Disclaimer- Naruto does not belong to me, sadly

A/N-Written for the naruto100 lj community's "Fire" challenge.

It burns.

The body's combusting, every inch of skin searing, every ounce of blood boiling.

Not yet.

Everything is red; bloody, shifting red.

I said not yet!

The air is Hellfire; the breath is boiled away before it can reach his lungs.

God damn you, I said not yet!

The Snake- evil bastard stole my friend- is smirking, laughing, driving the burning to unbearable heights.

Not until I rip his throat out! Not until I kill this asshole and bring Sasuke back!

How much farther are you willing to go?

Whatever it takes.

Naruto's eyes open.

A fourth tail emerges.