*Naruto: The Dragonoid's Legacy*
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*Training Ground 44 (Forest of Death) - One Week Later*
"AGAIN!" Tsunade's voice boomed across the clearing.
Naruto, battered and exhausted, pulled himself up from the crater his body had created. His clothes were torn, his face was bruised, and he was pretty sure at least three ribs were cracked. Again.
"You said you wanted to be Hokage, brat!" Tsunade stood with her arms crossed, not a hair out of place. "The Hokage doesn't get to quit when things get hard! NOW GET UP AND TRY AGAIN!"
"I AM UP!" Naruto shouted back, pink-and-gold energy crackling around his fists. "And I'm not quitting! WAHAHA! Is that all you've got, old lady?!"
Tsunade's eye twitched at 'old lady,' but she was grinning. Over the past week, she'd pushed Naruto harder than any teacher ever had—and the brat kept getting back up. Every single time.
"Alright, let's see if you learned anything!" Tsunade vanished with a Body Flicker.
Naruto's dragonoid senses screamed a warning. He spun, wings manifesting instantly, and blocked the punch that would have shattered a boulder. The impact still sent him skidding backward, his feet carving trenches in the ground.
"Better!" Tsunade appeared in front of him. "You're starting to integrate your defensive instincts! Now ATTACK!"
Naruto didn't hesitate. His wings propelled him forward at incredible speed, his fist pulled back and wreathed in combined chakra and magicule energy—a technique Tsunade had been teaching him.
"**Dragon-Enhanced Rasengan!**"
The spiraling sphere in his hand was pink-and-gold instead of blue, crackling with merged energy. Tsunade's eyes widened slightly—that was new—and she dodged rather than blocked.
The Rasengan hit a tree instead. The massive trunk didn't just explode—it disintegrated into particles of light.
"Ho?" Tsunade landed gracefully. "You finally managed to stabilize the energy fusion. Took you long enough."
"Hehe!" Naruto grinned despite his exhaustion. "Told you I could do it!"
"Don't get cocky. That was sloppy. The energy ratio was off, the rotation was uneven, and you telegraphed the attack." Tsunade walked over and flicked him in the forehead—hard enough to make him stumble. "But it's progress. We'll call it a day."
"Finally!" Naruto collapsed onto the grass. "I'm starving! Can we get ramen?"
"You're always starving," Tsunade muttered, but there was fondness in her tone. Over the past week, this loud-mouthed brat had somehow worked his way under her skin. His determination reminded her so much of Nawaki and Dan—the people she'd lost.
"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune appeared at the edge of the clearing, Tonton the pig in her arms. "The council is requesting your presence. It's urgent."
"What now?" Tsunade sighed. "Tell them I'm busy."
"They said it's about the Hokage position. Apparently, there's been an incident with Danzo's temporary authority and—"
"That war hawk did something stupid, didn't he?" Tsunade's expression darkened. "Fine. I'll go. Naruto, go get yourself healed and fed. We'll resume training tomorrow."
"Hai!" Naruto gave a tired salute.
As Tsunade left, Sakura emerged from where she'd been observing the training. She was wearing training clothes and looked exhausted herself—Tsunade had accepted her as an apprentice and was putting her through similarly brutal training.
"That was amazing, Naruto!" she said, helping him to his feet. "That new Rasengan was incredible!"
"Thanks, Sakura-chan!" Naruto grinned. "How's your training going?"
"Tsunade-sama has me punching boulders and memorizing hundreds of medical texts. My hands are covered in calluses and my brain hurts." Despite her complaints, Sakura was smiling. "But I'm getting stronger. I can actually feel it."
"That's great!" Naruto's genuine happiness for her made Sakura's heart warm. "Soon you'll be super strong and we'll—"
"Naruto. Sakura."
They turned to see Sasuke standing at the edge of the clearing. He looked different—thinner, with dark circles under his eyes. The cursed seal on his neck was visible and pulsing faintly.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura's concern was immediate. "Are you okay? You look terrible!"
"I'm fine," Sasuke's voice was flat. "Training. That's all."
But Naruto's enhanced senses told a different story. Sasuke's chakra was corrupted, twisted with the cursed seal's influence. And there was something else—desperation, anger, and a darkness that hadn't been there before.
"Sasuke, you need to let Tsunade look at that seal—" Naruto started.
"I don't need anything from her," Sasuke cut him off. His Sharingan activated, studying Naruto. "I saw your new technique. The Dragon-Enhanced Rasengan. You're getting stronger."
"Yeah, Tsunade's training is intense, but—"
"While you're getting power handed to you, I'm stuck struggling with scraps." Sasuke's fists clenched. "First the dragonoid transformation. Now training with a Legendary Sannin. Must be nice."
"Sasuke-kun, that's not fair!" Sakura protested. "Naruto's working really hard—"
"I'm working hard too!" Sasuke's voice rose. "But it's not enough! I need MORE power! Power to kill Itachi! And I'm not getting it here!"
The air went cold.
"What do you mean 'here'?" Naruto asked quietly, dreading the answer.
Sasuke was silent for a long moment. Then: "I'm leaving. Tonight."
"WHAT?!" Sakura's scream echoed through the forest. "You can't! Sasuke-kun, please!"
"I've made my decision." Sasuke's expression was carved from stone. "Orochimaru sent messengers. He's offering to train me, to give me the power I need. I'm taking his offer."
"Are you INSANE?!" Naruto stepped forward, his eyes flashing gold. "Orochimaru is a monster! He killed the Third Hokage! He's using you!"
"I know exactly what he is," Sasuke said coldly. "But he can give me what I need. Power. Strength. The ability to kill my brother. That's all that matters."
"What about the village? Your friends? US?!" Sakura was crying now.
"You'll understand someday." Sasuke turned to leave. "This is the only way."
"NO!" Naruto's wings burst out as he moved to block Sasuke's path. "I'm not letting you throw your life away for revenge! The old man believed in you! We believe in you!"
"Beliefs don't kill Itachi." Sasuke's Sharingan met Naruto's golden eyes. "Get out of my way."
"Make me."
For a tense moment, it looked like they would fight. Pink-and-gold energy crackled around Naruto. The cursed seal spread across Sasuke's skin.
Then Sakura stepped between them, tears streaming down her face.
"Please," she begged. "Sasuke-kun, if you leave, you'll become a missing-nin. A traitor. They'll send hunter-nin after you. You'll never be able to come back!"
"I know," Sasuke's voice softened fractionally. "I'm sorry, Sakura. But I have to do this."
"Then I'm coming with you!"
"No. You'd only slow me down."
The cruel words made Sakura flinch as if physically struck.
"Sasuke, you bastard!" Naruto's power flared. "Take that back!"
"It's the truth. She's weak. You're strong but naive. Neither of you can help me." Sasuke's expression was empty. "Goodbye."
He vanished in a Body Flicker, leaving Naruto and Sakura standing in the clearing.
"We have to stop him!" Sakura grabbed Naruto's arm. "We have to tell someone! Kakashi-sensei, Tsunade-sama, anyone!"
Naruto's mind raced. If Sasuke actually left, if he became a missing-nin...
*I could catch him,* the dragonoid part of him whispered. *With my wings, my speed—I could track him down before he reaches Orochimaru's people.*
*And then what?* the Kyuubi asked. *Fight him? Drag him back against his will? That's not how you save someone.*
*Then WHAT DO I DO?!*
"Naruto?" Sakura's voice broke through his thoughts. "What do we do?"
Naruto made a decision. "You go alert Tsunade and Kakashi-sensei. I'll track Sasuke and try to talk him down."
"But—"
"GO!" Naruto's wings spread wide. "I can move faster alone! Trust me!"
Sakura hesitated, then nodded and ran toward the village.
Naruto shot into the air, his enhanced senses tracking Sasuke's chakra signature. The Uchiha was moving fast, heading toward the village gates.
*Please don't do this,* Naruto thought desperately. *Please don't make me choose between my friend and my village.*
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**Konoha Main Gates - Minutes Later**
Sasuke approached the gates, his few belongings packed in a small bag. The guards on duty straightened when they saw him.
"Sasuke Uchiha? Bit late for a mission, isn't it?" one guard asked.
"Special assignment," Sasuke lied smoothly. "Classified."
The guards exchanged glances. The Uchiha was a respected Genin, survivor of a tragic massacre. They had no reason to doubt him.
"Alright, be safe out there—"
"SASUKE!"
Everyone turned to see Naruto land in front of the gates, his wings creating a wind blast that made everyone stumble. His eyes were pure gold, blazing with emotion.
"Naruto Uzumaki?" the guards looked confused. "What's going on?"
"He's defecting," Naruto said bluntly. "Sasuke Uchiha is trying to leave the village to join Orochimaru."
"WHAT?!"
Sasuke's expression darkened. "You really want to do this here? In front of witnesses?"
"I want you to STOP!" Naruto's power flared. "Stop running toward darkness! Stop letting revenge consume you! STOP BEING AN IDIOT!"
"Guards, sound the alarm!" one of them reached for a kunai. "We need to—"
Sasuke moved. The cursed seal exploded across his body, transforming him. His skin turned gray, his hair grew, and a grotesque hand-shaped wing erupted from his back. His power surged to terrifying levels.
With a single strike, he knocked both guards unconscious.
"Sasuke!" Naruto's horror was genuine. "What have you done?!"
"What I had to." Sasuke's voice was distorted by the cursed seal transformation. "I warned you not to get in my way, Naruto. Now move, or I'll move you."
"I can't do that." Naruto's wings flared, his horns emerged, and pink-and-gold energy erupted around him. "You're my friend. My teammate. My RIVAL. I'm not letting you throw your life away!"
"Then you're a fool." Sasuke charged, his cursed seal-enhanced speed incredible.
But Naruto was faster.
He caught Sasuke's punch, their powers colliding in a shockwave that shattered the ground beneath them. Pink-and-gold energy battled against corrupted black chakra.
"LISTEN TO ME!" Naruto pleaded even as they fought. "This isn't you! This is Orochimaru's manipulation! The cursed seal is affecting your mind!"
"My mind is CLEAR for the first time!" Sasuke broke free and launched a fireball. "**Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!**"
Naruto's wings created a shield of energy that dispersed the flames. "What would your brother think?! Not Itachi—Shisui! What would he think seeing you like this?!"
For just a moment, Sasuke hesitated. That moment of weakness let Naruto close the distance.
"Please," Naruto grabbed Sasuke's shoulders, his eyes pleading. "Don't do this. We can find another way. Together. As a team."
Sasuke looked at him, and for a brief second, Naruto saw his friend again—the scared, lonely kid behind the mask of revenge.
Then the moment passed.
"There is no other way." Sasuke headbutted Naruto, breaking his grip, then kicked him away. "Goodbye, Naruto. Next time we meet, I'll be strong enough that you can't stop me."
He turned to run—
And found his path blocked by Tsunade, flanked by Kakashi, Might Guy, and a dozen ANBU.
"Going somewhere, Uchiha?" Tsunade's voice was ice.
Sasuke's cursed seal flared higher. "All of you will try to stop me?"
"If necessary," Kakashi's Sharingan was revealed. "Sasuke, please. Don't make this harder than it has to be."
"SASUKE-KUN!" Sakura arrived, out of breath from running. "Please! I love you! Don't leave me!"
The confession hung in the air.
Sasuke looked at her, and his expression softened. "Thank you, Sakura. For everything."
Then he formed hand seals. "**Lightning Style: Electromagnetic Murder!**"
Lightning exploded outward, forcing everyone to dodge or defend. In the chaos, Sasuke used the Body Flicker to escape into the forest.
"After him!" Tsunade commanded. "ANBU, pursuit formation! Guy, Kakashi—"
"WAIT!" Naruto's voice stopped everyone.
He stood at the gates, wings spread, power radiating from him. But he wasn't looking at the escaping Sasuke. He was looking at Tsunade.
"Let me go after him. Alone."
"Are you insane?" Tsunade snapped. "He just attacked the village!"
"He's confused! Manipulated! The cursed seal is corrupting his thoughts!" Naruto's desperation was palpable. "Please, Tsunade-sama. He's my friend. Let me try to save him."
"Naruto..." Kakashi's voice was pained. "This isn't your responsibility."
"Yes, it is!" Naruto's eyes blazed. "We're Team Seven! We protect each other! We save each other! That's what the Hokage taught me! That's what the Will of Fire means!"
Tsunade stared at him. This brat, this thirteen-year-old kid with impossible power and an even more impossible heart, was literally begging to risk his life for someone who'd just betrayed the village.
It reminded her so much of her grandfather. Of her brother. Of everyone she'd lost who'd believed in the Will of Fire.
"Naruto..." she began.
"Please," tears streamed down his face, mixing with the pink-and-gold energy. "I can't lose him. Not like this. I'd rather die trying to save him than live knowing I gave up!"
And in that moment, Tsunade understood.
This was what the Will of Fire truly meant. Not just protecting the village, but protecting the people in it. Refusing to abandon those precious to you, even when it was easier to let them go.
Hiruzen had died for this ideal.
And now this boy was willing to fight for it.
"Alright," Tsunade said quietly.
"What?!" multiple voices protested.
"I'll give you until dawn," Tsunade's eyes were hard but understanding. "You have one night to bring Sasuke Uchiha back. If you can't, or if he's already reached Orochimaru's forces, you retreat immediately. Understood?"
"Understood!" Naruto's wings flared.
"Tsunade-sama, you can't be serious!" an ANBU protested.
"I'm completely serious." Tsunade turned to face the assembled shinobi. "As of this moment, I'm accepting the position of Fifth Hokage. And my first order is this: Naruto Uzumaki has one night to retrieve Sasuke Uchiha through non-lethal means. ANBU will maintain perimeter watch but will not interfere unless Orochimaru himself appears."
The shock rippled through everyone present.
"You're... you're accepting the Hokage position?" Kakashi's visible eye was wide.
"This brat reminded me what it means," Tsunade looked at Naruto with something like pride. "The Will of Fire isn't about letting people burn alone. It's about pulling them from the flames, even when it's dangerous. Even when it hurts."
She stepped forward and placed her hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"Bring him home, kid. Show him that bonds are stronger than revenge."
"I will!" Naruto's determination blazed. "I promise! I'll bring Sasuke back! That's my ninja way!"
He shot into the sky, his wings propelling him after Sasuke's fading chakra signature.
Sakura collapsed to her knees, sobbing. Kakashi moved to comfort her.
"You're really becoming Hokage?" he asked Tsunade quietly.
"Apparently." She sighed. "That brat's Will of Fire is contagious. Made me remember why I loved this village in the first place." Her expression hardened. "Guy, assemble a backup team. If things go south, I want people ready to extract Naruto."
"Hai!"
As orders were given and teams assembled, Tsunade looked up at the sky where Naruto had disappeared.
*Don't die on me, brat,* she thought. *You reminded me what it means to believe in something. Don't make me regret it.*
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**Deep Forest - The Chase**
Naruto flew through the trees, his enhanced senses locked onto Sasuke's signature. The Uchiha was fast, but Naruto was faster.
He found him in a clearing, the cursed seal still active, preparing to meet with four figures emerging from the shadows.
The Sound Four.
"Sasuke Uchiha," the leader—a six-armed figure—grinned. "Lord Orochimaru sends his regards. We're here to escort you."
"I'm ready," Sasuke said flatly.
"No, you're not!" Naruto landed between them, wings spread in a protective stance. "Sasuke, last chance. Come back with me. We'll figure this out together!"
"Naruto..." Sasuke's expression was torn. "Why can't you understand? I NEED this power!"
"You already HAVE power!" Naruto gestured wildly. "You have the Sharingan! You have teammates who care about you! You have a VILLAGE! What more do you need?!"
"Enough to kill Itachi!" Sasuke's scream was raw. "THAT'S what I need!"
"Then let me help you get it the right way! Not by selling your soul to a snake!"
The Sound Four laughed. "How touching. Should we kill the winged freak, Sasuke-kun?"
"You can try," Naruto's eyes blazed gold. "But you'll regret it."
"Stand down, Naruto," Sasuke's voice was quiet. "This is my choice. My path. Don't make me fight you for real."
"Then fight me!" Naruto's power exploded outward. "Show me your resolve! If you can beat me—really beat me, with everything I have—then I'll let you go!"
Sasuke's Sharingan met Naruto's golden eyes.
"You'll regret this challenge."
"Probably!" Naruto grinned despite the tears. "But that's what rivals do! So come on, Sasuke! Show me what the last Uchiha can really do!"
The Sound Four backed away, sensing the massive powers about to collide.
Sasuke's cursed seal flared to maximum.
Naruto's dragonoid transformation completed, wings blazing, horns gleaming, energy crackling.
Two friends. Two rivals. Two paths.
And only one could win this battle.
"**SASUKE!**"
"**NARUTO!**"
They charged.
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**To Be Continued...**
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*Author's Note: THE CONFRONTATION BEGINS! Tsunade has become the Fifth Hokage, inspired by Naruto's Will of Fire! Sasuke is at the precipice of leaving! And Naruto has one night to save his friend!*
*Next chapter: The Battle at the Valley of the End... Dragonoid Edition!*
*This is it—the climactic fight that will determine Sasuke's fate! Will Naruto's power be enough? Will his words reach Sasuke's heart? Or will the last Uchiha walk into darkness?*
*Thank you all for the incredible support! We're approaching a major turning point!*
*COMMENT: Do you think Naruto should win? Should Sasuke leave anyway? Should someone else intervene? Let me know!*
*Don't forget to add to library, review, and share! Your support means everything!*