Chapter 23: Retribution

The team engaged in lively conversation, oblivious to the looming presence of Itachi Uchiha, who stood before them with his index and middle finger aligned with his nose, poised to unleash his Genjutsu when the opportune moment arrived. A palpable need to devise a strategy to overcome him hung in the air. Itachi was a force never to be underestimated, and a carefully crafted plan was imperative for any chance of success.

Speaking in hushed tones to his team, Kakashi imparted his strategic insights, "Itachi's Genjutsu relies on visual perception. Avoid making direct eye contact, and we should be fine."

Sakura smirked, her confident tone laced, "Lucky for him, I'm immune."

Naruto, puzzled, questioned, "But how are we supposed to fight him?"

Based on his experience, Kakashi said, "Decipher his actions based on how he moves his body and feet."

Granny Chiyo, revealing her own expertise, whispered, "It's been a while since I faced a Sharingan."

Sakura, wide-eyed, inquired, "You fought an Uchiha before?"

Granny Chiyo responded, "Don't look too surprised. There are a few fighting techniques to counter this visual jutsu, and your immunity is one of them."

Naruto sought further clarification, "What should we do?"

Quoting an old adage, Granny Chiyo explained, "If it's one against one, then you must flee. If it's two against one, then take the back."

Naruto, scratching his head, quipped, "Say what now?"

Granny Chiyo elucidated, "In a one-on-one fight, the Genjutsu can catch both. However, with more than one of us, one will distract him while the rest constantly attack him from behind where the Sharingan can't see."

Eager to take the lead, Naruto proclaimed, "Amazing, you know a lot for your age. Then I'll take his back."

Kakashi intervened, grabbing Naruto's shoulder, and cautioned, "Wait."

Naruto, perplexed, asked, "What do you mean?"

Granny Chiyo shot him sternly and asserted, "Are you implying that my approach to countering the Sharingan is incorrect?"

Kakashi frowned, clarifying, "Your strategy would work against a standard Genjutsu, but with the Mangekyo Sharingan, it's a bit more complicated."

Granny Chiyo groaned, "How so?"

Kakashi explained, "He uses the Mangekyo Sharingan. If you fall victim to his visual Jutsu, you'll experience his Genjutsu in an instant. In other words, even though it may seem like seconds to others, the person who receives the Genjutsu will feel it for hours or days. In my case, I roamed around in his Jutsu for three days and lost consciousness for more than a week. It's not a matter of ending or not ending the Genjutsu."

Itachi finally spoke, his voice carrying a tone of acknowledgment, "Impressive, Kakashi. It seems you didn't endure my Tsukiyomi, the Nightmare Realm, in vain."

"That is not all I know," Kakashi replied resolutely, "After you unleashed the visual Jutsu, you were visibly exhausted, ending the battle immediately. I may have underestimated you before, but I've evolved since then. You see, it won't work the same way as it did before."

Brimming with confidence, Naruto smirked, "It's a huge mistake if you think I'm the same as before."

With a quiet urgency, Kakashi whispered to Naruto, "I'll deal with him. This time, cover me."

Itachi lifted his hand, pointing towards Naruto, and declared, "It's about time for you to come with me, Naruto."

Kakashi swiftly entered the fray, asserting, "I will go first."

Itachi, raising his hand to his mouth, bellowed, "Phoenix Flower Jutsu." Flames shot forth, but Kakashi deftly evaded the fiery assault. Itachi followed up with an enormous fireball Jutsu, a slower move that allowed the four standing behind Kakashi to dodge. The resulting explosion erupted, shaking the ground beneath their feet, and a cloud of dust enveloped the air, obscuring visibility.

As the dust settled, Sakura positioned herself atop the tree branches. Kakashi, revealing his mastery, extended the palm of his hand, blue electricity crackling within. He sprinted towards Itachi, crushing the ground beneath the electric cloud, a manifestation of his determined advance.

"Lightning Blade!" Kakashi's shout echoed through the battleground.

He aimed at Itachi, but the elusive opponent skillfully evaded the attack. Seizing the opportunity, Naruto propelled himself above Itachi, forming another Rasengan to land a decisive blow.

The ensuing dust and wind blew across Sakura's face, prompting her to remark, "Kakashi's team is strong. They work better together."

Sitting across from Sakura with closed eyes, Granny Chiyo concurred with a simple "Indeed."

As the dust began to settle, only Itachi remained, standing behind a massive hole in the ground, a white haze enveloping the battlefield.

Squinting through the haze, Sakura anxiously searched for Naruto and Kakashi. Panicking, she exclaimed, "What is this?"

Granny Chiyo opened her eyes, standing beside Sakura, and reassured her, "Don't worry, it's one of Kakashi's Jutsu. More importantly, the mist is getting thicker. Don't divert your attention from his presence."

"Right," Sakura affirmed, heeding Granny Chiyo's advice.

On the battlefield, Kakashi unveiled a shadow clone of himself, anticipating Itachi's next move. Itachi, once again, unleashed a fireball, resulting in another explosion. The white haze gradually faded, revealing Itachi standing alone. Then, rising from the dirt at Itachi's feet, Kakashi extended his fist for a punch, only for Itachi to swiftly snatch Kakashi's wrist and pull him down. Grasping the back of Kakashi's neck, Itachi forced him to gaze into his eyes, and the two fighters stood motionless on the battlefield.

However, the genuine Kakashi emerged from one of the holes in the dirt, and Naruto launched another attack with his Rasengan. This time, the impact was more extensive, causing the earth to split and trees to uproot from beneath the ground.

Sakura widened her gaze, remarking, "That was enormous. There's no way he could have survived."

She trailed behind Granny Chiyo to the battlefield, and the others followed the path where Kakashi's body had been dragged across the ground. They discovered a figure covered in dirt at the cliff's edge, but it wasn't Itachi. Sakura recognized him immediately—an individual of shorter stature with black hair cascading over his right eye, sporting a goatee and dark eyes. Previously, he had been seen in a beige robe with black trousers and sandals, but now he wore the distinctive black robes of the Akatsuki.

Groaning in frustration, Granny Chiyo questioned, "What is this?"

Kakashi shared his insight: "While we were fighting, I felt like something wasn't right…"

"That bastard underestimated us," Sakura growled.

Kakashi turned to the Sand Shinobi, inquiring, "Do you guys know him from somewhere?"

"Yes," Granny Chiyo quietly replied.

"That's Yura, a trusted member of the Kazekage Advisory Council," Sakura growled.

"What does this mean?" Kakashi inquired.

"I don't know…" Sakura sighed.

Granny Chiyo said, "I don't know either, but he went missing right around when Gaara was taken."

Sakura Haruno speculated, "Could it be that he was a spy for the Akatsuki?"

"Yeah, that makes the most sense under these circumstances. How else would they have infiltrated the village so easily?" Sakura sighed.

"I don't believe it. The man served on the council for four years."

Sakura crouched to examine the man's battered face and remarked, "Granny, we have to inform the council right away."

"Good idea, Sakura. They were stalling for time," Granny Chiyo said, pulling out an ink brush, black ink, and a scroll to write a note.

Sakura cried, "Does this mean we didn't make it in time to save Gaara?"

"They're undoubtedly already extracting the Tailed Beast."

Sakura clenched her jaw and fists, declaring, "The extraction is unbearable. I can't bear the thought of him suffering like that again."

Sakura Haruno asked, "What do you mean by extracting the Tailed Beast?"

Granny Chiyo explained, "It's likely that they intend to create a new Jinchuriki using the one-tailed beast, Shukaku. The Jinchuriki is the one who controls that power, and so far, there have only been three in Sunagakure."

She unfurled a scroll onto the grass and swiftly executed hand signs incomprehensible to Sakura. In response, a mechanical yellow bird materialized. Granny Chiyo wound up the mechanical bird and inserted the scroll into its mouth.

"I'm counting on you," Granny Chiyo said, releasing the bird.

Sakura Haruno frowned, gazing at the ground, and remarked, "So wars were often fought using the Jinchuriki."

Granny Chiyo nodded, "Yeah, that's right."

"Then the people who've been turned into Jinchuriki…" Sakura Haruno trailed off, her gaze shifting to Naruto with a heartbroken expression, understanding his struggles as an outcast.

Sakura Haruno inquired, "How can the Tailed Beast be distracted?"

Granny Chiyo explained, "What's required is a sealing Jutsu with the ability to instantaneously balance the power of the Tailed Beast, along with plenty of time. But if that's done, the Jinchuriki…"

Naruto and Sakura Haruno gasped, comprehending that the extraction would lead to the death of the Jinchuriki. This revelation meant Naruto would undoubtedly perish from the extraction of his nine-tailed beast. Sakura silently teared up, envisioning the potential loss of Gaara.

Naruto began walking back into the forest, saying, "Let's go."

Silence enveloped the group, recognizing that it might be Naruto's destiny, and they were also on a mission to capture him. Sakura now understood why Gaara had been adamant about preventing her from becoming a Jinchuriki. They followed Naruto through the dense trees as evening approached, the sky tinged with hues of red reminiscent of blood. Fear for Gaara gripped Sakura's heart.

Kakashi stopped the team at a natural clearing in the forest, instructing, "Everyone, stop."

They descended from the treetops and turned to Kakashi, curiosity etched on their faces, questioning the sudden pause.

Naruto queried, "What's going on, Sensei?"

"We're taking a short break here," Kakashi informed them.

Sakura, sensing urgency, hesitated before expressing, "What?"

Understanding the necessity, Granny Chiyo nodded and responded, "A wise decision."

Emotions bubbling within her, Sakura snapped, "We don't have time for a break. We've waited too long to save Gaara. I've been patient lately, but now I can't take it anymore."

Naruto said, "You said it yourself, Kakashi Sensei, we can't afford to waste time."

Remaining composed, Kakashi calmly replied, "Compared to right before we encountered the fake Itachi, our pace has slowed."

Sakura Haruno nodded in agreement, "He's right."

Kakashi elaborated, "If we rest up here, ultimately, we'll reach our destination faster. And tomorrow, we might face the ones who took Gaara. It's best if we're at full strength."

"Fine," Naruto sighed, accepting the reasoning.

Kakashi nodded, saying, "I'll keep watch tonight," as he leaped onto the lowest tree branch above his team. Meanwhile, the younger members unpacked their sleeping bags to rest briefly. Granny Chiyo gathered firewood while Sakura, seated, kindled a fire using a magnifying glass and dry sticks. The group roasted the animals they had encountered on their journey, sharing a meal together under the canopy of tree branches.

Granny Chiyo settled beside Sakura, offering skewers of cooked meat she had prepared. Reflecting on her past, she began, "My son was overjoyed at the prospect of having a son. His wife waited patiently through many cycles to welcome him, and in the end, I raised him on my own."

Sakura, empathetic, gently rubbed Granny Chiyo's shoulder and said, "You couldn't have predicted he would turn out like this…"

Sneaking in a few bites of the cooked meat, Granny Chiyo remarked, "Not once have I made the right choices in my life, so now is my chance to make amends."

Discarding her used skewer into the fire, Sakura inquired, "Granny, what will you do about Sasori?"

"I'll kill him if I have to," Granny Chiyo muttered.

Expressing her confidence, Sakura added, "I always knew Kankuro wouldn't turn out like Sasori."

Frowning, Granny Chiyo questioned, "How could you have known that?"

Sakura smiled warmly, replying, "After the boys got to know me, they moved past their anger towards others and embraced a more positive life. I wasn't afraid of Gaara, so I became the only person in the village who managed to break down the emotional walls he used to keep others away. I scolded Kankuro for bullying other kids after his friends attacked me, and since then, he has left that life behind. They've changed a lot more than you realized."

Kakashi descended from the tree branches, announcing, "Break time is over. We should get going."

Sakura Haruno rubbed her eyes and replied, "Okay, I'm up."

Naruto rolled under his sheets, murmuring, "Let me sleep a little longer."

Sakura stood quietly, approaching Naruto, sleeping soundly on his makeshift bed. Determinedly, she yanked the blankets off him, insisting, "Get up!"

Kakashi grinned beneath his mask, remarking, "Didn't you say you would save Gaara?"

Naruto sat up, groaning, "Of course I am."

Before dawn, the young Shinobi efficiently packed their belongings while Kakashi and Granny Chiyo extinguished the fire. Sakura, who had held back her emotions for too long, felt like she was on the brink of bursting. The team continued on their way, planning to rendezvous with Team Guy at the entrance to the hideout.

The team gracefully vaulted over tree branches, moving through the forest with the agility of frogs hopping over lily pads. The boundless sea of trees left Sakura in a daze, prompting her to drift into a memory of her and Gaara in Sunagakure, cherishing moments spent together.

Sakura reminisced when she brought Gaara to an outdoor stall, the waiter serving them cups of green tea in elegant ceramic vessels adorned with intricate squiggly designs. Throughout the encounter, she absentmindedly traced her fingers over the textured bumps on the surface, manifesting her nervous energy.

Gaara observed Sakura, captivated by her gazing at the chef skillfully preparing their rice bowls topped with grilled eel. He found himself enchanted by her outer beauty and the warmth of her kind personality. To break the silence enveloping them, Gaara inquired, "Are you okay?"

From her contemplation, Sakura responded, "Yeah, I'm just tired."

Gaara maintained his stoic expression, his gaze unwavering, as he remarked, "I know what you look like when you're tired, and this is not it. Something is bothering you."

Lifting her eyebrows, Sakura sighed heavily before sharing, "Kankuro has worked so hard to hunt down my father, but it's as if he vanished from the face of the Earth. It worries me if he started a new family somewhere and is torturing them, too."

Gaara shook his head and said, "Stop worrying about that and focus on what's in front of you. It may be that he is either dead or left the village. I can only hope that is the case for your sake. I couldn't read the incident report, so I am unsure what went wrong that day."

A solitary tear traced its path down her cheek as she revealed, "He hurt me in ways that are beyond description. It's always too painful to talk about, even when I try."

Gaara's gaze remained fixed on the cook expertly preparing their meal as he replied, "I don't want you to share if it will cause you more pain. I'll read the report and find a way to address the issue alone."

"Don't," Sakura interrupted, "That day, Kankuro was too frightened to intervene, so he's been working hard to make it up to me. I don't want him to feel obligated, but I'm sure he would never forgive you if you took matters into your own hands."

The chef presented them with two steaming bowls of white rice adorned with slices of grilled eel and green onions. They reached for their chopsticks, eagerly savoring the delicious meal. Sakura sipped her tea, and Gaara, curious to continue the conversation, hesitated before asking, "I'm curious to know why you and Kankuro have been so close since the three of us met more than ten years ago."

Sakura choked on her green tea, facing away from Gaara, and began coughing. It took her a moment to regain composure.

"I befriended Kankuro to guide him towards becoming a better person."

"Didn't we start dating for the same reason?"

"No, you were always a good person. I wanted to prove that to you and the world."

Gaara smirked, "Then you must detest sitting in the council meetings with me all the time."

Sakura chuckled, "The only enjoyable part of those meetings is spending time with you."

Gaara shifted to a more serious topic, "When I forced you to stay away from me when we were children, were you dating Kankuro?"

During this uncomfortable conversation, neither dared to meet the other's eyes. The memories from years ago resurfaced, and Sakura didn't want to revisit when she ended things with Kankuro to be with Gaara. It was a painful memory, and she carefully chose her words to address Gaara's inquiry.

Sakura carefully revealed, "When you pushed me away, Kankuro was there to lift and shield me from those who wanted to harm me. He persistently asked me out on dates. However, when you welcomed me back, I ended things with Kankuro."

Gaara's expression softened, and he confessed, "I'm sorry; I've hurt you many times. I don't deserve you."

Sakura gently kissed his cheek, allowing him to envelop her in his arms. She reassured him, "Of everyone in this village, you deserve me the most. I'd give up my entire life so you could be free."

Gaara looked at her with concern and asked, "Why must we keep discussing this? I don't want you to be a Jinchuriki. I couldn't bear watching rogue Shinobi hunt you down. I can't stand the thought of your life being drained away."

Tears welled in Sakura's eyes as she confessed, "I have nightmares about losing you. I can't bear the idea of you becoming a sacrificial lamb. So, if the day comes when Shukaku is extracted from your body, I'll take your place. I can't fathom living in a world without you."

Gaara sighed, "I won't be able to stop you if I'm dead. As long as I'm alive, I won't let you become a Jinchuriki."

He gently rested his chin on her shoulder, holding her tightly, promising never to let her go again. In each other, they found their entire worlds. If anything threatened that, it would mean the end of the world. So they prayed for a chance to see each other again.

Reality struck Sakura, and she turned to find Granny Chiyo sprinting alongside her, following the Konoha team. Tears threatened to escape, the fear of losing Gaara looming over her, but she refused to surrender just yet.

Desperately clinging to hope, Sakura questioned, "Granny, do you think we'll encounter another one of those fake Akatsuki?"

Granny Chiyo replied with a soft assurance, "They won't be stalling us any longer. I'm only saying there's a good chance of that."

The wind carried Sakura's tears away. She uttered, "It's not fair, Granny. He didn't deserve any of this. I was the only person he had growing up, but even then, it wasn't enough to save him."

"You tried to lift that burden off his shoulders so he could live an everyday life, but all you could do was support him, and one Shinobi isn't ever enough to face an army. I've always known you to protect the sand siblings, so if I were to die now, I'd be thankful to know Sunagakure would be in your comforting hands."

Sakura sobbed, "Granny, I don't want to take his place. The council would celebrate his death, as would most of the older villagers who knew Gaara before he became Kazekage. The emotional pain is unbearable."

"Wipe your eyes, dear. The fight isn't over yet," Granny Chiyo frowned.

Summoning all his strength, Naruto raced to find Gaara immediately. If anyone understood him better than Sakura, it was Naruto. Kakashi sighed, "Naruto, wait up."

Granny Chiyo inquired, "Why is he putting in so much effort to save Gaara?"

Kakashi responded, "Naruto is a Jinchuriki of the nine-tailed fox. He understands Gaara's struggles just as much as Sakura does. Jinchuriki faces similar treatment in every village, so Naruto feels compelled to save Gaara. For him, it doesn't matter if Gaara is from Konoha or Suna. To Naruto, Gaara is a friend who shares his pain."

Sakura smirked, "Gaara always speaks fondly of him. He reciprocates the same feelings. I'm certain that if Naruto were the one kidnapped, Gaara would do the same, perhaps even more…"

Kakashi continued, "Naruto's dream is to become the Hokage. He felt frustration and happiness when he learned Gaara had become the Kazekage. While frustrated at his dreams, he genuinely felt joy for Gaara."

Granny Chiyo replied, "I have lived a long life and witnessed many things. I've learned about the nature of the world. The alliances with other lands were just for show. My use of Jutsu and forcing the Shukaku onto Gaara, after consulting with his father, the fourth Kazekage, was an attempt to protect Suna. Sadly, what I did to safeguard the village ended up causing harm. Now, a village I once avoided is extending help. Perhaps everything I've done was a mistake, except for training this remarkable Shinobi before you. Now that I've grown old, I've come to learn the art of letting go."

Sakura whimpered, "Granny…"

"Kakashi," Granny Chiyo continued, "Young people possess tremendous potential. I envy them so much."

Kakashi replied, "Oh no, you're just getting started. You're still very much in your prime."

Granny Chiyo laughed, "That's right. Perhaps there's still something an old bag like me can contribute."

Neither Sakura nor Granny Chiyo appeared to be in a good mood since before Gaara was taken away from the village. Sakura was heartbroken about him and worried about Granny Chiyo and what she might do once she saw Sasori. At the moment, Sakura refused to dwell on it and insisted on continuing to recall old memories to keep time from slowing down on her. She was determined to pretend those memories were her present ones, finding solace in the illusion. In her mind, she reminisced about one of Gaara's first birthdays after he became Kazekage.

Inside the Kazekage's residence, Gaara stood by his shared bedroom window, gazing at the city he dedicated his life to protecting. The soft echoes of footsteps reached his ears, and he turned to find Sakura standing at the doorway. 

Gaara asked with a hint of caution, "What is it?"

Sakura tilted her head to the left and offered him a warm smile. "Happy birthday, Gaara," she greeted. 

From her back pocket, hidden under her skirt, she produced a small red gift bag adorned with smooth, soft, dark red stars. Gaara graciously accepted the gift, pulling the strings to unveil its contents. His expression widened as he took in what lay inside.

Within the small gift bag, Gaara discovered a sleek black radio earpiece. It was a new technology Sakura had come across to enhance their communication during missions or when they might be in trouble in the village. 

Sakura waved defensively and explained, "Now, I know you're not a big fan of technology, but I believe this radio will greatly improve our ability to coordinate, whether out in the field or facing challenges within the village."

"I see," Gaara responded, his curiosity piqued. He touched the buttons on the ear device, considering, and then said, "I'll think about it."

Sakura smirked and said, "Today is your big day, so what do you want to do?" 

Gaara gave her a confused stare and replied, "I don't know. Only my Uncle and you were ever enthusiastic about celebrating my birthday. I never considered it a day to celebrate, but if you insist, I might have a few ideas in mind." 

"Like what?" Sakura asked.

Gaara entwined their fingers with playful charm, guiding her into the bedroom. Gently cupping her cheek, he pressed his lips against hers, the passionate moment causing Sakura to surrender, her knees giving way beneath her.

Unbeknownst to her, the sand stealthily climbed up her kneecaps from the window. Swiftly, it forcefully slammed her against the wall beside the doorframe.

Startled by the sudden assault, Sakura screamed, demanding, "What are you doing?"

Gaara smirked, "Now, I have the freedom to do whatever I please to you."

Sakura blushed and questioned, "Wait, what?"

Gaara flicked his wrist in one fluid motion, commanding the sand to slither up her skirt and shred the fishnets obstructing his way. The sand ascended further, creating a sand rope that encircled her arms and secured her against the wall by her wrists.

In her ear, Gaara laboriously grunted. He extracted his penis, stroking the warm crevices between her thighs. He sucked on her neck, thrusting faster. His sand compressed the more horny he became. Sakura's vociferous groans had him twisting his sand to cover her mouth. The movements were precisely on the clitoris, and she couldn't take it anymore. Her eyes reverberated to the back of her head, and she squirted on him. The consistency was far too satisfactory. Gaara shoved his penis deep to release his load of cream inside her. 

Sakura took hefty gasps for air. She blushed and questioned, "How do you get my body to do that every time?"

Gaara slanted his head on her breasts to take deep breaths. He smirked, raised his head, and whispered, "I'm just that good." 

Sakura's soft groan escaped as she said, "You owe me a new pair of fishnets."

Gaara smirked, releasing her from his sand's gentle yet firm embrace. He inquired, "What will you be preparing downstairs?"

Sakura hugged him affectionately and responded, "I'm baking your cake and cooking dinner for tonight. It'll take me some time, so feel free to relax for the rest of the day, okay?"

"I'd like to learn how to make a cake," Gaara stated.

Sakura's smile widened, and she nodded. "I'd love to teach you."

The charming couple, their fingers entwined, descended the stairs together, entered the kitchen, and bathed in warm sunlight. The cozy glow accentuated the countertops and utensils awaiting their touch. Sakura tied an apron around her waist, her lustrous black hair cascading down her back, radiating enthusiasm.

Standing in the doorway, Gaara observed Sakura with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, unsure of what to expect.

Sensing his hesitation, Sakura motioned for Gaara to join her with a welcoming smile. "I'm baking you a lemon poppy seed cake. It's an easy recipe, but I wouldn't mind the help."

Nodding, Gaara displayed a faint smile. "As I've said, I've never done this before, so bear with me."

"Don't worry; I'll guide you through it step by step," Sakura reassured him, gesturing for him to wash his hands. "Clean hands are essential in the kitchen."

She took a bar of plain, unscented soap and wet it under the sink, sharing it with him after she washed her hands.

As they gathered the ingredients, Sakura explained, "First, we'll need flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Let's measure them out and sift them together in this bowl." Sakura handed Gaara a measuring cup, demonstrating how to level off each ingredient.

"So far, I don't find baking too problematic," Gaara commented.

Sakura chuckled. "Not everyone has a knack for baking, and honestly, I'm just an averagely good baker."

"Looks good and tastes good, but won't make you feel bad for eating it," Gaara added with a chuckle, lightening the mood in the kitchen.

Sakura's playful giggle echoed through the kitchen as she delivered a friendly punch to Gaara's arm. "Hurry up, already."

While Gaara combined the dry ingredients, Sakura took charge of the wet ones. She skillfully cracked the eggs into a separate bowl, handing Gaara a lemon juicer for the next step.

For a moment, Gaara hesitated, unfamiliar with the juicer, but he quickly adapted. A focused expression settled on his face as he squeezed the lemons.

Sakura couldn't help but chuckle. "You're so cute when you concentrate."

With the lemons juiced, Gaara looked at Sakura and asked, "What do we do now?"

Sakura held onto the bowl, guiding Gaara through the following steps. "Now, you stir it until it's smooth and creamy."

As Gaara stirred, Sakura grabbed a bag of poppy seeds. She placed it on the counter beside him, offering a warm smile as she introduced the poppy seeds. "These little seeds add a nice crunch. So, gently fold them into the batter."

The enticing aroma of the cake started wafting through the kitchen as Sakura preheated the stone oven. She waited for Gaara to gently add the poppy seeds until the bag was empty, then pulled out a baking pan and greased it beside him.

"Now," Sakura said, "pour the batter into this greased baking pan. It goes into the oven for around thirty minutes. In the meantime, we can prepare a simple lemon glaze for the finishing touch."

With her delicate, small hands, Sakura gracefully slid the pan filled with batter into the stone oven, ensuring the flames would cook it evenly. Meanwhile, on the counter, she expertly mixed powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Gaara watched her with admiration, finding joy in observing her culinary skills.

Sakura giggled and asked, "What's wrong?"

"You are talented in more ways than one, and I admire that about you," Gaara replied.

Sakura blushed and said, "Thank you, Gaara." She kissed him on the cheek, playfully tousling his unique hair that never made her giggle.

"I understand it's my birthday, but it would make me happy to see you smile and for us to spend some time together," Gaara said.

"What is it?" Sakura asked.

The stopwatch on the stone oven interrupted them, signaling that the cake was ready to be removed. Sakura carefully took it out, its golden-brown top emitting an irresistible scent. Gaara's eyes widened with anticipation.

Once the cake had cooled, Sakura drizzled the lemon glaze over it. "I'm going to leave it on the counter here for dinner. We should eat it after I finish cooking while it's nice and hot."

"Don't worry about dinner tonight," Gaara said, winking at her.

The couple claimed their favorite spot on the rooftop of their house, standing patiently on the sandy surface as the wind tousled their hair and the sun descended over the horizon.

"What are you doing up here?" Sakura asked.

"I'll show you," Gaara replied.

Gaara conjured a sand platform with a subtle gesture, lifting them above Suna to witness a magical spectacle. At the center of the village, near the fountain, someone released a sparkling light into the sky, resembling a shooting star. The lights soared heavenward, exploding in a brilliant array of colors. The display was as enchanting to Sakura as watching stars on a night. The explosive sounds and vibrant lights startled the scorpions, prompting them to hurry away, unaware of the source of the commotion. Sakura laughed, reveling in the spectacle, and leaned on Gaara's shoulder to embrace the night. The memory was so unforgettable that it almost made her smile when she returned to reality.

Emerging from her contemplative trance, Sakura realized they had ventured beyond the forest, reaching a colossal rock wall. The team sprinted to the scene, discovering an ancient torii gate standing in a shallow layer of water at the threshold of their shoes. Ahead lay a cavern with a substantial round boulder, safeguarded by a sealing tag at its core. Might Guy, Tenten, Rock Lee, Pakkun, and Neji had already assembled when Sakura's team arrived mere minutes later.

With a welcoming smile, Might Guy turned to Kakashi, remarking, "You're late, Kakashi."

Kakashi smirked in response, stating, "Well, we got caught up in something troublesome along the way."

Granny Chiyo fixed a stern gaze, inquiring, "By troublesome, you don't mean, do you?"

Tenten sought clarification, "You brought Sakura from Suna with you guys, but who's the old woman?"

With a grin, Sakura said, "Hey, I haven't seen you since the Chunin Exams. This is my Sensei, Granny Chiyo. She's a lot more than what she looks."

Granny Chiyo smiled warmly, adding, "Nice to meet you."

Might Guy's team convey nods of respect to the seasoned Shinobi. Seated on the floor, Pakkun observed the interaction in serene silence, his amiable demeanor evident.

Sakura, bowing respectfully, expressed her gratitude, saying, "Hey, Pakkun. Thank you for everything you've done. We wouldn't have found the hideout so quickly without you."

Maintaining calm composure, Pakkun humbly replied, "It's my job; don't worry about it."

In his resonant voice, Might Guy declared, "Now, shall we do this, Kakashi?"

"Yeah," Kakashi affirmed.

Might Guy turn to his team and declare, "Neji, you're up next. We're counting on you to unveil who or what is concealed inside that cavern."

Neji nodded, activating his Byakugan to inspect the cavern's interior. Thoughtfully, he reported, "It seems like there's a large cavern inside, but I can't discern what's happening. There appear to be several individuals present."

Anxiety laced Sakura's voice as she inquired, "Can you spot Gaara? Where is he?"

Neji, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, hesitated, "I'm not sure. What is that?"

Gripping Neji's shoulder, Naruto urgently asked, "What is it? Hey, what's in there, Neji?"

"Let go of me," Neji retorted.

Sakura pressed, "What is going on in there?"

"It's hard to explain in words…" Neji responded.

Might Guy reassured, "No worries, that makes it easy for me."

Might Guy executed a swift cartwheel, gracefully returning to the center of the torii gate. His arms extended around him as he leaned forward and, with a mighty yell, charged towards the massive boulder. Upon impact, the water rippled, causing a minor quake and an enigmatic surge of energy.

Examining the aftermath, Might Guy deduced, "A barrier…"

Rock Lee questioned, "What are we going to do?"

"We must dismantle the barrier by understanding its nature," Might Guy asserted.

Upon closer inspection, they discerned the words 'Forbidden' on the paper attached to the boulder. Kakashi seemed to grasp the situation already.

Granny Chiyo asked, "What do you suppose this barrier is?"

Kakashi responded, "It's a five-seal barrier. Created by paper tags with 'Forbidden' written in five locations around the area. There's the Forbidden tag in front of us and tags in four other locations."

Sakura sighed heavily, whispering, "So our journey to save Gaara just got longer... Unbelievable."

Might Guy inquired, "How do we remove these tags?"

Kakashi responded, "The barrier can only be lifted if we simultaneously remove the tags in all five locations. That's where Neji comes in."

Neji, focusing his Byakugan, affirmed, "I'm on it. I'll locate them."

"We need to be swift, Neji," Sakura urged.

Neji scanned the surroundings keenly, reporting, "I've identified them. One is on a boulder approximately five hundred meters northeast. The second is on the trunk of a tree along a riverbank, about three hundred and fifty meters southeast. The third is on a cliff approximately six hundred and fifty meters northwest. The last is within a forest, just under eight hundred meters southwest. Those are the four locations."

Sakura Haruno questioned, "Those are quite a distance away. What will be the signal?"

Might Guy efficiently unstrapped his backpack, assuring, "No problem at that distance; we can use wireless radios."

He produced a unique wireless radio device from his bag, a round object resembling a necklace designed to be worn as a choker.

Offering a thumbs-up, Might Guy declared, "We'll stay connected with Neji's guidance using these wireless radios. If it's a race, our team's speed will prevail."

Naruto reciprocated the gesture, stating, "We're relying on you."

Suppressing any retort, Sakura observed as Might Guy's team secured the earbuds and fastened the device around them. Might Guy then provide Kakashi with a set for his team.

Might Guy said, "Lee, head for the northwest forest. Neji, the northeast boulder is yours. Tenten, take the south-southeast. I'll tackle the northwest cliff; it's likely the most challenging spot. Alright, Team Guy, gather around."

He raised his hand, emitting an enthusiastic grunt toward Rock Lee, his inexplicably identical but unrelated younger self. Rock Lee smiled and nodded in response, agreeing to synchronize their hands in a group affirmation to boost morale. Might Guy grinned slowly, shifting his attention to Tenten, theatrically clearing his throat with a groan. Tenten glared at him but eventually relented, placing her hand alongside Rock Lee's. Finally, he turned his gaze to Neji with a determined look as if challenging him with his eyes. After all he had endured, Neji, repulsed by the idea of participating in this 'hip, hip, hooray' ritual, resisted being treated like a child. Might Guy persisted, groaning even louder and more obnoxiously until Neji reluctantly yielded a few minutes later, placing his hand alongside Tentens. Might Guy beamed and bellowed, "With the full power of youth, fight!"

His team halfheartedly echoed only the final word. Neji and Tenten were thoroughly embarrassed by their eccentric Sensei, yet Sakura didn't fault him; he was peculiar but undoubtedly well-intentioned. Following his directive, they promptly scattered, each heading to a different location to locate the Forbidden tags, with Pakkun remaining.

Naruto pumped his fist and exclaimed, "That enthusiasm is so cool! Come on, guys, let's give it a shot."

Sakura Haruno crossed her arms, turned away from Naruto, and retorted, "I'd rather not."

Shaking her head, Sakura, from Suna, added, "I'm with her on this one. Sorry, Naruto."

Kakashi smirked and nodded in agreement with the girls. "Right..."

Granny Chiyo glared at Naruto and muttered, "You fool..."

Naruto's awkward moment was cut short by Pakkun, who interjected, "I think it's time for me to make myself scarce. No sense in sticking around if I'm just a hindrance."

Kakashi waved and acknowledged, "Good job, Pakkun."

Sakura smiled warmly, saying, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Pakkun."

Pakkun nodded and uttered, "Alright, I'm out," disappearing in a puff of smoke. The diminutive canine vanished without a trace, leaving Kakashi's team to deal with the last remaining tag.

Kakashi stood before his team, delivering the plan with precision. "Once the barrier is removed, Sakura, your task is to obliterate the boulder at the entrance. That will be the signal for us to breach inside using the Button Hook Entry and retrieve Gaara."

A tense hush fell over the team as they awaited Might Guy's countdown to release the Forbidden tags. Sakura, teeming with anticipation, was poised to prove her capabilities and rescue Gaara from the clutches of the Akatsuki.

As Kakashi deactivated the Forbidden tag, Sakura sprinted towards the boulder, unleashing a powerful punch upon it. Kakashi swiftly evaded the cascading debris, and Sakura narrowly escaped being crushed, positioning herself on the rock wall with the rest of the team.

The team held their ground, anticipating any response from the Akatsuki. Kakashi signaled toward the cavern, prompting everyone to advance. Trusting Sakura to lead the way, they entered the dark recesses of the cave.

Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief as a chilling whimper escaped her. Before them, an Akatsuki member sat on Gaara's lifeless body. This individual possessed slanted blue eyes, long golden blond hair tied in a half ponytail, mouths on both palms and the distinctive Akatsuki cloak. He also sported black nail polish, dressed in navy blue pants and matching shinobi sandals, and was adorned with an Akatsuki ring bearing the kanji for "blue or green" in teal. He had marked a line across his forehead protector, symbolizing a severed connection with Iwagakure.

Due to a twist of fate, Deidara bore injuries to his arms, the left one severely crushed by Gaara's relentless sand assault. Beside him, Sakura could only presume the other Akatsuki member to be Sasori. He presented a weathered appearance, his chestnut skin marked by age. A torn piece of black fabric covered his mouth, a detail Sakura vividly remembered from when Kankuro took a part of Sasori's attire. The unmistakable Akatsuki cloak adorned his hunched form, concealing a suspicious lump on his back.

Rage surged within Sakura, yet an invisible force restrained her, preventing immediate retaliation. The sight before her hinted at a potential death sentence, and she felt helpless against it.

"We're too late," Kakashi somberly declared.

The man seated on Gaara taunted, "So, which one's the Jinchuriki?"

Equally consumed by anger over his friend's mistreatment, Naruto underwent a visceral transformation. His pupils narrowed, glowing a vibrant red, while his teeth morphed into sharp, jagged edges.

Fists clenched, Naruto bellowed, "You jerk! What do you think you're sitting on?"

Maintaining an air of calm, Sasori remarked, "The first one to start yelling and screaming. It's him."

The blonde smirked, "No doubt, he's the Jinchuriki. Itachi is pretty good at describing people."

Addressing Gaara, he added, "Gaara, what are you doing sleeping leisurely in a place like that? Stand up!"

Sakura from Sunagakure couldn't hold back a whimper. "Naruto, shut up! He's not sleeping..."

"That's right. You must know, don't you?" The blonde casually slapped Gaara's cheeks a few times, then continued, "That he's already long dead."

Sakura growled, "Give him back to me, or I'm going to rip you limb from limb, starting with the one Gaara already tore off."

Granny Chiyo extended her arm in front of Sakura, signaling caution. She glanced back at Sakura and shook her head. They needed to discern who they were dealing with before making rash moves. Naruto, however, yelled and charged toward them at full speed. Kakashi swiftly intervened, positioning himself before Naruto to prevent any impulsive actions.

Sasori turned his aged eyes toward his partner. The blonde smirked and asked, "What is it, Sasori, my man?"

"I'll take him," Sasori declared. "The Jinchuriki wants him back so bad."

"Sasori," his partner replied, "You'll probably get mad if I say this, but I'll take care of that Jinchuriki."

Sasori frowned and replied, "Our mission is one Jinchuriki each. Don't be getting all full of yourself, Deidara."

"An artist's passion starts to dull unless they seek greater stimulation, my man. The rumor is the nine-tailed Jinchuriki is quite powerful," Deidara said, staring into the palm of his hand where the mouth chewed on white clay, "He's an opponent suitable for my art."

"What? You're calling those explosions of yours art?" Sasori questioned, "Art is something that beautifully remains extensively into the future. Eternal beauty is art," Sasori replied.

Sakura stood resolutely, awaiting the two Akatsuki members, who were now engrossed in a seemingly pointless argument over their respective arts on top of one of the few people she cared about. The frustration was building within Sakura, but she respected Granny Chiyo and Kakashi's orders not to engage until the enemy made the first move. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were purposefully stalling.

Naruto swiftly unraveled a scroll, declaring, "Knock it off!" Summoning a two-foot-long Shuriken, he hurled it with the full force of his strength. A substantial skeleton-shaped tail, intercepting the attack, emerged from beneath Sasori's cloak. Unfazed, Sasori continued his conversation with his partner.

"To me, art is explosiveness itself," Deidara asserted. Rising from beside Gaara, he tossed a tiny clay bird forward. Deidara placed his index and middle finger to his nose and activated his jutsu, enveloping the clay in a puff of smoke and transforming it into a massive bird.

"It's a far cry from your silly puppet shows," Deidara taunted.

The bird landed beside Sasori, using its beak to lift Gaara. Sasori swung his tail at Deidara, growing impatient with his partner's fascination with explosions. The bird skillfully avoided the tail and took flight while Deidara jumped onto its back.

"See you around, my man," he smirked, looking at Sakura from Sunagakure with a giant smile. Compelled to watch, Sakura observed as the bird enveloped Deidara with its mouth, leaving his legs flailing about.

Sakura from Sunagakure growled, "Where do you think you're going with Gaara, you fucking asshole." 

Deidara laughed and replied, "Those are some naughty words for such a small girl your age. I hope you follow me and find out. That is if you can keep up." 

Bastard," Naruto growled. 

On foot, Naruto chased after him, leaving the cavern and everyone else behind. Although Sakura felt a compelling urge to stay and seek revenge for Kankuro, the priority shifted to the Kazekage—no, the love of her life. Manipulating the sand from the Earth, she sculpted mighty wings on her back and swiftly followed them.