The sky darkened as patches of black clouds gathered at some unknown time. There was no thunder, only torrential rain. The entire world sank into gloom as the downpour washed over everything that was happening.
"Is it raining?" Kakashi, rushing through the forest, looked up and asked worriedly, "Pakkun, how is it? Has the scent been washed away?"
"It's fine," the brown ninja hound said. "We're already very close. We can find them before the scent disappears."
Rumble!
A violent tremor shook the ground. Amid the heavy rain, lake water shot into the sky as two figures rapidly clashed. With a deafening boom, Sasuke's body was slammed into the rock face.
Evil red chakra spread around Naruto's body, his arm tightly gripping the other's throat. An illusory chakra tail appeared behind him. At that moment, Naruto looked as though some wild beast had possessed him, yet he still retained his consciousness.
"Sasuke, no matter what, I'm taking you back. Even if I have to beat you half to death, even if I have to knock you out, I'll definitely take you back."
With those resolute words, Naruto exerted more force. Sasuke was driven another inch into the rock, sending fragments of stone scattering down.
"Damn it, Naruto!" Sasuke gritted his teeth as a trace of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. The rain drenched his entire body and dripped from his arms.
The crimson Three Tomoe in his eyes slowly revolved. They had awakened during their fierce battle just now, signifying that his ordinary Sharingan had reached its peak.
"I already told you, stay out of my business!" Amid his furious roar, the Cursed Seal on his neck emitted a red glow. A powerful, evil chakra instantly spread through his body, and tadpole-like markings appeared.
That was not