Chapter 25: The Honorable Grandmother

Once everyone had safely escaped the explosions, a violent gust of wind carrying the dust from the forest nearly knocked them off their feet. In the ensuing silence, Naruto and his shadow clones exchanged frowns directed at Sakura. Unwilling to engage in an argument, she avoided eye contact with anyone.

"Hey!" Naruto's voice echoed, "That explosion could have killed you."

Refusing to meet anyone's gaze, Sakura defended herself, "I was giving the team time to escape while using my jutsu to shield everyone. I didn't have time to escape with the rest of you."

"Stop lying. You wanted that explosion to kill you," Naruto argued. "Did you stop to think how that would make any of your friends feel?"

Kakashi's gaze turned stern as he interjected, "Naruto, that's enough."

"No, I want to know why," Naruto insisted.

Curled in a ball, Sakura leaned on Gaara's cold corpse, letting tears stream down her face. The atmosphere became awkwardly quiet, with Naruto being the sole voice of judgment for her attempted self-sacrifice. Granny Chiyo knelt beside her, offering solace through a gentle rub on her back. The weight of Sakura's loss was undeniably devastating.

"Gaara and I were inseparable. Now that he's gone, I'll be the next Kazekage, and Kankuro will be my Advisor. My life would be a constant reminder of what Gaara missed out on. I don't want to go through that," Sakura confessed, her voice heavy with sorrow.

"If you don't want to be Kazekage, tell your elders to shove it," Naruto declared.

Neji knelt by her side, his voice calm and measured, "As you already know, I am a Hyuga, a member of the clan's branch house. I was born to serve the Hyuga's main household when my time came, and if I didn't, I'd be severely punished."

Curious, Sakura inquired, "Punished how?"

Neji solemnly removed his Shinobi headband, revealing a colored curse mark across his forehead with an 'X' at the center. He explained, "When I was young, my uncle Hiashi branded me with this customary cursed seal. My life felt like I was a bird trapped in a cage for the rest of my life. If my father or I disobeyed my destiny, Hiashi would activate the seal, causing me tremendous pain."

Sakura gasped, placing her palm over her mouth, "I had no idea; I'm so sorry."

"Don't be. Naruto, out of all people, taught me that I can choose who I want to be. My fate would be my choice. That's why I decided to continue my path as a Shinobi. Don't allow the elders in your village to cage you like a bird, or else you'll be miserable for the rest of your life and die with regrets," Neji advised.

"Thank you, Neji," Sakura said with gratitude.

"Well, I'm glad we didn't lose you, too," Kakashi interjected, looking around, "Is everyone else okay now?"

In the quiet aftermath, the team silently communicated through nods, leaving Sakura to choose to spend as much time as possible with Gaara. However, the decision to change her mind did not alter reality. He was gone, lost in the relentless grip of death, never to return. It marked the final opportunity for her to embrace him, to feel the tousled strands of his fiery red hair and gaze into his once-vibrant skylight eyes. In this fleeting moment, she yearned desperately to hear his voice again.

Sakura's quiet whimpering echoed through the stillness as she rested on Gaara's unmoving chest, realizing she would never again feel the reassuring thump of his heartbeat. Her trembling hands reached out to touch his cold, lifeless face, fingers delicately tracing the contours of someone she had cared for so deeply. Tears streamed down her face, leaving glistening trails on her cheeks as she leaned over him.

Her sobs carried the weight of profound sadness, the burden of loss, and the painful acceptance that she couldn't bring him back. Sakura clutched Gaara's still form, fingers intertwining with his lifeless ones. The world around her blurred as the depth of her grief consumed her.

In that poignant moment, surrounded by the echoes of battle and the lingering specter of death, Sakura's cries became a raw, emotional symphony, expressing the love and connection she once shared with Gaara. Each sob conveyed heartbreak, mourning the irrevocable absence of a cherished presence. The forest stood witness to this silent lament. Heads lowered respectfully, eyebrows furrowed in sympathy for her profound loss. Sniffling, Sakura sat on her legs, gently laying Gaara's head on her thighs. She caressed his hair and kissed him on the forehead, a tender gesture resonating with the truth that Gaara had truly loved Sakura with every ounce of his heart.

Amidst tears, Naruto approached them, and his gaze fixated on Gaara's lifeless face. His fist clenched, and he couldn't contain his frustration, shouting, "Why did he have to die like that? He just became the Kazekage, for heaven's sake."

In response to Naruto's outburst, Granny Chiyo calmly intervened, saying, "Calm down, Naruto Uzumaki."

Turning abruptly to face Granny Chiyo, Naruto's tears poured like rain as he defensively retorted, "Shut up! This wouldn't have happened if you and the Shinobi hadn't put a monster inside Gaara. Did you even ask Gaara how he felt about it?"

No longer whimpering, Sakura spoke quietly yet firmly, "Don't speak to her like that, Naruto. Don't blame the village for the wrongs of the Fourth Kazekage. He wanted his son to be a Jinchuriki for the sake of war and destruction. We didn't want that."

Overwhelmed with grief, Naruto tightly closed his eyelids, sobbing as he turned away from them. He muttered, "Jinchuriki, my ass. You've no right to act so important by labeling us with that word you created. I can't save Sasuke, and I can't save Gaara. I trained so hard for three years, but nothing has changed since three years ago."

Granny Chiyo silently limped past Naruto, who sobbed into his right arm. Her determined pace conveyed a sense of purpose, leaving Naruto to cease his tears and stare at her sorrowfully as she approached.

With tear-swollen eyes, Sakura wiped her face and inquired, "Granny Chiyo, what are you doing?"

The revered elderly grandmother did not immediately respond to her pupil. Instead, she knelt beside Gaara, his head gracefully resting on Sakura's thighs. Placing her hand on his chest, Granny Chiyo emitted Chakra that raged like a fiery aura around them.

Concerned, Sakura exclaimed, "Granny, that jutsu will kill you."

Granny Chiyo lifted her head, offering a smile to Sakura. Unfazed, Naruto stepped forward, attempting to intervene, and asked, "Hey, what are you doing?"

As the wind tousled Sakura Haruno's pink hair, she raised her arm to halt Naruto's advance. She understood Granny Chiyo's intentions perfectly. In exchange for her own life, the elderly woman sought to rectify the wrongs she had committed.

Naruto, puzzled, inquired, "Sakura, what?"

Without hesitation, Sakura shot him a deadly glare, expressing profound sorrow and an understanding of Granny Chiyo's sacrifice as the village elder. She clarified, "Granny Chiyo will bring Gaara back to life."

Her words sent shivers down his spine, and he asked with astonishment, "Are you serious? Is that possible?"

The princess of the sand, Sakura of the Kazekage Clan, calmly replied, "Granny Chiyo is the only one, other than myself, who possesses this unique jutsu. She taught me years ago, hoping I'd never have to use it someday."

As her vision blurred, Granny Chiyo grunted in agonizing pain, fading away. The success of her efforts hinged on completing the jutsu before succumbing to unconsciousness. She groaned, "I don't have enough Chakra."

Slowly and with mature composure, over a hundred Shinobi from Sunagakure surrounded them upon their arrival. Weakened, Sakura began to notice their presence but didn't realize that Temari and Kankuro were standing behind her. Granny Chiyo, in her frail state, couldn't see the family that had come to witness her final moments, including her brother, Ebizo. They silently listened to the conversation to understand what they had missed while rescuing Gaara.

Granny Chiyo's Chakra wavered from her hands like a flickering flame about to extinguish. Sakura gently laid Gaara's head on the warm grass, kneeling across from Granny Chiyo. Placing her hands over the fading Chakra, Sakura supplied massive amounts of flowing energy.

Granny Chiyo gasped, "Sakura, what are you doing? How is this possible?"

Sakura's smile widened, and she began, "When Gaara's mother passed away after childbirth, you would come to the fourth Kazekage household every night to supply the siblings with dinner. After Gaara lost control, Shukaku threw me off that roof, and we believed my Chakra was permanently blocked until you saved me. You ensured I did my physical therapy daily, no matter how much I complained. When my sister was killed in Konoha, you helped me find the Hyuga clan to unblock my Chakra. I had no one left until Gaara and his siblings told me to live with them. Every night, you supported us, knowing we were a household of crazy orphans."

Granny Chiyo panted, "I don't understand. Why are you bringing that up now?"

Sniffling, Sakura replied, "Because you've already paid for the mistakes you've made in the past. Shukaku came to me and lent me his Chakra, so let me help you."

Granny Chiyo's eyes widened, "He did what?"

Kakashi asked, "Did you say Shukaku? The one-tailed beast extracted from Gaara. How was that possible?"

"I couldn't answer that, but it might have had something to do with an old relative who happened to be the Third Kazekage."

The field fell into stunned silence as everyone absorbed the detailed revelations. Sakura continued, sharing how Shukaku had watched over her family for years, enabling her to perform with enormous amounts of Chakra without becoming too exhausted, similar to when Kakashi used his Sharingan.

Addressing Granny Chiyo directly, Sakura spoke, "Gaara was forbidden to go outside, but every day, he managed to meet me at our secret hiding spots across the village. Until the day he was kidnapped, he never revealed how he escaped his uncle's watchful eyes. He always told me that I would someday come to learn how he did it. Was that your doing? Despite the awful politics enforced on us, we found happiness, which drove Kankuro crazy. But hopefully, someday, he will understand why I chose Gaara over him."

Granny Chiyo smiled and replied, "In this Shinobi world created by us foolish old people, being part of your life was one of the greatest pleasures after the mistakes I made in the past. But up until my last hour, it seems I shall finally be able to do right by you and Gaara. It was an honor to fight by your side, princess of the sand."

The color in Granny Chiyo's eyes faded away. Her blue chakra flames extinguished, and she fell back into Ebizo's arms. Gentle tears fell from his eyes to her cheek, expressing all the love in the world for his sister.

Temari gently kissed Sakura's forehead and said, "You did well, Sakura."

With tears rolling down her face, Sakura glanced at Temari with relief and said, "She's gone..."

"She did what she thought was best under the circumstances," Temari replied, her hand resting on Sakura's shoulder. She gave her a gentle smile.

In brief silence, Sakura gently laid Gaara's head back on her thighs, allowing him to wake comfortably. Everyone surrounded him, anticipation filling the air as they expected him to rise. Gaara flickered his eyes slightly ajar, widening them in shock as he stared back at Sakura, her face swollen red like his hair. She reassured him, "Gaara, you're okay now."

Gaara weakly replied, "Sakura...."

Naruto placed his hand on Gaara's shoulder, and Gaara looked up at him with amazement. For the first time, he was surrounded by people who genuinely cared about him. The Chunin and Jonin cheered with exuberance while other grown men hid their tears in their sleeves.

Kankuro strolled with a bright smile and said, "Good grief, you're such a bothersome little brother, making us worry like that."

Temari frowned and remarked, "What's with you guys acting arrogant like that? Gaara is the Kazekage, you know. Don't be so disrespectful. You're nothing but subordinates."

Sakura chuckled and added, "Yeah, as a matter of fact, stop calling him by his first name. He's Lord Kazekage, the lot of you." Kankuro and Naruto exchanged glares with the girls for enforcing old traditional rules that seemed trivial at this time.

Sakura turned her attention to Gaara, asking, "Are you alright, Gaara?"

Leaning on Sakura for support, he attempted to painfully and slowly get back on his feet. However, Sakura eased him back onto the grass, advising, "Don't get up so quickly. Your body hasn't completely healed yet."

In the background, a male Jonin let out a relieved whimper, "Thank heavens, I thought Lord Kazekage might die."

A female Chunin promptly smacked him and declared, "There's no way that Lord Gaara would kick the bucket that easily. Gaara is reserved, calm, strong, handsome, an elite..."

Another female Chunin, blushing, clenched her hands and stammered, "Yes, yes, but he's still kind of cute somehow, and yet, he is the Kazekage..."

The first female Chunin shoved the male Jonin aside, walking towards Gaara with her friend, declaring, "This time, I'll show them that I can protect Lord Gaara in a crisis."

Her friend pushed her out of the way, retorting, "No, I will." The two engaged in a playful but determined back-and-forth to reach Gaara, inadvertently pushing Naruto and Sakura out of the way.

Sakura glared at the enthusiastic Chunin and yelled, "Hey, I'm his girlfriend and Advisor. Do that again; neither of you will be on missions for weeks."

Temari chuckled and teased, "Oh, are you jealous, Sakura?"

Sakura crossed her arms, frowning, and replied, "I'm not. Gaara and I are in a healthy and happy relationship."

Kankuro laughed, "Well, if it all goes up in flames, you'll know where to find me."

Sakura's face turned bright red, and she retorted, "Shut up."

Lying on the ground, Naruto quietly murmured, "Come to think of it, I am still a Genin."

Kankuro embraced Sakura, reassuringly saying, "Don't feel so down. It's a well-known fact that women have a weakness for the cool, elite types. Right, Sakura?"

Sakura blushed, playfully striking him, and retorted, "Shut up."

Naruto stood up, adding, "I think Shikamaru was saying something like that too."

Sakura chuckled, casting a mischievous glance at Temari. "Oh, you don't say?" she teased.

Temari growled, "Shut it."

Naruto grinned and shared, "That old lady saved Gaara's life with that cool jutsu she used. She got tired out, and she's sleeping now, but when she returns to the village, she'll recover."

Sakura frowned, correcting him, "She's not sleeping, Naruto."

The crowd fell silent, paying their respects to Granny Chiyo, who lay in Ebizo's arms. He whispered silent prayers as he held her tightly. The once joyous female Chunin had hushed, glancing towards the sad scene with reverence.

Kankuro raised his head, giving Ebizo a sympathetic expression. He felt remorse for him, believing that Granny Chiyo deserved better. Turning to Sakura, he asked, "She used it... didn't she?"

Naruto, confused, questioned, "What are you talking about?"

Sakura lowered her head, replying, "The jutsu Granny Chiyo used drained her of all her Chakra, and she placed it inside Gaara. Granny Chiyo is dead."

Naruto whimpered, "What do you mean?"

Sakura solemnly explained, "It's a ninjutsu to bring a dead person back to life in exchange for your own."

Kankuro's eyes welled with tears as he shared, "At one point, in the Sand Puppet Unit, they delved into research to develop a jutsu that could bring puppets to life. Granny Chiyo led the project. While they succeeded in developing the jutsu in theory, they halted the process midway, deeming the risks too great. Before it could progress to human experiments, it was labeled as forbidden Jutsu and sealed."

Naruto, silently rising from the ground, fixed his gaze on Granny Chiyo's lifeless form, cradled by her brother as if in peaceful slumber.

Ebizo remarked, "Just like that, she looks like she could start laughing at any minute. Her face looks so peaceful."

Tears streamed down Sakura's face as she nodded and whispered, "Yes, she does."

Temari turned to Naruto and reflected, "Granny Chiyo always said she didn't care about the village's future. She was not the kind of person to do such a thing for Gaara. She entrusted the future to Gaara, Sakura, and you. Her death was befitting for a wise shinobi."

Gaara attempted to stand alone, but Sakura quickly snagged his arm for support. On the other side, Naruto caught his arm and aided him in standing. The trio, Gaara, Sakura, and Naruto, stood before Granny Chiyo, paying their heartfelt respects to the fallen Shinobi.

Gaara said, "Everyone, let us pray for Granny Chiyo."

One after the next, everyone bowed their heads and closed their eyes, entering a moment of mourning for one of the greatest Shinobi who had ever lived in the hidden village in the sand.

"Lord Kazekage, the villagers are awaiting your return," Baki announced.

Gaara raised his hand, signaling a momentary pause. He turned his head back, his gaze meeting Granny Chiyo's body tightly secured in a bag on a stretcher.

Sakura's eyes welled up with tears as the villagers formed two crowds on either side of the village entrance. With reverence, Granny Chiyo's stretcher was ceremoniously carried down the path as if she were royalty. The entire assembly bowed in unison, offering silent prayers for the soul of the Shinobi who had sacrificed her life for the future of Sunagakure.

Swiftly, the medical Shinobi arranged a stretcher to transport Granny Chiyo back home. Determined but weakened, Gaara found support in Sakura and Naruto, their arms enveloping him. For two consecutive days, they traversed the vast expanse until the towering walls of their home came into view.

Temari's eyes widened as she observed the village, sensing an unusual sight. She remarked, "Is that what I think it is?"

Sakura smiled, exclaiming, "I've never seen anything quite like this."

At the village entrance, thousands of eager villagers awaited the return of the Kazekage. A united front of sand Shinobi and civilians had gathered to celebrate his homecoming. Baki skillfully maneuvered through the crowd, positioning himself front and center as the sun painted the horizon with its early morning hues.

Kankuro smirked with a sly comment, "Heh, what a lavish welcome."

Rock Lee keenly observed, noting, "There are so many people."

Neji added stoically, "Just as expected for the Kazekage."

The crowds erupted in cheers, fists raised in jubilation, surging forward to greet the returning heroes. Baki took the lead, stepping up to Gaara, and expressed, "I'm glad you're safe."

Gaara glanced back at his comrades and replied with gratitude, "It's thanks to everyone."

Baki nodded and turned to Naruto, stating, "Naruto Uzumaki, I am truly grateful."

Modestly, Naruto responded, "No, I wasn't able to do anything."

Sakura smiled as she remarked, "I thought I'd never see the day where the whole village would be this happy to see him come home."

At the village entrance, an enthusiastic crowd of thousands eagerly anticipated the Kazekage's return. A harmonious assembly of sand shinobi and civilians united to celebrate the triumphant homecoming. Baki navigated the crowd with finesse, securing a central position as the sun cast its golden hues upon the awakening horizon.

Kankuro, with a sly smirk, playfully commented, "Heh, what a majestic welcome."

Rock Lee, ever observant, noted, "There are so many people."

In his composed manner, Neji remarked, "Just as anticipated for the Kazekage."

The crowd burst into exuberant cheers, fists raised in joy, as they surged forward to greet the returning heroes. Baki led the way, approaching Gaara with a heartfelt sentiment, "I'm glad you're safe."

Gaara glanced back at his comrades and replied, "Thanks to everyone."

Baki nodded sincerely, saying, "Naruto Uzumaki, the village is truly grateful."

Modestly, Naruto replied, "No, I wasn't able to do anything."

"Lord Kazekage, the villagers are waiting for you," Baki informed.

Gaara paused, asserting, "Wait, we have something we need to do first." He tilted his head back to see Granny Chiyo's body in a tightly roped bag lying on a stretcher.

Sakura's eyes welled up in tears as the villagers formed two crowds on either side of the village entrance. Granny Chiyo's stretcher was carried down the path with solemn dignity as if she were royalty. Every villager bowed, offering prayers for her soul to rest in peace—a poignant moment of silence and reflection for a Shinobi who sacrificed her life for the future of Sunagakure.

The Kazekage, flanked by his devoted Advisor and siblings, solemnly trailed the stretcher bearing their departed grandmother. Villagers and Shinobi watched in admiration from a distance. The funeral procession wound its way to the Sunagakure hospital, offering solace for the day. With assistance from Sakura, Naruto gently placed the Kazekage on a hospital trauma bed. Nurses, with practiced care, inserted a needle and connected him to vital fluids, ushering the bed into a private room for treatment.

Kankuro delicately took hold of Sakura's arm at the nurse's station, his usual composure giving way to genuine concern. He inquired, "How are you holding up?"

Sakura nodded and responded, "I've had better days."

"What went down out there?" Kankuro asked.

Sakura gently traced the stab wound on her stomach and explained, "I'll fill you in on everything when we're all together. For now, I need to check on Gaara and ensure he's okay."

A cautious female nurse approached, acknowledging, "My apologies for intruding, but I must admit you to the hospital for observations."

Sakura sighed, stating, "Can it wait? I have to report to the elders."

However, Kankuro, gripping her hand, asserted, "No, it can't wait. Lay on a gurney, or I'll tell Gaara you refused a medical exam."

Sakura crossed her arms and grumbled, "Alright, just to ensure Gaara doesn't recover without thinking about me."

Kankuro smirked and gestured to a nurse approaching them. He had arranged for a comprehensive examination of her body, covering every inch, in the private hospital room reserved for the Kazekage family.

Both Sakura and Gaara were hooked up to fluids, and blood was drawn to ensure her well-being. The nurses provided them with hospital robes for their extended stay, and in the meantime, Kankuro and Temari kept a vigilant watch over them. On her left, Sakura noticed Gaara lying on the hospital bed beside hers, his gaze fixed on the sky, lost in deep contemplation.

"I feared I had lost you," Sakura whispered. 

Gaara turned to face her and replied, "Your actions were reckless in pursuing the Akatsuki, but waking up to your beautiful face made me feel like it was all worth it." 

Sakura sighed, "I couldn't stand by and let those bastards kill those I care about." 

"I couldn't agree more," Baki said as he entered the room. The Sunagakure council trailed behind him, arranging themselves around the beds, ready to discuss formally with the Kazekage. 

Temari crossed her arms, stating, "This is unacceptable. Lord Kazekage needs rest." 

"It's alright, Temari," Gaara assured, sitting in bed. He continued, "Much as it pains me to agree with my older sister, she's correct. Sakura and I are in no condition to delve into the village's political matters. Give us at least today to recover." 

Baki nodded respectfully, acknowledging Gaara's request. "Understood. The meeting will be postponed until tomorrow morning."

Sakura discreetly retrieved a photograph, cradling it in her hands. Tears welled in her eyes as she reminisced about the future she could have shared with the lost child. While she had intended to wait for the right moment to reveal this to Gaara, she found herself unable to disclose it to Kankuro, fearing the weight it would add to his already burdened heart. 

Baki observed her actions, realizing the moment's significance, and felt compelled to speak. In a somber tone, Baki conveyed, "I deeply regret that we could only save the three of you. If I could turn back time and rescue all four, I would."

Kankuro nodded, responding, "None of us could have foreseen it, but we're just thankful Sakura is alive."

"You knew?" Sakura asked.

Kankuro admitted, "Baki filled me in on everything during my procedure after you left. He used it as leverage to make me stay."

"Why didn't you tell me you knew?" Sakura questioned.

Kankuro, avoiding eye contact, clenched his fist and raised his voice, "Because I was angry at you for not telling me yourself."

Temari swiftly pinched Kankuro's ear and pulled hard. "Don't raise your voice at her. Obviously, she didn't tell you because she didn't want to upset you, so give it up."

Kankuro pulled away, arguing silently with Temari while everyone in the room maintained a tense silence. Gaara looked up in confusion, attempting to discern who the fourth person was. The elders calmly exited the room, leaving Gaara in suspense. 

Gaara asked, "Did someone else pass away besides Granny Chiyo?"

Temari discreetly ushered Kankuro out of the room, stating, "We'll give you two some privacy."

Gaara patiently awaited Sakura's readiness to share her burden. It seemed crucial she shared her endeavors with him.

Sakura, with a hesitant pause, revealed, "The day you were abducted, I visited the local doctor due to the persistent illness I've had lately. After the tests, she informed me I was pregnant."

Gaara raised his non-existent brows and asked, "What were the results?"

Sakura admitted, "I stopped taking care of myself so that It may have led to a miscarriage."

Gaara, struggling to contain his emotions, whispered, "Are you certain? Perhaps we can run more tests?"

Holding a photograph tightly, Sakura climbed into bed beside him, touching foreheads. Gaara fought back tears, the idea of losing a child weighing heavily.

In a calm tone, he pleaded, "There has to be something we can do."

Stroking his cheeks, Sakura whispered, "No, I wish there was." 

Temari and Kankuro entered the room with a medical Shinobi entered the room, clutching two folders of paperwork. The quartet patiently awaited his words. He began, "Lord Kazekage, you were clinically dead for almost seventeen hours—the damage to your cerebellum resulted in a temporary loss of some motor skills. With therapy, a full recovery is expected in due time."

Sakura expressed concern when asked, "How long until he fully recovers?" After a thoughtful pause, the medical Shinobi responded, "At most, it might take a year, but I've witnessed recoveries in as little as two months."

Gaara silently groaned, grappling with the prospect of extended physical therapy yet remaining grateful for his survival. Shifting the focus, he questioned, "Enough about me; what is Sakura's diagnosis?"

The Medical Shinobi met the gaze of the Kazekage family, stating, "Her labs show elevated white blood cells, but no signs of infection from the miscarriage."

Kankuro, arms crossed and wearing a frown, inquired, "And Sasori's toxins?"

A reassuring smile played on the Medical Shinobi's lips as they responded, "No traces of toxins remained after she administered the antidotes."

Temari's smirk surfaced, "In short, they're going to be fine."

Affirmatively, the Medical Shinobi nodded, "Yes. The poisonous blade that pierced her vital organs was healed in time, but we recommend she stays for at least one night for observation."

Gaara assured, "We'll ensure she does. Thank you."

The doctor exited, leaving the family in a peaceful atmosphere. Looking out the window as the sun dipped, Sakura pondered Granny Chiyo's fate and the looming possibility of a funeral.

Breaking the silence, Sakura inquired, "How is Ebizo?"

Kankuro sighed, responding, "He's laying Granny Chiyo to rest in the cemetery, following her wishes against a formal funeral."

"I'd like to pay my respects before we leave," Sakura expressed.

Gaara nodded, suggesting, "Tomorrow, as a family, we can bid our final farewells."

Acknowledging the family duty, Sakura added, "Despite our love for Granny Chiyo, we owe the elders a meeting at sunrise."

The family silently agreed, reminiscing about their earliest memories of Granny Chiyo as the day unfolded. As the sun set, they prepared for rest, knowing that ahead lay challenging days.

"Kankuro, we should head back to the house; evening is approaching," Temari stated, making her way to the door.

"No, I'll stay here," Kankuro insisted. "I can keep watch in case of anything and be here for them if needed."

Temari nodded, responding, "As you wish."

She quickly exited the hospital to brief the elders, leaving the family to support each other. Kankuro pulled up a chair, settling between them, and an awkward silence hung as they confronted his unsettling smile.

"You really should consider using protection," Kankuro sighed. 

The young couple shot him aggressive glares, aware of his jealousy toward his younger brother. Recognizing the tension, Kankuro backtracked, admitting, "Sorry, too soon."

"If you weren't my brother, I'd squish you like a bug," Gaara retorted.

Leaning back, Kankuro placed his hands on his head and chuckled, saying, "Love you too, little brother."

With a smile, Sakura requested "Permission to beat him up."

Gaara, granting permission, leaned back and said, "I couldn't say no."

"Come on, don't joke around like that; I said I was sorry," Kankuro protested.

Sakura swiftly attached her chakra strings to Kankuro's hand, forcing it into a fist before he could react.

"You wouldn't dare," Kankuro panicked, pleading, "Please, Sakura. After everything we've been through together. I am begging you, please."

His hand swung up, hitting his lower jaw, eliciting laughter from Gaara and Sakura. At that moment, the recent hardships seemed to disappear, replaced by shared amusement.