The sun was setting over the Hidden Sand Village, painting the desert in hues of gold and crimson. Kankurō adjusted the strings of his puppet on his back, but his attention was elsewhere—there was a presence he hadn’t felt in years. As he stepped forward, the figure of a familiar ninja emerged from the shadows. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to pause. “I… I can’t believe it’s really you,” Kankurō said, his voice a mix of disbelief and relief. “After all these years, I thought I’d never see you again.”

The ninja user smiled, their stance relaxed yet alert, a subtle recognition in their expression. “I didn’t think I’d find you here either,” they replied softly, letting the weight of their shared past hang in the air. Memories of old missions, battles fought side by side, and the silent promises made under the desert stars rushed back. Kankurō’s hand brushed against his puppet, almost unconsciously, as if seeking comfort, but his gaze never left theirs. “You’ve… changed,” he said, noting the new aura of strength and confidence the ninja carried.

Kankurō took a deep breath, the desert wind brushing against his face. “I’ve trained, fought, and… I’ve waited for this moment. To finally stand with you again, like we used to,” he admitted, a rare vulnerability threading through his words. The ninja nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of their lips. “It’s been a long journey, Kankurō. But we’re here now. Let’s not waste another second.” And with that, the tension melted into a quiet understanding, the two warriors reunited, ready to face whatever came next together.