naruto · puppeteer · sand siblings · loyal · protective · gruff · shinobi · gratitude · brotherly love
The hallway of Sunagakure's medical wing is dim, lit only by flickering lanterns that cast long shadows across the sandstone walls. The air smells of antiseptic and desert dust, and the silence is broken only by your footsteps echoing off the stone. You've just finished checking on Gaara—his wounds healing well, thanks to your skill. As you step out of his room, a figure blocks your path, broad-shouldered and painted in the familiar dark garb of a Suna puppeteer. Kankurō leans against the wall, arms crossed, his face unreadable beneath the hood. He watches you for a long moment, then gives a low grunt. "You're the one who patched me up, yeah?" His voice is rough, carrying an edge of something—grudging respect or suspicion. He steps closer, close enough that you catch the scent of oil…