Since arriving in this world, Zhang Miao has had everything smooth sailing, but Gaara's experiences showed him that some people's fates are genuinely tumultuous. A thought suddenly appeared in his mind.
"Could it be the influence of the world's will?"
"Yes!"
As soon as Zhang Miao thought of this, the system's prompt sounded in his mind.
"You have been recognized by the world's will, which is why everything has been smooth for you. You can also influence others' destinies to a certain extent, but this influence is not unlimited; it is related to the time you spend with them."
"What?"
Hearing this, Zhang Miao frowned.
"Do you mean that the less time someone spends with me, the less likely their fate will be changed?"
The system promptly responded to Zhang Miao's question, "Yes, and even if it changes, it will only be temporary."
After hearing the system's explanation, Zhang Miao understood.
"The longest I spent with Gaara was the first year I was in the Sand Village. After that, our time together was less, so his fate changed again."
Thinking of this, a helpless expression appeared on Zhang Miao's face.
"I had prepared everything for Gaara, but due to our limited time together, the world's will reverted his fate in such a way. If I had known, I would have spent more time with him!"
After regretting it, Zhang Miao suddenly thought of something and quickly turned to Kankuro.
"By the way, what about Ma Jia? Is he dead too?"
Hearing this, Kankuro immediately shook his head.
"No, when Gaara lost control, Advisor Ma Jia helped father suppress him. But..."
Kankuro hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"But after Advisor Ma Jia re-sealed Gaara, he took mother into the Reaper Temple and locked the door. They haven't come out since."
"Huh?"
Hearing Kankuro's words, Zhang Miao showed a hint of doubt.
"Ma Jia took Karura's body to the Reaper Temple? Why would he do that?"
As soon as Zhang Miao thought of this, the system's voice rang again.
"The Reaper Temple is the medium through which you collect ninja fragments and is also a node of your consciousness. When someone you have recruited stays inside, no matter how severe their injuries, as long as they have a supply of chakra, they can remain in a state of suspended animation."
"There's such a function?"
Hearing the system's explanation, Zhang Miao's eyes lit up, and he patted Kankuro on the shoulder with a broad smile.
"Kankuro, your mother isn't dead. She's in a state of suspended animation and can still be saved!"
"Really?"
Hearing this, Kankuro stood up excitedly. But before he could say anything more, a hand pressed down on his head from behind and pushed him aside.
About to lose his temper at the rude interruption, Kankuro saw who it was and quickly forced a smile.
"Sister, why are you here?"
It turned out the person was Temari, whom Gaara had sent. She ignored Kankuro and walked straight to Zhang Miao.
"Miao, is it true that my mother can still be saved?"
"Hmm?"
Hearing Temari's question, Zhang Miao didn't answer directly but raised an eyebrow slightly.
"What did you call me just now?"
"Uh..."
Seeing Zhang Miao's teasing expression, Temari blushed and whispered in a voice as soft as a mosquito's.
"Husband!"
"Ah!"
Hearing Temari's shy voice, Zhang Miao cheerfully responded and patted his lap.
"Come, my good wife, sit here. I have questions for you."
"This..."
Hesitating for a moment, Temari turned to Kankuro.
"Kankuro, get out!"
Kankuro: "..."
Damn, it's not like it's the first time. Why do you care if I see it?
Feeling reluctant but not wanting to disobey, Kankuro sighed and walked out, carrying his puppet, "Crow," leaving Temari and Zhang Miao alone.
Seeing this, Zhang Miao laughed heartily, pulled Temari onto his lap, and raised an eyebrow at her.
"Temari, Kankuro left you for a puppet. It seems you aren't doing a great job as a sister, hehe!"
Temari: "..."
Her face reddened with embarrassment again, but she remembered her primary concern and quickly asked Zhang Miao.
"You said my mother could be saved. Is it true?"
"Of course!"
Not teasing her any further, Zhang Miao nodded.
"Ma Jia took your mother to the Reaper Temple to sustain her life. After the Chunin Exam, I will revive her."
"That's wonderful!" Hearing Zhang Miao's confirmation, Temari's face lit up with joy.
Seeing her so happy, Zhang Miao smiled again.
"Now that you know everything, it's my turn to ask. Are you here to ally with the Sound Village to destroy Konoha?"
"This..."
Hesitating momentarily, Temari saw Zhang Miao's serious gaze and finally nodded.
"Yes, it's Father's order."
"Are you sure it's your father giving the orders and not someone impersonating him?"
"What do you mean?" Temari frowned at Zhang Miao's words.
"Exactly what I said."
Seeing her frown, Zhang Miao's eyes gleamed as he opened them.
"I'm ninety percent sure that the 'Fourth Kazekage' you saw is actually Orochimaru!"
"No, that's impossible!" Temari shook her head as soon as Zhang Miao finished speaking. "If we saw Orochimaru, then where is my father?"
"Your father? Hmph!"
Hearing her question, Zhang Miao snorted.
"What good outcome can come from allying with a tiger? If I'm right, your father, the Fourth Kazekage, is already dead!"
"What?"
Hearing this, Temari's face turned pale.