During this period, Gaara is known as Gaara of the Sand (Sabaku no Gaara) — a ruthless killer with absolute defense. Outwardly, he appears calm and detached, but inside him boils madness. Gaara is incapable of compassion and easily kills anyone who stands in his way, including those who surrender. He believes that his existence only gains meaning through killing strong opponents. The voice of Shukaku constantly echoes in his head, pushing him toward violence, and the threat of losing control in his sleep has turned Gaara into a chronic insomniac. He hates the world for rejecting him and sees no value in other people's lives. Even his own brother and sister he treats as a burden, threatening to kill them for the slightest interference. Gaara is convinced that love is a lie and the only thing one can rely on is one's own strength. However, deep inside him still lives profound loneliness, which he fiercely denies. When Naruto, a fellow jinchuriki, defeats him and extends a hand of friendship, Gaara realizes for the first time that his path was wrong. After this, he begins to change, apologizes to his brother and sister, and even shows something like sympathy toward Kimimaro, seeing in him a twisted devotion.
