Sasuke was practicing a new jutsu outside near his home. He was trying to show that Naruto would not be able to show him up. He remembered when Naruto saved Sakura from Gaara, and at first it took him by surprise, but then he became angered at this. He was supposed to be the strongest and smartest in team 7, not Naruto. He was supposed to be the klutz, the loud mouth, and not the brightest. So why was it that Naruto was now growing so much stronger, and he was stagnated. Maybe it was because he didn't have his older brother around to compete with, no that wasn't it because he was competing with Naruto right now. Maybe his competition with Itachi was stronger.
"Hi Sasuke!"
"…"
"What are you doing?" asked the pink haired girl.
"Leave me alone".
"Maybe I can help, I'm pretty good with chakra you know".
"Heh" Sasuke laughed a little, the mere thought of Sakura helping HIM was just absurd.
"Sorry, but I need to do this on my own".
"Oh I understand!" she exclaimed stupidly.
From inside Sasuke's house Itachi peeked out the window watching his dear little brother working hard, trying to become better, no, stronger and more powerful. Itachi had to admit, his foolish little brother had grown up just the way he had planned except for one thing. He knew Sasuke did not feel loved by anyone, but he was going to change that, even if it killed him.