Ep 109: The Sounds' Invitation

Summary:

After Sasuke beats up on the Sound4 and issues his warning, Sakon (guy wearing beads) says he'll play the "do re mi fa so la ti do" to break his ribs. He attacks Sasuke but Sasuke uses the wire (that Kakashi used to tie him up) to tie up his legs. Sasuke tries a series of kicks and punches but Sakon blocks them then he shouts "Do Re" and Sasuke flies back and hits a tree. Sakon says his bones have a low tone. Sakon is about to use a higher pitch note when Kidoumaru (spider guy) attacks Sasuke. He shoots out a web from his mouth and catches Sasuke's arms. He sends Sasuke flying toward Jiroubou (big guy) who rams his shoulder into Sasuke and sends him flying towards Sakon. Sasuke ducks under Sakon's blow and kicks him so hard that Sakon flies straight up. Sasuke kicks and punches him in the air, and then through the wooden floor, using his Lion Combo (from the chuunin prelim match).

Meanwhile at Ichiraku, Naruto encourages Sakura to eat since it's his treat. The ramen guy calls Sakura Naruto's girlfriend. Naruto's face turns all red. He says they have something important to discuss and it's not like that. Naruto looks over at Sakura who is silent and appears to be depressed. Sakura snaps back to reality and tries to eat but once Naruto mentions Sasuke, she falls silent again. She finally tells Naruto about Sasuke's cursed seal (flashback to Orochimaru biting Sasuke's neck, Sasuke breaking Zaku's arms, Sasuke vs Gaara). Naruto says he met Orochimaru during his search for old lady Tsunade and that he's really strong and dangerous. But Naruto adds (while gulping down his ramen) that Sasuke won't accept that bastard's invitation, since he's really strong. Naruto guarantees it. Sakura smiles and agrees.

Somehow, Sasuke is the one strung up. Sakon appears to be unaffected and holds Sasuke upside down by his leg. Sakon wonders why Orochimaru wants a weakling like him. He mentions that Kimimaro would have been a better choice. Sakon tells Sasuke that as long as he stays in this village, he'll be no different from an average person and won't get any stronger. Tayuya jumps down and tells Orochimaru will give him powers. Sakon throws Sasuke to the wall. Sasuke's cursed seal and his sharingan eyes activate. But Sakon also activates his cursed seal. He notes that Sasuke can't control his cursed seal. If he stays in the cursed seal state too long, the seal will eventually consume his body. Sasuke is still in the first stage so the speed at which it spreads is slow. Once it completely takes over his body, he will lose himself forever. Sasuke's curse seal returns to normal. Tayuya says in return for gaining power through the cursed seal, he will be under Orochimaru's control. They remind Sasuke of his purpose, of Itachi, and how the village is holding him back. Then the Sound4 leave.

Naruto offers to walk Sakura home but she says she'll be fine. She looks up at the full moon and blowing leaves and appears to have a premonition. Sasuke is home looking at their genin photo then he turns it facedown. Sakura is walking along then suddenly turns and runs. Sasuke, with his backpack, is walking along then stops when he sees Sakura. He asks why she's there. She says in order to leave the village he has to take this road. He tells her to go home and sleep, then walks past her. Sakura starts to cry and asks him why won't he tell her anything. Sasuke says it's none of her business. She reminds him of the day their genin team was chosen, and how he got mad at her (flashback to ep 3). He says he doesn't remember. Sakura continues to talk about the past and how they (the team plus Kakashi) have gone through a lot but it was fun (more flashbacks, some new scenes). She says she knows about his clan, but revenge won't make anyone happy. Sasuke says he's different from them and his heart decided on revenge. He can't be like her or Naruto. Sakura asks if he's choosing to be alone again. Although she has family and friends, if he's gone, it would be the same as being alone. Sasuke says from here on, a new path will open for all. Sakura finally tells him "I love you so much! If you stay with me, I'll make sure you won't regret it! Every day will be fun. We'll definitely be happy. I'll do anything for you. So please stay here! I'll help you with your revenge. I'll do something! So please stay here with me! If you can't stay, take me with you." Sasuke turns his head and responds, "You really are annoying." (like in ep 3) Then he turns back and walks away. Sakura runs after him then threatens to scream. Sasuke appears behind her. He thanks her then knocks her out and places her body on the bench.

Outside the village, Sasuke is greeted by the Sound4. Sakon says that Sasuke is now their leader. They are on their knees and ask for his forgiveness, but Sasuke just walks past them, and says he doesn't care about that and "let's go."
It begins.

Review: One of the saddest episodes - actually felt sorry for Sakura.

Notes:

Sakon's cursed seal is a different pattern than Sasuke's.

If one stays in the cursed seal state too long, the seal will eventually consume the body. Sasuke is still in the first stage so the speed at which it spreads is slow.

Thoughts:

In Sakura's flashbacks, Kakashi is seen with the team at a picnic. He's holding a cup but still has his mask on. How does he drink/eat with them if they've never seen his face? One of the great Naruto mysteries!