The Paths Ahead!!! (Naruto Shippuden)

Chapter 12: The Return Of The Kazekage!!

Anna's pov: *Later, a strecther was brought and Lady Chiyo's lifeless body was placed on it and covered. Gaara and I released our hands and I looked to him. I was about to say something when Fu suddenly came and wrapped her right arm around my shoulders.*

Fu: Hey.

Anna: *I smiled and replied*   Hey, Fu. *She smiled as we watched Sakura and some sand shinobi take care of Lady Chiyo's body.*

Fu: I still can't believe... that she did that.

Anna: Yeah... I know. It's unbelievable. *I added lolikg over to Gaara talking with Naruto and Kankoru making me to smile. As if Fu knew what I was thinking, she spoke.*

Fu: And I still can't believe Gaara's back again. That re-animation justu's really something else.

Anna: Yeah. *I agreed as she looked down sadly*   What's wrong?

Fu: Well.... it's just that... I mean, we both saw what happened to Gaara when his tailed beast was extracted... I mean... that blond guy... he did mention that they'd already killed a jinchurikki before Gaara so.... I don't know---

Anna: Fu. *I interrupted before she coukd say anymore*   Don't worry, I'm not going to let them lay their hands on you... or my big brother. *I said as she looked at me with slightly wide eyes while I smiled*   I made a promise to Shibuki right? That I'd protect you from any harm. I'll never go back on my word.... I'll protect you Fu... and Naruto... along with Gaara. *She smiled as i continued*    We almost lost Gaara today... no.. we completely did if not for Lady Chiyo.... and now that's he's got a second chance, we'll make sure we use it.

Fu: Yeah.

Anna's pov: *As she agreed, we both fistbumped in unison. Then Naruto and Kankoru walked up to us with Gaara's arms around their shoulders each.*

Kankoru: We're ready to go now. If we walk through the night, we should be back to the sand village in tomorrow morning.

Fu: Okay.

Anna: Let's go. *With a nod from them, the three boys went ahead first with everyone following behind. We all walked in a group as Temari and Matsuri walked by Naruto, Gaara and Kankoru's right sides, while Fu and I walked by their lefts. On Fu's left was Kakashi sensei, held by Guy sensei with his arm over Guy sensei's shoulders. Every now and then, I continually checked on Gaara to see if he was alright. As we walked, Fu tapped my left shoulder*   Hm? *I asked.*

Fu: How 'bout you play us some songs, Anna?

Anna: Hunh? *I asked completely taken aback.*

Naruto: Yeah, she's right. You should play something, sis.

Kankoru: I agree. You did say you wanted to let Temari hear you play when she's around, right Temari?

Temari: Oh yeah that's true. I've never heard you play before, Anna.

Fu: Come on, play something for us.

Anna's pov: *With more approvals from everyone else, I looked to Gaara staring at me with a small smile. I smiled back and brought out my scroll. I summoned a Shamisen and a flute with a clone. Then I gave the flute to the clone while I took the Shamisen as we began to play. As the melodious music flowed throughout the ears of everyone, I couldn't help but feel lighthearted that we were victorious. We got Gaara back... but lost Lady Chiyo. I know that in her final moment, she must have been very happy. As my clone and I played more songs, I also sang some lyrics to the songs i composed. As soon as we were done, I heard clapping and looked around to see the sand shinobi along with Team Guy, Temari, Matsuri and Fu giving me a clapping ovation. I smiled and bowed slightly as my clone disappeared and I returned my instruments*    Thank you.