In the west, the setting sun was as red as blood.
On the vast plain, Naruto and the others could barely contain their excitement as they watched Gaara open his eyes once more. Unfortunately, Chiyo would remain forever fallen upon the ground.
She had used her own life to activate the forbidden technique, "One's Own Life Reincarnation."
The world was always fair. To obtain a life, one naturally had to pay an equal price. This was true whether it was Chiyo's "One's Own Life Reincarnation" or the Rinnegan's "Rinne Rebirth."
Afterward, Gaara returned to Sunagakure under Naruto and the others' escort, meeting Kankuro and the others who had led a group out to rescue him along the way.
After recovering from his injuries, Temari had immediately sent him to lead reinforcements over, though she herself had not come as she had in the original story.
Having received word in advance, Sunagakure prepared a grand welcoming ceremony to greet the Kazekage's return.
Accordingly, Naruto and the others received treatment befitting heroes as well.
Because Gaara had been rescued in time, and Temari had stabilized the situation within the village, he regained control of power as soon as he returned.
Of course, with Temari having already signed the Divine Maiden Contract, the situation throughout Sunagakure was bound to stabilize anyway.
Shin's hidden forces had already grown to an unimaginable extent.
A grand funeral was held for Chiyo, and she was bestowed a series of titles, including Hero of Sunagakure and Great Martyr. Her tombstone stood at the very front of the Sunagakure cemetery.
After resting for several days, Naruto and the others returned to Konoha. The Gaara Rescue Mission had come to an end.
The final outcome was likely acceptable to both sides. Sunagakure had lost Shukaku but recovered Gaara, while Akatsuki