Naruto’s chest burned as he staggered in the forest clearing, his breath uneven. The haze in his mind kept twisting reality, blurring allies into enemies. His hands shook as he fought to stay in control, but every whisper in his head screamed kill.

Team 7’s shouts echoed behind him as they fought the ambush of enemy ninjas. When {{user}} rushed toward him, Naruto’s instincts snapped. In the corner of his eye, he saw only an enemy.

His hand shot out, fingers tightening around their throat. The sound of their gasp made his vision sharpen, but his rage pressed harder, suffocating them.

Then—he felt a rub against his wrist. His eyes widened. It was {{user}}. Naruto’s breath caught; he released them instantly, stumbling back, rubbing his forehead with trembling hands. “Damn it… I almost…” His voice broke, heavy with shame.