Top 10 Kankuro moments
I decided to do a top 10 of my most favorite Kankuro moments. As we know, he doesn't have much screentime. Despite that, I decided to compile the ones I consider to be some of his best moments. I'm gonna start from bottom to top, with a little explanation as to why I find each moment so significant. As expected, this is all based on my opinion. With that said, let's start with:
10- Kankuro having an angry outburst at Oonoki's words:
It's not a very significant moment cause it doesn't last much onscreen. That's why it's at the 10th spot. I still like it, though, because it still works to show one of Kankuro's core traits: his more emotional side and how overprotective he is of Gaara. It also shows he has a general disregard for figures of authority. It just shows how distinct his personality is from his siblings. Gaara was the one being disrespected, and he showed no reactions (I understand that as Kazekage, he has to be mature). But he could've at least shown a more surprised expression. Temari, as always, has to play her peacekeeper role, but is also very detached and emotionless bout the whole situation. I love that Kank has emotions and is allowed to show them. It's important for a character to have emotions, and Kankuro does so very well in this scene.
9- Kankuro's faith in Gaara
God, do I love it when Kankuro gets to express his emotions and be protective of Gaara at the same time. In this moment, Baki is showing concern about Gaara potentially losing control of Shukaku on the village during his fight vs. Deidara. Kankuro is portrayed as Gaara's first supporter, as he quickly jumps to his brother's defense. His faith in Gaara is unshakable. It also shows Kanks development. How he went from finding Gaara unbearable and terrifying to becoming his n.1 defender. Also, I love his expressions here. He starts by biting his lip, showing a sliver of hesitancy before making his declaration. Then the pan to his eyes is not only gorgeous, but I assume was done to show his words were genuine. I love him sm.
8- Kankuro's reaction to Gaara's defeat at Naruto's hands
Once again, it's a very small but significant moment. Actually, it goes hand in hand with Kank also being the first to respond to Gaara's apology. I've already talked about this once, but it just goes to show that Kankuro had always loved his brother. Deep down, beneath all the layers of fear and unease, beat the heart of a true big brother. Kankuro's reaction is the one being highlighted here. He's the first to note Gaara's state, the one to carry him, and the one to tell him it's all right after the apology. I see it as foreshadowing for how strong their bond would get in Shippuden. It also shows the contrast between how Kankuro constantly viewed and treated Gaara through the whole arc, majorly with disdain, and the little moments he has, showing concern for him. Such as this one, and Gaara's fights vs. Lee and Sasuke. It's just great to show there's buried trauma, but not even that is enough to erase their sibling bond.
7- Kankuro's flashback of Gaara's dream
I know some people might view his words here as mean, but it's actually another trait of Kankuro I adore. That's how realistic and down to Earth he is, and how he's not afraid of stating the cold truth as it is. Now, as I see it, this memory was used to develop both Gaara and Kankuro. Right now, I don't remember if it took place during Kanks' unconscious state while Sakura healed him, or if it happened during Gaara's fight vs. Deidara, while Kankuro was observing them. Either way, it's a phenomenal scene because it accomplishes many things. For once, it does the bare minimum of showing us Gaara's drive and motivation to change and become Kazekage. It shows Kankuro's pragmatism, but how he doesn't do it out of malice, but because he cares. He doesn't want his brother to get even more hurt on this path he's chosen. It also shows Kankuro's a great listener because he lets Gaara explain his motives. After Gaara is done talking, Kankuro smiles, and it's obvious he has absolute faith his brother can achieve his dream and he's ready to support him and stand by his side. I've seen people hate on him over being mean in this scene? Which not only shows their poor reading comprehension but also a slight hypocrisy. We all know, if Temari was the one present in this scene instead of Kank, saying the exact same words Kank said, she wouldn't be viewed as cruel or mean, but as a caring sister. Temari stans who hate Kankuro baffle me.
6- Kankuro in the council meeting
Another phenomenal overprotective brother moment from our boy here. Shortly after recovering, he not only attends a meeting with the council (that Temari was excluded from, btw). But he has enough strength to stand up and almost beat up this old geezer. It's very similar to the scene with Oonoki above, Kankuro really doesn't care about figures of authority and their rules. He only cares about Gaara's safety. I know it's also clearly shown he listens to Baki here and immediately lets go of the guy. I prefer to think he didn't do it due to having any particular or specific bond with Baki, but because he stopped to momentarily realize the repercussions this action could have on him and his siblings. After all, the council geezers could've easily used Kanks lashing out here against one of their members as an excuse to not trust Gaara or his siblings. So, the reason he stopped is to not bring any further harm to Gaara's already harmed reputation with his outburst, not specifically due to Baki's words, that served more like a reminder of what he was doing. At least, that's how I view it.
5- Kakashi's acknowledgement of his skills
I'm already getting a little tired of typing, so I'll keep these next ones short and simple. As the image suggests, Kankuro not only managed to obtain a vital clue that would lead t7 to Gaara (the only reason Gaara was found and rescued). This feat also earned him Kakashi's acknowledgment. It shows how skilled Kankuro is. Despite going against an opponent who knew everything about his technique and literally being in a situation where his consciousness was quickly fading, he still managed to think and react quickly to obtain a piece of Sasori's cape. If that's not utter skill, idk what is.
4- Kankuro killing Sakon/Ukon showing his brutality
Now, I'll be the first to admit that this one should've definitely been lower. It's a cool moments but really not deserving of such a high spot. So, let's pretend it switched spots with the Kankuro flashback moment. Overall, I just like it because not only does it show Kanks brutality and decisiveness when he has to make a kill. He also revels in it, treating it like an utter show, a performance of horrors. He also shows wit and skill, being able to outsmart his enemies, which is how he managed to kill them. Once again, tho, this one definitely deserved to be lower.
3- Kankuro asks Naruto to save his brother
This moment was also vital for Kankuro as a character. It allows him to be vulnerable and ask for help. He realizes he can't protect Gaara alone, so he reaches out. You know this moment is significant because it catches everyone present by surprise, and the anime even went as far as to dedicate shots to all of their surprised faces. Meaning this reaction is quite unusual for him. I also just love him having more positive interactions with Naruto, further solidifying a bond with the mc. Let's remember these two also started not liking each other.
2- Kankuro holding Gaara
I just love this moment so much. Once again, Gaara finds himself unable to stand on his own and in need of support. Who does he rely on? Kankuro and Naruto, of course. I find this pretty telling because while making this scene, Kishimoto could've very easily put Temari there instead of Naruto. She's Gaara's sister, after all. But no, it's Naruto's and Kankuro's shoulders he's relying on. Same as when he was defeated at the hands of Naruto in the chunin exams, and Kank was the one to carry him. To me, this means Kankuro is the one helping him shoulder most of his burdens. He's the one holding him upright the both times he can't stand on his own, and the one he shared his dream with. Kankuro is definitely a very important person to Gaara.
Before n.1, I'll mention some honorable mentions:
A- His motivational speech to his squad in the war arc when he noticed Omoi's fear and indecisiveness.
B- His moment with Gaara in the forest of death. It's way more nuanced than people think and definitely not proof that Gaara 'hated Kankuro and loved Temari the most.'
C- His moment retrieving Sasori's puppets with Sakura. Yeah, I'm aware that moment was anime only, but I still like it because of what it added to Kankuro's character. Showing how he also understood and empathized with Sasori's pain but was still willing and ready to carry on his legacy.
D- The other bonding moments he has with Naruto, shortly after Gaara was brought back. He goes comfort him after he is pushed away by Gaara's fangirls. He relays the information of Chiyo's death to him and also explains her life transfer jutsu. It's not much, but I love how their bond also improved from basically hating each other in the chunin exams to being pals.
Finally, number 1:
1- Kankuro facing Sasori in the war arc:
I'll be the first to say it: their bond definitely deserved more attention. Seeing as they're both side characters, tho, I'm still satisfied with it. This is, canonically, the last fight Kankuro gets in the manga, and I think it's a very nice conclusion to his character. He comes face to face with his idol after having been defeated once to show and prove how much he'd improved. It also shows inner frustration because while facing him, Kank does reveal he'd spent plenty of time training and trying to improve after his defeat. Sasori can see that, and he entrusts his legacy to Kankuro. This can also be considered Kankuro's peak because it's also the most puppets we've seen him manipulate at a time (6 total). With this fight, Kankuro finally achieves his character goal of becoming Sasori's heir and improving his technique. People who hate it or think it should've been Sakura here instead of Kank really do not understand Sasori's character at all.
All right, and this would be all. Looking back at these moments in conjunction, we can see Kankuro did go through notable development for such a minor side character. Especially in his bond with Gaara. I just appreciate him a lot and wish more people would appreciate him more, as well.
