The Unison Sign

Synopsis
Thinking back to their previous battles, Sasuke tells Naruto to disappear along their bond as their attacks connect, resulting in an explosion. Both think back to sparring with one another in the Academy, both refusing to perform the Seal of Reconciliation at the end. They recall Naruto saying their next fight would result in their death, in the Land of Iron. As they shift through several significant locations from their past, the two wonder if they are dead. Sasuke recalls how they were both ostracised from the village, wondering if in that sense, they really were brothers. Naruto denies that conclusion, apologises to Tsunade for dying before becoming Hokage, and worries about not being there to release the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Sasuke scoffs at his concern with the living, and points out Sakura and Kakashi are still there, and will figure something out. He thinks of meeting Itachi again soon. Sasuke wakes up at nighttime, Naruto telling him if they move too much, they will bleed out and die. Sasuke asks why Naruto tried maintaining his bond with Sasuke once he started cutting them. Naruto points out again he is his friend. Sasuke asks what that means to him. Naruto explains that seeing Sasuke take on so much hurts him. Sasuke thinks back to seeing Naruto seeking attention, how his attempts to bond reminded him of his own family, and how he also saw it as a weakness. Those sentiments only grew once they were assigned to the same team, and started going in missions together. Sasuke sees the memories of Naruto's struggles, and his exchanges with Itachi. This time, Naruto wakes up, at dawn. Sasuke laughs when Naruto expresses his wish to keep fighting him in their state. As the sun rises, Sasuke admits defeat, and concludes that if he dies, the cycle of revenge will end with him. Sasuke tells Naruto he can release the Infinite Tsukuyomi after he dies by transplanting his Rinnegan into someone else. Naruto tells him if he is willing to die, he should live and help Naruto make all shinobi cooperate. Sasuke doubts other would want to cooperate with him, and is wary of turning against Naruto again. Naruto is certain he will not, and when Sasuke asks him how he knows, Naruto again alludes to their friendship. Sasuke begins to cry, and turns his face away. Naruto and Sasuke remain there, with their dominant arms destroyed and bleeding.