A monstrous transformation leaves Naruto barely able to place his opponent, and when Sakura throws herself in harm's way to shield Sasuke, the pinned kunoichi stirs something buried in Gaara. The chapter opens a window into a lonely childhood built on fear.
Main Characters (5)
Summary
Gaara's altered shape is so grotesque that Naruto cannot place him until Pakkun names him aloud. The revelation brings back Gaara's earlier boast of being a monster, and Naruto now sees it was no exaggeration. He proposes retreat, but Gaara instead fixates on finishing off Sasuke.
Key Events
Sakura flings herself between the two to guard Sasuke, only for Gaara to trap her with his sand. Her willingness to sacrifice herself unsettles him and drags his mind back to boyhood. Growing up in the Hidden Sand, all he ever craved was companionship, but the villagers dreaded him as Shukaku's container and fled whenever he drew near. His clumsy efforts to stop them only wounded them by accident, leaving the isolated boy to wonder what genuine hurt actually felt like.
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Notes
The chapter runs in volume 15 as part of the Konoha Crush storyline. Viz issued it in English as To Hurt…!!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in the Naruto chapter "Pain…!!"?
In "Pain…!!" (chapter 129 of the Konoha Crush arc), Gaara's grotesque transformed state leaves Naruto unable to recognize him until Pakkun identifies him, and the chapter then turns to Gaara's memories of a lonely childhood after Sakura throws herself in front of Sasuke.
Why can't Naruto recognize Gaara in this chapter?
Gaara's monstrous transformed shape is so different from his usual form that Naruto cannot place him until Kakashi's ninja dog Pakkun says his name aloud.
What does Sakura do to protect Sasuke?
Sakura flings herself between Gaara and Sasuke to shield her teammate, and Gaara responds by trapping her with his sand rather than attacking further.
Why does Sakura's sacrifice affect Gaara?
Sakura's willingness to risk herself for Sasuke unsettles Gaara and drags his mind back to his boyhood in the Hidden Sand Village, where villagers feared him as Shukaku's container and fled whenever he came near.
What is the Viz English title for this chapter?
Viz released this chapter in English as "To Hurt…!!", and it appears in volume 15 of the manga as part of the Konoha Crush storyline.
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and Toho.
- Game pages: official box art for the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games, credited to Bandai Namco.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
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