In the early morning, faint light filtered through the sandproof lattice windows of Sunagakure, spilling gently into a neat, warm bedroom.
"Lord Gaara, it's time to get up."
A gentle voice, like soft drifting sand in the desert, sounded quietly beside the bed.
Little Gaara curled up beneath the soft blankets and slowly opened his sleepy eyes.
The first thing he saw was a head of blond hair with the soft luster of sun-warmed sand, along with a man's face leaning down toward him, its gentle features and eyes carrying a loving smile.
"Yashamaru..."
Still groggy from sleep, Gaara instinctively murmured the name etched deep in his memories.
"Yes, it's me."
Yashamaru's smile deepened. He reached out and brushed the back of his fingers incredibly gently against Gaara's sleepy cheek. "You should get up now. Today is your first day at the Ninja Academy. You can't be late."
"Oh... I understand..."
Gaara obediently nodded and let Yashamaru pull back the covers and skillfully help him into his small casual clothes.
Led by Yashamaru, Gaara arrived in the living room. The scent of food drifted through the air.
"Good morning, Gaara."
A gentle woman had already been waiting beside the dining table. She too had sandy blond hair, and her eyes, filled with undisguised affection, quietly watched her youngest son.
Sunlight shone upon her, enveloping her entire body in a soft halo.
"Mom...?"
Gaara's steps paused slightly. He raised his little face to look at the woman before him, his expression carrying a mixture of familiarity, uncertainty, and slight confusion.
"What is it, Gaara? It's Mom."
Seeing her son's adorably bewildered expression, Karura could not help but laugh softly. She stood and walked over to him, reaching out to stroke his short red hair. "Why are you making such a strange