Welcome back diehard fans!!

First off, last night I accidentally posted this chapter in error. Sorry about that. The chapter wasn't ready yet.

First the Legal stuff: I don't own Naruto

Now the thank you's:

Thanks to sipuli123, gravenimage, Lovehate Ultimatum, Bamaboy71.

And finally the responses:

Sipuli123: Glad you agree my friend.

LHU: I'm glad you like what I'm doing with the story so far. I've tried very hard to balance things and show the progression of attitudes with Naruto and others. After all in my story these are 19, 20 year olds. As far as Karui is concerned, I wanted to do two things. First i wanted to introduce a female character who was as sure of her feelings for Naruto as Hinata but had the confidence of Sakura. Plus I wanted to use the Kumo shinobi. Doing this was killing two birds with one stone.

And now on to chapter 14. And always please keep the reviews flowing!!

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book One: Dissension

Chapter Fourteen: The Difference between Us

Sasuke stood looking into Naruto's eyes as the life faded from them. Pulling the sword out of his former friend he seemed, for a moment to show a hint of annoyance. "You've gotten better with maintaining your clones," Sasuke said, "Before they would disappear instantly after receiving such a blow." As he yanked the sword out, Naruto fell to his knees and disappeared in a puff of smoke. "You didn't actually think this could fool my eyes did you," Sasuke asked as he attempted to scan his surroundings.

Suddenly dozens of Naruto's clones appeared from all directions and Sasuke found himself surrounded. The clones leapt from behind bushes, trees and down from branches. Each clone was armed with a kunai and attacked without hesitation, Sasuke stood, seemingly unconcerned and took his sword and stabbed it into the ground, burying it into the earth. "Please," Sasuke said, "I saw this technique years ago." Sasuke then leapt into action, dodging and counterattacking all of Naruto's clones. Despite the large number of them Sasuke easily dodged each attack and parried every attempt the clones made.

Within seconds Sasuke had taken out most of the clones and their number had dwindled to only a handful while Sasuke himself had yet to be touched. However, so focused was Sasuke on the clones, that he had failed to see the real Naruto leaping at him from behind with a glowing ball of energy in his right hand. Sasuke heard the movement and slight noise from the technique. He quickly turned to face Naruto and tried to get out of the way but he was too late. "Rasengan," Naruto screamed as he hit Sasuke in the middle of his chest.

Sasuke's body was launched several yards away and slammed hard into a nearby oak tree, nearly splitting it in two. As his limp body fell to the ground Naruto recalled the last few remaining clones and, breathing heavily, slowly made his way over to Sasuke's unconscious form. Before he could reach him however Sasuke's body disappeared within a puff of smoke. Startled, Naruto made a stunning realization. That was a shadow clone, he thought.

Naruto then heard a noise behind him and turned to see Sasuke leaping at him with his sword swinging at his face. Shocked, Naruto was just able to leap back as Sasuke's sword only scratched under his right eye. Naruto then back flipped once more to add more distance between them. Once he rose to his feet he wiped the blood from below his eye and stared harshly at Sasuke.

"Why are you so surprised," Sasuke said. Naruto turned to see Sasuke standing a few feet behind him. "Like I said," Sasuke continued, "I saw that technique years ago and any technique I see can be mine." Naruto stood speechless. He could feel a cold bead of sweet run down his brow. "Naruto," Sasuke said, "Don't you get it? All your techniques, all your skills are mine to have. To me all that you are is as nothing in my eyes."

Naruto could feel his anger bubbling to the surface. It seemed like every word Sasuke spoke increased his anger. Naruto clenched his fist while he fought to keep his emotions in check while trying to consider his options. Quickly he came to a decision. Naruto quickly began to make hand signs and Sasuke smiled as he saw this. "This again," Sasuke said as he two began to make hand signs. Almost simultaneously both men yelled out, "Multi-shadow Clone Jutsu!" And with that Naruto created several dozen more clones while Sasuke created an equal amount. Naruto, for a moment was shocked to see that Sasuke had duplicated his technique perfectly. Again he could feel that cold sweat at the back of his neck. "What's the matter Naruto," Sasuke said, "Are you finally figuring it out? Do you see the difference between us?"

As both sides stared at each other, poised to continue their battle Naruto smiled. "Sasuke," Naruto said, "For years I dreamed of this moment. I am going to bring you home. But first, I guess I'll have to beat the hell out of you. I'll try not to enjoy this too much." Sasuke smiled in response and said, "Naruto, I am going to show you the true difference between us." And without another word, both sides converged to continue their battle.

Meanwhile

Sakura and Sai had been running non-stop. With Sakura's new found ability to locate Naruto she was able to lead Sai on a direct path to him. Deep down she was thrilled that this technique had worked and if it were another situation she would have stop to marvel at its intricacy. But now was not the time for these thoughts. All she could focus on was finding Naruto and Sasuke. Somehow, someway she had to stop what she knew was happening. So focused on her task was Sakura that she didn't see the slight movement off to her left until it was too late. Out from the shadows a kunai was thrown aimed at Sakura's head. Before it could find its target Sai leapt in front and parried it with his sword.

Sakura leapt back and along with Sai stood ready to defend themselves against another attack. Out of the shadows emerged three shinobi. Sakura, seeing the three of them, instantly knew she was in the presence of Sasuke's team called Hawk. "Finally," Suigetsu said as he unsheathed his sword, "I was starting to worry that the Kyuubi really did come alone." "Out of our way," Sakura said angrily. "Sorry," Karin said, "But we can't do that. You see fighting the Kyuubi wasn't our mission. Our mission was to make sure my Sasuke-kun wasn't disturbed. This means we have to kill you both."

My Sasuke-kun, Sakura thought to herself. She wanted to know what this woman meant by that but she knew this wasn't the time to ask questions. Sakura and everyone else were taken by surprise when off in the distance behind them they saw a large flash of light and they heard what sounded like an explosion. "Woohoo," Suigetsu yelled as he pumped his fist in the air, "it looks like Sasuke and the Kyuubi are getting the party started right!! Well, alright! I guess I can't just stand around and let him have all the fun!" And as Suigetsu said these words he ran at Sai with his sword raised, ready to fight.

Meanwhile

Sasuke and Naruto, along with their clones met in a furious exchange of kicks and punches. Using his Sage Chakra, Naruto was able to locate the real Sasuke and quickly made his way though the maze of copies as they did battle. As Naruto was about to reach the real Sasuke who was busy fending off three of Naruto's clones, Naruto was stopped by one of Sasuke's clones. The clone, using his sword swiped at Naruto's head and came inches from his eye. Naruto quickly gathered himself and dodged the clones' secondary attack and with one punch to the face, destroying it.

Naruto then leapt at the real Sasuke just as he was disposing of the last of the three clones. Naruto, upon reaching Sasuke, attempted to a roundhouse kick that Sasuke ducked and then countered with a sweep kick to the legs that brought Naruto crashing hard to the floor. Quickly Sasuke gathered himself and attempted to punch Naruto while he was grounded. Naruto however caught Sasuke's punch and kicked him away and quickly got to his feet.

For a moment, among the chaos of clones, Naruto lost sight of the real Sasuke. Suddenly from behind, with sword in hand, Sasuke emerged and once again continued his assault. Naruto quickly drew a kunai and used it to block Sasuke's attacks but found he was being forced back. Suddenly from behind one of Sasuke's clones grabbed him and held him still as Sasuke thrust his sword at Naruto. Naruto quickly slid his feet under the clone behind him and used leverage to twist the clone to the front. As he did so Sasuke blade was buried deep into his own clone.

Using the momentary pause this caused, Naruto punched Sasuke in the face forcing him back. Sasuke just smiled. "Enough of this," Sasuke said as the last of his remaining clones all simultaneously created hand signs and yelled, "Fire style!! Grand fireball jutsu!!" With that each clone released a large ball of flames that incinerated every clone of Naruto's. Soon, Naruto found himself once again alone. Yet, before he could react, the clones and Sasuke once again created hand signs, "Fire Style!! Great Dragon Fire Jutsu!!"

In utter shock Naruto watched as five balls of flame all shaped as a dragons snaked its way to him.

Meanwhile

Suigetsu's blade came crashing down, striking the ground with a thud. His target, Sai, had quickly dodged the attack by leaping back and landed several feet away. Suigetsu, looked at Sai and smiled, "I guess you might prove to be a little fun after all. Hey Jugo, come here and help me kill this bastard." Jugo then walked up to Suigetsu and once they were side by side, they both ran, head on at Sai. Quickly Sai leapt trying to dodge every kick and punch thrown his way. Eventually Suigetsu swiped his sword at Sai's torso and cut him in half.

Before Sai's body could hit the ground however, it turned to ink and splashed on the ground. Suigetsu and Jugo for a moment stood in shock when above them, a large black and white bird swooped down and, using its talons, grabbed Jugo and flew away. Suigetsu stood, with his mouth agape, watching as Jugo struggled to free himself from the large bird. "You really should pay closer attention," Sai said as he road atop a large black and white rhino. "What the fu…" Suigetsu yelled as the Rhino ran him over.

Sakura ducked as Karin launched yet another kunai. Where the hell is she getting all these kunai from, Sakura thought as she looked around to see hundreds of kunai buried in the ground. It seemed to her that Karin was creating them from thin air and had an endless supply. As several more kunai flew at her Sakura again dodged them, except for one the scratched her left arm. Almost instantly Sakura felt as if her arm was being drained of life.

Seeing Sakura struggle to use her left arm brought a smile to Karin's lips. "Feel that," she said, "It's the power of my chakra. Those aren't Kunai I'm throwing. It's my chakra that I can actually shape and mold. If you're hit with it, my chakra will poison your own. So do you feel it? Do you feel the life being drained out of you slowly?" Sakura grabbed her arm. Damn it, she thought, it won't move. I have to end this quickly.

Just as Karin was about to continue her attack out in the distance they saw what looked like a large explosion of fire and a person jumping high above it. Looking closely, Sakura recognized the man. Naruto, she thought and just seeing him alive calmed her a bit. Suddenly in front of Naruto she saw another figure appear who she knew was Sasuke. She saw Sasuke and Naruto exchange blows in the air that ended with Sasuke kicking Naruto back down to the earth with him in pursuit.

Sadness seemed to sweep over Sakura; sadness and determination. Sakura had to get to them and to do that she had to get past Karin. Staring hard at Karin, Sakura made the decision that she would get past her even if she had to kill her.

Meanwhile

Naruto landed hard on the ground. For a moment he felt the wind knocked out of him and he was disoriented. Naruto struggled to catch a breath but as he inhaled his lungs burned. He knew he was surrounded by flames that only a moment ago, were aimed at him. As Sasuke and his clones shot those fire balls at him Naruto did the only thing he could, he created clones and used them to throw himself high into the sky and above the explosion. But Sasuke had caught him and after the small exchange in the air, had sent him back into the flames.

Naruto opened his eyes to see Sasuke falling from the sky right above him, his sword pointed down to ensure it would run him through. Naruto quickly summoned a clone and it pulled him out of the way just Sasuke landed and his sword buried into the ground where Naruto had laid. Naruto then kicked him in the side of the head launching Sasuke into the fire that burned nearby.

Naruto slowly got to his feet and tried to gather his bearings. Smoke and heat surrounded him and for a moment Naruto's legs seem to weaken. Taking a deep breath Naruto righted himself just as he saw Sasuke slowly emerge from out of the flames. Blood trickled down the side of his head and a look of anger, or perhaps frustration was etched on his face. "Enough of this," Sasuke said as he rose his sword high into the sky.

Naruto saw the tell tale signs of Sasuke charging electricity through his body and knowing what was coming he quickly ducked his hands into his coat. Sasuke quickly charged electricity through out his body and then focused the charge into his sword. Bringing his sword down in a long sweeping motion he yelled, "Chidori Senbon!!" A large amount of electricity shot out at Naruto and just as it was about to hit its target Naruto swung his hand out from his coat and blocked the attack and swatted it off to the left.

Meanwhile

Flying high over the forest, Jugo struggled to get loose of the large talons of the bird. Losing patience he became enraged and found his cursed seal activated. With but a punch Jugo destroyed the bird and glided back down to the battle field. Sai stood atop the rhino he had created and looked of to the south. I'm pretty sure I just saw a flask of lightening, he thought. What kind of battle is Naruto having over there? Hearing a beastial scream from above, Sai looked up and to his amazement saw Jugo seconds away from landing on top of him.

Sai quickly leapt clear of Jugo who instead landed on the rhino, destroying it instantly. Jugo stood staring at Sai and in a deep growl said, "You there, I think, yes, I think I will enjoy ripping your limbs away." Sai stood staring at amazment at Jugo. He had read intelligence reports about him and he knew Jugo was the original carrier of the curse mark. But to actually see him, this monster in person was somewhat frightening.

Out of the corner of his eye Sai saw what looked like to be a normal puddle of water until a large sword emerged from it and nearly struck him in the chest. Sai, leapt back and luckily dodged the attack in time. Sai looked on as the puddle suddenly rose and took the shape of a man and within moments, he saw that it was Suigetsu standing in front of him. "Amazing ain't it," he said. "You know when Jugo gets like this I usually just let him have his fun. But since you tried to kill me with a fucking RHINO I think I'll help him kill you!"

Meanwhile

Damn it, Sakura thought, this is taking to long. I know I heard a lightening bolt sometime ago and Sai seems to be in trouble too. I've got to end this. That however was proving easier said than done. Karin had hit Sakura twice more with her chakra blades; once in the left leg and the other in her side. Now all three body parts felt numb. Karin smiled, "This will be over soon. See Sasuke-kun warned me about you. That you prefer to fight up close. He told me that my skill would be perfect against you. And as usual he was right. Soon your friend over there will be dead and the Uzumaki kid will be ours."

Sakura smiled, "You think it's that simple. You are underestimating Naruto just like you're underestimating me!" Sakura then brought her right hand to her temple and said, "Genjutsu release!" Karin watched in awe as Sakura's left arm and leg seemed to suddenly rejuvenate itself. Sakura then moved her left arm and tensed it to ensure it was fine. "Impossible," Karin screamed in utter shock, "How could you possibly.."

Again Sakura smiled, "Obviously you don't know everything about me. If you did you'd know that I am a Genjutsu user. I unlocked my Genjutsu about two years ago. Do you want to know what my ability is? I amplify or nullify anyone else's Genjutsu once it's been used on me. In other words, I'm now immune to your power." Enraged, Karin then launched a flurry of chakra blades as Sakura dodged them all as she made her way to her target.

Meanwhile

"What….was….that," Sasuke asked as he stood dumbstruck. "How did you block my chidori?" It was then, looking at Naruto and he notice Naruto had something in his hand. Looking closer he realized what it was. "Is that a black kunai," he asked. "Do you like it," Naruto asked with a smile on his face. "It's a kunai covered in a material that counters electricity. I had it especially made for you Sasuke."

For a moment Sasuke just stared in disbelief at the kunai. Gathering himself he ran at Naruto and swung his sword at him yet again. Naruto responded by dipping his free hand into his coat and removing yet another black kunai which he used to block the attack. Sasuke charged even more electricity into his sword and once again attempted to attack Naruto who blocked each attack. Blocking Sasuke's last attack with one of the kunai Naruto used the other to land an attack, slicing Sasuke across the chest. Sasuke, after receiving the blow, leapt back to create space.

Sasuke quickly placed his hand to his chest to guard his wound. His breathing was becoming labored and the heat surrounding him grew ever more intense. For a moment his vision grew fuzzy and he then knew he had to end this fight soon. Creating a shadow clone Sasuke and his clone then ran at Naruto from both sides and launched into a renewed flurry of attacks.

Naruto desperately fought to fend off both attackers and using his kunai he was able to stab the clone in the stomach, destroying it and knock away Sasuke's sword as it came flying at him. It was then Naruto felt a sharp pain in his stomach and looked down to see, protruding from Sasuke's hand a blade that seemed made of pure light.

Sasuke stared dead into Naruto's amazed eyes and said, "Ninja Art: Chidori Spear." Without another word Sasuke's spear grew longer and pushed Naruto back and slammed him into a nearby boulder. Naruto felt the world around him going dark and could feel the spear being pushed further and further into his stomach. Sasuke was releasing more and more electricity into Naruto and with every wave Naruto grew more numb.

Realizing than time was running out Naruto grabbed the spear and suddenly, to Sasuke surprise, began to push the spear further and further into himself. Within seconds, the spear cut through Naruto's back and Naruto began to slide himself closer and closer to Sasuke.

In utter shock and amazement Sasuke quickly realized what Naruto was trying and released large amounts of electricity into his spear. Naruto screamed in pain and coughed blood, yet despite that he continued to move forward along the spear. Naruto finally, painfully reached within striking distance of Sasuke when Sasuke released more power and suddenly four more spears thrust out of Naruto's body.

"Naruto," Sasuke said, "I can split my blade into multiple attacks. You should quit now. This fight is over." Naruto's head dropped and for a moment it seemed as though he had lost consciousness. Suddenly his head rose and much to Sasuke's surprise, Naruto was again smiling. "You've been away too long Sasuke," Naruto said, "You should know by now that you should quit expecting me to quit!!"

Naruto raised his hand and in it he held one of the black kunai. Using it, he stabbed the Chidori spear, disrupting the electrical flow. Free of the technique Naruto then buried the kunai deep into Sasuke's shoulder blade and then kicked him away. Sasuke landed a few yards away and was completely disoriented. Slowly he got to his feet, his body racked with pain and his left arm was practically unusable. His head was swimming and for a moment he seemed to lose his balance and had to gather himself. His head was also ringing as he heard a low buzzing sound.

It was then he realized that the buzzing he heard wasn't in his head. Focusing on Naruto he saw that he had created two clones and they were in the process of creating a technique in Naruto's hand. At first Sasuke thought it was just another Rasengan but quickly realized this was something else. Wait, he thought, what is that?! I've never seen chakra like that. It looks like a Rasengan but that chakra is different. Is this what defeated Pain?! What is it!?

As the clones finished their job, they disappeared and Naruto, with his technique in his hand screamed, "Wind Release: Rasenshiruken!!" And with that he threw his attack at Sasuke. Sasuke stood in awe as he saw this large attack coming straight at him. Damn it, he thought, what is that?! I can't let that hit me!! Quickly Sasuke bit his thumbs and slamed his hands to floor and yelled, "Summoning Jutsu: Triple Rashomon!"

Meanwhile

Karin was now desperate. Not only had Sakura's speed increased but now even when her daggers did strike her, Sakura barely seemed concerned. Could what she have said be true, Karin thought, could she actually be immune to my powers. It was then Karin was saw out in the distance three large demonic looking walls rise out of the ground and, within seconds she saw what looked to be a large blast of light followed by a deafening explosion.

The explosion caused trees nearby to bend and break and the winds forced everyone to guard their faces. Karin, after things had settled down, looked over to see that the walls were gone. That was the Rashomon, she thought, I'm sure of it. If Sasuke used that then he must be in trouble. How strong is this Uzumaki guy!?

Seeing Karin was momentarily distracted, Sakura pounced. She quickly punched the ground beneath Karin, shattering it instantly and causing Karin to loose her footing. Before she could right herself, however Sakura leapt at her and using only her middle finger flicked Karin in the head launching her backwards and slamming her now unconscious body up against a tree.

Sakura quickly turned to help Sai who then yelled out, "Sakura-chan, go help Naruto-kun. Don't worry about me I can take these two." Sakura paused and realized Sai was right. "Fine," she said, "But you'd better not die on me." Sakura then turned and ran off.

Meanwhile

Sasuke head pounded, his body ached. As he rose from the pile of trees and debris he felt a sharp pain in his chest and knew that at least two of his ribs were broken. Blood ran freely from a wound on his head and the blood obscured his vision slightly. Amazed he saw that his Rashomon was completely obliterated. Off in the distance he could see Naruto, down on one knee trying to catch his breath.

Naruto, seeing Sasuke rise from the debris was at first dejected. Damn it, he thought, what does it take to take you out Sasuke. Rising to his feet Naruto stared into Sasuke's eyes and somehow he knew this was it. That they would both put everything they had left into this final assault. Slowly both warriors began to walk towards each other. Slowly that walk became a jog and then a full sprint as both fighters came together one final time.

In Naruto's hand was the Rasengan. In Sasuke's hand, Chidori. And it was then, seconds before impact that Sasuke realized that Naruto had quickly increased the size of his Rasengan. Naruto screamed, "Great Ball Resengan!" And as impact was made, Sasuke quickly knew, he had lost.

Meanwhile

Sakura was running at top speed and paused when she was a large beam of light rise from where Sasuke and Naruto fought. Oh my God, she thought and quickly she began to run again.

Meanwhile

Slowly Naruto made his way over to Sasuke. His body screamed in pain and at times he felt as if he had lost consciousness while walking, but on he moved. Sasuke was on his knees, his head dropped and to Naruto he seemed he was unconscious. As Naruto finally reached Sasuke, he grabbed him by the hair and raised Sasuke's head and it was then, looking into Sasuke's eyes he felt as if his world had stopped.

Where am I, Naruto said, what is this place? All around him Naruto saw nothing but smoke on the ground. The sky had turned crimson and everything was in shadow. Suddenly Naruto realized that he was strapped to a stake and was unable to move. In front of him, out of the smoke, hundreds of Sasuke clones rose with a blade in hands. "I'm sorry Naruto," Saskue said, "I didn't want to use this but you left me no choice. This is Tsukuyomi, and for the next 72 hours, you are mine."

Meanwhile

Sakura's heart nearly stopped when she heard Naruto's blood curdling scream of in the distance. For a moment she froze in pure terror and though she knew she had to keep moving her legs would not obey. Sakura could feel the tears running down her cheeks and then realized that she had been crying for quite some time. Shaking her head, Sakura willed her negative emotions out of her mind and once again, began to run. She was almost there.

Meanwhile

Sasuke watched as Naruto's limp body fell back to the ground. Slowly he rose to his feet and felt a sharp pain in his right hand. Looking down Sasuke looked at his now mangled hand and knew it would take months for him to ever use it again, if ever. But he had no time to consider this. There would be plenty of time later to rest and heal. What was important now was gathering up Naruto's body and taking it to Madara.

As Sasuke slowly made his way over to Naruto, he reached out to grab him as two kunai flew past him. The first flew just past his outstretched hand while the other just barely missed his eyes. In shock Sasuke looked up to see Sakura standing a short distance away on a tree branch. With tears in her eyes Sakura yelled, "If you touch him Sasuke, I promise the next one won't miss!"

End of Chapter Fourteen