Naruto: Shippūden

(During a flashback)

Kankuro:
Gaara, give it up. I don't want to say this... The village only thinks of you as a weapon of terror. You'll have a really hard time if you leave us and join a regular squad. The higher-ups don't think much of you. And most of the villagers are still terrified of you.

Gaara:
I know that. But doing nothing will cause more fear and suffering. In order to escape a path of loneliness, I have no choice but to work hard and make my own path. If I do that, then someday... Someday... I can be like him. That's why I will become Kazekage as a Shinobi of Sand. So I can live a life connected to my village.

Kankuro:
Gaara...

Gaara:
I want to work hard so that others will accept my existence. That's what I thought when I looked at Naruto Uzumaki. Up until now, my bonds with others have only been ones of pain. But, seeing him fight so hard made me wonder what a bond really is. I think I understand a little now. Suffering, sadness... and joy. To be able to share it with another person... Naruto Uzumaki... When I fought him, I feel that is what he taught me. He knows the same suffering as I do. And he taught me that you can change how you live your life. Someday, I want my existence to be necessary to others.