Sasuke leaves the village alongside the Sound Four to go to Orochimaru, with Naruto joining a retrieval team composed of its leader Shikamaru Nara, his teammate Choji Akimichi, Kiba Inuzuka, and Neji Hyuga. Only Naruto is able to reach Sasuke as the other members of the retrieval group each end up fighting a member of the Sound Four. Having gained new powers from the full potential of Orochimaru's Cursed Seal, Sasuke attempts to kill Naruto and both fight as latter taps more into the Nine-Tails. With Naruto and Sasuke at their peaks of power, the two unleash their strongest attacks with Sasuke the victor as he leaves to meet with Orochimaru. However, despite losing his friend, Naruto refuses to give up on Sasuke and intends to get him back.