Gaara

Also see the original: Gaara Gaara is a Genin of the Village Hidden in the Sand

Background
Gaara was once used as a weapon by the Village Hidden in the Sand in a plot to destroy the Village Hidden in the Leaves. This occurred during the last time the Leaf tried to hold the Chunin Selection Exams. It is unknown what role Gaara played during this event, but it is stated that he was not the same person then as he is now.

Appearance
Gaara is a young man of rather small stature. He has fair skin and deep, red hair. He wears a reddish-brown one-piece suit with a leather strap over one shoulder and a white sash over the other. The white sash is used to hold a large gourd on his back.

Personality
Gaara seemed to be pleased when Team Kakashi arrived in the Village Hidden in the Sand, greeting them with a smile. He is happy to see Naruto in particular, and when he heard that Team Kakashi was coming, he stated that he wanted to be the one to greet them. Gaara was not always this way; before the start of the series, he was used as a weapon. He was deeply affected by social isolation and his Village's methods, and he was not the same person then that he is now.

Season One
Gaara meets Team Kakashi upon their arrival in the Village Hidden in the Sand. He warmly greets them, being particularly happy to see Naruto. He provides them with his Village's participants for the upcoming Chunin Exams, stating that he wanted to be the one to meet them. With their business complete, Gaara wishes the members of Team Kakashi a safe journey as they depart from the Hidden Sand. Gaara participates in the Season One Chunin Selection Exams, passing the First Exam. He and his team are the first team to pass the Second Exam. They must then participate in a Preliminary Exam comprised of one-on-one battles that will determine who will proceed to the Third Exam.