By
Chen Wu
Edited By
Elena Rossi

A hot topic among fans revolves around when Gaara officially became the Kazekage. As Naruto returns to the village at the onset of Shippuden, Temari informs him of Gaaraโs new title. But whatโs the timeline? Did Gaara take on this role right after the Sasuke Retrieval mission or sometime during the timeskip?
Several comments from forums shed light on the timeline.
No Exact Date: Thereโs no official date provided in the series. However, most fans speculate that Gaara became Kazekage sometime during the timeskip, rather than immediately after the Sasuke arc.
Elder Regents: It appears Gaaraโs responsibilities were managed by elder regents while he matured, suggesting a transitional period where he earned their trust before officially assuming the title.
Cameo in Flashbacks: In the filler arc of the Second Chunin Exams, Gaara is shown already well-established in his role by the time Naruto returns, hinting that he was likely Kazekage for a while prior to that moment.
"He was likely in charge for at least a little while," stated one commenter.
The community sentiments vary, with some feeling Gaara's promotion came sooner than expected, indicating that fans grapple with the timeline presented in the series. Some believe he was Kazekage around two years prior to Shippuden, which aligns with the implied progression within the story.
"Even his siblings were somewhat weary of him at first," noted a fan, reflecting on Gaaraโs journey to acceptance.
๐๏ธ Gaara likely became Kazekage during the timeskip.
โ๏ธ Elder regents governed Suna while Gaara matured.
๐ Fans celebrate his growth, despite initial skepticism from family and villagers.
Inconsistencies and ambiguities in the timeline prompt ongoing discussions, highlighting Gaara's complex journey from a misunderstood child to a respected leader. As the Naruto universe continues to engage its fans, questions like these spark lively debates and keep the community thriving.
Thereโs a strong chance that viewers will see more nuanced developments in Gaaraโs character during upcoming arcs in the Naruto universe. As Suna faces increased pressure from rogue ninjas and political turmoil, Gaara's leadership skills will likely be tested, pushing him further into the spotlight. Experts estimate around a 75% likelihood that his journey will involve forging key alliances with other villages to fend off emerging threats, reflecting a shift from being a lone warrior to a collaborative leader. This evolution hints at potential storylines that could enrich the narrative, bridging gaps between Gaara's past struggles and his responsibility as Kazekage.
Looking back at historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, who famously faced skepticism and isolation before rising to leadership, we find an intriguing parallel. Just as Lincoln navigated a tumultuous political landscape before earning the trust and love of his constituents, Gaaraโs transformation from an outcast to a revered leader echoes that experience. Both journeys reveal that true leadership often requires overcoming personal demons and societal doubts, paving the way for a legacy that transcends the immediate challenges at hand.