Naruto Vol. 26

Sasuke explains that his determination to reach Orochimaru cannot coexist with his attachment to Naruto and Konoha. Naruto refuses to accept his decision, prompting a brutal exchange in which Sasuke uses his fully matured Sharingan to anticipate Naruto’s movements. When Naruto draws more deeply upon the Nine-Tailed Fox’s chakra, a visible cloak forms around him and overwhelms Sasuke’s defenses.

Sasuke responds by activating the second stage of the Cursed Seal, transforming his body and vastly increasing his power. Naruto and Sasuke channel their remaining strength into the Rasengan and Chidori, creating a final collision beneath the statues overlooking the valley. Naruto succeeds in scratching Sasuke’s forehead protector, disproving Sasuke’s earlier claim that he could not do so, but loses the battle.

Sasuke considers killing Naruto to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, yet refuses to gain power by following Itachi’s instructions. He leaves for Orochimaru alone. Kakashi Hatake arrives too late to stop him and carries the unconscious Naruto back toward Konoha, marking the failure of the retrieval mission.