Chapter 18: Retrieval!

Naruto stood in mild surprise, his gaze shifting from Tsunade's serious expression to the room around him. The Hokage's office was its usual organized chaos—stacks of documents threatening to topple from every corner of her desk—but there was an unusual heaviness in the air. He had been summoned early that morning by an ANBU member, and now he found himself standing beside Shikamaru, the normally unflappable Chunin looking equally caught off guard. On Naruto's other side stood Kakashi Hatake, his Jonin sensei, whose demeanor was calm but tinged with something unreadable.

"What do you mean Sasuke left the village?" Shikamaru asked, his usually collected voice laced with unease.

Kakashi sighed softly, as if anticipating the question but unwilling to answer it outright. Naruto glanced at him, searching his masked face for an explanation, but it was Tsunade who broke the silence.

"Because Orochimaru has him in his clutches," she said bluntly.

The words landed heavily. Shikamaru's eyes widened in shock, and Naruto whipped his head back to Kakashi. The Jonin met his gaze, but the look he gave offered no immediate answers—only a silent promise that they would discuss it later. Naruto clenched his fists, frustration boiling beneath the surface, but he knew there wasn't time to press for details.

Kakashi finally spoke, his tone steady but firm. "I assume this mission will involve both Jonin and Chunin, correct?" He glanced at Naruto and Shikamaru, his visible eye narrowing slightly. "While I have faith in these two's abilities, may I ask why more experienced shinobi haven't been assigned to this mission?"

The question, though pointed, wasn't unkind. Shikamaru and Naruto exchanged a quick look, neither taking offense. It was a valid concern. From the little they'd been told so far, the mission sounded like a high B-rank, perhaps even bordering on A-rank.

Tsunade's frown deepened as she leaned back in her chair. "The recent invasion caused significant damage to the village," she began, her gaze flickering briefly to Naruto. "Though, I've heard from several members of our combat force that a certain ninja managed to lessen that damage considerably by essentially creating a second army."

Naruto's cheeks flushed at the unexpected praise, his mind flashing back to the swarms of Shadow Clones he had sent to fight during the chaos of the attack. He hadn't thought they'd made that much of a difference.

"However," Tsunade continued, her tone growing more somber, "while the damage was reduced, we're still in recovery mode. Many of our Jonin and Chunin are currently out of the village on critical missions to replenish our resources. Those who remain are necessary to defend the village in case of another attack. That leaves you three as our best available team. And with Kakashi's expertise, I believe he will compensate for any gaps in your inexperience."

Naruto and Shikamaru exchanged another glance. The gravity of the situation was clear—this wasn't just about their teammate. This was about the safety and stability of the village itself.

All three of them nodded resolutely. "Understood," Kakashi said simply, and with that, they turned to leave the office.

The trio moved swiftly through the halls of the Hokage Tower, exiting into the bustling streets of Konoha. The morning sun cast long shadows across the ground as they made their way toward the village gates, the weight of their mission settling firmly on their shoulders.

As the trio approached the village gates, a figure came into view, standing hesitantly near the entrance. Naruto squinted, recognizing the pink hair immediately. His steps faltered, and he glanced over his shoulder at Kakashi.

"Kakashi, do we have time?" Naruto asked, his voice carrying an edge of concern.

Kakashi gave a small nod. "A moment won't hurt," he replied, his tone even.

Shikamaru sighed quietly, his hands stuffed into his pockets. "Troublesome," he muttered, though he didn't object outright as they all came to a stop.

The Genin moved quickly toward them, her expression etched with sorrow. "Sakura," Naruto said softly, his tone filled with understanding. Her face told him everything he needed to know—she already knew about Sasuke's departure.

Her green eyes, brimming with sadness, met his. "I tried stopping him, Naruto," she whispered, her voice trembling. Her hands clenched tightly at her sides, and tears began to pool in her eyes.

Naruto opened his mouth to reply, but before he could speak, Sakura squeezed her eyes shut and let out a sob. "Naruto! This is my wish of a lifetime. Please, bring Sasuke back!" Her voice broke, and the desperation in her plea struck him deeply.

For a moment, Naruto's chest tightened, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He had to fight to keep himself in check. Sakura's tears weren't for him; they were for Sasuke—the one she loved. Naruto knew that. He'd always known that.

Taking a steadying breath, Naruto shook his head slightly and forced a small, reassuring smile onto his face. "You really care about Sasuke, huh?" he said softly. "Don't worry. I'll bring him back to the village. I promise."

His words were steady, firm, a vow that carried the weight of his determination.

Sakura's sobs continued, but her voice rose behind them as Naruto, Kakashi, and Shikamaru turned and began to walk away. "Thank you, Naruto! Thank you!"

Naruto's heart clenched at the sound of her cries, but he pushed his feelings aside. Sasuke was out there, and they had no time to waste.

With Sakura's heartfelt plea still echoing in their minds, the trio set off through the gates.

The forest was alive with the rustle of leaves and the crunch of dirt underfoot as the trio moved swiftly through the dense trees. Naruto's sharp eyes flicked between the path ahead and the clones he had sent out to scout. Occasionally, one of them would dispel, sending him flashes of memory about cleared traps or false alarms.

"They're definitely slowing down," Pakkun barked from ahead, his nose twitching as he kept up a brisk pace. "The two scents together... one of them is probably Sasuke being carried."

Naruto's frown deepened, his usual exuberance replaced by focused determination. "If Sasuke left on his own, why would they be carrying him? Did something happen to him?"

Kakashi, positioned in the center of the group, kept his gaze sharp but calm. "It's possible Sasuke wasn't as willing as we thought. Or he might've been injured during their escape. Either way, we need to proceed carefully. This could be a trap."

Behind Kakashi, Shikamaru let out another long sigh, though his tone carried a seriousness that matched the situation. "Man, this is so troublesome. But I guess it doesn't matter. We just have to catch up to them and bring Sasuke back, right, Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi nodded but didn't look back. "Yes, but don't underestimate the Sound ninja. Orochimaru wouldn't send just anyone to escort Sasuke. Stay on guard, Shikamaru."

"Understood," Shikamaru replied, his lazy drawl belying the sharpness of his gaze as he scanned their flanks for any surprises.

The trio moved in perfect coordination, their formation honed to their respective strengths. Naruto, as the vanguard, created a constant stream of clones that darted ahead to check for traps. One by one, the clones triggered or dismantled mechanisms designed to slow or injure pursuers, leaving the main group unhindered.

Kakashi remained in the center, constantly assessing their surroundings and ready to support either Naruto or Shikamaru at a moment's notice. His voice carried authority but also a calm reassurance that kept the younger shinobi focused.

Shikamaru, at the rear, had a clear view of the formation, allowing him to think several steps ahead. He wasn't just watching for ambushes—he was analyzing the patterns of traps and the terrain, mentally cataloging possibilities for future skirmishes. The open space around him gave him the perfect vantage to execute his Shadow Possession Jutsu without immediate interference.

Naruto's tightened his fists. "Damnit! They caught sight of one of my clones. Now they know we're coming."

Kakashi's sharp gaze flickered with thought, his expression unreadable. "Hmm. That changes things." He glanced at Pakkun, who gave a confirming nod, his ears twitching as he sniffed the air.

"They've definitely stopped moving forward," the small dog barked. "The scents are lingering in one spot now. They're waiting for you."

Shikamaru sighed from his position at the rear. "Great. Just what we needed. An ambush. How troublesome."

But Kakashi raised a hand, signaling for silence as a faint smile tugged at the corner of his masked face. "This isn't necessarily a bad thing," he said, his tone calm but commanding. "An ambush means they'll have to stop and prepare for us. They won't risk running while knowing we're right behind them."

Naruto's head whipped around, his blue eyes locking on Kakashi. "So, what do we do?"

Shikamaru crossed his arms, his brow furrowing. "If they're waiting for us, we can take advantage of their stationary position, right? Make them think they've got the upper hand and use that against them."

"Exactly," Kakashi said, a hint of approval in his tone. "Naruto, keep sending out clones, but this time focus on deception. I want them confused and second-guessing our positions. Spread them out, make them think we're attacking from all angles."

Naruto grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Got it. They won't know what hit 'em!"

Kakashi turned to Shikamaru next. "While Naruto creates chaos, you'll analyze their response. Use your shadows strategically to pin down key targets or disrupt their movements. Stay observant."

Shikamaru gave a short nod, his usual lazy demeanor replaced with sharp focus. "Understood. I'll find their weak points."

"And I'll stay ready to step in wherever needed," Kakashi concluded, his voice steady. "They might not expect an opponent like myself to be included in our team, I believe if they recognise me they're gonna try retreating. If one of them does escape with Sasuke, I need you two to follow."

Naruto looks to Kakashi, "You think you can take the remaining three on your own?", Kakashi eye smiles in return, "Don't underestimate the power of a Jonin, my lovely student."

The trio exchanged determined nods before resuming their positions in formation. Naruto immediately began creating clones, sending them darting ahead into the dense forest to spread out and create distractions. Each clone's purpose was clear: trigger traps, mislead the enemy, and draw attention away from the real team.

As they moved closer to the ambush site, the air grew tense with the promise of battle.

The dense forest opened slightly, revealing the silhouettes of the Sound Four ahead. The group slowed, their eyes narrowing as they observed their targets. Naruto's gaze swept over the four figures but quickly hardened when he noticed a large, ominous object strapped to the back of the biggest one—a coffin. His eyes widened in shock.

"Why the hell would they put Sasuke in a coffin?" Naruto's voice came out as a harsh whisper, his hands clenched into fists. "They wouldn't go through all this trouble just to kill him, would they?"

Pakkun, sniffing the air intently, confirmed their suspicions. "The scent is strong. Sasuke's in there, no mistake."

Shikamaru frowned, his sharp mind already piecing together fragments of information. "That doesn't make sense. If he's alive, why seal him up like that?"

Kakashi, standing calmly in the center of the formation, took the moment to address their growing concerns. "It's not as simple as it looks. This has to do with the mark on Sasuke's neck—the Cursed Seal of Heaven."

Naruto's jaw clenched at the mention of the seal, "The curse mark doesn't just give power—it corrodes the user's mind. When I applied the Evil Sealing Method to Sasuke, it was meant to suppress the mark's influence. But the seal isn't foolproof. It requires the user to actively resist the temptation of using the curse mark." His visible eye turned grim. "From what we've seen, it's likely that Sasuke chose to embrace the mark and advance its power to the second stage."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued despite the grim topic. "Second stage?"

Kakashi's tone remained serious as he continued. "There are stages to the curse mark. The first stage is what Sasuke has used before—it amplifies his strength and chakra but begins to erode his will. The second stage is far more dangerous. It grants immense power, but the toll on the user's mind and body is devastating. Few can withstand it without losing themselves entirely."

Naruto's expression darkened, his anger barely contained. "That bastard Orochimaru! Sasuke wouldn't have done this if it wasn't for him!"

The trio's eyes focused sharply on the Sound Four ahead. They moved with precision, each step calculated, their senses honed.

"Remember, this isn't just about Sasuke anymore. If they've pushed him to this point, Orochimaru's plans are already in motion. We can't afford to fail."

The team shared a glance, their determination reflected in their expressions.

At Kakashi's signal, Naruto created a wave of Shadow Clones that burst from the trees in a chaotic charge. The clones flooded the battlefield, some rushing Jirobo, others targeting Kidomaru's webs or forcing Tayuya and Sakon to move. The Sound Four reacted swiftly, defending their positions with a ruthless efficiency born of teamwork.

Amid the chaos, Shikamaru slipped through the fray, using the distraction to attempt a Shadow Possession Jutsu on Jirobo. His shadows crept toward the bulky shinobi, but Kidomaru intercepted, covering the ground with sticky webs that blocked Shikamaru's technique.

Kakashi made his move, his Sharingan gleaming. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance to Jirobo, his kunai slicing cleanly through the webs. He struck Jirobo hard, forcing him onto the defensive and nearly reaching the coffin. "You're out of time," Kakashi warned, his voice cold and measured.

Sakon's eyes flashed with irritation. "Not yet." With a barked order, he moved to Jirobo's side and yanked the coffin off his back. "I'll take it from here." Faster than expected, Sakon darted into the forest, the coffin held securely in his grip.

Kakashi turned to give chase, but before he could move, the remaining Sound Four unleashed their trump card. Dark, twisting marks spread across their skin as they activated Curse Mark Stage 2, their bodies grotesquely transforming. Jirobo's skin turned a brownish red, his muscles bulging unnaturally, while Kidomaru's skin turned a dark red, his headband coming off to reveal a third eye. Tayuya had horns emerge from her head as her sinister chakra flared, and a predatory grin spread across her face. The forest seemed to darken with the oppressive energy they radiated.

Naruto froze for a moment, his breath catching in his throat. This power was pure evil, it wasn't as menacing as the nine tails' but it shared it's malice. Kakashi had warned him about the Curse Mark's influence, but witnessing it firsthand made his stomach churn. He glanced at Kakashi, remembering his sensei's earlier words about staying focused. Still, worry gnawed at him. "Kakashi-sensei…" Naruto muttered under his breath.

Kakashi didn't flinch, his voice calm yet firm. "Naruto, Shikamaru—go after him. That's an order. I'll handle these three."

Naruto hesitated, his gaze shifting between Kakashi and the monstrous forms of the Sound Four. "But—"

"No 'but,'" Kakashi interrupted, his Sharingan locked onto the enemies before him. "Trust me. I can handle this."

Shikamaru grabbed Naruto by the arm, his voice sharp. "Let's go, Naruto. We've got a mission to finish."

Naruto clenched his fists, his jaw tightening, but he nodded. "Right." Together, the two Chunin broke into a sprint, disappearing into the forest after Sakon.

Kakashi faced the transformed Sound Three alone. "You're making a big mistake staying here," he said, his tone almost conversational. "Because now, you've got my full attention."

Jirobo cracked his knuckles, his voice a low growl. "You talk big, but let's see if you can back it up."

Kakashi's Sharingan whirled. "I intend to."

Naruto and Shikamaru moved swiftly through the dense forest, their feet barely making a sound as they pursued Sakon. Naruto's fists were clenched tightly at his sides, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. He fought the urge to glance back toward where they had left Kakashi, the image of the Sound Four in their monstrous Curse Mark Stage 2 forms still fresh in his mind. The oppressive energy they had radiated lingered, making his stomach churn with unease. Kakashi-sensei is strong. He can handle it, Naruto told himself, though the worry gnawed at him. He took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. They had their orders, and no matter what, they had to complete the mission.

Shikamaru's voice broke through his thoughts. "Naruto, don't lose focus. We're closing in."

Naruto nodded sharply, his eyes locking ahead. Sakon was fast, his movements fluid despite the burden of the coffin strapped to his back. The forest blurred around them as Naruto and Shikamaru pushed themselves to close the gap. The scent trail left by Sakon was fresh, allowing Naruto to track him without hesitation. Each leap brought them closer, and soon the faint sound of rustling branches and hurried footsteps reached their ears.

"He's slowing down," Shikamaru observed, his tone calm despite the situation. "The weight of that coffin is dragging him down."

Naruto smirked slightly, his earlier worries momentarily pushed aside. "Good. That means we'll catch him in no time."

Sakon glanced over his shoulder, his sharp eyes catching sight of his pursuers. A scowl formed on his face as he muttered a curse under his breath. He hadn't expected them to catch up so quickly, especially with the coffin in tow. Gritting his teeth, he adjusted his grip on the straps and pressed forward, darting through the trees in an attempt to gain more distance.

Naruto and Shikamaru wasted no time formulating a plan as they closed in on Sakon. They moved in perfect sync, utilizing their talents to neutralize the enemy. Naruto began with a barrage of ranged attacks, unleashing powerful Wind Bullets that tore through the foliage and forced Sakon to slow down. The Sound Ninja cursed as he dodged the onslaught, his speed hindered just enough for the pair of Chunin to catch up.

Naruto and Shikamaru charged Sakon head-on, their movements coordinated to draw his attention. Sakon snarled, raising his defenses as the duo closed in. However, as Shikamaru was the first to launch an attack, Sakon retaliated with a powerful counter, but this is where "Shikamaru's" true nature was revealed—a puff of smoke erupted, revealing it to be one of Naruto's shadow clones.

The brief moment of confusion was all Shikamaru needed. From a hidden vantage point, the real Shikamaru activated his Shadow Possession Jutsu. The tendrils of his shadow snaked across the ground and latched onto Sakon, freezing him mid-movement.

"Now, Naruto!" Shikamaru called out.

Naruto didn't hesitate. He darted forward, grabbing the coffin strapped to Sakon's back. With a grunt, he wrenched it free, leaping back to Shikamaru's side. "Got it!" Naruto exclaimed, a triumphant grin on his face.

Summoning a Shadow Clone, Naruto handed off the coffin for safekeeping. With the clone taking the precious cargo, Naruto turned his attention back to Sakon, his palm glowing with a rapidly forming Rasengan.

"Time to end this!" Naruto shouted, charging toward the immobilized enemy.

But just as the Rasengan neared its mark, Sakon's lips curled into a sinister grin. Shikamaru's shadow abruptly disconnected from his body, and before either Chunin could react, a shuriken flew from behind Sakon, striking the Shadow Clone holding the coffin. The clone disappeared in a puff of smoke, the coffin clattering to the ground.

Naruto cursed under his breath as Sakon lunged for the coffin, but he intercepted the Sound Ninja with a sweeping strike, forcing him back. "Shikamaru, the coffin!" Naruto yelled.

Shikamaru nodded and sprinted toward the coffin, only to be interrupted as a new figure descended from the trees above. The attacker landed with a thud, wielding what appeared to be a sharpened bone protruding from his palm. Shikamaru barely managed to dodge the strike, rolling backward and putting distance between himself and the newcomer.

The bone-wielding ninja grabbed the coffin and dashed away, his speed incredible. Shikamaru attempted to ensnare him with his shadow, but the opponent was just a fraction too fast, escaping beyond his range.

Shikamaru's eyes darted to where Naruto was still locked in combat with Sakon. His mind raced as he assessed their options. With a heavy sigh, he made his decision. Pulling a kunai from his pouch, he hurled it between Naruto and Sakon, creating an opening for Naruto to retreat.

Naruto jumped back, landing beside Shikamaru. "What's the plan?" he asked, though his tone carried a hint of frustration.

"You need to chase the guy with the coffin," Shikamaru said firmly.

Naruto frowned. "What about you? You're gonna fight this guy alone?"

Shikamaru nodded. "I don't have the speed to catch the other one. It has to be you."

Naruto hesitated, his gaze shifting between Sakon and Shikamaru. "You play shogi, right?" he asked suddenly.

Shikamaru blinked, momentarily thrown by the question. "Yeah, but this isn't exactly the time for a game, Naruto."

Naruto grinned. "I've gotta disagree with you there. Here's your pieces."

With that, he summoned a squad of twenty Shadow Clones, each one turning to Shikamaru with focused expressions. One stepped forward and asked, "What's the first move, Shikamaru?"

A genuine smile spread across Shikamaru's face as he realized what Naruto's plan was. "Perfect. Thanks, Naruto."

Naruto saluted with a grin. "Have a good game!" Without another word, he dashed after the coffin, leaving Shikamaru and the clones to handle Sakon.

Now standing at the stern of Naruto's clones, Shikamaru's mind sharpened. "Alright, everyone," he said, his tone commanding. "Let's set the board."

Naruto sprinted after the mysterious ninja, his determination unwavering despite the trepidation that gnawed at the edges of his mind. The stranger carrying the coffin moved with an eerie grace, his speed relentless, yet Naruto pushed himself harder, refusing to let Sasuke slip through his grasp.

As the chase led into a large clearing, the figure ahead finally slowed to a stop, setting the coffin down behind him. Naruto landed a few paces away, his breaths controlled and his expression concentrated. His sharp blue eyes locked onto the pale and unsettling figure before him.

The ninja—his pale skin and bone-like protrusions unlike anything Naruto had seen before—stood unnervingly still, his cold gaze fixed on his pursuer. The intensity of his stare sent a chill down Naruto's spine, but he held his ground, fists clenched at his sides.

Naruto glanced between the ninja and the coffin, his mind racing. He didn't know this guy's strength or abilities, and he couldn't afford to underestimate him. If he attacked recklessly and lost, Sasuke's fate would be sealed. Steeling himself, Naruto decided to stall for time. "What does Orochimaru want with Sasuke?" he demanded, his voice steady but his muscles taut. "Why put the curse mark on him?"

He wasn't expecting an answer—it was more a bid to assess his opponent's personality and buy a moment to strategize. But to his surprise, the pale ninja's cold, empty expression shifted, faintly reflecting thoughtfulness.

"Lord Orochimaru has achieved immortality," the ninja began, his voice emotionless but deliberate. "But it takes time to fully master the art."

Naruto's eyes widened, a flashback forcing its way into his mind. He remembered his fight alongside Jiraiya against Orochimaru, the moment when the snake-like man shed his skin, revealing an entirely different person beneath.

"He wants Sasuke's body," Naruto said, his voice trembling slightly as the realization settled like a weight in his chest.

Naruto took a step forward, his fists clenching tighter as he prepared to fight. "I don't care who you are. I'm not letting Sasuke become some sick puppet for that snake freak!"

Kimimaro's icy gaze narrowed. "Then prove your resolve. I will eliminate you here."

The tension in the clearing thickened as both ninja prepared to clash, the coffin behind Kimimaro looming like an ominous reminder of the stakes.

The battle erupted with explosive intensity, Naruto charging at Kimimaro with a squad of Shadow Clones at his side. Each clone darted in and out, throwing punches, kicks, and the occasional kunai in an unpredictable flurry. Kimimaro met the onslaught with precision and grace, his taijutsu honed to perfection. The pale ninja dodged and countered, shattering clones with ruthless efficiency as his bone blades jutted from his arms in sharp, fluid motions.

Naruto grimaced as another of his clones dissipated. Kimimaro's kekkei genkai was unlike anything he had faced before—those bones weren't just weapons; they were armor, unyielding and nearly impossible to break. Still, he refused to back down. He crafted more clones and charged again, throwing in a Wind Bullet to disrupt Kimimaro's rhythm. This time, one of his clones managed to land a blow, forcing Kimimaro to stumble back a step.

"Gotcha!" Naruto shouted, seizing the moment. He dashed toward the coffin holding Sasuke, but before his hand could touch it, a bone spike erupted from the ground, forcing him to leap back.

Kimimaro's voice was calm, devoid of concern. "You won't touch that coffin. Your efforts are futile."

Naruto growled in frustration, his mind racing. He'd been hoping to grab Sasuke and run, but it was clear now that he wouldn't succeed without defeating this guy first.

The fight continued in a relentless back-and-forth. Kimimaro's attacks were precise and devastating, but Naruto's stamina, unpredictability, and sheer stubbornness kept him in the fight. Utilising his full jutsu arsenal was entirely necessary to even force Kimimaro onto the defensive, but Naruto had managed to land a few solid hits. Yet, for every strike Naruto delivered, Kimimaro retaliated with twice the force, his bones proving an impenetrable shield.

The stalemate was broken when a sudden, dark energy began to pulse from the coffin. Both Naruto and Kimimaro paused, their attention snapping to the source. The lid creaked open, and a figure emerged, his body twisted and grotesque, marked with black patterns that radiated an ominous aura. Sasuke had awakened, his Curse Mark fully activated, and his appearance was eerily similar to the Sound Four in their second forms.

"Sasuke!" Naruto yelled, his voice a mix of relief and desperation. "You don't have to do this! Orochimaru's lying to you—he wants to take over your body! Come back to the village!"

Sasuke turned his head slightly, his eyes cold and unfeeling. He regarded Naruto for a brief moment before leaping into the surrounding trees, away from the clearing and further toward Orochimaru.

"No!" Naruto roared, starting to chase after him, but Kimimaro stepped into his path, his bone blades gleaming.

"You won't take another step," Kimimaro said flatly, his resolve as unshakable as his defenses.

Naruto's fists trembled at his sides as he glared at Kimimaro, his frustration boiling over. He knew Sasuke was slipping further away, but he couldn't do anything with Kimimaro blocking his way. That was when he felt it—a stirring deep inside him. A familiar, fiery chakra began to rise, filling him with warmth and power.

The fox.

Naruto hesitated, remembering Jiraiya's warnings and the deal he had struck with the Nine-Tails. He had agreed to use the chakra only as a last resort. This was dire, though. If he didn't end this fight now, he might lose Sasuke forever.

But just as Naruto steeled himself to draw on the fox's power, his eyes widened. Something moved—no, launched—around Kimimaro.

A wave of matter erupted from the ground, encircling Kimimaro's body with crushing force. The pale ninja struggled, his bones slicing through some of the sand, but it was relentless, tightening until blood seeped from the cracks in his armor.

Naruto's jaw dropped as he recognized the sand. His gaze darted to the trees, where a familiar figure stood, calm and composed.

"Gaara!"

The red-haired shinobi stepped forward, his arms crossed, his eyes cold as they locked onto Kimimaro. "You won't get past me."

Naruto exhaled sharply, a mix of relief and surprise washing over him. With Gaara's unexpected arrival, the fight had just taken a dramatic turn.

The sand tightened further around Kimimaro, pressing against his unyielding bones as blood seeped through the cracks. For a moment, it seemed Gaara's Sand Coffin would crush him entirely. But then, with a sickening crack, sharp bones exploded outward from Kimimaro's body, tearing through the sand and dissipating the coffin.

As the dust settled, Kimimaro emerged, bloodied but undeterred, his Curse Mark activated. Black lines spread across his pale skin, twisting like dark veins of corruption and amplifying the already fearsome aura surrounding him.

Gaara's eyes narrowed as he stepped closer, his sand swirling protectively around him. The Kazekage-to-be didn't flinch as Kimimaro's cold gaze turned toward him. He continued forward until he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Naruto, then stopped, tilting his head slightly to address the blonde.

"Go," Gaara said, his voice calm and steady. "I'll handle him."

Naruto hesitated for a moment, looking at Gaara and then at Kimimaro. But the determination in Gaara's expression was unmistakable, and Naruto knew the Sand ninja could hold his own. A small smile formed on Naruto's face as he nodded.

"Thanks, Gaara. Don't lose," Naruto said, his voice carrying a mixture of gratitude and trust.

Without another word, Naruto sprinted toward the forest, following Sasuke's trail. Kimimaro's eyes flicked to Naruto's retreating form, and he moved to intercept, but a wave of sand lashed out, forcing him back.

"You'll deal with me," Gaara stated, his tone icy. The sand at his feet coiled like a living thing, ready to strike again.

Naruto didn't stop running, but he was careful to deploy a dozen Shadow Clones into the treeline as he moved, keeping them hidden in case Gaara needed help—or if Naruto had to return quickly. The clones dispersed into the foliage, prepared to monitor the fight or act as a contingency plan.

Back in the clearing, Gaara and Kimimaro faced off, the tension between them palpable. Both combatants stood as embodiments of unshakable resolve, one with his relentless sand and the other with his unyielding bones.

"Let's end this quickly," Kimimaro said, his tone calm but his stance aggressive, his Curse Mark glowing faintly.

Gaara's response was a slight smirk as his sand surged forward in a deadly wave. "You're welcome to try."

Naruto's breath was heavy, his footsteps barely audible against the trees as he leaped from branch to branch. His mind raced, anger and determination fueling every step. The dense forest thinned suddenly, and he found himself at the edge of an enormous valley. The sound of rushing water below filled his ears as he landed atop the immense stone head of Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage. Across the valley, silhouetted against the overcast sky, stood Sasuke Uchiha, perched on the head of Madara Uchiha's statue.

"Sasuke!" Naruto's roar echoed through the valley, halting the other boy in his tracks. Sasuke turned slowly, his Sharingan eyes glowing ominously as the cursed seal markings crept along the left side of his face. His sclera were pitch black, his yellow irises burning with hostility.

"Why won't you leave me alone?" Sasuke's voice was sharp, a mix of anger and desperation. "Why do you keep interfering with my goal? I need to kill him, Naruto! You stopped me once before, and I won't let it happen again!"

Naruto's fists clenched at his sides. "I saved your life that day, and you know it! Itachi would have killed you if I hadn't been there!"

Sasuke clicked his tongue, a bitter smirk curling on his lips. "Maybe he would have. All the more reason for me to leave the village and get stronger! Next time we meet, I'll make sure I'm the one who's stronger!"

Naruto's voice rose, frustration seeping into his tone. "You can get stronger in the village, Sasuke! I'll help you! Team 7 will help you!"

"I don't need your help!" Sasuke barked back. "I'll do it on my own. That's my path! I'm an avenger!" His words were final, filled with conviction, but Naruto saw through the bravado, saw the pain lurking beneath.

Naruto's patience snapped. He channeled chakra into his legs, launching himself toward Sasuke with a determined leap. "No! You're just an idiot! And I'm taking you back to Konoha whether you want to come or not!"

Sasuke smirked, meeting Naruto mid-air with his own leap. "You're the idiot! No matter how much stronger you've gotten, you're still beneath me!"

As the two shinobi closed in, Naruto's fist was drawn back, ready to strike, but his eyes widened when he saw the familiar crackle of lightning envelop Sasuke's hand. Sasuke wasn't holding back—he was out to kill him.

Naruto's resolve hardened. Fine. If Sasuke wanted it this way, so be it. His fist opened, and a swirling orb of chakra formed in his palm. Rasengan and Chidori clashed with a thunderous roar, sending a powerful shockwave through the valley. The force rippled through the water below and kicked up a whirlwind around them. Neither boy gave an inch, the clash drawing out until both were hurled backward. They flipped mid-air, landing on the water with practiced ease.

Naruto stood on the water's surface, glaring at Sasuke. This wasn't the same Sasuke he had once known—the darkness had consumed him. But no matter what, Naruto was going to bring him back. He wouldn't give up. Sasuke was still his friend, even if he couldn't see it right now.

Sasuke grinned, his expression filled with bitter amusement. "Looks like you're finally taking this seriously. But if you want to bring me back, you'll have to kill me first!"

Naruto's gaze didn't waver. "Then that's what I'll do. I'll beat you down, take you back to Konoha, and then I'll have Tsunade heal you up just so I can beat the crap out of you again!"

Sasuke's smirk twisted into a snarl. "Don't look down on me!" He formed a series of hand seals, unleashing a barrage of fireballs with his Phoenix Flower Jutsu. The flames hurtled toward Naruto, who countered with a flurry of wind bullets, followed by a swift Gale Palm that sent the final fireball hurtling back toward Sasuke. The Uchiha ducked beneath it and closed the distance with a swift sprint.

Sasuke launched a kick, but Naruto twisted his body to avoid it and delivered a wind-enhanced punch to Sasuke's ribs. Sasuke flinched but retaliated with a right hook, which Naruto dodged, countering with a rising knee that caught Sasuke's jaw and sent him sprawling.

Sasuke rolled to his feet, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. His Sharingan flared as he glared at Naruto, trying to predict his next move. But Naruto's attacks were too erratic, too unpredictable. Sasuke's frustration grew as blow after blow connected. Then, Naruto formed a familiar cross-shaped hand seal, summoning a clone to join the fray. Together, they overwhelmed Sasuke, leaving him no room to think or counter.

'Damn it!' Sasuke thought, each strike fueling his desperation. 'When did he get this strong?'

In a final, desperate move, Sasuke dropped into the water, yanking the clone down with him. The clone vanished with a soft pop, and Naruto leaped away, watching warily as Sasuke rose from the water's surface.

Naruto's stomach sank. Sasuke's skin had turned ashen grey, his hands claw-like, and two monstrous wings extended from his back. The curse mark had fully activated.

Sasuke grinned darkly. "Looks like I'm not the only one with a special power. Let's see which one of us is stronger!"

Naruto tightened his fists. Rain began to fall, the dark clouds above mirroring the storm brewing in his heart. "Sasuke," Naruto said quietly, his voice cutting through the downpour. "That power you're using... it's not yours. Just like the Nine-Tails' chakra isn't mine. It's a curse."

Sasuke's grin faltered for a moment, surprise flashing across his face before he shook his head. "You're wrong! I earned this power through my suffering! This is my strength!"

Naruto's gaze remained steady. "Say what you want, but this fight isn't about who's stronger anymore. It's about which curse will consume us first."

Sasuke bit his lip, his anger and frustration bubbling to the surface. He launched himself at Naruto, wings spreading wide, determined to prove his strength once and for all.

Naruto exhaled sharply, his breath steadying as Sasuke sprinted toward him. He could feel the weight of the moment, the stakes higher than ever before. Closing his eyes for the briefest of seconds, he reached inward, pulling on the turbulent, fiery chakra of the Nine-Tails.

"I need Sasuke home," he muttered under his breath, the crimson energy bubbling up and enveloping him. A single tail of chakra formed, swaying with the raw power coursing through him. His pupils slitted, and the sharp aura of the fox's chakra seemed to distort the air around him. "I can't hold back."

Sasuke closed the distance in an instant, his claw-like hand slicing toward Naruto with lethal precision. But Naruto, faster now with the Nine-Tails' chakra augmenting him, dodged to the side, his movements a blur. Channeling the chakra into his lungs, Naruto unleashed a Great Breakthrough technique, a gale of wind so fierce it sent Sasuke hurtling backward.

Sasuke flipped mid-air, his wings snapping open as they caught the wind, halting his descent just before he collided with the cliff face. He glared down at Naruto, a mixture of frustration and admiration flickering in his altered eyes. With a growl, Sasuke charged again, weaving hand signs with speed.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

The blazing sphere roared toward Naruto, illuminating the valley with its intense heat. Naruto leaped high into the air, avoiding the inferno as the flames consumed the ground where he had just been. His eyes locked on Sasuke, who was already closing the gap between them, wings propelling him forward with incredible speed.

Naruto reached into his pouch, pulling out a single shuriken, and with a swift flick of his wrist, he threw it. As it spiraled through the air, his hands flew into a blur of seals. "Shadow Shuriken Jutsu!" he called, and in an instant, the lone projectile multiplied into hundreds.

Sasuke grunted, crossing his wings in front of him like a shield. The barrage of shuriken pelted against them with a metallic clatter, the force pushing him slightly backward. Protected by his wings, Sasuke couldn't see Naruto rushing toward him. The moment Sasuke unfurled his wings, Naruto was already there, his fist crashing into Sasuke's face with unrelenting force.

The impact sent Sasuke skidding across the surface of the water before he finally came to a stop. He stood slowly, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. His glare was as sharp as ever, but Naruto could see it—the flicker of hesitation, of doubt.

The two stood across from each other, breathing heavily, the roar of the waterfall behind them echoing like thunder. Their gazes locked, unspoken understanding passing between them. They both knew what was coming next.

No more holding back. This was the deciding moment.

Naruto's hands glowed as he gathered his chakra into a swirling orb, the Rasengan forming with deadly precision. Sasuke, his expression twisted with determination, called on his cursed power, channeling it into a crackling blue Chidori. The valley seemed to grow darker as their energies filled the air, oppressive and electric.

With twin roars, they charged, their battle cries piercing through the storm. The Rasengan and Chidori collided once more, but this time, the explosion of power was far more violent. The valley trembled as a massive orb of chakra surged outward from the clash, swallowing everything in its vicinity. The sheer force of their jutsu sent shockwaves rippling through the air, the water beneath them raged under the strain.

Naruto's face was etched with fierce determination, his body pushed to its limit by the Nine-Tails' chakra. Sasuke's expression mirrored his, the cursed seal twisting his features into a mask of both agony and resolve. Neither would back down.

As the chaos unfolded around them, the two boys stood at the epicenter of their storm, their fates and ideals clashing as violently as their jutsu. Neither would yield—this moment would decide everything.

I'm gonna leave it here for now! To be honest, i'm just trying to get something posted as it's been a little while, but I hope you enjoyed this chapter, the next chapter we're gonna see the aftermath of Naruto Vs Sasuke, I'd also like some reviews on whether or not you'd like to see the other fights. I was planning on including the Shikamaru Vs Kimimaro fight but was thinking about just leaving the Gaara and Kakashi fights, or I was just gonna make them brief. The reason being that we've already seen Gaara win against Kimimaro and Lee wasn't much help there really, plus Naruto has already done some damage to him so it's likely that Kimimaro's illness will kill him before being able to land any fatal blows on Gaara just like in Canon.

Kakashi's fight against the three members of the Sound Four would also be relatively straightforward for him. While it's true that all four members were strong enough to take down two Jonin, those Jonin were only low-to-mid-level and were tired from a previous mission. The only thing preventing Kakashi from quickly overwhelming them and rushing to help Naruto would be their foreknowledge of him. Orochimaru likely warned them, so they'd realize they couldn't win and instead focus on stalling him for as long as possible. That would buy just enough time for the other fights to play out.

Of course, I think Shikamaru and his squad of Naruto clones vs. Sakon and Ukon would make for an exciting fight to read and write about. It would showcase Shikamaru's intelligence and leadership, giving him valuable experience to grow as a Chunin. For Naruto, it would highlight his versatility and ability to adapt to any role asked of him.

Do you think Sasuke's attack will overpower Naruto's again, like in canon? Or will Naruto emerge victorious and bring his friend back to the village?

Reviews!

BigBillyWilly - Thank you for the support! And yes to be honest it completely slipped my mind when I was writing that lol... But thank you for pointing it out for me! It's not likely that I'll go back and edit it, since like you said it's just a small issue but I appreciate the heads up!

the god of distruction - Glad to hear it! I was worried I'd written her character a little off, so I'm happy to hear she seemed normal to you!

NewRadcarl504 - Thank you!

Legend3881 - I couldn't agree with you more, I also think it definitely fits Naruto's character to at least attempt to create his own jutsu, like you said we've already technically see him create a Jutsu in the rasenshuriken, but it's simply just a rasengan infused with wind chakra. And now we're going to have a Naruto with much better chakra control and knowledge, and of course a LOT more jutsu, I've got a feeling your wish will come true!

bloodbrother 18 - Thank you! Here's the chapter you were waiting for!