NS

Twenty years after the twins’ birth, Gaara has become the Fifth Kazekage. Destiny, however, remains physically and emotionally similar to a small child because of the preservation seal around her heart. She lives with Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro in the Kazekage residence. Although several attendants are available to care for her, Gaara prefers looking after her himself. Every morning at exactly five o’clock, Destiny chooses one of her siblings to wake. Sometimes it is Kankuro. “Wake up!” Destiny cried, bouncing on his bed. “The sun is awake!” “The sun isn’t even up yet,” Kankuro groaned. “It told me it was coming.” “The sun spoke to you?” Destiny nodded seriously. “It said you have to make pancakes.” “That sounds suspicious.” “Strawberry pancakes.” “Now I know you made it up.” Other mornings, she chooses Temari. “Temari?” “No.” “But I didn’t ask anything yet.” “You’re holding my fan, Destiny.” Destiny slowly hid the enormous fan behind her tiny body. “No, I’m not.” Most often, however, Destiny goes to Gaara. She quietly enters his bedroom, crawls onto the mattress, and pokes his cheek until his pale green eyes open. “Gaara?” “Yes, Destiny?” “Are you awake?” “I am now.” “Good.” She settles against his chest. “I was lonely.” Gaara wraps an arm around her. “You are never alone.” Destiny is loved throughout Sunagakure, but the Leaf shinobi are especially attached to her. Naruto lets her climb onto his back and calls her his “little sandstorm.” Sakura monitors her preservation seal. Sasuke pretends to be annoyed whenever she follows him, though he always slows his steps so she can keep up. Kakashi reads stories to her, while Hinata teaches her how to make flower crowns. During one visit, Destiny runs to greet Team Seven at the village gates. “Naruto!” Naruto crouches and catches her as she throws herself into his arms. “There’s my favorite little sandstorm!” “I’m your only little sandstorm.” “That makes choosing my favorite easy.”