Sasuke, Hozuki Suigetsu, Jugo, and Karin were on a plain.
Suddenly, Karin stopped, adjusted her glasses, and said, "Sasuke, a strange chakra is approaching us!"
Sasuke stopped as well, his gaze sharpening as his right hand rested on the hilt of the Sword of Kusanagi.
Hozuki Suigetsu, carrying Kubikiribōchō on his back, grinned. "Oh, an enemy? Perfect. I can test out the Kubikiribōchō I just got."
Karin said gravely, "Strange, Sasuke. That person's chakra is somewhat similar to Jugo's!"
"Is that so?" A gentle look appeared in Sasuke's eyes, and he lowered his hand.
Whoosh!
Naruto suddenly arrived using Flying Thunder God Movement. Karin, Hozuki Suigetsu, and Jugo stared at him in utter disbelief.
"Long time no see, Sasuke!" Naruto greeted him with a smile.
"Yeah. What brings you here, Naruto?" Sasuke smiled faintly, leaving Karin stunned.
"He smiled! Sasuke smiled! Who is this Naruto guy?" Karin said bitterly. It was the first time she had ever seen Sasuke smile, and it was for someone else.
Karin carefully sensed Naruto's chakra. It was fiery, filled with light, bright and warm, making people want to draw close to it. It was even warmer than Sasuke's chakra.
Suddenly, Karin's expression changed drastically. She staggered back several steps as though frightened, then collapsed onto the ground. Her gaze at Naruto was filled with terror, drawing everyone's attention.
"What's wrong, Karin?" Sasuke asked.
"His chakra... n-no, it's nothing!" Karin quickly replied, though a storm raged in her heart.
How could this be? What is going on with this Naruto? His chakra is clearly so warm, yet deep within his body lurks an unimaginably terrifying darkness. Such chakra... it's the complete opposite of Sasuke's...
In the inner space, the Nine-Tails said to Naruto, "Hmph, this woman was just like in Awen's memories. She got frightened