31 To the Land of Rivers.
"Boss, we're back."
Every head snapped up as Kakashi's ninken padded into the room, sand still clinging to their fur. Pakkun shook himself once, then spoke without wasting a second.
"We followed the scent. It leads to the Land of Rivers. There's a cave hidden along the riverbank, sealed behind a massive boulder. That's their base."
For half a heartbeat, the room was silent.
Then Temari was on her feet.
"Then what are we waiting for? The River Country is close. We can reach it in a day at full speed."
"No," Chiyo said sharply, planting her cane against the floor.
Temari turned on her. "What do you mean, no?"
"He is your brother," Chiyo replied, unflinching. "But you are a shinobi of Sunagakure first. Our Kazekage has been taken. Suna is exposed. Your duty is here."
"That's my brother you're talking about," Temari snapped.
Before the argument could spiral again, another voice cut in.
"Lady Chiyo is right."
Baki stepped forward, his expression hard but steady. Gaara's advisor. Temari's former sensei.
"Temari, Suna needs you. Take a squad and secure one of the outposts. If Akatsuki makes a second move, we can't afford to be blind."
Temari stared at him like she'd been struck.
Naruto stepped in before she could say something she'd regret.
"Temari," he said quietly. "I've got this."
She looked at him, eyes burning.
"I promised you I'd bring Gaara back," Naruto continued. "That hasn't changed. You protect Suna. I'll bring your brother home."
She hesitated, fists clenched, then finally exhaled.
"…You better," she said.
Chiyo tapped her cane once. "There's another matter. This is Suna's Kazekage. Not Konoha's responsibility alone. I will be going."
Temari blinked. "You? You were just saying you didn't want Konoha's help."
"I still don't," Chiyo replied flatly. "But Gaara is our Kazekage. Jinchuriki or not. I will not sit behind walls while he's being drained."
Naruto let out a slow breath. "Alright. No more delays. We move now."
Pakkun nodded. "I'll lead."
Within minutes, they were gone. Naruto, Kakashi, Shizune, and Chiyo, cutting through the trees at full speed, branches blurring past as the Land of Rivers drew closer.
Hours into the run, Chiyo's voice broke the rhythm.
"Tell me something," she said. "Why is this brat so determined to save Gaara?"
Kakashi answered without slowing. "Because they carry the same burden. Naruto sees Gaara as family."
Chiyo scoffed. "You expect me to believe that?"
"You already are," Kakashi replied calmly.
A moment later, Chiyo's eyes narrowed. "So it's true. He's the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki?"
"Yes," Shizune said, leaping between branches beside them. "And Lady Tsunade trusts him enough to let him out of the village."
Chiyo glanced at Naruto again. "And now you're telling me he's related to the Slug Queen as well?"
"Through her grandmother," Shizune replied. "Naruto is an Uzumaki. So is Lady Tsunade."
Chiyo clicked her tongue. "Hmph. That explains the stamina."
They pushed on for several more hours.
Then Naruto slowed.
"Stop," he said.
Everyone halted instantly.
Ahead, on the forest path, a lone figure stepped into view. Cloaked. Calm. Blocking the road like he'd been waiting.
Naruto's hand drifted toward the seal on his wrist.
"So," he muttered, eyes narrowing. "Looks like they noticed us."
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