Bunpuku remained silent, merely smiling at Shukaku.
Angered at being ignored, Shukaku whipped up a sandstorm in the mindscape and roared, "Old monk, once you die, I'll break free and destroy the Sunagakure you protect!"
With his palms pressed together, Bunpuku sighed softly. "You won't be able to. After I die, that little fellow outside will be keeping you company. You two must get along..."
Through chakra, Shukaku sensed Gaara outside and scoffed. "That brat thinks he's worthy of being my jinchūriki? Three days. Give me just three days, and I'll break free!"
Shukaku extended a finger, staring at Bunpuku before him. He wanted to vent his fury, but could find no outlet.
Ever since his carefree life as a tailed beast had ended with him being sealed inside a jinchūriki, Bunpuku had always watched him with that same smile, whether he raged, roared, or flew into a frenzy.
After venting for a while, a bored Shukaku lay down on the ground. Tonight would be his chance to escape.
Outside, Bunpuku suddenly opened his eyes. His gaze settled on Gaara, filled with regret and pity.
Jinchūriki were always lonely, never understood, and even shunned by the villagers.
But someone in the village always had to become a jinchūriki. Being chosen was either his good fortune or his misfortune.
He took out a piece of candy and handed it to Gaara. After unwrapping it, Gaara thanked him.
Once he had Gaara's attention, Bunpuku opened his palms, revealing two Chinese characters written on them: "receive" and "heart."
"Gaara, look at these two characters. Only with 'receive' and 'heart' can you have love. Only then can you understand Shukaku and become his friend."
Bunpuku spoke on, never considering whether Gaara, who was only old enough to attend the ninja academy, could understand him.