When asked this question, Naruto was silent for a moment before hesitantly answering, "I don't know why, but I feel that guy is a lot like me. We're both Jinchuriki, so I want to talk to him."
"Is that so." Jiraiya nodded, "No problem, I can arrange it, but you'll need Anbu to accompany you when you meet him."
This was mainly out of concern for Naruto, as his body was seriously injured. But it was just a formality, since Gaara's chakra was completely sealed, and the sealing team was watching him 24/7, so there shouldn't be any problems.
"Okay." Naruto nodded in agreement.
Overall, the losses for Konohagakure in this war weren't that great. The civilians had been evacuated before the war started, and Anbu was guarding various parts of Konohagakure. Although it looked like Konohagakure was heavily damaged, with Jiraiya on the front lines, not many ninjas were lost.
The biggest loss was the death of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. But compared to those who didn't know him, Jiraiya understood Sarutobi Hiruzen better.
He roughly knew what the old man was thinking, so he didn't feel sad. Instead, he felt a bit relieved, glad that his teacher, the great ninja hero and Third Hokage, died on the battlefield rather than of old age in the Hokage's position.
The only problem was the rumors in the ninja world. As the strongest nation, Konohagakure was invaded by an alliance and lost a Hokage. If it weren't for Jiraiya's presence, the other three great nations wouldn't be so quiet.
So, old man, you left this mess for me. You really were an irresponsible teacher.
...
The Sunagakure ninjas were held in Anbu, guarded by the sealing team, the interrogation department, and Anbu. The captains were Morino Ibiki from the interrogation department and Yamato from Anbu. They had the authority to mobilize everyone from both departments. If there was any resistance or riot, they were allowed to kill the enemy without any responsibility.
After understanding Naruto's thoughts, Jiraiya had Kakashi bring Naruto here while he went back to prepare for the trip. Sakura and Sasuke were temporarily called back by Kakashi, as not everyone could enter Anbu.
As they walked through the Anbu gate, a figure suddenly appeared in front of them, wearing a cat mask and a black robe, making it hard to tell their gender.
The Anbu glanced at them, "Pass."
Without a pass, you couldn't enter Anbu. That was the rule.
Kakashi didn't hesitate and threw Jiraiya's pass over. The Anbu caught it, opened it, and silently formed a seal. After confirming it was fine, they nodded at the two, "You may pass."
Then the figure disappeared.
Naruto asked curiously, "Are all Anbu like this?"
"Pretty much." Kakashi led Naruto inside, "Anbu mainly handles A-rank and above missions, which are very dangerous, so they can't easily reveal themselves. Also, Konohagakure's ninja rules clearly state that all ninjas must cooperate with Anbu."
"If you encounter Anbu and their mission conflicts with yours, you must unconditionally support their mission. If you don't cooperate, Anbu can act against you without any punishment, and you'll be labeled a traitor."
They're like law enforcers. Their actions represent the law. No matter what you're doing, you must cooperate with them. Of course, if it's urgent, you can tell them. They're reasonable, but if you make trouble, you'll bear the consequences.
Naruto scratched his head, "I understand."
"We're here," Kakashi said, stopping.
As they spoke, a faint light appeared in the dark basement, looking like candlelight. Naruto squinted for a while before he saw three people in black robes standing in front of them.
The three people didn't say anything when they saw them. They just checked their belongings as a routine and let them pass. Beyond them was a dark dungeon where Naruto saw some familiar faces.
There was Sunagakure Jonin Baki, who sat calmly with his eyes closed, the puppet master Kankuro, who looked dazed and doubtful, and Temari, who leaned against the wall, looking weak from her injuries.
Of course, the most luxurious single cell at the end had Gaara, with seals all over the walls.
But Gaara didn't look well. His chakra was sealed, making his presence so weak that Naruto could barely sense him. His face still had that indifferent look, but there was a hint of brokenness and doubt in his eyes.
Seven parts indifference, one part helplessness, one part brokenness, and one part doubt. Like a pie chart, it was quite amazing.
Hearing the footsteps, everyone except Gaara looked up at Kakashi and Naruto. Baki opened his eyes and his pupils shrank when he saw Naruto, but he didn't say anything, just stared at Naruto.
Kankuro swallowed hard, looking even more doubtful. Temari, on the other hand, had a strange look in her eyes, a mix of relief and happiness, but mostly complexity.
Hmm... they all looked like pie chart masters.
Kakashi stopped outside Gaara's cell and looked at Naruto. Naruto didn't hesitate and opened the cell door, walking in to stand in front of Gaara.
Gaara still didn't look up, just stared at the ground, looking completely powerless. Then Naruto punched him in the face. It wasn't a strong punch, but with no defense, Gaara fell to the ground, holding his cheek in disbelief.
Not only Kakashi, but even the Anbu and other Sunagakure ninjas in the cells were stunned. Baki's calm face was gone, and he stared at Naruto in shock.
The sand floated up dutifully, but with Gaara's chakra sealed and his gourd taken away, the floating sand looked more like dust blown by the wind, unable to protect Gaara.
Naruto pulled back his fist and looked down at Gaara: "I told you I'd punch you. Without that shell, you're just an ordinary person."
Baki, Kankuro, and Temari were completely shocked by Naruto's words and looked at Gaara on the ground.
"Don't come..."
Gaara lay on the ground, looking like a dog abandoned by its owner. He stared at Naruto with wide eyes, "Don't come!!!"
Gaara waved his hands wildly, trying to push Naruto away. The floating sand moved with his hands, looking like special effects, quite beautiful.
Naruto suddenly stepped forward and grabbed Gaara's waving hands. Their eyes met, and the sand floated between them, trying its best to protect Gaara.
Kakashi raised his hand to stop the Anbu from approaching and shook his head gently.
---
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