I've become fascinated by drabbles lately, so I've created this story to store my various attempts. I'm trying to tighten up my writing style by conveying ideas, themes or moments in time in 100 word snippets. Please bear with me!

Title: The Price

Author: Sintari

Spoilers: Approx. Episodes 75-79

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

My first one (and it took me a shamefully long time to perfect the word choice and order) is from Sandaime's point of view as he fought Orochimaru for the last time. The few seconds of animation where Sandaime is closing his eyes for the final time and all of a sudden the old, crazed Orochimaru before him transforms into a young, scared boy haunt me as one of the angstiest points in the anime. I've tried to capture it in exactly 100 words. Any feedback on whether I've succeeded or not would be gratefully accepted.

The Price

I won't let go.

Some say a man is born with the potential for evil inside him. Some say it is shaped. I never claimed to be wise, but I am certain of one thing - we pay and pay for our sins.

When we found the bodies in the lab, I saw clearly for the first time the man that the boy had become.

And as I stand prepared to die, I see clearly for the first time the boy the man has been.

It wasn't supposed to end like this.

I am sorry.

But I won't let go.