"Unbreakable Ties"
CHAPTER 1
Naruto tossed about in bed. In three hours it would be daybreak, marking the day that he would face Sasuke. In combat.
They had agreed upon this duel, since the boys could not come to a satisfactory resolution. Sasuke was bent on leaving Fire County for the Sound County, and Naruto was determined to stop him at any cost. I cannot let you go! Naruto screamed at the top of his lungs, just as Sasuke dealt him a flying blow. Paralyzed under a jitsu, the blond squirmed and tried to keep conscious. No Sasuke! Can't you see who really matters to you? Stop pursuing revenge! What about Sensei, Sakura and me? As Sasuke listened to the last words of his friend before he passed out, a trickle of warmth flowed over the coldness in is heart. Alright, I will fight you, as the greatest respect to you – my greatest buddy, I will fight you. Stop me if you will, if not, we will go our separate ways and we will no longer know each other henceforth. Naruto was released and came to his consciousness, and heard this challenge posed by Sasuke. If this is how it is, I will accept this invitation to fight. But remember Sasuke, I will never ever give up! You will always be my friend! We are a team!
How can I fight my best friend? Argh, when will Sasuke to come to his senses? His stupid reasoning to explain why he is going away, his curbing of his feelings and how he really feels for me… When will he realize and stop hurting the people who cares for him? All these thoughts ran through the blond's mind, setting up a whirlwind inside his brain, a storm that he cannot calm. He tried to tuck himself deeper into his blanket, only to cause his wolf nightcap to fall off. Forget it! Naruto jumped on his feet and decided to wake up. There was no way he could sleep off all that! Knowing Sasuke's character, if he was in my shoes, he would be able to dissociate himself from these emotions, but not me. Grrr… why do I have to care so much? Why am I so…
Swish. A rustling of the leaves was heard outside the window. Normally he would be the last ninja to detect suspicious at all, so this time even he was surprised that he actually heard!
Who is that?! Rushing out in his pajamas, Naruto stood in the moonlight, his somewhat sleepy eyes surveying the surroundings. Unable to make out who the intruder was, he turned back and proceeded to return to his room. Just then, he saw a familiar blue headband hung on a branch of the tree near his door.
Sasuke! He was here! Naruto's heart screamed out at the thought of his dearest friend being here a few moments ago. He must be still in the vicinity, I will go and find him! The blond then ran out into the forest, albeit in an unprepared manner. There was no time to lose, he had to see Sasuke. Totally engrossed and focused on his task at hand, Naruto did not even realize when he walked straight into the enemy's ambush.
Sasuke? Oh no, a trap! The boy hurtled straight down a dark pit, tasting the moist earth at the bottom as he landed on his face. Haha Naruto, you're really stupid after all! A voice echoed from the walls, a voice that Naruto knew…