Miniature Shukaku Form
Gaara in his Miniature Shukaku Form
During his fight with Naruto, Gaara allowed the sand to cover his entire upper body, with only his feet remaining uncovered. While his facial features still remain slightly human, both his eyes resemble the Shukaku's with the same markings around its body. Notably, Gaara's "愛" remains on his head.
In this form, Gaara is able to use Sand Shuriken with apparent great ease as most of his body is now sand. He can use the Shukaku's wind element as he could now use the Wind Release: Infinite Sand Cloud Great Breakthrough. In addition much like Naruto's chakra shield, the sand is capable of absorbing a wide variety of attacks.
However, the defense given to his body still has one weak spot. Since his lower half is not covered, as seen by Naruto, a small explosion beneath his tail can make the entire sand form crumble, and fall apart.
