Chapter 39: The Heart of a Village

In the wake of Rock Lee's astounding victory over Snare, the battlefield was eerily silent. Shikamaru, ever the strategist, was already analyzing Snare's completely broken, lifeless corpse. He was meticulous, ensuring there was no doubt about Snare's death. The demon was dead, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

As he examined the body, a troubling thought nagged at the back of Shikamaru's mind. They had been so preoccupied with killing Snare again that none of them had questioned how he had come back from being dismembered in the first place. He sighed, his mind racing. "Oh well," he muttered under his breath. To ensure nothing miraculous occurred, Shikamaru utilized his necessary sealing acumen to perform the Anbu protocol of decapitating Snare's head, sealing it, and burning the rest of his body with a basic Katon jutsu.

The flames consumed the remnants of Snare, leaving nothing but ash.

Satisfied that Snare was no longer a threat, Shikamaru turned to the group of Konoha and Suna shinobi, who began to solemnly celebrate their hollow victory. So many lives had been lost, among them Baki and Kankuro. Gaara was next to die if a miracle did not happen soon. Somehow, Temari managed to maintain her composure with remarkable strength, something that Shikamaru knew would probably wind down in private later on. She was tough as nails, but she was still a human with emotions at the end of the day.

The Nara took her hand in his own, silently vowing not to leave her until she was ready for him to. She looked at him with an enormous amount of gratitude, finding greater strength knowing that she was not alone even with both of her brothers realistically dying today. Not to mention her sensei Baki being nowhere to be found, as he was likely dead too.

"Shikamaru," Temari said softly. "Thank you."

Shikamaru squeezed her hand gently. "You don't have to thank me. Just... lean on me if you need to."

Temari nodded, tears welling in her eyes. She blinked them away, determined to stay strong a little longer. "I will. But not now. There's still too much to do."

Neji, standing off to the side, watched the scene with a distant look in his eyes. He contemplated his own worth once more, unable to think past the fact that as recently as seven or eight months ago, he was clearly Lee's superior. He was the prodigy, the strongest genin in the village. And nowadays, it seemed he became weaker and more irrelevant with each passing moment. He doubted if he could even beat Ino or Shikamaru at this point, let alone his own teammate. Lee had far surpassed him, to the point that the gap was wider than th distance from Suna to Konoha.

Smirking mirthfully, he knew he was too young and too prideful to give in, however. If everyone around him changed their narratives, so would he. He just needed to get intel on all of Hinata's secrets, and he'd be on his way back to relevancy.

"Ino," Neji called out, his voice steady but his eyes betraying his inner turmoil. "We need to move quickly. Gaara's condition is worsening."

Ino helped the exhausted Lee to his feet, placing his arm around her shoulder to help him stand. "I know, Neji. We need to find Gaara some medical attention, and fast."

Lee, his voice weak but determined, looked at Ino with gratitude. "Thank you, Ino-chan. You're always there when it matters."

Ino smiled softly. "Of course, Lee. I wouldn't be anywhere else."

The problem was, everyone who could help was either dead or evacuated safely. As they looked around, the stark reality of their situation became clear. Speaking of which, how did everyone get out of here so seamlessly? As many casualties as there were, shouldn't there be many more?

"Something's not right," Shikamaru said, his brows furrowing. "How did so many people manage to evacuate? It doesn't add up."

Temari, struggling to keep her composure, looked at Shikamaru with confusion. "What do you mean?"

"There were so many more people here before the attack," Shikamaru explained. "Even with the casualties we've seen, the numbers don't make sense. It's like... like someone helped them escape."

Ino looked around, her mind racing. "You think someone was protecting them? But who? And why?"

Suddenly, the group heard an old lady screaming in the air. Exhausted and battered, they looked up with trepidation, fearing that another enemy would be the end of them. Relief washed over them as they saw the source of the screams: an old woman berating a sheepish-looking man who was holding her under her armpits while flying.

"Stop it! Let me down!" the old woman shrieked.

"Wait, is that... Goku?" Ino's eyes widened in disbelief. "Where the hell was he the whole time?"

When Goku gently set Chiyo down, he apologized, "Sorry, I didn't mention that flying can be uncomfortable if you're not used to it."

Chiyo humorously forgave him, her tone light despite the circumstances. "I appreciate you saving us from our own foolishness. Ebizo and I wanted to see Snare's defeat or die with our village if it came down to that."

Goku waved it off with a smile. "No biggie. But now, let's see to Gaara." He turned his attention to the unconscious Kazekage, his expression growing serious. Closing his eyes, he used his senses to assess the redhead's condition. When he opened them, his face was grim. "He doesn't have much longer. The tailed beast inside him can't help due to its own weakened state."

Chiyo nodded, her voice steady despite her worry. "I know. That's why I insisted on coming here. I can try to heal him." She knelt by Gaara's side, her hands glowing with chakra as she attempted to mend his wounds. However, the healing wasn't potent enough.

Desperation seeped into her voice. "It's not working. I'll have to..."

"Wait!" Goku interrupted, pulling out a small brown bag from his orange pockets. "Use this." He handed her a bean. "Force feed him this as soon as possible."

The group watched, bewildered. "What is that?" Neji asked, skeptical.

Shikamaru, however, nodded in recognition. "Trust it. Trust Goku. That same bean saved Naruto's life in a similar situation."

Without further hesitation, Chiyo took the bean and pressed it into Gaara's mouth, helping him chew and swallow. Almost immediately, Gaara stirred, his typical sand gourd reforming as he sat up, blinking and clenching his fists.

"I thought Snare had killed me..." Gaara murmured, dazed.

Before he could say more, Temari rushed forward, tears streaming down her face as she enveloped him in a tight hug, finally letting her emotions overflow. Shikamaru stood beside her, his presence a silent support.

"Thank you, Lee," Gaara said, looking to his savior with deep gratitude. "You saved my village and my people." He then turned to Goku. "And thank you, Goku, for saving my life."

Lee's smile was bright despite his exhaustion. "I'm just glad I could help."

Goku scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "I wish I had been here from the start."

This prompted Ino to step forward, her curiosity piqued. "Goku, where were you? Why didn't you arrive sooner?"

Goku sighed, his expression turning apologetic. "I was halfway across the world, in the middle of a great sleep. I dreamed of a sand village being destroyed and people dying against a demon of Piccolo Daimao. So, I woke up, sensed what was happening, quickly changed into my clothes, and flew here as fast as I could. I told Chi-Chi to stay behind and go back to sleep."

Ino raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "And you didn't think to help when you got here?"

Goku looked genuinely remorseful. "I wanted to save the innocents from getting caught in the crossfire. I knew that Lee had what it took and would have intervened if things had gotten too out of control."

"Yeah, right," Ino said, crossing her arms.

Goku's face fell, and he apologized once more. "I'm really sorry."

Ino's curiosity got the better of her. "Goku-kun, who is Chi-Chi?" she asked, her voice tinged with both intrigue and jealousy.

Goku, oblivious to the underlying tones, replied cheerfully, "Chi-Chi is a friend I made while fighting off Piccolo Daimao's sons. She's strong and determined, kinda like you Ino."

Ino's cheeks reddened slightly. "Did you do any special kind of training with her?" she probed further, a hint of possessiveness creeping into her voice.

Goku shook his head vigorously. "Nope, nothing like the kind of training you like to do with me."

A deep blush spread across Ino's face as she looked away, flustered. Lee, perking up at the mention of special training, asked curiously, "What kind of training is that, Goku-san?"

Goku scratched his head, thinking hard. "Well, it's like... you get really close to someone, and sometimes you touch faces or hold each other tight... it's warm and feels nice. You know, like... um..."

Neji snickered, catching on to Goku's explanation. "Kissing and making out, you mean?" he suggested, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Goku nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, that sounds about right. Ino is really good at that kind of training."

Lee's eyes widened with excitement. "Ino-chan, can I train with you too when I'm up to it? I want to push my limits even higher!"

Ino wanted to pass out and die on the spot from embarrassment. The blood rushed to her face, and she could barely bring herself to look at anyone. Neji, Shikamaru, Temari, Gaara, and even Chiyo laughed at Goku and Lee's ignorance.

"There's no way you could all train together," Neji teased, still chuckling. "That would be a bit... crowded, don't you think?"

Ino snapped back, her pride stung. "Oh, shut up, Neji! I bet you've been training with Tenten, the most useless shinobi in the village, haven't you?"

Neji's eyes twinkled with amusement. "At least she's useful for something," he retorted. "But she's not who I'd choose for... special training."

Ino rolled her eyes and sighed, her irritation fading into a smirk. "I only train with the strongest and most lovable people in my age bracket. Nothing less."

Turning to Gaara and Temari, Ino asked, "Do you two train with anyone?"

Gaara shook his head. "No. Training alone has always suited me best."

Temari glanced at Shikamaru, their faces both turning a slight shade of red. "Not yet," she said, her tone playful. "But I think that might change very soon, won't it?" With a bold move, she kissed Shikamaru's cheek, leaving him flustered and speechless.

The group erupted in laughter, the moment of levity a welcome relief from the recent horrors. Chiyo, chuckling softly, remarked, "I trained plenty of times in my youth. But nowadays, I can't even remotely train the way I used to."

Goku's eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. "I know a guy with a similar problem—Master Roshi. He's found the secret to eternal life somehow. Maybe you could get in on it once we deal with Piccolo Daimao."

Chiyo considered his words but shook her head. "My current priority is restoring Sunagakure to prominence and increasing its strength. Eternal life can wait."

Inspired by the older lady's resolve, the others rallied around the idea. "I won't leave until I've done my part in rebuilding the village," Goku declared. "I'll help you from the ground up."

"Count me in," Neji added, wanting to be useful again.

"Me too," Ino chimed in, her embarrassment replaced with resolve.

Shikamaru nodded, his usual laziness giving way to a sense of duty. "We'll do whatever it takes."

Temari's eyes softened with gratitude. "Thank you all. Suna will forever remember this."

Gaara managed a small smile. "This is the beginning of a new era for our villages."

Goku suddenly remembered something important. "Before we get started, I need to go tell Chi-Chi and bring her here. She needs to continue training her ki."

Ino, curious, asked, "why is she training her ki?"

Goku scratched his head, thinking. "She wants to be strong enough to protect those she cares about. Just like all of us."

Ino felt a mix of emotions. "Just... be careful, okay? And come back soon."

Goku gave her a reassuring smile. "I will Ino. I'll be back before you know it."

With that, the Saiyan took to the sky, his powerful light blue aura leaving a trail of light behind him. The group watched him go, a mixture of admiration and curiosity in their eyes.

As he disappeared from sight, Ino turned to Shikamaru. "Do you think he'll actually be back soon?"

Shikamaru sighed, a wry smile on his face. "With Goku, you never know. But he'll come back. He always does."

Chiyo, watching the horizon, remarked, "He has a good heart. And sometimes, that's all you need."

Goku knew he had more work to do before returning to Sunagakure. He decided his first stop would be Capsule Corp in the city known as Mirai Toshi. The effectiveness of the Gravity Room was undeniable, and seeing Rock Lee ascend into the ranks of the strong had sparked an idea. If the shinobi world had access to such technology, it could revolutionize their training and their future.

Arriving at Capsule Corp, Goku found Bulma tinkering with a new project in her lab. She looked up, her eyes lighting up as she saw him. "Goku! It's been a while. What brings you here?"

Goku grinned, his excitement barely contained. "Bulma, I need your help. The shinobi world is facing some tough times, with Suna being destroyed and all, and I think your Gravity Rooms could really make a difference."

Bulma raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You mean those shinobi villages like Konoha? How would that work?"

Goku explained his idea, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Lee, one of their best fighters, got so much stronger using the Gravity Room. If other shinobi had access to them, they could become stronger too. But I know you don't want all those villages making demands and causing trouble, so I thought I could be like the middle man."

Bulma's eyes sparkled with understanding. "You'd be the bridge between Capsule Corp and the shinobi world. I like it." She paused, then smiled as if she had anticipated his request. "I actually thought about this already. Here." She handed Goku a handful of capsules. "These all contain Gravity Rooms. Sell them wisely."

Goku's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. "Bulma, you're amazing! But what if someone tries to exploit you or these resources?"

Bulma waved a hand dismissively. "That's where you come in, Goku. I trust you to keep everything in check. Just make sure no one gets too greedy."

Goku nodded earnestly. "I promise. I'll protect you and make sure everything goes smoothly."

Before he could leave, Bulma stopped him. "Wait, Goku. There's more." She disappeared into another room and returned with a dozen more capsules. "These are domed homes. They can support a lot of people collectively. If the village really got destroyed, they'll need places to live."

Goku's gratitude was palpable. "Bulma, I can't thank you enough. This will help so many people."

Bulma smiled warmly. "Just promise you'll visit more often. And take care of yourself, I still need you to collect the Dragon Balls later."

After sharing a heartfelt hug, Goku left Capsule Corp, his mind focused on his next task. He flew toward the valleys not too far from Kumogakure, where his capsule dormitory was situated. As dawn began to break, he walked in to see Chi-Chi stirring, waking up to the early morning light.

"Chi-Chi!" Goku called out. "I have so much to tell you."

Chi-Chi rubbed her eyes, a mix of curiosity and concern on her face. "Goku, what happened? You look exhausted."

Goku sat down beside her, recounting the events with Snare, Lee's incredible victory, and the dire state of Sunagakure. Chi-Chi listened intently, her expression shifting from worry to determination.

"Goku, we need to help them," Chi-Chi said firmly. "But you also need to rest. You're pushing yourself hard."

Goku shook his head vehemently. "Not really, and they need us. I have to get back to Sunagakure. And I want you to come with me. We can keep training together and help rebuild the village."

Chi-Chi hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Goku. Let's do it. Promise me that you'll take care of yourself too."

Goku smiled, relief in his eyes. "I promise, Chi-Chi. Let's pack up and head back."

They quickly packed their belongings, securing their capsule dormitory and preparing for the flight. Chi-Chi climbed onto Goku's back, and he took off, flying at a controlled speed to avoid disorienting her.

The sky was painted with the colors of dawn as they soared through the air. Chi-Chi held on tightly, her trust in Goku unwavering. She marveled at the view below, the landscape passing by in a blur.

"Goku, do you think we can really make a difference?" Chi-Chi asked.

Goku's response was immediate and confident. "Hell yeah. When we apply ourselves, we're unstoppable."

The journey gave Goku time to reflect on his responsibilities. He had always been a fighter, but now he was taking on an additional role as a bridge between worlds. As the plug. An intermediary. The weight of that responsibility was heavy, but he welcomed it. To hell with the stakes and implications, he was ready to rise to the occasion.

When Goku arrived back in Sunagakure, Chi-Chi was immediately struck by the devastation. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight before her: what was once a allegedly bustling village was now no different than the surrounding desert. The ruined buildings barely stuck out over the sand that had swallowed them, the only remnants of the fierce battle that had taken place.

"Oh my... what happened here?" Chi-Chi asked, her voice filled with shock and concern.

Goku landed softly and helped her down. "A war with another demon."

Chi-Chi sighed, exasperated. "I wish they would all just go away."

Goku nodded in agreement. "Me too. While I enjoy fighting, this cat and mouse game where innocents die is annoying. I gotta change my strategy. Maybe instead of cutting the tails off the snake, I need to go straight for the head. Those tails seem to grow back."

Chi-Chi looked at him thoughtfully. "How many demons have you killed so far?"

"I've only beaten two personally, with the other two being taken out by Lee and Master Roshi, so that makes four," Goku said. "But who knows how many more are out there? It's clear Piccolo Daimao is sending them out or actively creating them. Either way, I'm gonna aim straight for the head."

Chi-Chi smiled, appreciating his adjustment in thinking. "No mercy, straight for jugular! Back to the village, I think we could start our business ideas here too. The desert is a rough tough training environment, and the lack of quality food or greenery means an incredible restaurant would be everything the doctor ordered."

Goku thought it over. "I don't necessarily wanna live in the desert, but you make great points. I think you should talk to Gaara about it first. He's kinda the leader of the village now, or at least of the people."

Chi-Chi smiled. "I will. Once I learn who Gaara is."

On cue, Goku led her towards the others who were gathered under a makeshift cave of hardened sand that Gaara had created for shade. The group looked up as they approached.

"Hey everyone, this is Chi-Chi," Goku announced. "She's gonna help us out."

Chi-Chi gave a small bow. "Hello. It's nice to meet you all."

The reactions were varied. Lee smiled warmly, always eager to make new friends. "Nice to meet you, Chi-Chi-san. Any friend of Goku-san is a friend of ours."

Neji gave a curt nod, his eyes assessing her. "Welcome."

Shikamaru looked her over, his gaze thoughtful. "Another ally is always welcome. We need all the help we can get."

Temari smiled politely. "Thank you for being here."

Chiyo looked over at Goku and Chi-Chi with a wry smile. "Goku, you don't have bad taste," she said in her elderly, knowing way.

A vein throbbed humorously on Ino's forehead, and Chi-Chi blushed at the unexpected compliment. Chiyo turned to Ino and added, "You too, Ino. Good taste, too, damn it."

The blonde nodded slowly, accepting the strange compliment with a mix of pride and embarrassment. She muttered under her breath, "Yeah, good taste…"

Gaara, sitting in the shade, nodded in acknowledgment. "Any assistance is appreciated."

Ino, however, was less welcoming. She sized up Chi-Chi with a somewhat bitter expression. "Hi, I'm Ino," she said, her tone cool. "So, Goku really wanted a girl like you?"

Chi-Chi blinked in surprise, not missing the edge in Ino's voice. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?"

"Ino," she repeated, a hint of challenge in her eyes. "Ino Yamanaka. And yes, I was wondering what happened to Hinata. Or even myself for that matter. Did Goku even care about the social implications? Does he even know?"

Chi-Chi frowned, taken aback. She looked to Goku for help, but he seemed oblivious to the tension. He just scratched his head, looking as confused as ever.

"Uh Ino, what are you talking about?" the Saiyan asked, genuinely perplexed.

Ino's face flushed with frustration. "Do you even understand how relationships work, Goku-kun? Life isn't always just about fighting and training and getting stronger!"

Lee, trying to diffuse the situation, stepped in. "Ino-chan, maybe this isn't the best time..."

But Ino cut him off, her emotions boiling over. "No, Lee! It is the time. Does he even know or care how his actions affect others?"

Goku, looking more bewildered by the second, tried to respond. "I... I just wanted to help and protect everyone. And find myself too. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Neji smirked, leaning back against the cave wall. "This is quite the spectacle. But Ino has a point. Goku, you have to understand that relationships are complex."

Chi-Chi, trying to regain some control of the situation, spoke up. "Look, I don't know what the history is here, but we're all here to help rebuild and protect Sunagakure. Can we focus on that?"

Temari nodded, backing her up. "Chi-Chi's right. We have a hellacious amount of work to do."

Ino, still visibly upset, took a deep breath and nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But we will talk about this later, Son Goku."

She couldn't shake the feeling of confusion and frustration about Goku's choices. Did he really not understand nor care about the impact of his actions? How could someone so powerful be so clueless about the social dynamics around him? And what did it mean for the rest of them? The Yamanaka couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy and uncertainty. She had always admired Goku, but now she was beginning to see the complexities of his world.

It wasn't just about strength and fighting; there were emotions and relationships to consider.

Chi-Chi smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "So, which one of you is Gaara? I need to discuss some ideas with him."

Gaara stood up, his expression serious but kind. "That would be me. What do you need?"

Chi-Chi turned to him. "We have some ideas that could help with rebuilding the village. And maybe even improve it. But first, we need to know what you need most right now."

Gaara considered her words carefully. "Our immediate needs are shelter and supplies. After that, we need to rebuild our defenses and infrastructure."

Chi-Chi nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Let's get started then. We have a lot of work to do."

Chiyo's expression turned more serious as she shifted the topic. "The Raikage wrote a lot of things down about you, Goku."

Goku's eyebrows rose in curiosity. "What do you mean by that?"

Chiyo paraphrased the letter Ay had written in her own terms. "He labeled you as an enemy who could not be controlled nor reasoned with."

Lee spoke up, his voice clear and earnest. "The real Goku is far from that perception. He's saved us time and time again."

Shikamaru chimed in, his tone thoughtful. "Without Goku, we would've been screwed over by Orochimaru, let alone Piccolo Daimao's legion. His actions gave us a fighting chance. The proof is in the pudding."

Chiyo nodded in agreement. "That letter was absolute hogwash. Just look at how adorable and sweet he is!"

Goku scratched his wild hair once more, letting out an innocent laugh. "I just do what I can."

Neji, arms crossed, commented, "Goku might look harmless now, but when he decides to be serious, it's a different story."

Ino added a small smirk, "And Goku is almost never serious."

Gaara, taking the moment to step forward, addressed Goku. "I need to apologize. For my attempted murder of Hinata and yourself almost eight months ago."

The Saiyan instantly forgave him, his tone warm in a burst of wisdom granted by his sensory abilities. "I can sense that you've changed. Your mind is clearer than ever, and your killing intent is no longer there. You're good, no hard feelings Gaara."

Gaara nodded, a weight lifting from his shoulders. "Thank you."

Chi-Chi, curious and sensing something deeper, asked, "What did you change from, exactly?"

Gaara's expression softened. "I will explain everything once the heat of battle has officially simmered down. First, we need to ensure the survival of the remaining Sunagakure population."

Gaara turned to Goku. "What did you do to save them?"

Goku explained, "I blasted a giant hole in the ground and leveled it to make it survivable. Then I transported as many people as I could to the area, creating a fire with my ki to provide light in the makeshift bunker. It was the only thing I could think of at the time."

Temari, seated and visibly tired, looked up at Goku with gratitude. "Thank you, Goku. You saved so many lives."

Shikamaru nodded in agreement. "Sharp thinking. Seems like those shogi games are finally paying off."

Gaara, looking thoughtful, then addressed Goku. "Can you take us to the heart of the village?"

Goku questioned, "The heart of the village?"

Gaara explained, his voice firm. "The new Sunagakure will be started by the area that protected our population from total annihilation. The village is not the buildings; it's the people, its heartbeat. This bunker will become our area of protection for generations to come, if Kami wills it to last that long."

Goku nodded, understanding the significance. "I can take you there."

As they made their way to the bunker, Chiyo's eyes sparkled with determination. "I've seen many things in my time, but never such unity in the face of adversity. We will undoubtedly make Sunagakure stronger than ever. Much stronger, in fact."

Lee, ever enthusiastic, added, "And we'll train the next generation harder, to make them even stronger than us!"

Goku, walking beside Gaara, felt a sense of responsibility. "We'll make sure this village is stronger and ready for anything. I promise."

Gaara looked at him, a rare smile on his face. "Thank you, Son Goku."

The protagonist and the side characters eventually arrived at what Gaara called the "heart of the village." The group peeped through the entrance, seeing the vast space that had protected their people. It was a symbol of survival and resilience. Tens of thousands of people huddled together with their families, some uttering prayers, others tending to the wounded, and many more doling out water from dirty bottles and pouches. It was a sight that filled everyone with a mix of awe and sorrow, everyone except Goku, who had firsthand experience with the mass he had helped save.

Chi-Chi, looking around, said, "This place has potential. We can make it a true haven."

Gaara nodded. "We will. This is just the beginning."

Standing near the makeshift entrance, which was really a gaping hole that Goku blasted through to create air for the bunker of rock and sand, Chiyo turned to Goku. "Goku, bring Ebizo to us. He's the elderly man who was with me when you found us during the battle."

Goku nodded and disappeared in a blur, returning moments later with Ebizo, who looked weary but determined. The group then entered as a unit, with Chiyo placing a reassuring hand on her brother's shoulder before turning to address the entire population with an emphatic voice.

"People of Sunagakure, listen to me!" Chiyo began, her voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd. "Our home, as we knew it, is no more. But the demon responsible for this catastrophe no longer threatens us. A mythical green beast named Rock Lee, a shinobi from Konoha, claimed victory over him."

The crowd's reaction was mixed. While some cheered, others began to boo, their distrust of Konoha shinobi evident. The boos grew louder, creating an uneasy tension in the air.

Gaara stepped forward in her stead, raising his hand to silence them. "Stop!" he commanded, his voice firm and steady. The crowd gradually quieted, their eyes fixed on their young leader.

"Listen to me," he continued. "Rock Lee and Son Goku are the saviors of the heart of Sunagakure. Lee slayed the demon who nearly destroyed us all, and Goku created this bunker and brought all of you here at high speed, saving countless lives—including my own."

There was a moment of silence, then the crowd began to murmur, slowly turning into chants.

"Lee!" "Goku!" "Lee!" "Goku!"

The names echoed through the bunker, growing louder with each passing second. Goku and Lee humbly bowed before them, their faces reflecting a mix of gratitude and humility.

Gaara took a deep breath, preparing to address the most painful part. "We have lost thousands of our people, including my brother, Kankuro, and our sensei, Baki. Their sacrifice will not be in vain."

The crowd's mood shifted to one of mourning, their cheers turning to somber nods and quiet tears. Gaara continued, his voice filled with conviction. "To prevent such a catastrophe from happening again, we must learn from this, regroup, and grow stronger as a family. That is what those who died fought to protect. Coming together in this time and rebuilding a greater Sunagakure is the greatest way to honor their sacrifice."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "Our rebuild begins at the break of dawn. We will rise from the ashes, stronger and more united than ever. Let us honor our fallen by creating a future they would be proud of."

The crowd erupted into cheers once more, this time chanting a single word: "Kazekage! Kazekage!" The sound was deafening, a powerful show of unity and determination. Gaara stepped back, the weight of his people's trust and hope settling on his shoulders.

He was their leader yesterday, today, and tomorrow—no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Gaara's speech resonated deeply with everyone in the group, pulling at their heartstrings. As he spoke, Chi-Chi felt captivated by his genuineness and his kind, soft demeanor. She had thought of the average shinobi as a person with rough exteriors, but Gaara's transformation was something else entirely. Temari, standing tall and proud, was amazed at how far her brother had come. From the boy consumed by hatred and rage to the man now inspiring his village to rise from the ashes. She felt so much pride in that moment.

Ino couldn't believe the transformation of Gaara in less than a year. The murderer of Choji, the once feared and ruthless shinobi at the chunin exams, was now a beacon of hope and leadership. Shikamaru shared similar sentiments, marveling at Gaara's evolution. He had seen Gaara as an psychopath arch-nemesis, a dangerous one at that, and now he saw him as a potentially redeemable ally and possible leader.

Of course, he would never forget what Gaara did, pleasantries aside.

Neji was in awe. He had always respected strength, but the strength Gaara was displaying now was of a different kind. It was the strength of heart and spirit. Lee and Goku, who had fought alongside and against Gaara, respected him for the man he had become and was still steadily growing into.

Chiyo and Ebizo smiled with pride, knowing that Gaara was the future of their village. They could retire soundly knowing Sunagakure was in capable hands.

As Gaara finished his speech and the crowd's chants began to die down, Temari stepped forward. She took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the crowd, and then began to speak.

"People of Sunagakure," she started, her voice strong but emotional. "Tonight, we stand on the brink of a new beginning. My brother Gaara has shown us that we can rise from any adversity. But we did not do this alone."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "Shikamaru Nara," she said, turning to him, "is the man who brought the savior of our village on a mission to forge an alliance with Konoha." She gestured to the chunin, who nodded in acknowledgment. "This alliance, solidified by our contributions in the battle for everyone's lives, will be the cornerstone of our future. With this alliance, Sunagakure will only improve beyond comprehension."

Her voice grew softer but more intense. "We have lost so many. My brother Kankuro, our sensei Baki, and countless others. But their spirits live on in us. I vow to fight on for them, with all my might, until death parts me from this world. We owe it to them to rest as well as we can tonight and rise up tomorrow, ready to work toward that future."

With that, Temari stepped back, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The crowd was silent for a moment, absorbing the weight of her words, before they erupted into applause and cheers. It was a somber yet hopeful sound, one that carried the promise of resilience and renewal.

The crowd began to disperse, families huddling together, friends supporting each other. The makeshift bunker was filled with a sense of purpose and determination. The speeches for the night had concluded, but the work was just beginning.

As the group dispersed to prepare for the tasks ahead, Goku turned to Gaara. "You're a heckuva leader. Your people are lucky to have you."

Gaara nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Thank you. And thank you again for your efforts. Suna is no more without you and Lee."

Lee, ever humble, added, "We did what we had to do. And we'll keep doing it."

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, Gaara turned to the only certified genius within a several hundred mile radius. "Shikamaru, can you construct a plan for rebuilding the village?"

Shikamaru nodded, his expression serious. "I'll do my best." He found a random wooden stick and began drawing lines in the sand, creating a basic model for a plan of attack. "First, we need to gather essential resources: wood, stone, food, and most importantly, water. Then, we'll secure these resources to ensure Suna never runs out, even in the event of another disaster."

As he worked, Temari, Chiyo, and Ebizo gathered around him, adding their own insights. Temari suggested where the best wood could be found, while Chiyo and Ebizo talked about traditional methods of stone gathering and storage. Together, they created a comprehensive plan.

Shikamaru then called Neji over. "Neji, we need your Byakugan to help scour the area for possible water sources. Look for groundwater reservoirs or untouched oases nearby."

Neji nodded, activating his Byakugan. "I'll find them," he said confidently, scanning the surrounding area with his enhanced vision.

As the plan took shape, Shikamaru turned to Ino. "Ino, I need you to be my second voice. You'll instruct people on what to do, how to do it, where to do it, and when to get it done."

Ino nodded, understanding the importance of her role. "You got it."

Shikamaru then looked at Chi-Chi. "What do you think you can do?"

Chi-Chi offered a smile. "I can feed as many as possible, provided I have the means."

Shikamaru nodded appreciatively. "Great. You'll be in charge of cooking and distributing food."

He then turned to Goku and Lee. "You two are our muscle. Your job is to gather and collect resources with your speed and strength."

Goku and Lee grinned, exchanging a high-five. "Leave it to us!" they said in unison.

Shikamaru looked back up at Temari and smirked. "And you, Temari, are with me."

Temari flirted back, a playful glint in her eye. "I thought that went without saying."

Finally, Shikamaru turned to Gaara, humor evident in his tone. "And you, Gaara, have the most important role of all: Kazekage."

Gaara chuckled despite the weight of the title. "I'll do my best," he said, knowing the truth behind the message. The title belonged to him now, even without a formal ceremony.

Shikamaru then addressed Chiyo and Ebizo. "You two will be our advisors. Keep my mind sober and in line with reality, not just optimism."

Chiyo and Ebizo shared a laugh with him. "We'll try," the woman replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Before Goku and Lee took off, the Saiyan tossed a bag of capsules to Shikamaru, who caught them with a curious expression. "What's this?" he asked.

"Find out for yourself," Goku replied with a grin.

Shikamaru inspected one of the capsules, intrigued. "I will, soon enough."

With the plan of attack becoming more defined by the minute, Shikamaru took a deep breath and addressed the group. "Alright, everyone, let's get to work. The execution begins now."

The group dispersed, each person moving with purpose. The air was filled with a sense of urgency and determination. As Goku and Lee sped off to gather resources, Neji began his search for water sources, his Byakugan scanning the area. Chi-Chi brainstormed methods of food generation and delivery given she did not even have a kitchen to start with. Ino went to the "heart of the village" in order to tend to the mass. Temari and Shikamaru stood side by side, coordinating efforts and adjusting the plan as new information came in. Gaara, as the appointed head of the snake, had his hands involved with every facet and every development. He was also the greatest controller of sand on the planet, therefore he would double as the chief of construction.

Goku and Lee stood side by side, ready to begin their day of gathering resources for the rebuilding of Sunagakure. Rather than compete, they decided to use their strengths to work collaboratively, each leveraging their unique abilities to maximize their efficiency.

Or in this case, the only uniqueness involved being Goku's ability to fly.

"We can do this faster if we work together," the Saiyan said, his eyes sparkling with determination.

Lee nodded, his enthusiasm matching Goku's. "Right! Let's start with the wood. I'll mow down the trees, and you catch the logs."

They set off into the forest, Lee's hands a blur as he chopped down entire swaths of trees with ease. He then tossed each log several miles high and hundreds of miles far into the sky toward the desert. Goku, flying overhead, caught the logs as if they were footballs and gently placed them on the invisible floor of the new village site with great speed.

"Catch, Goku!" Lee shouted, hurling a massive tree trunk into the air.

Goku zipped through the sky, intercepting the log with precise timing. "Got it, Lee! Keep them coming!"

After gathering enough wood, they moved to the ocean. Goku dove into the water, grabbing animals by their tails or fins and tossing them onto the sandy beaches. Sharks, sizable fish, enormous sharks, giant squids, sizable octopuses, giant crabs, and even whales were among the creatures they collected.

"We need enough food to feed tens of thousands," Goku said, emerging from the water with a massive shark in his grasp.

Lee, using a large fishnet that they "borrowed" from a nearby civilian fishing corporation, corralled as much sea life as he could and hauled them through the desert at incredible speed. "We'll have a feast ready in no time!"

Next, they turned their attention to gathering stone. Goku and Lee punched rocky formations into useable boulders, their fists pulverizing the stone with each strike. Lee then tossed the boulders to a flying Goku, who threw them near but not exactly with pinpoint accuracy at the new Sunagakure site to avoid any accidental injuries.

"These stones will make sturdy foundations," Lee remarked, wiping a single line of sweat from his brow.

Goku grinned. "And we'll need them for the new buildings too."

Their final task involved a journey to the polar ice caps. Goku flew Lee to the frigid region, where Lee used his immense strength to break apart glaciers and permafrost, over time tossing billions of gallons of ice toward the flying Goku.

This was actually stupendously difficult, as Goku was not a lifter despite his constant training in pressure. The chunks of water he was responsible for transporting ranged from thousands to even millions of tons in weight, and he needed every ounce of his strength and ki control to pull off these feats.

He was Son Goku, not Clark Kent.

"We need to move quickly to keep the ice from melting," the Saiyan said while in the midst of a gargantuan effort, catching the chunks of ice and flying back to Sunagakure at breakneck speed. And then returning, just to repeat the cycle.

BOOOOOOM!

The Saiyan blasted a wide crater into the sand dunes that swept over the destroyed village, dropping the ice into it. The ice melted, creating a large reservoir of fresh water.

"We need better water sources than something crazy like this," Goku said aloud in thought. "Let's check for some oases."

They scouted the area, finding several oases close to the heart of the village. The Saiyan blasted holes through the ground, connecting these water sources to the new village's parameters.

As a bonus, Goku and Lee wondered if they could bring rain to the desert. The former tossed the latter into the clouds above, and Lee utilized his patented Konoha Senpū technique, trying to replicate a hurricane. Due to his recently acquired, almost gag-like ridiculous levels of power, their intent became reality. Rain began to pour on the empty form of Sunagakure for the first time all year.

"We did it!" Lee shouted from the clouds, his voice barely audible over the roar of the wind and rain.

Goku, hovering beside him, beamed with pride. "This will make a huge difference!"

Back on the ground, the villagers who were out in the open watched in awe as the rain fell, soaking the parched earth. It was a sight they hadn't seen in nearly a year, and it brought tears to many eyes. The rain continued to fall, nourishing the land and their spirits.

Chi-Chi, utilizing the food gathered by Goku and Lee, tried to cook as much as she could but soon realized her two hands were not enough to feed over 40,000 individuals. In a moment of quick thinking, she utilized her very basic ki control to heat up the carcass of a whale long enough to turn it into a roasted delicacy, albeit with absolutely zero flavoring. Until she had an appropriate staff and a verifiable kitchen, it was the best she could do.

Gaara, observing the situation, used his control over sand to create makeshift plates for the slowly emerging population to use as they ravaged the whale in starvation, taking what they could—sometimes more, sometimes less than necessary. Chi-Chi, her mind racing with ideas, called out to Gaara for help.

"Gaara, can you come over here for a second?" Chi-Chi asked, waving him over.

The Kazekage walked over, curiosity in his eyes. "What do you need?"

"I need a large kitchen space to work with, and tools like knives and spatulas," Chi-Chi explained. "Can you create that with your sand?"

Gaara frowned slightly. "Sand isn't a hard material. How can I create effective tools with it?"

"Make it as sturdy and hard as you can," the girl instructed.

Gaara complied, focusing his energy to manipulate the sand. As he did, he noticed Chi-Chi's own energy began to flow into him, generating the heat and pressure required to forego a multi-million year process in the forging of metal and metamorphic rock.

His eyes widened in surprise. "Chi-Chi, how did you know this was possible? That our energies could combine and amplify each other like this? In such a resourceful way?"

Chi-Chi shrugged, a smile on her face. "The only thing I knew was that heat and pressure create diamonds and metal. That was my goal, and apparently, it worked out. Let's try it again with a pot," she suggested.

Gaara focused once more, his sand forming into a metal pot. The process of Chi-Chi's ki conducting within him left him feeling flush with energy, more potent than usual. "This... this is incredible," he murmured. "Why is this happening?"

Chi-Chi giggled at Gaara's flabbergasted reaction. "We might need to do a lot more of this."

Gaara sighed, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. "Yes, indeed. There's so much more for me to learn."

Chi-Chi patted his arm. "And I'm here to help you answer some of those questions."

The two began to work in tandem, Chi-Chi directing Gaara as he created more tools and cookware from sand and metal. Their combined energies produced items that were sturdy and functional, much to the amazement of the onlookers.

As they worked, Chi-Chi and Gaara began to bond. She admired Gaara's dedication to his people and his willingness to learn, while he appreciated Chi-Chi's ingenuity and her ability to see potential in the unlikeliest of places.

"I've never met anyone like you," Gaara admitted as they worked. "You're resourceful and determined."

Chi-Chi smiled warmly. "And I've never met anyone like you either. You're strong and kind-hearted. Your people are lucky to have you."

Gaara looked thoughtful. "Strength alone isn't enough. I want to learn how to use my power to truly protect and help my people."

Chi-Chi nodded. "And you will. You're already on the right path."

"We need to prioritize water layouts," Shikamaru began, drawing lines in the sand to represent potential pathways. "The wells Neji found are crucial, but we need a sustainable irrigation system."

Temari nodded, her eyes focused on the sketch. "Agreed. We should also think about the layout of village roads. Wide enough for supplies to be transported easily, but not so wide that they take up too much space."

"Exactly," Shikamaru replied, glancing at her with a small smile. "Shelter locations should be centralized, making it easier for everyone to access resources. What do you think about setting up the new Kazekage office near the center of the village?"

Temari smirked, a playful glint in her eye. "Trying to keep Gaara in the middle of everything, huh? Makes sense. He'd have a better vantage point to oversee things."

Shikamaru chuckled. "That, and it's easier to find him when we need him. Now, about farming and agriculture. We need dedicated areas for food harvesting. Any ideas?"

"There's a patch of fertile land east of here," Temari suggested, pointing in the direction. "We could start there and expand as needed."

Shikamaru nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "Good idea. We'll also need to set up a proper irrigation system for those areas to ensure crops get enough water."

Chiyo, listening intently, interjected. "Don't forget about storage facilities. Once we harvest the food, we need a place to keep it fresh."

Ebizo added, "And waste management. A clean village is a healthy village."

As they continued their detailed discussions, the chemistry between Shikamaru and Temari became more apparent. They flirted subtly, their playful banter adding a light-hearted tone to the serious planning.

"You know, you're ridiculously smart for such a lazy bastard," Temari teased, nudging Shikamaru with her elbow.

"And you're pretty resourceful for a airhead," Shikamaru shot back with a grin, playing on the fact that she was wind user.

Meanwhile, Ino was busy directing people in and out of the shelter towards the roasted whale, facilitating rations. Her patience wore thin quickly as the crowd grew restless.

"Listen up, everyone!" Ino called out, her voice firm. "We need to do this in an orderly fashion. No pushing, and make sure everyone gets their share. If you have questions, come to me directly."

A few people murmured complaints, but Ino's commanding presence kept them in line. "Move along, and remember, we're all in this together."

As the day wore on, Neji was out scouting the area on foot. His Byakugan allowed him to find hidden oases and underground water reservoirs. Each discovery was meticulously drawn on a sheet of paper, depicting accurate distances and travel times between each point.

"There's more water here than I expected," he mused to himself, noting another potential source. "This could be a game-changer."

Returning to the main camp, Neji approached Shikamaru and handed him the detailed map. "Here. These are all the water sources I found so far."

Shikamaru's eyes widened in surprise and appreciation. "Neji, this is incredible. You just made our job a whole lot easier." Temari leaned over to look at the map, her face lighting up at what she saw.

Ebizo nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We should set up water storage tanks at key points to ensure a steady supply."

Chiyo added, "And don't forget about emergency reserves. We need to be prepared for anything."

As they incorporated Neji's findings into their plan, the village's future seemed a little brighter. Each member of the team played a crucial role, their skills and dedication weaving together a tapestry of hope and resilience.

Ino, overseeing the distribution of food, felt a surge of pride as she watched the villagers working together. Despite the chaos and hardship, there was a sense of unity and determination in the air. She caught sight of Goku and Lee returning with another load of supplies and gave them an encouraging nod.

"Great job, you two," she called out. "We're making some progress. Keep it up."

Goku smiled widely. "We will Ino, we will."

Lee, his energy still boundless, added, "This is just some of the results of teamwork between two geniuses of hard work!"

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the burgeoning village, the group took a moment to rest and reflect on their progress. The village, once a scene of chaos and despair, and then an empty desert, was gradually transforming into a symbol of hope and resilience. Each person, from the youngest child to the oldest elder, would eventually play a part in this transformation, their combined efforts inevitably creating a new foundation for Sunagakure, even if that was not the case as of yet.

As night fell, the group gathered around a small fire, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. The day's work had left them exhausted but fulfilled. Before drifting off to sleep, Shikamaru turned to the group. "We've done a lot today, but there's still so much more to do. Let's get some rest and be better tomorrow."

The group nodded, each person finding a spot to rest. As they settled in for the night, the sounds of the new village filled the air—voices, laughter, and the crackling of flames. It was a sound of hope, of a community coming together in the face of adversity.

Breaking the rules of each person resting on their own however, Shikamaru and Temari found a smooth patch of sand under the gaze of the stars. They lay side by side, cloud-watching and stargazing, the vast expanse of the night sky a comforting blanket above them. The day had been long and exhausting, but now, in this quiet moment, they felt a sense of peace.

"Look at that one," Temari pointed to a particularly bright star. "Reminds me of the day we first met in the exams."

Shikamaru chuckled softly. "You mean the day you tried to kill me with your giant fan?"

Temari smirked. "I thought we agreed to call it training."

"Right, training," Shikamaru said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "You know, I've been thinking about that moment a lot lately."

Temari turned her head to look at him, her expression curious. "Oh? And what have you been thinking?"

"How lucky I am to have survived it," Shikamaru said with a grin. "Seriously though, it's strange how things work out. If someone had told me back then that we'd be here now, I'd have thought they were crazy."

Temari nodded, her smile fading slightly as she thought back to yesterday's battles. "We almost didn't make it here anyhow. Snare was… something else."

"Yeah," Shikamaru agreed, his tone growing somber. "There were so many moments when I thought we wouldn't pull through. Especially when he walked toward us slowly…"

Temari shivered slightly at the memory. "I remember. I thought that was it for us. But we got saved just in time."

Shikamaru turned to face her, his eyes serious. "You said something during that fight. Something important."

Temari felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. "I was in the heat of the moment. People say all kinds of things when they think they're about to die."

Shikamaru smiled softly. "You said you loved me too."

Temari's blush deepened, but she didn't look away. "And I think I might've meant it. I probably still do."

Shikamaru's heart swelled at her words. "I guess I should say... I think I agree with you."

For a moment, they lay there in silence, the weight of their words settling between them. Shikamaru then reached into his pocket and pulled out the bag of capsules Goku had given him. "I almost forgot. Goku gave me these. Apparently they're large domed homes that pop into existence whenever you activate them."

Temari's eyes widened in amazement. "You mean like instant houses?"

"Yeah," Shikamaru said with a laugh. "I said the same thing."

Temari took a capsule from the bag and tossed it into the clearing. They both watched in awe as a large dome-shaped house appeared before them. "Incredible!" Temari said in shock, wasting no time in walking inside.

Shikamaru followed her, equally amazed. The interior was simple yet beautiful, with advanced technology seamlessly integrated into the design. A flat-screen TV adorned one wall, the couch was softer than any bed they had ever known, the kitchen was powered by electricity and equipped with advanced features, and the beds felt like paradise.

"Our lives suck ass in comparison to whoever made these capsules that's for sure," Temari remarked, shaking her head in disbelief. "We need to ask Goku for the plug."

Shikamaru laughed. "Good luck with that. I doubt Goku even knows what a plug is."

And he was wrong about that quip, but alas the story continues.

Temari laughed with him, the sound light and carefree. "So, why did you give me the bag?"

Shikamaru's expression grew serious again. "You have more say in Suna than I could ever dream of. I trust that you can allocate these resources properly."

Temari nodded, seeing the logic in his words. "Of course I do. Thank you for trusting me with this anyway." She then asked a follow up question. "Speaking of say, should we just pack it in for the night? Should we consider the people still in the bunker?"

Shikamaru shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm still sometimes on the side of moral ambiguity. Right and wrong are just interpretations of what is. Do whatever you think is best."

Temari waved him off playfully. "I'm going to sleep and blame you for any complaints later."

Shikamaru sighed dramatically. "What a drag."

As Temari walked off towards one of the bedrooms, she paused at a door and looked back at him, a playful smile on her face. "One more thing."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What is it?"

Temari turned slowly, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made his heart skip a beat. She sauntered back towards him, every step deliberate, drawing out the moment. Shikamaru felt his breath hitch as she stopped just inches away, her gaze never wavering.

The world seemed to hold its breath as her eyes flickered down to his lips and then back up to his eyes, a silent desire hanging between them both. Time stretched, each second feeling like an eternity.

"Training," she whispered.

Then, in a move as smooth as it was sudden, Temari leaned in, closing the distance. Their lips met in a gentle, tentative kiss, testing the waters. The initial contact sent a jolt through Shikamaru, his senses alight with the warmth and softness of her touch.

But the kiss quickly deepened with an undeniable urgency, as if both realized the fleeting nature of such moments. Temari's hands slid up to Shikamaru's neck, her touch sending electric shivers down his spine. He responded by wrapping his arms around her waist, drawing her closer. The sensation of her body pressed against his, the warmth of her lips on his, was intoxicating. In that moment, the stress and chaos of the past days evaporated, leaving only the two of them in a bubble of shared desire and connection.

After a long, breathless moment, they pulled back slightly, their foreheads resting against each other. Shikamaru opened his eyes to find Temari staring back at him, her green eyes shining with a mix of emotion, excitement, and lust.

"Wow," Temari whispered, her breath warm against his lips. "I didn't expect that."

"Me neither," Shikamaru admitted, his voice husky and soft. "But damnit I'm glad it happened."

Temari's cheeks were flushed, and her eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement and affection. "We should train a lot more. Get stronger, push our limits, break your laziness..."

Shikamaru grinned, his heart racing like never before. "Absolutely."

Temari laughed softly, her fingers still tangled in his hair, sending another wave of warmth through him. "You know, for someone who claims to hate trouble, you sure seem to find it quite often."

Shikamaru chuckled, their foreheads still touching. "Only the good kind."

Temari smiled and sweetly kissed him one last time before officially heading to her room. Shikamaru watched her go, a content smile on his face. As he made his way to his own sleeping quarters also selfishly within the domed dormitory, he couldn't help but feel a strong sense of lust himself. Damn, she felt wonderful.

Shikamaru, you are officially becoming a man. Who's next? Find out in the next episode of SGTSSJ!