The plan is completed.
The ending can be said to be a happy one for everyone.
At least for the members of Akatsuki, the arduous task of acting is finally done. Returning Gaara's corpse was much harder than capturing him.
Sasori of the Red Sand asked with a face full of bewilderment, "I can't quite understand it. With Uehara's strength, why does he mingle with the ninjas of the Five Great Countries, even befriend them? They are our prey. Is it really necessary?"
"Well, that depends on Uehara's intentions."
Nagato hid his smile under the hood, shaking his head calmly, "Let Uehara do what he wants."
This time when Nagato confronted Uehara Naraku, he felt quite moved. Since Uehara Naraku has grown up, he definitely has his own ideas.
If Uehara Naraku can gain the trust of the Nine-tailed Jinchuriki, it might help them when they plan to capture the Nine-Tails in the future. As the strongest of the Tailed Beasts, the Nine-Tails' power is definitely not as simple as it appears today.
Even if Uehara Naraku makes some mistake, it doesn't matter. Nagato believes with his current power, he can back up Uehara Naraku.
While Nagato was feeling a bit emotional, Deidara expressed some dissatisfaction towards Nagato, shouting loudly, "Hey, you! You're just a new guy of two years. Stop using that leader tone in front of us veterans. Who do you think you are?"
"Uh..."
After pondering for a while, Nagato suddenly thought that Deidara would die sooner or later, and respecting the deceased was important, so there was no need to bother with such a cheerful fool.
After contemplating for a second, Nagato politely nodded toward Deidara, "Yes, senior, I got it."
Sasori: "..."
Deidara: "..."
Though this newcomer seemed very polite, they both felt that they had provoked someone they shouldn't have.
"Alright, alright."
As the oldest senior, Sasori felt he should mediate, "Since Uehara's request for help is done, let's go eat oden and fried eggs!"
That's Deidara's favorite.
As expected, Deidara was immediately attracted, excitedly leaning on Sasori's shoulder, "Ahahaha... As expected of Master Sasori, you really understand me! Let's go then!"
"...Hmm."
Sasori nodded, but felt something odd on his shoulder.
Clearly, Deidara's hand's tongue was licking his clothes, making Sasori glare at Deidara with a sullen look, "Idiot, let go of my shoulder!"
"Don't mind it, senior!"
Deidara giggled, released his grip, and quickly fashioned a new Clay Giant Bird as a mount, "Let's go now!"
Deidara was always lively.
Wherever he was, the air was filled with cheerfulness.
While the Akatsuki members were off to enjoy food cheerfully, the Hidden Sand and Konoha ninjas faced a sorrowful farewell.
When everyone gathered, they all assumed the rescue mission had failed, as the Hidden Sand Village needed a living Kazekage, not just Gaara's corpse.
Temari immediately burst into tears holding her brother's body.
As a sister, seeing her brother's corpse was something Temari couldn't accept, especially as her greatest wish had been to take care of her two younger brothers.
Uzumaki Naruto didn't know what to say, so everyone could only silently watch Temari sobbing over Gaara's body.
"Temari, please step aside!"
Granny Chiyo sighed, moved Temari's shoulder, and sat next to Gaara, clasping her hands together, her body trembling slightly, "The Hidden Sand Village cannot lose another qualified Kazekage..."
"Granny?"
Temari, confused, was pulled up, looking at Granny Chiyo in surprise, not quite understanding her intentions.
Uehara Naraku sighed quietly in his heart, watching Chiyo slowly forming hand seals, recognizing those seals.
Kinjutsu, One's Own Life Reincarnation.
A technique capable of transferring one's own life to another.
This old lady finally walked her old path, sacrificing herself for the future of the Hidden Sand Village. Perhaps this was her genuine willingness.
Granny Chiyo slowly formed her hand seals, softly recounting her story, "In those days, my son and his wife died after the Ninja World War. Sasori couldn't bear the pain of losing his parents, so I learned a forbidden jutsu.
This jutsu named One's Own Life Reincarnation allows me to transfer my life to someone else and use all my Chakra to revive their soul.
I originally intended to use this jutsu to bring Sasori's parents back from the dead, hoping to relieve him of his obsession. Unfortunately, before I had the chance, Sasori had already killed the Third Kazekage and defected from the village.
Now it seems it's time to use it..."
"Granny!"
Temari abruptly extended her hand, trying to rush to Chiyo, since this old lady had been caring for them after the Fourth Kazekage died. The bond between the three siblings and Chiyo was akin to that of grandparents and grandchildren!
"Do not stop me."
Chiyo's arm was extraordinarily strong, looking down at Gaara's face beside her, even revealing a slight smile, "Although I didn't successfully train Kankuro into a qualified Puppet Master, I still nurtured this little one, Gaara, into a fitting Kazekage..."