Why Gaara cried for Sasuke in Naruto? Explained

In addition to Uzumaki Naruto, the Naruto series also focuses on the journeys of other characters such as Gaara and Sasuke Uchiha. Despite their different upbringings, they have a strong connection. A particularly poignant moment occurred when Gaara, the Kazekage of Sunagakure, shed a tear as Sasuke chose to follow a darker path.

Despite different circumstances, both Gaara and Sasuke encountered numerous challenges in their early years. Gaara was shunned and alienated by his village because of the formidable power within him, while Sasuke’s family tragedy left him consumed with anger and pain.

Despite the darkness that had consumed Sasuke’s heart, blinding him to the light of his friends, Gaara had managed to avoid falling down a similar path. His bond with Naruto and the others had helped him turn away from the path of hatred. However, when Gaara witnessed the darkness taking over Sasuke, he couldn’t help but feel sorrow for the loss of his friend to the familiar void.

Please be advised that there are spoilers for the series in this article.

The Origins of Gaara

Gaara as shown in the series (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Gaara as shown in the series (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Gaara’s initial introduction in Naruto depicted him as a ruthless and unrelenting ninja. This tendency towards aggression was a result of his troubled upbringing. As the Jinchuriki of the One-Tailed Beast known as Shukaku, Gaara’s father, the Fourth Kazekage, deliberately chose him to house the powerful creature within him.

Since his childhood, the citizens of Sunagakure had been afraid of Gaara, seeing him as a volatile and hazardous weapon. Lacking love and attention, Gaara became bitter and isolated. He came to believe that power was the only means of finding meaning in his life.

Sasuke’s Origins

Uchiha Sasuke (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Uchiha Sasuke (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Born into a powerful family in Konohagakure, Sasuke Uchiha was a member of one of the village’s most revered and dreaded clans. Despite not possessing the same level of skill as his older brother Itachi, Sasuke longed to showcase his own abilities. However, his dreams were shattered when Itachi orchestrated a rebellion against the Uchiha clan, resulting in the death of all members except for Sasuke.

Despite being haunted by the loss of his family and tormented by his inability to stop Itachi, Sasuke’s sole motivation was seeking vengeance against his brother. Upon learning the truth about the killings, Sasuke’s goal shifted to inflicting pain upon the village that had wronged Itachi, leading him down a treacherous path consumed by darkness.

Explaining Gaara’s Tears for Sasuke in Naruto

The Raikage and Uchiha Sasuke clash with each other (Image via Studio Pierrot)
The Raikage and Uchiha Sasuke clash with each other (Image via Studio Pierrot)

At the Five­ Kage Summit in Naruto: Shippuden, Gaara and Sasuke’s paths crossed once again. As the five rulers of the ninja villages convened to discuss the Akatsuki threat, Uchiha Sasuke appeared with the intention of assassinating Danzo, the temporary leader of the Leaf Village.

In an effort to avert bloodshed, Gaara utilized his sand abilities to protect both Sasuke and the formidable Raikage leader from engaging in combat. However, Sasuke callously disregarded Gaara’s attempts to maintain peace. This visibly troubled the Kazekage, and a solitary tear escaped his eye.

Gaara cries upon looking at Sasuke (Image via Studio Pierrot) Gaara and Naruto (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Gaara cries upon looking at Sasuke (Image via Studio Pierrot) Gaara and Naruto (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Gaara’s emotional response can be explained by several factors. Firstly, he sees a haunting mirror of his own past in Sasuke’s descent into darkness. Like Gaara, Sasuke is driven by a powerful thirst for revenge, fueled by the pain of losing his loved ones.

Gaara, who had personally gone through the isolating and harmful consequences of intense rage, strongly sympathized with Sasuke’s situation.

The emotional response he displays showcases his incredible evolution from a ruthless combatant to an individual who prioritizes human relationships, all thanks to the friendship of Naruto Uzumaki.

Gaara’s tears symbolize his belief that the Uchiha, who are lost in their cycle of hatred, can still find redemption and break free from it.

Conclusion

Sasuke awakens his Mangekyo Sharingan (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Sasuke awakens his Mangekyo Sharingan (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite their different backgrounds, Gaara and Sasuke shared a strong bond during the Five Kage Summit. Both had faced difficult challenges and grappled with their own sense of belonging. Gaara saw the humanity in Sasuke, even in the midst of his desire for revenge, showcasing his growth and understanding of the human experience. This demonstrated that redemption is always possible and the power of compassion in healing deep wounds.

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