"I don't get it, what's she trying to do?" Naruto asked. "Leave him alone will ya, what do you think you're doing?" He went to go forward but Sakura stopped him.

"It's going to be alright, she's bringing him back." A breeze blew by them.

"She's bringing him back? What are you talking about? Like how is that even possible?" Naruto asked. Kai let Sakura explain, letting herself sit back. Her cursemark ached something awful. Looking out into the distance, she wondered if Orochimaru was nearby. They had a hideout around here, one of her first ones. Could they have came back?

Kai watched Naruto help Lady Chiyo bring Gaara back. It was kind of amazing, honestly. Watching a life exchanged for a life. It… hurt. It was an uncomfortable hurt. Lady Chiyo spoke to Sakura, and caught Kai's attention.

"Kai, you have a strong heart with strong loyalties. Follow your heart." Kai blinked back surprise. Her eyes welled up, and she closed them, shaking her head. Chiyo spoke to Naruto again and Kai took a deep breath, meditating.

Within a few moments, Gaara was sitting up. Sand village shinobi had surrounded them. Gaara seemed so out of it. Kai smiled faintly. She leaned back, taking in the people. They all cheered happily. Breathing in the air, she sighed. She looked over at Chiyo. "Sakura?" She whispered.

"I'm okay." Sakura answered. Kai nodded slightly. She wanted to sleep. Sleep sounded great about now. It had already been a long day. It was evening already. Soon, she thought, soon. She just decided to half listen to conversations, letting her mind wander. They would be heading back soon.

It was a long walk back. Kai missed Curse more than ever on that walk. Usually, she was kept company by him on long mission such as this. They were slow paced as they kept moving. Kakashi had her send a message to the Sand with her owl Yori before they left.

Walking over the Horizon, as the sun rose behind them, Kai noticed the Sand villagers standing there walking. She smiled faintly. It wasn't home, but it was close enough. Everyone started cheering as they neared. Kai squinted, noticing someone holding Curse. As the people came running out to meet them, Curse broke away from the ninja holding him and ran to Kai. Kai braced herself as he headbutted her to the ground. Laughing, Kai held his head.

"I missed you boy." She said. He simply nickered in response. Naruto and Kankuro met the others while supporting Gaara. Kai didn't worry about them, only Curse. He seemed perfectly normal. Expect, for missing her of course. She stood and moved aside just enough to let her up. She figured he would be glued to her forever now. Kai walked to join the rest of the group, standing by Kakashi.

"Lord Kazekage, your people are waiting to welcome you home." Baki said. They had been talking. The crowd behind Baki parted, making a path. "Come, lead the way."

"Alright then, shall we go?" Kankuro said. They started walking.

"No wait." Gaara said. They stopped, confused. "Not yet." He turned to Chiyo's body, that they had carried back.

"Yes you're right." Temari said. Moving aside, they carried Lady Chiyo into the Sand.

"Let us honor the memory of Lady Chiyo. A moment of silence." Baki said. Kai bowed her head as they walked past.

The following morning they gathered there things one final time and went to meet the others. It was time to head out. "

"What? You're leaving already?" Kankuro asked. "You can stay a little longer, come on."

"Kankuro's right, at least a day or two." Temari said. "You need time to rest."

"Believe me, I wish we could." Naruto said.

"Me too. But we must report back to m'lady the Hokage right away." Sakura said.

"I see…" Temari sounded sad.

"Besides, if the Akatsuki have managed to penetrate this far into the Sand, I'm worried about the Leaf Village's safety."

"I understand you want to get back as soon as possible." Baki said.

"Yes, exactly" Kakashi agreed.

"Even so, in your condition…" Baki started.

"Oh don't worry." Kakashi looked towards Gai, who was supporting him. "I have comrades I can rely on to get me there."

"He's right about that!" Gai said, grinning.

"By the way, we already dispatched the preliminary report with Takamaru. But there was no mention in it the fates of the two Akatsuki members. Won't you want to inform the village?" Baki asked.

"I'll report that news to the Hokage myself." Kakashi spoke up. "You see, there's something else troubling me."

Kai looked at Kakashi, worried. Was it her? Did she do something wrong? She looked towards Naruto and Sakura. They didn't notice anything. She turned away, trying not to make it obvious. She just wanted to go home… at least, she thought that's what this feeling was.

They walked down to meet by Granny Chiyo's resting place. Kai had jumped onto Curse already and had him stand quietly as they walked up to it. They stood around in silence.

"She didn't want a headstone on her grave." Ebizu said, sadly. His hands brushed it. "But despite her wishes I thought it was better to have one. I thought for sure that people would want a place to come to remember her."

"Everyone, say your farewells." Kakashi said. Kai bowed her head in respect, Curse following suit. His head hung low to the ground, ears pinned down. They sat in silence. Kai felt, calm. They all raised their heads around the same time.

"Let's go." Gai said. They walked forward. Kai followed near Kakashi. She turned, seeing Sakura and Naruto standing at the grave still. They stopped, waiting.

"Sakura, Naruto, we really should be going!" Lee said. Naruto came forward, Sakura following behind. Kai smiled sadly. The bond her and Lady Chiyo was strong. She was happy for her.

"Well, so long." Kankuro said. They now stood at the entrance to the Sand. Kai watched Gaara reach out his hand to Naruto. She smiled. How far they had come. She thought back to when Gaara had tried to kill them once. Granted, that was years ago now. She wondered in Sasuke knew Gaara was the Kazekage. She shook her head. There she was again, thinking about him. How she wanted to go back…