Monster
He could feel him becoming stronger. He was more powerful, and the aura of his chakra was growing darker. Everyday, Naruto saw him change. Sometimes it was only slightly noticeable, like the look in his coal-black eyes, or the slight tilt of his head. An inclination of an unmistakable, but definitely there, effort to get stronger. There was no stopping him. Sakura, despite all her efforts, never could get through to him. Her pleas and cries fell on deaf ears. Naruto didn't understand how she could love someone who had fallen into the clutches of darkness itself. She didn't want pity. He knew she deserved it, but would permit no-one to give it to her. So he remained quiet. Quietly training, quietly seeking out a means to an end. He trained from morning 'til dusk, dusk 'til morning. He had no sleep. It was exhausting, and tiring beyond compare to anything he had ever done before.
But still, he pushed on. If this was to bring him back, then he would go to any lengths, any measures, to do so. There was something about his tenacity that always stunned the people around him. He just would never give up. Whenever there was an inkling of doubt in his mind, he shoved it aside. The monster his friend had become required someone strong enough to defeat him. Naruto would be that person. On and on he trudged, ignoring the wavering cries that tried to stop him, or the hands that tried to hold him back. Not forcefully, gently. But it didn't matter. He had made his mind up. He wasn't one to be swayed. Naruto never was.
He had set out on his journey with nothing except a pack, a map, and a burning desire in his gut. Not for hunger, but for pursuit. He followed a directed path and came by villages. They praised him, even over the border, as he waved nonchalantly, made idle chit-chat, and then continued on his way. He couldn't afford to stop now. Not while he was so close. Miles never separated Naruto from Sasuke. Their bond was too taut, and nothing could cut it, or sever it, no matter what his raven-haired friend said. In fact, he believed they weren't friends anymore, nor comrades. But Naruto wouldn't hear a word of it.
They were friends as much as he could barely say it to his face. His existence. Without Sasuke, Naruto was simply nothing; a case, an empty shell, with nothing inside to fill. Bitter tears welled up and threatened to overflow on a starry night when he lay on his back, thinking of his best were looking at the same sky. Even if Sasuke was inside, tossing and turning, restless, they would still be looking at the sky in the morning. The sky was something neither could avoid. It was always present, always there. A reminder of the bond they shared. Naruto had tried ending his life along the road. The kunai blade was sharp enough to cut through his tanned skin, to mark him and stain him. But something had stopped him. What it was, he did not know. Then he knew. It was a feeling, of regret, and guilt. If he killed himself for the sake of his friend, no-one would ever be able to bring him back. They would give up half way, he knew. Everyone he loved would fall into despair. Despair.
He had reached his destination.
His footsteps echoed across the cement of the bridge as he saw Sasuke face him.
"Naruto."
"Sasuke."
There was a means to an end.
Naruto pulled out his kunai and started running.
If it meant Sasuke killing him, he would take a fatal blow.
His love ran deep.