Path Not Taken 79

Azula

So Sasori has a spy in Orochimaru's ranks? How... convenient.

Azula

Tenchi Bridge in ten days. I wonder who else might know about this arrangement.

Uzumaki Naruto

You've got that look again. What are you planning?

Uzumaki Naruto

(Two and a half years as her student, and I still can't read her completely.)

Azula

Tell me, Naruto... don't you miss your friend? The one who abandoned you?

Azula

Sasuke Uchiha. Wouldn't you like a little... reunion?

Uzumaki Naruto

Sasuke? You know where he is?

Uzumaki Naruto

(And in a few months, I'll have to... No, I can't think about that mission now.)

Azula

I propose we invite both Orochimaru and his prized pupil to the Valley of Ruins.

Azula

It would be quite the challenge, don't you think?

Uzumaki Naruto

I've been training for this. I'm ready to face him again.

Uzumaki Naruto

(But am I ready for what comes after? Can I really kill you, Azula?)

Azula

You've learned well these past years. Perhaps it's time to test your growth.

Azula

Let's see if your precious Sasuke has improved as much as you have.

Uzumaki Naruto

Yeah... let's do it. This is going to be one hell of a reunion.

Uzumaki Naruto

(If only you knew your student is also your assassin. The clock is ticking for both of us...)