Chapter 7: Chakra Recovery Mission Begins

She rested her head on the sand rail, taking deep breaths. The sky overhead was a brilliant blue, devoid of any clouds.

"Please, be safe..." Sakura whispered to herself. She closed her eyes briefly but was jolted awake by a loud voice at the gate.

"They've returned! Help the wounded!" a guard yelled.

"No, hold on, it's just the Kazekage's children," another guard clarified.

Beside the guards and a gathering of civilians stood Temari and Kankuro, carrying Gaara into the village. Gaara's sand shield was shattered, and blood seeped from his shoulder. Kankuro's purple war paint was smeared and caked with blood beneath the hood of his black jumpsuit. He struggled to support his brother, who clung to his puppet, shrouded in cloth. The siblings were grievously wounded, their bodies covered in dirt and sand. Sakura watched from above as they approached the bridge. People parted to allow the Genin to pass, though nobody seemed eager to offer assistance. These were the loved ones of those awaiting their families' return, and the atmosphere was far from joyful.

"Gaara!" Sakura called out.

The siblings lifted their heads, spotting Sakura on the balconies. Her long, ebony hair flowed in the wind, her crimson eyes sparkling with emotion. Sakura gripped the handlebar and placed her feet on the sand rail, bending her body forward and waving gracefully. Tears in her eyes were whisked away by the gusts of wind. Relief washed over the siblings as they saw her unharmed and well.

"Sakura, I'm so glad to see you're alright!" Temari exclaimed.

"Wait right there; let me help you!" Sakura declared.

Typically, as a ninja, she could use her chakra to leap from the catwalk safely, but now, as a non-ninja, she had to rush back inside the building and down several flights of stairs to meet them outside. Kankuro stepped aside, allowing Gaara to put his arm around Sakura's neck for support. The four of them quickly limped towards the hospital. A fast-acting nurse pushed a bed to the door, and they gently laid Gaara on it, though he screamed in agony and stiffened his body, his pain nearly unbearable. Granny Chiyo ushered them into a nearby trauma room, and Sakura hurriedly collected sterile towels, soaking them in hot water bowls.

"Sakura, tend to their wounds. I'll be back with more supplies for Gaara," Chiyo instructed.

"I'm on it!"

Sakura meticulously cleaned the blood and soot from Gaara's injuries with a small wet towel. Gaara's piercing gaze remained fixed on her as he twitched every time her touch grazed too close to his wounds. Their exchange was silent, words unnecessary as they tended to his injuries. After she finished with Gaara, Sakura moved on to his older siblings. Kankuro discarded his jumpsuit, leaving only his fundoshi, which exposed his white cheeks. It was unusual to see Kankuro without his hood, and Sakura was surprised by his short, messy brown hair. On the other side of the room, Temari changed into a white cotton robe and crawled into her bed, resting her head against the wall in a fetal position.

"Why are you helping us?" Gaara inquired calmly.

"...because we're all friends..." Sakura blushed. "I'm just going to get some clean towels. I'll be right back."

As Sakura left the room, Temari burst into hysterical laughter. On the other side of the room, Kankuro groaned, covering his face in discomfort. His own sister had a knack for embarrassing him.

"What's so funny?" Kankuro asked, slightly annoyed.

"Do you have any idea what's going on?" Temari giggled.

"What are you talking about? Why are you laughing?" Gaara questioned.

"She likes you, Gaara."

"Yeah, come on, Gaara... Have you seen how she reacts to you? It's pretty obvious," Kankuro chimed in.

"Even Kankuro knows. She blushes every time she looks at you, and she was worried sick about you when you left. Did you see all the letters she sent, asking if you were okay and checking in on you all the time?"

"That's her job, Temari."

Kankuro laughed. "Gaara is not much of a ladies' man."

"I'm not gay..." Gaara responded.

"We know you like her too," Temari teased.

"Shut up," Gaara grumbled, turning away to face the wall.

"Oh, get over yourself," Temari said, stepping out of bed to face Gaara.

A sister's love was unyielding, but the boys often found it trying. Gaara turned his back to face her, wearing a deep frown that conveyed his annoyance. Temari affectionately patted his head, waiting to see if Gaara would blush when she teased him. Sakura returned to the room, holding sterile towels, her mood slightly soured.

"Why are you standing up? Go sit down!" Sakura ordered.

"I'm fine. Bandage me up and send me on my way."

Sakura groaned and prepared the bandages while Granny Chiyo reentered the room, bringing additional supplies. Chiyo approached Gaara and initiated her healing Jutsu.

"Sakura, prepare the water bowls while I do this. You can bandage them all and move them to the recovery room," Chiyo instructed as she healed Kankuro next. "I have a meeting to attend shortly, and I want to ensure I'm present."

"Understood."

"Where's dad? Will he be at the meeting too?" Temari asked.

Kankuro interjected, "It's a meeting regarding the casualties and our failure to complete the mission. We messed up so badly that we lost more Shinobi than we should have. When father comes to see us, he won't just yell; he might even lock Gaara away, and us if he's that angry."

"You don't have to worry. I'll talk to everyone to make sure that doesn't happen," Sakura reassured them.

Sakura then placed a hot towel over Gaara's head as she began to bandage his wounds. After tending to his arm, she moved on to his siblings, wrapping their wounds on their shoulders and arms. She released the locks on the beds to ensure they moved smoothly.

"We don't need to be admitted here, Sakura, so don't worry about us. You take care of Gaara," Temari winked at Sakura.

Gaara gazed up at the ceiling, his expression unreadable. He seemed to be preoccupied with something on his mind. Sakura wheeled him away, smiling back at Temari as they exited the room. Sakura wheeled Gaara up to the sixth floor, where the beds were more luxurious. She guided him into a room, securing the sterilized bed in place. Gaara removed the wet towel from his forehead and sat on the bed, taking in his surroundings while Sakura prepared the room.

"What are you doing?" Gaara inquired.

"I'm helping you recover, of course. Let me get you another hot towel and lie down already. I didn't tell you to get up yet," Sakura playfully whined.

She settled on his bed, gently placing two fingers on his chest to coax him back down. Sakura flashed a warm smile and replaced the towel on his head with a fresh one. She stood up and walked toward the doorway, intending to leave the room.

"I'll be back later to change your bandages, okay?"

"Wait."

Sakura turned her head back to him, sensing that there was something on his mind, something he needed to say but couldn't find the words for. She reentered the room, sitting beside him and patiently waiting for him to speak.

"When I fought Naruto Uzumaki, he changed my view of the world, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything," Gaara began.

"You've been through a lot, Gaara. You can tell me anything," Sakura reassured him.

"I grew up fighting for myself and only myself, but after I met Naruto—after I met you, he and I grew up alone. He was willing to kill to protect the people he cared about, and I didn't understand that. Why do you care so much about me? I don't understand. Why are you helping me? I'm still the same monster you met all those years ago."

"I don't think you're a monster."

"My mother never loved me, and I killed her."

"Gaara, you were not born a monster. That's what your father wanted you to believe."

"I have been waiting to hear from him since I saw him at the Chunin exams. He would have taken me away from here by now."

"No, I haven't seen him. I can go check for you."

"No!" He said, grabbing her wrist and wincing in pain.

"Hey, you need to relax; you're only making it worse. Sleep it off. I'm not going anywhere," Sakura gently stroked his head.

He fell silent, his gaze shifting to the door, where patients and nurses continued to move about. Sakura lay down beside him, her feet dangling off the bed. As daylight gradually faded into night, Sakura lost track of time. The peaceful silence enveloped them until it was unexpectedly disrupted. Temari peeked into the room, a mischievous smile on her face as she observed them from the hallway. Behind her, Kankuro stood, attempting to hide the fact that he was accompanying his peculiar sister.

"I think Gaara's found the one," Temari declared.

"I think you and that Shikamaru kid are getting along nicely too," Kankuro teased.

"Shut it, I'm being serious. I don't blame him for what happened to Mom, you know. It's just that she died after giving birth to him. We don't ever get to see her again."

"I know," Kankuro replied, understanding the weight of their family history.

Temari found a warm blanket in the corridor for Sakura, ensuring she was comfortable. She caught Gaara giving her a nasty look, but she simply smiled and left the room. Kankuro snorted and rolled his eyes, receiving a gentle shove from his sister as they exited the hospital together. Left alone, Gaara lay with his eyes open, fixated on the soft ticking of the clock on the wall until morning. His gaze shifted to Sakura's chest, which rose and fell with every breath. He moved closer to her face, pondering what to say when she woke up, but he decided that waking her might not be the best idea.

A sudden loud noise, the clattering of a cart rapidly rolling down the hall, startled Sakura awake. Four nurses rushed alongside it, followed closely by an older couple wailing in despair. The abrupt commotion caused Sakura's blanket to tumble to the floor.

"Oh no! I need to change your bandages one more time. If you can walk afterward, I'll let you leave, but don't use your sand to support yourself; you'll only tire yourself out, so don't even try fooling me," Sakura exclaimed before rushing out of the room.

Alone again with his thoughts, Gaara contemplated what to say to her when she returned. As he pondered, her footsteps grew fainter in the distance. She reappeared carrying a trove of supplies: several rolls of bandages, clean towels, water bowls, and a substantial surgical basin. She waddled back into Gaara's room with Granny Chiyo trailing behind. The elderly woman maintained her customary impassive expression.

"So I heard you spent the night with Gaara," Granny Chiyo remarked.

Sakura blushed, stammering slightly, "Well, yeah, I had to make sure he was okay. His wound needs to be kept clean."

"He only injured his shoulder and managed to get a few scratches and bruises," Granny Chiyo chuckled. "I need to talk to Gaara's siblings for a moment. Please finish up here while I have discussions with everyone I can find in the village."

"About what?" Sakura inquired.

"Nothing you need to be concerned about right now," Chiyo exited the room.

Sakura clenched her fists, frustration evident in her voice, "Hey, you can't keep lying to me forever, you old-"

Gaara grabbed her arm gently, preventing her from saying something she might regret. Tears flowed from Sakura's eyes, her feelings for him amplifying her stress.

Gaara reached for her hand, guiding her to sit back on the bed. He wiped away her tears using a dry towel from the nightstand and comforted her as best he could during these trying times.

"Don't worry. I have a third eye, so I can go out and hear what they're talking about out there. Believe me, I want to know too, but Granny Chiyo is doing her best for our village."

"I'm sorry. I'm just so worried about my sister. She was sent out to Konoha, too."

"Most likely, she returned this morning."

"Shijima would have been here by now to speak to me to ensure I was okay."

"Here, let me use my sight to look around, and you can bandage my arm and shoulder. Give me a minute."

Gaara laid back on the bed and closed his left eye, using his index and middle fingers to keep it shut. Outside in the emergency ward, some sand materialized into an eyeball. The doctors and nurses in the hallway whispered rumors about the war, which some called a massacre. Some were angry at the Kazekage for the devastation he had wrought. Suna had not only lost the battle but had also lost hundreds of its people.

"Only 5% of our people survived and returned without dying, so they don't have much fight left in them," one nurse lamented.

"Lady Chiyo, maybe she can do something," another nurse suggested.

"No, she's busy with the Kazekage's children, who also survived the war."

"Wait, if all three of them survived, then that means-."

"Yeah, it means not many have survived at all."

Gaara withdrew his eye from the area, moving silently to the outside where Granny Chiyo and his siblings stood by the door. He observed their conversation with a watchful gaze, noting that they had likely left the hospital recently to ensure their privacy, away from eavesdropping nurses.

"So what's going on, Granny? Is something wrong with Dad? We've been waiting to hear from him since we got back and are really worried. Is he okay?" Temari inquired.

"Do you know who Orochimaru is?" Chiyo asked.

"He's a strange snake scientist freak obsessed with creating powerful ninjas and has made plenty of enemies worldwide. I heard he's originally from the Hidden Leaf Village, but he left f

or some reason," Kankuro replied.

"Your father made a deal with Orochimaru when the three of you started your mission in the Hidden Leaf, and he went to meet him in person to finalize the deal. But he never returned," Chiyo explained.

"What?" Temari exclaimed.

"But we saw him at the Chunin Exams just the other day. He was there, sitting with the other Kage," Kankuro said.

"No, we found the Kazekage's body outside the village, with no belongings, including his hat. Orochimaru can impersonate him and deceive everyone. Orochimaru was up there with the other Kage, endangering the entire mission. He initiated the attack on the Hidden Leaf Village, and we fought alongside him. Of those who managed to leave the town safely, only a few returned due to the sandstorm last night," Chiyo revealed.

"No, that's insane," Temari cried out.

As the conversation unfolded, Gaara moved his third eye closer to them. His eldest sister broke down in tears while Chiyo delivered the devastating news. Kankuro frowned and kept his head down, seeing his brother's third eye in his peripheral vision.

"Damn it!" Kankuro exclaimed, addressing the eye.

"What?" Temari shouted.

The siblings spotted the eye on the sand beneath their feet. Granny Chiyo raised her foot and crushed it like a bug. Gaara lowered his arm and gazed up at the ceiling, his expression unchanged. Sakura, watching him closely, touched his forehead to check on him.

"You're a little warm. I'll go get some towels," Sakura said.

"No," Gaara replied.

"What happened?"

"My father has passed away. Orochimaru killed him during their negotiations."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Gaara, even though you had a difficult relationship with him, I still feel for you."

"Help me outside, okay," Gaara requested, raising his body from the bed.

"Be careful," Sakura cautioned.

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and placed her hand on his chest to support him from both sides. It was a challenging endeavor, but the two reached the staircase. Gaara took one slow step at a time, with Sakura providing support every step of the way. Upon reaching the doorway where his family stood, he released Sakura and walked unassisted, holding tightly to the wound on his ribcage at every step. Though in considerable pain, he signaled to Sakura not to help him further.

I'm okay," Gaara whispered to Sakura.

"I see you finally decided to come out for yourself," Lady Chiyo remarked.

"You nosy brat!" Kankuro chided.

"Sakura, listen to me," Gaara said, turning to face her, "I have to tell you something important about the mission..."

"No, Gaara, you must not tell her what you heard! I know you've been listening to us," Lady Chiyo interjected.

"She has the right to know what happened," Gaara frowned.

"What happened?" Sakura asked.

"Sakura, your sister is dead. We still haven't recovered all of the bodies yet, but we have your sister here since she was closest to the entrance gates of the village," Lady Chiyo delivered the grim news.

"No," Sakura screamed.

She collapsed to the floor, sobbing. Her long black hair whipped around in the wind as she clawed at the sand beneath her. Temari quickly rubbed her back, offering as much emotional support as possible. Gaara was frozen, not knowing what to do. Kankuro stood nearby, also staring at the sand blowing in the wind.

"Let me take the four of you to the basement."

In the basement of the hospital, there was an enormous cold room. A dark hallway led to smaller rooms dedicated to body viewing. The rest of the deceased were placed in a massive, freezing-cold freezer. As you entered, it appeared like a closet, but for the dead. Six autopsy tables took up most of the space in the large room, and locked filing cabinets were filled with legal paperwork. Some stools were placed near the desks and stacked with papers. The desks held photos of loved ones and other personal items given to them by family members. Smocks hung near the cabinets. Granny Chiyo led them through the large room first, where two corpses covered by white sheets were slowly defrosting on the tables. Sakura felt spooked, standing behind Gaara and clutching his shirt tightly.

"Sakura, you can hold on to me," Gaara said.

Without hesitation, Sakura clung to Gaara's arm like a lifeline in the dark hallway. His white skin felt warm despite wearing a black short-sleeved shirt and long black pants. Two men wearing hospital uniforms stood guard over the deceased in the private viewing hall. Chiyo needed no introduction, as she was so well-known that it was almost as if she ran the entire hospital.

"Kazekage and Shijima, please."

"Right away, Lady Chiyo," the male nurse said.

The nurse led them inside the double doors, which led to many more chambers on both sides, each containing the deceased in a fridge-type container within the wall. He brought them to where Rasa's body lay. Two people were already in the room, saying their goodbyes to the Kazekage. Temari held onto Kankuro's arm as they entered the room, but Gaara hesitated near the door.

"Gaara," Temari called out.

"Sakura, let's go find your sister," Gaara suggested.

"Oh, okay," Sakura replied, feeling uncomfortable standing between their grieving family members.

"Gaara!" Temari shouted.

"Let him go," Kankuro demanded.

"Kankuro, it's Dad."

"He never cared about Dad anyway."

A man in a black suit approached to greet the deceased's family. He said nothing to Sakura, only wearing a face filled with sorrow. A door across from the Kazekage's room displayed her family name on a whiteboard beside the door. The man opened the door for Sakura, who walked inside hand-in-hand with Gaara. Sakura's grip was so tight that Gaara had to hold his tongue. He understood her fear.

In the center of the small room stood a cold steel table. An undressed corpse lay beneath a white sheet that covered it from neck to toe. The soft white fabric partially obscured Sakura's sister's face, but her long, beautiful hair remained uncovered. Some things were not meant to be concealed. The mortician hesitated to remove the cloth, as he didn't want to be the one to push Sakura deeper into emotional darkness. He glanced at Sakura, seeking confirmation. Gaara gently held her around her waist and brushed her hair behind her ear. She nodded, giving the man permission to proceed. He carefully removed the white cloth, revealing Sakura's sister's lifeless, pale face. Dried scars marred her cheek, and a deep gash on her neck suggested the cause of her death. Tears streamed down Sakura's cheeks. Gaara pulled her closer, allowing her to cry in his arms.

The mortician finally found his voice. "I am the mortician here in the village. The room is for family only. I must speak to her alone, Gaara."

"I can't leave her alone here," Gaara said.

"I'll be fine," Sakura whimpered.

"If you say so," Gaara agreed.

He exited the room and stood beside Granny Chiyo, watching Sakura sit down in front of a man she had never met before. The mortician knelt, asking personal questions and discussing possible funeral arrangements. Chiyo sighed her hopes for a better outcome from the war that had traumatized the villagers of Suna fading.

"What's on your mind?" Gaara asked.

"Remember when Yashamaru died?" Chiyo inquired.

"Yeah?"

"Remember how sad you felt when he passed away. You didn't speak to anyone for a long time."

"That's because I killed him."

"You didn't know it was him. No matter how a person dies, dead is dead. What you felt is what she's feeling now. So what are you going to do about it? I know you care for her, Gaara, but to win a girl's heart, you have to show her that you care."

"You don't have any idea what you're talking about," Gaara said, turning his head away and blushing.

Granny Chiyo chuckled. "Perhaps you're right. I'm just an old woman, after all."

Her light-hearted comment irritated him, but he couldn't bear to leave Sakura alone in her grief. Once more, the mortician opened the door, allowing Sakura to exit the room. It was the last time she would see her sister's face. Sakura leaned her head on Gaara's chest. Her tears had slowed, but they had not completely stopped. The older siblings exited through another door, and Gaara had nothing to say to them, so he turned his head the other way.

"You can go now, Gaara," Temari teased.

"Hey!" Kankuro protested.

"I know it's wrong of me to say, but they are so cute together. When are you going to find your love?"

"Shut up."

"Sure, whatever you say, brother," Temari laughed.

Leaving the morgue felt much better than entering it. Sakura hurriedly led the way, eager to go. She was the first to exit the corridor and pass through the double doors that felt like a portal from death itself. They walked silently, climbing the stairs to the main floor until they finally saw the sun again. Temari stretched her arms out and, on a whim, gave Sakura a hug that she would never forget. She held onto Sakura's arms and wiped away the dried tears from her cheeks.

"We all lost someone today, and since we have to attend the big funeral, we should go get something to eat first. How about some shaved ice?" Temari suggested.

"I'll starve if I only eat shaved ice between the funeral and now," Kankuro complained.

"Fine," Temari conceded.

"How about the noodle shop near the entrance of the village? How does that sound?" Granny Chiyo proposed.

"That sounds great! Then we can get shaved ice like old times, right Temari!" Sakura exclaimed.

"Yeah!"

The five of them reached the streets of Suna, and the roads were quiet. Most stores were closed for the day, and few people were outside. Then, the recovery team arrived with bodies near the entrance. As the doctors and nurses passed by, Sakura and everyone else bowed, carrying a truckload of bodies. A woman from the crowd approached Chiyo to speak.

"We have recovered more than 50% of the casualties, but we still have many more to go."

"Thank you."

Gaara glanced over at Sakura, who was still in emotional distress. He rubbed her back and offered her a supportive message. "It's going to be okay. No matter how bad it gets, life keeps going whether you like it or not. So it's okay to feel what you're feeling. I've lost people too before all of this, and they were people I really cared about, so I know how you feel."

"I know," Sakura replied, giving him a hug.

They hurried to the noodle restaurant at the gate of the Suna Village and shared a table next to the window. The place was a bustling and lively eatery serving various noodle dishes. The atmosphere was usually energetic, with the sound of sizzling woks and the aroma of savory broths filling the air. The restaurant might offer appetizers like gyoza or spring rolls and beverages like tea or beer. Despite the crowds, service was usually quick and efficient, with staff members bustling about to take orders and deliver piping-hot noodles to hungry customers.

Across the dirt pathway was a Donburi Yatai. An elderly man cooked using a decent-sized rice cooker. He pan-fried the meat and vegetables. Lately, he had attracted much attention from the young Genin. Sakura enjoyed watching them, grateful for their ignorance of loss. An elderly waitress approached the table, taking note of everyone's swollen eyes but with a warm smile.

"I heard your father, the Kazekage, passed away before the war. I'm sorry for your loss; he was a kind man at heart, even if he did what he had to do to protect the village," the waitress offered her condolences, setting the table for their meal. "I also heard about your parents and sister, Sakura. I'm so sorry. You came here with them almost every week when you were little."

"You still remember me."

"I can prove it to you because I know what you want to order. I'll bring some food out, so don't worry about paying, Lady Chiyo. It's the least I can do for the village helping out with the funeral arrangements."

"Same to you, Erika. You deserve the best. I hope you know that just because your husband is gone doesn't mean you are alone," Chiyo said.

"Thank you."

Erika left for the back room as soon as she had taken everyone's orders. Sakura smiled and rested her head on Gaara. Suddenly, the world didn't seem as bleak anymore.

"So, I will have the Kazekage's assistant pick out your funeral outfits. I know it will be a somber affair, but it's a tradition, and everyone has to be there. I'll bring you all there when the funeral starts," Granny Chiyo said.

"Sakura can stay with us. The house is big, and we have plenty of space," Gaara suggested.

"That's a great idea; we can have a big sleepover again!" Temari chimed in.

"It's a good idea to stick together during these hard times," Lady Chiyo agreed.

"Who's going to be the next Kazekage now that Dad's dead?" Kankuro asked.

"Let's not worry about that right now," Chiyo said.

Erika skillfully rolled in a giant wooden cart loaded with beverages and steaming hot noodle bowls. The rich aroma of miso filled the air, tantalizing their taste buds. The dishes themselves were a sight to behold. Each was presented with elegance – handcrafted ceramic blue bowls, their size rivaling serving plates. Imperfect yellow drippings adorned the rims, while white flower motifs adorned the sides, creating a unique visual appeal. The establishment's ability to afford such expensive chinaware was genuinely remarkable. Erika distributed the drinks and then carefully set down each bowl. She handed out plastic-wrapped pre-wet towels for everyone to cleanse their hands, bowing as she proceeded to serve another customer.

The moment had come to reveal the culinary treasures before them. Sakura lifted the lid of her bowl, revealing her favorite Miso Ramen, generously garnished with extra pork. A waft of steam caressed her face, eliciting a contented smile. Sitting beside her, Gaara opened his bowl to unveil Sukiyaki with additional noodles. Knowing that sometimes too much broth could be overwhelming, he balanced it out with extra noodles. His lips curved upward in a subtle, almost imperceptible smile, yet his satisfaction was evident. Kankuro dug into his Suna Tempura while Temari indulged in her favorite super chicken teriyaki served with udon. As for Lady Chiyo, she was done with the Wonton Bomb, and to accompany the meal, everyone had a cup of hot green tea.

Amid the delicious offerings, everyone savored their meals, fully immersing themselves in the flavors and textures. The conversation took a back seat until the last noodle had been devoured. For Sakura, thoughts raced through her mind, contemplating her future's potential. While her siblings had predestined paths, she was just an ordinary girl without magical powers.

Following the meal, Chiyo led the group to Sakura's home. Hours were spent packing her belongings with the help of volunteer neighbors, young and old, who had assembled to support her. Standing in front of her house, Sakura's anxiety lingered. Watching time flow swiftly, she was consumed by overthinking her problems as the evening approached.

"Are you sure you want to stay here tonight? I could arrange for you to start sleeping over at our place from now on," Gaara offered.

"No, I'm fine. I just need to gather my personal things. I don't have much, I promise."

The four of them returned to their home near the giant fortress, now devoid of occupants since the sand village no longer had a Kazekage. They brought down boxes from Sakura's outdoor storage shed and packed her belongings and family supplies. Sakura stayed up half the night before finally succumbing to sleep.

The next day, the radiant sun dawned over Suna. The village streets lay deserted, the quiet permeating the air. Shopkeepers had shuttered their stores for the day, their merchandise stowed away. Restaurants ceased their culinary operations, no longer serving customers. Children were conspicuously absent from the streets – instead, families were donning somber attire, preparing to attend a grand funeral that would unite the entire village.

Sakura woke up clad in her evening robe, her gaze wandering to the small onsen at the back of her house. She immersed herself in the steaming water, losing track of time as she indulged in its warmth. Gaara approached her home, holding a ceremonial robe.

"Hey, I haven't heard from you in a while. Are you okay?" Gaara called out.

"Yes, don't worry about me. I'm at the back."

Briefly hesitating, Gaara stepped into the house, uncertain what he was walking into. The front door led to several open sliding doors, revealing empty, packed rooms. A few entrances were ajar, guiding him to the bath at the rear of the house. A splash caught his attention. Sakura was emerging from the steaming onsen, her back turned to Gaara. Droplets flew as she pushed her hands through her wet hair, relieving her of the weight that dampened her spirits. Gaara's gaze inadvertently fell on the extensive scar spanning her ribcage to her back. Her graceful figure stirred an unusual sensation within him. Just as she was about to turn around, he flushed crimson and instinctively shielded his eyes with his palms.

"I'll leave you to change. Here's your outfit for the funeral. Since you didn't come by this morning, Granny Chiyo asked me to bring it over."

"No, stay; it's okay. We're all human here; there's no need to be embarrassed," Sakura chuckled. "Could you actually lend me a hand?"

She extended her hand towards Gaara, who assisted her in ascending the slope, handing her a towel he spotted on a nearby stool. Silence enveloped them as she dried herself under the sun. He attempted to avert his gaze, but his hand brushed her forehead, prompting him to inadvertently tap his own head against hers. His face flushed crimson, his attention drawn to the ample bosom that grazed against him, dampening his clothes.

"Could you pass me my robe over there? I need to put that on first. Unless you think I won't need it for the sleepover tonight."

"Uh... Ah... Well..." Gaara stumbled over his words, handing her the robe and averting his eyes as she changed. She left the door slightly ajar and donned her black shinobi funeral attire.

"Are you ready to go?" Gaara asked, bringing her shoes to her at the front door.

"Yes, I'm ready."

The villagers congregated at the Sunagakure graveyard for the funeral. The streets resonated with the solemn tolling of bells and the collective hush of the crowd. The Kazekage family occupied the front row, with Gaara holding Sakura's hand and guiding her beside him. Granny Chiyo and her brother Ebizo stood at the forefront, facing the mournful assembly. Framed portraits and flower-covered memorials adorned the rows, commemorating those who had fallen in the war. Amid the images, Sakura sifted through the pictures, searching for her parents. Regret welled within her when she had taken her family for granted. As Lady Chiyo began to speak, Sakura's exhaustion caught up with her, and she drifted into a daze. Her adrenaline had run its course, leaving her emotionally numb from the staggering losses that Suna had endured. Before she knew it, the funeral had concluded.

"It's time to leave," Gaara said.

Sakura roused from her detached state. "What?"

Her three companions exchanged a compassionate glance, their expressions laden with sympathy. Blinking to reorient herself, Sakura realized the citizens of Suna were dispersing, returning home to mourn in solitude. Gaara swept her hair behind her ear and gently brushed her cheek.

"Are you all right?" Temari inquired.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm sorry; I must have drifted off."

"Gaara, take her home and help her with her belongings. Our father's assistant will bring the rest over later," Temari instructed.

Not a word escaped Gaara's lips. Instead, he shot his sister a brief, disapproving glare. Without delay, he took Sakura's hand and assisted her to her house. As her home came into view, Sakura paused and gazed intently. Typically, after a funeral, those were the last moments one had with those who had lost their lives. She felt a disconnection from them the instant they left her behind.

Tears welled up in Sakura's eyes, and she choked back her words. "Is this real? Is it really real?"

"This is real. This is the reality we live in. We can't shape our destinies, but we can change how this village acts from this day forward. I promise this will never happen again," Gaara reassured her.

"Someday, the elders will have to choose you as the Kazekage. You're not your father, and you can change the face of Suna, perhaps even the world."

"That's a bit melodramatic."

"This will give you the opportunity for Suna to know the real you, rather than the monster they thought they knew. I can stay by your side all the time... if you want me to," Sakura blushed.

Gaara grinned. "Tsk, before we conquer the world, we need to get you settled first."

And so, the young couple entered Sakura's home, preparing to empty it of its memories. Sakura opened all the windows to disperse the dust, swept the wooden floors and tatami mats, and began leaving behind the life that had once filled the house. A woman in her thirties arrived with Granny Chiyo, her short brown hair and brown eyes visible in the sunlight.

"Good afternoon, Sakura. It looks like you've been keeping busy today," Granny Chiyo greeted.

"Oh, hello. I'm staying at Gaara's house tonight while I pack up and find a new place to live. I never thought I'd have to say that at my age."

"Sakura, about staying with Gaara and his siblings... How about you make it permanent? It's better than being on your own."

"Wait, really? What about my parents' house and all their furniture?"

"You don't need to worry about that," Granny Chiyo reassured her.

Sakura glanced at Gaara for his approval, and he nodded in agreement. She trusted Gaara more than anyone. A group of men and women shinobi entered her home, opening doors, removing boxes, and stacking them. Sakura vacated her house to avoid getting in their way, knowing she would never return. She headed toward Gaara's home, never looking back.

The older siblings stood at the entrance of their large home. It was an unassuming sand-built structure with round, open windows. Their father had never cared for colorful designs. Temari approached Sakura first, giving her a warm hug and a wide smile.

"Welcome to your new home, Sakura. I've always wanted a sister," Temari cheered.

"Show her around for me, will you? I need to go back and speak with Granny Chiyo. She said she had something to talk to me about," Gaara said.

"Sure, we'll take care of it," Temari replied.

"I'll be back soon," Gaara whispered to Sakura. He waved goodbye and retraced his steps, heading back to Granny Chiyo.

Sakura's gaze lingered on the back of Gaara's departing figure, realizing something was missing. She inquired, "Didn't Gaara used to carry a giant gourd?"

Kankuro rested his arm on her shoulder and sighed, "Yeah, it disappeared before we brought him back. He can always make another one. Besides, obviously, he doesn't need it here when he's in the village."

"Right, I remember now."

"Come on inside," Kankuro urged, opening the large gate doors.

A small courtyard filled with natural plants and trees flourished to their right. In front of Sakura, a maid opened the door for the three of them. 

"I'd like to show her the back of the house," Kankuro suggested.

"No, let's save that for when Gaara gets back, remember."

Kankuro grumbled softly, "I should be the one to show her."

Temari and Sakura ascended the stairs to the second floor, where bedrooms and bathrooms were located. 

"Where will I be staying?" Sakura inquired.

"In Gaara's bed, of course," Temari teased.

"Temari!" Kankuro protested. "That's just gross..."

"Get over yourself."

Meanwhile, Gaara entered the house quietly, wondering where everyone had gone.

Temari gently tugged Sakura along with her as they descended the stairs. She leaned in and whispered something into Gaara's ear, her excitement evident. Kankuro followed more slowly, less eager to meet his brother. He stood beside Sakura, a silent presence isolated from their conversation.

Kankuro rubbed Sakura's back and spoke softly, "While they bring all your belongings upstairs and make a mess of the place, why don't you come to the back courtyard and wait a while."

"Okay," Sakura agreed.

"I'll help them bring everything in, so you have nothing to worry about," Kankuro assured her. He stepped outside the courtyard and observed over a dozen boxes strewn across the lawn.

"I'm sorry about my sister; she's just excited to see another girl in the family," Gaara said.

"I'm family now?"

"I would not be able to live with myself knowing everything wrong in your life was because of me. You deserve to have a family again."

Together, Gaara guided Sakura to the back courtyard. A flood of bright light poured in as he slid open the large glass doors, momentarily blinding her with its beauty. A narrow sand path led her around the square courtyard, showcasing the exquisite plants. A magnificent cherry tree had been planted at the far left end.

"I hope you like it. We had a gardener come in and fix the place up for your arrival."

"You didn't have to do this. It's a luxury I don't deserve."

"What are you talking about? You deserve this more than anyone. It was my fault in the first place for losing control."

"Remember what I said? I don't want to speak ill of the dead, but it was your father's fault for everything."

"I know," Gaara admitted sadly. "Come with me."

Hand in hand, they walked down a winding path to the right, where they came upon a small Koi pond teeming with frogs and charming fish. The pond was encircled by small berry bushes. Sakura's focus shifted toward the inside of the house. Through the glass doors, she could see people moving her boxes.

Gaara stared at the water, watching the reflection of his face. He absentmindedly traced his scar and spoke softly, "I never knew I'd be able to find someone who would actually care about me. The universe hated me for so long that I never knew what it was like to love or be loved."

"I need you as much as you need me."

They leaned on each other for a long while, hands entwined, gazing at the ripples in the pond that concealed life beneath the surface. Temari eventually entered the courtyard, waiting patiently for them to notice her. Gaara lifted his head, and his expression became somewhat irritated.

"What is it, Temari?" Gaara inquired.

"Everything is set up for her. Did you let her know she doesn't have to worry about her own clothes anymore since the maids basically do everything for us."

"No, because we are the only ones in this village who have that luxury."

Temari chuckled, "True."

At the same time, Sakura giggled as Gaara let out an annoyed sigh. Temari led them upstairs to Gaara's room, where all of Sakura's belongings were neatly stacked in four piles. Gaara's face flushed bright red with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. He shot another glare at Temari, but she merely responded with a smirk.

"Out of all the ridiculous things you've done," Gaara grumbled.

"What? You guys are an adorable couple! Cute couples sleep together."

"If dad were here, he'd kill you."

"If dad were here, he wouldn't even let you have a girlfriend."

"Whatever."

"Enjoy yourselves, you two. Just try to keep it under control," Temari teased.

"Temari, please, just stop!" Gaara quietly snapped.

His sister couldn't have been more pleased with his reaction. She laughed and descended the stairs, leaving the two alone. Gaara watched Sakura explore his room, which was large and unadorned, with a full-size bed. There were only a few pictures on a wall shelf and a few drawers with both of their clothes inside.

"Hey, who's this woman in the photo with your dad? Is that your mom? They look really young."

"That's them before I was born, around the time Temari was born, actually."

"You don't own a lot of possessions, do you?"

"No, not really."

"I apologize for all my junk, then," Sakura said. She spotted her ninja textbooks in one of the open boxes amid various trinkets, ninja stars, and a small knife. She glanced at the television in his room, contemplating what to do with it, realizing she would never need it.

"We can discard this box. I'm going to the restroom; I'll be right back."

Sakura left the room hurriedly, and Gaara, curious about the box's contents, took a quick look. What he found inside left him profoundly affected. He sank onto his bed, his emotional pain evident.

"Hey, how's it going?" Kankuro asked, entering the room.

"She's been training, even though she knows she can't be a shinobi anymore."

"Yeah, I know. Sakura wants to be a ninja more than anything. Being left behind by everyone must have really hurt. Let's ask Granny Chiyo if there's a way to unblock her chakra."

"Sakura is a civilian, and that's it. We can't let anything happen to her, not again," Gaara asserted.

"I'd hate to see her as a shinobi too. On the other hand, I want to see her happy. Don't you? Anyway, the food is almost ready. Come downstairs whenever you're ready."

A mouthwatering aroma wafted into Sakura's senses as she exited the bathroom, her stomach growling in anticipation. Her body longed for sustenance. She spotted Kankuro heading downstairs to the bedroom, where dinner awaited.

"Is dinner ready? It smells incredible," Sakura inquired.

"Yeah, let's head downstairs and take our seats at the table," Gaara replied.

As they descended the stairs, Sakura was greeted by a sight that left her momentarily stunned. The dining room table was adorned with a lavish seafood buffet and an array of delectable dishes that left her mouthwatering. She settled beside Gaara, ready to partake in this feast. Kankuro and Temari occupied the opposite side of the table, already engrossed in their meal. The scrumptious food was so enjoyable that conversation was rendered unnecessary.

After eating their fill, the time came to retire for the night and change into sleepwear. A maid had thoughtfully prepared their attire and left it on their respective beds.

"Thank you so much for your help," Sakura expressed gratitude.

The four youngsters had the entire place with the adults leaving the house. However, the looming responsibilities and decisions regarding the future compelled them to gather in the living room for a serious discussion.

"So, what's the plan for the next Kazekage?" Kankuro inquired.

"When I was younger, my father told me that they would initially choose someone from the family. If no one within the family proves suitable, they'll search for someone worthy outside," Sakura explained.

"The elders will probably test us based on our abilities," Gaara added.

"I'm going to beat you boys; girl power rules!" Temari declared with a smirk.

Sakura chuckled, "Well, that's one way to look at it."

"Alright, I'm going to bed. This conversation is getting a bit too awkward for me. See you all tomorrow with whatever news the world throws at us," Kankuro announced, quickly exiting.

"Am I going to hear any noises tonight, Gaara?" Temari teased, her laughter filling the room.

"No, Temari... ugh!" Gaara blushed.

"What's going on?" Sakura asked, her laughter tinged with awkwardness.

"Oh, nothing!" Temari giggled.

In a matter of minutes, everyone retreated to their bedrooms to change. Gaara found himself blushing as he observed the two outfits laid out on his bed.

"You can change here if you'd like; I'll use the bathroom," he offered.

"No, it's okay," Sakura replied. She closed the door and began changing from one layer of robes to the next. Gaara also turned away and changed his clothes, giving Sakura her privacy while trying to suppress his blush.

The bed was spacious enough to accommodate them, although it would be a cozy fit. Sakura slipped beneath the covers, snuggling in like a delicate bird seeking warmth. Gaara, still taken aback by the situation, nestled beside her. Her presence sent a surge of desire through him, a newfound contentment washing over him. He inched closer to her, his fingers tenderly tracing the contours of her soft, peachy skin.

Gaara repositioned himself, hovering over her as she lay beneath him. When she blinked her eyes open, she found his gaze locked onto her own. Both were blushing uncontrollably as he lowered his lips to her neck. A soft, involuntary moan escaped her lips when he began to suck gently on her skin. Gaara hastily placed his hand over her mouth, his eyes filled with desire and confusion.

"Gaara, what are you doing?" Sakura managed to utter, her voice muffled by his hand.

"I can't seem to stop," he confessed, his voice trembling with mixed emotions.

Naturally, her body told her to spread her legs, revealing her undercarriage. She reached down and opened herself wide to Gaara. He pulled out his throbbing erection and crawled on top of her. Her little unopened clamshell exuded a white fluid. She's soaking wet, refusing to take no for an answer. The bed squeaked as Gaara mounted on top of her. Pushing as hard as he could until the blood seeped out. Each humping motion made the bed squeak louder the faster he'd gone.

Sweat dripped down his face as he grinned at her. He'd never felt this good before in his life. Gaara humped her so hard that he finished squirting every ounce of his fluids inside. He collapsed on her breasts, breathing heavily. Gaara leaned in for a kiss and helped her clean up the mess. Somehow, the evidence had to be thrown away. Together, they worked on the bed for an hour and went back to lie to pretend nothing happened. Sakura rubbed Gaara's cheek, watching him smile at the ceiling. She fell asleep watching him.

The night drifted by, and Gaara remained wide awake, his gaze never leaving Sakura as she slept. With the sunrise, he was still there, his watchful eyes waiting for her to stir. Unbeknownst to him, Temari had partially opened his door and entered the room, catching him in the act. He moved closer to Sakura, his fingers gently tracing the contours of her form.

"Didn't I warn you about any funny business, Gaara?" Temari's voice rang out.

A shiver ran down Gaara's spine as he was suddenly caught off guard. He swiftly moved away from Sakura, flinching and accidentally disturbing the sheets he had thrown in his haste. This sudden motion caused Sakura to roll off the other side of the bed, her nose making contact with the floor in a painful collision.

"What's happening? Are we being attacked?" Sakura inquired, her voice groggy from sleep.

"No, nothing like that," Temari chuckled.

"Temari, just leave us alone," Gaara snapped, his frustration evident as he slammed the door shut and leaned against it, trying to catch his breath and calm his racing heart.

"Gaara, you were touching her while she was sleeping," Temari teased.

"It's not a big deal. I've seen her naked twice; it doesn't matter as long as she's okay with it," Gaara defended himself.

"Twice?" Temari raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Gaara flung the door wide open, the anger evident on his face. But his rage had overshadowed that Sakura was still sprawled on the floor, exposing her naked form. Kankuro happened to be passing by, and a brief glance was enough for him to avert his eyes in embarrassment.

"I didn't see anything," Kankuro stammered, quickly going downstairs.

Sakura blushed, giving Temari an embarrassed smile. She grabbed Gaara and pulled him out of the room, whispering something in his ear. A mischievous grin crossed her face as she giggled, leaving him flustered in the hallway.

Sakura furrowed her brows in confusion and asked, "What's going on?"

A faint blush graced Gaara's cheeks as he replied, "Go get dressed. I'm taking you to see Granny Chiyo."

Sakura's smile brimmed with gratitude, aware that Gaara was happy to support her journey to become a Shinobi so they could share missions together. 

Sakura carefully replicated the face paint Kankuro had designed for her, and she dressed in a long-sleeved Yukata crop top paired with a short skirt and stockings. She wrapped bandages around her leg and secured a small bag for her shinobi tools, including ninja stars. With her attire complete, Sakura felt prepared for one of the most significant challenges of her life.

  Sakura followed Kankuro downstairs, glimpsing at his new look. Due to the damage to his black bodysuit, Kankuro had opted for a new one with similar features. He adorned his face with intricate dark purple markings, extending down his nose, covering his bottom lip, and forming a 'C' shape around his eyes.

With a radiant smile, Sakura declared, "I'm all set."

Temari donned a long-sleeved purple top paired with a dark blue skirt, beneath which she wore a soft metal corset bound with red cloth at her waist. She couldn't help but chuckle upon seeing Sakura's face paint and teasingly asked, "Why do you look like Kankuro?"

Kankuro turned to admire Sakura's face paint, a remnant from one of their early dates, his cheeks reddening slightly as he admitted, "I didn't know you still liked the look I gave you. It suits you."

Sakura beamed, "I love it."

Temari joined in the praise, giggling, "Sakura, you look super cute."

In return, Sakura complimented Temari, saying, "You look great too, Temari."

Temari twirled to showcase her outfit, proudly responding, "Thanks."

Gaara descended the stairs dressed in a dark red bodysuit with a brown buckled sash securing his gourd and a white sash adorning his torso. Observing Sakura's new look, he commented, "I see you've embraced Kankuro's style."

Sakura chuckled, "Isn't the new face paint cute?"

Gaara smiled warmly and crossed his arms, concurring, "Yes, it suits you well. I've crafted a new gourd after losing my previous one at the exams. It's waiting outside. Let's make our way to Granny Chiyo."

Temari inquired with curiosity, "Wait, why are we going to see her?"

Sakura explained, "We're going to seek Granny Chiyo's guidance on unblocking my chakra."

Kankuro, still in disbelief, questioned, "Do you really think it's possible?"

Adopting a caring older-sister demeanor, Temari directed her affectionate smile towards Sakura, stating, "If anyone can figure it out, it's Granny Chiyo."

Kankuro turned to Sakura and gave her his blessing, saying, "Well, I won't stand in your way. Just be cautious, okay?"

Sakura nodded gratefully and, accompanied by Gaara, exited the door. Gaara led Sakura through Sunagakure's labyrinthine side streets to an old house nestled against the village's back walls. Granny Chiyo emerged from the house as she carried out her daily tasks.

Granny Chiyo greeted the children with a warm wave and inquired, "Good morning, children. What are you two up to today?"

Sakura reached into her pocket and retrieved a scroll, handing it over to Granny Chiyo. She asked, "We have a question that might be a bit difficult to find the answers to."

As Granny Chiyo opened the scroll and began to read its contents, her expression shifted from curiosity to shock. She asked, "Ah, so you were the one who caused all that ruckus in the Kazekage building on the first floor. You stole this scroll from our archives."

A bit embarrassed, Sakura smiled and admitted, "I told you I wasn't as weak as everyone made me out to be."

Gaara chimed in, "So, what do you think?"

Granny Chiyo responded, "Come with me." She led the two to the Sunagakure hospital, where she entered the medical records room to conduct research. Gaara and Sakura impatiently waited outside the door, exchanging curious glances.

Sakura couldn't contain her curiosity and asked, "What is she doing?"

Gaara replied, "I assume she's researching to see if it's possible you inherited a specific jutsu."

After a brief but anxious wait, Granny Chiyo emerged from the room, her face marked with concern. She addressed Sakura directly, saying, "I apologize for bringing up painful memories, but how did you escape your father that night? He was knocked unconscious by someone, and the only functioning person there was you. What happened that night?"

Sakura hesitated momentarily, unsure how to begin, but she knew it was time to share the truth. Tears welled up in her eyes as she confessed, "My father chased me into the backyard. I kicked and fought for my life, but he managed to grab my wrists and pin me to the ground. I felt defeated and helpless at that moment, so I gave up. I started singing a song I had written when I was younger, a song about the loneliness in Sunagakure. As I sang, a beam of light burst out of me and threw him against the house. He fell to the ground, and I thought he was dead, so I ran out of the house that night and didn't come back until the next day."

Gaara asked Granny Chiyo, "What does this mean?"

Granny Chiyo explained, "It means her chakra isn't completely blocked. It's as if she somehow managed to crack it open slightly. She can use her abilities, but she can't control when it happens. It seems she's using wind transformation to turn her music into deadly weapons."

Sakura couldn't help but giggle at the revelation, saying, "That's...awesome."

Feeling concerned, Gaara asked, "So, are you saying that she could have killed me whenever she sang?"

Granny Chiyo reassured him with a smile, "Some of her songs have healing qualities as well."

Gaara felt overwhelmed by the revelation, muttering, "How do we fix this?"

Granny Chiyo replied, "The Hyuga Clan in the Land of Fire possesses the ability to repair this damage. In the meantime, Sakura is, in fact, a Shinobi."

For a month, Sakura trained diligently under the guidance of Granny Chiyo, her skills improving daily. Kankuro, on the other hand, initially watched with a pang of jealousy. Still, he soon grew accustomed to their close relationship; Gaara even became comfortable with them sleeping together without any awkwardness.

During this time, Gaara found the emotional strength to confront the council of elders alongside his siblings, discussing the future plans for Sunagakure. However, the elders were still engaged in heated debates regarding the village's direction.

As the meeting dragged on, Sakura patiently waited inside the Kazekage building, eager to hear the decisions made for their village's future. When the siblings finally left the meeting room, Temari shared the news with a hint of sadness, saying, "They've decided to send us on a training mission to determine who among us is worthy of becoming the next Kazekage."

As they spoke of leaving again, Sakura, feeling a sense of longing, asked, "When is this mission taking place?"

Gaara replied, "We're not entirely sure yet, but we will be back. You have my word."

Sakura hugged Gaara tightly as if reluctant to let go. "You'll be alright. Just come back safely."

He nodded, a mixture of determination and apprehension in his eyes. 

"Mikoto?"

"I'm sorry about the incident earlier. I managed to avoid getting fired, but I heard about you and Gaara. Congratulations on that."

"What do you want?"

"I have a message for Gaara. He went upstairs for the meeting, so I thought I'd give this to you for him."

"A mission request?" Sakura asked, studying the scroll.

"Yeah, it seems to be from the Hidden Leaf Village. We've reestablished peaceful relations with them."

"We have?"

"Indeed, we've forged some strong connections with their community."

"I see."

"I'll take my leave now. See you soon."

Just as Mikoto departed, Gaara emerged from the building, unnoticed until he spoke. "Mikoto?"

Both Sakura and Mikoto turned to face him, startled. Mikoto waved her farewell and left them alone. Gaara took the scroll from Sakura's hands, curiosity and suspicion evident in his expression.

"What's this?" he inquired.

"It looks like a mission request, possibly from the Hidden Leaf Village."

"For me?" Gaara contemplated. "It's likely Naruto's doing."

Gaara carefully unfurled the scroll and attentively read the contents. After absorbing the message, he glanced out towards the village entrance. While the letter's contents didn't shock him, the timing could have been better. He didn't want to leave Sakura alone in the village again. Just then, his two siblings arrived to join the conversation.

"What's wrong?" Sakura inquired.

"You remember that kid I was supposed to fight, Sasuke Uchiha, during the Chunin Exams?" Gaara began.

"Yes," Sakura replied.

"He's not coming after me. He left the Leaf Village and plans to join Orochimaru, betraying his village. Now Naruto has organized a recovery mission to find him and bring him back."

"Sasuke's gone rogue, wonderful," Temari remarked with sarcasm.

"Sakura, are you prepared for your inaugural mission?" Kankuro inquired, his voice filled with anticipation.

Sakura's eyes widened with excitement as she responded, "You really think I'm ready for this?"

Gaara, his expression stern and cautious, shook his head. "No, Sakura should remain here. This mission carries too many risks, and she might become a liability."

Temari playfully smacked Gaara on the shoulder, then turned to Sakura, her tone more encouraging. "No way, Sakura is the perfect fit for this mission."

Kankuro directed his question to Sakura, awaiting her response. "So, what do you say?"

With unwavering determination, Sakura replied, "I'm all in."