The atmosphere at Konoha's gates was grim, but this time, the gathering included more than Konoha ninja. Several ninja wearing Sunagakure forehead protectors stood solemnly to one side. At their head was Temari, her face heavy with grief but her eyes unwavering. Beside her stood Kankuro, his expression equally tense. Behind them were several elite Sunagakure jōnin, including the experienced Baki. Clearly, Sunagakure had not simply waited for help. It had sent a rescue team centered around the Kazekage's siblings to form a joint squad with Konoha.
Tsunade surveyed the joint squad and addressed Kakashi and Temari in a grave voice. "This is an S-rank mission. Your primary objective is to rescue the Fifth Kazekage, Gaara. According to our current intelligence, the enemies are members of the Akatsuki, and they may be using an unknown energy with corrosive properties. Kakashi, Temari, coordinate joint command between yourselves. You must work together in complete trust!"
"Yes!" Kakashi and Temari answered in unison. Temari's voice was slightly hoarse, but her resolve was unquestionable. "We will bring Lord Kazekage back!"
Kankuro silently checked his puppets, Crow and Black Ant, the fire of vengeance burning in his eyes. Baki gave Kakashi a slight nod, indicating that Sunagakure's team would cooperate fully.
Naruto looked at Temari and Kankuro and nodded firmly. "We'll go together! Let's bring that sleepyhead back!"
Sakura and Yamato also exchanged determined looks with their Sunagakure counterparts.
Without further delay, the joint squad became streaks of motion, racing at full speed toward the Land of Wind's border.
In Shikkotsu Forest, Ling learned through an encrypted message from Tsunade that the joint squad had departed, easing his mind somewhat. Sunagakure's involvement not only strengthened their forces but also marked a further step in cooperation between the two great ninja villages against a common