Chapter 11

Sasuke, on the other hand, had mixed feelings about today. He had to get Naruto to the hideout, so that he could focus on his revenge on Konoha. However, he doesn't want to finish the mission so quickly.

He sees Naruto smile. "Don't get too excited," Sasuke says, "We're still only a day away."

But Naruto's smile doesn't falter, at least he'll get that last day.

The darkness of the night reaches in the crevices, unnoticed by the moon. The two lay down in silence staring up at the sky. The grass, slowly enveloping the two.

"Who do you think were chasing us?" Naruto asks, breaking the calming silence.

"Don't know." Sasuke lies. He knew Naruto could sense chakra, in fact, he's probably more sensitive than him, so how come he didn't recognize it.

Flashback

"Guess you can say I'm not very confident in my ninjutsu these days."

Flashback End

So that's it, huh? He has no confidence in his ninjutsu, so his chakra control is weak. Sasuke turns his head and looks at Naruto. Naruto is still facing the sky, eyes closed, feeling the wind blow across his face. This depression is destroying you, Naruto.

"Sasuke?" Naruto asks.

"Hn?" Sasuke replies, stunned by the question.

"You think we'll see each other after this?"

"You mean when we get to the hideout?" Sasuke inquires.

"Yeah." Naruto nods.

"Don't know." Sasuke replies, snuggling back into the grass.

"I hope so." Naruto whispers.

Sasuke overhears. He turns his head once again to Naruto, "What's up with you?"

Naruto thinks for a moment. Should I tell him?

No. Better not.

"Nothing." Naruto replies finally. Hiding his eyes behind his bangs.

Sasuke scoffs, angry that he still can't get through to him. "Stop with this whole depression thing."

Naruto giggles, "You know I've tried really hard, but for some reason I get depressed all over again."

Sasuke sits up slightly on his elbow, "It's destroying you."

There was a moment of silence. Then finally, "Sorry." Naruto blurts.

"For what?" Sasuke replies monotone.

"Sorry, I can't be the person you want me to be." Naruto whispers.

"Like I care about that," Sasuke lies, "It's easier for me this way."

Though feeling a small ounce of guilt, Sasuke truly didn't know whether Naruto's behavior was beneficial or detrimental to him. He wanted a fair fight, the one in which Naruto promised him, but at the same time, why go into battle when there's no need to?

Plus that wasn't the thing that bothered him the most. What bothered him the most was the fact that Naruto knew something that Sasuke didn't. Perhaps something that would give him the upper hand when going into the Akatsuki's hideout.

In all honesty, it was a good plan. Trick Sasuke into bring him to the hideout and the try to take out the Akatsuki once and for all.

But that wasn't it, was it? Naruto could barely cross a river with his chakra control or sense other ninja for that matter. He truly was clueless.

"You know, Sasuke," Naruto starts, bring Sasuke out of his thoughts, "I always thought you were just like me."

"Another sappy moment, huh, Dobe?" Sasuke smirks.

Naruto pouts angrily, clearly not wanting to go on any further.

Sasuke sighs, "Alright, continue."

"Nope." Naruto shakes his head.

"Fine." Sasuke says, shrugging nonchalantly. He closes his eyes and drowns out all other noises with his own thoughts.

Sasuke didn't really care for this kind of talk. Sasuke was definitely more of the logical type, not the emotional type. Honestly, he hoped that Naruto would mess up spill his little secret during one of these "heart-warming" sessions, which is why he usually let him carry on. But it never worked. In fact, it was Sasuke who would usually spill many of the emotions that he kept bottled for years, not Naruto.

At this point, he was done. Soon he'll be separated from Naruto and he'll be free to seize his revenge. And at the moment, that was all he needed.

It was all he wanted.

Naruto, on the other hand, even though his little comment was rejected for conversation, still felt the slightest bit of happiness in all of this depression. He was with Sasuke, his best friend, almost brother, and that was enough.

He fought hard to have these moments with him, just relaxing under the stars like they use to do in Team 7. It would have been better if Sakura and Kakashi were here too, though. Naruto thinks.

A single tear runs down his whiskered face, going completely unnoticed by Sasuke. Luckily, it wasn't a sad tear, it was a tear of pure warmth and happiness. It was also the last tear Naruto would probably ever have again. He was sure of it by now.

Tomorrow, if everything goes right this time, they'll be at the Akatsuki's hideout, where he would meet his death and join his friends and family on the other side.

He chuckles quietly, careful not to disturb Sasuke from his thoughts. This time he turns his head to see Sasuke's face. He's probably really confused by now. Naruto thinks, a grin spreading across his face.

Naruto wasn't that stupid, Sasuke was catching on. He knew something was going to happen and Naruto can tell it bothers him. But if he told him, he worries that Sasuke will stop his resolution.

Then again, it didn't seem like Sasuke cared all that much anyways. He wasn't mean, but Naruto felt that he was distant, especially after crossing the border into the Land of Wind from the Land of Fire. Not that it mattered anymore. He talked to Sasuke more than he ever did. Sasuke and Naruto really were paradoxes of each other. But that worked for them, they still made a good team, Naruto could feel it.

Once again, Naruto twists his head to stare up at the sky. His vision, truly was fading. The night sky, which use to brighten with the moon and stars, was completely dark. He could spot some stars, for sure. But for some reason they didn't shine anymore. He didn't even feel the need to wish upon shooting stars as they passed by, one by one.

He felt the wind, but it didn't feel cold nor hot. His body was so numb that it didn't feel like anything but a small tickle on his skin.

The grass pricked him, feeling like a thousand needles, under his skin. He has truly lost it. He felt nothing, except his heart beating.

It beats furiously with fear and contempt as he thinks about their final destination.

Next Chapter they get into the Akatsuki hideout, what you think happens? ;P