Chapter 588: Chapter 587 : Tsunade Returns to Konoha!!
"Yes, you will take the Chunin Exams!"
Rasa looked at Gaara, who was stunned.
For the first time, a kind expression appeared on his face.
He stared at his somewhat distant son and spoke seriously.
"You’ve grown up. It’s time the ninja world knows... that the Land of Wind has a shinobi like you!"
As he spoke, pride shone in Rasa’s eyes.
Although Gaara had grown up under constant pressure, Rasa never thought his way of raising me was wrong.
Moreover, he believed that now Gaara was truly exceptional—remarkably so.
In fact, Gaara’s abilities as he stood now were comparable to elite Jonin. If he used Shukaku’s power, he could even rival a Kage.
That was why he could allow Gaara to take the Chunin Exams.
"Really?" Gaara asked, a hint of joy shining in his eyes.
Memories of a boy who had tried to befriend him years ago surfaced in my mind.
That boy had even calmed Shukaku.
Since that boy left, Shukaku had become far more obedient.
Uchiha Genya...
Finally, he could go see him.
Gaara wondered if he was still doing well.
That day, Genya had promised to introduce him to someone like himself.
Someone like him... a jinchūriki?
Ever since learning he would be going to Konoha, feelings that had lain dormant in his heart began to stir once more.
A sense of longing.
"Konoha... I wonder if that brat Genya kept his promise and drained the Nine-Tails’ chakra!" Shukaku roared inside my mind when he heard about Konoha.
He even couldn’t help but scream.
After so many years here, he would finally see that interesting boy.
He also wanted to see if that boy had kept his word.
Of course...
He would also want to mock that fox when the time was right.
"You don’t want to go?" Rasa asked, noticing the stiffness in my expression.
"If you don’t wish to go, I’ll send someone else."
Gaara had grown up, and it was time to follow his own heart.
"I want to go!" Gaara said firmly.
"With whom? When do we leave?"
"Kankuro, Temari, come out!" Rasa clapped his hands when he saw Gaara agree.
Two figures appeared before Gaara.
They had been above the room all along, though Gaara had noticed them long ago.
He just hadn’t said anything.
Two figures appeared. One was a man dressed in black with purple markings on his face. The other was a blonde woman carrying a large fan on her back.
"Kankuro."
"Temari!"
Gaara naturally recognized them and greeted them.
"You’re going to take part in the Chunin Exams this time. Remember... don’t tarnish the reputation of the Land of Wind!" Rasa spoke, his tone carrying both command and concern.
"I understand!" Gaara nodded, but as soon as he said it, he turned and left. "You’ve met them. Inform me when you’re ready to depart!"
Sighing, Rasa watched Gaara’s cold back with a mixture of helplessness and concern. These years had been tough for him. Rasa had expected Gaara’s personality to be like this.
He let out another deep sigh.
Then Rasa turned to Kankuro and Temari. "Gaara is strong, but he’s too cold. He’s leading this team, but remember to warn him if anything happens!"
"Yes, Lord Kazekage!" Kankuro nodded.
They knew Gaara very well. They had completed two missions together and understood his personality—decisive in battle, but dangerous if angered, as it could trigger the Shukaku within him.
Of course, social interactions were Gaara’s weak point. Over the years, he hadn’t had a normal conversation with anyone.
Konoha.
"Genya, the message has been delivered!" Deidara returned, looking proud as he spoke to Genya.
At that moment, Genya was visiting Neji’s mother. After days of recovery, her health had improved greatly, and her complexion had regained a healthy glow.
One had to admire Toshi’s medical ninjutsu.
When Neji’s mother had first been brought back, Genya had almost lost hope. But Toshi had pulled her back from the brink of death.
As he stepped outside, he ran into the ever-exuberant Deidara.
"Did you take action?" Genya asked cautiously, observing Deidara’s excitement.
"Uh?"
Hearing that, Deidara, who had been smiling just moments ago, froze instantly, his tone becoming awkward and hesitant.
He looked at Genya, disbelief in his eyes, and said, "You... you knew?"
Deidara panicked slightly. When he went out to deliver the message, Genya had specifically instructed him not to cause trouble, yet... in the end, he had still acted.
"Judging by your expression, I could tell!" Genya replied with a smile, his face showing that exact ’just as expected’ look. Sure enough, when Deidara went out, trouble followed.
Kimimaro and Jugo watched Deidara’s guilty expression and laughed quietly.
"Genya, you have to believe me! I didn’t attack on purpose! That old man Onoki tried to trap me, asking about Atsukara!" Deidara looked at Genya, his face full of indignation. "I only acted because I had no choice!"
He hurriedly tried to explain.
But Genya just stared at him in silence.
"Really... it was Onoki who forced me into it!" Deidara said, his tone heavy. "Besides... I didn’t really fight, I only released two Clay Dust Attacks, and the old man let me go!"
"You have to believe me, I really just wanted to deliver the message and leave at first!"
Deidara’s earnest expression made the others laugh again.
"All right~ Genya, you’re teasing me," Deidara said, realizing Genya didn’t blame him. His mood lightened immediately.
Time passed slowly, and the Chunin Exams were approaching.
One by one, ninja from various villages began arriving, among them two who were especially striking and conspicuous.
Tsunade and Shizune.
"Konoha..." As they neared the village, Tsunade stopped in her tracks, muttering hesitantly. Since leaving her family and lover, she hadn’t wanted to stay in Konoha.
But, because of that Uchiha boy, she had no choice but to return.
Even if she couldn’t retrieve her necklace, she needed to know who had it now and whether they were worthy of wearing it.
"Lady Tsunade, should we inform the Hokage that you’ve returned?" Shizune asked, glancing at Konoha and then at Tsunade’s hesitation.
"No need," Tsunade shook her head.
This visit to Konoha wasn’t to see the old folks. Besides, with the Third Hokage’s network, the moment she stepped into Konoha... no, into the Land of Fire, Sarutobi Hiruzen would already know.
Even if she didn’t seek him out, he would send someone for her.
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