Chapter 4: Fear of Loss

Temari had existed deep in training alongside her fellow wind chakra release users at the esteemed Jonin level. Her dedication was so unwavering that she hadn't exchanged more than a few words with anyone else in weeks. Meanwhile, Gaara was preoccupied with preparations for the upcoming Chunin exams, often working diligently in different parts of the village. Unfortunately, Kankuro found himself on the outside, unable to partake in training under the watchful eye of Granny Chiyo. She was on edge during those days; her experiences had taken a toll, making it challenging to guide another student through the darkness.

Sakura would often watch these preparations unfold for hours on end, hoping that by doing so, she would eventually learn what to do when her chakra fully returned. One evening, as the day's training ended, Temari finally left the gym. She noticed Sakura waving to her from a distance.

"Hey, Sakura! How's Gaara doing?" Temari asked playfully, winking mischievously.

"He's working hard as usual," Sakura replied with a fond smile.

"I was just teasing, but it's good to know you've been keeping an eye on him," Temari said, unable to giggle.

Sakura blushed slightly, flustered. "I haven't..."

Temari leaned closer, her tone conspiratorial. "If even we've noticed, you can bet Gaara knows it too. Someday, he won't be able to resist kissing you."

Sakura stammered, her blush deepening. She did not realize Temari had no idea what happened between Gaara and her weeks ago. She lied, "That won't ever happen 'cause I don't stalk him."

"How about you come over for a sleepover tonight? We're moving to a bigger house soon, so this will be the last chance to see our old traditional Tatami mats. Our place is too small now that we're all older."

"No way!" Sakura blushed.

"Yes, way. Come on, over."

"What? Now?"

With precise planning, Temari had spirited Sakura away from the Kazekage Office, covering a considerable distance before arriving at their home.

Temari swung the door open with a flourish, her entrance punctuated by a boisterous announcement. While the staircase beckoned upward to the bedrooms, she led Sakura cheerfully into the dining room adjacent to the living area. Kankuro was already seated there, his demeanor noticeably perturbed by Temari's unusually early return.

"What do you want, Temari?" Kankuro growled, "I told you I have television privileges until six in the afternoon."

Temari, sporting a mischievous grin, retorted, "Today's a special occasion. I brought my friend over."

Kankuro's curiosity was piqued. "Who could you have possibly brought over? Everyone is disgusted by Gaara."

From the shadows, Sakura emerged, standing beside him with a friendly wave and a radiant smile that seemed to glow in the window's warm light. Kankuro, his cheeks warming, instinctively set aside the remote control and rose from his seat, unable to tear his eyes away.

"Hey, Sakura. Uh, you know Gaara's here, right?" Kankuro stammered, attempting to regain his composure.

Sakura, still beaming, replied with a hint of playful innocence, "Really? Where is he?"

Descending the staircase, Gaara inadvertently eavesdropped on their conversation. His presence subtly stirred Sakura; her senses heightened as he passed by them, making his way into the kitchen. The trio's gaze remained fixed on him, each waiting for him to acknowledge Sakura, who stood alongside them.

Unable to contain himself any longer, Kankuro, watching Gaara rummage in the fridge for a snack, called out, "Hey, Gaara! We have a guest."

Gaara slowly turned his head, his gaze locking with Sakura's in a prolonged moment of silent connection. He casually grabbed a bag of snacks from the counter and moved closer to her. With a playful expression, he booped her nose and raised the corners of his lips in a small, genuine smile.

"I'll be training by the hill tomorrow, but I guess you already knew that," Gaara stated matter-of-factly.

Sakura, her cheeks flushed and heart aflutter, stammered, "I... uh... yeah..."

Sakura was utterly speechless, caught in a moment of surprise, not knowing how to react. Standing beside her, Kankuro mirrored her astonishment, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. The room seemed to fall into an unexpected silence, all eyes fixed on Sakura and the approaching Gaara.

As Gaara drew closer, Sakura's face turned a brilliant shade of red. Her heart raced as she nervously anticipated his next move. Gaara, with his usual enigmatic demeanor, sniffed her and then offered a small, sincere smile before calmly leaving to return upstairs for the night. On the other hand, Temari burst into joyous laughter, filling the room with its infectious mirth.

"What just happened?" Kankuro questioned incredulously. "You and Gaara are staying in separate rooms tonight..."

Still amused by the situation, Temari composed herself enough to ask, "Are you and Gaara dating? I know you said the two of you are friends, but what I saw says something entirely different." Her curiosity was undeniably piqued.

Kankuro was furious. He turned to his sister and said, "Temari, can I speak with her alone for a second..."

Concerned, Temari asked, "How come?"

"It's okay, Temari. We're all friends here. I'll meet you upstairs."

Temari whispered to Sakura, "Are you sure? If he does anything..."

"I trust Kankuro with my life, Temari. I'll be fine."

Inside the living room, Kankuro had shut off the television. Feeling apprehensive, Sakura sat on the couch, which was still warm from Kankuro sitting on it for over an hour. She avoided looking at his face, fully aware of what might be going through his mind.

"Sakura, look at me..." Kankuro sighed, his tone softening. "What is going on?"

"Gaara took me back... I didn't think he would, but he did."

"Okay..." Kankuro said, leaving the room.

"Wait, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to fight for us for however long it takes."

Kankuro stormed out of the living room, leaving Sakura to her thoughts. His sister came down to talk to her, but Sakura refused to say anything. 

Sakura settled onto the couch beside Temari, surrounded by the peculiar decor of her home. She glanced around, taking in the unusual ambiance, unlike what she was used to back in her large house.

Temari smiled warmly and began, "I'm glad to have another girl in the house, Sakura. It's usually just me with my two brothers and our single, widowed father. It gets... interesting, to say the least." She chuckled. "I've thought about moving out on my own someday."

Sakura nodded in understanding, finding comfort in the companionship of another girl in a predominantly male environment.

As the evening descended, they delved into watching movies together, enjoying the simple pleasure of relaxing at home. But their movie night was unexpectedly interrupted when Granny Chiyo entered the house, balancing a tray with steaming plates of food.

With a faintly surprised expression, Chiyo remarked, "Oh, I see we have a guest today." She didn't seem to mind at all. "Well, I've made enough for everyone. Come, dear, you must be hungry too."

Sakura smiled appreciatively at Chiyo's kindness as she accepted the offered meal. Temari guided Sakura into the welcoming embrace of the dining room, where a neatly set table awaited their arrival. Sakura settled beside Temari, a blend of curiosity and unease swirling within her as she prepared for this family dinner.

Temari explained, "When our father can't make it home on time to cook, Granny makes us delicious meals."

Just then, the aroma of a delectable spread wafted through the room, filling the space with an irresistible scent that caused Sakura's stomach to betray her with an appreciative growl.

"Gaara, Kankuro!" Temari's voice rang out, "Dinner's served!"

In response, Gaara and Kankuro descended the stairs from their room and took their respective places at the table. Gaara remained his usual composed self, while Kankuro seemed trapped in a cloud of irritability, though he kept his reasons shrouded in silence even when probed by Granny Chiyo.

As the dishes were laid before them, Sakura couldn't help but divert her gaze from Gaara, feeling her cheeks flush slightly as she fiddled with the utensils. Her lifelong self-consciousness about eating in front of others reared its head again, convinced that her every bite was an unattractive spectacle.

Granny Chiyo, seated at the head of the table, turned her attention to Sakura and inquired, "Sakura, my dear, have you been well? It feels like ages since I last saw you, and it was in the hospital."

Sakura nodded, her gratitude evident as she replied, "Yeah, I'm a lot better now, thanks."

Curiosity got the better of Temari, who inquired, "Did you perform her surgery, Granny?"

A soft chuckle escaped Granny Chiyo's lips as she clarified, "No, dear. I didn't perform the surgery, but I did assist with her therapy and recovery for several months after."

Kankuro, who had been engrossed in the conversation while quietly eating his food, suddenly dropped his utensil in shock. He blurted out, "Wait, how long were you in the hospital for?"

Sakura's response was a quiet admission, "Almost half a year..."

A collective gasp swept through the siblings as they absorbed the gravity of the situation. They hadn't been aware of the extent of Sakura's injuries and her lengthy hospital stay. Granny Chiyo felt compelled to provide some context, saying, "When the medical Shinobi arrived at the scene, they had to resuscitate Sakura before rushing her to the hospital on a stretcher."

Kankuro and Temari exchanged wide-eyed glances, realizing just how dire the situation had been during the accident. Despite his typical silent demeanor, Gaara couldn't help but lower his head, a weight of guilt tugging at him even though he knew the accident wasn't his fault—a lingering sense of remorse for the pain he unintentionally caused Sakura.

Sakura continued, her voice steady but filled with the memories of her ordeal, "When I finally woke up, they delivered the grim news. Later, they told me I had injured my spine and needed to relearn how to walk and regain my independence. That's when Granny Chiyo stepped in to help me recover."

Granny Chiyo smiled warmly as she said, "We shared many moments during those long months."

Despite the initial tension, the group soon eased into a pleasant conversation. They discussed their day and the upcoming Chunin exams, creating a more relaxed atmosphere that made Sakura feel more comfortable with this unique family. She realized they were more welcoming and down-to-earth than she had initially thought.

Temari flashed a friendly smile and suggested, "Sakura and I are finished with dinner. Shall we, Sakura?"

Sakura responded with a quiet nod, and before she knew it, Temari had taken her by the arm and was leading her away from the table and up the stairs. Eager to share her personal space with Sakura, Temari guided her to her bedroom.

Temari's room was a striking combination of femininity and strength. Scrolls displaying various wind techniques adorned the walls, showcasing her prowess as a kunoichi. Bright yellow curtains framed the windows, allowing the warm Suna sunlight to filter in during the day. A well-kept shelf held an array of intricately designed fans, each telling its unique story.

Proudly, Temari announced, "This is my room. It's my little oasis in this house full of boys."

Sakura looked around in awe and appreciation. "It's beautiful, so different from what I expected."

Temari beamed with pride. "I've been trying to convince my father to let me redecorate the rest of the house like this, but he's too traditional."

Sakura's gaze fell upon a futon bed placed beside Temari's own. "Oh, did you set this up for me?"

Temari nodded with a friendly grin. "Of course! I thought you might want to stay over, and it's nice to have another girl around. We can chat all night if you want."

Sakura's face lit up with excitement. "That sounds amazing!"

The two spent the evening engaged in lively conversation, punctuated by laughter and even a spirited pillow fight. Temari lay on her stomach, propping her head with her elbows and cradling her chin in her palms. She watched Sakura, who was now cozily nestled beneath the thick blankets.

Considering the peculiar, hushed conversation Sakura had shared with Kankuro earlier, Temari couldn't resist asking, "Hey, is everything okay between you and Kankuro?"

Sakura sighed, curling up a bit more under the covers. "Yeah, he's just concerned that Gaara might hurt me again."

Temari shrugged, her gaze drifting from her bedroom window as she lay on the bed. "I must admit, it's unusual for anyone in this village to want to spend time with Gaara. He's not just the black sheep of our family; he's considered a monster in all of Suna."

Sakura lamented, "It doesn't seem fair that he's outcasted just because he's a Jinchuriki."

Temari offered some perspective, "Listen, you're a sweet girl. We can't change the past, but maybe, if you're lucky, you can change Gaara's future."

Sakura could only hope that she could indeed make a positive impact on Gaara's future. She toyed with the idea of revealing her plan to become a Jinchuriki to Temari, but she knew the likelihood of her agreeing was slim. Instead, they continued to share stories about their lives and dreams.

Curiosity got the best of Temari, and she inquired, "I can only imagine how devastated you must have been to discover your chakra had been blocked. Had you always aspired to become a Shinobi?"

Sakura nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I had planned to become a puppet master."

Temari teased, "Ah, that's why Kankuro is so attached to you."

Sakura chuckled, "Shut the fuck up, don't start." She playfully tossed a pillow in Temari's direction, initiating another lively pillow fight. Laughter echoed through Temari's room, and they came dangerously close to knocking over some pottery pieces.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Kankuro's voice cut through the merriment, "Hey, you two are making enough noise to wake the entire village."

Sakura blushed and lowered her head. "Sorry."

"I'm glad you're having fun," Kankuro began, his stern expression softening slightly, "but try to keep it down."

Temari watched Sakura nod obediently and bow slightly to her brother as if he were some authority figure. She rolled her eyes and retaliated by tossing a pillow at her brother. "No boys allowed, idiot. Get out."

Kankuro sidestepped the pillow with the precision of a practiced ninja, his gaze still expectant. "Why can't you be more polite, like Sakura?"

Temari shot back with a sly grin, "Well, obviously, she's going to be polite to someone she has a crush on."

Sakura intervened, preventing a sibling spat. She shoved a pillow into Temari's face to keep her from saying more. Kankuro blushed but managed to stammer out a "Goodnight" before closing the door behind him.

As the night progressed, they gradually grew drowsy, and their conversation began to slow.

Wrapped in the warm blankets, Sakura felt a sense of belonging she hadn't expected to find so far from home. The soothing sound of the wind outside lulled them to sleep, and the two friends drifted off into a peaceful slumber, side by side in Temari's cozy bedroom.

Hours later, the sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow into Temari's bedroom, gently waking Sakura from her peaceful slumber. Temari, already up and dressed, gave Sakura a playful nudge.

"Time to get up," Temari said.

Sakura yawned and stretched, then sat up, blinking away the last traces of sleep. "Good morning. Thanks for letting me crash here."

"No problem at all. I hope you slept well," Temari replied. "Now, let's get you changed."

They quickly changed into their regular ninja attire. After brushing their hair, they headed downstairs to the dining room and found Gaara and Kankuro already at the table, digging into a hearty breakfast.

"Good morning, boys," Temari greeted them as she and Sakura took their seats.

Sakura looked at the spread on the table with surprise. "This looks amazing. Who made breakfast?"

As if on cue, Rasa, the Kazekage himself, entered the room. He looked far from the usual formal Kazekage, dressed in comfortable pajamas. His hair was slightly messy, and he bore the casual air of someone who had just rolled out of bed. Yet, his presence commanded respect.

"I made the breakfast," he said with a smile. "I wasn't expecting any guests, but having some company is nice."

Sakura's mouth hung open slightly in surprise, not used to seeing such a casual side of the Kazekage. She quickly recovered and offered a polite nod. "Thank you for the meal, Kazekage-sama."

Rasa waved off the formality. "No need for that here. Just call me Rasa."

As they ate breakfast, Rasa inquired about his children's training progress, engaging in a friendly conversation. It was an unusual but pleasant experience for Sakura, knowing her first encounter with their father wasn't exactly a pleasant conversation. 

As they all enjoyed their meal, the Kazekage directed a friendly smile toward Sakura and asked, "So, Sakura, what brings you to my home?"

Sakura replied softly, "Temari invited me over yesterday for a sleepover."

The Kazekage chuckled heartily, "Is that so? It must be quite a relief not to be the only girl in the house now."

Wearing a mischievous smirk, Temari said, "Oh yes, she'll practically be moving in with us soon."

The declaration hit Kankuro and Gaara like a sandstorm. Both had the most comically exaggerated reactions, dramatically spitting out their food in sheer shock. Their faces flushed a deep shade of crimson, and neither could muster a coherent response as they stammered in astonishment. 

Surprised, Rasa couldn't help but jerk slightly at their startling reaction. He asked, "What's wrong with the two of you?"

Kankuro stuttered, "It's… It's just that Sakura is our friend. If she lived with us… wouldn't it be a bit weird?"

"A friend?" Temari chuckled, her tone dripping with amusement. "Kankuro, whenever you have free time, I catch you with Sakura. According to Shijima, she sees you at her house quite often."

Kankuro blushed deeply, muttering, "Shut up."

Temari continued with a teasing glint in her eye, "And Gaara and Sakura always have secret meeting spots."

Rasa joined in with a lighthearted laugh and a twinkle in his eye, "Ah, young friendships can blossom into something beautiful. I remember spending every day with my closest friend, and eventually, we married."

The brothers had heard enough of this playful banter. Their faces were a deep shade of crimson as they abruptly stood up and made a hasty exit from the house, undoubtedly heading for some intensive training. Temari, in a good-natured manner, escorted Sakura outside. The fresh morning air greeted them as they stepped onto the sunlit streets of Sunagakure.

"Thanks for the sleepover," Sakura said with a warm smile.

Temari grinned back. "Anytime."

"I am going to the market to buy my sister some groceries as an apology for not telling her where I went last night. So, I'll see you later." 

Sakura waved and made her way to the market, selecting fresh fruits and vegetables to make amends for her unexpected absence the previous night.

Her basket filled with fresh produce and other ingredients, she suddenly collided with someone, causing a small commotion. She looked up, expecting to see an annoyed vendor or shopper, but instead, she found herself face-to-face with Mikoto, one of the caretakers from the Suna Aviary.

"Mikoto!" Sakura exclaimed, her surprise turning into a bright smile. "It's been a while."

Mikoto, a friendly middle-aged man with a love for avian, grinned back at her. "Sakura! Indeed, it has. How have you been?"

"I've been well, thank you," Sakura replied. "I heard you'll be helping out when the students leave for the Chunin exams tomorrow."

Mikoto nodded enthusiastically. "That's right! We've got some talented young ninjas, and I'm excited to work with you again."

Sakura's eyes lit up with a newfound idea. "I was just thinking about the Kazekage siblings. They'll be heading to Konoha soon for the exams, and it's a three-day journey. I could prepare some meals so they won't have to travel on empty stomachs."

Mikoto admired Sakura's dedication to the Kazekage family. "That's a wonderful idea, Sakura. They'll appreciate it for sure."

"Thank you, Mikoto. I'll make sure it's something delicious and energizing," Sakura replied.

Mikoto chuckled. "I'm sure it will be. Well, I should get going. I promised my wife a special dinner tonight, and I'm here to pick up a large tuna for her."

Sakura nodded. "Enjoy your meal, Mikoto. And I'll see you soon."

They exchanged farewells, and as they parted ways, Sakura continued shopping. She finished picking up meal-prepping foods and strolled by the old fountain in the center of the marketplace. The afternoon sun blazed mercilessly over the village, casting harsh, unrelenting rays of heat. Seeking refuge from its scorching touch, Gaara found reassurance behind the façade of an abandoned bake shop. He conjured a delicate butterfly construct with a deft command of his sand, setting it free to flutter on a secret mission - to locate Sakura and bring her to him.

Leaning casually against a protective wall of sand he had erected, Gaara waited patiently, his arms crossed in an air of quiet determination. His piercing green eyes scanned the horizon, anticipating her arrival.

Near the village's ornate fountain, the ethereal butterfly, born from Gaara's manipulation, danced gracefully around Sakura. The crimson eyes, catching the glimmers of sunlight in the butterfly's wings, quickly deciphered its silent message. A knowing smile graced her lips as she whispered to the ephemeral creature, "You're leading me to Gaara, aren't you? Show me the way."

Following the butterfly's delicate flight path, Sakura left behind the bake shop. Her heart warmed at the sight of Gaara waiting there, a ghost of a smile playing upon his lips. "I didn't expect you to want to talk to me so soon after I left your house today," she greeted him, her voice a mix of curiosity and delight.

Gaara placed the palm of his hand on her chest. Sand consumed her skin like a protective barrier. He sighed and rubbed her flushed cheeks.

"This is an important mission. Win or lose, I'm not sure if I will make it out alive. So I can't be here and protect you if Konoha decides to invade our home. This is a temporary protective shield. It's not strong, so avoid any attack and survive."

"Why would Konoha attack us? You will come back. I know you will."

"It's only a precaution," Gaara replied. He glanced downward at her hip, where he had cut her. "It's the least I can do for you." 

"How long are the exams?" Sakura asked.

"A month." 

Sakura whimpered. "You'll be away for a whole month…" 

Gaara began to walk away from her. "Don't be so dramatic. I have to go now. My father will be home soon." 

Tears formed in Sakura's eyes, so she wiped them, watching Gaara walk away. She moved on back to the fountain where she spotted the butterfly to finish shopping. Spending her Ryo on something essential, rather than something cute or frivolous, made her feel more grown-up and responsible. Behind her, a group of small children her age surrounded her on the street. One boy slapped her little basket out of her hand. Fruits and vegetables rolled away as if running for their lives. Palms of children's hands pushed her in every direction. She couldn't see anything, but she heard their laughter. There wasn't a single adult in sight to help her. One hard push forced her to land on her butt.

"Look who we have here. Sakura, was it? You should have seen your face when Shukaku tossed you off that roof!" the gang leader laughed.

"Kankuro said she fell off the roof of his father's office building," another giggled.

"If she likes falling off roofs so much, maybe we should push her next time!" another shouted.

Crowds of hands reached for her. One child pulled her hair while the others yanked at her clothes and limbs.

"Hey, Kankuro! What are you doing over there? Help us out here, will you?"

Looking through tiny legs, she could see Kankuro cowering. His eyes looked terrified, seeing his friend in such agonizing pain. Sakura's face was bloody and bruised, tears streaming down her face. Blood leaked from her knees and forearms. She tried to defend herself without luck, but the boys battered her until she could no longer stand.

Kankuro yelled, "Okay, that's enough! Leave her alone." 

"This is getting boring..." a male child said.

"Yeah, let's go before someone's parents show up," another voice said.

Everyone left her there, covered in blood. Only one person stood over her, tears rolling down his cheeks. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. 

Sakura lifted her tiny head to see Kankuro's hand reaching out to her. She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth and slapped away his hand. With tears, Sakura ran home, leaving a broken woven basket behind. Every vegetable was squashed around the scene of this unfortunate crime.

Sakura dashed through the front door of her home, tears streaming down her face. Her breathing was ragged from the sprint, and her heart raced with anger and sadness. Slamming the door shut behind her, she leaned against it, her body trembling.

Shijima, her older sister, was in the living room. Her expression turned from surprise to deep concern as she saw Sakura's troubled state. She rushed over to her younger sister. "Sakura, what happened? Where were you last night? I was worried sick."

Sakura's voice quivered as she tried to hold back her tears. "I... I slept over at Temari's house. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

Shijima put her arms around Sakura, trying to comfort her. "It's okay, Sakura. You don't have to apologize. But what happened? Why are you so upset?"

Before Sakura could answer, there was a knock at the door. Shijima went to answer it, and to her surprise, it was Kankuro, one of Sakura's crushes. He looked genuinely remorseful.

"Shijima, my friends beat her up. I tried to help her, but I couldn't lose their trust." 

Sakura, her eyes red from crying, stepped forward. "Kankuro, you saved me when things got terrible. I appreciate that."

Kankuro blushed. "Deal."  Shijima, the protective older sister, stepped in, playfully pointing at Kankuro. "From now on, you're Sakura's bodyguard, alright? Wait for me on the couch. I'll grab the first aid kit."

She hurried up the stairs to collect her medical supplies while Sakura carefully stood, using the walls for support as she slowly made her way to the living room. Kankuro, however, refused to allow her to walk alone. With a gentle yet supportive manner, he wrapped her arm around his neck and carried her to the couch, where they sat.

Sakura leaned on Kankuro's shoulder, feeling the warmth and comfort of his presence. She couldn't help but voice her thoughts. "Those other kids are not your friends."

Kankuro, his expression clouded with guilt, replied with a heavy sigh, "I guess not."

Curiosity and concern welled up in Sakura, and she gently prodded further. "Why do you bully other kids?"

Kankuro paused for a moment, struggling with his emotions. Finally, he said, "I don't want to hurt your feelings by talking about how much I despise my little brother. For my entire life I had to deal with his shit, and I still do. I can't lie to you I'm honestly terrified of him."

Even though she was hurting from the incident, Sakura felt sympathy for Kankuro's inner turmoil. She pressed on, her voice soft but persistent. "I'm grateful it wasn't you who hurt me, but I wish you had at least tried to stop them."

Kankuro couldn't find the words to explain his actions, feeling deep shame for his role in the incident. He had been caught between a rock and a hard place, torn between loyalty to his friends and his growing feelings for Sakura. Ultimately, he had chosen a path that caused both parties pain.

The rest of that evening, Kankuro stayed with Sakura, providing her with much-needed comfort and distraction. He asked, "By the way, can I get a refill on that poison you work with on the smoke bombs?"

"You know I only do this for fun, right? No one comes to me for refills," Sakura giggled.

"Yeah, but you and I are together. I want to be supportive," Kankuro blushed. "It's been tough for you, being unable to become a puppet specialist, so I want to help you the best I can."

In Sakura's spacious bedroom, Kankuro had incorporated some of the enhancements Sakura had suggested for his puppet. He had installed thicker and sharper needles, making it even more formidable. As he carefully worked on repairs to its internal mechanics and refilled the poison jars, he placed his puppet beside Sakura's bed for easy access.

Sakura, seated nearby, couldn't help but watch the puppet. She had been fascinated by Kankuro's work for a while and was always eager to see the improvements they made together. However, today, she had something else on her mind. She stared at the puppet beside her bed and pondered whether her chakra had returned.

Curious and hopeful, she raised her hands, wiggling her fingertips, attempting to move the puppet using her chakra. The room remained eerily silent, and her efforts seemed futile. Kankuro, sensing the change in the room's atmosphere, turned his head to find Sakura attempting to manipulate the puppet with her chakra. He felt a pang of sympathy for her, understanding the immense frustration she must be experiencing.

Kankuro rose from his position on the floor behind Sakura and gently used his chakra to manipulate the puppet, causing it to move ever so slightly. As the puppet responded, Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief, and a gasp of joy escaped her lips. Her eyes sparkled with renewed hope.

However, as the puppet moved without adjusting her fingers, Sakura sensed something was wrong. She slowly turned around, only to find Kankuro standing just inches away with a knowing smile.

Sakura, caught between delight and frustration, placed her hands on her hips, and shot him an accusatory glare. "Why would you make me believe it was me moving it?"

Kankuro awkwardly chuckled, his cheeks tinted with a hint of embarrassment. "I wanted to see you smile."

Sakura blushed, a mix of annoyance and affection swirling within her. She pushed Kankuro gently. "Jerk."

In response, Kankuro playfully snatched her into his arms, hugging her tightly and gently kissing her forehead. Sakura couldn't help but giggle at his antics, her earlier annoyance melting away as she nuzzled into his embrace. The pleasant warmth of his presence filled her with satisfaction.

Having thought of a great idea, he gently grasped her wrist, leading her into the house and her puppet room, collecting paint from her shelves.

"What are you doing?" Sakura asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I'll show you when I'm done," Kankuro replied mysteriously.

Paint kits lay untouched on the shelf alongside delicate paintbrushes. Kankuro retrieved them and set them on the table before them. Sakura sat patiently, eagerly anticipating Kankuro's artistic touch. Her face initially felt the cool touch of the paintbrush, which soon dried, leaving a gentle, tingling sensation.

"You have the cutest, puffiest cheeks," Kankuro remarked, a playful glint in his eyes.

"I do not..." Sakura blushed, her cheeks puffing up even more.

"Yes, you do. Now stop moving so much," Kankuro teased, laughing.

"Are you done?" Sakura asked, her impatience showing.

"I'm done, okay? I'm finished," Kankuro chuckled.

With her face painted, he set aside the paintbrush. Gently, he lifted her chin, turning her head slightly to the left. With precise strokes, he created beautifully perfect lined strips on both her cheeks, resembling claw marks. He added some subtle details to her lips to match his look. Sakura gazed in the mirror, her smile radiant, causing her cheeks to puff up even more. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she had to look upwards to prevent them from smudging the purple paint.

"Are you okay?" Kankuro asked, concerned by her emotional reaction.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Gaara must be upset if he finds out you are here." Sakura changed the subject.

Frowning, Kankuro clicked his tongue over the roof of his mouth. "Why are you so attached to him? Am I not enough?"

"You are more than enough," Sakura reassured him, kissing his cheek. "I'm worried about him, that's all. I can feel that he's hurt."

Kankuro crossed his arms, his expression serious. "There's something I didn't want to have to tell you. Once, I sat on our dining room table and asked Gaara if he felt any remorse for killing his fellow villagers, including you. He threatened to kill me. The Gaara you knew doesn't exist anymore. So, please promise me you won't resort to climbing on rooftops to find him through a window." Sakura nodded. "I'd hate to see any of you get hurt."

Kankuro shifted uncomfortably. "Oh, uh, it's no big deal."

Sakura couldn't hide her concern. "No big deal? Are you joking? This is a significant milestone for you! I want to be there to cheer you on."

Kankuro let out a sigh, realizing the depth of Sakura's worry. "Sakura, I appreciate how much you care, but it's just too dangerous for you to leave the village. I promise I'll come back and tell you everything about it."

Sakura's anxiety had been steadily increasing. She was terrified of losing them. She insisted, "Let me at least pack lunches for the three of you."

Kankuro gently held her in his arms. "Hey, you don't have to do anything for us. We'll be okay. Take a deep breath."

Her racing heart began to slow, and her breathing steadied. She was overwhelmed by fear of the unknown and the feeling of helplessness. Sakura admitted, "Please promise me you'll come back safe."

"I will come back to you," Kankuro assured her. He kissed her on the lips, pulling her closer to him. He caressed her wavy black hair, feeling every part of her body. Throwing her to the wall, he slowly dries, humping her, moaning in her ear so sexually that she couldn't control her emotions. The tension was too overwhelming. 

Sakura gently pushed him away, feeling his heavy breaths slow down. "my sister is going to hear us." 

Kankruo's breath steadied. "Right, sorry. Let me finish up my puppet work, and then you'll have my undivided attention."

Sakura released her hold on him but maintained eye contact, her gaze fixed on his captivating, narrow pupils. She replied impatiently, "Alright, but please don't take forever. Stay the night, okay. I won't see you for a long time..."

Kankuro responded with a warm smile. "Okay, I'll do my best."

As Kankuro continued working on his puppet, the sky outside gradually darkened. Sakura, fatigued from the day's events, eventually succumbed to sleep. She lay atop her covers, curled into a comfortable position.

Kankuro glanced out the window, realizing how late it had grown. A twitch of guilt tugged at him; he hadn't been entirely truthful to Sakura about finishing his work quickly. A soft moonlight filtering through Sakura's bedroom window, Kankuro sat at her desk, hunched over a piece of parchment. His fingers trembled as he dipped a quill into a bottle of ink. He had to write this letter, even though he dreaded the words he had to put down.

"Sakura," he began, the ink flowing from his pen, "I care about you more than I can put into words. I'm grateful for the time we've spent together and cherish every moment.

Tomorrow, I leave for the Chunin exams. It's a big step for me, and I know it's something I have to do. I promise to do everything I can to come back safe and sound. But you need to know I'm doing this for you, too, to protect you and our village.

I couldn't bear to say goodbye in person because I couldn't stand to see you cry. You deserve happiness and laughter, not tears. Please understand my reasons for leaving this note.

I've left you one of my Kunai knives. Keep it with you as a symbol of my promise to return. 

I know it's tough, Sakura, but you're strong and not alone. I will be thinking of you every moment, and I will return to you as soon as possible.

Take care, Sakura, and please stay safe.

Yours always, Kankuro."

With the letter finished, Kankuro carefully folded it and placed it on Sakura's desk. He couldn't bring himself to say a direct goodbye; it hurt too much. With a heavy heart, he wrapped his puppet in white cloth, ensuring it was secure, and left behind a Kunai knife.

In the silence of the night, he climbed onto the windowsill, casting one last lingering glance at the room where he'd spent countless hours with Sakura. With a deep breath, he jumped out of the window, disappeared into the darkness, and began his journey home.

The soft rays of the morning sun spilled into Sakura's room, gently rousing her from her slumber. She noticed something amiss as she stretched and blinked away the remnants of sleep. Kankuro, who had slept beside her the previous night, was no longer there.

Her heart skipped a beat as she scanned the room, her eyes falling upon the desk where the letter lay, accompanied by one of Kankuro's Kunai knives. Dread filled her chest as she picked up the folded parchment, her trembling hands unfolding it to reveal Kankuro's familiar handwriting.

Tears welled in her eyes as she read his words, her heart aching with every sentence. The room seemed to close in on her as she absorbed the weight of his farewell. Her tears fell like gentle raindrops onto the parchment, blurring the inked letters.

"Kankuro," she whispered, her voice quivering, "please come back safely."

At that moment, Sakura felt worried and a deep longing. She knew she had to be strong, not only for herself but for Kankuro and her friends. In a flurry of movement, Sakura hurried down the stairs and into the bustling kitchen. Her sister, Shijima, donned a floral apron and deftly chopped tomatoes at the sink. With swift, purposeful steps, Sakura dashed across the kitchen, making a beeline for the cabinet. Her mission: collect the lunch boxes. She retrieved three of them and arranged them neatly on the kitchen table.

A burst of steam enveloped her as she cracked open the rice cooker lid. She scooped generous portions of the steaming white rice into each lunchbox with practiced grace.

Shijima, sensing her presence, spun around from her tomato-chopping task, a quizzical expression on her face. "Hey, that's for breakfast. What are you doing?" she chided Sakura.

Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara leaving for the Chunin exams today fueled Sakura's sense of urgency. She was determined to ensure they had sustenance for their arduous journey. "They'll be traveling for three days to reach Konoha. They need something to keep their strength up," Sakura explained.

Shijima, though exasperated, let out a sigh. "Love can make you do crazy things. Just be careful over there," she advised, fully aware of the lengths people go to for the ones they care about.

Sakura blushed slightly but remained steadfast, closing the rice cooker's lid to keep the rice warm. "I'm just trying to be helpful."

Sakura approached the cabinet again, grabbing a pair of large skillets and placing them on the stove. Shijima watched with skepticism as Sakura went about her task.

Her sister's frown deepened. "Do you even know how to use those?" she questioned, concern etched in her voice.

Sakura responded, "Yeah, I watched Mother cook all the time."

Shijima, rolling her eyes, couldn't help but offer practical wisdom. "Watching isn't the same as doing," she cautioned.

Undeterred, Sakura pressed on. She cracked eggs onto the skillet with precision, crafting fluffy scrambled eggs. Vegetables sizzled on the stove, sautéed in a savory medley of sauce and seasoning. Nearby, she deftly prepared small salmon fillets, grilling them to perfection.

While her sister initiated the oil on the stove, Sakura meticulously crafted butterfly-shaped pieces from raw chicken and tenderized them with a cooking mallet. As the oil began to sizzle, Sakura expertly breaded the chicken pieces and dropped them into the skillet, producing crispy, golden katsu. Finally, she sliced them into delicate strips, ready to be placed into the lunchboxes.

Seated at the kitchen table, Shijima indulged in some leftovers while remarking, "That's a lot of food. I'm starving."

Sakura, her hands busy packing the lunchboxes into small, square pieces of decorative fabric, replied with a hopeful tone, "I hope they like it."

Taking a moment to admire her proud creation, Sakura suddenly noticed her hands bearing her culinary endeavor's scars, cuts, and burns. She gently bandaged her hands and rushed out the front door to catch up with the departing siblings.

Shijima called after her, "Sakura, sit down and eat first."

But Sakura had already darted out the door. At the entrance to the village, the three siblings made their way toward the gate, attired in their typical Genin garb. Sakura pursued them, her voice echoing their names as she closed in.

Temari scanned her surroundings, inquiring, "Is someone calling for us?"

Kankuro, hushedly, replied, "It sounds like Sakura."

The trio turned to see Sakura sprinting directly toward them, clutching the lunchboxes. Breathless, she offered, "I made you some food for the road."

Temari gasped in delight as she accepted her bento, "Oh, wow! That's so sweet, thanks Sakura. You're the best."

Kankuro, his lunchbox brimming with emotion, took it and mumbled, "It must have taken you forever to make this. You didn't have to."

Sakura smiled warmly, "No, but I wanted to since I won't see you for a month. Here, Gaara. Keep your strength up."

To the surprise of his siblings, Gaara accepted the lunchbox from Sakura, his gaze fixed on the sand pattern adorning the fabric. Though not overtly thrilled, he didn't appear displeased either. He calmly observed Sakura's bandaged fingers and inquired, "What did you do?"

Temari gasped in concern, "Sakura, your hands?"

Kankuro, taking Sakura's hand, remarked regretfully, "I told her not to make us anything, and look what happened."

Sakura withdrew her hand gently, determination in her eyes. "I'm not useless. I can function like everyone else…"

Kankuro, realizing his insensitivity, felt remorse and sought to clarify, "I'm sorry, that's not what I meant…"

Temari frowned at Kankuro and interceded by using her giant fan to shield Sakura's face before Gaara could speak. She scolded, "You two are hopeless. Starting something new isn't supposed to be easy or painless. Please don't allow them to bring you down, Sakura. I can't wait to eat it. I'll enjoy every bite."

Blushing, Sakura responded, "Thanks. I wish I could come with you guys."

Temari hugged her tenderly. "We know. Do not do anything too reckless while we're gone, okay."

"Okay," Sakura replied.

With mixed emotions, she watched them turn their backs, walking out of the entrance and gradually fading into the distance. In this pivotal moment, the course of their lives was irrevocably altered. Sakura, her determination burning brighter than ever before, made an unwavering vow to stand her ground. She adamantly refused to be confined within the village's confines, akin to a princess locked away in her castle. Come what may, she was resolute in her decision to fight, regardless of the trials and tribulations that lay ahead, no matter how arduous the journey may be.