Chapter 7: Chakra Recovery Mission Begins

Under the sun, Sakura 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.

"Kankuro!" 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. The gusts of wind whisked away tears in her eyes. 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!"

With a small wet towel, Sakura cleaned the blood and soot from Gaara's injuries. 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 sister had a knack for embarrassing him.

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

"You two are such a cute couple, Kankuro." Temari giggled.

"What are you talking about?" Gaara questioned.

"Kankuro and Sakura are dating."

"Yeah, she's my girlfriend. So what?" Kankuro chimed in.

"She blushes every time she looks at you, and she was worried sick about you when you left."

Kankuro laughed. "Yeah, she's adorable when she's mad."

"Gross," 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.

"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." 

Sakura then placed a hot towel over Kankuro'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.

Gaara gazed up at the ceiling, his expression unreadable. He seemed to be preoccupied with something on his mind. Sakura wheeled him away first, 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. Next, she brought Temari to the same room and Kankuro last. Kankuro slowly raised his upper body while lying on the hospital bed and insisted, "I'm well enough to go home now. There's no need to worry about keeping me here either."

Sakura fixed him sternly and pressed two fingers against his chest, gently but firmly urging him to lay back down. With a determined motion, she placed a warm, damp towel over his head. Her voice was concerned and curious as she probed, "I want to know what happened in Konoha. Can you please tell me what's going on?"

Gaara finally began to share the unsettling truth. "Our mission was to falsify participation in the Chunin exams and seize the opportunity to infiltrate Konoha, aiming to secure more resources for our village."

Sakura's gasp of shock filled the room. "What? My sister is among those sent to Konoha. I can't believe you never told me."

Kankuro let out a resigned sigh, and his explanation tinged with regret. "We weren't permitted to tell you, Sakura. Besides, what good would it have done? You'd have chased after us regardless."

Overwhelmed by the emotional weight of the revelation, Sakura turned and walked away, her voice trembling as she spoke, "I need to fetch some more fresh towels. I'll be right back." she rested her head on the sand rail, taking deep breaths. The sky overhead was a brilliant blue, devoid of any clouds. Kankuro sprang out of bed and quickly caught up with Sakura as she stepped outside. Tenderly, he took her hand and joined her in gazing out the window, the view a mere backdrop to the weight of their conversation.

Kankuro struggled to find the right words to convey his remorse. After silence, he finally said, "Shijima might be one of the survivors."

Sakura's gaze remained fixed on the horizon as she replied, her voice heavy with her doubts, "My sister and I have endured so much already. I doubt she had the strength left to keep on fighting."

Kankuro's response was filled with sincere hope. "I pray that it's not the case."

The hospital hallway remained bathed in its unyielding, bright lights, even on the darkest nights. Sakura couldn't fathom how she would navigate life without Shijima if anything had happened to her. Her love for her older sister was boundless, and it weighed heavily on her heart.

Sakura gently insisted, "You should get back into bed."

Kankuro resisted. "I don't mind staying here to keep you company."

Sakura leaned on his shoulders, her voice trembling with apprehension. "There's something I must tell you, but please promise me you won't be angry."

Kankuro sighed, suspecting what might be coming. "What did you do?"

With deliberate slowness, Sakura retrieved a scroll from her back pocket, trusting him. Kankuro gasped and swiftly took it from her, carefully examining its contents, realization dawning upon him.

Sakura admitted that her nerves were getting the best of her, "I stole a secret technique from the Kazekage's building."

Kankuro, still perusing the scroll, offered a surprising response, his tone holding a hint of admiration. "You took this to unblock your chakra? I have to admit, I'm impressed."

Sakura's smile was tinged with relief. "I followed the instructions, but to unblock someone else's chakra..."

Kankuro finished her sentence, fully comprehending the dilemma. "You need unblocked chakra to perform it on others."

Sakura pressed further, her voice tinged with hope. "Do you think we can find someone who can help with this?"

Kankuro scratched his head briefly before answering, "This is beyond my abilities, but we could seek Granny Chiyo's help."

Sakura let out a sigh, her anxiety noticeable. "Does that mean I have to join the academy?"

Kankuro offered a reassuring smile. "I'm sure we can find ways around that." 

Sakura rested her head on the railing, letting out a tired yawn. "I tried to do it myself, hoping for a miracle, but it didn't work."

Kankuro couldn't help but chuckle. "Sounds like someone needs to head home and get some sleep."

Sakura leaned against Kankuro, her vulnerability evident as she asked, "I don't want to be alone tonight. Can I stay with you guys?"

Kankuro offered a warm smile and gestured toward the nurse's station. "I'm sure they can arrange a small cot in our hospital room for you tonight."

Sakura shook her head, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "No, those tiny cots are so uncomfortable, and I can't sleep in them. I'd much rather share your hospital bed and help you recover."

Kankuro blushed, his eyes lighting up with a grin. "I guess I'll have some extra warmth tonight."

Together, they returned to the hospital room meant for multiple occupants. Temari and Gaara watched with bemusement as Sakura and Kankuro crawled into bed together beneath the warm sheets.

Gaara couldn't help but question, "Why are you still here?"

Sakura's response broke the silence. "I'd hate going back to an empty house."

Temari added a playful note, "She's also thrilled we're back. I doubt she'll leave our side anytime soon. You two are practically inseparable. Anyway, it's late. We should go to bed."

Kankuro nestled close to Sakura, anticipation in the air as he whispered, "I'm already ahead of you."

Sakura relished the warmth of his embrace as he enveloped her in his arms, the sensation akin to a child holding onto their beloved teddy bear. Her cheeks flushed, and she responded softly, "Same."

Gaara used his sand to extinguish the room's lights in the blink of an eye, casting them into a comforting darkness. The silence in their shared space was only broken by faint noises outside the room, where the light remained on.

Cradled in the gentle warmth of Kankuro's soft embrace, Sakura drifted into a peaceful slumber. She had never felt safer than she did with him by her side.

As the three slept soundly, Gaara lay in his bed, wide awake, focusing firmly on controlling Shukaku. He gazed out the window, watching the gradual ascent of the sun, its rays heralding the new day.

Den 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.

Sakura carefully slipped out from under Kankuro's arms, successfully keeping him asleep, and quietly made her way to the door. She couldn't help but smile at her accomplishment as she tip-toed out into the hallway. However, she hadn't noticed Gaara leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. He spoke up when he saw her, calm and collected, "Where are you going?"

Sakura jumped in surprise, her initial fright quickly turning into relief as she recognized Gaara. She chuckled softly, clutching her chest as she regained her composure. "You scared me," she admitted. "Why aren't you in bed? I was heading out to find clean bandages for the wound."

Gaara responded frustratedly, "I'm waiting for verified information on the war. These nurses spreading rumors don't know the difference."

Sakura sighed in agreement. "It's maddening not knowing the truth. Do you think your father will come to provide us with information?"

Gaara's gaze remained fixed on the stairwell leading to the first floor as he replied, "I highly doubt it."

Determined to help, Sakura said, "Alright, I'll return soon. Don't go anywhere until I return."

Sakura hurried down to the first floor and swiftly entered the medical closet, where she grabbed a bundle of fresh bandages. As she ascended the long flight of stairs back to the upper floor, she couldn't help but notice the numerous families in the hallway, all clamoring for information about their loved ones. The nurses, unfortunately, had no concrete answers to offer, leaving despair in their wake.

Eager to avoid the overwhelming sadness permeating the scene, Sakura hastened her steps and returned upstairs to find the siblings conversing with Granny Chiyo inside their room.

Granny Chiyo turned her attention to Sakura and greeted her kindly, "Hello, dear. I heard you spent the night with them."

Sakura blushed slightly and stammered, "Well, I wanted to ensure they were okay. His wound needs to be kept clean."

Temari's evident concern quickly got to the heart of the matter. "So what's going on, Granny? Is something wrong with our father? We've been waiting to hear from him since we returned and are worried. Is he okay?"

Chiyo paused for a moment before addressing their question. "Do you know who Orochimaru is?"

Kankuro explained, "He's a Shinobi from Konoha who left to build his lab and conduct experiments that aren't exactly sanctioned by any of the hidden villages."

Chiyo continued with a heavy tone, "Your father made a deal with Orochimaru when the three of you started your mission in Konoha. He met him to finalize the deal, but he never returned."

Temari was shocked. "What?"

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

Granny Chiyo shook her head and clarified, "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. Only a few who left the town safely returned due to last night's sandstorm."

Temari couldn't believe what she was hearing. "No, that's insane."

Sakura, her curiosity piqued, turned to Granny Chiyo and asked, "What happened?"

Still reeling from the news, Temari said, "Granny Chiyo told us..."

Gaara interrupted her with a stern expression, "Be quiet, Temari."

Kankuro disagreed, defending Sakura's right to know. "She deserves to know what happened."

Her voice trembling with anxiety, Sakura inquired, "What happened?"

With a heavy heart, Lady Chiyo delivered the grim news, "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."

Sakura let out a heart-wrenching scream, collapsing to the floor and sobbing uncontrollably. Her long black hair whipped around in the wind as she clawed at the sand beneath her. Temari rushed to her side, offering as much emotional support as possible. Kankuro stood there, frozen and unsure of what to do, while Gaara remained nearby, gazing at the swirling sand solemnly.

Granny Chiyo sighed heavily. "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's unease grew, and she stood behind Kankuro, gripping his shirt tightly for reassurance. She leaned into him, seeking solace in these sad and unsettling times. Kankuro instinctively enveloped her in his arms, sensing her deep anguish, offering her the same sense of comfort and security he felt.

In the private viewing hall, two men in hospital uniforms stood as solemn sentinels, watching over the departed with unwavering dedication.

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. 

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. 

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. 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. 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.

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 Kankuro's chest. Her tears had slowed, but they had not completely stopped.

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, hugged Sakura, 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."

Kankuro glanced over at Sakura, who was still in emotional distress. He rubbed her back. 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 Kankuro. 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 sad 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," Kankuro 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 will 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 she 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, Kankuro 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. Gaara 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," Kankuro offered.

"No, I'm fine. I need to gather my 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.

Kankuro approached Sakura's home, clutching a ceremonial robe in his hands. He carefully opened the front door, its hinges squeaking softly in the silence. In a calm tone, he called out to her, "Hey, Sakura. Are you doing alright?"

Sakura's voice floated from the backyard, her response carrying through the air, "Hey, Kankuro. I'm over here."

Stepping inside, Kankuro noticed several boxes neatly packed with Sakura's belongings, ready for a transition. He moved through a series of open sliding doors, making his way to the backyard. There, Sakura stood, rising from the onsen water, her ebony hair glistening with moisture. Her smooth skin radiated a subtle allure in the dappled sunlight filtering through the smoke. Kankuro's gaze inadvertently lingered on the prominent surgery scars that marred her back, a reminder of the day Gaara had nearly taken her life. His eyes flashed a bright crimson as he found himself captivated by her beauty, his mouth betraying him with an unintended droplet of saliva that fell to the wooden floor at his feet.

Sakura blushed but maintained her composure, asking in a gentle tone, "Is that my funeral gown?"

Kankuro stammered over his words, struggling to regain his focus. "Yeah, I brought your funeral dress. We bought it at the market yesterday. I'll leave you to change."

Sakura, however, welcomed his presence, dispelling any awkwardness with a soft chuckle. "No need to be shy; it's alright. We're all human here; there's no need for embarrassment." She extended her hand, indicating a nearby towel on the deck. Kankuro readily picked up the towel from a nearby stool and handed it to her.

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 head against hers. His face flushed crimson, his attention drawn to the ample bosom that grazed against him, dampening his clothes.

Sakura gestured toward the pristine white robe resting on a stool by the door and inquired, "Could you pass me my robe over there? I need to put that on first."

Kankuro's gaze remained captivated by her beauty, causing a gentle flush to color his cheeks. He stammered, "Uh, no, you won't need that."

Sakura chuckled softly, the sound light and warm. "I guess not."

She leaves the door slightly ajar and attires in the somber black shinobi funeral garb. As she adjusted the attire, Kankuro, ever attentive, approached her with her shoes in hand, asking, "Are you ready to go?"

A smile graced Sakura's lips as she nodded in affirmation. "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 Kankuro 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 sister. 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," Kankuro 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. Kankuro swept her hair behind her ear and gently brushed her cheek.

"Are you all right?" Kankuro inquired.

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

"Let me take you home, and we can pack the rest of your belongings," Kankuro said.

Without delay, Kankuro 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 true?"

Kankuro hugged her for a comforting hug and said, "I am so sorry Sakura. I wish I could fix it so that it never happened."

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. Granny Chiyo arrived at the front door of the house. She greeted her, "Good afternoon, Sakura. It looks like you've been keeping busy today."

"Oh, hello. I'm staying at Kankuro'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."

"How about you stay with them permanently? It's better than being on your own."

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

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

Sakura glanced at Kankuro for his approval, and he nodded in agreement. She trusted Kankuro 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 Kankuro'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.

"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'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.

Temari led them upstairs to Kankuro's room, where all of Sakura's belongings were neatly stacked in four piles. 

Temari flashed a mischievous smile and playfully remarked, "So, you'll be bunking with Kankuro, I presume?"

Sakura briefly glanced into Kankuro's sparsely adorned room, taking in the sight of puppets and an array of shinobi tools. It was evident that Kankuro wasn't one for elaborate decor. His full-size bed was covered with dark green sheets, and matching dark green curtains adorned the windows. The rest of the furniture was utilitarian, constructed from regular dark brown wood.

Kankuro, carrying a box of Sakura's belongings, walked past her and gently placed it in a corner of the room. He then turned to Sakura, his fingers gently cupping her cheek as he leaned in to kiss her. His voice was soft as he inquired, "How do you like it?"

Sakura blushed but managed to reply, "It's fine."

Temari couldn't resist a teasing remark, adding, "If Dad were here, he'd have a fit about you living with a girl."

Kankuro rolled his eyes, dismissing the notion, "I couldn't care less."

Temari teased, her tone light-hearted, "Don't enjoy yourselves too much tonight."

Kankuro's annoyance grew, and he responded with a low growl, "Shut up, Temari. Mind your own business."

His sister couldn't have been more pleased with his reaction. She laughed and descended the stairs, leaving the two alone. Sakura eagerly began unpacking her clothes, neatly arranging them within the drawers, while her shinobi tools found their places along the walls alongside Kankuro's arsenal. The prospect of spending the rest of her life with the Kazekage siblings filled her with excitement and anticipation.

Suddenly, a mouthwatering aroma wafted through the air, signaling the arrival of dinner. Sakura's attention shifted to Gaara and Temari, who were descending the stairs. Kankuro smiled warmly and suggested, "I guess dinner is ready. Come on, let's go."

The prospect of an authentic meal after an extended time was welcomed by Sakura. Since leaving the restaurant with Granny Chiyo and the Kazekage siblings, she had not enjoyed proper food. With Kankuro by her side, holding her hand, she descended the stairs, sitting beside him at the table, leaving Gaara and Temari to settle beside each other on the opposite side. The dining room table was adorned with a lavish seafood buffet and an array of delectable dishes that left her mouthwatering. 

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.

Before Sakura entered Kankuro's room, he discreetly stowed Sakura's pajamas in one of the dressers to discourage her from changing into them. As she walked in, visibly fatigued, she let out a contented yawn and stretched, remarking, "I can't believe the day we've had."

Kankuro nodded in agreement, taking a seat on his bed and removing his shirt. Initially, he expected something less eventful to happen. However, to his surprise, Sakura began to experience an unexpectedly pleasurable sensation. Sakura undressed and slipped beneath the covers, snuggling in like a delicate bird seeking warmth. Kankuro, still taken aback by the situation, inched closer to her, his fingers tenderly tracing the contours of her soft, peachy skin.

Kankuro 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. Kankuro hastily placed his hand over her mouth, his eyes filled with desire and confusion.

"Kankuro, 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 Kankuro. 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 Kankuro mounted on top of her. He was 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. Kankuro humped her so hard that he finished squirting every ounce of his fluids inside. He collapsed on her breasts, breathing heavily. Kankuro 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 Kankuro's cheek, watching him smile at her.

Throughout the night, the young couple gazed into each other's eyes, their connection unbroken. Kankuro held her tightly in his arms as they drifted into slumber.

As the first light of morning seeped into the room, their peaceful rest was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Temari. She pushed the door open with gusto and cheerfully declared, "Rise and shine, you two!"

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

"Kankuro, 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 if she's okay with it," Kankuro defended himself.

"Twice?" Temari raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Kankuro 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.

  Gaara happened to be passing by, and a glance was enough for him to avert his eyes in embarrassment.

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

Sakura blushed, giving Temari an embarrassed smile. She grabbed Kankuro 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 Kankuro's cheeks as he replied, "Go get dressed. I'm taking you to see Granny Chiyo."

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

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, her face adorned with a broad smile. She cheerfully declared, "I'm ready to go."

Temari, dressed in a long-sleeved purple top and a dark blue skirt under a soft metal corset wrapped with red cloth around her waist, couldn't help but giggle at Sakura's face paint. She teased, "Kankuro, what are you doing? You've turned her into a female version of yourself."

Kankuro blushed and stammered, "I didn't make her do it. She likes the face paint."

Temari continued to tease, "Sakura, you look super cute."

Sakura returned the compliment with a smile and said, "You look great too, Temari."

Temari twirled around to show off her outfit and thanked Sakura. Kankuro, eager to move things along, interrupted the girly conversation and said, "As much as I hate to break up this girl gossip, I have to take Sakura to see Granny Chiyo."

Temari raised an eyebrow and asked, "Wait, how come?"

Sakura explained, "We're going to see if Granny Chiyo can help unblock my chakra."

Temari listened in shock and asked, "Kankuro, do you think that's possible?"

Kankuro nodded confidently and replied, "Yeah, and if anyone can figure out how to do it, it's Granny Chiyo."

Temari smiled, giving her approval. "Well, I won't stop you. Get out of here."

Sakura and Kankuro nodded in thanks and quickly exited the house. As they walked through the Sunagakure streets, they passed by Gaara, dressed in a dark red bodysuit and building a new gourd after losing his previous one during the exams. Ignoring the distractions, Kankuro guided Sakura through the winding side streets of Sunagakure to an old house nestled near the back walls of the village. Just as they arrived, Granny Chiyo exited the house to attend to her daily duties.

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."

Kankuro 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. Kankuro and Sakura impatiently waited outside the door, exchanging curious glances.

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

Kankuro 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."

Kankuro gently rubbed her back, offering comfort, and 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."

Kankuro, feeling a mix of fear and concern, asked, "So, are you saying that whenever she sang, she could have killed me?"

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

Kankuro 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, even becoming comfortable with them sleeping together without any awkwardness.

During this time, Kankuro 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. A tap on her shoulder broke her reverie, and she turned to find Mikoto, who wore a solemn expression.

"Mikoto?"

"I'm sorry about the incident earlier. I managed to avoid getting fired, but I heard about you and Kankuro. 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 unnoticed until he spoke. "Mikoto?"

Both Sakura and Mikoto turned to face him, startled. Mikoto waved her farewell and left them alone. Standing beside Kankuro, 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.

Just then, Temari arrived to join the conversation.

"What's wrong?" Sakura inquired.

"A Shinobi in Konoha who I had fought in the Chunin exams, Sasuke Uchiha, left his village." Gaara began.

"Sasuke Uchiha?" Sakura replied.

"He's planned to join Orochimaru, betraying his village. Now Naruto has organized a recovery mission to find 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."