"So he did win after all," Gaara thought, as he walked away from Shikamaru's body. It was worn, small, but still alive. In the middle of the village, he saw Naruto standing tall. Gaara smiled a queer smile as he knew he'd get another chance at Naruto. "Naruto Uzumaki," Gaara called out.

Naruto turned and saw Gaara coming after him. "He's just bigger than me," Naruto thought, "But that doesn't matter. I took down Iruka despite our height difference. But to be safe, maybe I should beat Kakashi." But he heard the laughter get stronger and it strengthened his resolve against it. "No, I can't."

"Naruto just looked at me," Kakashi thought, "He seems to be fighting this with everything." Kakashi lookied around and saw multiple ANBU's rescuing civilians and other non-giant ninja. Kakashi turned to Sakura on his shoulder. "Sakura, I need to go tell Lord Hokage what is happening," Kakashi said, "I need you to stay with Naruto. Be his link to his old self. If he wins, help him stay true to him."

"Right," Sakura said. Kakashi looked up at Naruto.

"Naruto!" he called. Naruto looked back at Kakashi. "There is no way I can help here. We need to find Orochimaru to save you from his control. I'm leaving Sakura in your hands and giving you the mission to protect her with your life!" Naruto's eyes opened wide.

"He's giving me something to keep hold of to remember myself," Naruto thought. "I promise you Kakashi I won't let Sakura be harmed, even if it's by me," Naruto said. Kakashi smiled and vanished, leaving Sakura on his massive hand alone.

"I trust you Naruto," Sakura said. Naruto would of replied, but Gaara arrived and Naruto looked at him.

"Naruto Uzumaki," Gaara said again, " . . .