Zhou Cheng brought his closest friends to the Konoha Gate.
Gaara and his companions would return to Sunagakure under Baki's leadership.
Word had arrived from Sunagakure that its shinobi had discovered Kazekage Rasa's body at the border between the two countries.
This also confirmed that Orochimaru had killed the Kazekage and impersonated him to launch a surprise attack on Konoha.
At this point, Sunagakure pinned all the blame on Orochimaru.
Konoha and Sunagakure entered a brief period of peace.
"Gaara, have a safe trip!"
Zhou Cheng smiled brightly and held out his hand. The next time I see you, you'll be the Kazekage.
"Thank you!"
Gaara reached out and shook Zhou Cheng's hand.
At that moment, a friendship formed between them.
"Keep in touch!"
"Don't forget, you have friends in Konoha!"
Zhou Cheng glanced to either side. Haku, Naruto, Ino, Hinata, and the others stood beside him.
They, too, looked at Gaara with goodwill.
Naruto was also a jinchūriki, and they knew what his childhood had been like.
Naturally, they could imagine that Gaara's life had been no easier.
Being called a monster and shunned by others was practically inevitable.
Through Zhou Cheng's account, they had also learned about Gaara's past.
They despised his heartless father.
They also felt sorry for his poor mother and the uncle who had been used.
They all showed Gaara kindness.
They laid all the blame on Shukaku, the One-Tail.
For the first time, Gaara experienced friendship, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
Afterward, the two groups said their goodbyes.
Zhou Cheng took Karin to the Grass Ninja's lodgings and explained the situation.
The strength Zhou Cheng had demonstrated had thoroughly intimidated them, so they naturally dared not refuse his demand to let Karin remain in Konoha.
Karin's healing ability was exceedingly rare