The Village on the Brink of Destruction!

Not long after they left, a group of Sunagakure ninja arrived. Their leader stared down the empty alley, his face dark. "They got away! After them! Find them before they join up with the people loyal to Gaara!"

Deep in the alley, Kawaki Aoba ran with Teacher Kaido and the others close behind.

As they ran, Rock Lee asked, "Kawaki Aoba, where are Gaara's loyalists? How many are there?"

Without looking back, Kawaki Aoba said, "They're at an abandoned base on the outskirts of Sunagakure.

"There are a little over thirty of them, all elite Sunagakure ninja. They're few in number, but every one of them is skilled.

"Once we join up with them and work out a detailed plan, we can launch a surprise attack on the rebels."

Tenten asked curiously, "Why are you doing so much for Gaara? What's your connection to him?"

Kawaki Aoba fell silent for a moment before answering, "Gaara once saved my life.

"He helped me when I needed it most. I have to help him put down this rebellion and keep him safe."

Hyuga Neji watched Kawaki Aoba's back, a trace of doubt in his eyes. "If you used to serve in Sunagakure's Anbu, why aren't you with them now? And why didn't you help Gaara put down the rebellion sooner? Why wait until now?"

Kawaki Aoba sighed. "I left Sunagakure because of something that happened.

"I only returned recently, and by then the rebellion had already begun.

"I wanted to go straight to Gaara, but the rebels had him under house arrest in the Kazekage Building. I couldn't rescue him alone, so I kept waiting for an opportunity.

"When I met you, I finally felt we had a chance to put down the rebellion."

Teacher Kaido nodded. "I see.

"Then let's join