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Mari sighs, and says, "I have the two-tailed cat inside me they just took the one tail sand demon I'm next." Naruto replies, "I will never let that happen on my honor as a ninja." Kakashi adds, "Mari we will help you learn to protect yourself when you need too." Mari says, "What about Choji if I'm with him isn't he in danger too?"

Kakashi replies, "Choji can handle himself, and would love to protect you personally." Mari blushes as Leader-Sama appears out of nowhere saying, "I will be taking her back to her cell now you two can leave." Kakashi ,and Naruto both say, "We won't let Mari stay here with you, she's coming home to the leaf village with us."

Sakura and Sasori come crashing through the nearby wall they are in mid-fight Granny Cho is helping Sakura with the battle. Kakashi and Naruto grab Mari along with Gaara's body and move them out-of-the-way leaving Leader-Sama no choice but to retreat but before he completely leaves he says, "This isn't over I will be back for her."

After a long fight, Sasori is dead. Sakura and Granny Cho come over to Mari. Mari looks at them, and says, "It's too late Gaara is long gone." Granny Cho says, "I know a jutsu but I must give my life force for his, and one of you girls would have to perform it."

Mari says, "I'm way too exhausted from keeping him alive while waiting for them to do the ritual to remove Shukaku." Sakura says, "I can do it but Granny Cho you will die if I do."Granny Cho replies, "I've lived a full life Gaara need to run the sand village he has been a great Kazekage, and I'm sure the village will continue to prosper under his guidance."

Sakura nods and instructs Granny Cho to lie down. Once she's lying down Sakura starts the procedure. Soon enough Sakura is done, and Gaara starts to open his eyes as Granny Cho passes away. Gaara looks at Mari, and says, "Thanks for what you did to help me." Mari looks confused saying, "But Sakura brought you back." Gaara replies, "You may not have been the one to bring me back but you took care of me even when it made no sense too." Mari smiles and says "you're welcome any time Gaara."

They take Gaara out of the cave only to run into Maito Gai once he saw Mari he was very relieved. Maito Gai smiled, and hugged Mari saying, "I was so worried when you didn't come home." Mari asks, "How is Choji?" Maito Gai says, "He's been very worried too he thought Shikamaru chased you away and hasn't been talking to him since you disappeared."

Mari replies, "I'll have to fix that as soon as we get home I want to take Gaara home first." Maito Gai says, "That's my little sister always thinking of other's first." Mari goes with Kakashi's team escorting Gaara back to the sand village after making sure Gaara is safe with his siblings. They all return to the leaf village but it's late, and Mari is exhausted so she goes to bed for the night.