In the Naruto World,
Tsunade, who was in the middle of gambling, stared blankly at the screen showing Naruto, momentarily lost in thought.
Was she betting the future on Naruto? If so, that might not be a bad choice.
"Lady Tsunade, should we return to the village?" Shizune, aware that the Third Hokage was nearing his end, wanted to know Tsunade's stance.
"Not for now."
Tsunade shook her head and turned back into the casino.
In Konoha Village, many people watched Tsunade on the screen, exclaiming about the Fifth Hokage's impressive... leadership, certain that her depth could guide them to greatness.
Sasuke, seeing Naruto grow stronger, felt increasingly anxious.
[The footage continued]
[The rift between Naruto and Sasuke widened, culminating in a fight on the hospital rooftop. When Sasuke saw the massive hole Naruto punched through the water tank, his composure shattered completely!]
[With the arrival of the Sound Four, Sasuke, seeking power, left with them.]
[Naruto and the others received orders to pursue Sasuke.]
[Along the way, each companion faced powerful enemies until Naruto caught up with Sasuke at the Valley of the End...]
[Fueled by anger, Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra leaked uncontrollably, overwhelming Sasuke again and again.]
Sasuke, staring at the monster-like Naruto, demanded:
[What are you?!]
Naruto replied fiercely:
[Your friend! That's why I'll never hand you over to someone like Orochimaru!]
Naruto clenched his fist and threw a punch, creating an air cannon. Sasuke, unable to dodge in time, was struck so hard his eyes rolled back.
Several more punches landed on his chest before Naruto leaped up, clasped his hands together, and slammed them down on Sasuke's head.
The force of the blow sent Sasuke crashing into the water below.
Gulp.
Bubbles rose from the water as Sasuke emerged, only to be immediately suppressed by Naruto and knocked back onto the water's surface.
[Ah!]
Naruto roared and charged after him.
Sasuke quickly formed hand signs, gathering chakra in his abdomen.
[Fire Style... Fireball Jutsu!]
Naruto bellowed, swelling his stomach with air, and instantly overpowered the fireball, slamming it into the water.
A massive wave erupted from the impact.
As Sasuke surfaced, Naruto kicked him straight into a rock face.
[You bastard, wake up already!]
Sasuke opened his eyes and said irritably:
[You're really annoying... How could someone without siblings possibly understand how I feel!]
[You've been alone from the start... What could you possibly know about me!]
Naruto looked at Sasuke with sadness and murmured,
[Maybe I don't understand parental love or brotherly bonds]
[But when I'm with Iruka-sensei... I feel like that might be what a father is like... And when I'm with you... I think maybe this is what brotherhood feels like]
Sasuke lowered his gaze, his expression deeply conflicted, and asked,
[Why, Naruto... Why do you care this much about me...]
[Because you're a bond I worked so hard to build... That's why I have to stop you]
Sasuke closed his eyes and said solemnly,
[It's too late, Naruto. It's already too late...]
When he opened his eyes again, his two-tomoe Sharingan had evolved into a three-tomoe Sharingan.
Seeing Sasuke's resolve, Naruto decided to hold back no longer. But now, Sasuke's movements were entirely different.
[I can see it]
[I can clearly see all of Naruto's movements now]
Attacks that had once been unstoppable were now easily dodged, and Sasuke counterattacked relentlessly.