, Earth, and Water Releases. Kankuro also imparted his puppetry techniques to her. Lord Kazekage acknowledged her potential, lauding her creative mind, making her an extraordinarily formidable and unwavering Shinobi."

The room fell silent, taken aback by this revelation. They were unaware of this information, as Sakura still mastered and controlled her various abilities. Training in so many disciplines concurrently was a demanding undertaking, and Sakura was not yet the most powerful Shinobi in the village.

Joseki stood from his chair, his expression marked by a deep frown as he proposed, "We should consider voting for Sakura to become our next Jinchuriki and potentially our next Kazekage, with Kankuro serving as her protector."

Another council elder, Sajo, garnered attention by forcefully slamming his hands on the table. His shoulder-length dark hair was concealed beneath a ghutrah, and he wore the customary attire of the Sunagakure Seniors.

Sajo's voice reverberated as he vehemently argued, "Now is not the time to discuss potential candidates for a new Kazekage."

Ryusa, with his dark eyes, strong jawline, and fairly thickset build, offered a counterpoint, saying, "If we contemplate the worst-case scenario, should we not seize the initiative?"

Sajo's response was equally forceful, as he confronted Ryusa, declaring, "Our top priority should be the rescue of Lord Kazekage."

Undeterred, Ryusa retorted, "Securing the village's safety is paramount. Assuming that Kankuro and Gaara may not return alive, we must focus on safeguarding the village by appointing a new Kazekage."

Sajo sighed deeply, asserting, "In times like these, we cannot afford to divide our already limited forces. Splitting our resources between a rescue mission and village security is reckless. Our primary focus must remain the rescue of Lord Kazekage."

Ryusa, growling with frustration, confronted Sajo, demanding, "What did you say?"

In a burst of fiery determination, Sakura rose to her feet, her face flushed with intensity as she cried out, "Enough!"

Her authoritative voice sliced through the tension, silencing the room. Only Baki, with a surprised and subdued tone, spoke, "Sakura..."

Sakura pressed on with her argument, her tone firm and resolute. "Shinobi from Konohagakure and Sunagakure have already been dispatched to rescue Lord Kazekage. Our Chunin and most of our Jonin are diligently securing and safeguarding the village. The rescue mission comprises less than ten percent of our Shinobi force, so our defense remains intact. This meeting is now concluded."

One by one, most elders silently filed out of the room, leaving only Sajo and Joseki engaged in a calm conversation. With an appreciative nod, Baki rose from his seat and gazed out the window. Sakura's handling of the political matters thus far had left a favorable impression, and she appeared to be a viable candidate should the situation worsen.

Baki inquired, "Are you and Lord Kazekage in a relationship?"

Sakura's cheeks reddened, and she nervously twiddled her thumbs. "We officially started dating before their first Chunin exams. But, before that, we were best friends."

Curious, Baki asked, "Have you ever considered marriage?"

Sakura let out a sigh. "We never had the opportunity to talk about it. His mind is overly focused on protecting the village from the Akatsuki. I'm sure that once the situation among the hidden villages is resolved, he'll bring it up."

Baki cautiously probed, "Why are you certain he'll return alive?"

A single tear rolled down Sakura's cheek, and she replied with a trembling voice, "He better come home because I am pregnant with his child."

Baki's eyes widened in utter shock, looking like they might pop out of his head. He somberly said, "For the sake of your unborn child, I hope he survives."

Sakura quietly whispered, "Me too."

A Jonin hastily entered the room, his tone hurried and concerned. "An enemy trap was discovered in the rubble blocking the entrance. We're proceeding with its detonation now. Fortunately, there have been no casualties, but due to the explosion, a section of the entrance has collapsed. Repairs will take an extra half day."

Sakura sighed in frustration, muttering, "What a mess..."

Baki addressed the Jonin, his voice authoritative, "Organize those available for immediate dispatch to the repair site."

The Jonin acknowledged with a crisp, "Yes, sir," before rushing out to perform his assigned tasks.

Moments later, another Jonin entered the room, looking grave as he reported, "We've verified the bodies of those who were guarding the skies. There's little doubt that the enemy infiltrated the center of the village from the sky."

Sakura said, "We need more eyewitness statements from that night."

Baki nodded to the Jonin, who respectfully bowed to Sakura before exiting to attend to his duties. Almost immediately, another Jonin, appearing visibly exhausted and perspiring, rushed into the room. 

He delivered the news breathlessly, "The tracking unit has contacted us. Kankuro was discovered about half a day's journey from the village. He's unconscious and in critical condition. Some members of the tracking unit have recovered Kankuro and his puppets. They're on their way back to the village."

Sakura's desperation was palpable as she inquired, "What about Lord Kazekage?"

In response, Jonin assured her, "The remaining members of the tracking unit are in pursuit. There should be a report soon."

Faced with this critical situation, Sakura swiftly made a decision. "They will arrive with Kankuro by the late evening, so I will wait there and ask the hospital to prepare for their arrival."

Baki, acknowledging her resolve, nodded in agreement. He entrusted her with handling the impending situation involving Kankuro, fully aware that she would manage it efficiently. With a sense of purpose, Sakura proceeded to the hospital, her steps measured and focused, knowing they had ample time to prepare for Kankuro's arrival and the uncertain future ahead.

Sakura briskly entered the Sunagakure hospital's emergency section, her footsteps echoing in the stark, sterile hallway. Her eyes darted around, scanning the bustling area for any medical Shinobi or nurses available to assist her.

The air was urgently filled, and the distinctive antiseptic scent hung in the atmosphere. The hospital staff rushed from one patient to another, tending to the wounded and injured, victims of the recent chaos. Sakura's gaze locked onto the familiar sight of white-coated medical personnel in the distance, their presence reassuring in the chaos.

With determination in her eyes, she maneuvered her way through the hurried medical staff and approached a nurse. She gently tapped the nurse on the shoulder and requested assistance in a firm but urgent voice. "I must speak to a Medical-Nin who is available for a high-priority emergency."

The nurse, clearly accustomed to high-stress situations, nodded, her expression focused and ready. "Follow me, Lady Sakura," she said, leading Sakura through the maze of hospital beds and equipment to the area where medical professionals could provide immediate care. A Medical-Nin was on standby at a nearby nurse station for the next incoming emergency. The nurse approached the male Shinobi, robed in red with white headgear. 

The nurse asked, "Ginko, Lady Sakura requests your audience."

Ginko said with a bright, crooked smile and dark yellow eyes, "Lady Sakura, what a privilege to finally meet Lord Kazekage's right-hand assistant. What can I do for you?"

Sakura smiled and replied, "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Lord Kankuro sought to rescue his younger brother, but he was found injured half a day away from here. Four Jonins are currently carrying Kankuro here. They will be here no earlier than ten to twelve hours from now."

Ginko nodded, "I will have myself and two others ready for his arrival in treatment room three. I'll have the nurse stock up the room with supplies."

"Thank you, I appreciate your cooperation. I apologize for the inconvenience."

"No need to apologize, Lady Sakura. That is what we are here for. Please sit in our medical staff lounge while we prepare."

Sakura offered a thankful nod to Ginko, acknowledging his kind assistance. Her steps were purposeful and steady as she traversed the hospital's corridors. Guided by determination, she ventured deeper into the facility until her eyes fell upon a robust wooden door. A simple sign was affixed to it, bearing the words "Medical Staff Lounge."

This unassuming door held the promise of respite and solitude, providing her a sanctuary during a challenging time. With a firm grip on the doorknob, Sakura pushed the door open, ready to face the waiting hours ahead. The soft, sterile flooring muffled her footsteps. The room was dimly lit, with a sense of solitude hanging in the air.

Sakura sighed, embracing her fate. "Let's see what they've got in here."

The lounge had comfortable chairs and cozy couches arranged around a low table. Shelves lined the walls with medical journals, textbooks, and various scrolls. Sakura moved toward the shelves, her fingers tracing the spines of the scrolls and books as she scanned for something to occupy her thoughts. 

A subtle smirk graced Sakura's lips as her discerning eyes touched a particular scroll. It bore the simple yet weighty label "Shukaku." With measured intent, she reached out and carefully selected the scroll, the significance of its contents not lost on her.

Choosing the scroll was a conscious act that signified her determination to learn and understand, even in this moment of rest. She then went to a luxurious, velvety sofa, where comfort met her with open arms. Settling into the inviting embrace of the sofa, Sakura was ready to delve into the scroll's contents, prepared for the insights it might provide.

"Shukaku is the one-tailed beast with magnet, wind, and earth release chakra. Hagoromo created this massive sand beast with the hope that he would be summoned again. In the distant past, Hagoromo sent Shukaku to reside in a temple, which is now part of the Land of Wind. Before the First Shinobi World War, Bunpuku, a priest and elder, managed to capture Shukaku and used the beast's power until it was extracted. Bunpuku passed away after the extraction. Lady Chiyo seized the opportunity to bring Shukaku to Gaara," Sakura read.

 Sakura's focus shifted from her concerns about Kankuro's well-being to the captivating words on the pages before her, finding a temporary escape within the world of literature. The room remained her refuge, allowing her to endure the long hours of anticipation.

After finishing the book, Sakura put it back on the shelf and began taking notes on everything she had learned. A critical thought came to mind. Unable to trust the elders of Suna, she had constructed a necessary plan to become a Jinchuriki officially. 

As the hours flowed by, Sakura focused on her research, her abilities, and the enigmatic Shukaku. Her interactions with the scroll led to a sequence of movements, each shift in her position on the couch signifying a shift in her understanding. In one moment, she'd be lying down, immersed in the scroll's secrets, and the next, she'd be sitting curled in a fetal position, absorbed by the knowledge she uncovered.

As the ten-hour mark neared its conclusion, Sakura finally rose from the sofa, stretching her legs and giving herself a moment of respite. She stepped out of the room, her eyes trained on the double doors leading to the hospital's emergency room. She was ready to respond to any incoming emergencies with the same dedication and poise she had shown during her research.

"Coming through!" echoed the urgent cry of a Medical Nin, slicing through the hospital's tension.

The hospital doors swung wide to admit a gurney, its wheels squeaking softly as it glided into the hallway. Strapped to the gurney lay a figure with tousled, brown, spiked hair. Diligent nurses took hold of the gurney, skillfully guiding it through the winding corridors, gradually revealing the battered and grimacing visage of the patient: Kankuro. His usually precise face paint was now smudged, and the anguish etched across his features was evident.

During this hectic scene, Ginko emerged from the treatment hallway. He wasted no time issuing commands, his voice firm and authoritative, "Bring him to treatment room three." The medical team responded swiftly, ensuring Kankuro received the needed care.

Sakura walked close to them, her quiet presence respectful of their urgent task. In the hallway leading to the treatment room, Ginko and two other Medical-Nin clad in surgical protective gear came to Kankuro's aid. Sakura stood by the doorway, her anxiety and concern evident as she watched the unfolding scene.

With care, they swiftly removed the top half of Kankuro's clothing, revealing a gruesome puncture wound on his chest. An experienced healer, Ginko began channeling his healing chakra, focusing on mending the injury. Meanwhile, another Medical-Nin took on the task of carefully washing away the remnants of paint on Kankuro's face. The third member of the team busied themselves, preparing pain-relieving medication to alleviate his anguish.

As the treatment began, Kankuro writhed and groaned, his distress mirroring that of a wounded and trapped animal. His screams pierced the air, reflecting the unbearable pain he was enduring. Her heart was heavy with despair; Sakura stood there, tears welling in her eyes. The devastating realization that her best friend's life hung by a thread and her boyfriend was held captive, his fate uncertain, weighed on her like a crushing burden.

Overwhelmed with concern, Sakura demanded answers from the medical staff, her voice quivering, "What happened to him? What's going on here?"

Ginko, trying to reassure her, responded, "We're doing everything we can, Lady Sakura."

Desperation evident in her voice, Sakura implored, "Please, do something about his pain. He's suffering so much." 

A Medical Nin inquired, "Is it poison?"

"Prepare an antidote, Daiki," Ginko promptly ordered.

"Understood, sir," Daiki responded, promptly moving to the expansive counter that spanned the entire wall.

Ginko instructed, "Ryo, fetch me the water and disinfectant."

Ryo swiftly complied, presenting a bowl of water he had prepared on a steel tray trolley beside the bed. He placed a sterile towel alongside the bowl for Ginko to clean the puncture wound. In a well-coordinated effort, they administered pain medication and applied a cold compress to the wound. Daiki assisted Ginko in wrapping Kankuro's body with gauze and other materials. Once the treatment was completed, they exited the room to confer with Sakura.

Now freed from his medical headgear, Ginko rubbed the back of his head before addressing Sakura. "Keep a close watch on him tonight. Should you require assistance, don't hesitate to seek help from Ryo or one of the nurses. I'll go home for the night and return in the morning."

With that, Sakura entered the room and pulled up a chair beside Kankuro. He lay unconscious on the bed, his muscles twitching and his breathing labored, each inhalation resembling a gasp for air after narrowly escaping drowning.

Sakura carefully brushed the sand from Kankuro's hair, focusing entirely on her injured friend. Ryo sat on a stool opposite her, quietly observing the subtle shift in her expression as her eyebrows arched slightly upward. She had momentarily put aside her concerns about Gaara's predicament, trusting the Shinobi of Konoha and Suna to bring him back safely.

With a somber tone, Ryo shared, "I understand this might not be what you want to hear, but the antivenom we administered doesn't seem to be effective. It's possible that this is a new type of poison we're unfamiliar with. We may need assistance from medical Shinobi who specialize in dealing with venom."

Sakura's breath quickened, and her heart raced in response to the grim news. To lighten the mood, she let out a teary chuckle and confessed, "Kankuro and I were making smoke bombs, and we accidentally spilled scorpion venom powder all over the room. We weren't allowed back in for hours."

Ryo sympathetically nodded, saying, "I'm truly sorry to hear that. Let me prescribe you some Diazepam to help you through tonight."

Sakura offered a small smile despite her distress. "I appreciate the offer, but I don't feel comfortable taking medication while I'm pregnant."

"Congratulations, I hope Lord Kazekage returns safely to know the good news."

"Thank you..."

"I'll be in my office if you need me." 

Sakura acknowledged Ryo with a nod as he left the room. She then settled into the chair, curling up in a fetal position and closing her eyes. Determined to keep a vigilant watch over Kankuro, she struggled to stay awake. However, the exhaustion eventually overcame her, and she drifted into a deep, restless slumber throughout the night.

Eight hours later, Kankuro slowly opened his eyes, and his heart rate quickened as the effects of the medication in his system waned. He let out a groan and clenched the bed sheets tightly in his hands. His vision was slightly blurred, but he managed to tilt his head to the left, where he found Sakura's bright red eyes gazing at him. Despite the pain, he managed to speak, "Sakura..."

Sakura's eyes welled up with relief. She leaped off the chair and clutched his hand tightly, offering him the support he needed to endure these trying days. He felt grateful to have such a wonderful friend by his side.

Sakura's voice rang through the doorway, "Hey, Kankuro's awake. We need help over here, please."

Kankuro tightened his grip on her hand and asked, "Where's Gaara?"

"We've dispatched a unit to rescue him, and we've requested assistance from Konohagakure."

Baki rushed through the door, accompanied by Ginko, Ryo, and Daiki. They encircled him, checking his vital signs and administering more medication to alleviate his pain. Despite the drugs, his discomfort remained severe, and he knew he had to endure most of the symptoms with reduced pain thanks to the medication. His eyes were barely open.

Did you say he regained consciousness?" Baki inquired.

Sakura sobbed as she replied, "Yes, but he's barely able to speak. His condition has worsened since yesterday."

Kankuro struggled to breathe as he raised his voice to speak, "Baki... Is that you? It was him..."

Baki cautioned, "Don't raise your voice. It's not good for you in your condition."

"The red sand..." Kankuro struggled to say.

"The red sand? Where have I heard that before?" Sakura questioned.

"I see, that explains it..." Baki muttered, shock evident in his voice as he contemplated his next move.

Confused, Sakura asked, "Lord Baki?"

"Stay with him, Sakura. I must contact the honorable siblings to consult," Baki declared, then rushed out of the room faster than Sakura had ever seen him move.

The situation continued to deteriorate as more information unraveled for Sakura. She maintained her grip on Kankuro's hand as he gasped for air. He was utterly fatigued, and it pained her to know that she couldn't do anything to help. Sakura furrowed her brows as she pieced together the situation in her mind. She asked, "Kankuro, did Sasori do this?"

"Sasori is a member of the Akatsuki," Kankuro replied in his weakened state. He then went limp, and Sakura panicked. She cried, "Kankuro!"

Ginko informed, "He's unconscious again."

"Kankuro..."