Two powerful streams of chakra clashed violently. The massive wind field generated by the collision of the two [Ninjutsu] uprooted the surrounding trees and affected the [Ninjas] still in the battle.
One by one, they couldn't stand steadily. They were tossed around by the gale that could tear their bodies apart and were all injured.
In the center of the [Engagement], Naruto and Sasuke were secretly competing. Both of them adhered to their own [Ninja Way] and beliefs and neither was willing to take a step back.
"Clang!"
Naruto's sharp [Paws] swiped across the [Forehead Protector] on Sasuke's head, while Sasuke's Chidori also swiped across Naruto's shoulder.
Their figures intersected and they both fell to the ground. Naruto's [Chakra Cloak] of the [Nine - Tailed Fox] gradually faded, and Sasuke's [Cursed Seal] also slowly receded.
"Thud!"
Naruto half - knelt and fell to the ground. He looked up and saw Sasuke's back.
"Naruto, it seems our battle is about to end!"
No way! He'd never let go.
The after - effects of the fading [Chakra] of the [Nine - Tailed Fox], combined with the previous unyielding battle, left him completely exhausted. Even so, he used all his strength to crawl forward on the ground.
Wherever he passed, there were drag marks on the dirt.
Naruto gritted his teeth and refused to give up. He inched forward bit by bit and stretched out his hand to reach for that figure.
"Sasuke, wait a minute! Don't take off!"
With a long sigh, someone finally softened and turned back, meeting Naruto's firm but tearful eyes.
Sasuke limped over. He sat down gently in front of Naruto and held tightly onto the outstretched hand.
Feeling the warm temperature in his hand, Naruto inexplicably felt at ease. He looked at the changed - heart Sasuke happily and unconsciously tightened his grip.
"Sasuke!"
But Sasuke's next words killed his joy.
"Naruto, I have a lot of things to do. Some things won't wait. I can't stay with you for now."
"Why... Why does it have to be [Orochimaru]? What on earth does that bastard have that makes you throw caution to the wind and join him?"
The joy was instantly diluted. Naruto's voice was almost choking.
"Yes, it has to be [Orochimaru]! I understand you. Just as I'm worried about [Itachi] and you, you're also worried about me. But there are many things in this world that only [Orochimaru] can do. I have to go to him. So, Naruto, please listen to me and go back, okay?"
"No! I'll never let go!"
Feeling the increasing pressure in his hand, Sasuke couldn't help but sigh. This kid was either extremely strong - willed or just had a lot of strength. Finally, he was convinced by those firm pupils and told the truth.
"Naruto, have I ever told you my true feelings about you?"
"Huh?"
"Actually... Actually, for all these years, I've always been really grateful to you. Thank you for never leaving me or giving up on me. Thank you for still holding my hands tightly during the darkest time of my life. You're like the brightest light in my life, pulling me out of the dark mire. I'm really grateful to you. So, please believe me, okay?"
Naruto looked into those gentle, watery eyes of Sasuke. He didn't understand what Sasuke was saying, but he knew that Sasuke was expressing his true feelings.
Facing such eyes and a heartfelt confession he'd never heard before, Naruto gradually gave in. He hung his head, utterly dejected.
"Sasuke, it's so unfair of you to say that... You ask me to trust you, but you won't tell me anything. I..."
"Then will you trust me?"
Naruto's body trembled slightly, and the strength in his hands gradually faded. Of course he was willing to trust Sasuke. In fact, Sasuke was the one he'd always trusted the most.
He always understood that Sasuke had his own reasons for doing so, but what really angered him was why he wasn't part of Sasuke's plan.
Sasuke gently lowered Naruto's hand and stood up.
"Naruto, you should keep cultivating hard while we're apart. If you can find me and defeat me, I'll agree to end the plan early and go back to Konoha with you.
Jiraiya is a great teacher. Study hard under him and make yourself stronger. I'm looking forward to the day when you can surpass me.
Goodbye, Naruto. I believe the day when we reunite won't be too far away."
Watching Sasuke's departing figure, Naruto angrily raised his fist and pounded the ground, not feeling the pain even though his hand was covered in blood as he roared to vent his frustration.
Weak!
He was still too weak. How could he keep his friend by his side when he was so weak? How could he gain his friend's trust?
Naruto swore to Sasuke's leaving back that he must become stronger, strong enough for everyone to notice him, and strong enough for his closest friend to trust him unreservedly.
By then, will you tell me everything?
............
After leaving the arena, Sasuke didn't go straight back to Orochimaru's base. Instead, he headed to the location of the other battles.
Affected by the powerful shockwave just now, the battle between the Sound Ninjas and Konoha was interrupted. Both sides suspiciously looked towards the center of the Valley of the End.
They didn't know what had happened there, nor did they know whether they should go and check it out.
Both sides were on guard against their rivals while silently calculating in their minds.
.............
Sasuke arrived at Kidōmaru's side first. Looking at Kidōmaru lying on the ground, barely alive, and then at Neji, who had only suffered minor injuries, Sasuke raised an eyebrow and smiled.
The result deviated from what he had expected. He had heard Naruto say before that Neji almost died in the battle against Kidōmaru, but now it seemed that he'd won easily. If Sasuke hadn't arrived in time, Kidōmaru would have been the one to die.
"You're really good."
"Not really. I can't compare to you."
Looking at Neji's calm expression, Sasuke almost thought he had been reborn just like himself.
Little did Sasuke know that Neji was equally surprised at this moment. Kidōmaru was not an easy opponent. Don't be deceived by his minor injuries. It was because, after the Chunin Exams, Neji had undergone intense cultivation under Lord Hiashi and learned the long - range Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm. If it weren't for that, he might be the one lying on the ground now.
"Aren't you gonna stay? Naruto'll be sad..."
...
"People gotta go through partings to grow. I believe that by the next time we meet, that guy will have grown to a level that'll surprise me. Besides, I've got important things to do. I'm relying on you to take care of Naruto and the village."
"I'm a Konoha ninja. Of course, I'll take care of the village, but Naruto's got nothing to do with me."
Sasuke smiled without saying a word and walked towards Kidōmaru, then hoisted him onto his shoulder. He knew well that even though Neji said so, in fact, both the village and friendship were equally important to him.