A/N

While this story will focus on Sasuke at the start, please note that Naruto will eventually arrive. As for a timeline for Naruto and Sasuke, this will be directly after their final fight at the Valley of the End after the Shinobi War Arc in the series.

With that said, I will state a few ground rules for the story going forward. Pairings are already decided. No one else but Naruto and Sasuke will come over from their world, with the obvious exception to Kurama.

For those of you that don't like Sasuke, don't read the story, as getting to Naruto will take a bit due to location and his own problems.

Prologue

Sasuke could never remember a time when he saw Naruto be serious. Not one single moment in his life could he ever remember him being serious. Sure, there were moments that he could be considered serious, but maybe the difference between then and now was the look he was giving him.

His arms were crossed, his eyes hard as steel, and jaw tight, and his posture challenging.

Not one time could he remember him being this serious.

But then again, they hadn't left on friendly terms, and they had just found one another after three years. Plus, if Sasuke were to add the previous three years away from the village when he left to Oto, then he hadn't truly seen him in six years, give or take a few months. And no, he wasn't including the war they fought against Kaguya.

"Hayate needs help. That was part of the reason we went there," Sasuke began, his voice quiet. He didn't need to be reminded that the walls were paper thin. Not literally. He knew that Hayate, Ryu, and Ayane were on the other side of the sliding door, tending to the injured and also awaiting their return.

Naruto blinked twice before squinting really hard at the door. "Yeah… Figured as much." Naruto turned around in the room, looking down at the clothing that was laid out for him. It wasn't much, but given what he was currently in, this was far better than what he currently had. "Is that the only reason you came to get me? Or are we going to talk about how you're still wrong and an asshole?"

"That doesn't apply here. I…" Sasuke stopped talking, his voice failing him as he looked back to the sliding door. "Look, three years is a lot of time here. It gave me time to think. Time to open my eyes to the world and figure out that maybe my methods were wrong. I still stand by my words, but I think you also might be right."

"So, I am right?"

"Might be right."

"What ever." Naruto put the shirt on and looked back at the door, his face twisting in disgust. "Kurama doesn't like thi. Hates him, really."

"Given what happened, I'm not surprised. But he really does need help. I can't do it. But I think you can."

The blonde gave his teammate a puzzled look. Sasuke held himself differently. Three years away was a long enough time for him to forget how annoying he could be with his smug attitude, lack of social skills, and pompous nature. Instead, he seemed at peace, relaxed even.

Running a hand through his hair, Naruto sat down on the floor, his eyes hooded. "What happened to you?" he finally asked.

The Uchiha covered his left eye with his hand as he sighed explosively. "A lot. But not right now. I'll tell you when we have more time."

"No." Naruto gave him a pointed look. "I was tortured for three years. Was flooded with evil aura, had only Kurama to talk to, nothing to see or hear. I think I deserve to know what's happened since we got here! That guy is still alive! He can wait a few more hours."

"This will take all day!"

"Then shorten it."

Sasuke glared down at his teammate, his Sharingan and Rinnegan coming to life. Kurama's aura slowly began to envelope him, challenging him to try it. If it came to a straight fight, Sasuke held no doubt that Naruto would lose. But, given that he was also as stubborn as they come, he knew that he'd fight him until he was dead. Even then, he still might challenge him. Death already proved to be one obstacle Naruto could overcome.

Of course, to be fair, Hayate wasn't in immediate danger.

"Fine." Sasuke sat down, his weapon now sitting across his lap. Naruto smiled as his blue eyes turned red for a moment and Kurama's chakra dissolved away. "Let's start from the beginning then."

A/N

This is the start of the story and for the next several chapters, it will be events before this. Naruto and Sasuke's timeline is after their fight with Kaguya and their last battle at the Valley of the End.