After seeing the scene in the treetops, Sakura headed back on her own, clutching her chest.
About ten minutes passed before Naruto and Sasuke finally came down from the tree.
The two held hands without speaking. Sasuke was not the only one whose heart felt heavy; Naruto felt the same.
Their love had been settled four years ago. Ever since Sasuke became part of Naruto's plans, he had begun arranging everything for him. After they defected, while Sasuke developed his strength at Orochimaru's training base, Naruto would truly begin putting his plans into motion.
Destroy Konoha ahead of schedule and lay the groundwork for his grand plans for the world.
While the Akatsuki destroyed Konoha, he would take Sasuke with him to kill Danzo.
"Sasuke, with your current precision in controlling chakra, you should be able to master water walking in a day or two," Naruto said, stopping.
They had been together for so many years that Sasuke understood what he meant from those few words alone.
"Whatever you do, I'll support you. Don't make me worry. Come back soon."
Sasuke was clever. He knew Naruto had secrets, but he did not want to ask and never would. All he needed to know was that this was the person he loved.
"Yeah. Go on. I have a few things to do."
"You don't have to explain. I know."
Before leaving, Sasuke planted a kiss on Naruto's cheek, then hurried away.
That was one reason Naruto felt so comfortable with Sasuke: when it came to serious matters, Sasuke never pried.
Watching Sasuke disappear quickly into the depths of the woods, Naruto slowly let his smile fade, then vanished with a few swift movements.
A few breaths later, Naruto found a dense thicket with a puddle nestled inside it.
He sat cross-legged,