"Comrades can't save me, and bonds can't kill Itachi," Sasuke said flatly, every word cutting away the past. "Naruto, you have your dream of becoming Hokage. I have my path of revenge. This is where we end."
"I won't allow it!" Naruto rushed up and grabbed him by the collar, roaring, "You've been brainwashed by what Itachi said! You've been tricked by Orochimaru! You want to run off to that monster? That'll turn you into a monster!"
"So what if it does?" Sasuke gently pushed his hand away, his strength calm and resolute. "As long as I can kill Itachi, I don't care what I become."
"I care!" Naruto's eyes were bloodshot, and his tears finally fell. "Sakura's been crying the whole time! Kakashi-sensei's been worried the whole time! I don't want to lose you! Can't we get stronger together? Why do you have to leave!"
Sasuke fell silent for a moment, his gaze wavering slightly, but it was quickly covered by hatred.
"You're the son of a hero, the Leaf's Jinchuriki. You were born with light," Sasuke said in a low voice. "I was born with nothing but hatred left. My road is one I can only walk alone."
He turned and stepped forward again. This time, he did not stop.
Naruto stared at his back, his heart feeling as though it had been torn apart. He remembered the Nine-Tails that had erupted for Sasuke inside the ice mirrors in the Land of Waves, remembered supporting him as they moved forward in the Forest of Death, remembered cheering for him beneath the arena... Did those bonds really mean nothing?
"Sasuke—!"
Naruto suddenly erupted with Nine-Tails Chakra. Golden flames swept through the forest, and in a flash, he blocked Sasuke's path. His blue eyes were red, Nine-Tails slitted pupils appearing