Chapter 17: Sai the weakest teammate
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In the hidden village of Konoha, Tsunade and her trusted aide Shizune found themselves engrossed in a conversation about the potential for harmony between the two polarizing figures - Sai and Naruto. This conversation reflected the concern for teamwork and camaraderie among their young ninja.
"Master Tsunade, you don't need to worry too much, Naruto has changed after the training, you have seen with your own eyes how he has become" Shizune tried to ease her worry, but she didn't say anything that was wrong at the same time.
Tsunade had her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her palm.
"It might seem like Naruto had changed a lot, and he did in some ways, but I know that knucklehead, he wouldn't let go of his friends that easily,"
Shizune listened attentively and nodded since it made sense.
"Naruto, most likely, is giving Sasuke his space"
Tsunade paused before she sighed.
"It's just that, that root shinobi would be quite the irritating fellow to anyone he speaks with"
She knew he would definitely try to make them angry somehow, but for now, she just decided to go through it first.
She turned her eyes to the side and saw the pile of documents ready for her.
"Damn this paperwork,"
***************
*BAM*
The scene then shifted to a rather intense moment as Sakura, the usually calm stoic smart lady, delivered a powerful punch to Sai.
Her fist was about to smash his face, ignoring the shield of wood made by Yamato.
It became evident that Sai had crossed a line in Sakura's eyes, and he was quickly made aware of the wrong he had done.
Her punch destroyed the shield, but Sakura stopped before she touched Sai and sighed.
"You are an insensitive prick!"
Sai felt complicated since he couldn't understand.
"What did I say that is wrong?" He didn't understand what he had said was wrong.
Earlier, he had gotten beat up easily by Naruto, so he had come to terms with his strength, but now this Sakura was also about to flatten him, so he decided to be more cautious.
'It seems I'm the weakest member of this team' He wasn't even able to see Sakura move, so he recognized the reality. But he had his own mission, and he wouldn't give up on it.
Sasuke was indeed wrong as he had said, and could be considered a traitor to the leaf, Sakura knew that.
Even Naruto knew that.
But it didn't give this guy the right to speak about him as if he understood him. Naruto shook his head and walked forward.
The original members of the team seven had a certain bond with each other. And thus, they wouldn't give up on their friend.
Sakura was no longer obsessed with him but rather wanted to save her friend from the wrong path he was going through.
It was similar with Naruto.
"Everyone has their circumstances, and there is a reason this is considered a retrieval mission, and not an elimination one,"
Sakura spoke up and saw Naruto nod from the side.
Truth be told, he was keeping quiet since he knew Sasuke should be punished for what he did, and if he continued on this path, then he should suffer for his choices. But, Naruto understood his friend, and as such he would give him time to come around.
"In the first place, why the heck do you always have that annoying smile on your face?"
Sai, ever the enigmatic figure, was questioned by Sakura about his tendency to keep a smile on his face. Even now, as he got up from the ground he was smiling.
"I was told it could make the conversation go smoothly if you smile more,"
His explanation revealed a surprising insight into his character. He had learned that smiles, even when they were insincere, had the remarkable ability to defuse tension and potentially avert conflict. It was a strategy he had adopted in the hope of fostering better relationships with his teammates, despite his initial lack of understanding about the intricacies of human emotions.
'So, this guy is quite awkward too… he must have a story…' Both Sakura and Naruto concluded.
Sakura shook her head and then turned her attention to Yamato, who possessed the rare Mokuton, a Wood Release Kekkei Genkai. This unique ability allowed him to manipulate and create wooden structures with ease, showcasing the extraordinary diversity of talents within their squad.
The ordeal was finally over.
After a long day of challenging encounters, the team sought refuge at a natural hot spring. Yamato, in a gesture of camaraderie and goodwill, treated his team to a hearty and well-deserved meal, reinforcing the importance of unity and bonding among teammates. The hot springs not only offered a relaxing respite but also served as a setting for the group to build stronger connections with one another.
The following morning, Sakura was surprised to spot Sai outside their camp.
'He woke up so early'
The mysterious artist had a penchant for solitude, often distancing himself from the team. Sakura's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but inquire about his artistic pursuits.
She took this chance to get to know this newest member of her team, as she didn't have any hard feelings for him, and could understand that he was messed up too.
She learned that Sai was an avid drawer, but what struck her as even more intriguing was his choice not to name his works.
"I feel nothing," He said as he held a special picture book.
Sai, in his characteristic emotionally detached manner, explained that he felt no personal attachment to his art or, for that matter, his teammates. This lack of sentiment was a result of his past and the emotional restraints imposed upon him. The cold, almost clinical approach he adopted left Sakura intrigued and somewhat empathetic, despite the distance it created.
"Can I see it?"
Intrigued by the mystery of Sai's hidden emotions, Sakura's curiosity led her to a significant discovery. Sai possessed a picture book, and her request to view its contents was met with hesitation. Sai, still struggling to break down the walls that shielded his innermost self, confided that the book held immense sentimental value - it had belonged to his late brother. This revelation unveiled a new layer of vulnerability within Sai's character, adding depth and complexity to his persona. At least, she understood it as that, while he denied anything.
The team continued their journey, guided by the ever-capable Yamato, they ventured deeper into a dense and foreboding forest. Yamato, aware of the potential risks and dangers that lay ahead, addressed the group with caution.
"Everyone, stay alert. Most likely, the meeting is going to be a trap"
He emphasized the possibility of their upcoming meeting being a trap and, in a remarkable display of his Wood Release abilities, conjured a large wooden cabin to serve as their shelter for the night.
Sakura and Naruto shared glances but still gave nods of approval.
They weren't arrogant by any means, but they were sure they could handle most things coming their way, so this being a trap didn't pose any threat to them.
'Even if it's Orochimaru himself that came, that is…' Sakura thought to herself. After all, Sasuke was with Orochimaru, so if there was an ambush, it was surely going to be by the old snake.
But for Yamato, being the prudent leader, he recognized the need to prepare for a potential encounter with their strong enemies. He turned to Sakura, relying on her extensive knowledge of one of their potential adversaries, Sasori. He sought her insights to ensure that the team would be adequately prepared for the impending confrontation.
"Now then, describe how Sasori looks for me,"
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