The Path of a Shinobi (Reader x various)

Gaara's Revival

Gaara's P.O.V.

"Where am I..." A binding white light was surrounding the atmosphere around me. It was cold and a void of emptiness.

"Gaara!" A voice echoed around me. It sounded like a female's voice yet there was a male's voice as well that resounded in my ears. 'I've heard those voices somewhere...'

A figure appeared in front of my eyes but that person's face is a blur. A (s/c) hand was reaching out towards me and gently calling out my name. I blinked a few times and my eyes started to adjust. I could clearly see it was (Y/n) that appeared. Her expression held one of concern while she stared at me. I felt someone's hand touch my shoulder. I turned my head and saw Naruto looking down at me with a relieved smile. Turning my head back, I finally extended my hand and gripped onto (Y/n)'s warm hand. Her warm hands gave me comfort to join her. The scenery changed and once my eyes opened I found myself surrounded by hundreds of people.

2nd person P.O.V.

"So you're awake now huh," you said while still having Gaara's hand in yours. He gazed from left to right at the crowd of people that were here.

"What's...going on?" He muttered out.

"Everyone came to help you. You had everyone worried." Everyone was overwhelmed with relief and joy to see Gaara still alive. You finally released your hand from his to let him have a moment with Temari and Kankuro. Gaara felt a bit dejected that the warmth from your hand was gone but he didn't show it.

You turned around and saw Sakura holding onto Lady Chiyo's body. 'Rest in peace Lady Chiyo." Naruto, being naive, thought that Lady Chiyo was asleep and not knowing she was dead.

"She's not asleep. She's dead..." You heard Kankuro break the news to Naruto who had a shocked face. He couldn't believe it.

"One life for another," was all you said as your eyes glanced from Lady Chiyo to Gaara. Gaara tried to stand up, but staggered as he was still recovering. With Naruto's assistance, he helped him get back on his feet. While Gaara unemotionally stared at Lady Chiyo he announced, "Everyone pray for Lady Chiyo and bid her farewell."

Silence filled the air as everyone closed their eyes to pay their respects for death. A sacrifice one makes to help ameliorate the future.

*Timeskip*

The arrival back to the Sand Village went smoothly and greeted by thousands of Sand Shinobi waiting for their Kazekage. Lady Chiyo's funeral was held but after that it was time for us to take our leave. The mission was complete now it's time to head back home. Outside the Sand Village, we were gathered once more by Lady Chiyo's grave to bid her farewell and the Sand siblings.

"Well I guess this is goodbye for now," you awkwardly said, not knowing what to say especially since you rarely even see them.

"I guess this is where people have to shake hands and get all choked up saying goodbye but I've never really been good at that stuff." Naruto slightly scratched his cheek in an embarrassed way. Gaara held out his hand to Naruto waiting for him to accept a handshake.

"Go on," you said while giving Naruto's arm a nudge to hurry up. While they had their little friendship moment you struck up a small conversation with Temari. "Make sure to watch over your brothers."

"Same goes to you, watch over your friends especially Naruto, considering how much of a handful he can be." A small smirk tugged at her lips.

"Pfft believe me there's no escaping him especially since we're on the same team, neighbors, and best friends."

"Glad I'm not in your shoes. I don't think I'd be able to deal with him everyday." We both giggled at her response but left it at that for now. You waved her and Kankuro goodbye but when it came to Gaara, out of impulse, you quickly embraced him in a hug.

"Take care Gaara." You left him standing there stunned before you gave him one last smile. Leaving with your team and Team Guy

Not being a slow walker, you were walking at the front with near Naruto and leaving the rest behind you. You could hear Tenten yell out to Kakashi Sensei and Guy Sensei to pick up their pace.

"It can't be helped if they're slow Tenten!" Your words seemed to have triggered Guy Sensei to go into Guy mode. He placed Kakashi Sensei on his back, giving him a piggyback ride. It was an odd sight indeed.

"Move out of the way, comin through!" He sprinted past us at the speed of light leaving us in the dust. Inspired by the idea, Lee offered Neji a piggyback ride but was shot down right away. Lee motioned for you to hop on but you waved your hands frantically.

"No thanks I'd prefer to walk three days."

"Like she'd want to be seen like that with you Lee," replied Neji. Tenten could only nod in agreement as she was literally done with her team. Lee quickly ran off now to try to catch up to Guy Sensei.

"Why don't you just teleport and beat them both so you could rub their so called power of youth in their faces," added in Naruto.

"I can't teleport such long distances, if I could then I would've done so already."

"Teleportation jutsu yet can't go far, thought you would've learned by now," he muttered under his breath.

"I heard you, you know!" You huffed and crossed your arms over your chest while you started walking. Time to continue our three day walk back to the village that will cause suffering to our feet.