In Sunagakure, the blazing sun hung high overhead, and the desert's unique scorching heat was on full display.
The village remained in an eerie silence; even the streets, usually bustling, had few pedestrians.
The night the Kazekage was taken, the commotion had been far too great. Even ordinary villagers had learned the full details—there had been no way to keep it hidden.
Yesterday, Chiyo and the Konoha ninja had already set out to rescue Gaara. But in truth, some people in Sunagakure had little faith that he could be brought back.
Moreover, Gaara had been in power for too short a time, and the village's internal situation was unstable. Sunagakure was now in a delicate state.
Bang!
The meeting room door slammed open, and an enraged figure strode out. The ninja waiting outside instinctively called out, "Lady Temari...?"
Temari cast a dark glance at the ninja who had spoken, said nothing, and stalked angrily into the distance.
Being unable to join the mission to rescue Gaara had already filled her with frustration, but the contents of today's meeting had completely ignited her fury.
There were many reasons why she could not go, but the most important was something Chiyo had said before leaving.
Chiyo had not said much, only one simple sentence: "If you insist on going to save Gaara, then even if you truly bring him back, how will you face a Sixth Kazekage?"
Those words had made Temari decide to remain in the village.
Gaara had been Kazekage for less than two years, and his foundation in all of Sunagakure was weak. Because of his status as a Jinchuriki, plenty among the higher-ups were dissatisfied with him or simply disliked the sight of him.
This was certainly a crisis, but to those higher-ups, it might also be an