After that earth-shaking explosion, Deidara's art had reached its peak, but it had also taken his and Sasori's lives, leaving not even a trace behind.
Grandmother Chiyo's weathered eyes were tightly shut. Tears swirled in their corners but never fell. Her heart was filled with endless sorrow and regret; even the chance to say farewell to her beloved grandson, Sasori, had been stolen by the sudden explosion.
Naruto held Gaara's lifeless body in his arms, his eyes filled with unwillingness to accept it.
He quickly looked toward Sakura. Understanding immediately, Sakura stepped forward and lightly touched Gaara's cold skin with her slender fingers, conducting a meticulous examination.
However, moments later, she shook her head heavily. Her clear eyes were filled with helplessness and grief.
Naruto seemed to have been drained of all his strength and slowly lowered his head. His Reverse Curing could heal himself, but it was powerless to help others.
Kakashi stood to the side, the sorrow on his face like dark clouds blotting out the sun, so heavy it was suffocating.
Grandmother Chiyo's gaze slowly fell on Naruto, and she asked hoarsely, "Why did you fight so desperately to save Gaara?"
Naruto raised his head and gave a bitter smile. "Gaara and I are very alike. We had similar childhoods. In a way, he is like another me."
Upon hearing this, Grandmother Chiyo's lips curved into a faint smile. She murmured, "Perhaps, in the future, you really will be able to join hands and bring unprecedented change to this world. And I... perhaps I really am old now, unable to keep up with your pace."
Her words left everyone utterly confused. Join hands in the future? But Gaara was already...
Then, Grandmother Chiyo slowly walked toward Gaara. Her aged hands gently came to rest on his chest,