Seeing the statue formed from sand, Temari's eyes were filled with shock.
Although Karura had been dead for a long time, she recognized her identity immediately.
"The sand that protects Gaara… it's really Mother's power…"
Temari couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
Originally, she shared Gaara's thoughts, believing what Mirai Uchiha said was just a well-intentioned lie.
But unexpectedly, everything he said turned out to be true!
A twitch appeared at the corner of Mirai Uchiha's mouth.
[Matoi], huh? Even he hadn't expected this!
After his moment of realization, Mirai naturally began contemplating.
"Other than Indra Otsutsuki and Asura Otsutsuki, Karura seems to be the only ninja capable of leaving behind her power and will after death."
"But according to records, there was nothing particularly remarkable about Karura's chakra or spiritual power. So just how did she manage this…"
"Could it really be… a mother's love?!"
Mirai couldn't help but frown slightly.
Looks like his power still wasn't enough—he couldn't even understand so many things yet.
He needed to get stronger—no doubt about it!
---
After a long while, Gaara finally lifted his head.
The cold expression on his face was gone, replaced by one of peace.
Gaara turned toward the female sand statue and softly spoke, "Mother, I've already felt your feelings for me."
"Starting today, I won't be like before anymore. I'll live my life properly."
As his words fell, the woman-shaped sand sculpture disintegrated into a pile of sand scattered on the ground.
Carefully, Gaara scooped up the sand and placed it inside his gourd.
After finishing this, he finally stood back up and walked slowly toward Temari.
A hint of apology appeared on Gaara's face. "Si-sister… I used to act so selfishly. I made you worry."
"I won't be like that anymore."
"I'm the happiest person in the world because I'm surrounded by love."
Feeling Gaara's affection for her for the first time, Temari covered her mouth and began silently crying.
Unlike the original story, Rasa died far earlier in this timeline and carried heavy blame.
Temari alone took care of her two younger brothers, and the hardships she endured went without saying.
Now seeing her efforts finally pay off, Temari was overwhelmed by the emotions she'd held back for so long.
Seeing Temari's state, Gaara stepped forward voluntarily and hugged her.
Creak~
The old wooden door was pushed open from outside, producing a worn-out creaking sound.
A young boy entered, his face painted with purple markings and his body swaddled in layers of thick clothing.
"Sis Temari, I'm back..."
His voice trailed off abruptly.
Seeing Gaara and Temari locked in a warm hug, the boy rubbed his eyes in disbelief: 'What the hell?! Am I seeing this right?!'
Hearing Kankuro's voice, Gaara let go of Temari and stepped toward him.
"T-That... Gaara, I didn't mean to shout like that earlier, oh! I'll clean up the pieces on the floor..."
Kankuro waved his hands while backing away, until he hit the wall with nowhere left to go.
Watching Gaara continue advancing, Kankuro forced a smile that looked more like a grimace: "I-I-Gaara... p-please stop coming closer!!"
Boom!
Gaara tightly embraced Kankuro: "Brother, don't be afraid. I won't hurt you anymore."
Kankuro stood frozen, pointing at Gaara's head toward Temari and whispering, "What's wrong with him?"
———
"Oh, I see… So that's how it is…"
After listening to Temari explain everything from start to finish, Kankuro couldn't help but feel stirred up inside.
When Gaara was born, he had been too young to understand, just like Gaara himself once was.
He never imagined that the protective chakra shielding Gaara had actually come from their mother.
"Tch~"
"This really gets under my skin."
Kankuro muttered under his breath.
They were all their mother's children, yet only Gaara inherited this power.
Their mother sure was biased.
Still, getting to meet such a legendary shinobi in person made it totally worth it!
Feeling Kankuro's gaze, Mirai Uchiha stood up: "It's getting late. I should be heading out now."
Upon hearing this, Temari, Gaara, and Kankuro quickly rose to their feet and walked Mirai to the door.
Gaara sincerely said, "Mirai-sama, I've troubled you with my problems."
Mirai waved a hand dismissively: "Don't worry about it. I'm only doing what interests me."
Then, muttering softly to himself, barely audible, he added, "...Consider this payment for the unforgettable moment of brilliance you three gifted my younger self back in my Youth..."
Only after Mirai's figure had completely vanished from sight did Temari, Gaara, and Kankuro finally turn away.
With envy in his tone, Kankuro remarked, "Mirai really is something else. Not only did he not hold our status as descendants of his old enemies against us, he even helped Gaara overcome his inner demons."
"That's just what it means to be a ninja. If one day I could become as admired and powerful as Mirai Uchiha, that would truly be wonderful."
Gaara reached back with quiet resolve, his hand resting lightly on the gourd strapped to his side.
"It was Mirai Uchiha who gave me hope to live, who saved me from the darkness."
"Even at the cost of my life, I will repay Mirai Uchiha's grace."
After hearing Kankuro and Gaara's words, Temari fell into deep thought.
Since both of her younger brothers looked up to Mirai Uchiha so much, why shouldn't they seize this chance to forge a bond with him?
If we really could follow Mirai Uchiha...
Temari glanced at those crowds hiding nearby, nervously peeking in their direction.
Those people used to beat and abuse them without mercy, showing up daily just to torment them.
Yet now they looked at them with fear and forced smiles.
Thinking about this, Temari's gaze gradually became resolute.
Although Gaara had resolved his inner turmoil, he had also lost the monster's power within his body.
Without Gaara's intimidation, their situation as three siblings had actually become more dangerous.
Even if they could survive, villagers would still show them no kindness.
Only by seizing this opportunity and earning Mirai Uchiha's favor could they escape this living hell.
With today's encounter, their chances of gaining Mirai Uchiha's acceptance must have improved greatly!
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