Shukaku, watching Gaara from behind the massive gate, said nothing. Instead, it observed silently as Gaara slowly but steadily began to focus on the enormous chakra that filled the entire space.
At first, sensing chakra in the air felt impossible. But Gaara quickly realized that this wasn't the ordinary atmosphere; it was Shukaku's seal. It was saturated with chakra in every form—liquid, gaseous, and solid. Such abundance of chakra should've been overwhelming, but instead, Gaara adjusted. It wasn't easy, but he found a steady rhythm, allowing his senses to acclimate.
Despite the overwhelming presence of the tailed beast right in front of him, Gaara didn't feel an immediate threat. To his surprise, Shukaku did nothing. The beast merely watched, as Gaara focused on siphoning its chakra, trying to connect with the very essence of it, body and soul.
It wasn't easy. The process was painstakingly slow, each step taking more time than Gaara would've liked. But he had no choice but to continue, slowly growing accustomed to sensing the chakra. It was a far cry from the control he had over his own, but it was progress.
---
Two Years Later
Time passed, and the days blended together. Gaara kept a low profile, avoiding attention, and spent his time focused on refining his chakra control and sensing. His relationship with Shukaku grew more complex, but still, the tailed beast never made a move on him, leaving him to his training in peace. During the day, the only person Gaara trusted was a medical ninja, who secretly trained him in medical ninjutsu.
Nothing significant occurred in Sunagakure—except for the growing tension that seemed to follow Gaara, even as he tried to remain unnoticed. It was only a matter of time before everything would change. The day was coming when the course of his life, and that of his siblings, would shift forever.
---
The Day of Reckoning
The sun beat down relentlessly on the desert sands of Sunagakure, the heat oppressive and stifling. Gaara stood before his father, Rasa, his face an impassive mask. It had been two years since he had last seen him. Scouts had been sent to monitor Gaara, but the presence of his father? It felt strange, almost forced.
Rasa's tone was casual, as if nothing had changed. "How have you been?"
Gaara's lips barely curled upward in a slight, emotionless smile. He knew his father wasn't concerned. "I have been well, father."
Rasa continued, as if playing a role, the mask of indifference not fooling anyone. "I heard you've reached the age where you can enter the academy and join your siblings."
Gaara didn't flinch, his thoughts hidden behind his eyes. Who is he trying to coax here?
"Yes, I just reached the age of five not too long ago," Gaara replied flatly.
"Good. You've always wanted to train your Taijutsu, haven't you?" Rasa pressed, though it was clear to Gaara that his father's interest wasn't genuine.
Gaara's mind raced, but he kept his face neutral. Coaxing... What is his aim here?
"Yes, father."
Rasa's gaze hardened. "Then why choose Taijutsu over ninjutsu? Shouldn't you be honing your ninjutsu skills instead?"
Gaara took a breath, trying to stay calm. "I don't wish to train one over the other. I simply wish to have knowledge of both."
Rasa's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't seem surprised. Instead, he pushed forward. "In that case, you should know about the tailed beast inside you."
Gaara's heart skipped a beat. Tailed beast? He had heard rumors, whispers of something dark within him, but he had never believed them. He had never felt it.
"I've only heard rumors and nothing else," Gaara replied, his voice steady despite the storm of questions rising within him.
Rasa's stiff face twitched for a fraction of a second, but his voice remained cold. "So you're saying you've never made contact with anything strange inside you?"
Gaara's mind raced, but he kept his composure. I won't give him the satisfaction of knowing I've felt Shukaku... not yet.
"No. Nothing at all."
Rasa's eyes darkened, his thoughts hidden behind a mask of calculated anger. He's lying. He must be.
But Gaara stood unfazed, his own thoughts locked behind his impassive expression.