Naruto Vol. 15

Gaara’s partial transformation overwhelms Sasuke, whose repeated use of the Chidori has depleted his chakra and aggravated the Cursed Seal of Heaven. Naruto initially falters before Gaara’s strength, but Sakura’s capture and Sasuke’s willingness to sacrifice himself remind him of the people he has resolved to protect. Using hundreds of shadow clones and an improvised combination attack, Naruto drives Gaara toward completing his transformation.

Gaara becomes a full manifestation of Shukaku, the One-Tailed spirit sealed within him, and puts himself to sleep so that the creature can assume control. Naruto summons Gamabunta, but the chief toad initially struggles to restrain Shukaku. Working together, Naruto and Gamabunta use a transformation to approach Gaara, allowing Naruto to awaken him and suppress the spirit.

The two exhausted jinchūriki continue fighting at close range. Naruto explains that the desire to protect people precious to him gives him strength, directly challenging Gaara’s belief that power comes from loving only oneself. Naruto lands the final blow and crawls toward his defeated opponent even after losing the strength to stand, leaving Gaara shaken by the possibility of another way to live.