There was a sudden whoosh.
The person trailing that cloud of dust swept past them and entered the Hidden Leaf Village at incredible speed.
The two gate guards blinked, exchanged a glance, and decided to leave well enough alone.
They had recognized the newcomer.
Wasn't Lady Tsunade's apprentice supposed to be in the Land of Wind? Why had she returned to the Hidden Leaf Village? And why was she in such a hurry?
Their heads were practically bursting with questions, but they were only gate guards. Their duty was to watch the gates; anything else was none of their business.
Once inside the Hidden Leaf Village, Sakura finally stopped.
Huff, huff, huff...
Sakura panted heavily and wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand.
She had first rushed to the Land of Lightning, only to learn upon reaching Kumogakure that Sasuke had already left for the Hidden Leaf Village.
After hearing the news, however, Sakura had not immediately headed back. Instead, she had asked about the sudden eruption of chakra a few days earlier.
Once she learned that Naruto and Sasuke had fought an unknown enemy, she had rushed straight back to the Hidden Leaf Village without stopping to rest.
Sakura braced both hands on her knees. Now that she had stopped, exhaustion swept through every part of her body.
She wanted to rest, but she still had unfinished business. She could not rest yet.
She straightened her exhausted body and headed toward the Uchiha Clan Compound.
Just as she was nearing the Uchiha Clan Compound, wondering what to say when she saw Sasuke, a voice rang out behind her.
"Young lady, you don't look too well. What brings you here?"
Sakura turned and saw an unfamiliar man standing behind her.
"Who... are you?"
"My name