Well, guys, this chapter is short, but it's a prologue. Future chapters will be longer, I promise. Anyways, the idea was given to me at a narsaku fan club called heaven and earth. (visit profile for details.) Anyways, without further ado, let us begin.

The sun blazed down on Konoha today – it was 110 degrees. Naruto stared through sweaty blue pearls at his opponent, Rock Lee. The ground was covered in mud and dirt, and the air was stinking of sweat. But all this didn't bother Naruto one bit. It was hungry. He hadn't fought in ages, and the kyuubi inside him needed blood... It was itching for it. Soon enough, all the earthly needs vanished. All he could see was Rock Lee, nothing else. He had no need for food, water, any mortal needs were instantly removed. The whiskers on his face grew wider as he felt his chakra rush in... Yes, he had no need to worry anymore... Uzumaki Naruto was now one quarter demon. In exchange for the kyuubi living not in him, but with him, Naruto gained control of all its powers. He had all its chakra, its stamina, everything. However, now he was more aggressive, even more emotional... At least one quarter more.

Naruto-kun... One year ago had I seen the whiskers on your cheeks expand, I would've been very worried... Lee rushed at Naruto now, preparing for the sudden burst of moves from his opponent that almost matched himself in speed. As it came, Lee unlocked the first gate as well, resulting in a gain for himself. Exchanging a couple quick, aerial blows, they returned to the earth. I'm finishing it now... Lee could sense Naruto's second burst – any further and Lee would have to release more gates; he couldn't affored that, as he had another mission coming tomorrow. I'm using the jutsu... Lee began making hand seals, and smiled as Naruto's face turned to shock.

Yes, over the years, Lee had slightly improved his chakra problem. Previously, his body had only enough chakra for him to live, but after Tsunade's operation, his body adjusted. The Chuunin Exam left his body completely demolished. It gave his body a chance to rebuild, and it did just that. Now he had one-fourth of a normal person's chakra. True, it wasn't much, but he had enough to do five or six jutsus total... Or in this case, one major one... Naruto thought. I guess it's true, 'If it doesn't kill you, it'll only make you stronger.' Heh... All right, Lee. I get the picture. You want to end this now...

After Naruto's three year journey, Lee and Naruto became rivals. Neji was unavailable, as he was promoted to Assisten Manager of the Clan – yes, he was made into the Main Clan. He would become the heir to the Hyuuga, engaged to Hinata. Thus, he wasn constantly in meetings of some sort. Lee and Naruto were originally only friends, but as fate would have it, they became best friends. They were both so similar... Determined, rock solid in their beliefs, kind, good sports, and... enthusiastic about the spirit of hard work ('youth' in Lee's case...)

The two partners collided, Naruto with the Rasengan, Lee with his super-punch enhanced with the Gates and his jutsu. Sakura taught it to him in exchange for he teaching her taijutsu. Lee and Naruto lived in the same house. With Neji out of the picture, and Sasuke leaving Konoha, the teams were uneven. On top of that, many of the remaining shinobis were Jounin and ANBU by now, so they were also out. So the teams were altered, and for convenience sake, they lived together. It made sense, really. Rivals, best friends, team mates.

As they made, both flew back from the blow and immense gusts of chakra which sprayed the loose sand and gravel all over. As the air immaculate once again, a standing Naruto was revealed, smiling. "Yes! And that ties it up 30-30! Uzumaki Naruto is back in the game baby!" Going to Lee, Naruto helped the taller boy up. "Lee, you all right?"
"I am most definitely all right! At least for now, the spirit of youth burns bright!"
Naruto couldn't help but laugh at his speech. "Good. I don't want to lose another rival and best friend. Heh. Anyways, I gotta go Lee. Tsunade has me on another ANBU mission. See ya!"
Lee watched as his friend's hair danced in the wind. His blue eyes radiated kindness. Lee smiled. "All right." he said to himself. It's to time to tell him.

"What's that? You say something Lee?"
"Naruto-kun... I have a confession."
"Can we do it home as I'm packing up for it?"
"Sure..."

Naruto left.

Tsunade sat at her desk while Shizune massaged her tired neck. God what am I going to tell him... It's been a while...

As if on cue, Naruto came in. "Hey Baa-chan. What'd ya have for me?" A blond haired, tall boy now walked in. Uzumaki Naruto was seventeen years old, 5' 10'', and according to Tsunade, he'd still be growing for another year. Bouncing on top of Tsunade's desk with a smile, he prayed for a good one. Smiling, he added, "I tied up Lee 30-30."

"As you know, it's an S Rank... So I suggest you get clean and everything."

"Right."

"Naruto..."

"Yes?" Naruto said, showing he was already paying attention.

Tsunade sighed. "S Ranks are assassination missions..." She started not knowing what to say.

"Yeah! I know, that's why they're so exciting! I haven't had one in ages! So who do I kill?"
He smiles, putting it so lightly... Ah, well. Now or never. "Naruto go get cleaned up, pack up everything you have. Don't hold back on this mission. You are meant to kill Uchiha Sasuke... Good luck." Tsunade said, letting it sink in.

Uchiha Sasuke... Sasuke? Memories flooded back to Naruto...

"You're such a loser, Naruto..."

"Oh yeah! I'm getting to the top of that tree first!"

"We did it... All the way to the top..." Naruto came in, hanging on to Sasuke.

Sasuke nodded. "He's improved... for a dobe."
Naruto smiled.

"WHY'D YOU SAVE ME, SASUKE? I DIDN'T ASK FOR YOU TO!"
Sasuke lay on the floor, battered and wounded. "Heh... My body just moved... You always were a loser..." Sasuke said softly as he bled.

"Sasuke!" Naruto screamed.

"Naruto... You have a dream r-right? (cough) Don't g-give up... There is a m-man I wanted to (cough) kill... Naruto... Don't... g-give up..."

"I see..." Naruto softly said. "Am I allowed to kill Orochimaru as well?"

Tsunade winced as she heard his name. She noticed the whiskers on his cheeks multiplied in size. "Naruto... I am so sor –"

"Am I allowed to kill him..." Naruto asked, anger, frustration, sadness, and sense of betrayal ran through him more and more.

"... Yes..." she said softly.

A breeze blew as he left instantly.

"Kami-sama... Protect that boy, please..."

"Naruto-kun..." Lee made a futile effort at getting Naruto's attention.

Naruto came out of the shower. Quickly putting on his mission clothes, his anger kept doubling over him. He made a promise to Sakura... Sasuke was his best friend... And on top of all this, Tsunade knew this! He was so frustrated... He wanted to become hokage to those precious to him, so that they may notice him... So that he may be loved for once... But what happened when he had to kill one of those precious people in order to become hokage... Which was more important, a friend or a dream? A noble cause or loyalty? A promise or an order by the hokage? Would he be selfish by saving Sasuke just because he was his friend. Would he be selfish by killing Sasuke just to improve his mission stats so he could become hokage?

Lee looked around, smiling. This was his house... His and Naruto's. It was a two story house, two bedroom two-bath. It was very spacious for two people, and he loved it. All the bedrooms and bathrooms were upstairs. Below, a large kitchen with an even larger living room was located.

"A ninja is a tool. That is the path of a ninja."

"Well I'm not following the path of a ninja! I'm following the Naruto path..."

"Lee..." he croaked. "I have to kill Sasuke..."
Lee understood his pain and dilemma. "Naruto-kun... You must listen to what your heart tells you most. Everything works out for the best. What do you want to do in this situation. Once you leave it will be too late... Take a moment before deciding. Calm down," he finished and hugged Naruto.

"I think I'll try to kill Orochimaru, but not Sasuke... I can't kill Sasuke... I can't."

Lee nodded. "Then go, Naruto-kun."

Smiling lightly, Naruto left.

I couldn't tell him... Not then... I just... couldn't.

Darkness engulfed them, but that's how they thrived. Nine forsaken shinobis assembled themselves, cloaked in still of the night.

"I hear the kyuubi vessel is going after Orochimaru." A hooded person said.

Another, deeper voice was now heard. "In that case, Itachi..."
The cloaked man now kneeled.

"Help our friend remove Orochimaru. We don't want information leaking."

"Understood."

The other seven smiled maliciously.

Plans have made, pieces have been moved, all for the collision of Naruto, Orochimaru and Sasuke, and Itachi. What comes of this? Next time. And does Naruto spare Sasuke, and if so, what are the consequences.