Sasuke surged forward, gaining speed and momentum, his feet barely touching the ground. Halfway to the tree, he called on his chakra, concentrating it in his right hand, holding it like a ball. Chidori—one thousand birds chirping. A weapon so powerful, one hit would be enough to annihilate Naruto. Even upon seeing the Chidori, the blond didn't move—leaning against a tree, right hand lightly holding the stomach, the blood slowly spreading, like a flower.
The wound had been serious in the beginning, but it was already starting to heal. His breathing was short and rasping; they had been fighting for a long time before the culmination, and the battle had taken its toll on both of them…how could it not have? He, Sasuke, Orochimaru's apprentice, and Naruto—Jiraya's, for two long years. Now, they had met in a forest by accident— both looking forward to fighting each other, both looking forward to such an accident, although Sasuke in secret.
Sasuke pulled his chidori-filled hand back for the strike, only one step away from Naruto. Uzumaki never wavered. He didn't flinch or close his eyes; didn't try to defend himself. There was no fear or regret in his eyes—only defiance and anger. Lunging his right hand forward, Sasuke aimed for Naruto's head.
…The chidori rushed forward, with a sound like electricity.
Closer…closer…almost there…almost dead…
Sasuke smirked, veering his hand to the right at the last moment. The tree bark exploded 3 inches away from Naruto's ear and tiny bark fragments flew everywhere, bouncing off Naruto's hair and headband. Naruto blinked, looking shocked, eyes wide and pupils dilated. This was not what he had expected. Already, the red specks from the Fox's chakra were draining out of his eyes, replaced by dark azure, almost green under the forest canopy. The left side of his face was gray with the sawdust produced by the Chidori—his appearance, a far cry from the bravado of 10 minutes ago.
Uchiha leaned forward, smirking, their noses almost touching. Narrowing his eyes in triumph, he said in a fake sweet voice, "You're not hurt, are you? Scardy cat". And with a muttered "Next time, dobe", still laughing at the wide-eyed blond, Sasuke poofed out of the clearing.
…A couple of birds, scared away by the earlier commotion returned to their nests, ignoring the ninja still in the clearing.