"No matter what happens… this must be the power of Sage Mode." Orochimaru's tongue flicked across his lips as his golden eyes gleamed with hunger.
He leaned forward, studying the battlefield below. "But there's something else—Naruto-kun entered Sage Mode instantly. When he fought me before, it took him precious seconds to gather natural energy. He's hiding something. Interesting…"
Kabuto adjusted his glasses, his tone uneasy. "Lord Orochimaru, if this is truly Sage Mode, then his growth is beyond anything we expected."
Orochimaru only smiled, his voice dripping with amusement. "That boy… he's becoming even more fascinating."
On the ridge, Sai's usually flat voice wavered. "Naruto… is this his power?"
Yamato crossed his arms, his gaze sharp. "It is. Sage Mode grants him strength on par with the Kage. That much is clear."
Sakura's hands tightened against her chest. "Naruto…" she whispered, her voice trembling between fear and hope.
The smoke cleared from the shattered cliffside. With a sharp crack, stone fragments fell away. From the wreckage, Sasuke stepped forward. Blood streaked down his face, his hair disheveled, but his eyes burned with fury.
"Damn you, Naruto…" Sasuke's voice was low, guttural. He staggered forward, then straightened his back, his chakra flaring violently. "You've completely pissed me off!"
It was the same as three years ago—the Valley of the End. Each time Sasuke thought he had surpassed Naruto, the idiot pulled ahead. The bitterness roared inside him like fire.
Dark markings spread across his skin. His hair grew longer, his sclera turned gray, and grotesque wings burst from his back. His Curse Mark surged into its second state.
The sight made Sakura pale, her head shaking violently. "No… Sasuke-kun… this isn't you. Please… not like this."
Even Yamato narrowed his eyes. "So that's Orochimaru's Curse Mark in its full form. Power drawn from nature, but twisted… a dangerous imitation of Sage power."
Sasuke's voice steadied as his transformation completed, his tone cold and resolute. "Naruto… you've forced me to use this form. Don't think I'll hold back now."
He blurred forward. The ground shattered beneath his feet as he launched himself with monstrous speed.
Naruto braced, his Sage-enhanced senses picking up every flicker of Sasuke's intent. Their fists clashed again and again, the shockwaves cracking the earth around them.
Sasuke's Sharingan whirled, tracking every movement—but when Naruto's fist swept past his cheek, the invisible strike of Frog Kumite smashed into him.
"Gu—!" Sasuke staggered, blood spraying from his mouth as he tumbled back. He barely managed to regain distance, his wings beating hard.
His mind reeled. Impossible… I saw his fist miss me. But something struck me anyway…!
"Taijutsu…" Sasuke wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, his voice harsh. "You've… improved."
Naruto's eyes sharpened. "This is what real natural energy feels like. Not that twisted mockery you're relying on."
Sasuke's teeth clenched. Rage bubbled beneath his calm exterior. He flashed through hand seals.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"
A roaring dragon of fire surged toward Naruto, its heat searing the battlefield. But Sasuke didn't stop—one flame dragon became two, then three, then four, each roaring across the sky like a storm of fire serpents.
Naruto slammed his palms together, his chakra surging with natural energy.
"Sage Art: Wind Release—Spiraling Gale!"
A violent tornado whipped to life around him, natural energy spiraling through the wind and scattering the fire dragons. One after another, the flames were ripped apart, vanishing into the swirling storm.
Kabuto's eyes widened as the winds tore through the battlefield. "Sasuke-kun's fire techniques… all neutralized… Is this the power of Sage Jutsu?"
Beside him, Orochimaru chuckled low. "He's no longer the boy we underestimated. This is true Sage power… far beyond the Curse Seal."
On the ridge, Sakura cupped her hands around her mouth, desperation in her voice. "Naruto! Please—defeat Sasuke! Bring him back to us! Don't let him lose himself to that monster's power!"
Her plea hung in the air as the winds howled, the clash between bonds reaching its peak.