Among the iconic characters from the Naruto series, Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage of Sunagakure, stands out as a fan favorite whose journey continued to unfold in the Boruto series. His evolution throughout both the original Naruto and the Shippuden saga established him as one of the most intricate and cherished figures, making his role in Boruto noteworthy for many viewers.
However, fans frequently question one particular element of Gaara’s character in Boruto: why he has chosen to remain single despite raising Shinki as his own child. This thought-provoking inquiry is addressed in the light novel, Gaara Hiden: A Sandstorm Mirage, which explores Gaara’s challenges after the Fourth Great Shinobi War, alongside his reflections on love, marriage, and emotional bonds.
The novel also recounts a sorrowful incident that significantly influenced Gaara’s decision to avoid marriage, regardless of the political expectations related to his role as Kazekage.
How the Heartbreaking Events in Naruto Hiden Series May Have Influenced Gaara’s Views on Love
The fifth installment in the Naruto Hiden light novel series, titled Gaara Hiden: A Sandstorm Mirage, presents an exclusive narrative focusing on Gaara’s life post-Fourth Great Shinobi War.
This story revolves around the Fifth Kazekage, highlighting his internal conflicts. It begins with Ebizo, the leader of the Suna council, advising Gaara of their desire for him to seek a wife and marry to ensure the continuity of leadership in Sunagakure, particularly to prevent Temari and Shikamaru’s child from claiming Kazekage status if Gaara or Kankuro passed without heirs.
Gaara initially resisted their suggestions; however, he eventually conceded when he understood that arguing would not work in his favor.
The plot then introduces Hakuto from the Hoki family, the woman chosen by the council as Gaara’s potential spouse. Gaara finds himself flustered upon first perceiving Hakuto’s beauty, largely forgetting the etiquette lessons Temari had imparted.
Surprisingly, their initial marriage meeting proved to be successful, with Gaara captivated by an engaging conversation about his love for cacti. However, soon after, they found themselves under attack from unknown assailants.
This perilous situation drew Gaara and Hakuto closer, as she cared for his wounds after he fought off the attackers. It was later unveiled that Hakuto was the actual target of the assault, leading to her kidnapping shortly after leaving Gaara’s side. That night, he undertook the rescue mission alone to keep it discreet.
Diving deeper into the narrative, Gaara encountered Hakuto’s bodyguard, Shijima, who also aimed to help him retrieve Hakuto. They traced the kidnapper, identified as Shigezane from Hakuto’s clan, resulting in a brief confrontation before Gaara and Shijima retreated while Shigezane escaped with Hakuto.
As they neared the Land of Fire, Gaara discovered that Shigezane and Hakuto were in love and had schemed the arranged marriage and attack as a means to elope.
Surprisingly, Gaara was not particularly upset by this revelation since his intent was never to compel Hakuto into marriage. Nevertheless, as Kazekage, he couldn’t disregard their plan and firmly insisted they return to their village. When Shigezane refused and attacked, Gaara deftly turned the situation to his advantage.
Following this, Shijima, who had colluded with Hakuto and Shigezane in staging the kidnapping, joined the fray against Gaara. However, her dojutsu, granted by Orochimaru, proved ineffective against Gaara’s overwhelming power, leading to her quick defeat.
Initially, Gaara contemplated a mercy killing for the lovers, feeling they couldn’t return home and couldn’t remain in Sunagakure. Ultimately, he decided against it and drafted a plan to feign their deaths with Shikamaru Nara’s assistance, allowing Hakuto and Shigezane to enjoy a quiet life in Konoha.
Given that subsequent chapters placed lesser emphasis on Gaara’s marital prospects following these tragic events, one could infer that he accepted that a fulfilling relationship might not be in his destiny.
These occurrences from the light novel likely revived Gaara’s past traumas, influencing his stance on remaining single for life.
Final Thoughts
While it’s not explicitly confirmed that the incidents in A Sandstorm Mirage directly led to Gaara’s choice to stay unmarried in the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations series, it is evident how these events could shape his reluctance to pursue romantic connections.
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