by MangaMoon

Naruto - Sabaku no Gaara

Remember… when little Gaara discovers that his attacker is Yashamaru—the only person who made him feel safe? He approaches, still hoping for an explanation. But the wounded Yashamaru reveals that Gaara’s father, the Fourth Kazekage, ordered the assassination. Then comes something worse: he claims he never loved Gaara, and that Gaara’s mother left him only hatred. This is the man who taught him what love meant, who explained why an invisible wound could hurt the heart. Now he makes Gaara believe that none of that love was real. Yashamaru reveals the explosive tags covering his body. When they detonate, Gaara’s sand protects him. He survives, believing nobody wants him alive. Sand gathers against his forehead, carving **愛—“love”** into his skin. He decides to love only himself and live for himself alone. Much later, Gaara learns that Yashamaru’s words were lies ordered by his father. His mother loved him; her will continued protecting him through the sand. But that night, the child knows none of this. After meeting Naruto, the mark remains while Gaara changes. The word he carved to seal himself away accompanies him as he learns to care for others—and becomes the protector of an entire village.

Material: wooden