Author's Note: Very short drabble that is inspired by chapter 234 of the Naruto manga. Please read and review, thanks!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

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I was late again.

For once in my entire life, I wished I wasn't late. If I wasn't late, I could have stopped them. Stopped Sasuke and Naruto from fighting each other. Stopped Sasuke from trying to kill Naruto. Stopped Sasuke from leaving behind his life in Konoha. Stopped the pain and the hurt of betrayal that will inevitably engulf those who believed in Sasuke, especially Naruto and Sakura, who had been closest to him.

I wish I wasn't late this time. But I know very well wishing for something that cannot be changed is pointless. I have to take steps to remedy the situation. First and foremost, Naruto is seriously injured. I must bring him to Hokage-sama, she will definitely be able to heal him. Then I must go after Sasuke. I must bring him back, shake some sense into his thick skull before he loses himself in the quest for revenge. Orochimaru must never get hold of him, or he will be lost forever.

I will not be late again this time.