Chapter 4: Mr. I Only Care About Myself

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.

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.

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, but I want to be more than a Shinobi."

Temari teased, "Ah, I can see it now. Gaara and you living in a nice house together with children."

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 Gaara'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."

"Just be more quiet," Gaara began, his stern expression softening slightly, "I do prefer the quiet of the night over the annoying people in the day."

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."

Gaara blocked the pillow with the precision of sand manipulation, 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. Gaara 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, Why would she live with us?"

"Why?" Temari chuckled, her tone dripping with amusement. "Gaara and Sakura have met in secret for years now. It's only a matter of time they officially say the the "L" word. 

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 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. Balancing her grocery basket, Sakura quickened, eager to reach home and greet Shijima. She pushed open the front door and found Shijima in the kitchen, donning an apron and wiping her hands with a cloth. A warm smile adorned her face as she inquired, "Where have you been?"

Sakura offered an apologetic smile in return. "Sorry, Temari invited me for a sleepover. I brought some food back as an apology."

Shijima sighed with an affectionate smile. "I'm just relieved you're home safely. You know, as your big sister, I have to look out for you."

Sakura playfully rolled her eyes, asserting herself gently. "I can take care of myself, you know."

As the evening sun cast a warm, golden hue across their cozy dining room, Sakura and Shijima sat down at the table, their faces illuminated by the soft, inviting glow of candlelight. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of a meal prepared from the ingredients Sakura had purchased at the market earlier.

Shijima served the meal, and they began to eat, savoring each bite. The atmosphere was comfortable, the clinking of utensils and the occasional laughter filling the room.

Between bites, Shijima broached the topic that had been weighing on her mind. She spoke gently. "Sakura, I need to talk to you about something important. I have to embark on a mission, and it might take me away for quite some time."

Sakura paused, setting down her chopsticks, her expression filled with concern. "How long?"

Shijima sighed, knowing this news would be difficult for her younger sister to digest. "It could be several months, Sakura. It's a critical mission given to me by the Kazekage."

Sakura nodded, her understanding mingled with sadness. "I'll miss you, Shijima. But I know you're an exceptional shinobi, and this mission is important."

After dinner, Sakura made her way upstairs to her bedroom, feeling a sense of unease settle over her. Sakura grappled with an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Her friends were departing; now, even her sister was leaving the village. The prospect of being alone filled her heart with a fear she had never known before. She sat at her desk, her fingers tracing the surface as she contemplated her future.

Determined to take control of her destiny, Sakura picked up a notebook and a pen. With stubborn determination, she inscribed at the top of the first page, "Chakra Restoration Mission." Beneath this title, she began to plot her plans for becoming a Shinobi in secret. So many had dismissed her dreams, deeming them mere fantasies, while others insisted she was too delicate to fend for herself. Sakura refused to be a helpless princess locked away in a tower, and thus, she recorded a myriad of potential solutions, some more feasible than others.

Sakura was so engrossed in her thoughts and writing that she gasped in surprise when she heard a voice behind her. Turning around, she found Gaara sitting on her window sill, his expression tinged with concern.

"What are you doing?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on her with genuine interest and care.

Startled, Sakura swiftly concealed her notebook beneath a heap of other papers across her desk. She feigned nonchalance as she addressed Gaara. "What are you doing here? I didn't expect you to come to my house."

Gaara effortlessly guided his sand to slither across the room, seizing the hidden notebook from her desk. He held it in his grasp, his expression revealing his mixed feelings as he perused its contents.

He sighed, his tone heavy with concern. "You're really that desperate to become a Shinobi, aren't you?"

Resolute and stubborn, Sakura rose to retrieve the notebook from Gaara's hand. "Yes, Gaara. I'm not going to let others' doubts discourage me. I'll find a way to unlock my Chakra, no matter what it takes."

Gaara tilted his head back, a frustrated gesture causing him to strike the window frame inadvertently. His voice reflected his exasperation as he responded, "You're going to get yourself killed."

Undaunted, Sakura pouted and retorted, "And why do you care, Mr. 'I only care about myself'? I refuse to remain defenseless and confined."

Gaara sighed again. "You're not going to give up, are you?"

Sakura crossed her arms. "No, I won't."

Gaara entered Sakura's room and settled himself at her desk, where he began sketching a map of the Kazekage office building. Each floor and corridor were meticulously detailed, leading to his father's office. On the first floor, he carefully marked a specific location.

"Here," Gaara explained, pointing to a spot on the map, "It's a room containing highly classified techniques known only to a select few Shinobi. If you go here, you'll find the scroll you're searching for."

Sakura leaned in, finger tracing the hallway leading to the coveted room. Her eyes gleamed with perseverance as she confidently declared, "All I need to do is figure out a way to divert the guards' attention, slip in unnoticed, and retrieve the scroll before anyone catches on."

Gaara found himself pleasantly surprised by Sakura's rapid and adept strategizing. He couldn't help but be impressed. "Impressive," he admitted, "but remember, never underestimate those you face."

Sakura beamed, her eyes reflecting her genuine gratitude. "Why are you helping me?" she asked, genuinely curious.

Gaara paused momentarily, his stoic demeanor softened by a hint of vulnerability. "You're the only one I feel truly comfortable talking to," he confessed. "So if anything were to happen to you... I don't know."

Sakura's heart warmed at his words, and she leaned in to place a gentle peck on Gaara's cheek. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with sincerity. "I won't let you down."

Gaara rose from her desk, his impassive expression unchanged. He said with a hint of detachment, "As long as you abandon the idea of becoming a Jinchuriki, I couldn't care less about your choices..."

Sakura couldn't help but inquire, "Why did you come here?"

Gaara met her gaze steadily and responded, "I wanted to see you, just in case I don't make it back from the exams alive."

Sakura's concern and determination flared, and she grabbed Gaara's arm, her voice laced with urgency. "You better return alive," she exclaimed, eyes locking onto his. "Or I promise you, I'll become the next Jinchuriki of this village."

Gaara's frustration got the better of him, and he pushed her onto the bed, forcefully pinning her down. He leaned in, his voice carrying an edge of aggression as he growled, "Stop saying that!"

Undeterred, Sakura met his intensity with her defiance. "...Or what?"

Gaara's voice held a hint of exasperation as he voiced his frustration, "Why do you insist on making my life so complicated?"

Sakura's smile remained gentle as she retorted, "It must be challenging, trying not to love someone you've been close to your whole life."

Gaara's obsidian eyes locked onto hers for a fleeting moment before he slowly lowered his head, capturing her soft lips in a tender kiss. Despite his confusion about why she cared so deeply for him, he couldn't deny the affection that bound them.

He broke the kiss, his voice tinged with genuine concern as he said, "Promise me you won't do anything reckless while I'm gone."

Sakura lay in her bed, still reeling from the shock of his kiss. Her face flushed with a deep blush, and words failed to escape her lips. Instead, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a warm embrace beneath the moon's soft glow. Gaara sealed their connection with a gentle kiss on her forehead before leaping out the window, leaving her alone to contemplate the whirlwind of emotions that had just transpired.

As she drifted into sleep that night, Sakura carried with her the profound realization of Gaara's affection despite the complexities of his moral values. And in that warmth, she found solace, knowing that his love was real.

When Sakura awoke the following day, she found herself standing and gazing at the ceiling, half-convinced that the previous night's events had been nothing more than a dream. With a deep sigh, she rose from her bed and stretched, her fingers tracing over the calendars pinned to her wall.

Her eyes fell upon the date prominently circled on the calendar: the day the Genin embarked on their journey to the Chunin exams. A wave of disappointment washed over her, knowing she couldn't accompany them on this critical mission. Sakura felt worried, knowing her friends' challenges, but she also understood the need to stay behind.

Resolute and determined, she reminded herself that she had to be strong. Though different from theirs, her role was no less vital, and she would support her friends in any way she could from the village. 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 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. Thanks so much."

Sakura smiled warmly, "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, "She hurt herself cooking for us."

Sakura withdrew her hand gently, determination in her eyes. "I woke up earlier than I was used to, rushing to make it before you left."

Kankuro, realizing his insensitivity, felt remorse and sought to clarify, "Why would you do this?"

Temari frowned at Kankuro and interceded, using her giant fan to shield Gaara's face before he 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."

Sakura spoke with genuine concern, her voice filled with longing as she expressed her sentiments, "Please, take care of yourselves out there and stay safe. I wish I could be there with you."

Temari embraced her with tenderness, offering comforting words. "Just promise not to do anything too reckless while we're away, okay?"

Kankuro, ever the realist, let out an exasperated sigh. "Telling her that won't stop her. Want to bet she already has plans for something wreckless?"

Aware of Sakura's tendencies, Gaara responded coolly, "Let's wager 20,000 Ryo each."

Temari rolled her eyes, amused by their banter, and waved to Sakura as they walked out of the village, embarking on their long journey to Konoha.

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.