"Welcome to my humble home."
Gaara announced with a proud smile. Tutubi is hovering over the gelel mine base at the moment. Karin woke up and rubbed her eyes. For the nth time in their trip her eyes widened at the beauty of nature that can be appreciated only when one is hovering up in the air. Before this, she never even thought that things like flying machines are already a thing and her mother is no different.
The little girl asked about this and that while pointing here and there with eyes brimming with blissful awe. Ayumi smiled at her daughter's antics, she shook her head and lovingly stroked her daughter's hair. Turning to Gaara, she smiled with appreciation and gave her patron a slight but heartfelt bow.
Tutubi landed inside the base after a sightseeing session with nature. Inside the base, the most advanced technology Gaara can afford can be seen. This stroke the visitors with another wave of marvelous facial expressions not different from when a kid from the province visited the city.
"Are you filthy rich oniichan!?"
Karin asked out of nowhere, she had an animated sparkle in her eyes. She looked like she's already forgot about the painful past she had in Kusagakure and the places she and her mother stayed in before there.
"Don't take her seriously Gaara-san, it's just that the whole experience we've had made her high in adrenaline."
Gaara nodded with understanding and smiled. Children are generally curious things who will feel frustrated when their questions are left unanswered with a sound explanation. Or a made up one which they will fight to defend tooth and nail only to feel disappointed. Yes, Santa isn't real.
"Rest assured Ayumi-san, I don't really mind."
He bent down with a smile and patted Karin's head much to her elation.
"Filthy rich is a nice way to put it my dear (spot on). If you want anything in the future, just ask big brother and I'll be sure to get it for you."
Ayumi took Karin into her arms and communicated with her daughter through their eyes. She didn't want to further burden their benefactor. Allowing her daughter to request things from him excessively will surely bother the man/teen/guy.
Gaara who caught on almost immediately quickly spoke in his new 'recruit's' defense.
"You don't have to worry Ayumi-san, I am running an import-extort business that mostly deals with tech (and weapons) so slipping in a few requests is no big deal at all. Consider this as one of the perks of working for me."
The mother and child gave their benefactor another bow led by the former. This time it is a proper forty-five degree unlike the previous one.
"Thank you for your care."
Gaara only smiled as he gestured for them showing that such formalities is not necessary in his presence.
"I will have a puppet lead you to your quarters so you can clean up and prepare, then you will have breakfast, then a tour after that, and finally I'll introduce you to the kids who will be in your care. Let's go."
'Finally no more poopy business.'
------------------
Karin felt like she is inside a dream considering that it has only been less that a few hours that they'd meet her Gaara Oniichan. He took them to the skies riding a mysterious carriage that flew without wings to flap or flames coming up its ass like a firecracker.
She marveled at the ingenuity of the person who built it. Another surprise to her budding mind is the rush she felt and the magnificent view while soaring through the skies.
Last but not least is that their benefactor lived inside a hollowed mountain. It is unexpectedly spacious and clean not dark and damp like how she thought it would have been inside a cave. He was very nice and gave them a designated 'room' filled with things we can wear like clothes and shoes.
Once they are done cleaning up they are led by a puppet to a huge mess hall. It is currently empty except for one long table that is filled to the brim with food. Go, grow, and glow foods needed by the body especially for a growing child like Karin.
The puppet explained that they will be seeing Gaara when their satiety issues are dealt with. The mother and daughter pair enjoyed the sumptuous feast and followed the puppet to the series of long winding hallways.
"There you are!"
Gaara beckoned to the pair to come close, he looked excited as he gestured to his side. Five babies, all with black hair like Gaara. They wondered if he is the father but shook their head not wanting to pry. They are already very thankful to the young man for everything he did.
"Children, these are Ayumi and her daughter Karin. Guys, meet White, Black, Red, Green, and Blue."
'Yes, they are my future rangers who will fight monsters and alien invaders.'
"They're so cute Oniichan! Can I help you when you take care of them? Please Mom? Oniichan?"
Ayumi smiled and looked to her employer who just smiled and nodded at her. Only then did she answer.
"Of course sweetie. We will make these babies grow fast like a bamboo shoot."
Ayumi bragged with a smile while showing off her non-existent biceps. Her gloomy personality is slowly being replaced with her original optimistic one. 'Perhaps it was something in the air?' She thought to herself.
Well she isn't wrong. The amount of life essence in the air inside the base is at least up to ten times denser than the one outside the base. One would feel rejuvenated just breathing the air in this base. Injuries will heal quickly, the mind is cleared, the body is improved. Who wouldn't want to live in this place?
"I'll leave these guys to you. For now, I have many important business to deal with. These puppets will follow your instructions and relay your message if you have anything you want to tell me. There are entertainment and recreation facilities in here so feel free to use them. If a door doesn't open it means you are not allowed inside. If you want to go outside you can ask the puppets to bring you to the closest village. There's one that is only half an hour flight distance to the base. Just civilians and occasionally some genin level shinobi no need to worry."
"Do you have questions?"
Ayumi thought for a moment before asking.
"How long will you be gone?"
"Well I won't be long gone. A month if things go well, more if not but that should take no longer than three."