Original subtitles

This one's proven to be quite a challenge...

...but that just means it'll be a great puppet once I master it.

I wondered why you'd been cooped up in here so long.

(Temari) ...Working on a new puppet?

Yeah...

This one's a bit complicated to assemble... Ugh!

And I wasn't cooped up!

Are you preparing for war?

In a way...

(Kankuro) You heard what happened to the Leaf Village...

(Kankuro) At this point, nothing would surprise me.

(Temari) The Leaf Village is our ally.

(Temari) We can't shrug this off as someone else's problem.

[painful scream]

(Kankuro) Not to mention their village was destroyed...

(Kankuro) Rebuilding it won't be easy...

(Temari) They also have to fill the void left by their Hokage's absence.

(Kankuro) You're right... Both politically and psychologically...

(Kankuro) ...being without their leader and anchor.

...that has to hurt...

Damnit. I screwed up.

Frankly, can they get over what the Akatsuki did to then without their Hokage?

(Kankuro) Gaara..?

I don't know.

But... At least the Leaf Village still has him.

(Kankuro) I don't wanna say this, but- You know how

(Kankuro) -they see you. You're a weapon of terror!

Seriously. Leaving us and joining the regular troops won't be easy. Nowhere near it.

They're full of Jonin who think pretty pooly of you...

And most of the villages are as terrified of you as they've always been.

However-

I know that.

(Gaara) But doing nothing at all will almost certainly bring even greater pain.

And I know exactly what I must do now.

I must find a way to clear my own path...

Perhaps then the day will come when I can be like him.

(Naruto) SERIOUSLY!? This is a joint mission with the Hidden Sand?

Come on! We can handle this without those guys! Can't we!?

Don't be that way, Naruto.

There's trouble on the boarder we share with the Sand Village...

,,,if only one side was asked to help, the other might be offended.

Isn't it better if the two allied villages work together on this mission?

It makes both our jobs easier!

[annoyed groan]

This alliance was formed after the attack on the Leaf Village, but it's untested.

There are still problems to work out.

The first step is to build trust on both sides...

...and that's really what this particular mission is all about.

Wow, Sasuke! Impressive! You're so clever!

But, it does take all the fun out of it if you put it like that.

put it like what!? I still don't get it you guys!

Guess it's just too deep for you to understand!

It's about nations, villages, important people, and critical ideas!

Knock it off, Sakura! You don't have to sound so mean!

In any event, we're allied nations, so let's try to get along, okay?

Yeahhh, okay.

I think that's enough talking for now.

Let's just head to the rendezvous point with the Sand.

Yeah! Let's race to see who gets there first! Last one there's a rotten egg!

No fair! You didn't even say "go!"

I win!! That makes you a rotten egg!

You're so immature!

Bahaha!

Stop it.

This should be our rendezvous point. Looks like they're not here yet.

Of course they're late! What do you expect from a bunch of jerks like that!?

You can never tell what those guys from the Sand are thinking. And they're sorta scary, too.

(Naruto) If they really wanted to be friends with the Leaf Village

(Naruto) They would have shown up on time!

I'm sorry if we were late.

G-G-Gaara!

(Thinking) Of all the people...

(Sasuke Thinking) He's the one we're doing the joint mission with!?

Uhh, not to worry, Gaara! You guys did just fine!

We got here a little early, that's all!

Not so.

Heh heh, pardon us!

It looks like we owe all of you an apology!

We kept you waiting, and we are sorry.

(Thinking) Hm. Looks like he's lost his bloodthirsty demeanor and mellowed out.

(Thinking) The Sands!

(Thinking) Ultimate Defense!

Ow ow ow!!

Well, what was that about, Naruto?

Nothing! I was just joking around and saying "hi!"

Come on, a little rock like that couldn't hurt No Brows anyway!

Hey wait. Where'd those other guys go..?

He just made Lord Gaara use his Ultimate Defense!

I know! How scary was that!?

Heh heh, I guess he still has trouble fitting in.

What's up with those guys? What a bunch of wimps, huh?

(Naruto) So Gaara, what happened to the Make-up guy, and Fan Girl? Aren't they with you!?

I think you mean Kankuro and Temari.

I'm enlisted with the regular forces right now.

Let me introduce Yaoki and Korobi. They serve under me.

I'm Yaoki!

I'm Korobi!

I'm Kakashi Hatake. I'm heading up this mission,

And this is Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke.

Hey! What's up?

Nice to meet you!

Hi there!

Nice to meet you too!

They're still rookies, so please, be patient.

Now that we're all together, I suggest that Gaara's team approach from the Western side-

-of the mountain and my Squad 7 will approach from the East.

Then, at midnight, we'll simultaneously attack the bandits at the summit.

How's that sound?

Ugh! I don't see why we have to wait till then!

Squad 7 can take care of those bandits by ourselves right now!

These bandits are made up of rogue ninja.

And word has it that there are even chunin-class ninja among them.

Yeah, you hear that, Naruto!?

If you rush in there, you'll end up putting us all in really serious danger!

Got it... There's nothing wrong with my hearing...

I believe we should go with your strategy.

But I must speak with you.

Hey, why's Gaara acting so secretive all of a sudden?

The team Captains probably just want to go over the details, that's all.

[harrumph]

(Naruto) Captain!? That Gaara's so full of himself.

Someone has been tracking you?

Yes. Hopefully they won't interfere with the mission.

But I thought it was important to let you know what's going on.

Do you have any ideas who's behind it?

The elders in my village fear and despise me.

I'm afraid that I may cause you troubles.

(Kakashi) It's fine. We can handle it.

Heh, this mission of ours...

It will only have real meaning if the Leaf and Sand Villages complete it together.

(Kakashi) The more problems we face doing so, the stronger our bond will become.

Alright! Naruto! Sakura! Sasuke! Let's go!

Right!

And try not to be late this time, Gaara!

Come on. We're heading out.

(Mask A) I still can't believe he volunteered for the regular forces...

(Mask B) It certainly makes our mission easier.

(Mask C) The elders will be very pleased with us if we can settle this matter swiftly.

(Mask C) And our reputation will benefit as well.

Hmf. Gaara of the Sand...

Your head will soon be ours.

Of course I'd heard all of the rumors that Lord Gaara was very different now...

But still...

(Korobi) He's the Ultimate Defense of the Sand!

(Korobi) It's undeniable that countless shinobi have become victims of his wrath.

[shivers]

I sure hope nothing goes wrong...

[gasps]

Ahhh!

[gasps]

Enemies!

Is it the bandits!?

(Gaara) No...

Their target... is me.

They're full of Jonin who think pretty poorly of you.

The villagers fear you...

I decided to move on.

I can't be held back by it, not now!

What's the matter, Kakashi Sensei?

How long are you going to follow us?

Show yourself!

Huh? What?

(Mask D) [chuckle] No wonder they call you Kakashi of the Sharringan Eye,,,

(Mask D) I thought I'd hid my presence well...

(Mask D) Please, just continue on your way...

We have no intention of interfering with the mission of an allied nation.

Allied Nation?

You're from the Sand Village?

Perhaps it's easiest if you simply think of us as... auditors.

Auditors? What does that mean!?

They're like inspectors.

They're probably here to report back on how this mission goes.

And why do they need masks to do that!?

I don't know, I don't trust these guys one bit.

Actually... Huh?

(Kakashi) They don't trust Gaara.

(Kakashi) Isn't that what's really going on?

Huh?

The people of the Sand Village know very well that Gaara's power poses a serious threat.

...most of all to them.

You've seen Lord Gaara's Jutsu in action yourself.

Don't you agree that it's an abomination? That it shouldn't exist?

(Thinking) They've decided to eliminate Gaara.

(Thinking) So, an Anbu squad has been dispatched to kill him?

(Mask D) It's a good proposition for the people of the Leaf, as well.

(Mask D) After all, it'll mean a nearby nations won't have a powerful weapon.

How cruel! He's one of your own ninja!

(Mask D) Don't you understand?! Lord Gaara is a danger to both our villages!

(Mask D) We cannot allow him to continue to exist!

Grr...

I'm a threat to the village I was meant to save.

To them, I was a relic of the past that they wished would disappear.

Back then, that's what I thought about myself as well.

Or... I couldn't help but believe it was true!

And that, of everything I faced, was the hardest to bear.

The thought that my existence simply didn't matter one little bit to the rest of the world

What then was left for me in this existence? Why go on living?

Lord Gaara simply cannot be allowed to---

Hunt them down! Don't let them excape!

(Kakashi) Surley there are some in the Sand who are sympathetic towards Gaara.

[gasp]

I understand that you are unable to accept Gaara as one of you...

And I can see your point about his power.

But just because I understand, don't assume I feel the same way.

They fell for it!

Huh??

What's happening!? What are those puppets doing!?

Lord Gaara! No!

[gasp]

[shouts]

[shouts]

[grunts]

Ahhh!

We're both gonna die!

That's right! He's a killing machine who thinks nothing of taking human lives!

(Mask D) He's a monster who enjoys killing!

No..! Lord Gaara!

[groans]

[screams]

[heavy breathing]

I never imagined he'd fall for our trap so easily!

(Mask A) Now our mission is almost done!

Puppet Water Style! Mystic Rain Dance Jutsu!

[panting]

Are we safe here?

Wait... This is wrong...

Huh?

Back there... Did you hear what he said?

Lord Gaara... He told us to get away I'm sure of it!

(Naruto) Are you guys alright!?

Huh?

Where's Gaara!?

Huh? Are you serious!? You just abandoned your friend!?

But, are we?

Are you and I really friends with Lord Gaara?

(Mask A) This water is infused with our chakra...

(Mask A) It's wetting down your sand, making it less cohesive.

Your jutsu is sealed.

Die!!!

What!?

Gaara! We've come to rescue you!

[gasp] Naruto Uzumaki...

(Mask A) They're only shadow Clones, Don't be afraid of them!

(Mask A) Only one is real...

(Yaoki) You're not alone!

I'm not gonna run! Not anymore!

Lord Gaara is our friend and we won't leave him!

Lord Gaara! We're sorry we ran off without you before!

But we're here now! And we'll fight by your side!

Nice job, guys!

You annoying gnats!

[gasp]

The elders underestimated my power...

It will take more than just a little water to kill me.

[grunt]

[grunt]

[grunt]

Ahh!

(Gaara) These few grains are more than enough for the likes of you!

Good one! You big show off!

(Kakashi) What an unfortunate situation.

(Kakashi) But at least these conspirators were flushed out and subdued.

(Gaara) As I thought, I've caused you trouble. Forgive me.

They're the ones who caused the trouble! Not you!

(Gaara) Don't...

Huh?

I know perfectly well what these men can be like.

But still... Let them be.

They're my people even if they cannot accept me.

I understand.

Well, alright then! Shall we get back to our original mission now?

(Gaara) That's where it all started for me...

(Gaara) With that small bond... that hand extended in trust.

(Gaara) I wanted to be something precious to others, too.

(Gaara) NOt just to be viewed as some hideous weapon.

(Gaara) But as the Sand's next Kazekage.

Your people do need you.

You forged a bond with all of them, and were accepted by them...

You are the Kazekage of the Hidden Sand!

He's the reason my eyes opened. He's known the same pain as I have-

and he taught me that I can change the path that my life will follow.

(Gaara) The Leaf Village has him...

(Gaara) One who cherishes the bonds of friendship more than anyone I know.

(Gaara) Naruto Uzumaki...

(Gaara) Knowing him... and the friends that he holds so dear...

(Gaara) They'll overcome this disaster.

(Gaara) And grow even stronger as a result of getting through it together.

(Gaara) Tell me again...

Huh??

(Gaara) Tell me what you said back there. Just one more time.

We're sorry we ran off without you.

(Gaara) Not that... Huh?

The other thing. Before that.

Huh? Oh! Heh.

Yeah! Of course!

We're your friends!

(Tsunade) Are you kidding me?!

(Tsunade) After all this time your people still haven't captured Naruto!?

(Shizune) I'm sorry, Lady Tsunade! He's proving more troublesome than we'd expected!

(Shizune) Naruto is just more than the medical teams alone can handle!

(Tsunade) Given the danger he posesses we must stop him by whatever neans necessary!

(Naruto) Next time on Naruto Shippuden: "Naruto Outbreak"

(Tsunade) This time you won't get away, Naruto!