Sakura and Sasuke at the Critical Moment

Sakura and Sasuke were saved at the last minute, Gaara and the others successfully evacuated Konoha. When they returned to Konoha, they received shocking news—the Third Naruto had tragically died in a fierce battle with Orochimaru. This sudden and devastating news plunged everyone into grief, and Konoha was plunged into sorrow.

The position of Naruto was thus left vacant, and Konoha Village urgently needed a new leader to guide them out of their predicament. After discussion, Jiraiya decided to take Naruto to find Tsunade, hoping she could take over the position of Naruto. Tsunade was one of the legendary Legendary Sannin, and her strength and wisdom were widely recognized.

During their long journey, Jiraiya began to teach Naruto a very powerful ninjutsu— the Rasengan. This ninjutsu requires highly concentrated chakra and instantaneous release, posing a huge challenge for Naruto. However, Naruto was not deterred by the difficulties; he devoted himself to training with unwavering perseverance and tireless effort.

Meanwhile, Tsunade was not interested in Naruto's arrival. She scoffed at Naruto's dream of becoming Naruto, considering it an unrealistic fantasy. However, as she spent more time with Naruto, Tsunade gradually discovered the boy's potential and determination.

Ultimately, Tsunade made a promise to Naruto: if Naruto could learn the Rasengan within a week, she would give him her necklace. This necklace held great significance for Tsunade, representing her approval and trust in Naruto. To fulfill this promise, Naruto began even more arduous training.

At the crucial moment of the battle between the Legendary Sannin, Naruto unhesitatingly sacrificed himself to protect Tsunade, severely injuring Rasengan he had just learned. This scene deeply moved Tsunade, and she finally acknowledged Naruto's strength and courage. Touched by his actions, Tsunade finally decided to return to the village to become Naruto, and as promised, she gave Naruto the necklace, entrusting all her hopes to Naruto.

After learning of Naruto's astonishing strength in his battle against Gaara, Sasuke felt that his own power was far from sufficient. His hatred for his brother Itachi intensified, and he resolved to obtain greater power in order to avenge himself on Itachi.

Just then, the Sound Four appeared before Sasuke. They tried to persuade Sasuke, claiming that Orochimaru possessed a method to make Sasuke incredibly powerful. After some thought, Sasuke finally decided to follow their advice and join Orochimaru.

Although Konoha received intelligence of Sasuke's defection, the village was in a state of disarray due to a previous attack and was unable to send a sufficiently powerful force to capture Sasuke. Left with no other option, Konoha dispatched young ninjas such as Naruto, Shikamaru, Choji, Neji, and Kiba to carry out the mission.

Before setting off, Naruto made a promise with Sakura that he would bring Sasuke back to Konoha. Naruto knew how difficult this mission would be, but he did not back down and resolutely embarked on the journey to capture Sasuke.

During the pursuit, Naruto and his companions encountered numerous obstacles from the Sound Four. However, in order for Naruto to catch up with Sasuke, his comrades risked their lives to engage in fierce battles with the enemy.

Just as Naruto was about to catch up with Sasuke, an even more powerful enemy— Kimimaro— suddenly appeared. Naruto tried to use the Shadow Clone Technique to deal with Kimimaro, but found that this move was completely ineffective against Kimimaro.

At the crucial moment, Rock Lee and Gaara arrived just in time, buying Naruto more time to continue chasing Sasuke. In the end, Naruto engaged in a thrilling duel with Sasuke at the Valley of the End.

In this duel, Sasuke entered the Curse Mark Level 2 and unleashed powerful ninjutsu such as the Sharingan and Chidori. Naruto, on the other hand, used the power of the Nine-Tails to unleash the Rasengan. The two exchanged blows, neither giving an inch, making for an exceptionally fierce battle.

In the end, Sasuke defeated Naruto by a narrow margin, but he did not kill him, choosing instead to let Naruto go. This duel made Naruto deeply aware of the gap between himself and Sasuke, and it also strengthened his determination to become stronger.

Afterwards, in order to become stronger, Naruto resolutely left Konoha Village with Jiraiya and began a life of training outside. Time flies, and two years have passed in the blink of an eye. During this time Naruto has experienced hardships and constantly broken through his own limits.

Two years after rescuing Gaara, Naruto finally returned to Konoha. His return caused a sensation throughout the village, and people were incredibly surprised and gratified by his growth and progress. After reuniting with Kakashi and Sakura, the Naruto of them re-formed Team 7 and continued to carry out various missions.

However, the peaceful days did not last long. One day, they suddenly received an urgent mission—to reinforce Sunagakure. It turned out that Gaara, the current Wind Shadow of Sunagakure, had been attacked by the Akatsuki organization and was in critical condition. So, Naruto, Kakashi, and Sakura did not hesitate to go to Sunagakure with Chiyo to carry out a thrilling rescue operation.

On their journey to Sunagakure, they encountered numerous difficulties and enemy obstacles. The most dangerous of these was when Naruto unfortunately fell victim to Itachi's genjutsu. Under the influence of the genjutsu, Naruto was plunged into extreme pain and confusion, almost losing his mind. Fortunately, Chiyo and Sakura noticed the abnormality in time and worked together to dispel the genjutsu, rescuing Naruto from the crisis.

After a fierce battle, they finally arrived at Sunagakure. There, they engaged in a life-or-death struggle with the members of the Akatsuki organization. In the end, Naruto, Kakashi, and Sakura worked together to defeat Itachi's clone, buying precious time to rescue Gaara.

However, when they found Gaara, they discovered that his Tailed Beasts had been extracted and he was on the verge of death. Despite Naruto's best efforts to save Gaara's life, it was ultimately futile, and Gaara Rotation away.

Deidara, a member of the Akatsuki organization, witnessed everything. Instead of showing any pity, he used Gaara's body to provoke Naruto. Faced with Deidara's provocation, Naruto's anger was instantly ignited, and he almost lost control. However, with Kakashi's persuasion, Naruto managed to remain calm and, together with Kakashi, devised a countermeasure.

They worked together skillfully and finally managed to defeat Deidara. However, when Naruto confirmed that Gaara was dead, he could no longer suppress his grief and anger, and his Demon Fox Cloak uncontrollably leaked out. Seeing this, Kakashi quickly used the talisman given to him by Jiraiya to restrain Naruto, lest he be devoured by the demon fox's power.

Seeing the situation was dire, Deidara immediately used his self-destructing clone to escape. Kakashi, to protect everyone, exhausted his own strength to move the explosion to a safe location. Although everyone escaped unscathed, this battle came at a heavy price.

Chiyo was moved by Naruto's sincere friendship, and she decided to use her own life to revive Gaara. As Chiyo performed the Reincarnation Technique, everyone watched nervously, hoping for a miracle.

After a long and arduous wait, Gaara's body finally began to respond. His previously faint, almost imperceptible breathing gradually became steady and strong, as if the power of life was slowly returning to his body. This change relieved everyone present, especially those who had been worried about Gaara's safety.

This thrilling battle at the Tenchi Bridge came to an end with Gaara's resurrection. However, the aftershocks of the battle did not subside. Konoha's leadership and Root's leader Shimura Danzo, made a series of important decisions after the battle.

Shimura Danzo decides to send Sai to Team 7, ostensibly to assist them in completing their mission, but in reality, he has another purpose—to hunt down Sasuke. Tsunade, on the other hand, chooses to have Yamato temporarily replace the recuperating senior Kakashi as the new captain of Team 7, leading Naruto, Sakura, and Sai to the Tenchi Bridge to find information about Sasuke and Orochimaru.

For Naruto, this new mission assignment was somewhat unexpected, but he didn't complain too much. After all, continuing to search for Sasuke's whereabouts was the most important thing to him. However, both he and Sakura felt somewhat uncomfortable with Sai's addition. Sai's seemingly friendly fake smile and sarcastic words made them feel a deep aversion to him.

Nevertheless, in order to save Sasuke, Naruto and Sakura decided to put aside their personal prejudices and cooperate with Sai. They knew that at this crucial moment, the power of the team was paramount. Thus, Team 7 embarked on their journey to the Tenchi Bridge.

When they arrived at the Tenchi Bridge, they found Orochimaru and Kabuto already waiting for them. Facing these two powerful enemies, Naruto did not back down. Even under Orochimaru's provocation, Demon Fox Cloak instantly erupted, displaying immense power.

However, this power was a double-edged sword for Naruto. While it gave him the upper hand in the battle, it also caused him to lose his self-awareness and fall into a berserk state. In the fierce battle with Orochimaru, Naruto's body gradually could not withstand this powerful force, and he was eventually forced to retreat.

At the same time, Yamato intervened, using his unique Wood Release ninjutsu to suppress Naruto and restore him to human form. Although brief, this fierce battle made Team 7 acutely aware of the strength of their enemy. Naruto felt extremely guilty for accidentally injuring Sakura, and he said to Yamato, "I actually hurt Sakura..." Yamato comforted him, saying, "It's not your fault, Naruto. You just lost control in the battle. The important thing is that we learn from this experience, continue to train, and become stronger." Naruto nodded in agreement, determined to use his power to protect those important to him.

Soon after, Yamato discovered Orochimaru's lair through investigation. Team 7 decided to venture into the lion's den to find out more. They cautiously infiltrated and finally found Sai. Sai looked surprised when he saw them.

Naruto confronts Sai about his betrayal, Sai explains that he had no choice but to do so to complete the mission. Naruto, bewildered, shouts, "How could you treat us like this? We're comrades!" Sai is silent for a moment, then asks Naruto, "Why Sai you so determined to save Sasuke? He betrayed the village and joined Orochimaru."

Naruto stared intently at Sai, his eyes filled with determination and resolve. He took a deep breath and slowly said, "Because of the bond between Sasuke and me, which is like that of brothers, I absolutely cannot stand by and watch him go down the wrong path."

Sai sat there silently, his eyes fixed on Naruto, listening to him recount every detail about Sasuke. Naruto's passionate and resolute words struck Sai's heart like a heavy hammer.

As Naruto's narration deepened, a clear image gradually emerged in Sai's mind: Sasuke, the partner who once fought alongside Naruto, was now drifting further and further away. Yet Naruto never gave up on searching for Sasuke, and this persistence and deep affection moved Sai deeply.

At that moment, Sai suddenly realized how narrow his understanding of friendship was. He had always thought that friendship was nothing more than a superficial connection, a relationship of mutual exploitation. However, Naruto's sincere feelings for Sasuke showed him another side of friendship—selflessness, tolerance, and steadfastness.

Finally, Sai made up his mind. He would assist Team 7 in rescuing Sasuke, who was lost in the darkness. He knew it would be a thorny path, but he was not afraid. He believed that with the support of friendship, they would be able to overcome all difficulties.

So Sai, Naruto, and Sakura began to meticulously formulate a detailed plan. They repeatedly studied the places Sasuke might appear, analyzed his movements, and left no detail overlooked.

After a period of careful preparation, the moment to reunite with Sasuke finally arrived. When Naruto and Sakura saw Sasuke's figure in the distance, they were both extremely excited. However, when Sasuke turned around and looked at them expressionlessly, they were all taken aback by his cold attitude.

Sasuke stood motionless like a statue, his body completely isolated from the world around him. His eyes were empty and cold, devoid of any emotion, giving the impression that he had lost all feeling. His eyes were as cold as ice, devoid of any emotional fluctuation, like two bottomless Black Hole, making it impossible to see his true thoughts.

Facing Naruto, Sasuke's tone was unusually cold, as if they had never crossed paths before. "You're really persistent, Naruto." His words revealed an indescribable sense of alienation, as if the person standing in front of him was not his childhood friend, but a complete stranger.

However, Sasuke's next words were like a biting winter wind, piercing straight into Naruto's heart. "However, I am no longer the person I used to be." These words struck Naruto's heart like a heavy hammer, making his eyes widen and his face fill with disbelief.

Naruto couldn't understand why Sasuke, who had fought alongside him and weathered countless storms together, had suddenly become so cold and ruthless. Just as he was in shock, Sasuke suddenly and without warning displayed his immense power. A suffocating sense of oppression suddenly emanated from his body, and this power, like a raging tidal wave, swept towards Naruto.

Naruto and Sakura were stunned speechless by this sudden power; they couldn't even utter a single word. Faced with this immense power, they realized that Sasuke had become far stronger than before, so strong that it instilled fear and despair.

Sasuke stared at Naruto expressionlessly, his voice still cold and ruthless, "I will kill you. Only in this way can the bond between us be completely severed." These words were like a verdict, mercilessly sentencing Naruto to death. His gaze was like a cold star, revealing determination and killing intent. It seemed that Naruto was no longer his former best friend, but an irreconcilable enemy in his eyes.

Naruto was stunned by Sasuke's words, unable to believe his ears. Sasuke actually wanted to kill him? This comrade who had gone through countless trials and tribulations with him was now so cold to him. A surge of intense anger and pain welled up in Naruto's heart. He glared at Sasuke, roared, and charged towards him, determined to use his own power to defend this precious friendship.

However, just as Naruto was about to clash with Sasuke, a dark shadow suddenly flashed by. Orochimaru and Kabuto appeared between the two like ghosts, forcefully blocking Sasuke's path. Orochimaru's lips curled into a chilling smirk as he slowly said, "Now is not the time to kill him. We still need to use his power to eliminate 'Akatsuki'."

Although Sasuke was extremely unwilling, he had no choice but to temporarily comply with Orochimaru's order. He glared fiercely at Naruto, his eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness, then turned and left with Orochimaru, leaving Naruto and Sakura behind, watching him walk further and further away until he disappeared from sight.

Naruto and Sakura were deeply saddened, their hearts filled with helplessness and despair. Sasuke's departure left them feeling more helpless than ever before; their once unbreakable friendship had crumbled in an instant. Their goal of saving Sasuke had failed once again, but they did not give up. They knew that as long as there was a glimmer of hope, they would continue to try.

Just then, someone no one expected suddenly appeared before them— Sai! His appearance surprised everyone.

Sai looked intently at the members of Team 7 and said, "I will continue to work hard with you until we bring Sasuke back to the village." His words were brief, but full of determination and resolve.

Hearing Sai's words, Naruto and Sakura felt a sense of relief. They finally had a true partner who was willing to fight alongside them and search for Sasuke together.

After the intense battles with Hidan and Kakuzu, Naruto became acutely aware of his shortcomings in chakra nature transformation. He understood that if he wanted to become stronger, he had to overcome this weakness.

Thus, under the guidance of Kakashi- sensei and Captain Yamato, Naruto began his arduous training. He constantly tried to master the nature transformation of wind chakra, but his progress was extremely slow.

However, Naruto was not discouraged. He decided to ask Asuma for advice, hoping to get some help. So, he used the Shadow Clone Technique to sneak over to Asuma's house.

When Asuma saw Naruto suddenly appear in front of him, he was not surprised, but instead greeted him warmly.

Asuma- sensei took two chakra blades out of his backpack and explained to Naruto, "These two blades aren't ordinary weapons. They're made of a special metal that can absorb the chakra of the person wielding them."

Next, Asuma explained in detail the secrets of wind chakra nature transformation. He said, "You have to divide the chakra into two parts, and then let them blend together, like this..." As he spoke, Asuma poured chakra into his sword and demonstrated how to knead the two strands of chakra together with a feeling of thinning.

Naruto watched intently, his eyes wide, afraid of missing a single detail. Asuma- sensei continued, "The key is to make these two streams of chakra blend together more thinly and sharply, like this..." He demonstrated it again, making the process even clearer for Naruto.

Finally, in order to let Naruto more directly feel the immense power brought about by the change in the nature of wind chakra, Asuma- sensei did not hesitate to throw the chakra blade like Inazuma, with the target being the tree in the yard.

In an instant, the knife seemed to transform into an Inazuma, speeding past at an astonishing pace, as fast as the wind. In the blink of an eye, it pierced through the tree trunk like an arrow, without the slightest pause.

However, that wasn't the most astonishing part. After the chakra blade pierced through the tree trunk, its residual power didn't diminish at all; it continued flying forward, slamming hard into the hard rock behind it. With a muffled "bang," a deep mark was instantly pierced into the rock surface, as if it had been cleaved open by an invisible force.

Naruto stared wide-eyed at the scene before him, his mouth agape, practically wide enough to fit an egg. He couldn't help but exclaim in astonishment, "Wow, that's amazing! Not only did it pierce through the tree, but it even managed to leave a mark on such hard rock behind it!"

Asuma- sensei's lips curled into a faint smile. Seeing Naruto's surprised expression, he said softly, "This was just a small demonstration; I haven't even used my full strength yet. If you can master the nature transformation of wind chakra, you too can unleash such astonishing power."

He paused briefly, then continued, "If I were to use my full power, that stone would definitely be completely pierced. In sword fights between ninjas of the same level, victory often depends on the sharpness of the blades. And wind nature transformation is the most powerful in close combat. However, ninjas who can master wind nature transformation are quite rare."

Asuma tragically died in the battle against Akatsuki. Kakashi entrusted his training to Yamato, while he himself took care of Team 10, who were determined to seek revenge.

Kakashi and Team 10 suffered quite a bit in their battle against Kakuzu of Akatsuki, but thankfully Yamato arrived in time with Yamato and the Naruto.

In the end, Naruto defeated Kakuzu using his newly learned Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, but his right hand was also injured due to the immense power of the new technique. Tsunade forbade Naruto from using this technique again.