SHINOBI EXAM

["After becoming Kazekage, I understand your approach... It is the responsibility of the village chief to protect the village from threats."]

The leaders of the five great ninja villages stood united, their gaze fixed on the unfolding scene before them.

Just as only a Jinchūriki truly understands another Jinchūriki, perhaps only a "Shadow" can truly understand another "Shadow."

The thinking and perspectives of those at lower ranks rarely reach the heights of their leaders. After all, if someone achieved that level of understanding, they would no longer remain a Genin, Chūnin, or even Jōnin; they would ascend beyond ordinary lives.

Yet, even among those gathered, not all could agree with the decisions of the Fourth Kazekage.

To be a Kage is to face choices between pain and more pain—a burden only the strongest shoulders could bear.

Senju Tobirama stood silently, recalling the time he and his elder brother were resurrected from the Pure Land by Orochimaru during the Fourth Great Ninja War. Orochimaru had once accused him:

"Second Hokage, the policies you enacted and the techniques you created during your reign have caused endless trouble for future generations."

"Hmph!" Tobirama responded with little more than a snort, his lips curling in disdain.

The Third Hokage and the advisors remained silent, shivering slightly under Tobirama's palpable anger.

Meanwhile, Danzo, seated far away, felt a sudden chill run down his spine, sensing the rage directed his way.

Nearby, Itama—a young Shinobi standing before the Konoha Academy—looked puzzled.

"Why is Brother Tobirama so angry? Did Brother Hashirama cause trouble again?"

---

[Gaara's father was taken aback when he learned that the very monster he had created had not only become Sunagakure's Kazekage but had also earned immense respect from others.]

Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki added to his shock:

"That's not all! Gaara is also the current captain of the Ninja Alliance Combat Regiment. Although he became Kazekage at a young age, even the shadows of other villages, including me, respect him deeply."

Naruto, ever the one to relate to others, felt his blood boil with excitement.

"Gaara is so cool!"

At the same time, he silently vowed to become Hokage and earn the respect of everyone in his village, just as Gaara had earned the admiration of the other Kage.

"Yosh! After this Chūnin Exam, I'll definitely become Hokage!" Naruto declared confidently.

Sakura, irritated by her teammate's enthusiasm, promptly burst into her "inner Sakura" mode.

"Idiot, Naruto! Forget about becoming Hokage; first focus on passing the Chūnin Exam! You can't even become Hokage without being a Jōnin first!"

---

Gaara, who had been overwhelmed by recent revelations, watched Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke's interactions in silence. He wondered, Is this what friendship looks like?

Even though Gaara had absolute defense, it seemed ineffective against Naruto in every sense.

But could he uncover the reason behind this?

---

[The image shifted to reveal a man covered in bandages: the Second Tsuchikage.]

Second Tsuchikage: "I must admit, I find it strange sensing chakra from various villages united. A ninja alliance? Quite unexpected."

Ghost Lantern Hozuki chuckled: "That young Kazekage is a remarkable leader."

The Third Raikage glanced at Fourth Kazekage, Rasa. "Is that your son? He's quite an extraordinary ninja."

Rasa's mind drifted back to a younger Gaara. The image transitioned to his memories.

---

[Thirteen years ago—]

In Sunagakure's delivery room, several medical ninjas had just assisted in delivering the baby.

Rasa, standing near the door, hesitated. "He's premature… Are you sure he'll be all right?"

Granny Chiyo, ever emotionless, replied curtly, "He is the only suitable candidate. He's already the third attempt. We must proceed carefully if we are to create the perfect Jinchūriki."

Naruto, upon hearing this, clenched his fists in anger.

"Those bastards! What do they think Gaara is—a tool?!"

Gaara, quietly observing, turned to Naruto. "Naruto…"

"If I could go back, I'd beat them all up!" Naruto shouted, his voice filled with indignation. "Because of people like that, Gaara and I suffered so much!"

---

[In the image, a frail woman lay on a hospital bed. Sweat drenched her pale face as she gasped for breath, her energy fading rapidly.]

Temari gasped, her voice trembling. "Mom…"

Kankuro added, his fists tightening. "This is… Mom's last moments?"

Having lost their mother at a young age, the siblings had only ever seen her in photos. To witness this moment stirred a deep sorrow within them.

Gaara, gazing at his sand defenses, whispered, "Mother…"

He thought about the cruel irony of it all. The woman who had cursed him as a "demon who loves only himself" was now a form of defense that protected him instinctively.

And yet, he missed her. Even after all this time, he still yearned for the mother who had wished for his death.

Naruto remained silent, clutching his chest as if trying to hold back his own emotions. He recalled Gaara's earlier confession about killing his mother the moment he was born.

"This… this is her last wish before she died, isn't it?"

---

[In the video, the woman weakly reached out, her voice barely audible. "Let me… see the baby… please."]

[Rasa, looking much younger, rushed to her side. "Are you all right, Karura?"]

[The medical ninjas brought over the tiny, frail Gaara, placing him gently beside Karura's face. Despite her exhaustion, Karura's lips curved into a soft, loving smile.]

Sakura's eyes softened. "She… she really cared for him."

Sasuke nodded. "Yeah."

Naruto tilted his head, confused. "Eh?"

For Gaara, it was the first time seeing his mother alive. She looked so weak yet so determined to see him before her last moments.

"Why… Why does this hurt so much?" he muttered, clutching his chest.

---

The scene faded, leaving those watching in a state of quiet contemplation.

Even as the memories unfolded, Gaara's mind kept returning to one thought: Why did she smile at me like that?

The bonds of love, even amidst pain and betrayal, continued to resonate deeply.

Gaara looked toward Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke once more. Perhaps this newfound power within him—the strength of absolute defense—was born from a desire to protect those he now considered friends.

----------------–––--––--------------------------------

Visit our Patreon for more:

patreon.com/Samurai492