NOVEL NEXT Chapter 25: Gaara’s Transformation
The entire shinobi world fell into silence.
Through the video, they had witnessed the contrasting journeys of two young boys. The final scene—simple as it was, with a heartfelt goodbye—left a deep warmth in everyone's hearts.
They had seen Gaara's transformation from a remorseless destroyer to someone who had found redemption. Yet, one question lingered in their minds:
Who exactly was Uzumaki Naruto?
How could someone with such a painful childhood remain so steadfast, pursuing his dreams with such unwavering determination?
"Amazing!"
Cheers erupted from various corners of the shinobi world.
"This is a perfect ending—Gaara, the dark avenger, has finally been redeemed."
"Thank goodness, Gaara didn't die! I'm so relieved!"
"Gaara-sama, on behalf of the entire Sunagakure, I sincerely apologize. We've wronged you for so long... we're truly sorry!"
"Haha! Watching this is more satisfying than completing an A-rank mission!"
"Hey, why don't Gaara and Naruto just get married already? Sunagakure's Gaara and Konohagakure's Uzumaki Naruto!"
"Wait, what? That's such a crazy idea!"
"But it works, doesn't it? I'd gladly chip in 500 ryō for their wedding!"
"If they do get married, I'll throw in 1000 ryō!"
"You guys are nuts!"
"No way! They're so compatible it's making me jealous. And Naruto—what a perfect partner. I'm envious of Gaara!"
The playful chatter continued, filling the screen with laughter and teasing.
Naruto's face turned bright red as he stammered in outrage, "W-what are you all talking about?! There's no way I'm marrying Gaara! Who even brought that up?!"
Kiba: "Naruto, maybe you should just accept Gaara, haha."
Chōji: "I think you two make a good pair. Don't you agree, Shikamaru?" (Munches on chips.)
Shikamaru: "So troublesome."
Naruto: "Why do you guys keep saying this? Stop it already!"
Sasuke: (Scoffs.)
Ino: "By the way, Naruto, when did you get so reliable?"
Sakura: "Naruto, you're amazing!"
Hinata: "N-Naruto-kun... has always been... so dependable... eek! Why did I say that out loud?!"
Others: "Ooooh~"
Naruto: "Huh? What are you all oh-ing about? Haha, Hinata, you've got great taste!"
Outside the chat, Naruto was grinning ear to ear. They'd called him reliable. Reliable!
Feeling emboldened, he stood up and yelled, "I've decided! Whether it's in the video or in real life, I'm going to save Gaara no matter what! That's my ninja way!"
Meanwhile, in Sunagakure's lodging area, Gaara sat silently, his gaze fixed on the now-darkened screen.
"What... is love?" he murmured, his voice filled with confusion.
Memories of the video played in his mind—Naruto crying for him, fighting for him.
"That weakling... why did he cry for me?" Gaara thought. "Why does someone so small have such overwhelming strength?"
He recalled the words from the video: friends... love...
"Can someone like me... have friends too? Can I... have love?"
For the first time, a seed of hope sprouted in Gaara's heart.
He thought of Naruto's bright smile—something he had once found irritating but now seemed warm and comforting.
A light had pierced through the darkness of his heart, illuminating it in a way he had never thought possible.
"Gaara," Kankurō and Temari called softly, worried for him.
"Kankurō, Temari," Gaara responded quietly. They froze at his words.
"I'm sorry," Gaara said, his voice low but genuine.
Their eyes widened in surprise before soft smiles spread across their faces.
"It's okay," they replied.
Gaara then looked up at the sky, his eyes full of determination. "Uzumaki Naruto... I want to meet you."
The screen suddenly lit up again.
"Congratulations, Uzumaki Naruto, for answering correctly!"
"Choose your reward:"
Flying Thunder God Technique (fully mastered, no training required).
Healing Potion (heals any injury completely, three uses per bottle).
Naruto's eyes widened with excitement. He turned to Jiraiya for advice.
Jiraiya shrugged with a grin. "Go ahead and pick whatever you want. I'll support your choice."
Without hesitation, Naruto chose the second option.
"Congratulations!"
A small bottle of green liquid appeared in Naruto's hand. He stared at it with delight.
"I thought you'd choose the first option," Jiraiya remarked, surprised. "That's the Fourth Hokage's signature technique, after all."
"Huh? It's that amazing?" Naruto blinked in surprise.
"You really are an idiot. But tell me, why did you choose the potion?"
Naruto hugged the bottle close, smiling sheepishly. "Because back in the Chūnin Exams, Bushy Brows hurt his leg. With this, he can get better for sure!"
Jiraiya paused, his expression softening. For a moment, he saw the shadows of Minato and Kushina in Naruto's selfless actions.
"You really are something else, kid," Jiraiya said with a chuckle. "Alright, since you're so dedicated to your friends, I'll teach you another technique."
"Really? What is it?" Naruto's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"It's a jutsu that the Fourth Hokage spent three years creating. What do you think?"
"Whoa, that's amazing! Teach me, teach me!"