This is the edited version. Which I am satisfied with compared to the first.

*Naruto Shippuden and characters belong to Masashi Kishimito*

Chapter 1 - Years

The screams of the war raged on. You could hear men and women, young or old, yelling out the pride of their nations before charging to a momentary victory, or to see their souls dragged out of them with each slash from an array of weapons. The was a number of reasons for those painful screams: Children missing parents, crying over loved ones lost in the ruthless slaughter, the trauma of seeing seas of blood around them, the numerous wounds engraved on one's body, the list could go on forever.


Sakura Haruno was inside her medic tent treating the severely wounded. How long has it been since she's heard sighs of relief? Three years? Two years? She can't remember. Now, each day seemed like a week, a month was a year. Every minute of each sunny or rainy day was filled with war cries and sorrow. The twenty-five year old cringed at the sounds of the on-going war outside the safe tent.

'Why? How did it come to this?'

"AAAAARRRRGGHH!" The tortured war victim under the care of her healing hands groaned painfully.

'Nine years of war and counting…...for how long….?

Sakura continued her duty with much pride, conviction and focus through the confusing huddles of cries and death wishes. Her emerald eyes shining brightly under the dim light in the tent. The blossom-coloured hair of hers now hung loosely from a ponytail down her back. Cutting it now was out of the question – Who within the nations in such a time would do it for her? Her headband still proudly tied on her head, it held back her fringe baring her large forehead. Though Ino teased her occasionally on good days, they were still rivals and yet good friends, she couldn't be bothered anymore.

'Naruto…Have you found him yet…..?'

The last time she saw him was a year and a half ago. She still feels strong emotions for the cold and ruthless man, but she still can't forget what he told her years ago: you're annoying. It rang in her head like a vivid memory. She still yearned for every bit of the heartless cad for reasons she herself couldn't fathom. It was a mystery, and yet, it was embarrassing. She tried lying countless times. I HATE HIM! was what she wanted to say, but the same thing still remains in her eyes, I love him. It disgusted her how weak her will to forget was….


The blonde man stood tall atop the mountains surrounding Kirigakure. The cool sea breeze filled his nostrils and lungs. The cold burned him sharply, unlike the dark fires of Ametarasu. His sapphire eyes glowed in the blur mist clouds and the whisker-like markings on his cheeks more prominent than ever. His sun-coloured fringe covering the sides of his Konohagakure headband. Naruto Uzumaki stared into the distance lit dimly by the glowing sun across the sea. Day break was approaching and his goal was still far from reached: to find Sasuke Uchiha.

How much further will you run, Sasuke? Haven't you done enough…..?

The same questions replayed and rang in his head. His best friend buried in hatred, and the woman of his dreams still yearning for this emotionless bastard. The same triangle of promises and memories circled all their battles and encounters. He bounded off the top of the mountain and off the rough walls of its sides, landing swiftly on the icy, damp ground below.

An old hoarse voice came from the mist-covered wilderness "Naruto-boy! I've received some coordinates on where Sasuke might be!"

Toad Lord Fukasaku hopped out from the mist before the Hokage-wannabe. "Some toads in the area said they saw a man with the Uchiha fan crest passing through the North-East swamp three days ago."

"Take me through it." The faster he found Sasuke, the better. Killer Bee, the Hachibi's jinchuriki, had been captured by Sasuke, successfully, three years before. With eight of the nine bijus captured, all the Nations were overflowed with alarm and the war worsened when unfaithful ninjas gave up hope on the army of the Great Nations and joined Madara's forces. His army grew continuously with each day thanks to Zetsu's goddamned clones and their army was left to dwindle for the next few years. For all he knew, Sasuke had gotten more than better, whereas he felt his strength growing ever-so meagrely. His last meeting with the sadistic killer proved it. How his speed, agility and chakra levels overpowered his, and more importantly, the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan…..

Damn it, Sasuke…..after all these years and you're still making me the loser…

- Chapter 1 End -