For a Friend

While Naruto Uzumaki battles Sasuke Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake learns of Sasuke's defection from Tsunade and is confronted by Sakura Haruno. After trying to calm Sakura down, Kakashi heads off to search for Sasuke and Naruto. Meanwhile, believing Naruto to be his closest friend, Sasuke prepares to kill him in hopes that Naruto's death would be an acceptable price for his Sharingan to evolve into a Mangekyo Sharingan. Naruto's Rasengan and Sasuke's Chidori clash, though neither is capable of overpowering the other. Activating his cursed seal in order to gain an advantage, Sasuke mercilessly beats Naruto but his Chidori nearly hits Naruto's heart. While Sasuke thinks the battle to be won, the Nine-Tails' chakra begins to envelop Naruto as his wounds are healed as he resolves to beat Sasuke to a bloodied pulp if that is what it will take to bring him home.