After finishing the mission at the Sand Village, the people from Konoha were warmly welcomed by the villagers, even though they failed to rescue the Kazekage.
No matter what, everyone saw how tirelessly the Konoha ninja had fought to take back the Kazekage.
Although the mission ended in failure, no one blamed them.
"I'm really sorry about Gaara," Sasuke said, feeling deeply guilty. She didn't dare meet the eyes of Kankuro and Temari.
But Temari stepped forward and hugged Sasuke gently. She spoke softly, "No matter what, we're grateful to you all. If it weren't for the Fifth Hokage from Konoha, rebuilding the village would have been very difficult. Please thank the Fifth Hokage for me, and don't blame yourself. This isn't your fault."
This time, the Sand Village was heavily damaged. With its current finances, it would be hard to support full reconstruction.
Fortunately, the Fifth Hokage Tsunade of Konoha immediately sent three teams to deliver supplies urgently needed after learning about the situation.
"When you return, please convey this to the Fifth Hokage," Kankuro said seriously, looking at them and speaking slowly, "No matter what Konoha decides, the Sand Village will always support you."
The Aurora Order's kidnapping of the Kazekage Gaara had enraged everyone in the Sand Village from top to bottom.
Even their hatred for the Rain Village was set aside as they planned to focus all their strength on avenging the Aurora Order and the Hidden Rock Village.
To succeed in this revenge, they needed Konoha's support and leadership.
"We will truthfully report everything to the Fifth Hokage," Kakashi responded.
He understood clearly the battle ahead was not something a single ninja village could handle.
Only a united effort of all the ninja villages could bring victory.
So, the Konoha team soon said their goodbyes to the Sand Village and began their journey back.
Hinata, Neji, Might Guy, Tenten, and Might Guy's support squad left early to report the mission details to the Fifth Hokage.
As for Kakashi, Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke—the Team 7 who hadn't met for a long time—they were arranged to return a little later.
The truth was, Might Guy's support team had been too slow this time and had failed to play their full role, so they had more energy left and naturally returned earlier.
When they arrived in the Land of Rivers, Sakura spotted a passing hot spring inn and suddenly felt tempted.
"Hey, how about we soak in the hot springs and rest for a day?" she suggested.
Kakashi was about to refuse, but then he remembered that Sasuke had just been through a tough battle and needed rest. So he nodded. "Alright, it's already late anyway. Let's rest for a day."
So the three of them checked into the hot spring inn.
After taking off her clothes, Sakura was shocked to see that Sasuke's body was covered with scars.
It was hard to imagine that such a beautiful girl would have so many scars underneath her clothes. The sight was truly heartbreaking.
"Sasuke, your wounds..." Sakura hesitated, surprised. "Do you want me to help treat them?"
It was strange because medical ninjutsu could heal scars. That's why you rarely see scars on people in the Hidden Leaf.
"Huh? You mean these?" Sasuke didn't seem to care at all. Smiling, she soaked quietly in the hot spring and said softly, "They're from training over the past two years. But thanks, I don't need treatment for now. I want these scars to remind me that I must always work hard to improve."
"Are you still thinking about Naruto?" Sakura asked cautiously.
Sasuke was silent for a long moment. A trace of memory appeared in her eyes. "Yeah, because he's one of the few friends I have. Someone who understands me."
Only Naruto, who grew up alone like her, could understand her pain.
"I'll help you, Sasuke!" Sakura clenched her fist and punched the air fiercely. "When we find Naruto, I'm definitely going to give him a good punch!"
"Ha ha ha~"
Sasuke laughed heartily, bending forward and backward with joy.
The shadow of the Kazekage being kidnapped finally began to lift at this moment.
Not long after, the two of them stepped out of the hot spring. They changed into their bathrobes and came into the living room. Kakashi had already prepared a lavish dinner.
"Wow, it's actually this fancy? Kakashi-sensei, have you gotten rich?" Sakura asked with a doubtful look. "Since when did you become so generous?"
Hearing this, Kakashi awkwardly scratched his nose. "I'm not really stingy, though."
"Who said that? Last time you promised to treat me to a meal, but when I arrived, it was just a bowl of ramen!" Sakura mercilessly exposed his lie. She also tugged on Sasuke's sleeve and complained, "If it weren't for you coming back, Kakashi-sensei wouldn't have spent so much money!"
"Ahem, let's just start eating~"
Kakashi hurriedly interrupted Sakura. God knows what shocking secrets might come out if she kept talking.
No matter what, he was still their teacher, and he had to save some face.
Sakura and Sasuke chatted as they took their seats, looking across at Kakashi. The three of them felt as if they had returned to the days right after graduation.
The long-awaited reunion of Team Seven lifted their spirits quite a bit.
The only thing missing was... Sasuke glanced at the empty seat. Her eyes were complicated. She wondered just how strong Naruto would have become after two years.
The last time they met Naruto, she hadn't joined the mission briefing and hadn't told anyone.
For some reason, she felt Naruto must have a hidden hardship and hadn't truly betrayed Konoha!
After they had eaten their fill, Sakura suddenly suggested, "I heard there's a fireworks festival tonight~ Should we go take a look?"
"Uh, we have to travel early tomorrow, right?" Sasuke hesitated, though she wanted to see it.
Seeing her thoughts, Kakashi said, "It's fine. Rest well tonight so you'll have energy for tomorrow's journey. You should listen to Sakura and go explore a bit."
"Thank you both."
Sasuke could tell that both Sakura and Kakashi were trying to find ways to make her happier.
Wearing their bathrobes, the two of them went out onto the street.
Many people had come to the fireworks festival tonight, and the streets were crowded everywhere. Sakura pulled Sasuke as they ran back and forth past the stalls.
The joyful summer atmosphere made Sasuke involuntarily relax and smile happily.
*******
Support me on my patreon and read upto 20 early chapters.
https://www.patreon.com/c/Unique_Writer