Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or anything in the Naruto Universe. Especially these scenes I'm borrowing.

"Why don't we start with introductions? Tell your likes, dislikes, hobbies, and dreams for the future."

"My name is Naruto Uzumaki! I like instant ramen in a cup and I really like the ramen at Ichiraku Ramen Shop. I dislike waiting time it takes to cook. My hobby is tasting all the different kinds of ramen cups. And my future dream is to be the greatest Hokage! Then the whole village will stop disrespecting me and start treating me like I'm somebody. Somebody important!"

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I hate a lot of things, and I don't particularly like anything. What I have is not a dream but an ambition. I'm going to restore my clan and kill a certain someone."

During the survival test…

Naruto's stomach growled. "This is no big deal! I can go eating for days, for weeks! This is no big deal!" His stomach growled again.

Sasuke looks at Naruto and offer him his food. "Here."

Sakura and Naruto was shocked. "But Sasuke-kun! You heard what Kakashi-sensei said!" She looks around. "It's against the rules!"

"Kakashi is gone. If Naruto doesn't eat, he'll be a liability. And that hurts the team and jeopardizes the mission." Sasuke stated.

After a few moments of persuading, Naruto gets fed by his teammates. A large pop of smoke suddenly appeared with Kakashi in the middle.

"You broke the rule! Any last words?"

"You said this was a team and that's why Sakura-chan and…" started Naruto.

"We're all on this team and we're all in this together!" exclaimed Sasuke.

On the road to the Land of Waves…

Sasuke fought against the Demon Brothers while Kakashi hid in the trees to observe and Naruto froze on spot. Kakashi then comes out of hiding and knocked them both out.

"Naruto. Sorry I didn't help you right away. I didn't think you'd freeze up like that," said Kakashi before he walked away leaving Sasuke and Naruto there.

"Hey," Sasuke called out.

"Yeah?" Naruto asked.

"You're not hurt are you? You scary cat." Sasuke taunted with a smirk.

In the forest doing tree walking…

Both Naruto and Sasuke are practicing in the forest while Sakura is guarding Tazuna. Naruto recalls the advice Sakura gave him and prepares to climb.

"Hey, Naruto."

Naruto loses his concentration and fell face first. "Hey! What's the big idea teme?!"

"You know," Sasuke started off nervously. "You asked Sakura for advice earlier…" He turns away. "What did she say?"

Naruto grinned before his face got serious. "I'm not telling you."

Sasuke's eyebrow began twitching.

On the Bridge fighting Haku…

Naruto wakes up and sees Sasuke standing in front of him with Haku on the ground. "You… Always get in the way Naruto. It never fails."

"You beat him Sasuke!" exclaimed Naruto. He then saw the state Sasuke was in and his smile slipped. His whole body was covered in senbon as he stood protective over Naruto.

Sasuke turns around and Naruto was shocked to see the blood coming out of Sasuke's mouth. "You should see the look on your face. You look like a total dobe."

He took a moment to comprehend what happened before speaking. "Why? Why did you save me?" Naruto couldn't get over the fact Sasuke did risked his life for him.

"I don't know why. I just did." Sasuke recalled all of the memories he had with Naruto and a smile broke out on his face. "I hated you…"

Naruto then got off the ground. "Then why? I didn't ask for you to save me!"

Sasuke slightly chuckled before answering. "There wasn't any time to think. My body just moved on its own." Sasuke then fell backward as Naruto rushed to catch him. "My brother… He's still out there. And I swore I would one day kill him." He looks at Naruto. "Don't let your dreams die." His body went limp.

And the Kyūbi chakra began leaking out of Naruto.

During the Second Round of the Chūnin Exams in the Forest of Death…

Having being caught in a genjutsu by the Ame Genin, Team Seven and Kabuto began fighting against the clones. After several hours of fighting which resulted in Naruto's team to being on their last leg, the Ame Genins revealed themselves.

"You're the brat who cut me up. Time I pay you back with interest." He held a kunai out in his hand and raised it up.

"Looks like you're plan worked, Naruto." Suddenly, a voice appeared from behind and when the Ame team turned around, it was Sasuke, Sakura, and Kabuto. Confused, the Ame team looked at the "team" in front of them only for them to unhenge back as Naruto's clones. Naruto and his team began explaining the plan to the Ame Genins. After they were done, Naruto took a step forward only to fall on his knee.

"You've used up too much chakra Naruto," said Sasuke. "Don't worry. I got this."

But instead of complying, Naruto charge forward and deliver a kick across their faces. "And let you take all the fun *pant* *pant* I don't think so teme!"

Everyone was stunned that Naruto still had the energy to fight let alone move since it's the fifth day. 'Whoa. Is this Naruto?" Sasuke wondered.

Inside the tower and before the start of the Preliminary Exam…

"Since there's too many that passed *cough* we're going to be holding a Preliminary Exam," said Hayate Gekko. "But before we begin, *cough* if there's anyone who would like to leave, now would be the time."

'Is he serious? Like there's any way someone going to-' A sudden pain soon came from his neck as Sasuke steel himself. Sakura saw how much Sasuke was hurting and begged him to give up. Naruto watched the whole interaction in curiosity and confusion.

Just as Sakura was about to raise her hand, Kabuto beat her to the punch. After getting an earful from Naruto, he then left but the Hokage and Jonin became suspicious. As Kabuto leaves, Sakura began to raise her hand again only for it to be held down by Sasuke.

"Don't you dare," Sasuke sent her a look that said he'll be staying no matter what. "It doesn't concern you. I want to fight the strongest. And all of them are in this room."

"You don't know when to quit teme!" Naruto finally butted in. "Can't you see she cares about you?!"

Sasuke turns around and face him. "Naruto. You're one of the ones I want to fight the most." He smirked at Naruto as Naruto just looked shocked.

During the Third Round of the Chūnin Exams as they wait for Sasuke…

After an impressive, yet anticlimactic, match of Shikamaru vs Temari, the crowd began getting restless as Sasuke has yet to arrive. Even Naruto was getting frustrated though not surprising since he lacks patience.

"Man I swear. If he doesn't show, I'll kill him. I swear I'll kill him!" Naruto vowed.

After several moments and near the end of the waiting time, just as Genma was about the call the match, the wind and leaves pick up and Kakashi and Sasuke arrived via Leaf Body Flicker.

"And you are?" asked Genma, though he already knew the answer.

"I'm Sasuke. Sasuke Uchiha." His face remained as stoic as always.

The crowd roared in approval and Shikamaru chuckled at his entrance. Naruto, meanwhile, just has a big smile on his face.

"About time you show up teme! I thought you'd chicken out!" Naruto taunted.

Sasuke scoffed. "So what about you? Did you win?" There was a smirk on his face as if he already knew the answer.

"You know it!" Naruto boasted.

Sasuke chuckled. "Don't get too full of yourself. You're still a dobe," he teased. Naruto and Sasuke stared at each other and grinned as Kakashi asked Genma if they were late. After Genma told them Sasuke was just on time, Sasuke turned to face Gaara making everyone follow his gaze.

Without turning his gaze away, "Just make sure you don't lose to this guy," said Naruto.

Still staring at Gaara, "Got it."

Naruto then turns to look at Sasuke and recalled what he said to him during the Preliminaries. "Hey Sasuke!" Sasuke turns to face Naruto. "Don't lose. Because I want to fight you myself." He grinned.

With a still impassive face, "Got it." Though everyone could tell Sasuke was looking forward to their match.

During the Invasion Arc fighting Gaara…

After managing to land a hit on Gaara due to an explosive kunai behind the tail, Naruto was flung backward due to Gaara's tail. Sasuke appeared behind him just as Naruto was about to hit the tree. Both of them were exhausted and Sasuke was covered in black markings.

While glaring at Gaara, "Listen Naruto. You have to save Sakura if it's the last thing you do." Naruto turns to look at him. "Once you got her, I want you to run as fast as you can." Naruto remembered how Sasuke took the hit for him at the bridge during the Wave mission.

Naruto couldn't believe what Sasuke was about to do and knew what he was planning. "Sasuke… You…" But words just wouldn't come out.

Wincing in pain, "I can hold in here *pant*. Just a little-"he winced, "Bit longer." He struggles to stand up as he face his opponent. "I lost everything once. I won't let that happen again." He glared ahead. "I won't let my friends die in front of me."

"You're friends?" Naruto asked. He then remembers how Sakura stood in front of Sasuke while Gaara was coming and Kakashi's words while facing Zabuza in the mist. Naruto slowly gets up as he realized what true strength was. He then remembered Haku's words on how someone will truly become strong. Gathering up a massive amount of chakra, he summoned over two thousands of clones stunning everyone.

'Is this… Naruto?" Sasuke wondered, comparing the Naruto in front of him with the Naruto that fell for a trap and ended up hanging upside down and experiencing Kakashi's One Thousand Years of Death.

His clones all then converged on Gaara and begin a series of kicks, punches, and just about anything he can throw at him. Gaara was then knocked out of the trees and landed on the ground with his sand coming off of him in his tailed beast mode. Deciding to end his, he then transformed into Shukaku and managed to pop all of Naruto's clones in the process. Just before Shukaku's sand crushed him, Naruto performed the Summoning Jutsu and brought forth Gamabunta.

Sasuke can only look on with a stunned face and wondered how Naruto was able to do that.

Moments before Sasuke left Konoha...

After his battle against Orochimaru's Elite Bodyguards, Sasuke return to his room and began to pack. After he finish packing, he stood in front a photo of Team Seven, the team he thinks of as a family. He recalls what the four sound nin said to him before they left him an invitation to join Oto.

"Once the curse mark spread throughout your body, your former self will be gone. Never again to return," said one of them with the silver hair.

"In exchange for power, you will be tethered to Orochimaru-sama. All freedom will be lost to you. To gain one thing, another will be lost. What is your purpose in life? Living in this trash of a village and playing ninja with your friends? Surely you haven't forgotten about... Itachi Uchiha?" asked the female in the group with redish-pink hair.

"You mustn't forget about your purpose. Staying in this pathetic village is only a hindrance to you. Sever you ties to this village. And when you do that, there'll be no limits to your power. Remember your purpose!" And with that, they quickly left.

'My purpose...' Sasuke pondered. Images of his clan being massacre flashed through his head with Itachi killing one after another. He gritted his teeth and clenched his hands.

He then focus his attention back to the picture in from of him. Images of his time as a member of Team Seven appeared in his head as he remember all of the moments they had together. Who they fought, what they went through, the bonds they forged with one another. It calmed him down a little.

But then an image of Itachi appeared. 'If you wish to kill me, then hate me. Only then will you achieve the powers to defeat me.'

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at his brother's words and then remember his battle against him not too long ago.

After finding Naruto, Sasuke saw Itachi and instantly charge a Chidori and headed straight for Itachi. Itachi effortless grab his waist and deflected those the wall leaving a giant hole behind. He then snapped Sasuke's wrist and kicked him toward the wall. Sasuke got up and charged at his brother again only to get the same result. Itachi then slammed Sasuke to the wall and whispered in his ear.

"You don't have enough hate. And you know something?" He leaned in. "You never will." And before Sasuke could comment, Itachi used Tsukuyomi and made him relive the Uchiha Massacre once more.

Sasuke began shaking in anger as he saw how weak he was.

He couldn't beat Haku at the bridge.

He couldn't do anything when Orochimaru attacked them.

He couldn't defeat Gaara to save Konoha.

He couldn't beat his brother after training years for it.

He couldn't beat Aoi Rokusho and his thunder sword.

And he couldn't beat Naruto, the dead last of the class.

'My purpose... Is to kill my brother by whatever mean necessary.'

He then flip the picture down.

And left.

At the Valley of the End...

When Naruto caught up with Sasuke, he thought it would be easy to bring him back. He thought that Sasuke's curse mark was corrupting him but it wasn't. After exchanging punches in which Naruto saw how different Sasuke was, as in much stronger now, he began wondering whether or not the times they've spent together on Team Seven was for nothing.

"They weren't meaningless," Sasuke stated. "One thing was worthwhile. Our friendship. We became the best friends."

"Then why? Why are we fighting?!" shouted Naruto.

"I just told you. Because we're friends, it's much more meaningful to destroy you." And with that, Sasuke charged toward Naruto.

Their taijutsu spar became one sided soon. With the power of the cruse mark, Sasuke's strength was amplified allowing him to quickly overwhelm Naruto. Sasuke soon began using ninjutsu which Naruto managed to narrow escape several times. Wanting to end this as soon as possible, they began charging their signature technique: Chidori for Sasuke and the Rasengan for Naruto.

The explosion caused by the two attack blew the two of them away from each other. Sasuke was seething at the fact Naruto was able to match his Chidori at full power. Naruto on the other hand saw how serious Sasuke was being at killing him. Sasuke began drawing the power of the mark, causing black markings to cover his body. Not wanting to give Naruto a chance to fully recover, Sasuke came at him once more. Soon, Sasuke held Naruto up by his throat and had a Chidori charged and ready to deliver to final blow. Just before he did, Naruto called on the Kyūbi's power allowing him to deflect the Chidori away from a vital spot.

The power emitting form Naruto when he called on the Kyūbi blew Sasuke backward and infuriated him. "Alright. I had enough of this. Just what the heck are you?" Sasuke asked.

"I'm your friend. And I'm not letting you go to the likes of Orochimaru. I'll break every bones in your body before that happens!"

With the Kyūbi's chakra, his speed, strength, and reflexes were amplified. Naruto's skills in taijutsu was now greater than Sasuke's. Even with two tomoes in each Sharingan eyes, Sasuke was unable to keep up with Naruto's speed. He was thrown into rocks and almost knocked out by the sheer impact and beating he had received. Naruto appeared right in front of him seconds later.

Lifting him up by his shirt, "Now you listen here Sasuke," he growled. "If you don't come to your sense, I'll break every bones in your body and drag you back to the village! So get up Sasuke!"

Regaining his bearings, "Just shut up for once," Sasuke growled. "What the heck do you know it? It's not like you ever had a family in the first place. You were on your own right from the beginning! What makes you so sure you know anything about it huh?!" Sasuke shouted. "I'm suffering now because I had those ties. How on earth can you possibly understand... How it feels to lose all that!" With renewed strength, Sasuke tackled Naruto and they both fell into the water.

"...It's true. I don't know what it's like to have a parent or a brother. But," He remembers his time spent with Iruka. "Whenever I'm with Iruka-sensei, I wonder if that's what it's like to have a father. And when I'm with you," Memories of Sasuke and him flashed in his head. "I wonder if this is what it's like to have a brother."

"Why Naruto... Why would you go so far for me?" Sasuke asked quietly.

"Because this is the first time... I've ever had a bond like this. That's why I'll do everything I can to stop you." Naruto spoke honestly.

"It's too late Naruto. I just can't turn back." Putting on his headband, he assumed a taijutsu stance. "If that's the way it is, I'll just have to sever that bond, right now!"

Sasuke's Sharingan changed and is now with three tomoes. With his new eyes, he was able to counter and parry Naruto's attacks. Even with his strength amplified by the Kyūbi, Naruto was still unable to get past Sasuke's defenses. The battle quickly turned in Sasuke's power as he once again dominated Naruto in battle. Hoping to finish Naruto once and for all, he performed the Peregrine Falcon Drop right after hitting Naruto with Fire Release: Dragon Fire. They hit their mark but soon the Kyūbi sent even more chakra into Naruto allowing him to take Version 1 Jinchuriki Form. The tides turned once more and Naruto held the upper hand.

Since it couldn't be helped, Sasuke drew more power of the curse mark allowing him to obtain Cursed Seal of Heaven Stage Two. Both Naruto and Sasuke can see that the power they were using were taxing on their bodies therefore decided to end it with one final technique. With the Kyūbi's chakra, Naruto's Rasengan turned vermilion color while Sasuke's Chidori turned black. With an unspoken signal, the two charged head on. Their technique caused a black sphere to appear and engulf down. When it was gone, Naruto was on the ground while Sasuke was standing a few feet away from him. After awhile, Sasuke left. Kakashi arrived minutes later.

While heading toward Orochimaru, Sasuke recalls his memories about his family. He then remembers his brother's words.

'Like me, you may be one of the ones to unlock the secrets of the Mangekyō Sharingan. But... There is a catch.'

Sasuke turns his head toward the place he left Naruto. At that same moment, Naruto woke up and looks toward Sasuke's direction.

'Take the life of your best friend. You must kill him!'

'No brother! Just because you said it doesn't mean I'm going to listen. I will get my hands on that power. But not the way you want me to. I'm going to do it my way.' Sasuke inwardly vowed.

At Konoha Hospital after the failed mission...

"I see... That's good," said Naruto.

Shikamaru was looking at him out of the corner of his eye. He had just finish telling Naruto how the others were doing.

"So I'm guessing Sasuke is..."

"Yeah." Naruto said quietly. "Sasuke is gone." Just then Sakura and Tsunade walked in. "Sakura..." He didn't look at her. "I'm sorry Sakura..."

"Why are you saying sorry for?" Sakura asked, avoiding the subject. "Look," she walked over toward the window and pulls the shades away. "It's a beautiful day outside."

"I'm not going to give up! I'll bring Sasuke back no matter what!"

"Naruto... It's ok. Really."

"If I say I'm going to do it, it means I will. Don't forget, my nindo is I never go back on my words!" Naruto exclaimed.

Everyone looked at him with smiles. 'Thank you... Naruto.'

After everyone had left, Naruto lay in bed planning on how to bring Sasuke back. Just then, there was a loud crash outside his window. Wanting to see what the commotion was, he opens the window and saw Jiraiya.

Jiraiya began explaining how things will be different from now on. The Akatsuki were on the move and they have only three years before they came after Naruto. Of course, Naruto refused to do that since it meant not rescuing Sasuke. Jiraiya then explains how Orochimaru had to move onto someone else because Sasuke arrived late therefore they now have time. He then told Naruto to forget about Sasuke and how similar Orochimaru and Sasuke were which Naruto flat out reject since he believes Sasuke is his friend. Jiraiya states it was his "friend" that put him in this condition. Still, Naruto stubbornly refused.

"If you insist on going after Sasuke, then you'll receive no help from me. I'll assign the ANBU Black Ops to watch you to ensure you don't leave the village," stated Jiraiya, causing Naruto to gasp. "You're not an ordinary kid. You got something inside of you that's the Akatsuki are after, the Kyūbi. But if you're going to behave like a kid, then I'm going to do what I have to do. Soon, you'll face enemies much worse than Orochimaru and you need to be ready for them. The first thing you have to do is forget what Sasuke. What happened was destined to happen. Dismiss him from your mind and move on. As a shinobi, you need to have more than just strength. You need the judgement to make the right decision. You need to get smarter. The longer you remain a fool, the harder it will be for you to live in this world."

After a moment, "Fine then," said Naruto. Jiraiya turns toward him. "If being smarter says what you mean it does, then I'll remain a fool my entire life!" Jiraiya's eyes widen. "I'll go after him... And I'll do it on my own if I have to! I'll create my own powerful technique! And when the Akatsuki comes, I'll smack them down!"

Timeskip to Naruto Shippuden

Infiltrating Orochimaru's Hideout to rescue Sasuke after Sasori told them of their meeting place at the bridge...

After Orochimaru and Kabuto pulled out with Sai in tow, Yamato, Sakura, and Naruto followed in suit. They soon found one of Orochimaru's hideouts and began an infiltration op. They found Sai and questioned him on what his mission was. After learning what Danzō was planning, they then took Sai captive and led him outside to tie him up.

"Alright. We're right back at square one. The mission is to save Sasuke." Naruto stated.

"I wouldn't bother if I were you." Sai said. After earning confusing/interested looks from the trio, he continued. "You see, I met Sasuke. Wherever Sasuke goes, Orochimaru is always with him. That is to say, if you want to rescue your friend, you have to get through Orochimaru." He paused to let that sink in. "If you pursue him, he'll tear you to bits and make you one of his test subjects. And beside..."

"Besides what?" Naruto asked.

"It won't matter. Sasuke told me he doesn't care about you. According to Sakura, you look up to him like he's your brother or something. So why?" Sai asked. "Why save someone that doesn't respect you? Why stand up for the likes of Orochimaru? Why risk your life to save someone who doesn't want to be save? Why do it when no one is ordering you to? So why?"

After a moment, Naruto smiled. "It's funny. There was a time I really hated Sasuke's guts. Neither of us had a family but that didn't bring us any closer. I was at the bottom of the class and Sasuke was at the top. But when I got back, I have to admit it was always fun. I mean, after all... Sasuke was the person who accepted me more than anybody else."

"Sasuke is my best friend. It took awhile, but now we have a special bond."

After the explosion caused by Sasuke when Sai tried to capture him...

Rushing toward the scene, Sakura was the first to make it to Sai. Seconds later, Naruto arrived to find Sakura starting at Sasuke.

"S-Sasuke." Naruto said in disbelief. Memories of their fight ran through his head. "So why... If everything you said was true, then why... Why didn't you kill me that day? Weren't you going to break that bond?! Sasuke!"

"The reason is simple." He closed his eyes. "It's not that I couldn't break it Naruto." Itachi's words on how to obtain the second level of the Sharingan rang through his head. "I just couldn't stand the idea of obtaining the power by following his footsteps." He then opens his eyes to look at them. "I spared your life on a whim, nothing more." He then used his new speed to cross the distance and appear right beside Naruto. "You know, come to think of it, wasn't it always your dream to become the Hokage someday? All of your time spend searching for me would have been better spent in training. Wouldn't you agree, Naruto?" He then leans closer and begins drawing his sword. "But you know, now my whim is telling me... To finish what I've started."

"How could I ever be Hokage... If I can't even save one friend? Isn't that right... Sasuke?"

In the Three-Tails' Appearance Arc...

"What a joke. Dancing with a bunch of toads is embarrassing. Connecting heart and soul is crazy, especially with a toad." Naruto said out loud.

"Can you really do that?" a voice asked from behind, scaring Naruto. "What does that mean, to connect heart and soul?" asked the boy.

"Well uh it's when you can feel what someone else is feeling and they feel what you feel." Naruto tried to explain.

"Can anyone connect like that?"

"Well, yeah I suppose." He then rambled on about how it will work given time. "... And then even Sasuke... Because whenever someone is thinking about you, that place is your home." He paused. "Sorry, you probably don't know what I'm talking about do you? Sorry I was just rambling."

"Then if someone somewhere is thinking about me, that's where I belong."

"Yeah. Wherever that place is, that place is home."

"Thank! I learned something today!" The mysterious person then disappear while Naruto was soaking up the praise.

Much later on, after failing to capture the Sanbi, the Konoha team begins the journey home. Before they enters the village, Sakura wondered why Naruto wasn't concern about Yūkimaru, the boy Naruto met before.

"He's ok. Beside, where he's gone, we would have had a hard time finding him anyways."

"What are you saying?" asked Sakura.

"I think what the Pervy sage said told me is true." He reached into his pockets. "He said that wherever someone is thinking about you, that place is your home." He then pulls out a crystallized flower. "And if you keep thinking about that person, sooner or later, your thoughts is going to reach him."

"Is that?..."

"Uh huh. So I say we keep sending our thoughts out there. So that someday, Sasuke will have a home to return to."

After Danzō was killed during the Five Kage Summit...

After learning that Sasuke had joined the Akatsuki and was declared a missing nin, Naruto, Kakashi, and Yamato went to find the Raikage and plead for him to not make Sasuke a wanted man. After failing to persuade the Raikage otherwise, the trio check in at a hotel to stay at. During that time, Lee, Sai, Kiba, and Akamaru showed up with Sakura to tell Naruto to give up on Sasuke. Naruto stubbornly refused.

Later, Gaara showed up to tell Naruto the news at the summit. Sasuke attacked the Five Kage therefore it sealed his fate as a missing nin and one to be hunted by all. Gaara then left Naruto with some parting words. Overwhelmed by the almost of information he received, Naruto began to hyperventilate and then pass out. He later woke up after having dreams of all the memories he had with Sasuke and what he said. He then sneaks out after Yamato forbid him from going after Sasuke.

Naruto arrived just in time to prevent Sasuke from killing Sakura. Just before he attacks, Kakashi prevents him from interfering because he wanted to handle the matter on his own. Learning that Kakashi was going to kill Sasuke, Naruto had a clone restrain him while he charged toward Sasuke with his signature technique while Sasuke does the same thing, causing an explosion. White Zetsu caught Sasuke while Kakashi caught Naruto. During the exchange, Naruto found his resolve. Just then, the masked Uchiha arrived.

"It's seems whenever you two are together, you just can't help yourself now can you?" he asked rhetorically.

"Madara Uchiha," stated Kakashi.

"I'll arrange the proper time for you two to meet and fight. But for now, we'll retreat."

"And in the meantime, I'll capture the Jinchūriki," said White Zetsu as more f his clones appeared.

"No. Capturing Naruto to tough for a non combatant like you. We'll let Sasuke capture him when the time comes," the masked man stated, which White Zetsu complied.

Just before they can leave, Naruto walked toward the trio. Despite warnings from his teammates, he wanted to say something to Sasuke before they left. Sasuke was interested in it as well.

"Sasuke. Do you remember? Do you remember what you said to me long ago at the Valley of the End?" asked Naruto. "The thing about high level shinobi? Reading each other thoughts by exchanging fists and not words? Trading blows just now, I learned a lot about you and what you're thinking. So Sasuke. Can you tell what I'm thinking? Can you read my mind? And can you understand... That if you and I fight each other, we'll both die?"

"If you attack Konoha, I will have no choice. I will fight you, don't doubt it. Until that day, save your hatred. And then, you can throw them all at me. I'm the only one that can handle all that hate. Do you understand? I'm the only one who can fulfill that duty." Sasuke gritted his teeth at Naruto's words. "I'll bear the burden of all your hatred. And I'll die with you."

After a moment, "What is it with you, huh?" Sasuke growled. "Just what the hell do you want from me? Why are you so fixated on me?" Sasuke demanded.

Naruto's expression lighten and a small smile appeared. "Because you're my friend." Silence engulf the two groups and even Sasuke was a little shocked. "I haven't given up on you yet! I will take you back to the village. I haven't changed my mind." He then raked one of his hands through his hair. "And if the worst does happen and we both end up dying, you won't be an Uchiha and I won't be a jinchuriki anymore. We'll be free of our burdens. And we'll understand each other in the afterlife."

"I not going to change. And I don't want to understand you. I won't die. You're the one that's going to die."

"Then we'll die together... Sasuke."

During the Fourth Great Shinobi after Sasuke escaped with his new eyes...

After obtaining the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, Sasuke decided to test it. Leaving the hideout, he wonders around and realized how empty the places he passed were. Soon, clones of White Zetsu appeared and attacked him. Sasuke dispatched them easily and learned about the war. Something in the forest caught his attention leading him to investigate. He saw his dead brother somehow alive. He then attacks Itachi which confirmed his suspicions.

"What are you doing here? You're supposed to be dead." Sasuke demanded.

"This is Kabuto's work. I'm a reanimation now," answered Itachi. "I can't stop now. There's something I have to do."

"I don't care!" Sasuke shouted. "You're here now and I have questions for you!"

"Ask me later, thought maybe that won't happen."

"You said it before, to come find you when I had the same eyes as you! These are your eyes! So why are you running?!"

Itachi avoided the question and continued on his way making Sasuke follow him and question him. Sasuke told his brother how he was going to destroy Konoha and how it was his brothers that made him the way he is. And how the so called Madara Uchiha told him everything that happened that night. He asked Itachi why he was spared.

"You were a child... And also, I wanted to be killed by another Uchiha," Itachi said. "I took advantage of your hatred and that's why I failed. I turned you into a criminal. Before I died, I tried to lead you down that one path without any forks or turns. I changed the signposts on that path with lies and my eyes."

"So I was supposed to walk happily on that one path, ignorant of everything? I... Don't care for such a path." Sasuke stated. Itachi agreed. He then chuckled. "What's so funny?"

"I'm just realizing those signposts were not your only guides," said Itachi. An image of Naruto appeared in their heads.

During Fourth Great Shinobi War after the Divine Tree appeared...

Even though incomplete, Obito wanted the preparation for the Infinite Tsukuyomi to begin as soon as possible. He ordered the Jūbi to transform into its tree form to initiate the process. Once the tree appeared, it began attacking the Allied Shinobi Force and absorbing the chakra it came in contact with. Naruto and his friends narrowly escaped but the others weren't so lucky. Shikamaru was one of the few unlucky ones. Obito tried to break Naruto's conviction by telling him it's meaningless and how he was unable to protect everyone. He then tries to get others to give up. Naruto glared at him with teary eyes at what he was doing.

After Hashirama explained everything to the Allied Shinobi Force, moral dropped once more. Most had lost the will to fight. The thought of living in a place where dreams can come true was too tempting for them. Even when the former Hokages tried to instill confidence into them, it barely raised the morale. Many had given up and didn't bother moving when a giant root was hovering overhead. They all lost hope. Many believed they shouldn't have gotten involved.

"That's right. Just stay like that." Obito told them. "I'll take you to a world where there is no regrets."

Naruto was still on the ground but was glaring at him and shaking with anger and with tears flowing down his cheeks. He was soon shook off of his stupor by Sasuke who sliced through one of the giant roots. "Naruto, are you done?" Sasuke asked. "Because I'm not."

With the stunt Sasuke pulled, Naruto called on Kurama's power once more while still on his knees and entered Kurama Mode. He began projecting his feelings and thoughts into Ino's jutsu allowing everyone to feel and see what's inside his mind.

A memory of Naruto wanting to call out to Sasuke while he was walking away as a child appeared.

'Back then... I knew I should have called out to him. I thought about it over and over afterward.'

A memory of Naruto on a swing-set watching everybody else with their parents outside the academy.

'That's why...'

The memory of Naruto finally catching up to Sasuke when he tried to leave the village.

The death of the Sandaime Hokage and his son, Asuma Sarutobi, and the funeral and grieving that took place.

His time spent with Jiraiya and the place he was buried along with two of his students.

'I...'

The death of Itachi and Nagato. Of Granny Chiyo. Of Neji.

'I... I don't want to regret anything. I never want to think "I should have...?"'

Of his mom and dad.

'And... I just can't make everything we've done... Up to this point meaningless!'

Naruto leaps forward and stood beside Sasuke while in his Tailed Beast Mode. "Sasuke! I'm coming too!" Sasuke smirked.

Sasuke and Naruto meeting Hagoromo after nearly dying. With Naruto...

Near the blink of death, Sasuke and Naruto meet the Sage but in different planes of reality. He explains to them his mother, Kaguya, the battle against the Divine Tree, and how his son, Indra and Asura started a war that lasted for centuries because of who was chosen as his successor. He explains to them his son's traits and how similar Sasuke and Naruto were to Indra and Asura. He then asked the two of them to honestly tell how they want the fight to end.

"Maybe I really resemble that Asura. The only difference is that I'm just a stupid kid and there are many things I don't really understand. But I know what friends are." Images of his friends flashed through Naruto's head. "And I want to protect them... That's all."

"Is that your answer?" the Sage asked.

"Yes," replied Naruto.

"This is my decision... From now on, Naruto and Sasuke, you'll be the ones to decide what to do."

Naruto smiled. "Sasuke and I aren't real siblings. But I think we can make peace. We're great friends you know."

With Sasuke...

"Sasuke, what are you trying to do? What are you looking for at the end of all this?" asked the Sage. "I want to hear your honest thoughts."

"I want to destroy and rebuild. Rebuild a new world for us. One that cannot be tainted by darkness. I want a revolution." Sasuke answered honestly. "It's the current Kages that have made things turn out this way. And that's why I'll become the Hokage and change the village."

"When you say Hokage... What exactly does it means to you?"

Sasuke told the Sage about his brother, Itachi, about how he gave everything up just so Konoha can be safe. "He had to live in the darkness because of what he did. The people treated him like a criminal, a traitor. He shouldered all these feelings by himself, but even so, chose to protect Konoha from the shadows. It's someone like him that should've been Hokage."

He then tells the Sage the mistake Itachi made. And how he was alone. How he can shoulder all the hate himself. How he planned on unifying the village by making himself the target of everyone's hatred. "The Hokage that I speak of... Is a person that could light the darkness that plagues all five villages. One that could go through that and survive." Sasuke explained.

"So, that's your answer?" asked the Sage.

"Yeah..."

"This is my decision... From now on, Naruto and Sasuke, you'll be the ones to decide what to do."

"... Just when I was beginning to think that I was all alone after Itachi died... But I have to kill Naruto, no matter what it takes." Sasuke said. "My Hokage needs to be able to cut all relations to be complete."

"Why Naruto?"

"That guy... Is the closest thing to a best friend I've ever had."

At the Valley of the End where they have their final battle... (AN: Canon scenes are done. Story starts here.)

After defeating Kaguya, Hagoromo's mother, and returning to their own dimension, Sasuke told everyone what his true goal was. Suffice to say, they didn't handle it so well. Especially not Naruto when Sasuke caught the bijū in a Genjutsu and cast Chibaku Tensei to trap them all. Deciding to finally settle matters once and for all, Sasuke led Naruto to the place they fought when Sasuke first left the village. Once they arrived, Naruto tried to persuade Sasuke to stop going down that path only for Sasuke to reject him and then share what his meaning of a Hokage is.

Their point of views differ and soon, they clashed. Sasuke had to kill Naruto in order for his revolution and ideal Hokage to come true while Naruto had to stop Sasuke to save him from what he's doing and also the bijū. Sasuke held nothing back and came at Naruto with the intent to kill. Naruto was trying to stop Sasuke so he held a great deal back. Sasuke then began to get serious and drew on the power of all nine bijū allowing him to reach close to the level of the Rikudō Sennin. The Yin Kurama inside of Naruto began sending more chakra to him and not a moment too soon as Sasuke's enhanced version of the completed Susanoo appeared.

Deciding he has no choice but to go all out, Naruto combines his Six Paths Sage Mode chakra with Tailed Beast Mode chakra replica of Kurama to increase both size and power to rival Sasuke's new complete Susanoo. He then perform the Shadow Clone Technique and made two more replica and then combined them into one. Deciding to end it, Sasuke begin charging his most powerful attack, Indra's Arrow, while Naruto begin preparing two attack: a Senjutsu enhanced giant Wind Release: Rasenshuriken and a giant Tailed Beast Ball Rasenshuriken.

The techniques soon clashed, creating a giant explosion and knocking both Naruto and Sasuke out. With little chakra left, they soon begin a match of Taijutsu with no clear winner. Both managed to heavily injure the other to the point of exhaustion. Like their previous battle, they begin charging their signature technique, Chidori and Rasengan, and charged at each other. Both attacks were canceled out and they resumed their Taijutsu match. Yin Kurama was about to send Naruto more chakra when Sasuke used his new-found powers to absorb it. Naruto kneel over and was on all fours as Sasuke stood up.

"This is one of the Rinnegan's powers." Sasuke stated. "It's me, the one who has the eyes of the Uchiha Clan that is destined to win." Sasuke stated matter-of-factly. He then begin charging a Chidori. 'With this, I can finally be alone...' The sounds of bird chirping grew louder. "See you. My only..." He pulls his left arm back. "Friend!" And lunged his left arm forward into Naruto's back and through his chest.

"GYAHHH!" Naruto screamed. He jerked his body backward as the lightning entered his body. Sasuke then pulls his arm out and Naruto soon collapsed and laid there, bleeding and near the brink of death. Mustering whatever strength he could, Naruto turned so that he can see Sasuke's face. It was then that Naruto noticed something.

Behind that impassive look... There was genuine sadness in Sasuke's eyes.

Naruto's vision soon began to fade and darkness was surrounding him. His body began feeling colder and colder. Before his eyes closed, he heard Sasuke saying something to him.

"For what it's worth... I'm sorry."

And his vision went black.

Whew. That was hard. I'm pretty sure that was plagiarism at its finest. In my defense, I wanted to tell the story between Naruto and Sasuke's friendship so I had to use scenes from the canon! Besides, I had a disclaimer at the top! I'll probably be using canon events again in the future because, well, this IS a time travel story...

So long story short, canon plotline all the way up to the final scene where instead of both Sasuke and Naruto surviving, Sasuke was the only one that walked out of the Valley of the End alive. And then started his revolution.

R&R!