Although Gaara was the Fourth Kazekage's son, Pakura did not take her anger out on him.
Quite the opposite. After becoming Kazekage, Pakura had not isolated Gaara and the others, but had instead taken good care of them.
Gaara had never felt much affection for his father to begin with. After learning that Pakura was one of Shin Uchiha's people, he felt little hostility toward her. As they spent more time together, he had even come to respect her.
Seeing that Pakura was unhurt, Gaara breathed a sigh of relief, then turned toward the giant white bird circling high overhead and said:
"Lord Kazekage, leave this fool with a death wish to me. I'll go deal with him."
After speaking, Gaara nodded to Sasuke Uchiha beside him. The yellow sands beneath his feet abruptly accelerated, carrying him after Deidara high in the sky.
Gaara knew perfectly well that no one else in Sunagakure could fly at such an altitude. He was the only one who could deal with the enemy overhead.
Sasuke Uchiha watched Gaara leave, a trace of amusement flashing in his eyes. Then he turned back to Pakura beside him and said:
"Lord Kazekage, in that case, I'll go take on the puppet master called Sasori."
With that, Sasuke used the Summoning Technique to summon a giant eagle and flew toward a nearby hill.
By then, many of Sunagakure's shinobi had finally gathered around, their eyes on their Lord Kazekage as they awaited orders.
Pakura swept her gaze over them, then issued her orders briskly:
"There are two invaders. We'll split into two groups. One group will stay here and support Gaara with crossbows and other weapons. Those skilled in the Puppet Technique will come with me to eliminate the other enemy."
Without hesitation, Pakura led a portion