SHINOBI EXAM

[Correct Answer.]

When the metallic voice confirmed the response, the Sand Shinobi who had dared to answer sat down heavily on the ground, gasping for air. Relief swept over him, but his trembling hands betrayed the weight of the moment.

The rest of the Sand Shinobi, though not as visibly shaken, couldn't hide their tension.

"Unbelievable. Absolute Defense is truly Lady Garuro's power?"

"Who would have thought? Honestly, I can't wrap my head around it. Could this whole thing still be a trap?"

"Yeah, but if that terrifying power really comes from Lady Garuro... it's hard to imagine."

Before anyone could delve deeper, the ominous voice interrupted again:

[Learn.]

The sudden declaration startled everyone. They froze, holding their breath, until a new vision descended upon the domain barrier, a projection that seemed to display the future.

---

In the middle of the Chūnin Exam tower, participants watched intently as a surreal short film began. It chronicled Gaara's turbulent journey and an unexpected revelation about his ultimate defense.

---

[In the vision, grains of sand coalesced into the image of a woman, her arms encircling Gaara's enemies with unyielding strength. She would never allow harm to befall him.]

[This was the Absolute Defense of Kazekage Gaara, the leader of the future Allied Shinobi Forces, long after he ceased to be a Jinchūriki.]

The Sand Shinobi watching the vision were stunned.

"Why does that power belong to the future Gaara?"

"More importantly, why does Gaara already have such a powerful defense? He hasn't even completed the Chūnin Exam yet!"

For Gaara, these questions were secondary to the inexplicable image of the woman protecting him.

"Why?" he muttered, his voice low and uncertain. The image stirred emotions he couldn't name, feelings he'd long buried.

---

[In the vision, the Fourth Kazekage manipulated his gold sand into a sharp weapon aimed at Gaara's head.]

[Yet, even without Shukaku's power, Gaara's Absolute Defense activated. More remarkable, the defense seemed gentler, more protective.]

[The sand formed an arm around Gaara at an incredible speed, shielding him like a mother sheltering her child from harm.]

[Fourth Kazekage Rasa froze, his weapon suspended in mid-air. His expression shifted from aggression to disbelief. "Garuro," he murmured to himself, "so you... you're still with our son?"]

Gaara's heart skipped a beat.

Naruto, Temari, Kankuro, and the other Genin present turned to Gaara, astonishment evident on their faces.

"Wait, what?" Naruto gasped. "Is his mom still...?"

Temari's hands trembled. "There's more to this story, isn't there?"

Everyone braced themselves for the truth hidden within the vision.

---

[In the vision, Rasa's features softened. "You've grown, Gaara," he said, his tone carrying regret and pride. "As a parent, all you need is to trust your children."]

Temari whispered, "Dad…"

Kankuro clenched his fists. "So, there was more to what happened back then."

The young Gaara in the vision, now the Fifth Kazekage and commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces, appeared taken aback by his father's acknowledgment.

["You've become a fine shinobi," Rasa continued, "and it seems I failed to see that in time. Right, Garuro?"]

[The sand figure of the woman cradled Gaara protectively, her form emanating warmth and strength. Rasa's regret deepened. "I misjudged everything—my wife, my son… I see it clearly now."]

---

The real Gaara, still participating in the Chūnin Exam, stared at the vision in silence. His siblings, standing nearby, exchanged anxious glances.

"That's… Mom?" Temari murmured, her voice breaking.

"I don't get it," Kankuro said, his tone strained. "If Mom hated Gaara, why is she still protecting him?"

---

[The vision shifted, delving into the past. A memory surfaced—Garuro's final moments before Gaara's birth.]

["The sand will always protect you," she had whispered, her voice filled with love. "No matter what happens, you will never face harm alone."]

["That's not Shukaku's power," Rasa had admitted, tears streaming down his face in the memory. "That's Garuro's love. Her will protects you, Gaara."]

---

The vision faded, leaving the Sand Shinobi in stunned silence.

"Her will?"

"She hated him, didn't she? So why...?"

Gaara clenched his fists, his gaze fixed on the ground. Memories of the ridicule, the assassination attempts, and the loneliness flooded back. But now, they were accompanied by the warmth of a mother's love he never knew existed.

Naruto placed a hand on his shoulder. "Gaara, maybe… maybe you're not as alone as you thought."

---

Back in the barrier, the Sand Shinobi fell to their knees, their minds reeling from the revelations.

Chiyo sighed heavily, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Garuro… even after death, you remain with your child. What a remarkable woman you were."

The Chūnin who had dared to suggest the correct answer whispered, "Lady Garuro… thank you."

Even the arrogant Jōnin from earlier lowered his head, unable to meet anyone's eyes.

---

Gaara stood quietly as the world around him returned to normal. The weight of his mother's sacrifice and the burden of his father's regret settled heavily on his shoulders.

But for the first time, the sand swirling around him didn't feel like a cage. It felt like a warm embrace.

"Mother…" he whispered.

The sand shifted gently, as if answering him.

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