AN: Hello lovely readers! Thank you so much for reading my story! We have made it all the way through 24 days! And what a ride it has been for Konoha and its lively ninja! There is one more installment after today, an Omake if you will, so be sure to check back tomorrow for that. It is the tale of the gift that has been passed on throughout the entire month of stories. If you didn't notice it then go back and check, it has made its rounds in our friendly group and they have all had their own reactions to it. I hope you have enjoyed reading this silly little story. It is different from what I usually write so it was a learning experience for me.
Merry Christmas!
Tsunade sat back in the soft chair and smiled at the group gathered in Sakura's living room. She admired all the shinobi who served the village with her, thinking about their bravery in the past year and wondering what the coming year would bring for Konoha.
"Mi'lady! Come have some eggnog! Hinata brought it and it's delicious!" Sakura pulled Tsunade out of her reverie.
"I will." She rose from her chair to follow Sakura over to the amazing spread of food on Sakura's table.
"Everyone brought so much, I'm really amazed." Sakura said as they looked it over, their thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell. "Excuse me." Sakura hurried to answer it.
"Gaara!" Naruto greeted his friend enthusiastically.
"Hello Naruto."
Temari, Kankuro, Gaara! I'm so glad you made it! I was worried that you'd been delayed." Sakura greeted the trio with hugs.
The sand siblings were greeted by everyone as Sakura led them to the table and urged them to eat. Laughter rang out through her apartment and Sakura reflected that this is what the holidays were about, family and friends remembering the good times together and holding each other through the bad ones.
"I'm so glad you made it Gaara." Lady Tsunade was walking her fellow Kage to the Konoha Inn after the party. "The Leaf and Sand should do more together." She smiled at him.
"We should. We all get along well enough. It's sometimes hard to convince my shinobi that it's worth the trip though." He smiled at the complaints he got when he suggested it.
"I know." Tsunade stopped walking. "Well this is where our paths diverge tonight. I'll see you tomorrow! Oh! I almost forgot. I have a gift for you." She handed Gaara a rectangular package wrapped in the signature Leaf wrapping paper, it was green foil with the Leaf symbol printed on it in red.
"Thank you! And Merry Christmas Tsunade." Gaara smiled and turned towards the Inn, gift in hand.