Chapter 20: Tower Recovery and Rediscovering Bonds

Once Sasuke returned, Sakura led the way to the communal dining hall, where Chouji eagerly began to spread the food across the table. Her instinct to stock up on supplies had proven wise, as they were soon joined by the Sand team.

Naruto looked at them and called out, "Hey, Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, right?"

Kankuro sneered at him, but Temari quickly slapped him on the arm. "Show some respect, Kankuro! They didn't have to share their food with us."

Gaara's gravelly voice cut through the air, "Behave, or I'll kill you." The threat froze them both in place.

Sakura laughed lightly as she approached the temperamental jinchurikki, her demeanor calm. "Don't worry, Gaara-san. It's amusing to see how easily Kankuro can get under Naruto's skin. It's like he's finally tasting his own medicine."

"Sakura-chan, why?!" Naruto exclaimed dramatically, earning chuckles from the others.

Sakura shrugged innocently. "Says the guy who loves pulling pranks on everyone. Kankuro is just your karma!" She grinned teasingly, placing her hand lightly on Gaara's as he stared at her, captivated.

In that moment, Gaara was lost in memories—images of his past, of how he once tried to kill her but was saved instead. He remembered how she had supported him, encouraging him to become a great Kage one day. The warmth he felt from her was something he had always longed for but never knew how to express.

Sakura noticed the gentle squeeze of his hand and looked down at him, her expression softening. "What can I do for you, Gaara-san?"

"Just Gaara…" he paused, a deep blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Can I have a hug? Like before?"

Her eyes widened in surprise, glancing around to ensure no one else was listening. When she met his gaze again, she smiled brightly, her walls momentarily lowering. "Of course, Panda-chan." She pulled him into a warm embrace, laughter escaping her as the others gasped in shock.

Gaara chuckled softly, realizing that no one was aware of the depth of their bond. She had kept it a secret to protect him, and now he would do the same for her. As they separated, Sakura returned to her teammates, leaving Temari and Kankuro gaping behind her.

"Did you just let her hug you, Gaara?" Kankuro asked, incredulous. "You hate being touched!"

Temari looked at her brother, jealousy flashing in her eyes. "I'm your big sister, and I never get to hug you, but she does?!"

Gaara turned to his siblings, speaking honestly. "When would you hug me? You're always too busy listening to everyone calling me a monster. I don't have siblings… if I did, they wouldn't treat me like this."

Temari's expression fell, and Kankuro looked torn between shame and astonishment. They had never considered that their fear and avoidance had deepened his loneliness and rage. Gaara, burdened by their father's cruel words, had been left isolated.

Temari smiled sadly. "I'll try to be a better big sister… please don't push us away anymore."

Gaara replied cautiously, "We shall see…" He needed to witness true change before allowing them back into his life. Until then, they needed to prove they could truly be a family.

Sakura took a seat next to Chouji, who suddenly spoke up, "Sakura… can we talk back in the room?"

Sakura looked up at him, her curiosity piqued. "Yeah, do you want to talk now or after dinner?" She was eager to address any concerns before they turned into something more pressing.

Chouji laughed lightly. "After dinner. I think we should discuss what happened earlier before the second exam." He seemed to want to say more, but he respected the team enough to keep it private.

Sakura turned to Shikamaru, smiling. "You good for it? We can all shower afterward."

Shikamaru nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, better now than later." He finished his meal and took his plate to the sink, rinsing it off before setting it aside. "Cooks don't clean!"

Naruto groaned dramatically, "Aw man, do I have cleanup duty again?"

"I don't mind cleaning up since Team 10 did the cooking and supplied the food," Tenten offered. Shino joined her, volunteering to dry and put away the dishes for the morning. "I can make breakfast since I get up early."

Sakura finished her meal, standing to rinse her plate before handing it to Tenten. "Sure, I'll put some food in the fridge for tomorrow morning." She summoned her supplies, pulling out two packs of bacon, several potatoes, and plenty of eggs. She looked to Tenten. "Think this is good?"

Tenten nodded, her eyes wide as she placed everything in the fridge. As Sakura left to return to her team's room, Tenten turned to her teammates. "Does she always carry that much stuff?"

Shikamaru, Ino, and Chouji shrugged. Sasuke added, "Both times we've been away for long stretches, food has been a big concern. She stocks up to ensure we all eat. She's more forward-thinking than the rest of us."

Naruto chimed in, "We would've been in real trouble on that Wave mission if she hadn't helped out." He recalled the struggles they had faced while assisting the village, emphasizing the importance of Sakura's foresight.

Shikamaru and Chouji stood to head back to their room. "We need a team meeting. See you all later." They left to find their teammate waiting on one of the beds.

"We have a lot to cover, don't we, boys?" Sakura said kindly, anticipating the questions that would soon arise.