Konoha: Naruto, trained by Aizen

And Gaara is just like himself.

Having experienced a dark childhood, I have survived to this day enduring pain and sleepless nights that most people cannot bear.

Naruto recalled the scene when he first saw Gaara.

He knew then that they were the same kind of people.

"As long as I kill you, I will find the meaning of my existence." Gaara's words from that time are still vivid in my mind.

Compared to Naruto, Gaara's situation is much more tragic.

"Perhaps it's because of... his potential." Having endured such pain, he has developed a more resilient heart.

That's the mindset of a strong person.

"I understand. I will try my best to cooperate. Don't keep me waiting too long." Shukaku nodded, then shrank back into Gaara's body and fell into a deep sleep.

His thoughts are similar to those of the Nine-Tailed Fox.

Since we're going to be banned anyway, we might as well take a gamble; who knows, there might be a pleasant surprise.

As Shukaku fell into a deep sleep, the previously restless sand gradually calmed down, revealing Gaara sleeping soundly inside.

The original Gaara suffered from insomnia, with dark circles under his eyes as thick as a panda's, and a strong, tangible killing intent emanating from his body.

His chronic insomnia made him irritable and bloodthirsty.

But in reality, he was just a child who wanted to be loved.

The aura emanating from Gaara, now asleep, has lost its murderous intent and gained tranquility.

They're quite cute, actually.

Compared to Naruto, Gaara's childhood was undoubtedly much darker.

Naruto quietly watched Gaara sleeping soundly, lost in thought.

"Being chosen as a Jinchūriki means he must have exceptional talent. He's also the most suitable test subject for becoming a Shinigami in the future, possessing the power of Shukaku and a Shinigami. Perhaps he can surpass Sasuke."

From beginning to end, Naruto's goal was to cultivate geniuses.

Let them gain more power so that they can bring themselves surprises in the future.

"Buzz." The reflection in the mirror began to sway, refracting ripples.

Gaara frowned, as if he had a terrible dream.

……

In a dream.

"This monster is terrifying."

"I really want to kill him."

"Hurry up, don't get any closer, it's dangerous." Gaara found himself on a familiar street. The sky was dark, and passersby were making way for him. Sand and dust filled the air, and the sand and dust surrounding him indicated that he was a monster.

Gaara clutched his head in anguish. These memories, buried deep within him, had been ripped open again, akin to a second wound.

The scene shifts, and Yashamaru, whom he deeply trusts, is stabbing him with a sword.

His eyes were filled with ruthlessness.

"Yashamaru..." Gaara murmured painfully.

In his dark childhood, Yashamaru was the only light.

But it was also because of Yashamaru's betrayal that Gaara was plunged into the abyss.

While engaging in frenzied killing, isn't this also a form of self-torture?

He became a monster in the eyes of others, and a true devil.

"Yashamaru!" Gaara roared in a heart-wrenching rage, his eyes suddenly turning fierce as he stretched out his right palm and clenched it tightly.

The sand around his body swirled up, easily crushing Yashamaru.

Gaara stood there in a daze after doing all this, his aura surging continuously.

"So, this is the past you've been holding onto so much." Naruto's gentle voice rang in Gaara's ears.

Gaara's murderous intent surged, and he roared, "Who?"

The sand around his body surged wildly, carrying away Yashamaru's corpse and surging restlessly throughout the room.

Naruto appeared in the room, smiling warmly.

“It’s you, Naruto Uzumaki.” Gaara narrowed his eyes, his gaze dangerous.

"Why are you here?" Gaara was somewhat confused between dream and reality.

In a daze, Gaara seemed to see the Nine-Tails' figure flash by behind Naruto.

He took a step back in shock, pointing at Naruto in disbelief: "Could it be that you are also...?"

“That’s right, I am the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.” Naruto nodded slightly and walked closer to Gaara.

Strangely, the sand that was capable of attacking on its own seemed to ignore Naruto, allowing him to walk over it.

Naruto's voice was magnetic: "Like you, I have suffered the world's malice. Like you, I have a tailed beast within me that the villagers see as a monster. Like you, I yearn to find like-minded companions." Naruto extended his hand.

"Like me?" Gaara's eyes gleamed with an indescribable light.

Perhaps this is a mutual respect between Jinchūriki.

Gaara instinctively reached out and shook hands with Naruto.

The next moment, Naruto's memories flashed through his mind like a slideshow.

He also had a dark childhood, hated by the villagers, and even the nanny who took care of him despised him and added sand to his food.

Only the Third Hokage would offer his condolences.

Ironically, the Third Hokage's goal was to control Naruto.

Gaara quietly watched Naruto's memories, feeling both sympathy and a touch of joy.

I realized I wasn't alone.

But he was also confused.

Why is Naruto, who suffers the same darkness as me, so refined and even has a warm smile like the sun?

The memories return to Naruto's self-improvement and his transformation.

He proved to everyone through his actions time and time again that he deeply loved Konoha.

He hopes to gain everyone's approval.

But every effort only resulted in alienation.

Naruto repeatedly extended his goodwill, only to be thwarted time and time again.

He didn't give up, and he warmed everyone like a little sun.

Ultimately, he gained everyone's approval.

And now, he has come to stand before him.

Gaara's eyes were moved after reading Naruto's memories, and a sense of anticipation arose spontaneously in his heart.

Chapter 108 Standing in the Sky

Naruto smiled slightly and placed his hand on Gaara's soft red hair. Gaara did not flinch, and feeling the warmth of the large hand, he suddenly thought of his mother.

Naruto's voice was gentle and magnetic: "These years have been tough, haven't they? I understand, because I've been through the same thing."

"It is because of these experiences that we become stronger."

"Powerful...?"

Gaara looked up in confusion, and Naruto in his eyes was like a warm sun, almost melting him.

"Yes, Gaara, you must understand that no matter how much others hate you, you will always be you. You don't need to live in other people's emotions and opinions. You live for yourself."

"You will find your own goal and strive towards it. The process may be winding, but you are not alone. I am your partner." Naruto gently ruffled Gaara's red hair, his voice tender.

“Partner?” From the bottom of his heart, Gaara already regarded Naruto as a partner.

Although they came from different villages and their positions were hostile, they were the same kind of people.

They are also people in this world who can band together for warmth.

It was their similar experiences that became a bridge for communication between them.

He received Naruto's kindness and also extended his own kindness.

This feeling.

so good.

"Naruto, what is your goal?" Gaara looked up and asked.

Those eyes were filled with curiosity.

He was eager to know what dreams his kind had, and what their attitude was towards Konoha.

"A goal?" Naruto chuckled, his eyes hardening. "To surpass everything, to stand...in the sky."

"Standing in the sky?" Gaara's eyes suddenly turned fiery.

Gaara would find it utterly ridiculous if he heard such aspirations from someone else.

But if it's what Naruto said, he believes it!

Naruto has that kind of charm.

"So what's your opinion of Konoha?" Gaara asked.

Naruto and he had similar experiences, so there must have been some dissatisfaction with the village in Naruto's heart.

Gaara also considered it.

Finally, he realized that if he possessed power surpassing that of the Kazekage, he might choose to leave Sunagakure.

So he was really looking forward to Naruto's answer: how did Naruto, who had experienced something similar to his own but always maintained a refined and gentle smile, view Konoha?