Naruto and Sasuke hurried forward at top speed. They had already been traveling for over two days, resting for only one night.
As they walked, Naruto asked, "Sasuke, will Boss Jin blame us for acting on our own? These are extraordinary times. If something happens, we won't be able to explain ourselves to him."
"Don't worry!" Sasuke said. "Even Deva Path Pain wasn't our match. No, I should say he wasn't your match!"
Naruto knew Sasuke's personality. He knew his good friend refused to admit defeat to him, so he merely shook his head helplessly. Then he quickly forgot about it and grinned broadly. "Sasuke, your strength has improved so much in the years since we last met. I sincerely admire you for being able to go undercover beside Orochimaru. If it had been me, I definitely would have been discovered. You're amazing!"
Sasuke considered his two-plus years of lying low beside Orochimaru the finest thing he had ever done. Hearing Naruto's praise, delight immediately rose in his heart, though he showed nothing on the surface and merely nodded at Naruto's words.
Madara, the ancient pine standing atop the mountain, suddenly vanished. When he reappeared, he was already blocking their path.
The two immediately went on guard and shouted in unison, "Who are you? Why are you blocking our way?"
"My name is no longer important! What matters is that one of you must come with me! Otherwise, I will kill the other!" Madara said.
"Bullshit!" Naruto's big mouth proved useful at a critical moment.
"Bastard! You're awfully arrogant! I'll duel you!" Sasuke said. Truly a newborn calf unafraid of a tiger!
Madara paid no attention to their words. He merely smiled. "Since you don't believe me, I'll let you see who is truly formidable!"
"Naruto, I'll hold off this