Reverie

He came to the garden more often now that there wasn't anything else to do but wait.

The gentle sound of the water was refreshing as it entered the bamboo of the shishi odoshi.

He found he could almost relax.

But the heavy 'thunk' of that same bamboo against the rock after it tipped spilling its water forced him out of his reverie.

To startle.

That was its purpose.

Recovery

Kankuro was recovering at last.

His face now held some color in it, other than his normal purple paint, that is.

Although grateful, Baki remained ambivalent watching him recuperate.

The healing process was like the water filling the bamboo, pleasant.

But inevitably, Kankuro would be well enough to want to resume his search for his brother.

That, too, would force him back to the reality that Gaara was gone.

Reprisal

Some minor nobles had actually praised him for having the foresight to get Temari to the border and out of Suna.

They thought he was protecting her.

Stupid idiots.

These were the self-same ones who had called for an immediate replacement of the Kazekage with no thought or concern for Gaara's welfare.

They should thank him for protecting them from Temari.

Briefly he considered recalling her from her outpost.