Chapter 131 unfolds the harrowing flashback that broke Gaara, revealing Yashamaru's betrayal and the loveless childhood behind his killing instinct, before he turns that fury on Naruto and his friends in the present.
Main Characters (4)
Summary
In memory, a young Gaara apologises to Yashamaru for wounding him, insisting he had not recognised his attacker. He tries to excuse the assault as an order handed down by the Fourth Kazekage, but Yashamaru confesses that he had taken on the task by his own choice.
Key Events
Yashamaru admits he was never able to love Gaara, whose birth had cost the life of his sister, Gaara's own mother. Because she too had held no love for the child, Yashamaru attempted to kill Gaara by detonating himself. Gaara survived, and, twisted by the loss, he learned to affirm his existence by taking the lives of others.
Back in the present, that same drive turns Gaara against Naruto and his friends as he attacks. Naruto reaches for Gamabunta to even the odds, but manages to summon only the tiny Gamakichi instead.
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Notes
The chapter carries the title Gaara to Iu Na…!!. It is number 131, collected in volume 15 as part of the Konoha Crush arc, and first appeared in Japan on August 5, 2002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Yashamaru try to kill Gaara?
Yashamaru reveals in this chapter's flashback that he was never able to love Gaara, whose birth had cost the life of his sister, Gaara's mother, so he attempted to kill Gaara by detonating himself.
How did Gaara survive Yashamaru's attack, and what did it do to him?
Gaara survived the explosion, but the betrayal twisted him, and he learned to affirm his own existence by taking the lives of others.
What excuse did young Gaara give for wounding Yashamaru?
Young Gaara apologizes and claims the attack had been an order from the Fourth Kazekage, though Yashamaru admits he had actually taken on the task by his own choice.
What happens when Naruto tries to summon Gamabunta in this chapter?
Naruto reaches for Gamabunta to face Gaara's assault, but manages to summon only the small toad Gamakichi instead.
What arc does "The Name Gaara…!!" belong to?
"The Name Gaara…!!" is chapter 131 of volume 15, part of the Konoha Crush arc, first published in Japan on August 5, 2002.
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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