>>282239865
Or they could've at least used a couple of panels of Naruto and Gaara interacting at the end of part 1 to show that they started forming a bond between themselves. It feels like such an obvious and missed opportunity.
I liked the relationship between them during the Chunin Exams a lot more, where Naruto was still able to relate to and understand Gaara, but he also saw him as a weirdo and a freak. This whole "RAAAAWR HE'S A JINCHURIKI TOO, HE'S LIKE ME, I'M SO MAD GRRRRRR" stuff feels really dumb and forced.

Sayanara for now, best girl