"... Naruto!" As soon as he saw that blonde figure appear, Gaara immediately stood up from the corner, calling out with clear urgency in his voice.
However, judging by the expressions of Kankuro and Temari behind him, which still held some confusion and disbelief, they clearly hadn't fully adjusted to this brand-new version of their younger brother.
The original Gaara radiated a chilling aura that warned people away; the only meaning left in his existence was slaughter. His eyes held not a trace of human light, only deathly stillness and madness... But what about now?
That spine-chilling coldness, that Killing Intent constantly emanating from him, had completely vanished. In its place was a sense of fragility, and even a clear expression of childlike anxiety and confusion on his face.
This had far exceeded the scope of what could be explained as a "major change in personality"; it was almost as if... his will had been completely rewritten.
During the time they had been unconscious... what exactly had happened? Temari and Kankuro were filled with immense confusion.
But regardless, compared to the younger brother who had treated them as nothing and might suddenly lash out and kill people at any moment, the Gaara before them, though unfamiliar, made them feel... heartache and an urge to protect him.
As for Naruto, he naturally preferred this current Gaara, who had shed his heavy armor, displayed genuine emotions, and resembled a little raccoon dog.
"Yo, Gaara," Naruto stepped forward, "How are things? That Shukaku guy hasn't run out to bother your sleep again, has he?"
"Mhm," Gaara quickly nodded vigorously, "This is all thanks to Naruto."
Last night, I finally had the first peaceful sleep of my life, free from threats, whispers, or any nightmares, but... Gaara did not sleep peacefully.
Because as soon as he closed his eyes, the figure of the person right in front of him appeared in his mind.
"That's good. It looks like even when you return to the Hidden Sand Village, you won't have to worry about sleeping problems anymore."
Naruto continued speaking in a lighthearted tone, but Gaara's mood visibly sank.
Although Gaara had become "normal," when he plucked up the courage yesterday to suggest to the escorting Jonin Baki that he wanted to stay in Konoha, Baki was thoroughly shocked.
Although he didn't know what had happened, Gaara had actually... become normal? Amidst his shock, Baki saw this stable Gaara and realized this meant the Hidden Sand Village's Jinchuriki was no longer a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.
Thus, Baki immediately adopted an extremely serious demeanor and thoroughly explained the international rules and cruel realities concerning Jinchuriki to Gaara.
He emphasized that if one Village forcibly seized another Village's Jinchuriki or Tailed Beast, it was equivalent to stripping that Village of its strategic trump card. This would not only provoke endless war but would also incur the joint vigilance and sanctions of all other major nations!
This had far exceeded the scope of personal wishes; it was a conflict of an unrelenting nature, capable of shaking the nation's Foundation and triggering a full-scale war.
Gaara understood the logic. However, now, regarding the Hidden Sand Village, apart from a carefully rekindled familial affection for Temari and Kankuro, Gaara felt no attachment or concern for the entire Village.
At this moment, if Naruto were to say, "Stay here," Gaara would absolutely choose to remain in Konoha without hesitation or reservation.
However, looking at the situation before him, Naruto clearly wouldn't say, "Stay here." Naruto watched the undisguised disappointment on Gaara's face and naturally knew what the red-haired youth was yearning for in his heart.
If considering power alone, Naruto didn't care about the Hidden Sand Village's attitude. If they truly dared to start a war over this, the combined military might of the entire Land of Wind wouldn't be enough for Naruto to fight against.
However, the reason Naruto chose not to forcibly keep Gaara was simple: in the Hidden Sand Village, Gaara wasn't entirely alone; he still had family connected by Bloodline. Temari and Kankuro were there.
Naruto absolutely did not want Gaara's entire world to revolve solely around himself. He should have the opportunity to mend his relationship with his siblings and explore his own independent life path.
Apart from that abnormal father, Rasa, Gaara's other family members truly loved Gaara.
Naruto's gaze swept over Temari and Kankuro, who were standing behind, their expressions complicated but unable to hide their concern. In the original storyline, the fundamental reason these two couldn't express affection was that they had long lived under the deadly threat of Gaara losing control and going berserk; fear had overridden family love.
The vast majority of Gaara's suffering originated from his father Rasa's cruel policies and deliberate guidance. Now that Rasa was dead, this biggest malignancy had been removed, and no one within Sunagakure would deliberately scheme to persecute him. This was the fundamental reason Naruto felt comfortable letting Gaara return.
Of course, there was also the most basic and realistic guarantee—the long journey from Konoha to the Hidden Sand Village, for Naruto, who had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, the time required to travel was merely... one second.
"Gaara," Naruto lowered his voice and said seriously, "After you return to Sunagakure, if you encounter any difficulties, or if there is anything you need me for, just send Chakra into the mark I left for you. No matter the distance, I will clearly sense it. I promise you that no matter what happens, I will arrive by your side instantly."
Gaara abruptly raised his head, and the feeling of "being abandoned" that threatened to drown him in his green eyes instantly vanished without a trace!
Is this... what I heard? He really isn't going to abandon me?
"The Flying Thunder God Technique," Naruto explained patiently, "is a Space-Time Ninjutsu that allows for instantaneous movement. It's how I was able to reach you instantly the day you were kidnapped by Orochimaru. Moreover, once a Flying Thunder God Mark is placed, it will never disappear."
"Really... is that really true?!" Gaara's voice trembled; he desperately wanted to confirm this promise that felt like salvation to him.
"Mhm, absolutely true." Naruto's tone was incredibly firm, "Whether you encounter danger, or anything else that makes you feel helpless... even if you just want to chat with me, that's completely fine too. Because I promised to protect you, you absolutely don't need to worry about bothering me, understand?"
Gaara raised his hand and gently stroked the spot on his shoulder—that was exactly where Naruto had left the Flying Thunder God Mark. His movements were cautious, as if he were caressing the most precious treasure in the world.
"Is it really... okay..." he confirmed again in a whisper.
Of course, it was true. Naruto answered firmly in his heart. This was also a small selfish motive of Naruto's. If the Hidden Sand Village 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 go and have a good 'chat' with the Sunagakure high-ranking officials himself.
"Right, Gaara," Naruto's voice became serious again, and he steered the conversation toward a more core issue, "Now, you have completely abandoned that former Dao of survival, 'proving your worth through slaughter,' haven't you?"
"Mhm!" Gaara nodded vigorously, his gaze clear and resolute, "Naruto, you have proven through facts that the ideas Father instilled in me were completely wrong! I will never think that way again!"
"So, Gaara, listen up—" Naruto stared into his eyes, "Since your past meaning of existence has completely collapsed, and a brand new meaning hasn't been clearly established yet..."
"Then, go find it! Use your own eyes to observe this world, and use your own hands to personally create and experience."
"Go find that path, that Dao, which is not forced upon you by anyone, but which you believe in from the bottom of your heart and are willing to dedicate everything to—your own personal Dao."
"And no matter what Dao you ultimately choose..." Naruto's voice was filled with infinite tolerance and support, "Except for the original one, I will always, always stand behind you and be your most solid backing."
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