Chapter 28: The Third Kazekage Comes Home

In the vast expanse of the desert, a canvas of stars painted the night sky with celestial brilliance. The tranquil landscape resembled an exquisite work of art, the dunes beneath mirroring the cosmic beauty above. Sakura reclined on a blanket spread across the soft sand, her fingers forming an improvised frame to capture the alignment of stars on her hand.

Meanwhile, Kankuro maintained a vigilant watch from atop a giant boulder; his concern focused on Sakura's safety. Descending gracefully from his stony perch, he joined her on the blanket, drawn by the allure of the starlit spectacle reflected in her eyes.

While engaging in the night's calm, Kankuro reflected on their shared experiences. "You've always loved watching the stars during our missions," he remarked, acknowledging the familiarity of the moment.

Captivated by the celestial display, Sakura replied, "If you observe closely, some stars align to create objects or even animals."

Kankuro, mindful of their mission, issued a cautionary reminder, "Don't get too comfortable. We'll be entering the Land of Rivers soon."

Expressing her concerns, Sakura admitted, "The land itself doesn't scare me. It's the possibility of encountering the Akatsuki. After all, it was their hideout."

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Kankuro emphasized their primary objective. "Our priority is to retrieve the Third Kazekage and bring him home. While we aim to rescue the other puppets as well, if trouble arises, we have to be prepared to retreat."

Sensitive to Kankuro's emotional struggles, Sakura inquired about his well-being. "How are you holding up?" she asked with genuine concern.

Struggling to move beyond the recent harrowing events, Kankuro confessed, "I'm doing my best to leave behind the past few weeks."

Understanding the depth of their shared pain, Sakura, tears streaming down her face, empathetically admitted, "It feels like a part of me was torn away, and I can never heal from it."

Kankuro smiled and added, "Speaking of children, that boy from earlier reminded me of Hikaru." 

A dozen flashbacks struck Sakura's mind. She had forgotten entirely about Hikaru—the sweet little boy who loved to spend time with them. Sakura whispered, "I miss him." 

"I do, too," Kankuro replied, enfolding her in his arms, offering solace in the silent acknowledgment of shared pain. In that embrace, they understood it was a lingering ache that time might soften yet never truly erase. As the moments unfolded, the pain would dull, becoming a part of them, a faded scar on the canvas of their lives.

Sakura remained in Kankuro's embrace until the sun painted the horizon with its warm hues. Sleep eluded her that night as she pondered the fragments of her past, yearning for the moments she wished she could reclaim. Sensing the weight of her thoughts, Kankuro gently lifted her from the sand, urging the group to press on.

Recognizing the challenges awaiting them in the Land of Rivers, Kankuro understood the importance of an early start. With a silent resolve, they moved forward, leaving the shadows of the night behind and embracing the new day and the trials it held for their mission.

The team progressed toward the Land of Rivers, a region renowned for its intricate waterways and dense forests; natural and artificial challenges awaited them.

Navigating the landscape, they gracefully leaped over expansive rivers and towering trees, utilizing the branches to traverse the terrain swiftly. Amidst the seamless movement, a calm conversation unfolded among the Shinobi.

A young female shinobi began to whisper, "Hey, I heard a rumor that Lady Sakura is pregnant. Do you think it's true?"

In response, another female shinobi, her voice lowered, disclosed, "She was pregnant, but unfortunately, she had a miscarriage."

Expressing disbelief, a male shinobi interjected, "No way. Who's she sleeping with? The last time I can recall, she was dating the Kazekage. I can't tell; she flirts with Kankuro, and they've been inseparable since the mission started." 

The young female Shinobi whispered, "You idiots, she's in a relationship with Lord Kazekage."

Kankuro, catching wind of the conversation, glanced behind him and retorted, "Our personal lives are not up for discussion. Focus on the mission at hand."

An uneasy hush fell over the team as they remained silent, steering clear of Kankuro's potential wrath. The younger members refrained from uttering words as they trailed the Shinobi couple. 

Kankuro retorted sharply, "No, we're not lost. Let's proceed to the next mark on the map. If it's not there, we might have taken a wrong turn, but this lake isn't on the map."

The male Shinobi retrieved his map to verify Kankuro's statement and suggested, "Perhaps our maps aren't up to date with the rest of the world, or maybe the two of you are distracted by your personal problems."

Kankuro surged forward, meeting the Shinobi eye to eye, and bellowed, "What did you say?"

Sakura intervened, placing her hands on Kankuro's chest to push him back. She urged, "Calm down, Kankuro. We must retrieve the Third Kazekage's remains before the Akatsuki seizes them."

Kankuro patted Sakura's shoulder, turned around, and declared, "You heard Lady Sakura; let's keep going. We'll reach our destination by tomorrow."

He surged ahead unexpectedly, channeling his frustration into a vigorous run rather than venting it on his teammates.

The team gracefully leaped over the moss-covered rocks lining the riverbank, and the tranquil sounds of the river's reeds echoed in the wind. In the serene atmosphere, there were no signs of the Akatsuki. Sakura couldn't help but ponder the unknown members of the notorious organization. Having encountered only three so far—Sasori of the Red Sand, Itachi Uchiha, and Deidara—she understood the formidable adversaries they posed. The fourth member she glimpsed seemed less imposing, yet Sakura couldn't shake the apprehension about the concealed threats they might pose. Fueled by anxiety, she quickened her pace to match Kankuro's, driven by the fear of encountering another Akatsuki member. Despite Shinobi's extraordinary skills, the limitations of a day's journey were a reality they couldn't escape.

Kankuro abruptly halted the team and declared, "We should call it a day."

"What? Why?" Sakura inquired.

Kankuro smirked as he pointed behind her where the exhausted Jonin and Chunin had collapsed in the grass. Some were audibly gasping for air while perched on nearby rock formations.

A young Chunin apologized, saying, "I'm sorry, Lady Sakura. We can't push ourselves much further."

Sakura kneeled beside her fatigued comrade, offering a comforting rub on the back. She reassured, "Don't worry; we're only human, after all. I can't expect any of you to be perfect."

"I'll keep watch while you guys start a fire," Kankuro volunteered, strolling away from the group.

Sakura grabbed his shirt and exclaimed, "You kept watch last night. It's my turn."

"Are you sure?" Kankuro asked, complying with her request.

"Yes, I'll be fine. Get some rest," Sakura insisted.

Kankuro succumbed to her allure, willingly following her every command. He and the other Shinobi scoured the area for firewood and food while Sakura perched atop the tallest rock, witnessing the sunset paint the horizon. Employing her jutsu, she created a sand eye to vigilantly watch her blind spots. The team gathered around a makeshift fire as night fell, each preparing their meals.

Kankuro, having caught two fish from the nearby river, expertly cooked them to a crisp. Climbing onto the tallest rock, he joined Sakura, offering her one of the freshly cooked fish.

Blushing, Sakura exclaimed, "You did this for me?"

Kankuro mumbled, "It wasn't easy catching them, so I hope they taste good."

Sakura nibbled on her cooked fish, relishing its soft texture. She remarked, "It's delicious. I should make you cook for me once in a while."

Kankuro blushed and chuckled, saying, "All I did was stab it with a tree branch and burn it. I'm not a gourmet chef like you."

"I couldn't make any food while I was up here," Sakura said, giving Kankuro a peck on the cheek. She continued, "Thank you for being so sweet."

Kankuro's radiant smile illuminated the darkening sky. Scratching the back of his head, he chuckled like a schoolgirl, finding it challenging to express his emotions with words. Instead, he leaned in and kissed Sakura.

Sakura, still smiling, gently pushed him away and teased, "You're distracting me."

Kankuro playfully whined, "Come on, not even a quickie?"

Sakura laughed and firmly responded, "No."

The two shared a brief laugh until the whispers of the other Shinobi from below interrupted their romantic moment. Kankuro glared at them, rolled his eyes, and shouted, "You guys should be sleeping."

A male Shinobi retorted, "What about you?"

Kankuro argued, "Enough, go to bed. I don't want to hear any complaints tomorrow about not getting enough sleep."

Sakura rubbed Kankuro's back, "You've been on edge these past few days. Seriously, you should sleep, too."

Kankuro sighed and replied, "I can handle a few nights of not sleeping, but if it will make you feel better, then I will."

"It would," Sakura affirmed.

"Okay," Kankuro sighed. He slid down the rock formation and nestled beside Sakura's bag, leaning on his massive puppet scrolls.

At the break of dawn, the recovery team gathered their belongings, preparing for the final leg of their journey—the remains of the battlefield. They found it had caved in and crumbled as they approached the colossal red shrine gate marking the water pathway leading to a cavern's entrance.

Eager to investigate, Sakura had already moved ahead, climbing the debris. She said, "This is it; the puppets should be here."

Intrigued, Kankuro leaped onto the rubble to join her. He questioned, "What happened to the cave?"

"The cavern collapsed in on itself during the battle. I was so focused on Sasori that I don't exactly recall what happened," Sakura replied.

Kankuro shrugged, "Damn, we underestimated you all this time."

"Yeah, you guys weren't the only ones," Sakura sighed.

Amid the heaps of rubble, Sakura delved deeper into the tangled aftermath of the battlefield, retracing the confrontations between Sasori and herself. She reached Sasori's lifeless puppet, hanging like a macabre ornament between his parents. Her hand gently moved his soft red hair aside as she stroked his face. The idea that this puppet was once a living being seemed unbelievable. Sakura murmured, "Sasori and I could have been friends in another lifetime, and I could have saved him."

Kankuro, with a solemn expression, replied, "Trust me, no one could save him."

Turning her attention to the Jonin and Chunin present, Sakura commanded, "Collect all the remains of Granny Chiyo's puppets in white cloaks. Pile them up outside the cavern."

"Yes, Lady Sakura," responded the Shinobi, attentive to her instructions.

In pairs, the Shinobi systematically gathered the numerous puppets scattered across the area. Sakura employed her chakra puppet strings, connecting one hand to the mother puppet and the other to the father puppet. It was her first attempt at controlling two simultaneously, and she handled them with gentle precision, coaxing their blades out of Sasori's chest, causing him to collapse on the floor. Seizing the opportunity, Kankuro lifted Sasori's arms over his shoulders.

"What are you doing?" Sakura inquired.

"I'm adding the asshole to my puppet collection. I'm sure Granny Chiyo would appreciate it if you took her puppets as well," Kankuro replied.

Sakura furrowed her eyebrows and clenched her teeth. "I've never controlled two at the same time."

Kankuro smiled and reassured, "It's easy once you get the hang of it. I'll teach you."

With her sand manipulation, Sakura lifted Sasori's parents and carried them out of the rubble. Meanwhile, the others worked diligently, lifting heavy stones, clay, and mud to uncover the final and most crucial puppet.

As dusk descended, Kankuro joined forces with Sakura to unearth the puppet she had painstakingly built from scratch. Despite being broken and in pieces, Sakura remained determined to rebuild it. Together, they gathered all the fragments and brought them outside the cave.

Sakura whispered, "We've found all of them, but the Third Kazekage. Where could he be?"

"Don't worry, we'll find him," Kankuro assured, approaching the cavern again.

"You don't think the Akatsuki took him, do you?" Sakura questioned.

"I can't say for sure, but I doubt they would have any purpose for him unless they had another puppet user," Kankuro replied.

A female Chunin Shinobi yelled, "Hey, we found him."

Sakura widened her gaze at Kankuro, a sense of relief washing over her. Together, they rushed over with the other Shinobi to find the Third Kazekage puppet lying under mounds of debris. Everyone stood and stared, awaiting the next course of action.

Sakura yelled, "What are you waiting for? Get him out."

The Shinobi diligently dug him out of the rubble. Once released, Sakura enveloped the puppet with sand, ensuring a secure hold without causing further damage. Kankuro smiled and directed, "Alright, good work, everyone. Let's bring the Third Kazekage home."

The team cheered, having accomplished their mission to locate the puppets. Sakura took it upon herself to carry the Third Kazekage and the puppet she had created while Kankuro hoisted Sasori over his shoulder. The other Shinobi employed their jutsu to carry the remaining puppets. Fueled by adrenaline, they journeyed through the night, covering the remaining distance in a few more days until they reached Sunagakure. There, Sakura eagerly revealed their findings, and they hurried through the village to the Kazekage's office, where Gaara impatiently awaited on the roof.

Sakura leaped into Kankuro's arms, cheering with unbridled joy when they accomplished their mission. Kankuro, taken aback by the unexpected physical expression, widened his eyes but responded with a warm smile, gently helping her back to her feet. Her excitement and relief were palpable, knowing they had avoided another excruciating battle with the Akatsuki.

Sakura exclaimed, "We completed the mission without facing the Akatsuki."

Simultaneously, Gaara descended from a sand platform he had created, gracefully lowering himself from the rooftop. Temari swiftly emerged through the entrance of the Kazekage building, eager to greet her brother and Sakura.

Gaara faced his older brother, eyeing the draped puppet over his shoulders, and asked, "Is that Sasori?"

Kankuro's expression soured, and he responded, "Yeah, now it's just an empty shell of what he used to be. We narrowly avoided a skirmish with one of them before reaching the battlefield."

Temari gasped, curiosity etched across her face, and pressed, "You encountered another Akatsuki member? Who was it?"

Sakura, reflecting on the moment she glimpsed the mysterious figure in the Land of Rivers, recounted, "We were by the lake, and across from us in the trees, I spotted the distinctive black robes with red cloud patterns. The person wore an orange swirled mask covering the entire face, featuring only one eyehole. Thin with black hair, they appeared less menacing than the ones I've encountered. He observed us, but by the time I tried to point him out to Kankuro, he had vanished. Instead of pursuing, we decided to move on."

Temari remarked, "That would have unnerved me."

After contemplating the situation, Gaara stated, "I can only imagine their motives. Perhaps they've found a new hideout nearby."

Sakura, her curiosity piqued, inquired, "How many Akatsuki members are there?"

"Nobody knows," Gaara replied with a heavy sigh. "For now, let's concentrate on safeguarding the village."

The trio nodded in unison at Gaara's direction. Sakura delicately lowered the sand beds that cradled the puppets, allowing the sand to disperse and unveil the wooden figures. Gaara couldn't help but notice the substantial number of puppets they had retrieved. Intrigued, he inquired, "How many puppets were there? It seems like it was quite a remarkable battle."

"For now, we need to store the Chikamatsu's Ten," Sakura gestured toward each puppet. "Kankuro intends to keep Sasori as a kind of trophy. The father and mother puppets were Sasori's parents, and I might consider using them. However, my immediate focus is on repairing and rebuilding my puppet. As for the Third Kazekage, what should I do with him?"

"He's your grandfather," Gaara remarked. "You have the freedom to decide how you wish to honor him."

Sakura's expression turned somber as she spoke, "He served as the Kazekage and was one of the finest Shinobi to defend this village. A proper burial in the cemetery is fitting, and I suggest an open invitation to everyone in the village to pay their respects. However, attendance will be voluntary; I won't impose it on anyone."

Temari nodded in agreement, adding, "I'll notify the villagers promptly. Once you deliver his body to the morgue, they'll handle the necessary arrangements. As for the rest of you, you can rest after ensuring these puppets are safely delivered to Kankuro's puppet room."

"Understood, Lady Temari," affirmed the other Shinobi.

Kankuro nonchalantly handed over Sasori to the capable hands of the other Shinobi. He had more pressing matters than playing with his newly acquired "toys."

Kankuro offered, "I'll accompany you. You shouldn't be alone in a place like that."

Gaara cast a disapproved look at Kankuro, stepping before him to address Sakura. He said, "I will accompany you as well. It's only right, considering he's a former Kazekage."

Sakura blushed and replied, "I appreciate the company. Let's go; we should reach there before the morticians wrap up for the day."

"I'm with you," Kankuro affirmed, falling into step with her.

Sakura adeptly manipulated her sand to encircle the body, gently cradling the Third Kazekage. The brothers trailed behind her through the village, drawing the attention of onlookers who halted to witness the solemn procession. An air of anticipation hung in the crowd as everyone awaited the revelation of the identity of the figure being carried.

Gaara adjusted his gaze, catching sight of Sakura illuminated by the bright sunlight. He could spend time with her for the first time in a while, relishing the prospect. Kankuro, wearing a sullen expression akin to a child denied a coveted toy, chose to tag along from behind. Silently observing and listening, he absorbed the interactions between the two.

As they walked toward the hospital, Gaara reached for Sakura's hand, intertwining their fingers tightly. In a tender moment, Sakura whimpered, "I hated that we were apart for so long during that mission. I was so worried about you, and I missed you so much."

"I missed you too. I want to spend more time with you alone if that's okay."

Sakura squeezed Gaara's arm over her chest and replied, "What do you have in mind?"

"Perhaps we could embark on a mission within the village together," Gaara suggested, "Something that won't require us to leave Sunagakure."

"That sounds like fun, okay," Sakura blushed.

In the background, Kankuro grumpily groaned, "Doing a D-Rank mission as a date. That's so stupid."

Gaara shot his older brother a sharp glance and asked, "If you think it's so stupid, what would you suggest?"

"If Sakura and I were openly dating, I'd take her to the Sunagakure resort we used for the Chunin exams. I'd carry her to the desert for a night of star-gazing until dawn, hoping to catch a few shooting stars up there," Kankuro mused, his expression softening as he imagined the scenario. His lips and eyes drooped as he dwelled on the thought.

"That's a good idea. I'll do that too," Gaara chimed in.

Sakura remained silent, grappling with conflicting emotions. She felt guilt for Kankuro, torn between the two brothers. Unable to make a definitive choice, she decided to go with the flow, uncertain where her heart would ultimately lead her.

The trio entered the hospital together, drawing surprised glances from the civilians. Whispers and chuckles followed them as they walked by. Their high ranks allowed them to bypass the nurses on the first floor, heading directly to the morgue below. Sakura carefully placed the Third Kazekage on the table, closing his eyes with a sense of remorse for the gruesome fate he suffered. She couldn't care less about the fourth Kazekage; the fifth Kazekage was the love of her life. Gaara held her in his arms, offering comfort with a gentle rub on her upper arm.

"I'm sorry you had to find out he was your grandfather like this. If I had known, I would have told you," Gaara expressed.

"All that matters is that he's at peace now," Sakura reassured.

A mortician entered the room, gloving his hands in latex. Already in scrubs, he approached the table and inquired, "Alright, who do we have here?" His mouth dropped, and his eyes widened at the sight before him. Speechless, he stared at a man he never thought he'd see again. Stumbling on his words, he uttered, "It's been over twenty years; how did this happen?"

Gaara recounted, "After Sasori and Deidara kidnapped me, they took me to the Land of Rivers. These two idiots had the brilliant idea to chase after the Akatsuki to bring me home."

Kankuro scolded, "Fuck you, be grateful we cared enough to save your ass, or else it would be you on this table."

Sakura explained, "I fought Sasori of the Red Sand, and he admitted to killing the Third Kazekage, turning him into a puppet as he abandoned our village. I'm his granddaughter, and I'd like to give him a proper burial."

"I see," the mortician hid his discomfort with the conversation and asked, "Would you like some time with him before I begin?"

"I've already spent much time with him these past few missions. I'll be okay, thank you," Sakura replied.

"Okay, I will let you know when I'm finished so he can be buried properly," the mortician assured.

"Thank you, I appreciate that. We will be on our way now," Sakura said.

Gaara followed her out the door and added, "Take good care of him; we're counting on you."

The trio exited the morgue, climbing the stairs. Gaara's thoughts lingered on their previous visit and the events. He asked, "Should we double-check with the doctors to ensure you're alright?"

Sakura gently rubbed Gaara's back and reassured, "I'm okay, I promise."

Kankuro said, "If you change your mind, I don't mind waiting in the hall."

"Don't worry about it. I'm fine now," Sakura assured them.

Silently, they approached the nurse's station at the front door. As they began to walk past them, one of the nurses called out, "Lady Sakura."

Turning, they saw a group of nurses carrying a basket of handmade goodies. One handed it to Sakura, and another said, "We wanted to give this to you to show how sorry we are for your loss. We don't want you to give up on having children."

"Thank you," Sakura replied with tears in her eyes. "Gaara and I won't give up, I assure you. However, due to the Akatsuki's sudden attacks, we would like to wait until they're dealt with."

The nurse bowed and said, "We understand, and we're always here for you if you need us."

The young couple nodded, leaving the hospital with Kankuro in a better mood than when they arrived. Kankuro continued to mope around, aware that the baby might have been his, but he refrained from saying anything for the family's sake. It was heartwarming that the nurses were so caring for them. Sakura walked briskly and said, "Come on, let's go home. I want to see what's inside."

The couple leaped on sand platforms and raced each other home. Sakura ensured the basket was safely secured in her created sand clump formation. They were overjoyed to be together again.

Kankuro's face turned red, and steam came out of his ears as he yelled, "Hold on, wait for me!"

Once reunited, the inseparable family seamlessly transitioned back into their routine as a Shinobi family. Their primary focus shifted towards bolstering the defense of Sunagakure, deploying additional guards to patrol the walls, and ensuring the safety of all its inhabitants. Vigilance became their mantra, a shared commitment to prevent a recurrence of the past incidents where Kage had fallen victim to kidnapping and death. With a watchful eye on each other, they were determined to safeguard the village and usher in a renewed era of peace for the hidden village in the sand.