redvbooks Chapter 314 Finding the Road
Chapter 314 Finding the Road
"...Naruto!"
Upon seeing the blond figure appear, Gaara immediately stood up from the corner, calling out in obvious urgency.
However, judging from the somewhat bewildered and incredulous expressions on Kankuro and Temari's faces behind him, they were clearly not yet fully accustomed to this new version of their younger brother.
The Gaara of the past exuded a cold aura that kept strangers at bay. His only purpose in life was killing, and there was no trace of human light in his eyes, only death and madness... So what about now?
That chilling coldness, that ever-present murderous aura, had completely vanished. In its place was a sense of vulnerability, and even a childlike unease and bewilderment could be clearly seen on his face.
This goes far beyond what can be explained by a "drastic personality change"; it's more like... a complete alteration of one's will.
What exactly happened during the time they were unconscious? Temari and Kankuro were filled with immense doubt.
But in any case, compared to their younger brother who treated them like dirt and could suddenly turn on them and kill them at any moment, the Gaara before them, though unfamiliar, made them feel more... heartache and an urge to protect him.
As for Naruto, he certainly prefers Gaara now, who has shed his heavy armor, reveals his true emotions, and is somewhat like a little panda.
"Hey, Gaara," Naruto walked over, "How's it going? Shukaku hasn't come out to bother you while you're sleeping anymore, has he?"
"Yes," Gaara nodded vigorously, "This is all thanks to Naruto."
Last night, I had my first peaceful sleep ever, free from threats, whispers, and nightmares, but... Gaara didn't sleep well.
Because as soon as I close my eyes, the image of the person in front of me appears in my mind.
"That's good. It seems that even if I return to Sunagakure, I won't have to worry about sleep problems anymore."
Naruto continued speaking in a lighthearted tone, but Gaara's mood clearly dropped.
Although Gaara has become "normal," he scared Maki quite a bit yesterday when he mustered up the courage to ask the Jonin in charge of the team, Maki, if he wanted to stay in Konoha.
Although he didn't know what had happened, Gaara actually... became normal? In his shock, Maki saw the stable Gaara and realized that this meant that the Jinchuriki of Sunagakure was no longer a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.
Therefore, Maki immediately explained to Gaara in great seriousness the international rules and harsh realities regarding Jinchuriki.
He emphasized that if a village forcibly seizes the Jinchūriki or Tailed Beasts of other villages, it is tantamount to depriving that village of its strategic trump card. This would not only trigger a war to the death, but would also invite the joint vigilance and sanctions of all other major powers!
This has far exceeded the scope of personal will; it is a conflict of a life-or-death nature that is enough to shake the foundations of a nation and trigger a full-scale war.
Gaara understands all the reasons. However, as it stands now, apart from the newly rekindled, cautious affection he still feels for his rival Mariko and Kankuro, Gaara has no attachment or concern for the entire village.
If Naruto were to say "Stay" to Gaara right now, Gaara would absolutely choose to stay in Konoha without hesitation.
However, seeing the scene before him, Naruto clearly wouldn't say, "Stay." Naruto, observing the undisguised disappointment on Gaara's face, naturally understood what the red-haired boy was yearning for.
If we consider only the power dynamics, Naruto doesn't care about Sunagakure's attitude at all. If they really dare to start a war because of this, the entire military force of the Land of Wind combined wouldn't be enough for Naruto to defeat.
However, Naruto chose not to force Gaara to stay. The reason was simple: in Sunagakure, Gaara wasn't without anything; he still had family connected by blood. Temari and Kankuro were there.
Naruto absolutely does not want Gaara's entire world to revolve solely around him. He deserves the opportunity to repair his relationship with his siblings and to explore his own independent life path.
Apart from Gaara's mentally unstable father, all of Gaara's other family members genuinely love him.
Naruto's gaze swept over Temari and Kankuro, who stood behind him, their expressions complex yet unable to conceal their concern. In the original story, these two were unable to express familial affection because they had lived under the constant threat of Gaara's out-of-control rampage for so long that fear overwhelmed their familial bond.
Most of the suffering Gaara endured stemmed from the cruel policies and deliberate manipulation of his father, Rasa. Now that Rasa is dead, this greatest cancer has been removed, and no one in Sunagakure will scheme to persecute him anymore. This is the fundamental reason why Naruto can confidently send Gaara back.
Of course, there is also a most basic and realistic guarantee—for Naruto, who has mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, the long journey from Konoha to Sunagakure takes only... one second.
"Gaara," Naruto said, softening his voice and speaking earnestly, "After you return to Sunagakure, if you encounter any difficulties or need me for anything, just channel your chakra into the mark I left for you. No matter how far apart we are, I will be able to sense it clearly. I promise you, no matter what happens, I will be by your side as soon as possible."
Gaara suddenly raised his head, and the feeling of "abandonment" that had been threatening to overwhelm him in his green eyes vanished without a trace in an instant!
Is this... what I heard? Is he really not going to abandon me?
"The Flying Thunder God Technique," Naruto explained patiently, "is a space-time ninjutsu that allows for instantaneous teleportation. Just like when you were kidnapped by Orochimaru that day, I was able to get to your side in an instant. Moreover, once the Flying Thunder God mark is planted, it will never disappear."
"Really...really?!" Gaara's voice trembled as he desperately wanted to confirm this promise that felt like salvation to him.
"Yes, absolutely." Naruto's tone was incredibly certain. "Whether you're in danger, or facing anything else that makes you feel helpless... or even if you just want to talk to me, that's perfectly fine too. Because I promised you I would protect you, so there's absolutely no need to worry about bothering me, understand?"
Gaara raised his hand and gently stroked the spot on his shoulder—the very spot where Naruto had left the Flying Thunder God Seal. His movements were careful, as if he were caressing the most precious treasure in the world.
"Really...is it okay...?" he whispered again to confirm.
"Of course it's true," Naruto answered firmly in his heart. This was also partly Naruto's own selfish reason. If Sunagakure dared to prevent Gaara from summoning Naruto in the future, or tried to isolate Gaara from the outside world… then Naruto would have no choice but to personally have a "talk" with the Sunagakure leadership.
"By the way, Gaara," Naruto's voice turned serious again, steer the conversation to a more crucial question, "Now, you've completely abandoned your old path of 'proving your worth through killing,' haven't you?"
"Yes!" Gaara nodded vigorously, his eyes clear and firm. "Naruto, you've proven with facts that the ideas Father instilled in me were completely wrong! I'll never think like that again!"
"So, Gaara, listen carefully—" Naruto stared into his eyes, "Since your past meaning of life has completely collapsed, and a new meaning has not yet been clearly established..."
"Then go and search! Use your eyes to observe the world, and use your hands to create and experience it for yourself."
"Go find that path that is not imposed on you by anyone, but that you yourself are convinced of from the depths of your heart and are willing to give everything for."
"And no matter what path you ultimately choose..." Naruto's voice was filled with boundless tolerance and support, "except for the original one, I will always, always stand behind you and be your strongest support."