Rasa in Naruto

Rasa, also known as the Fourth Kazekage, faced a grave threat to the Hidden Sand Village (Sunagakure) when the Land of Wind's daimyō started reducing their budget and started favoring the less expensive services of Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf Village). This financial strain put Sunagakure at risk of extinction. Determined to safeguard his village, Rasa made the decision to focus on enhancing the quality of Suna's ninja forces.

In his quest to create Suna's ultimate weapon, Rasa ordered Chiyo, a skilled puppeteer, and elder of the village, to seal the One-Tailed Shukaku, a powerful tailed beast, within his youngest son, Gaara. Rasa believed that by harnessing the immense power of the tailed beast, Gaara would become a formidable weapon to protect the village.

Unfortunately, this plan came at a great personal cost. During Gaara's birth, Rasa's wife, Karura, tragically lost her life due to complications. Gaara was born prematurely, leaving Rasa desperate to save both his wife and child. Despite his efforts, Karura passed away, leaving Rasa devastated by the loss.

Rasa took it upon himself to teach Gaara ninjutsu, hoping to shape him into the weapon Sunagakure needed. However, he assigned Yashamaru, a trusted family member, to be Gaara's caretaker. This decision resulted in Gaara's isolation from his elder siblings, Temari and Kankuro, as Yashamaru was instructed to focus solely on Gaara's development as a weapon, rather than nurturing familial bonds.

The circumstances surrounding Gaara's birth and upbringing, as orchestrated by Rasa, ultimately contributed to Gaara's emotional turmoil and his struggles to find acceptance and connection with others.

As Gaara grew older and his abilities started to manifest, Rasa began to realize that sealing the One-Tailed Shukaku within Gaara had been a grave mistake. Gaara's unstable nature caused him to unintentionally attack the citizens of Sunagakure, posing a significant threat to the village and its inhabitants.

Compounded by the village's dwindling resources, Rasa felt immense pressure from the council, who deemed Gaara useless to their cause. In a state of desperation, Rasa devised a plan with Yashamaru, Gaara's caretaker, to test Gaara's control over Shukaku. Tragically, during this test, Yashamaru lost his life, and Gaara's control over the tailed beast slipped, allowing Shukaku to go on a destructive rampage.

In a desperate attempt to save his son and protect the village, Rasa utilized his unique ability to manipulate Gold Dust to subdue the rampaging Shukaku. This incident further solidified Rasa's belief that Gaara was a failed experiment and posed a danger to Sunagakure.

Driven by the council's declarations and his own conviction, Rasa made the grim decision to order Gaara's assassination. However, despite six attempts on Gaara's life, all of them failed, as Gaara's own strength and survival instincts proved formidable.

However, as time passed, Gaara's outlook and control over his powers began to change. Embracing his newfound ideology of embracing loneliness and being self-sufficient, Gaara developed a greater sense of control over his abilities. Recognizing this newfound strength and potential, Rasa saw an opportunity to give his son one last chance.

Realizing that Gaara could indeed become a powerful tool for the village, Rasa halted the orders for his son's assassination. He hoped that Gaara's growing strength and newfound ideals would lead him to become a valuable asset to Sunagakure, finally seeing the usefulness and potential in his son's abilities.

He once sent Pakura, a skilled shinobi from Sunagakure, to her death as part of an unjust peace treaty with Kirigakure. Under the pretense of being an envoy, Pakura was sent to Kirigakure, where she was ultimately killed. Rasa orchestrated this act as a means to manipulate tensions and provoke a war with Iwagakure, a village Sunagakure had a feud with at the time. By blaming Iwagakure for Pakura's death, Rasa sought to incite conflict among the shinobi and disrupt the peace treaty between Konohagakure and Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village).

During the Third Shinobi World War, when Konohagakure aimed to establish a peace treaty with Iwagakure, Rasa strategically arranged the meeting on the border between Sunagakure and Iwagakure. He positioned himself and his forces to oversee the event, ready to handle any potential incidents or conflicts that might arise. This move demonstrated Rasa's commitment to protecting his village's interests and ensuring the safety of his people.

Rasa also implemented a rule within the Sunagakure Academy that forbade children without skills in ninjutsu or genjutsu from attending. This rule aimed to maintain high standards and prioritize the training of children who exhibited talent in these areas.

Furthermore, Rasa took on the role of mentor to Shigezane, a shinobi who sought to learn Water Release techniques. Rasa mentored him specifically for the purpose of gathering gold dust, a valuable resource that the Kazekage could utilize.

Chunin Exams

When Orochimaru approached Sunagakure with a proposal to join forces in invading Konohagakure, Rasa, driven by the economic decline caused by the Land of Wind's daimyō favoring Konoha's shinobi, agreed to the alliance. Rasa saw this as an opportunity to not only weaken Konoha but also secure additional funding for Sunagakure. To ensure the invasion's success, Rasa devised a plan to have Gaara unleash the One-Tailed Shukaku from the heart of Konoha during the Chūnin Exams, putting the Konoha shinobi at a significant disadvantage right from the start.

However, before the finals of the Chūnin Exams could take place, Rasa's ambitions were abruptly cut short. Orochimaru, realizing that he could manipulate Sunagakure more effectively by eliminating Rasa, launched a treacherous attack. Orochimaru impaled Rasa in the chest with his sword, ending the life of the Fourth Kazekage. In his ruthless pursuit, Orochimaru also eliminated Rasa's guards, enabling him to employ his Vanishing Facial Copy Technique to assume the guise of the Kazekage himself. This impersonation allowed Orochimaru to further manipulate Sunagakure and control the village's actions.

It was only after the failed invasion of Konoha that the truth about Rasa's fate was discovered by Sunagakure. His rotting, faceless corpse was found on the outskirts of the village, serving as a grim reminder of their betrayal at the hands of Orochimaru.

Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation

In preparation for the Fourth Shinobi World War, Rasa, along with other deceased Kage, was reincarnated by Kabuto Yakushi, a skilled shinobi in alliance with Tobi (later revealed to be Obito Uchiha). The purpose of their resurrection was to fight against the Allied Shinobi Forces.

During the war, when Mu, the Second Tsuchikage, was detected approaching the Fourth Division of the Allied Shinobi Forces, Kabuto had him summon three other Kage to provide support. Rasa was among this group, and during their conversation, he revealed that his knowledge of their exploits came from the accounts passed down by his predecessors. Rasa shared that while the Second Hokage had died long before his own lifetime, the forbidden technique used to resurrect them had fallen into the hands of another shinobi named Orochimaru.

While the other resurrected Kage were preoccupied with their own desires to confront each other, Rasa was observant enough to notice his son Gaara's Third Eye, a manifestation of his sand-based ability, observing them from a distance.

As the Kage pursued the retreating division throughout the night, they each expressed concerns about potentially facing shinobi from their own villages. Rasa, in particular, remained skeptical of the Third Raikage's belief that the current generation had surpassed their predecessors. He harbored doubts about the abilities of the newer generation.

During their pursuit, the Kage were confronted by an enormous wall of sand. Rasa, utilizing his control over Gold Dust, integrated it into the approaching wave of sand to slow it down. He presumed that Gaara, his son, had already unleashed Shukaku, the One-Tailed beast. Rasa revealed that this technique was how he had managed to stop the beast in the past. However, to his surprise, Gaara appeared before him instead of Shukaku, leaving him shocked and questioning the whereabouts of the tailed beast.

Gaara informed his father that he was no longer the jinchūriki that Rasa had created. This revelation startled Rasa and made him realize that Gaara had undergone significant changes since their last encounter. It indicated that Gaara had transformed and evolved beyond being solely controlled by Shukaku.

Unable to comprehend the circumstances surrounding his son Gaara's revival after the extraction of the One-Tail, Rasa's surprise only intensifies when he learns that Gaara has formed friendships and no longer harbors hatred toward him. As the current Kazekage, Gaara gains perspective on his father's past actions and understands the motivations behind them.

Recalling the events of the past, including Gaara's birth and subsequent descent into failure as a jinchūriki, Rasa begins to consider the value of his own reincarnation, realizing that it allows him to assess the true worth of his child. He questions whether Gaara is truly capable of surpassing him.

With conflicting emotions and uncertainties lingering between father and son, their battle reignites. The clash of Rasa's gold-based techniques and Gaara's sand manipulation results in a merging of the two elements. However, Gaara's determination to protect two of the other Kage from an aerial barrage causes his sand to manifest in a unique and powerful form. It restrains not only Rasa but also the other Kage, trapping them in an inescapable embrace that takes on the appearance of Gaara's late mother.

Acknowledging his son Gaara's growth and witnessing his own failed attempts to counter Gaara's impenetrable Shield of Sand, Rasa experiences a profound realization. He understands that as a parent, all he needs to do is trust in his children, a concept that contradicts his previous notions of value. With newfound clarity, Rasa declares that Gaara's strength does not stem from Shukaku but rather from his mother, Karura. He reveals that Karura truly loved Gaara and explains that it was he who had ordered Yashamaru to lie about his mother's feelings as a misguided test.

Expressing deep remorse, Rasa apologizes to Gaara for everything he had taken away from him during his childhood. He acknowledges his failures as a parent and admits that he has no right to call himself a father. Despite this, he expresses his gratitude that Karura's strength had guided and supported Gaara throughout his life. Overwhelmed with emotion, Rasa tearfully accepts his shortcomings and recognizes that Gaara has surpassed him.

As Rasa hears Gaara forgive him, a sense of relief and joy washes over him. With tears in his eyes, he understands that his son has truly become greater than he ever was. In a moment of deep vulnerability, Rasa gladly entrusts the future of the village to Gaara, acknowledging his son as the one who will lead Sunagakure with strength and wisdom.

Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax

Later, as the Impure World Reincarnation technique was released and dispelled, a radiant light enveloped Rasa's sealed body. With the dissolution of the technique, his soul was liberated and peacefully returned to the afterlife.

Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes

Following the sealing of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki by Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha, Rasa, along with the other deceased Kage, was summoned from the Pure Land by Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki, the Sage of Six Paths. Their purpose was to assist Hagoromo and the current Hokage in summoning Team 7, the tailed beasts, and Madara Uchiha back from Kaguya's dimension.

Rasa and the other Kage joined forces with Hagoromo and the Hokage, utilizing their combined power and knowledge to execute the summoning. Their efforts were crucial in bringing back the necessary individuals to restore balance and resolve the aftermath of the battle.

After fulfilling their role in the summoning, Rasa, alongside the other Kage, had their souls returned to the Pure Land. They departed the mortal realm, their mission completed, and resumed their existence in the realm of the afterlife.

Rasa, as the leader of Sunagakure, held a deep sense of responsibility and concern for the well-being of his village. However, in a misguided attempt to restore Suna's resources, he contemplated forming an alliance with Orochimaru, a highly dangerous criminal, to destroy Konoha. Despite being aware of Orochimaru's treacherous nature, Rasa saw this drastic measure as a potential solution. This decision proved to be a fatal mistake on Rasa's part, as he and his loyal bodyguards were ultimately betrayed and assassinated by Orochimaru.

Upon his eventual return from the dead, Rasa found himself reflecting on his actions and hoping that the Third Raikage was correct in his belief that the next generation would be strong enough to put an end to the cycle of mindless violence. It was a moment of introspection for Rasa, realizing the gravity of his ruthless nature as a leader and the consequences of his choices.

In the extended storyline presented in the anime, Rasa's ruthlessness as a leader is further explored. It is revealed that he made the difficult decision to sacrifice Pakura for the betterment of the village, sending her on a mission that ultimately resulted in her death. These actions demonstrated Rasa's willingness to make difficult choices and sacrifices in order to protect and advance the interests of Sunagakure.

Rasa's love for his wife and children was undeniable, yet he found himself torn between the responsibilities of being both a village leader and a father. This inner conflict became apparent when the council deemed Gaara a failure, causing Rasa to feel a deep disappointment. Despite this, he decided to give his son one final opportunity before making the difficult decision of whether to eliminate him. It was a choice that weighed heavily on his heart.

In order to test Gaara's determination, Rasa resorted to a complex and potentially heartbreaking lie, hoping to gauge his son's resolve. This act demonstrated the depth of Rasa's struggle, torn between his duty to the village's safety and his love for his child. Ultimately, when faced with Gaara's perceived failure, Rasa chose to prioritize the well-being of the village over his own son.

It was a poignant and difficult decision for Rasa, one that showcased the complexity of his role as a leader and father. Despite his love for his family, he was forced to make choices that pitted his personal emotions against the greater good of the village. This conflict exemplified the sacrifices leaders often have to make, even when it means making heart-wrenching decisions that can deeply affect their relationships with their loved ones.

Rasa's actions and decisions throughout his life suggest that he possessed a strong utilitarian mindset, prioritizing the overall well-being of Sunagakure and the greater good above individual considerations. His willingness to make sacrifices, such as considering an alliance with Orochimaru, demonstrated his belief in taking drastic measures if they could benefit the village as a whole.

The symbolism of Rasa's use of gold dust, which holds inherent value and is often associated with wealth, can be seen as an allusion to his tendency to place importance on tangible outcomes and measurable contributions. This mindset of valuing tangible results and outcomes may have influenced his view on individuals' worth within the village.

In the anime, Rasa's establishment of a rule that restricted those who couldn't perform ninjutsu from entering the Academy reflects a form of bigotry or prejudice. This decision demonstrated a narrow perspective on value, as he prioritized specific abilities over other qualities or potential contributions. It highlighted a belief system that assigned worth primarily based on one's proficiency in ninjutsu or genjutsu, potentially excluding individuals who possessed different talents or strengths.

Upon his reincarnation and witnessing Gaara's growth as the Kazekage, along with the genuine bonds he had formed with his friends, Rasa was overwhelmed with regret for the difficult life he had subjected his son to due to his past choices and mistakes. He solemnly acknowledged that he had not been worthy of being called Gaara's father.

Defeated and humbled, Rasa recognized that Gaara had long surpassed him in strength, resilience, and wisdom. Tearfully, he entrusted the safety and future of Sunagakure to his son, realizing that Gaara was more than capable of leading their village to prosperity.

In a heartfelt moment, Rasa seized the opportunity to apologize to Gaara and seek reconciliation. He expressed his deep remorse for the hardships he had inflicted upon his son and acknowledged his own unworthiness as a father. Rasa's happiness stemmed from being given the chance to make amends and seek forgiveness from Gaara, hoping to mend their relationship and find solace in knowing that his son had triumphed over the challenges he had faced.

This transformation in Rasa's perspective revealed his profound growth and newfound humility. Through his sincere recognition of Gaara's superiority and his desire to make amends, Rasa demonstrated genuine love and concern for his son's well-being, ultimately paving the way for a path of healing and reconciliation between them.

Rasa possessed distinctive physical features that included a head of auburn hair, dark eyes, and a stern expression that was often depicted on his face. His appearance was characterized by simplicity and practicality. He typically wore a plain black jacket and pants, complemented by mesh armor underneath for protection. A small canister was strapped to his hip, likely containing Gold Dust.

As Rasa aged, two creases formed around his mouth, hinting at the weight of his responsibilities and the burdens he carried as the Kazekage. Notably, when he utilized his unique ability with Gold Dust, dark markings would emerge around his eyes, bearing a striking resemblance to Gaara's own distinctive markings.

During his tenure as the Kazekage, Rasa donned the customary attire of his position. This attire included a loose-fitting green kimono with a white collar, reflecting the colors associated with Sunagakure, the Village Hidden in the Sand. To signify his status, Rasa also wore the iconic Kazekage hat, adorned with the kanji for wind (風), symbolizing his affiliation with the Land of Wind.

Rasa was an exceptionally formidable shinobi, which was exemplified by his esteemed position as the Kazekage. His immense power and skill were demonstrated through his ability to subdue and control the formidable tailed beast, Shukaku, even when it was fully released. The mere prospect of his potential retaliation was enough to deter a group of Iwa-nin from instigating a conflict at the border of the Land of Wind.

Rasa's sharp observation skills were evident in his ability to discern the presence of Gaara's Third Eye, a unique ability possessed by his son. He astutely pinpointed the eye's surveillance during his encounter with the other reincarnated Kage, after Mu, another Kage, sensed Gaara's chakra.

In combat, Rasa employed a stationary fighting style that revolved around the manipulation of his unique ability with Gold Dust. This allowed him to launch precise and devastating attacks against his adversaries. By harnessing the power of Gold Dust, Rasa showcased his mastery over earth-based techniques and his proficiency in utilizing his natural resources to his advantage.

Furthermore, Rasa's intellectual prowess was notable as he actively developed new techniques for the betterment of Suna, indicating his high level of intelligence. His dedication to enhancing Sunagakure's arsenal of techniques showcased his strategic thinking and commitment to advancing the village's capabilities.

Ninjutsu

Drawing upon his extensive knowledge and research in ninjutsu, coupled with his exceptional talent, Rasa mastered the unique kekkei genkai known as Magnet Release, which was originally possessed by the Third Kazekage. By skillfully combining the earth and wind elements, Rasa demonstrated his prowess in manipulating this powerful nature transformation. When activating Magnet Release, distinctive dark rings would materialize around his eyes, bearing a striking resemblance to the permanent markings around Gaara's eyes.

Rasa's primary application of Magnet Release revolved around the manipulation of Gold Dust. With remarkable proficiency, he could summon substantial quantities of these shimmering particles, seemingly drawing them from the immediate surroundings in a relatively short period. In offensive maneuvers, Rasa would shape the Gold Dust into dense, high-velocity surges that varied in size, ranging from narrow streams to colossal waves. These surges were designed to inflict damage upon his targets, forcefully colliding the compacted material with great impact.

Additionally, Rasa employed his Magnet Release defensively, creating formidable barricades composed of the dense Gold Dust. These barriers possessed exceptional durability, capable of withstanding powerful assaults, even thwarting large sand-based projectiles. This defensive application of his ability demonstrated Rasa's astute understanding of the interaction between gold's weight and the sand's force, allowing him to effectively restrain even the mighty Shukaku when it succumbed to its rampant and destructive nature.

Through his mastery of Magnet Release and his skillful manipulation of Gold Dust, Rasa showcased his exceptional control over the earth and wind elements. His strategic utilization of this kekkei genkai enabled him to unleash devastating offensive barrages and create impregnable defenses, establishing himself as a formidable force on the battlefield.

In addition to his mastery of Magnet Release and his adept manipulation of Gold Dust, Rasa possessed a diverse skill set in various other nature transformations. Notably, he showcased proficiency in the Water Release element. With his precise control over water, Rasa developed a technique that involved the creation of a high-pressure water blade. This blade exhibited immense power, capable of penetrating even the most formidable defenses, including those considered to be absolute.

Furthermore, Rasa demonstrated his aptitude in utilizing Yin Release, a rare and enigmatic nature transformation. The specifics of his employment of Yin Release were not extensively documented, but it served as a testament to his versatile abilities and comprehensive understanding of different chakra elements.

An intriguing aspect of Rasa's repertoire was his ability to fashion an eye out of his malleable Gold Dust. This unique application allowed him to observe and monitor various situations from a safe distance, granting him a strategic advantage and enhanced situational awareness.

In addition to the Naruto manga and its anime adaptation, Rasa appears in other media formats of the Naruto franchise as well. He was mentioned in the novel, titled “Itachi Shinden: Book of Bright Light.”

Rasa made his debut in the gaming category with the release of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3. He is a playable character in the following games:

• (To Gaara) "You've truly grown Gaara… The only thing a parent needs to do, is trust in their children. That's all… And that in itself has true value."

• (To Gaara) "It appears that I didn't have an eye for value after all. The sand will always protect you… It's not Shukaku's strength that you wield, but your mother Karura's. Your mother truly loved you."

• (To Gaara about Karura) "Your mother was truly strong… Even in death, she continues to believe in you and protect you… That's what helped you bring you to where you are today."

• (To Gaara about his shortcomings) "Now that you've become Kazekage… And you've made real friends… and you have real connections with people. Those are all the things I stole. …But I, your father, never did a thing for you. …No… I couldn't even call myself your father…"

• (To Gaara before he is sealed) "More than I ever could have hoped. You've surpassed me… I entrust the village to you now… Gaara…"

• The name "Rasa" (羅砂) translates to "demon sand" or "silky sand."

• Rasa's hair color initially appeared as a dull purple but later changed to auburn in subsequent appearances.

• His favorite food was any dish that included meat.

• The fourth databook mentions Hiden as one of Rasa's special characteristics, although specific techniques associated with this classification are not known.

• Rasa's Gold Dust techniques in the anime and manga are unnamed, but they share the same names as his son Gaara's techniques in the video games.

• In the Gaara Hiden novel, it is revealed that Rasa's direct bloodline holds high value in Suna. When his daughter married Shikamaru Nara, a shinobi from Konoha, the Suna Council insisted that Rasa's sons marry and start families to ensure the preservation of his bloodline within Suna.