Aftershocks (hindsight is 20/20.)
Later, they all see what had happened. Later it makes sense, in some twisted, horrible way.
Sakura had never thought about the deep bruises that Gaara sported around his eyes. She’d never even really made the connection between knowing that Naruto had a bijuu sealed inside him, and the knowledge that it had taken nearly all of his strength to beat Gaara to a pulp after their chounin exams. True, by the end of the mission, she knew Gaara used to be a Jinchuiki, but the connection was never there.
She’d also never thought about what Naruto was told about the times that he’d attacked his friends.
Naruto, though, had seen the connections, wrong as they were. Sakara never heard what was said between the boys. She didn’t hear the suggestions about how to stay awake, and the kind of damage that could be done if one slept.
She’d forgotten that beneath the recklessness and blunder, her blond teammate was smart. In his own way. To be honest, she’s rather proud of Naruto of making the connection, even though it was the wrong one.
She just wishes that the aftermath wasn’t so damaging.
--
They say goodbye. Goodbye to their friends, to Suna, to their ally.
As they leave, Konoha’s demon grasps the hand of Suna’s former monster. Both weapons, designed for combat, striving for peace. The Kazekage and the boy who would love to be Hokage.
The leaves dance in the middle of a sandstorm, unafraid of being torn to shreds.