Sunagakure.
Events unfolded much like they had in the original story. With help from a spy embedded in Sunagakure, Sasori infiltrated the village. Deidara took charge of the operation to capture Gaara. In a desperate effort to save his home, Gaara unleashed all his chakra to move Deidara's C1 explosives away from the village—only to be defeated and taken captive, his life hanging by a thread.
As the clay bird carrying Gaara faded into the distance, only Kankurō and a few others dared to give chase. The rest were stopped by Sunagakure's upper echelon, who ordered them to remain in the village to prevent opportunistic attacks from other nations.
A day later, Kankurō was brought back, gravely poisoned. Even Chiyo, the legendary puppeteer, was powerless against the venom.
The Sunagakure council convened immediately. Sitting in the position reserved for the Kazekage was none other than Chiyo herself—called out of retirement once more.
There was simply no one else.
The meeting was filled with debate. Some advocated for a rescue mission, while others claimed that Gaara was likely already dead and that mounting a rescue would be meaningless.
But Gaara's sacrifice had moved many. Ultimately, those supporting the rescue operation won out.
There was also the matter of face—leaving the Kazekage's corpse outside their borders would be a national disgrace that Sunagakure couldn't afford.
"We've already sent a request for aid to our allies in Konohagakure," someone said. "Their reinforcements should arrive soon. Once they do, they'll join the team we dispatch ourselves."
"Then who do we send?" another voice chimed in. "This isn't just some scouting mission. We're talking about fighting two Akatsuki-level threats."
While the room continued to buzz with argument, Chiyo finally spoke.
"I'll go myself."
"No!" someone immediately protested. "You need to stay here and lead the village!"
"There may be another way," another official suggested. "The Federation's diplomatic delegation is en route to Sunagakure as we speak. Among them is Chiba Mokushū."
"That's absurd. Why would the leader of a nation take part in this personally?"
"He wouldn't need to. We'd only need to convince one of his guards to intervene. They're all elite shinobi in their own right."
Chiyo scowled, her voice tinged with anger. "Sunagakure doesn't need help from our enemies."
"Chiyo-sama, the Federation isn't our enemy anymore. They've established diplomatic ties with all major nations. This visit is to discuss cooperation and mutual trade. We need their markets—this is a vital opportunity."
The reality was harsh: due to its harsh desert environment, Sunagakure lacked many resources. They needed trade to export their unique goods. For the Federation, losing Sunagakure as a partner would be a minor loss. But for Sunagakure, losing access to the Federation's markets could be devastating.
Chiyo let out a faint sigh, her expression clouded. She knew she was no longer in step with the times.
"Fine."
At that moment, Temari stood up.
"I'll go. I'll personally request the Federation's aid. Both of my brothers were targeted by the Akatsuki."
"Not only does Gaara need saving, Kankurō is critically poisoned. The Federation's medical technology is second to none. I'll make the request."
"No matter the cost."
A steely resolve flashed in Temari's eyes. Rumor had it that Chiba Mokushū was a notorious womanizer, always surrounded by beautiful women. She'd seen him herself during the Chūnin Exams—always accompanied by two stunning girls.
Even if she had to sacrifice herself to the beast, she would save her brothers.
...
Hyūga Gakuya wasn't in a hurry. He timed everything perfectly as he led his personal guard toward Sunagakure.
He already knew Sunagakure would seek his help.
Sure enough, just a day before the Federation delegation reached the village, a messenger arrived at their temporary camp.
"Lord Mokushū, a representative from Sunagakure requests an audience," came a voice from outside the tent.
"Let her in," Gakuya replied calmly.
A woman stepped through the curtain. She had short, orange hair tied into two buns, violet eyes, and a strikingly beautiful face—though her expression was tinged with hesitation.
It was Temari, the proud princess of Sunagakure. She had come with a heart prepared for anything.
Feigning surprise, Gakuya greeted her.
"It's been a while. Last time we met was during the Chūnin Exams in Konoha. I hope I didn't offend you then. How are your brothers?"
There was a subtle weight behind his words, and Temari's expression dimmed further.
During the Exams, Gaara had gone on a rampage. It was Chiba Mokushū who knocked him unconscious—yet he had spared all three siblings and even gifted them a scroll.
That kindness was the only reason Temari now stood before him, prepared to give up her body if that's what it took.
Without saying a word, she suddenly dropped to her knees and bowed low, her forehead pressing against the carpet of Gakuya's military tent.
"Please, Lord Mokushū. Help us."
"What's this? Stand up and speak," Gakuya said, bending forward to help her up.
But Temari didn't move. She raised her head, eyes filled with sorrow and determination.
"Sunagakure is in serious trouble. We humbly ask for your aid."
Seeing her refusal to rise, Gakuya didn't insist. He returned to his seat, fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest.
"Tell me everything. If it's within our power, the Federation is always willing to lend a hand—so long as the request isn't excessive."
Temari recounted everything that had happened. As she spoke, the pain she carried became too much, and tears began to fall from her eyes.
"If you could help us retrieve Gaara and heal Kankurō... I'm willing to do anything in return."
With those words, she slipped off her gray robe, revealing the netted underlayer of her outfit. But she didn't stop there. Her hands reached for the final garment.
In the flickering lantern light, her bare skin shimmered faintly. Her flawless figure would make any man's heart race.
Temari knelt before Gakuya, surrounded by the discarded fabric of her clothing, like fallen leaves beneath a radiant blossom. She couldn't bring herself to look up at him—just closed her eyes tightly, waiting for his response.
She heard footsteps approach. Then, she felt something drape over her shoulders.
It was Gakuya's cloak.
"Put your clothes back on," he said softly. "I'm not the kind of man who takes advantage of others."
And he meant it. Temari was undoubtedly a rare beauty, but Gakuya didn't believe in forcing anything.
Sure, there's a saying: "A forced melon may not be sweet, but at least it quenches thirst." But Gakuya wasn't thirsty.
Hearing his words, Temari thought he was rejecting her plea. Desperation overtook her shame. She lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her trembling body tightly against his.
"Please… I'll do anything. Just help us..."
Gakuya spoke gently. "The Akatsuki attacked Sunagakure, kidnapped the Kazekage, and destabilized the Shinobi World. From our standpoint, they're a terrorist group. Even without your request, the Federation would act—for the sake of peace and balance."
"Really?" Temari looked up at him, her teary violet eyes locking with his.
"Of course." He nodded and handed her the rest of her clothes. "But for now, get dressed."
Temari finally began to come back to her senses. She'd acted so recklessly in her panic—had she really just done all that?
Gakuya, unfazed, stepped out of the tent and gave his command.
"Break camp. Full speed ahead to Sunagakure."
"Yes, sir!"
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo