"...Naruto!"
The moment he saw that blond figure appear, Gaara immediately rose from the corner, calling out with obvious urgency.
However, judging by the lingering confusion and disbelief on Kankuro and Temari's faces behind him, they clearly had not fully adjusted to this brand-new version of their little brother.
The old Gaara had radiated an icy aura that kept everyone away. The only meaning left in his life had been killing. There had not been a trace of human light in his eyes, only deathly stillness and madness... But what about now?
That chilling coldness, that killing intent he had constantly exuded, had completely vanished. In its place was a sense of fragility. Even his face clearly revealed an unease and bewilderment like that of a child.
This was far beyond what a "drastic personality change" could explain. It was practically as if... his will had been completely rewritten.
What exactly had happened while they were unconscious? Temari and Kankuro were filled with immense confusion.
But no matter what, compared to the brother who had once treated them as nothing and could erupt into violence at any moment, the unfamiliar Gaara before them made them feel... heartache and an urge to protect him.
As for Naruto, of course he preferred this Gaara, who had shed his heavy armor, revealed his true emotions, and was a little like a red panda.
"Yo, Gaara." Naruto walked over. "How are things? Shukaku hasn't come out to disturb your sleep again, right?"
"Mm." Gaara hurriedly nodded hard. "It's all thanks to Naruto."
Last night, I slept peacefully for the first time in my life—without threats, whispers, or any nightmares. But... Gaara had not slept soundly.
Because whenever he closed his eyes, the figure of the person before him appeared in his mind.
"That's good.