Chapter II

We had gone deep into the forest; I wasn't sure when we were going to stop, when finally we had come to a small clearing.

Kakashi-Sensei spun on his heel to face us.

"Okay Sasume." I instantly perked up before he continued. "Let's see what you can do." Nodding to Sakura; who instantly glared at him.

"W-what? I have to fight Sakura?"

Kakashi nodded with boredom as he leaned against a tree and pulled out a book.

Realizing he wasn't joking, I crouched down a little as I assumed a fighting stance; as did Sakura.

I looked over at Naruto and Sasuke; Naruto being highly interested, and Sasuke (of course), not caring.

"Right," I cleared my throat before continuing. "You're move."

She hesitated at first, but almost immediately after pushed off the ground. She threw a punch as she raced at me, but I simply dodged.

Throwing two more that I easily blocked, she kicked once; which I maneuvered by ducking. As I crouched to dodge her move, I swung my right foot underneath her only standing leg, causing her to fall. A fatal move to kick at such a time. I thought to myself as I jumped on her in the split second she was down, a kunai to her throat.

"Nicely done!" sounded Kakashi, almost amused.

Both Sakura and I stood up, and I couldn't help but soak in our Sensei's praise as I stared into his uncovered eye. But it was only for a moment, for his gaze hardened.

"Now fight Sasuke." I was utterly surprised. Sasuke looked so strong…

On hearing a loud and amused 'Hm', I turned my attention to the raven haired boy. He was glaring at me with an evil grin as he made his way to the 'battlefield'.

Both getting into our own fighting stance, we starred into each other's eyes for a long time. His gaze was filled with such hate…so much anger.

And he didn't even know me.

Shaking my head, I charged at him head on. When in range he did a high spin kick which I ducked, throwing a punch. He blocked each attack I delivered; I was starting to get frustrated.

I threw another punch foolishly, and he grabbed hold of my fist. I tried to hit him with the other hand, but he merely grabbed that one as well. I knew it was a mistake, and he knew it too, for he showed it all to well as he slammed his knee into my stomach.

I doubled over, coughing up blood.

Grabbing me by my shirt, Sasuke hauled me to my feet. He pulled his arm back for another blow. His fist made contact with the palm of my hand as I swung my leg around. I saw the shock in his eyes as my foot collided with the side of his head.

He landed on the ground heavily, but swiftly flipped over back onto his feet, instantly charging at me full speed.

I kicked the air again in a futile attempt to keep him away, making the same mistake as Sakura. He was quick on his feet to dodge and slam me into a nearby tree, pinned with a kunai pressed against my neck. A small trickle of blood inched down my neck.

Our faces were but an inch away from each others'; I could feel his warm breathe upon my skin. Both of us were breathing heavily. We both knew the match was over, but we were yet again locked in each others' eyes.

I expected to find triumph shining in his eyes, but instead found hatred, and even; fear?

"Sasuke!" ordered a stern voice.

We both snapped out of our trance; Sasuke releasing me. He turned away and said nothing as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Go Sasuke! I knew you could do it!" Cheered the annoying kunoichi.

Rubbing my neck and wiping the blood away; I stared after him.

"Sasume?" I turned my attention to see Naruto, looking concerned.

"Are you okay?" He asked worriedly.

I nodded my head. He side-glanced at Sasuke.

"He went hard on you, you know." He explained. "He only does that when WE fight." I blinked at him, then looked at the black haired boy who was leaning against a tree again, trying to ignore Pinky; that same, angry look on his face.

"Why is he so angry?" I asked, not taking my eyes off Sasuke.

"He wants to avenge his clan. He's the last one left." I looked at Naruto, shocked.

"He lost his family?" I blurted. Naruto nodded.

Looking back; Sasuke looked at me, only for a second. But I swore I saw a flash of pain in his eyes. Only for a moment…but it was there.

You're all alone Sasuke…but…so am I.