A Lesson from the Past

After reaching an agreement with Chiyo, Mizuki no longer bothered over trivial details.

Next, he had the others take over infusing chakra into Chiyo's body, then stepped aside to quietly think over his own matters.

Nearly an hour passed. Just as the stillness of the scene began to feel uncomfortable, the previously unresponsive Gaara finally stirred, while Chiyo's body became increasingly unable to hold on.

"Gaara..."

With delighted looks in their eyes, Kankuro and Temari watched as the Fifth Kazekage's eyelids began to tremble.

After a while longer, Gaara, who had been completely dead, finally opened his eyes.

Having only just returned from death and not yet realizing what had happened to him, Gaara looked blankly at the people around him.

"What happened to me?"

"It's good that you're awake."

One's Own Life Reincarnation had succeeded. At last, Chiyo's hopes had not been disappointed. Kankuro stepped forward and helped Gaara sit up.

"Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"

Gaara shook his head.

"What happened here? Also, wasn't I fighting the previous Kazekage and Kabuto Yakushi? How did I... get saved?"

"More or less. Gaara, those are secondary matters. We'll explain them to you later. Right now..."

Kankuro looked at Chiyo with a somewhat sorrowful expression.

"If you have anything to say, you should say it to Elder Chiyo."

Only then did Gaara notice that this revered pillar of Sunagakure seemed to be in bad condition.

"You're injured?"

"If only it were merely an injury, Gaara..."

Chiyo coughed laboriously twice and forced herself to rally.

"From now on, Sunagakure will be entrusted to you. Do things according to your own ideas. Temari, Kankuro, and Baki will all help you. If you run into any trouble, go find Ebizo. Don't let his frail old appearance fool you—he should still be able to live