In Konoha: Three Choices at the Start

Ninja from every nation had changed into the Shinobi World's standard uniforms, with forehead protectors bearing the character for "ninja"!

On a barren stretch of land stood countless ninja of every build, gathered from villages far and wide!

They stood in orderly ranks, but their expressions varied. Some muttered insults, others argued, and still others looked as though none of it concerned them.

At the very top stood a young figure.

His red hair danced in the wind, and a gourd made of sand rested on his back.

Gaara looked down at the vast Allied Shinobi Forces and stepped forward without a trace of fear.

"I know that, for the sake of your villages' interests, you fought through the long years of the First to the Third Shinobi World Wars!"

"You hurt and hated one another. It was that hatred, and the thirst for power it bred, that gave rise to me!"

"I once hated everyone. I wanted to kill anyone I met and destroy Sunagakure, even the entire Shinobi World!"

His slow, heartfelt voice carried on his Chakra across the grounds and into every ninja's ears.

As Gaara spoke, some of the ninja were drawn in and began to listen closely.

"What I hated was power—and being a Jinchūriki. It was no different from what Akatsuki plans to do now."

"But!" Gaara's tone shifted. Emotion crossed his face as he closed his eyes and recalled his time with Naruto.

"A ninja from Konoha stopped me. That person wept for me, his ridiculous enemy!"

"He considered me a friend even after I'd hurt him. And when I was at death's door, he saved me!"

"We were once enemies, but he was a Jinchūriki too. We bore the same pain, and because we understood each other, there was no ill will