sacrifice - I'm here to save you

Without question, the highlight of the Haku arc as whole, was the final fight. During this 2nd fight against Zabuza and Haku, Naruto came a bit later into action - first only Sasuke, Kakashi, Sakura and Tazuna encountered the two Mist ninjas. At that time, Sasuke was thrilled to fight Haku and to give his new skills a try, but as soon as he got caught in Haku's bloodline limit or better said in the Demonic Ice Mirrors, the situation got worse and worse. While Kakashi was fighting Zabuza and Sakura had to protect Tazuna, Sasuke was on his very own against Haku's highly feared needles of death.. that is, until a certain number one in surprising and knucklehead ninja Uzumaki Naruto entered the stage.

Actually Sasuke had the idea to attack the mirrors both from the outside and the inside, but this plan was fully in vain when Naruto came right to Sasuke with the good intent to save him, but which actually wasn't of any help at all. Now both of them were captured and their attempts to smash the mirrors and to break out with the help of each other, wasn't really working either.

While Naruto was desperately trying to break out of the mirror cage with the help of his Kagebunshin no Jutsu, Sasuke slowly tried to follow the movements of Haku, who moved at an incredible fast speed. Soon however, Naruto was at the end of his powers and passed out, leaving only Sasuke behind - he did not know Sasuke had found a way to track down Haku's movements through his own bloodline limit: the Sharingan.

As soon as Sasuke was able to awake the Sharingan, it was evident for Haku that he had to end the battle quickly, or else it wouldn't be long until Sasuke'd be fully able keep up with his pace. In fact, Sasuke's eyes had already captured him a long time ago - so in order to end the fight as fast as possible, Haku wanted to lure Sasuke with the help of Naruto, who was still unconscious.

Haku aimed his needles at Naruto- and in the last second Sasuke jumped inbetween, threw Haku against one of the mirrors and therefore protected Naruto. Naruto woke up shortly after, only to find a heavily wounded Sasuke standing right in front of him. At first he was thrilled since he thought Sasuke had beaten the other, but he quickly realised Sasuke wasn't in a good state at all- and that only because he saved his life.

"My body.. just moved on its own accord.. baka.."
Sasuke, Chapter 27

Naruto couldn't believe his eyes. It seemed impossible to him that his rival, Sasuke, the one he always fought with, would put his own life on the line just to save him.
As soon as the situation hit him, lead by despair, confusion and simply shock Naruto asked Sasuke why he did this for him. Sasuke just told him he didn't know why either, and that his body acted on its own. Furthermore he told him he didn't want to die until he killed his own brother, but also that Naruto should live no matter what.
Naruto was beside himself with rage and swore that Haku would pay for killing Sasuke..

As a matter of fact, this was so far the most moving and heartrending episode/chapter in the entire series. Those, who still hadn't seen the special bond between Naruto and Sasuke, should rethink all recent happenings once more. Since, even if Sasuke couldn't put it into words, nor say what exactly made him do it - he was willing to sacrifice himself in order to save Naruto. He risked his own dream to allow another one come true.

By now it was pretty evident that Sasuke wasn't any longer the cool avenger he first got portrayed as.

Shortly before Sasuke fell back into Naruto's arms, many memories were flashing by in his mind - all concerning Team Seven, or more precisely, Naruto- starting with the accidental kiss, over to their endless figthing, but also till the various occasions by which was proved they already shared an important bond. In these certain moments Sasuke simply lost control of his body- while Sasuke's mind was probably just as confused as Naruto's with hindsight, his heart didn't hesitate one second at that moment. It didn't hesitate to save the person who was precious to him.

Deep down Sasuke knew this was the right thing for him to do- he didn't want to see someone dear to him dying right in front of his eyes ever again, and thus he was ready to give up everything he held onto so far- his pride, his aim, his life.

Without further ado, I'm sure we can say at this early point of the story, Naruto had made an incredibly important impact on Sasuke's life. Ever since the death of his parents, Sasuke refused to let anyone get closer to him again - but he completely failed in doing so as soon as Naruto appeared. He let his barrier slowly but surely slide in front of Naruto. And now, in order to keep this special person safe, to prevent feeling the pain of losing someone again, Sasuke was ready to do anything. Even if it meant to forget vengeance for a moment, even if it meant to sacrifice himself.

I'm sure one can't even imagine what kind of thoughts were spinning around in Naruto's mind at this moment - confusion, despair, fear as well as anger and rage and proably a lot more. While tears were running down his cheeks, he held Sasuke once more in his arms and vowed to kill Haku for destroying Sasuke's dream. Naruto's temper completely got the upper hand of him, through which he released the chakra of the Nine-Tails..

I dare to say those were one of the most beautiful happenings in the series. Not only Sasuke was able to detect his bloodline limit, the Sharingan eyes, and Naruto released the power of the Ninetails - with this episode, it was ovbious how much Sasuke and Naruto already cared for each other, without admitting it- or rather, without probably knowing it themselves.

The scenes were moving, touching and unbelievably sad - also, for me as a huge Sasuke fan, I always come back to this episode in defense to all the bashing about Sasuke being evil from the start etc. At this point of time he already loved Naruto, just as he loved Sakura- as teammates - and he was willing to protect them no matter what - seeing this boy shedding tears and "dying" for a precious person, is beyond beautiful, and I wonder which of you weren't completely choked up during those scenes.


Found at Chapter 27, Episode 16