It wasn't just the Akatsuki Organization.
Even the Kage of the other Five Great Ninja Villages believed that one of Naruto and Sasuke would inevitably die.
This was unavoidable; no matter how deep their bond, once a certain issue was involved, even the best of brothers would have disagreements.
Naruto World, Konoha Village.
Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally understood this issue. After driving away Danzo, he prepared to think about how to resolve the Sasuke problem.
Then he got a headache, because solving the Sasuke problem was very difficult.
Although it was publicly known that his entire family was annihilated by Itachi and 'Madara,' if Sasuke matured a little and learned some of the truth,
Then he would inevitably harbor hatred for Konoha, and resolving him would clearly be impossible.
Because once he was dealt with, Naruto would also begin to suspect the true situation of Konoha, not to mention Itachi had once stated.
My little brother is more important than the Village; if anything happens to Sasuke, Itachi will never let Konoha off.
Itachi's strength is formidable, and he holds too many of Konoha's secrets. Besides… it looks like he has Shisui's eyes. If he ever decides to act, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, watching Naruto and Sasuke on the screen, hoping this recording would end in a 'happy-ever-after'.
As long as neither Naruto nor Sasuke dies, everything that follows will be simple.
Inside the recording.
The sky had already darkened.
Bang!!
Bang!!
Naruto and Sasuke were both exhausted. They traded punches, though these could hardly be called punches anymore.
It was more like two passers-by brushing shoulders.
Such blows couldn't kill anyone.
Ha! Ha!
Ugh…
Gasping for air, the two dropped to their knees. Naruto's fist rested on Sasuke's head while Sasuke's fist pressed against Naruto's stomach.
Bang!
At that moment Naruto's forehead protector slipped off, landing in the water and floating away.
Both had reached their limit.
Hold on.
Inside Naruto, the fierce-faced Nine-Tails clasped its paws together. ''My Chakra is almost refined…''
Hmm?!
A moment later the fox looked utterly shocked.
Outside, Sasuke began drawing red Chakra from Naruto's abdomen—he'd planted his fist there on purpose.
He knew the 'fox' lived inside and wanted to siphon a little Chakra to restore his own strength.
''It's one of the Rinnegan's abilities,'' Sasuke said, his voice no longer weak; absorbing Naruto's Chakra had revived both his Chakra and stamina.
Only a fraction returned, but at least he no longer looked half-dead.
Already drained, Naruto grew even weaker; he couldn't stand steady and nearly collapsed, barely able to clutch Sasuke's shirt.
Sasuke regarded him calmly. ''With the eyes of the Uchiha clan, victory is inevitable.''
Naruto collapsed into the water, completely helpless.
''Now…'' Sasuke reached out, lightning crackling and birds shrieking. His heart ached: ''Now I can finally be alone.''
His inner voice told the viewers he truly hated to see Naruto die—yet he had to kill him.
Farewell, my only friend. Activating his Sharingan, Sasuke struck without hesitation.
Chidori screeched; blue lightning lit Naruto's face.
Naruto jerked his head up, met Sasuke's eyes, and swung his fist.
Whoosh—!!
With the cry of Chidori, Sasuke's Sharingan flickered out for an instant; the next second Naruto's punch sent him flying.
Crash—!!!
Sasuke smashed into the rock wall.
Delivering that blow left Naruto on his knees—his absolute limit.
Inside, the Nine-Tails nodded. ''Well-timed counter. You caught the moment his ocular power faltered.''
…
Naruto said nothing, quietly picking up the Konoha forehead protector and slipping it into his pocket.
Sasuke stepped from the rubble, shouting in fury: ''Again and again and again and again!!!''
Give up and just die!!!
Heh… I can't." Naruto lifted his head, voice steady. ''Because I'm the only one!''
Sasuke's face darkened. He took a deep breath, said nothing, and extended his hand.
Bzzzz—!!!
The shrill cry of birds erupted once more.
Sure enough… Inside, the Nine-Tails looked up. ''The Chakra I refined for you has been stolen, and he's even shaped Kagutsuchi. He wants to finish this in one blow.''
Black flames now wreathed Sasuke's Chidori.
Listen." The fox turned to Naruto. ''I'll give you every last drop of my Chakra; after that I'll fall asleep. Don't use a jutsu until the very end—once it's released he can't absorb Chakra while his new Rinnegan stabilizes.''
…
Naruto smiled and wordlessly held out his fist.
?! The Nine-Tails looked startled.
Then, blinking, it gave a helpless, happy grin and slowly bumped fists with him.
Boy and beast touched knuckles.
Naruto turned and walked forward.
The scene shifted; beneath crimson eyes the Nine-Tails spoke again.
You couldn't even save Sasuke—what makes you so sure of yourself now?
Naruto appeared. Staring at the Nine-Tails, he said earnestly, "If I doubt my own decision, everything's finished. I'll find a way to save Sasuke."
Naruto gave a heart-warming smile. "Someday, I want to wipe away the hatred inside you too."
The scene cut back.
"All right, go." The usually fierce Nine-Tails watched Naruto's back, its expression gentle. "To us, you were once the only one."
So Sasuke is the same.