Chapter 22: The Eight Shinobi Dogs

Suppressing her agony for the sake of Kankuro's survival, Sakura clung to him with unwavering resolve. Although he possessed greater physical strength, she adamantly refused to give in, driven by an overwhelming sense of urgency.

"Maintain your grip on him," Sakura Haruno commanded with a steadfast and unwavering tone. She embarked on the intricate procedure again, skillfully guiding the fluids into Kankuro's body while meticulously purging them of toxins. Each iteration was a precise and detailed endeavor, and Sakura Haruno persisted as the hours stretched on.

Ginko, diligent and unswerving, diligently assembled the necessary components, extracted vital fluids, and skillfully combined them in a bowl before passing them to Sakura Haruno. With dedication, she tirelessly worked to methodically rid Kankuro's organs of toxins. It was a demanding effort calling upon her expertise and steadfast endurance.

After hours of effort, Sakura Haruno wiped the sweat from her brow and declared, "I've successfully purged the toxins. With this, his life should no longer hang in the balance."

Finally releasing her tightly clutched hold, Sakura stood there, her figure soaked in blood, her gaze solemnly fixed on Kankuro's hand. Her heart was shattered in ways that mere words couldn't express, but she was acutely aware that every sacrifice she made was worth it to secure Kankuro's survival.

Naruto was the first to enter the room, offering his enthusiastic congratulations. "Incredible job, Sakura!"

Temari, on the other hand, retreated against the wall, slowly sliding down to sit. Her heart raced in her chest, and despite her deep breaths, her fear remained unyielding. As her gaze fell upon the pool of blood beneath Sakura's feet, mingling with everyone's shoes, she gasped loudly, struggling to come to terms with the shocking sight before her.

Baki stepped back, his attention drawn to the peculiar sensation under his shoe. As he traced the source of the blood, he found himself struck speechless, mirroring Temari's struggle to grasp the gravity of the situation entirely.

Meanwhile, Sakura Haruno remained in her focus, entirely unaware of the unfolding scene on the other side of the table. 

Determinedly, she declared, "We can't afford to rest just yet. I will now concoct an antidote to eliminate the remaining traces of toxin in his body."

Eager to assist, Ginko offered his support, assuring her, "I'm here to help in any way you require. Just tell me what you need."

Sakura Haruno welcomed the assistance and outlined her requirements: "I'll need a list of the medicinal herbs available in this village or something similar."

Ryo stepped forward, confirming his readiness to assist, and calmly assured her, "I'll fetch that for you."

Sakura Haruno continued, "Please replace all his bandages and set up an IV drip."

"Of course," Ginko responded promptly.

"Ensure that a small amount of the extracted toxin is kept aside for later use," Sakura instructed.

"Understood," Ginko acknowledged.

Granny Chiyo, not in the most pleasant mood, observed, "You remind me of the slug girl. To think someone like you would come here."

Sakura replied, "Yes, Lady Tsunade is my Sensei. She sent me here."

Granny Chiyo remained silent, her head lowered. Ryo returned with the list of herbs and handed it to Sakura Haruno, who left the room to prepare the antidote in another chamber.

Baki then announced, "Lady Chiyo, please come over here."

Naruto's eyes widened with alarm as he noticed a pool of blood spreading across the other side of the hospital bed. Trembling, he pointed at the crimson pool and inquired, "Is that... blood?"

Kakashi, who stood beside Naruto, shared his concern, questioning, "Is that Kankuro's blood?"

Granny Chiyo hurried to the opposite side of the table, where she found Sakura standing in the same place, her gaze fixed downward, clearly burdened by the distressing situation.

Baki gently responded, "No, Lady Sakura had a miscarriage..."

With the utmost empathy, Granny Chiyo held Sakura's hand and softly said, "Temari, I will need your assistance."

Temari nodded and bravely navigated through the blood to support Sakura, helping her into the adjoining bathroom and assisting her into the shower.

The past week had taken a heavy toll on everyone, particularly Sakura. Her fatigued expression and unresponsiveness deeply troubled them. In response to Sakura's condition, Granny Chiyo offered her some solace. She turned on the shower, calling upon Temari for support in this endeavor.

"Help her into the shower, Temari. I'll find a hospital robe for her to wear while she's there," Granny Chiyo instructed.

"Of course," Temari agreed. She carefully helped Sakura undress and guided her into the shower. As she did, she couldn't help but notice the blood still flowing down Sakura's legs, a sight that deeply concerned her. While Temari was aware of what a miscarriage was in terms of definition, she had no firsthand experience with it and felt unequipped to understand the situation entirely.

In a calm tone, Temari expressed, "I'm truly grateful Kankuro didn't lose his life. I'm not sure I'd ever get used to not hearing his cheeky jokes. The great news is that Neji, Tenten, and Lee are now supporting Gaara, and I'm confident that Naruto's team will soon catch up with them. So, I believe everything is going to be alright."

Sakura, in her thoughts, had suddenly snapped back to reality. Her desire to pursue the Akatsuki, now that her body was no longer carrying a child, burned within her. She yearned to make them pay for the emotional and physical pain they had inflicted and wasn't about to let them off lightly.

Before long, Granny Chiyo returned and, along with Temari, assisted Sakura in changing into her standard Shinobi attire after removing her maternity undergarments. They then helped her step outside the room, where everyone present gazed silently, their sympathy evident. The rhythmic beeping of the monitors provided a soothing backdrop to the stillness, a testament to the tireless efforts of the medical team in aiding Kankuro's recovery.

Sakura steadfastly avoided making eye contact with anyone except Kankuro. She tightly held his hand as he slowly stirred from what felt like an extended coma.

"Welcome back, Kankuro," Sakura whispered, her voice filled with relief and care.

"Kankuro, are you alright?" Temari inquired with concern in her voice.

Kankuro, surprised, responded, "Temari? You're back already?"

"I heard the village was facing a crisis," Temari explained.

Kankuro, with a tinge of regret, said, "I'm sorry for causing you to worry."

"You fool, don't say such things," Temari sighed, her affection for her brother evident.

Sakura said, "Please guide me to the location where Kankuro battled. Despite my appearance, I'm skilled in tracking. If there are any lingering traces of their scent..."

Kankuro interrupted with a firm tone, "There's no need for that."

"Kankuro..." Sakura whimpered softly, her worry and relief mixing.

He let out a painful groan as he gradually sat up, continuing, "My puppets... they've all been recovered, haven't they?"

Sakura affirmed, "Yes, the recovery team brought you back with them."

Kankuro, despite the pain, urged, "Fetch Crow so I can show you."

Sakura turned to Baki and asked, "Could you please locate where they're holding Kankuro's puppets and bring Crow here? Crow is the smallest one in the group."

Baki nodded and replied, "I'll inquire around," before leaving the room.

Naruto chuckled, "Having two Sakuras around is quite confusing, I have to admit."

Sakura Haruno smiled and remarked, "You guys must be close."

Temari responded, "We've known Sakura since childhood. She used to spend time with all of us individually. When she lost her family, we opened our home to her, so we're like family."

"That explains why we often see the four of you together," Sakura Haruno remarked.

Sakura explained further, "When the Akatsuki took Gaara, normally, we would have both been on a mission to rescue him. However, due to my pregnancy, Kankuro insisted I stay behind to protect the village."

"Don't blame yourself," Kankuro whimpered, his voice filled with pain and reassurance.

Baki entered the room, carrying the puppet on a large blue sheet. He gently placed it beside Kankuro's bedside. The puppet appeared heavily damaged, with limbs torn apart and in a sorry state. Sakura had never seen Crow in such a condition. Its mouth was agape, exposing its weapons, indicating extensive use.

Kankuro pointed at the puppet and said, "The enemy force consisted of two individuals. One of them took Gaara away. You need to follow Gaara's scent. Even if they split up, one of them... his scent is on that puppet. I left him holding a piece of his clothing in Crow's hand."

Kakashi swiftly grasped the fabric from Crow's hand and commended, "Even if you face defeat, you won't go down without a fight. That's exactly what I'd expect from a Sand Shinobi."

Kankuro proudly smirked, though the pain still gripped him. He gritted his teeth and clutched his chest, discomfort evident. Sakura, offering comfort, gently rubbed his shoulder and reassured him, saying, "Take it easy, okay?"

Kakashi, determined, bent his knees and firmly slapped his palm on the cold floor. He extended his index and middle fingers, pointing them upward beneath his chin to execute a summoning jutsu. Black symbols rapidly spread across the floor, followed by a substantial puff of smoke. Eight dogs materialized out of the dissipating clouds, adorned in blue shirts and Konoha headbands.

The small bulldog terrier with brown fur stepped forward and declared, "Eight Shinobi dogs at your service."

His face beaming with gratitude upon seeing his little companion, Naruto exclaimed, "Pakkun!"

Pakkun greeted Naruto with a friendly smile, saying, "Hey, Naruto, it's been a while."

"Pakkun, you haven't aged a day, have you?" Naruto exclaimed, extending his arms as if he expected a hug from the little bulldog terrier.

Pakkun playfully retorted, "Well, neither have you."

Slightly offended, Naruto responded, "Hey, I've grown quite a bit taller, you know."

Kakashi intervened, steering the conversation back to the task at hand. He allowed the dogs to sniff the black cloth in his hand and instructed, "Enough of the chitchat. I need you to get to work immediately. I was hoping you could determine which way he went. Now, go!"

The Shinobi dogs swiftly scattered, their four legs propelling them through the village streets in minutes.

Naruto stretched, wearing a confident smirk, and declared, "Once Pakkun and the others return, we're heading out, no doubt about it. We need to make preparations right away."

Kakashi, however, intervened, saying, "Hold on, Naruto."

The two elder siblings approached Kankuro, not surprised that they remained present, as Sasori was their grandchild.

With a determined tone, Granny Chiyo asked Kankuro, "I want to hear it again, directly from your mouth. There's no mistake that one of the two enemies was Sasori. Is that correct?"

Kankuro's eyes widened as he recalled the battle he had lost, a painful memory he knew would haunt him for the rest of his life. He gazed down at his lap, fixating on Sakura's hand firmly clasped around his, his distress evident.

Ebizo, growing impatient, inquired, "What about it, Kankuro?"

Kankuro said, "Yeah, it was Sasori of the Red Sand. He confirmed it himself."

Kakashi, intrigued, commented, "Sasori of the Red Sand, you say? This could provide us with valuable information about the Akatsuki. Can you elaborate?"

However, it was a topic the family preferred not to discuss. Sasori had led a challenging life in Sunagakure, akin to the black sheep in the family, and they harbored mixed feelings about his involvement with the Akatsuki.

The Sunagakure Shinobi provided a comprehensive account of what they knew about the Sasori of the Red Sand. As they delved deeper into the sensitive topic, it gradually became less uncomfortable, and the conversation continued until the day gave way to darkness.

Sakura Haruno returned with an antivenom, presented in liquid form. She carried it in a teapot and carefully placed it on a table beside the bed. Pouring the concoction into a ceramic cup, Sakura Haruno urged Kankuro to drink it forcefully. He obediently finished the medicinal cup but accidentally coughed as some of it went wrong.

"You should be fine now, I believe. Just lie down and rest without moving until the numbness subsides," Sakura Haruno advised.

Baki turned to address the Konoha Shinobi and suggested, "You all should also get a good night's rest."

Sakura, however, exclaimed, "No, we can't afford to waste any more time. Gaara hasn't been home in over a week."

Kakashi interjected, saying, "We'll take advantage of your offer. Tomorrow, we embark on a challenging journey. If that's acceptable to you, Sakura."

Sakura sighed and replied, "Yes, I understand."

The Konoha team gathered their belongings, preparing to depart. Amidst their cheerful chatter, they relished the knowledge of having saved a life. It was as they were on the verge of leaving the room that Kankuro fixed his gaze on Naruto.

"Naruto Uzumaki," Kankuro's voice resonated, "Look out for my little brother."

Naruto flashed a mischievous grin. "You can count on me. After all, I'm destined to become the Hokage. So, I'll extend a favor to the Kazekage beforehand."

His bold statement left Temari, Baki, and Sakura with widened eyes and dropped jaws, utterly astonished by his unexpected words. Kankuro and Temari, known for their reserved feelings toward Gaara, found Naruto's sentiment beyond belief. The Konoha team departed with warm smiles and waves, leaving their hosts in awe.

Baki made his announcement, "I'll be heading to the council. Have a good night, you three."

Sakura chuckled and wished him luck, "Good luck."

As the evening sky gradually darkened, Baki hastened to the Kazekage's building to discuss the latest updates. Slowly, the room emptied, with even the doctors and the elders departing, leaving Sakura and Temari to tend to Kankuro. His vision remained blurred, and his body still trembled violently with any attempt to move.

Sakura smiled reassuringly at Kankuro, stating, "You'll get better in time."

Kankuro sighed, gazing at his hand, "I may be cured, but I still feel utterly useless."

In her characteristic directness, Temari ordered, "Quit complaining and lie down."

Kankuro glared at her and turned to Sakura, "See how she talks to me? So rude."

Sakura giggled, "Well, she's right, you know."

Kankuro persisted, "I want painkillers."

Sakura responded, "If you go to sleep, you might not need them. Temari and I will head home, and we'll check on you in the morning."

Temari wielded the ability to orchestrate situations without soliciting input from others—an assertive prowess that manifested as her elder sister's superpower. With a gentle nudge, she guided Sakura out of the room, leaving Kankuro in solitude. As Sakura cast a fleeting glance back at him, perched on the bed with puppy dog eyes, it marked the first time she had left him alone.

While traversing the corridor, Sakura felt compelled to address the lingering thoughts that troubled her. She cautiously broached the subject, asking, "I'm trying to recall where I was about eight weeks ago."

With exasperation, Temari responded, "I'd rather not delve into the details."

Leaning in, Sakura whispered, "Did you catch what Kankuro said in there? He instructed Naruto to watch over Gaara."

Temari nodded, remarking, "That was weird coming from him. He holds a grudge against Gaara, especially after what he did to you. One near-death experience seems to have softened him."

Sakura chuckled, "What's wrong with being soft?"

Temari smirked, retorting, "You must be joking. Softness isn't a concept in my family's dictionary, at least not since my mother's passing."

"They've looked after me quite well in your absence. Sometimes, it's the other way around too," Sakura laughed, accompanying Temari outside the building to their elegant residence in the affluent neighborhood.

As more Shinobi patrolled late into the night, safeguarding the village from potential attacks, the two friends entered their home in a somber silence. Recent traumas, the sting of swift defeat still fresh, left them both grappling with the weight of their experiences.

The Jonin completed the restoration of the village entrance, allowing citizens unrestricted passage. However, the newfound freedom came with a cautionary note—residents were warned of potential threats looming in the absence of the Kazekage. The air was thick with uncertainty, and anything could unfold.

As dawn broke, the duo hurried to the hospital, eager for updates on Akatsuki's movements. Sakura entered the room first, finding him lying on the bed, his gaze fixated on his trembling hand.

Softly, Sakura inquired, "Are you okay?"

Kankuro sighed, "I feel so useless…"

"Don't be too hard on yourself for losing Sasori. Your priority now is to focus on recovery. Temari and I will handle the mission to rescue Gaara."

"What?" Kankuro questioned, "You can't go out there; you're pregnant."

Sakura reassured him, "The doctor gave the green light for me to continue missions, at least for now. So, please, don't worry about me," she replied, masking her regretful deception.

"I hope they find the hideout soon, or else Gaara is as good as dead," Kankuro remarked.

Temari intervened, "Your main concern should be your recovery. Let us handle rescuing Gaara."

A Jonin entered the room, visibly fatigued. All eyes turned towards him as he lifted his head and spoke, "Lady Sakura and Temari, the Konoha Shinobi have an update they wish to share with you."

The girls gracefully exited the room alongside the Jonin, leaving Kankuro to rest. Despite his insistence on battling his recovery head-on, the urgency of more pressing political matters demanded the attention of Sakura and Temari.

The Jonin shared the crucial information: "The Konoha Shinobi have located the Akatsuki hideout where Gaara was taken."

Sakura gasped, "They found him?"

"We must gather our skilled Shinobi immediately to provide assistance. We'll be joining them as well," Temari declared.

"Yes, ma'am," the Jonin replied.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Kankuro grunted in an attempt to sit up and prepare to leave. Sakura subtly tapped Temari's arm, signaling awareness of his intentions. The girls swiftly returned to the room, anticipating his actions.

Sakura exclaimed, "Kankuro, lie back down!"

Temari added, "Don't be reckless. You need to stay in bed. Sakura and I will bring Gaara back, no matter what."

Sakura trailed behind Temari, collecting their equipment in the familiarity of their home before rendezvousing with the Konoha Shinobi at the village's entrance. The anticipation of reuniting with Gaara filled her with an exhilarating sense of hope, momentarily overshadowing the need for a more grounded perspective.

In the background, Temari had assembled a team of Jonin, individuals she trusted implicitly, for the critical mission of rescuing her brother. Recognizing the delicacy of the situation, Temari approached the task with a keen awareness of the sensitive time Sunagakure was navigating, emphasizing the importance of handling it with utmost care.

Kakashi addressed his team with authority, stating, "Once the Suna team is ready, we'll join them for Gaara's rescue. Clear?"

"Sorry to have kept you waiting," Temari apologized.

"Everyone is here," Kakashi confirmed.

Baki urgently caught up to them, urging, "Wait, Temari, Sakura, and the others, stay here and patrol the borders."

Temari growled, demanding, "Wait, what's the meaning of this?"

Sakura snapped at Baki, questioning, "On whose orders?"

"It's an order from above. If it becomes widely known that the Kazekage is absent, there's no telling when other villages will attack ours."

Sakura responded aggressively, "That's all the more reason to get Gaara back as soon as possible. These Konoha Shinobi came all this way for the very purpose of aiding Gaara. Baki, you, of all people, should understand. What's the point if we, the people of the Sand, don't go and save him? Let them stay. I'll go in everyone's place."

"Don't be an idiot," Temari shouted.

Ignoring Temari, Sakura asserted, "You said it yourself. I am one of the most powerful Shinobi in this village. Let me bring him home."

Sweat trickled down Baki's face as he stammered, "…Sakura, but…"

Granny Chiyo interjected, disrupting the conversation, "I'm coming too!"

All eyes turned towards her, perched atop the building, nearly obscured by the sun's radiant beams; she stood with a determination focused on one goal: rescuing Gaara.

"Sakura and I are the only Sand Shinobi you need," declared Granny Chiyo.

"Granny, what are you doing up there?" Sakura signed, recognizing this as not the first time her mentor attempted to appear more youthful than she actually was.

"I am already retired, you know. I can do whatever I like, such as taking my student with me," Granny Chiyo asserted.

"Granny Chiyo, you really shouldn't overdo it. I can handle this on my own," Sakura insisted.

"Don't treat me like an old woman!" Granny Chiyo shouted, leaping off the railing and descending headfirst toward them.

Naruto gasped, "She jumped!"

When she landed gracefully on both feet, she remarked, "I haven't doted on my dear grandchild for a while, after all…"

Sakura sighed heavily, "Yeah, I figured that's why you wanted to come…"

Armed with scrolls and instruments, Sakura distanced herself from Temari's devoted Sunagakure Shinobi team, aligning her efforts with Granny Chiyo and the Konoha team. Before venturing out of the village for the first time in what seemed like an eternity, she shared a heartfelt and warm embrace with Temari, bidding her a kind farewell.

Kakashi offered a casual wave, remarking, "We'll be on our way now."

Baki bowed respectfully to Sakura, saying, "I'll attempt to persuade the higher-ups to allow Temari to join you."

Temari nodded in agreement, stating, "We'll follow behind later, no matter what."

Leading the way, Naruto boasted, "Gaara will be long rescued by that time."

Sakura concurred with a confident nod, assuring, "We'll see you soon, Temari."

In the expanse leading toward the Land of Rivers, Sakura directed her thoughts to the forgotten memories of the past two years. The team traversed the desert in an unusual silence, prompting her mind to wander back to a poignant recollection. In this memory, Sakura adorned an apron she had chosen, meticulously preparing a meal for Kankuro and Gaara. Meanwhile, Temari found herself away in Konoha, spending time with Shikamaru—whether she was willing to admit it or not.

The soft glow of the kitchen cast a warm ambiance as Sakura moved gracefully between the stove and the counter. The enticing aroma of bubbling broth and sizzling tempura filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere in the cozy home.

Kankuro and Gaara sat at the dining table, their anticipation evident in watching Sakura work her culinary magic. The clatter of kitchen utensils and the rhythmic sounds of simmering broth became a harmonious background to the quiet chatter in the room.

Sakura expertly prepared the tempura udon, her hands moving with a practiced finesse. The udon noodles, freshly boiled to perfection, were gently placed into individual bowls. As she ladled the steaming broth over the noodles, the room filled with the rich fragrance of dashi and soy sauce.

The tempura, a delightful assortment of lightly battered and fried vegetables and shrimp, crackled as Sakura carefully lifted them from the hot oil. With precision, she arranged the golden tempura atop each bowl of udon, creating a visually appealing masterpiece.

Turning to face Kankuro and Gaara, Sakura couldn't help but smile at the eager expressions on their faces. She placed the bowls before them, the steam rising and carrying the savory scent to their noses.

"There you go," Sakura said with a grin. "Tempura udon, just the way you like it."

Kankuro's eyes lit up, and Gaara, though less expressive, conveyed his appreciation quietly. They wasted no time picking up their chopsticks and eating the delicious meal.

Kankuro crunched on his tempura shrimp and remarked, "With the way we're training Sakura, she could reach Jonin status in no time."

Gaara responded quietly, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. She still needs to pass the Chunin exams."

With a playful wink at the boys, Sakura added, "I can control more than one Chakra nature that most do not. Winning should be easy."

As Gaara calmly enjoyed the udon in his bowl, he reminded her, "Do not unveil your true strength until the final exam."

"Don't worry, Gaara. I'll prove to you that I am more than capable of becoming a Chunin," Sakura declared with pride.                                                           Gaara's concern was evident in his response, "I am more concerned for your safety."

In response, Sakura leaned in passionately, kissing Gaara and whispering, "I'm safe as long as I am with you."

Kankuro, seemingly jealous, dropped his chopsticks into his bowl, exclaiming, "You guys are disgusting."                                                                     With a hasty move, he stood up to wash his bowl, diverting his attention to the prospect of the next meal he anticipated. Eager to avoid the awkwardness, Kankuro swiftly exited the house that night, choosing not to share a building with his younger brother and best friend.

Meanwhile, Gaara remained by Sakura's side, assisting in the post-dinner cleanup. The air between them was quiet, laden with unspoken sentiments. In the deep freezer, Sakura retrieved two vibrant, dark red popsicles. A smile illuminated her face as she presented the juicy treats to him. Gaara seized one from her hand, expressing his appreciation with a gentle kiss on her cheek.

In a subdued tone, Gaara suggested, "Come outside with me."

Glancing out the window, Sakura observed, "It looks like the sky is clear tonight, so I don't see why not."

With a gentle touch, Gaara clasped her hand, leading her toward the front door. His sand effortlessly lifted them off the floor, gracefully setting them down on the rooftop. The night sky unfolded before them, a canvas of beauty free from the intrusion of scorpions with unnatural limbs and tails.

Side by side, they reclined on the sandy rooftop, where the soft grains cradled them. Above, the sky was a mesmerizing tapestry, dark and adorned with specks of white clouds drifting leisurely in the darkness. Together, they savored the frozen popsicles, their eyes tracing the path of stars that illuminated the celestial expanse.

Sakura turned her head, catching the ethereal glow of Gaara's face bathed in the light of the white moon. A subtle smile graced his features, accentuated by the gentle caress of the wind tousling his unruly red hair, revealing the scar on his forehead. In that fleeting moment, his countenance alone bore witness to his profound contentment with her by his side.

As the vibrant hues of bright yellow and orange vanished beyond the horizon, the sky transformed into a deep, inky blue canvas. Everything in that instance felt flawless, an idyllic scene where it seemed as though nothing could sever the bond that held them together.

Never had Sakura fathomed that a day would arrive, igniting the blaze of chaos in her life so swiftly. As reality painfully surged through her, she awoke to the stark awareness that she was still entrenched in the mission to rescue Gaara. Granny Chiyo, nimble and determined, leaped effortlessly over treetops beside Sakura. At the same time, the Konoha team, not far ahead, followed Kakashi's lead toward the hideout, guided by the keen senses of his canine companions.

Sakura Haruno caught up to Naruto, her curiosity evident in her eyes. "Can I ask you something, Naruto? Since when has the Akatsuki targeted you?"

In a subdued tone, Naruto replied, "I don't know…"

Kakashi chimed in, providing context. "There was that one time when two members of the Akatsuki came to Konoha to make contact with Naruto. But that was three years ago, and they've only just started making a move now."

Puzzled, Sakura asked, "Why did they wait three years?"

"It could be that it's not because they didn't want to, but because they couldn't. Lord Jiraiya was always close to Naruto," Kakashi explained.

Granny Chiyo, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation, interjected, "No, based on the information I acquired, there is another reason."

"That's right," Sakura nodded, recalling the insights she had gleaned from Gaara during their meetings with the Suna council.

Granny Chiyo continued, "There's quite a bit of preparation involved if one is going to draw out the tailed beast that's sealed within people. They encountered difficulties with that."

"What's this tailed beast you were talking about?" Sakura Haruno inquired.

Granny Chiyo sighed, "You, Lady Tsunade's disciple, and you don't even know that? Konoha harbored a nine-tailed Fox."

"The nine-tailed Fox is treated as top-secret within Konoha," Sakura replied.

"Well, that's no surprise, I guess. A tailed beast refers to a beast's spirit with tails. Long ago, Sunagakure had the one-tailed beast. That's the Shukaku sealed within Gaara," Granny Chiyo informed.

"Are there other beasts?" Sakura Haruno asked.

A tailed beast expert, Sakura, responded, "There are nine beasts in total. They have unique characteristics, each possessing a different number of tails. With immense chakra, they were utilized for military purposes by Hidden Villages worldwide. The villages competed to acquire one, but no one could control their power, which surpassed human intelligence."

Granny Chiyo nodded, adding, "I don't know why the Akatsuki is after them, but that power is too dangerous. In this new era of peace, the tailed beasts still exist, scattered all around the world."

The forest's edge loomed ahead, the light at the end resembling the brightness found at the terminus of a lengthy tunnel. At last, Sakura's feet touched the solid ground of dirt and grass, instigating a readiness to surge forward. However, Kakashi, anticipating the need to intervene, extended his arm and vociferously commanded, "Everyone, halt!"

Before them stood a tall figure patiently awaiting their arrival. Sakura regarded him with caution, taking in the details of his appearance. He was reasonably tall, with a fair complexion that caught the light. His black eyes were set beneath pronounced tear troughs, and a low ponytail restrained his jet-black hair. Center-parted bangs framed his face, extending to his chin, their length growing over the years. Like Sakura's, he revealed his deep red eyes that bore the unmistakable Sharingan, a distinct jutsu from the Uchiha clan. It clicked in Sakura's mind—he had to be a Uchiha.

Adorned in the standard Akatsuki cloak, he wore a Konoha forehead protector, conspicuously slashed. 

A striking Akatsuki ring adorned his right ring finger, a vivid red with the kanji for "vermilion." Light blue nail polish adorned his fingers and toes, and around his neck hung a necklace bearing three silver rings with red gems inside them.

Curiosity piqued, Sakura couldn't help but ask, "Who is that?" 

Naruto responded in a hushed tone, "...Itachi Uchiha."