Path Not Taken 66

Uzumaki Naruto

Hey Gaara, ready for round two against these Akatsuki clowns?

Uzumaki Naruto

This time we've got backup!

Gaara

Yes. This time I won't fall to Deidara's tricks.

Gaara

(Though my chakra hasn't fully recovered from our last encounter...)

Tayuya

I better be getting paid extra for this high-altitude bullshit.

Tayuya

Just point me at the clay freak. I'll play him a funeral dirge he won't forget.

Uzumaki Naruto

Tayuya, give Gaara some backup. I'll handle puppet-boy Sasori down there.

Uzumaki Naruto

This divide and conquer strategy should work if we stick to the plan!

Gaara

Naruto... what happened to you? The rumors about you leaving Konoha to become Azula's student...

Gaara

People say you've changed. That you've gone rogue.

Tayuya

Hello? Akatsuki attacking? Save the therapy session for after we survive!

Tayuya

Hurry up with the heart-to-heart or I start without you!

Uzumaki Naruto

I'm still me, Gaara. Some paths just look different from the outside.

Uzumaki Naruto

When this is over, I'll tell you everything. That's a promise!

Uzumaki Naruto

Time to show these Akatsuki why they should fear the Demon Fox of the Grass!

Uzumaki Naruto

(And why I had to leave everything behind...)