Back at the new Akatsuki hideout, the chamber was eerily silent, the air heavy with tension. Most of the members had ended their astral projection and returned to the hideout, but now the absence of Sasori and Deidara weighed on them like a dark shadow. Pain stood at the center, his single visible eye narrowing as he absorbed the latest report delivered by Zetsu. "Sasori and Deidara... both eliminated?" His voice was low but carried the weight of authority, reverberating through the room.

Konan's pale eyes flickered with concern. "It appears so. The intruders were far stronger than anticipated. We underestimated them."

Tobi let out a soft chuckle, but it was strained. "Stronger? That... isn't supposed to happen. Two of our best operatives, gone? How?"

Hidan slammed his fist into the table, furious. "That's impossible! Sasori and Deidara wouldn't lose to anyone, not even Konoha trash!"

Kakuzu's calculating gaze swept across the room. "Clearly, we misjudged. These intruders, this Naruto and... this Sakura, they are far beyond what intelligence had projected. Their capabilities surpass even our expectations of high-level Jonin."

Itachi, standing quietly in the corner, spoke, his voice calm yet sharp. "I warned you. The Konoha shinobi we faced are not ordinary. Their strength is... unusual." His single visible eye reflected a flicker of unease, the rare acknowledgment that their opponents had pushed the Akatsuki to an unprecedented setback. Deidara's clay bird remained shattered in mid-air when Zetsu reported its destruction. Sasori's puppet Hiruko lay in ruins. The knowledge of their deaths had rippled quickly through the organization.

Pain's expression remained stoic, but the edge in his voice betrayed a slight irritation. "We will need to reassess our strategy. Losing operatives of that caliber is unacceptable."

Konan folded her arms, her voice quiet but firm. "They were not merely operatives. Their coordination, power, and knowledge of our techniques... it was surgical. Whoever they are, they are prepared for us."

Tobi's playful tone dropped into something sharper, more serious. "So, the rumors are true. There's more than just brute force. There's intelligence, speed, and... mastery of techniques. Naruto and Sakura, was it?"

Kakuzu's dark eyes gleamed with calculation. "It seems we have underestimated the consequences of their growth during training. They have evolved far beyond the normal trajectories we expected for shinobi their age."

Hidan slammed the table again, more in frustration than shock. "I don't care how strong they are. If they're that dangerous, we'll just have to adjust. But mark my words, next time we won't fail!"

Pain's gaze swept the room like a blade. "Next time, we must ensure there is no chance for error. These two... Naruto and Sakura... must be dealt with decisively. Their current strength cannot be ignored, nor underestimated again."

Itachi's voice, quiet but piercing, cut through the murmurs. "Do not underestimate them again. They are no longer the children we once knew. They fight with precision, with cooperation... and with a resolve that borders on absolute."

Zetsu's dual faces swirled, the whispering echoing through the chamber. "The balance has shifted. Sakura's chakra alone... it rivals even the most dangerous among us. Their potential must be watched closely. They are no longer mere shinobi, they are catalysts." The Akatsuki members exchanged uneasy glances. Even among themselves, the weight of the loss, their pride and tactical advantage, had been shattered. For the first time in years, they felt the sting of vulnerability.

Pain raised a hand, silencing the room. "We have lost today, yes. But this is not the end. The world is still ours to reshape. Prepare yourselves. Observe them. Learn. Next time, we will strike with precision, and we will not fail."

Konan's eyes hardened. "We will not be caught off-guard again. Not by Naruto. Not by Sakura. Not by anyone." As the Akatsuki sat in tense silence, the shadow of defeat lingered. For the first time, they realized that these shinobi, the young but extraordinarily powerful Naruto and Sakura, were not merely threats to a single mission or a single Jinchūriki. They were a storm, coming fast, and nothing would ever be the same.

The sun dipped low over Sunagakure, painting the desert horizon in hues of amber and violet. After the chaos of battle and the resurrection of Gaara, the village seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Exhaustion weighed heavily on everyone, but Gaara and Kankurō insisted they stay the night to recover properly. Sakura, ever attentive and protective, nodded with quiet resolve. "Of course. I'll make sure everyone has what they need." Her words carried authority; her calm, precise nature gave reassurance to Naruto, Kakashi, Guy, Neji, Lee, and Tenten. Despite the long day, there was a faint lift in the group's spirits, knowing Sakura's care and vigilance would see them through.

Gaara approached Naruto and Sakura, his stoic expression softened by gratitude. "I would like to invite you both to the Kazekage mansion tonight. It is the least we can do after everything you've done, for me, and for the village."

Before Sakura could respond, Naruto's hand shot out, finding hers. He intertwined his fingers with hers naturally, a grin lighting up his exhausted face. "We'll accept," he said, eyes sparkling with unshakable warmth. "We'd be honored."

Sakura's green eyes met his, calm and unwavering, yet a faint blush brushed her cheeks. "Then we shall go," she replied softly, her long pink hair falling in gentle waves down her back, the violet Byakugō no In glowing faintly on her forehead, a subtle sign of the immense chakra flowing within her even at rest.

Kankurō and Gaara exchanged a glance, both silently noting the unspoken bond forming between the two. "Come," Gaara said at last, gesturing toward the mansion. "The night will give you all the rest you deserve." As they walked through the quiet streets, the soft lanterns cast elongated shadows on the sandy paths. The village, still recovering from recent turmoil, seemed serene and protective, as if it knew these heroes had safeguarded its future. At the gates of the Kazekage mansion, the doors opened in welcome. The warm light spilled out, inviting them in. Naruto and Sakura stepped inside, hands still intertwined, while Kakashi, Guy, Neji, Lee, and Tenten followed closely behind. For the first time in what felt like ages, the group allowed themselves to relax, the weight of battle easing in the quiet sanctuary of the mansion. Sakura released a small, satisfied sigh as she looked at her team, their forms finally at ease. Tonight, they would rest. Tomorrow, challenges awaited, but for now, there was peace.

The desert night hummed with a stillness that felt almost electric. The sand cooled under the stars, the air sharp and dry, carrying the faintest breeze that teased Sakura's pink hair across her face. She sat cross-legged on a dune, staring at the endless horizon. Naruto dropped down beside her, close, closer than usual. His shoulder brushed hers, and the warmth of it sent a shiver down her arm. "You always look at the horizon like it's got all the answers," he said, grinning softly.

Sakura turned her head, lips parting to retort, but froze when she found his eyes already on her. Not the goofy grin she'd grown up with, but something steadier, deeper, like he was really seeing her. Her pulse spiked. "And you," she whispered, voice almost breaking, "look at me like you've already found yours."

Naruto blinked, startled, and then smiled, something tender curling across his face. Slowly, like he was afraid she'd bolt, his fingers brushed against hers in the sand. Sakura's breath caught. She didn't move away. Instead, she threaded her fingers through his, her hand trembling. The air thickened. Their gazes tangled, unspoken words pressing between them. Naruto leaned in, his nose barely grazing hers, his breath warm against her lips. "Sakura..."

Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her lips quivering as they hovered a heartbeat away from his. "Stop talking," she whispered, and closed the gap. Their lips crashed together, hungry, heated, fueled by years of tension and the reckless fire of fifteen. Sakura's hand slid into his hair, pulling him closer, and Naruto groaned softly against her mouth, the sound low and desperate. His arms wound around her waist, yanking her flush against him as the kiss deepened, turned feverish, like neither could get close enough. Sakura gasped into his mouth as he pressed his lips to hers harder, her hands tightening in his hair. Her pulse thundered, her body burning from the contact. It wasn't just a kiss anymore, it was a storm breaking, an almost make-out just past the edge of control.

From the Kazekage's mansion, two pairs of eyes widened at the sight from an open window. Gaara froze, blood rushing to his face. His expression faltered, somewhere between stunned, embarrassed, and... something darker. His lips parted, his throat dry, and a faint streak of blood slipped from his nose. Kankurō's jaw dropped. "Holy-" He slapped a hand over his mouth, stifling his shout, his cheeks blazing crimson. His nose trickled too, and he wiped it furiously, muttering under his breath. "That damn knucklehead...he really...he actually-" Gaara, still rooted, looked away sharply, crimson dusting his ears. His chest tightened with something sharp, a flicker of jealousy he didn't want to name. The pink-haired kunoichi who had saved his life, fierce, luminous, was Naruto's. Not his. Not anyone's but his friends. He clenched his fist, trying to swallow the feeling, but it lingered. Kankurō groaned, dragging his hand down his face. "Lucky bastard," he muttered under his breath, though his blush only deepened.

Outside, the kiss lingered until Sakura finally pulled back, gasping, her lips swollen, her breath ragged. She pressed her forehead against Naruto's, trembling. Naruto grinned, dazed and flushed. "Wow." But before she could respond, the sound of footsteps crunching sand froze them both. Neji emerged from the shadows, pale eyes locking onto them in an instant. He froze mid-step, and for a second, his usually composed face crumbled into shock. His gaze lingered a fraction too long on Sakura's flushed cheeks, her swollen lips, her hair tangled from Naruto's hands. His ears went scarlet, and in the next heartbeat, a hot blush consumed his entire face.

A sharp drip escaped his nose, and Neji's eyes widened. He swiped it away with lightning speed, but the damage was done. His throat bobbed. "I-I was patrolling the perimeter," he stammered, his voice uncharacteristically strained, "continue... whatever it is you were doing." Then he spun on his heel so fast it nearly looked like a retreat. As he stormed off, another streak of blood threatened, and he swiped it away in frustration.

Naruto blinked. "...Did Neji just-?"

Sakura slapped her hands over her face, mortified. "Don't."

"Oh no, I'm saying it," Naruto snorted, trying not to burst into full-on laughter. "Hyūga prodigy got a nosebleed. Watching us!"

Sakura groaned, shoving her red face into his chest. "Shut up, Naruto!"

He laughed harder, wrapping his arms around her as she buried herself against him. "You're so cute when you hide like that," he teased, kissing the top of her head.

"You're insufferable," she mumbled into his shirt, but her arms tightened around his waist all the same.

Naruto grinned down at her, his cheek resting against her hair. "Yeah, maybe. But looks like you're stuck with me anyway." And as she sighed into his chest, her heart still hammering, Sakura couldn't bring herself to disagree.

The next morning came softly, the first golden light spilling over the rooftops of Sunagakure. The desert wind was gentle, carrying with it the warmth of a new day. Outside the Kazekage's residence, the two squads from Konoha gathered, their travel gear already strapped in place.

Gaara, Temari, and Kankurō stood waiting, their usual composure softened by the gratitude in their eyes.

"Your presence here," Gaara said in his calm, even voice, "was more than just a mission. It was a bond between our villages. You saved me... and for that, I owe you my life." His green eyes flicked briefly toward Sakura and Naruto, lingering longer than his words suggested.

Temari stepped forward, her tone steadier but warmer. "We may not say it much, but thank you. For standing with us when we needed it most." She gave a faint smile, her eyes settling on Shikamaru's absence, as though silently noting she'd thank him later too.

Kankurō crossed his arms, trying to appear casual, but the way his jaw tightened betrayed something heavier. "I'll just say it outright, Naruto, Sakura, you two are monsters. In a good way. What you did against those Akatsuki... I didn't think it was possible." His gaze flickered to Sakura, then to Naruto, and back again. "You've got my respect. Both of you."

Naruto grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Heh, don't sweat it! You're our friends, and Gaara's my brother, y'know? No way we'd let you down."

Sakura bowed politely, her voice softer but no less firm. "We'd do it again. Every time."

For a moment, silence lingered, heavy with unspoken words. Then Gaara stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Naruto. "I will not forget this bond. Not now, not ever. You and Sakura... you showed me that bonds are strength." His gaze flicked, just barely, toward Sakura again before he stepped back into place.

Kakashi finally spoke, his tone light but carrying quiet authority. "We should get moving. The journey back isn't short, and the sooner we return, the sooner we can prepare for what's ahead."

Guy, standing tall beside him, gave a booming laugh. "Yosh! But let us never forget the flames of youthful bonds that were forged here! The Sand and the Leaf together, unyielding in spirit!"

Lee threw a fist into the air, echoing, "Unyielding in spirit!" while Tenten rolled her eyes fondly. Neji gave a small nod, his usual stoic face calm, though his pale eyes shifted once toward Sakura before he turned away.

With farewells exchanged, the two teams began their trek out of Suna. Naruto turned once more to wave, his grin wide. "We'll see you again soon! Believe it!"

Sakura lingered a moment longer, her green eyes meeting Gaara's. She inclined her head, a silent promise that she would always stand ready if he ever called.

As the squads disappeared into the desert horizon, the Sand siblings stood side by side, the morning sun bathing them in light. Temari exhaled slowly, her arms crossing. "They're something else, aren't they?"

"...They are," Gaara murmured, his expression unreadable. But his hand curled slightly at his side, as though holding onto the warmth of the bond they had just reaffirmed. The desert stretched endlessly behind them as the Leaf shinobi made their way home. Morning had burned into afternoon, the sun high overhead, and though the sands were hot, the mood among the group carried its own warmth. Naruto and Sakura walked side by side near the front, their arms brushing every so often, each accidental touch lingering just a little longer than necessary. Naruto would sneak glances at her, grinning like he knew a secret, while Sakura pretended not to notice, cheeks faintly pink whenever his blue eyes caught hers. Trailing a short distance behind, Kakashi and Guy walked in near-unison. Kakashi's single visible eye kept drifting forward, watching the two teens with quiet scrutiny. Guy, on the other hand, was anything but subtle, his arms crossed, his brows furrowed in a "stern father" look he probably thought was intimidating.

"They're getting closer," Kakashi said blandly, as if commenting on the weather.

Guy made a noise somewhere between a groan and a sigh. "The flames of youth are strong in them... but too strong, perhaps! I must ensure they do not burn recklessly!"

"Mm," Kakashi hummed, turning a page in his book without looking down. "Parental instincts kicking in, Guy?"

Guy puffed out his chest. "Protective instincts of a mentor! I will not allow any youthful passion to distract them from the path of greatness!"

Kakashi didn't look up. "Right. Mentor." But the way his eye softened betrayed the same quiet protectiveness.

Further back, Neji's usually calm face was a little tighter than normal. His pale eyes had an almost unfocused quality, as if remembering something against his will. The image of Sakura and Naruto under the stars, so close, lips locked in what had nearly become a full make-out, flashed across his mind. His stoic façade cracked for half a second, a faint pink dusting his cheeks. He quickly turned his gaze away, scolding himself internally. It's none of my business. None at all. But his fingers twitched, and he let out a small breath, hoping no one noticed the heat in his face. Beside him, Lee bounded with endless energy, completely oblivious. "Tenten! If we race across this ridge, I wager I can make it to the highest rock before you blink!"

Tenten groaned. "Lee, if I have to remind you one more time, we're on a long march back to the village. No racing, no backflips, no-"

But Lee was already mid-cartwheel down a slope. "For the spirit of youth knows no fatigue!"

Tenten dragged a hand down her face. "I swear, traveling with you is worse than carrying three packs of shuriken. At least those don't yell about 'youth' every three steps."

"Your complaints only fuel my determination, Tenten!" Lee called proudly, striking a pose that had the sun gleaming dramatically behind him.

"Unbelievable," she muttered, though the corner of her lips twitched upward, betraying her fondness for him.

Meanwhile, Naruto leaned closer to Sakura, whispering, "You think Kakashi-sensei and Bushy Brows' sensei are, like... glaring holes into our backs?"

Sakura glanced over her shoulder just long enough to catch Guy's overprotective scowl and Kakashi's deceptively calm watchfulness. She flushed and quickly looked away. "...Maybe a little."

Naruto smirked. "Guess they know their little princess is growing up."

Her fist lightly smacked his arm, her cheeks puffing as she glared. "Don't call me that." But the way she tucked herself just a little closer to his side afterward made him grin even wider.

The gates of Konoha loomed tall against the late afternoon sky. Izumo Kamizuki leaned against the post of the guard station, eyelids heavy, his head threatening to dip forward. Beside him, Kotetsu Hagane stifled a yawn, rubbing the back of his neck. "Another twelve-hour shift," Kotetsu muttered. "If I don't get ramen after this, I'm quitting."

Izumo smirked faintly. "You've been saying that for years." Before either could sink deeper into their fatigue, the ground trembled beneath their feet. At first, it was subtle, a faint vibration rattling their weapons rack. But within moments, it grew into a steady quake. Izumo's eyes widened. "...Earthquake?"

Kotetsu peered out past the gates. "No. Worse." A green blur barreled into view, dust cloud trailing in its wake. At its center was none other than Might Guy, sprinting at full speed, his teeth gleaming in a blinding smile. On his back, lounging as though it were the most natural thing in the world, was Kakashi Hatake, calmly reading his book.

"I AM FIRST PLACE!" Guy roared triumphantly, surging through the gates like a conquering hero. Izumo and Kotetsu nearly toppled over from the gust of wind left in his wake.

Moments later, another blur tore through the road. Rock Lee skidded to a halt, hands on his knees, panting but beaming with pride. "Second... I made it second!"

Guy turned mid-stride, his finger pointing skyward as he declared: "No, my eternal protégé! You are THIRD! For Kakashi, being carried upon my glorious back, is SECOND!"

Lee froze. His lower lip trembled. His wide eyes brimmed with tears. "G-Gai-sensei...!" he wailed, overwhelmed, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clasped his fists in emotional agony. Izumo and Kotetsu just stared, utterly dumbfounded.

"...Every time," Izumo muttered, rubbing his temple.

"...And people wonder why we drink," Kotetsu added under his breath. Not far behind, the rest of the group finally caught up, Naruto laughing so hard he nearly doubled over, Sakura shaking her head in disbelief, Tenten covering her face with her hand, and Neji looking like he'd just aged ten years.

"Unbelievable," Tenten groaned. "How do they always have this much energy after traveling for days?"

Naruto grinned, eyes sparkling. "I dunno, but you gotta admit, this village wouldn't be the same without those two." Sakura sighed, but her lips curved faintly upward. Even Neji allowed the barest twitch of a smirk, though he quickly buried it beneath his usual stoicism. Guy continued his triumphant jog into the village, Lee trailing after him with tearful determination, and Kakashi, still lazily perched on his teammate's back, turned one page of his book without missing a beat.

Sakura sprinted onto the balcony, the cool morning breeze tugging at her long pink hair, and found Tsunade and Shizune already on the veranda. Naruto followed a few steps behind, still catching his breath. "Sasori's last words," Sakura began, her voice calm yet urgent, "one of his spies, working for Orochimaru, is supposed to meet him six days from now at the Tenchi Bridge in Kusagakure."

Tsunade frowned, considering the information. "Sasori's final words could be a trap. Using Orochimaru's name is a perfect way for the Akatsuki to bait someone into walking right into their hands."

Sakura shook her head, eyes steady. "We can handle it. Any Akatsuki member that shows up, we will defeat. We have to stop this."

Tsunade nodded slowly. "I approve the mission. But Kakashi... he's not fit for field duty right now. So you must find a third person."

Naruto tilted his head, confused. "Why? He's fine, isn't he?"

Shizune interjected, "He looks fine, but he's not. After everything with the Akatsuki and the chaos surrounding Gaara's capture, Kakashi's mental state is fragile. He's showing signs of shinobi fatigue, Tsunade. If he goes on this mission, he could jeopardize everyone's safety."

Sakura's eyes softened slightly, but her tone remained resolute. "Then we'll adapt. Kakashi can't go, but we'll do this. Naruto and I... we'll handle it."

Tsunade's expression turned serious. "Exactly. Both of you are driven by a need to save Sasuke, to the point that you'd give your lives for him. That determination... that focus... sets you apart. You're the only ones I trust for this mission, but three are required for a mission of this caliber."

Shizune bit her lip. "But... what about Naruto? Shouldn't he-"

Tsunade cut her off gently. "Shizune, Naruto would insist on coming anyway. You saw how determined he was the entire time in Suna. If you were honest, what would he say if he overheard this conversation?"

At that moment, Naruto stepped onto the balcony, hands on his hips, having overheard every word. "I'll find a new teammate if we need one," he announced confidently, eyes gleaming. "But Sakura and I are going. We're doing this together."

Sakura shot him a small, approving smile. "Then we're ready."

Tsunade exhaled, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Good. But remember, the mission isn't just about brute strength. You have to think strategically. And Naruto... watch out for your impulsiveness."

Naruto grinned, giving her a thumbs-up. "Don't worry, Granny! I've got this."

Sakura placed a hand on his shoulder, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "We'll be fine. We have to be." From the shadows of the balcony, Kakashi's empty gaze lingered for a moment, his mind still processing the fatigue and weight of the previous battles. He could only nod silently, trusting that the two younger shinobi, Sakura and Naruto, would succeed where even he might falter.

Naruto wandered through the village streets, hands shoved into his pockets, his mind racing. 'Alright, so I need a teammate. Someone strong enough not to hold us back... someone I can trust... but not so attractive that Sakura gets distracted.' He muttered the last part under his breath, frowning slightly. "No way am I risking that," he added with conviction.

"Sounds... very thoughtful," a calm voice replied from nearby.

Naruto turned sharply. "Huh? Who said that?"

A figure stepped out from behind a wall, arms crossed and antennae twitching. "It's been a while since we last met," Shino said dryly, eyes narrowing under his shades.

Naruto blinked. "You look... different. Wait... who are you again?"

Shino's expression hardened. "Friends shouldn't forget one another. We've trained together, fought together, and you don't even recognize me?"

"Uh... sorry," Naruto said sheepishly. "You just look... uh... well, different, that's all."

Shino's gaze bored into him, unimpressed. "Different or not, you should remember." Before Naruto could respond, a sudden whoosh overhead drew his attention. Kiba landed on Shino with a thump, his large companion Akamaru trotting beside him. The white-furred dog had grown significantly, large enough that Kiba could sit comfortably on his back.

"Oi! Kiba!" Naruto shouted, relief flooding his face. "And Akamaru! Long time no see!"

Shino groaned in exasperation. "Unbelievable. You remembered them instantly but not me?"

Naruto waved dismissively. "Hey, I've got priorities! Come on, Kiba! You in for a mission? Sakura and I need a teammate!"

Kiba shook his head, holding Akamaru steady. "Team 8's already on assignment. We're just waiting for Kurenai to get here." Naruto scratched his head, glancing around. That's when he spotted her, Hinata, standing quietly behind a corner, her hands nervously clutching her sleeves.

He jogged over, grinning. "Hey, Hinata! You coming with me?" The moment she saw him, her knees buckled. Thunk! She collapsed, and Naruto caught her before she hit the ground. "H-Hinata? Are you okay?" he asked, a little flustered at how fragile she seemed.

Hinata's face was red as a tomato. "I... I'm fine..." she stammered, her voice barely audible.

Naruto turned to Shino, raising an eyebrow. "Hey, maybe you can help? Akamaru's huge now, he counts as a teammate in a pinch, right?"

Shino folded his arms. "So you just recognized Hinata, but you still have no respect for me?" he muttered, a hint of irritation in his tone.

"Oi, that's different!" Naruto protested, pointing at Hinata. "I can't leave her behind!" He knelt in front of Hinata, his tone softening. "Hinata... come with me. Leave your team for this mission. We need your help." Hinata froze, her wide eyes fixed on him. She felt heat rush to her cheeks as her heart pounded in her chest. She tried to answer, but her body betrayed her, thump! she fainted once again. Naruto groaned, holding her carefully. "Hinata... you're making this really hard!"

Shino sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Honestly... you're impossible."

Naruto looked at him with a mischievous grin. "You'll get used to it. Anyway, come on! Let's get moving before she faints again!" Akamaru barked in agreement, and Kiba gave a small nod, resigned. Naruto scooped Hinata up gently, determined to make her part of their team, while Shino followed with a half-sigh and a half-smile.

Naruto scratched the back of his head, frustration flickering in his amber eyes. Alright, if I can't get Kiba or Hinata on board, maybe Shikamaru would help... He started jogging toward the usual training grounds, thinking of the tactical genius.

As he rounded a corner, he spotted Shikamaru, looking as perpetually unbothered as ever, though a stack of papers and scrolls clutched under his arm gave him a slightly harried look.

"Shikamaru!" Naruto called, waving energetically.

Shikamaru glanced up, sighing. "Naruto. I was hoping I'd get a quiet day for once. What's up?"

"I need your help for a mission!" Naruto blurted out, a mix of urgency and determination in his voice.

Shikamaru's eyes narrowed. "You do realize I've been assigned to oversee the Chūnin Exams, right? You're... really asking a lot here."

Before Naruto could respond, a cheerful voice interrupted. "Naruto! Long time no see!"

Chōji came bounding up, a large lunch box tucked under his arm. He looked just as round and cheerful as ever. "I brought Shikamaru's lunch. And hey! I'll come with you on your mission! Who cares about the mission with Asuma and Ino, right?"

Naruto grinned. "Perfect! You're in!"

Chōji puffed out his chest proudly, flexing his arm in his usual dramatic fashion. "I've gotten even stronger since last time, too!"

Naruto's eyes twitched slightly. "Uh... you've definitely... gained a little weight."

Shikamaru groaned. "Of course he had to say that," and tackled Naruto in a flurry of motion, pinning him to the ground. "You idiot!"

At that exact moment, a strange, black inky beast erupted from the shadows, charging at the trio with teeth bared and claws extended.

Chōji's eyes widened. "What the heck is that?!"

"Stay back!" Naruto shouted, scrambling to his feet. Chōji, without hesitation, extended his left arm like a cannon, smashing the ink beast into pieces with a single, powerful strike. The inky residue dissolved harmlessly into the ground.

From a distance, a figure crouched in the shadows, watching with keen, calculating eyes. Sai.

Shikamaru's face hardened. "I've got him." He slashed his hand through the air, using Shadow Imitation Technique to pin Sai in place. "Naruto. Handle this."

Naruto charged forward, rasengan already forming in his palm. Before he could reach Sai, six more ink beasts shot toward him, sculpted in terrifying, serpentine forms.

Naruto's eyes narrowed. Great, more of these things...

He darted around them, weaving in mid-air and hitting the beasts with precise kunai throws. Shikamaru's shadows sprang forth, using Shadow Sewing Technique to pierce the beasts at key joints, letting Naruto have clear paths to attack.

Naruto lunged for Sai, kunai aimed for his chest. Sai sidestepped and blocked with his sword, smirking.

"You're weak. You don't even have any balls," Sai taunted.

Naruto's eyes blazed. "You wanna say that again?" His voice was low, dangerous. He lunged again, faster this time, but Sai leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding Shikamaru's shadow nets as well.

"Who are you, really?!" Naruto demanded, breathing heavily.

Sai's lips curved into a sly grin. "You'll find out soon enough." In an instant, Sai vanished, leaving a cloud of ink mist swirling where he had stood.

Meanwhile, back at Konoha headquarters, Tsunade stood before a gathered assembly of Anbu captains. "I need someone to temporarily take Kakashi's place for this mission," she said firmly. "He will be in the hospital for the next week, recovering from a severe mission injury."

She turned her gaze toward one of the captains. "Step forward."

The man moved forward silently, removing his mask. "I am...?"

"You will be called Yamato for this mission," Tsunade declared. "Your task is not only to monitor Naruto but also to keep an eye on the individual selected by Danzō as a replacement for Sasuke. Root was disbanded officially years ago, but there's reason to believe Danzō is still connected. His candidate is tied to Root, and we cannot allow any surprises."

Yamato nodded solemnly. "Understood."

Tsunade continued, her voice firm and sharp. "This is crucial. Keep tabs on him and make sure the mission is not compromised. We leave no room for error." Yamato's expression was calm but determined as he accepted his orders, ready to step into the dangerous role Tsunade had entrusted him with.

Naruto and Sakura arrived at the meeting point Tsunade had designated. Naruto's usual grin was there, but a spark of excitement made it sharper. "Two new teammates, huh? This is gonna be awesome!" Sakura walked beside him, calm and deliberate. Her long pink hair flowed behind her, the violet seal of Byakugō no In on her forehead catching the sunlight, highlighting her poised, commanding presence. She didn't share Naruto's excitement, she never had to. Her green eyes scanned every corner, calculating, assessing, anticipating. She understood exactly why new teammates were being added, and she accepted the necessity without fanfare. That understanding, however, didn't extend to Naruto's reaction when he saw Sai. His grin faltered, replaced by a flush of rage. "Sai? He's replacing Sasuke?!"

Yamato stepped forward, hands raised in a calm, pacifying gesture. "Naruto, wait...let's-"

"I can't!" Naruto exploded. "That guy attacked me earlier with Team 10! There's no way I can accept him as a teammate!"

Sai's expression didn't change. His voice was cold, flat, detached. "It was only a test of your strength. I've determined... you are weak."

Naruto's fists clenched, eyes blazing. He lunged at Sai, but Sakura's hand pressed firmly against his chest, stopping him with ease. "Naruto," she said, voice calm but razor-sharp, each word cutting through the tension like a scalpel, "control yourself. He's baiting you. Don't give him the satisfaction."

Sai's head tilted slightly, his blank gaze landing on her. "I like everyone," he added casually, "even... ugly girls."

Both Naruto and Yamato froze. Naruto's jaw dropped. "U-ugly?! Look at her! How can you even say that?" Sakura's green eyes swept over Sai slowly, deliberately, like a predator appraising something beneath her notice. She didn't shout. She didn't even raise her voice. Every inch of her posture radiated control, her shoulders squared, chin lifted, hands relaxed but ready, the faintest shift in her stance implying lethal precision.

"I'm not impressed," she said, each word measured, deliberate, heavy with authority. Her tone was calm, almost bored, but underneath it thrummed a quiet, lethal intensity. "Insults don't earn respect here. Overestimating yourself while underestimating others, especially me, is a mistake you won't recover from." She stepped forward just slightly, not enough to crowd him, but enough to assert dominance, her shadow falling across Sai in a way that made him instinctively step back. Her eyes never wavered from his; her expression held that perfect balance of scrutiny and dismissal. "You might want to remember that," she continued softly, her voice icy and smooth, yet carrying the weight of someone who could dismantle him in seconds without lifting a finger. "I don't tolerate insolence. I don't tolerate weakness. And I certainly don't tolerate fools who mistake observation for insight."

Yamato's eyes flicked between the two, realizing fully that this kunoichi didn't need to raise her voice or strike a pose to dominate a room. Naruto, fists still trembling, took a deep breath, forced himself to relax, and finally let his arms fall to his sides. Even he couldn't ignore the sheer presence Sakura radiated. Sai opened his mouth, but she interrupted before he could speak, a small, deliberate tilt of her head signaling his words were irrelevant. Her silence, controlled and deliberate, spoke louder than any rebuke. He knew instinctively: she had no tolerance for braggarts, for fools, or for those who thought flattery, or casual insults, could sway her. And in that moment, standing tall and unwavering, Sakura made it abundantly clear: Sai's judgment of others mattered less than the air around her, because she alone defined the space she occupied, and he had just realized, far too late, that he had no place in it.

As the team settled into a loose circle, the air heavy with unspoken tension from Sai's arrival, Yamato cleared his throat. His voice was steady, controlled. "Your mission is to apprehend Sasori's spy at the Tenchi Bridge in Kusagakure. If successful, this will give us a chance to assassinate Orochimaru and, potentially..." he let the weight of the next words linger, "...retrieve Uchiha Sasuke."

Naruto's head snapped up at the name, his fists clenching instinctively. A flicker of raw hope and desperation crossed his face. Beside him, Sakura's expression didn't shift as drastically, her composure was far colder, her green eyes narrowing in measured calculation. but the name struck her just as deeply. Her gaze slid sideways, catching Naruto's. He was trembling with restrained emotion, the fight with Sai already forgotten. "Don't lose your focus," she said softly, but there was an edge of iron under the calm. Her long pink hair shifted as she angled herself toward him, her violet seal glinting against the light. "This mission isn't about reckless promises. If we're going to face Orochimaru... we go in clear-headed. Otherwise, Sasuke is already lost."

Naruto blinked at her, swallowing hard. For a moment, his hotheadedness faltered under the weight of her words. She wasn't scolding him, not really, she was grounding him. Reminding him of the weight of what they were about to do. "I know," he muttered, voice low, but fierce. "I'm not gonna mess this up. I won't let him stay with that bastard."

Sakura's lips pressed into the faintest of lines, not quite a smile, not quite disapproval. She reached out and pressed her hand briefly against his wrist, firm and deliberate. "Good. Then let's make sure neither of us falters." The brief contact said more than a thousand words, her cold, protective strength anchoring his fiery determination. For the first time since the briefing began, Naruto drew in a steadier breath.

Yamato, watching the exchange out of the corner of his eye, recognized the unspoken trust between them but continued evenly, "You have one hour to gather your belongings. Meet me at the village gates. Dismissed." Naruto exhaled, squaring his shoulders, the fire in his eyes steadier now. And Sakura, precise and unreadable to anyone else but Naruto, let her hand fall away, her expression returning to that cold resolve. The two of them walked side by side through the quiet streets of Konoha, the late afternoon light spilling gold over rooftops and stretching their shadows across the cobblestone road. The usual chatter of the village felt distant, muffled, as though the weight of Yamato's words had pressed the world into silence. Neither spoke. Their footsteps were the only sound, measured and deliberate, carrying them forward while their thoughts trailed behind in the briefing room.

Finally, Sakura broke the silence. Her voice was calm, but her words carried a thread of something deeper, memory, ache, and quiet reflection. "That boy... Sai. He reminds me of Sasuke."

Naruto stopped mid-step, the heat rushing to his face. His fists clenched tight at his sides. "Tch, no way. Don't even compare them." His voice cracked with anger, but beneath it was pain. "Sasuke's a million times better than that fake could ever be." The rawness of his feelings spilled out unchecked, so fierce it almost sounded like a plea. Sakura turned her head slightly, her green eyes catching his profile. Her expression was composed, the cold edge of her usual precision intact, but something softened in her gaze. A warmth that belonged only to him.

Her tone gentled, steady and protective. "Naruto... don't waste your breath on comparisons. I know Sai isn't Sasuke, and he never will be. But you and I?" she lifted her hand to touch her chest lightly, her fingers brushing the place where her heartbeat quickened, then pointed toward him, her gesture delicate but resolute, "we're strong. Strong enough to take on whatever's ahead of us. Together." The words lingered in the air like a vow. For a moment, the shadows seemed to lift, and Naruto's wild storm of emotions quieted under her certainty. He blinked at her, startled by her conviction. His eyes widened, then softened, as though her belief in him was the one thing in the world that could steady his fire. Without another word, Sakura stepped closer. Her arms slipped around him, pulling him into a grounding embrace. She held him firmly, not fleetingly, her head resting briefly against his shoulder. It wasn't just comfort, it was a shield, a silent declaration that she would always stand at his side, that she believed in him more than anyone else ever could.

Naruto froze at first, stunned by the closeness, his heart thundering in his chest. Then slowly, almost cautiously, he let his eyes close. The warmth of her arms washed through him, cutting through the turbulence of his anger and grief. His lips curved faintly into a smile, fragile but real. Sakura's hold lingered, unwilling to let go just yet. She had lost people before, she had seen bonds torn apart, but Naruto was different. He was everything, her anchor, her hope, her heart. She loved him with every fiber of her being, with a devotion she no longer tried to hide from herself. And in that embrace, she gave him a piece of her strength. When she finally pulled back, he was still smiling faintly. His blue eyes, so full of pain and hope both, met hers, and something unspoken passed between them. Naruto leaned down, closing the space, and pressed his lips to her forehead in a gentle kiss. It was tender, reverent, like the sealing of a vow he had carried since childhood. His voice was low but unwavering when he spoke. "We'll bring him back. I swear it."

Sakura's breath caught, her lashes lowering for a heartbeat before she met his gaze again. Her expression shifted back to composed calm, but her eyes glowed with love and conviction. "Then let's be ready," she said, her voice precise, firm, the words layered with all the faith she had in him. For him, she would stay strong. For him, she would never falter. They split paths soon after, the silence between them now charged with something stronger than words. Naruto walked toward his apartment, his steps lighter, steadier. In his chest, her embrace still lingered, and the warmth of her belief wrapped around his determination like armor. Sakura moved toward her own home, her hair flowing behind her in the waning light, her heart full and steady. She loved him, with all that she was, with every ounce of her strength, and she knew, without a shadow of doubt, that Naruto would carry them both forward. Together, they would face whatever awaited them.

Sakura's room was bathed in the warm glow of sunset. Her pack lay open on her bed, items neatly organized, scrolls, medical supplies, sealing tags, chakra pills. She moved with precision, every placement deliberate. But as her hand hovered over the last strap, she paused, staring out the window. The sky was streaked in gold and violet, the horizon burning with light. And in that stillness, her thoughts slipped free. "I believe in you, Naruto," she whispered, her voice tender, meant for no one but herself. Her green eyes softened, filling with the warmth she guarded so carefully in front of others. "I believe in us... in the bond Team 7 built before Sasuke left. You've carried all of us on your back, even when it hurt, even when you were alone. You've never once let go." Her hand tightened on the strap of her pack, her composure faltering just enough for her love to shine through. "And I... I love you with all my heart. I'll stay by you through everything, no matter how hard the road gets. I'll never turn away."

But the truth weighed on her chest, heavy and bitter. "Sasuke..." she murmured, her eyes flickering with conflict. "I don't know how far you'll go for revenge against Itachi. I don't know if there's even a line you wouldn't cross anymore." Her gaze dropped to her hands, steady but trembling faintly at the edges. "But even if you've chosen darkness, Naruto will never give up on you. And I'll never give up on Naruto." She closed her pack with quiet finality. Her decision was made long ago, her path bound not by doubt, but by love and belief in the one boy who had never once let her down.

Far beyond the quiet calm of Konoha, deep within the damp corridors of his underground lair, Orochimaru sat coiled in his throne of stone. The air was thick with the musk of earth and snakes, shadows stretching long beneath the dim torchlight. His golden eyes gleamed with a predatory hunger as Kabuto's voice droned beside him, efficient and exact. "Reports confirm it," Kabuto said, adjusting his glasses with a glint. "The jinchūriki and the Haruno girl fought side by side against Akatsuki operatives Sasori and Deidara. They did not just survive, they won. Together."

Orochimaru's lips curved slowly into a chilling smile, his voice a silken hiss that filled the chamber. "How fascinating..." He leaned forward slightly, tongue flicking across his lips with serpentine relish. "The little flower blooms brighter than anyone expected. Stronger... more resilient... her chakra refined into something dangerous."

His voice dropped to a near whisper, intimate and sinister. "Yes... she will do nicely. I think I shall give her a gift. A curse mark to draw out the darkness in that blooming power. A crimson flower, tainted in shadow... a beauty remade in my image."

Kabuto tilted his head, studying him carefully. "Do you truly believe she could withstand it? Many would break under the strain."

Orochimaru chuckled low, the sound reverberating like a snake's hiss through the cavern. "That's what makes it so delicious, Kabuto. She won't break. She'll fight. She'll struggle. And when she finally succumbs... the results will be exquisite."

Kabuto's smirk was small but calculating. "And Naruto Uzumaki? He won't allow such a thing. His attachment to her is, obvious."

"That," Orochimaru replied with a flash of his tongue, "makes her all the more perfect. She is his strength, Kabuto. His anchor. And if I corrupt that anchor..." His voice twisted into something darker, almost gleeful. "...the jinchūriki will drown in despair." The torches crackled.

From the far end of the cavern, a third voice spoke, cold, sharp, and utterly detached. "Pathetic," Sasuke said, his back pressed against the wall, arms crossed, face half-hidden in shadow. His black eyes glinted, Sharingan dormant but simmering beneath the surface. "You waste your time with games. Sakura isn't worth it."

Orochimaru turned his golden gaze toward him, unoffended by the scorn. "Ah... and yet, your voice betrays you, Sasuke-kun. You know her strength. You've seen it."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "She's irrelevant. She couldn't stop me then. She won't stop me now. My only goal is Itachi." But Kabuto caught the faintest flicker of hesitation in the Uchiha's eyes, the tiniest crack in his mask when Sakura's name was spoken. Kabuto said nothing, but a thin, knowing smile tugged at the edge of his lips as he adjusted his glasses again.

Orochimaru leaned back, the shadows deepening across his pale features, his grin stretching wider. "Irrelevant, you say? Then you won't mind when I test her... and see how deep her power truly runs. Perhaps she'll even entertain me enough to draw you back into the dance." Sasuke didn't answer. His silence spoke louder than any denial could. The sound of Orochimaru's laughter slithered across the stone, echoing like poison through the hollow cavern. Kabuto's smirk lingered. And Sasuke, eyes shut tight for a brief moment, pressed his back harder against the wall as though burying something deeper than he'd admit.

An hour later, beneath the clear skies of Konoha, the air was lighter but no less charged with anticipation. The village gates rose high and unyielding, their ancient wood a silent witness to countless departures, shinobi who had left with hope, with duty, with fear, or with love. Today would be no different. Naruto and Sakura arrived together, their strides perfectly in sync as though pulled by the same unshakable current. He carried his pack slung carelessly over one shoulder, his usual grin softened into something steadier, tempered by the gravity of their mission. She walked slightly ahead, her back straight, pink hair shimmering in the golden slant of afternoon sun. Every line of her posture radiated quiet discipline, an aura of strength sharpened by belief, not just in herself, but in the boy beside her.

Naruto glanced at her as they approached the gates. She didn't notice, or maybe she did and chose not to reveal it, but he caught the faintest upward curve at the corner of her mouth. It wasn't quite a smile, it was something deeper. Trust. Faith. Love. They locked eyes briefly, and in that look alone, entire conversations passed between them. They were ready. For Sasori's spy. For Orochimaru. For Sasuke. Whatever awaited, they would face it together.

Waiting at the gates stood Yamato, arms folded across his chest. His presence was calm, authoritative, a stone anchoring them to duty. His gaze flickered between the two arriving shinobi, noting silently the quiet, unspoken bond that seemed to pulse between them like chakra itself. Just off to the side lingered Sai, half-shadowed by the gate's massive frame. His sketchbook was tucked loosely under his cloak, fingers idly brushing its spine as though itching to draw. His lips tugged into that faint, mocking smile he seemed to wear so naturally, eyes narrowing with curiosity as they fell on Naruto and Sakura walking shoulder to shoulder. There was something in that closeness that needled him, though whether it was envy, mockery, or something else entirely, not even Sai could say.

Naruto's jaw tightened the instant he noticed him. His grin vanished, replaced by the hard edge of defiance. Sakura felt the shift beside her. She didn't speak, didn't admonish, didn't try to soothe him with words, she didn't need to. Her very presence at his side was enough to steady the rough waves of his spirit. She would not let him fight this battle alone. As the four of them gathered, Yamato's voice carried over the stillness. "You're here. Good. From this point forward, we move as one. Whatever differences exist among us, they stay behind these gates." His tone was flat, but beneath it lay warning and command. The gates creaked open, groaning like ancient guardians giving way. Beyond stretched the open world, forest paths weaving into danger and uncertainty. Yet even as sunlight streamed across the threshold, shadows clung stubbornly to the edges.

Far away, deep in the bowels of his lair, Orochimaru's laughter still echoed. His golden eyes gleamed with hunger at the thought of Sakura, the flower blooming into a warrior far beyond what he once dismissed. Kabuto lingered at his master's side, clinical interest flickering across his expression, already scheming how best to restrain and observe such a specimen. And Sasuke, silent, unreadable, watched them both with cold detachment. The name Sakura whispered in her quiet prayers, the vow Naruto carved into his very soul... he stood already at the heart of the darkness they marched toward, his blade honed for revenge alone.

The shadows of that serpent's laughter seemed to ripple faintly through the breeze as Naruto, Sakura, Yamato, and Sai stepped forward. A storm brewed on the horizon, and though the sun was still shining on Konoha's gates, its warmth felt fleeting. Team Kakashi was assembled. The mission had begun. And somewhere in the gathering dark, Orochimaru's hand reached toward his chosen flower.

The road to the Tenchi Bridge wound long and narrow, shadows of the trees spilling across the dirt path. The silence between the four of them was brittle, a thin thread ready to snap at any second. Naruto walked just behind Yamato, his blue eyes locked in a heated glare at Sai's back. He hadn't spoken in nearly ten minutes, but the weight of his fury was obvious in the way his fists clenched and his shoulders stiffened with each step.

Sai finally broke the silence, his tone deceptively calm. "If you keep glaring at me like that," he said, his hand brushing the cover of his sketchbook, "I might just have to hit you."

Naruto stopped dead in his tracks, his temper igniting like dry kindling. "What was that?!" he snapped, voice rising loud against the quiet forest air. "You think you can threaten me?!"

Yamato turned his head sharply, his voice edged with warning. "That's enough." His expression was calm, but the subtle shift in his tone carried authority. "I would have hoped Kakashi taught you the importance of teamwork. A squad cannot function without trust."

Naruto's jaw clenched. His fists shook at his sides as he spat back, his voice raw with conviction. "He'll never be one of us. The fourth member of Team Kakashi will always be Sasuke. Not some pale, fake stand-in who doesn't understand anything about bonds!"

Sai's lips curved into the faintest mockery of a smile. His voice was flat, clinical, almost cruel. "Then I suppose I should be glad I'm nothing like Sasuke. A traitor has no place in a team, or in this village."

The words struck like venom. Naruto's chakra surged, his body tensing as he lunged forward, fury blazing in his eyes. "You bastard!" But before his fist could fly, Sakura was there. She stepped between them with sharp precision, her hand braced against Naruto's chest, halting him with surprising ease.

Her voice was low, commanding, yet soft enough that Naruto instantly froze. "Stop." Naruto's eyes burned, but he stilled, his chest heaving. Sakura turned her gaze to Sai, her expression unreadable, though the steel in her green eyes was unmistakable. "Forgive him," she said evenly. "Naruto's only acting this way because he doesn't know you yet. You've done nothing to earn his trust." Her words were diplomatic, but her tone carried a warning edge. For the first time, Sai's expression faltered. He blinked, caught off guard. The warmth in her smile was disarming, brief, soft, almost gentle. For a flicker of a moment, his guard lowered. And then her fist connected with his face. The impact thundered through the clearing, sending Sai sprawling across the dirt, skidding through leaves and dust until he rolled to a stop.

Sakura lowered her arm with slow control, her composure never breaking. She stepped forward, her voice calm but laced with venom. "I asked you to forgive Naruto. But I don't care whether you forgive me. Don't underestimate him... and don't underestimate me. Naruto was holding back when he first met you..." her eyes narrowed, "and it was obvious to me from the start." Naruto stared at her, wide-eyed, his anger cooling under the steady heat of her conviction. A faint, proud smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Sai groaned, wiping blood from his mouth as he looked up at her with something that wasn't quite amusement, but not quite disdain either. Sakura's presence lingered above him like a blade, precise and unwavering. "Remember that the next time you think about running your mouth," she finished.

The forest was silent again, save for the rustle of leaves in the wind. Yamato exhaled quietly, relief and caution flickering across his face as he resumed the march. Naruto walked at Sakura's side again, calmer now, a faint grin tugging at his lips. She hadn't just defended him, she'd claimed her place beside him. And deep in the shadows of the path, Orochimaru's unseen laughter seemed to ripple through the trees, savoring every spark of tension.

After the clash, Yamato's patience thinned to a razor edge. With a simple hand seal, wooden planks spiraled up from the earth, forming a small cage that surrounded Naruto and Sai. "You two can either spend the rest of the day in there," Yamato said calmly, though his voice carried a cold finality, "or you can learn to keep your tempers in check." He glanced between them, measuring the silence. "Your other option," he added after a pause, "is to rest at the hot springs just up ahead. A team that's exhausted and divided won't survive what's coming."

The choice was obvious. By the time the sun dipped low, the four of them were at the springs. The steam rose in pale curls, blurring the lines between sky and earth. The quiet hiss of water filled the air, drowning out the restless thoughts that had been brewing since their departure from Konoha. Sakura settled onto the women's side, the warmth of the spring easing the ache from her muscles. For the first time in days, she let her guard down. Her scar, the jagged mark that stretched across her back, carved deep by one of Orochimaru's cursed creations, caught the light when she shifted. It was raw proof of a battle that should have killed her, a reminder etched into her skin of what it meant to stand between life and death. Leaning against the smooth stone edge, she exhaled, her emerald eyes narrowing in quiet reflection. 'Orochimaru won't stop. His experiments are everywhere, and we've barely scratched the surface of what he's capable of.' Her thoughts turned to strategy. She mapped out countermeasures in her head: contingency seals, formations that balanced Naruto's raw power with Yamato's precision, and ways to test Sai's skill without fully trusting him yet. She calculated her chakra reserves, the rate of Byakugō's development, and the stamina cost of maintaining her Astra Forms under prolonged pressure.

Yet beneath the mental storm, the warmth of the water lulled her body into calm. The scar across her back pulsed faintly in memory, but she bore it with quiet dignity, not as a wound, but as a testament. On the other side of the springs, the muffled sound of Naruto arguing lightly with Sai carried through the partition, followed by Yamato's calm but firm interjections. Sakura closed her eyes, listening to the chaos soften into laughter, however brief. A small smile tugged at her lips.

After their long soak in the steaming springs, the team dried off and returned to the inn, only to be greeted by the rich smell of food before they even opened the sliding doors. The dining room had been transformed into a banquet hall of sorts. A low table stretched across the tatami floor, laden with roasted fish, simmered pork, bowls of steaming rice, and plates of fresh vegetables. The fragrance of miso and soy wafted in the air. Naruto's eyes went wide, his jaw nearly unhinging. "No way! Is this... all for us?"

Sakura blinked, equally stunned. "This looks... incredible."

Yamato gave a small, almost sheepish smile as he gestured for them to sit. "I thought the team could use a proper meal. Consider it a morale boost."

Naruto clasped his hands together in prayer, tears practically shimmering in his eyes. "Yamato-taichō, if this is what missions under you are like, I don't care if Kakashi-sensei never comes back! Please, stay our leader forever!"

Sakura laughed softly at Naruto's dramatic declaration. "For once, I actually agree with him. This is... more than I expected."

Yamato waved his hand, dismissing their praise. "Don't get used to it. This is from my own pocket. I figured it was worth it if it reminded you that we're a team, not enemies locked in a cage." His glance at Naruto and Sai was pointed enough to silence any budding argument.

The four dug in. Chopsticks clicked against bowls, food was passed back and forth, and the warmth of good food seemed to chase away the earlier tension. But the peace didn't last long.

As Sakura leaned forward to reach for the soy-glazed mackerel, her yukata shifted slightly, and the faint outline of her scar, jagged, reddish against her skin, was visible along her lower back and hip Sai's eyes caught on it immediately. His expression remained neutral as he spoke, voice low and blunt. "That scar... where did you get it?"

Naruto froze mid-bite, his chopsticks clattering against the edge of his bowl. He whipped his head toward her, shock written across his face. "Scar? What scar? Sakura-" Sakura stilled, her hand hovering just above the dish. For a moment, the table felt heavier, the warmth of the feast paling against the weight of memory. She set her chopsticks down slowly.

"It was during an S-rank mission," she said evenly, though her voice carried a quiet gravity. "Orochimaru's experiment. Cursed seal user. Faster and stronger than any of the Jōnin with me. He almost killed them all." Her fingers grazed the edge of her yukata where the scar lay hidden again. "I stopped him. I bound him with Sun-Binder and carried the others back... but not before he left me this. Tsunade tried to heal it. Nothing worked. It's permanent."

The silence after her words was stark. Naruto's fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, anger boiling behind his blue eyes. "You never told me."

Sakura met his gaze, soft but steady. "It wasn't something I wanted to burden you with. We all carry scars, Naruto. This one just happens to be visible."

Sai tilted his head slightly, unbothered by the weight of the exchange. "Interesting. A healer who cannot heal herself. That must be... frustrating."

Naruto nearly leapt across the table, but Sakura's hand shot out, resting lightly against his wrist before he could. She shook her head, smiling faintly despite the heaviness of her words. "Don't. He doesn't mean it the way it sounds."

Naruto swallowed back his fury, still visibly tense. "Tch... still, I hate that you went through that alone."

Yamato, who had been silent, finally interjected, his tone calm but firm. "Scars remind us of what we've survived. And of why we can't afford to falter again. Don't forget that."

The meal ended on a quieter note after that, each of them lost in thought.

Later, as the inn's lanterns dimmed, the team retired to their separate rooms. The night air outside was cool, carrying the faint rustle of leaves. Naruto lay awake longer than the others, staring at the ceiling, fists clenched. 'Orochimaru hurt her. Gave her a scar she couldn't heal. I won't let him touch her again. Or Sasuke. I swear it.' And just across the hall, Sakura rested on her side, eyes closed but mind awake, her hand unconsciously brushing the mark on her back. 'Tomorrow, we keep moving forward. Together.' The moonlight spilled across the wooden floor, and for the first time since their mission began, the four of them shared the same roof, not yet a true team, but perhaps the faintest thread of one.

The next morning, pale light filtered through the paper windows of the inn. Sai dressed in silence, his movements precise, and slipped out of the window without so much as a whisper, leaving Naruto's snoring undisturbed. Across the hall, Sakura stirred. Her long pink hair spilled over the pillow like silk threads, faintly catching the dawn glow. She rose with calm precision, the faint violet glow of the Byakugō no In on her forehead a quiet reminder of her resolve. As she stretched, her gaze caught movement outside: Sai walking along the wall with suspicious ease, a scroll tucked under one arm. Her green eyes narrowed, not in surprise, but in calculation. Sai was hiding something.

Moments later, Naruto woke, rubbing his eyes. The sheets were rumpled around him, his golden hair messy and sticking up like the flames of a fire. He noticed immediately that Sai's futon was empty. Frowning, he stepped outside and nearly bumped into Yamato, who stood waiting in the crisp morning air. "Good. You're up," Yamato said with calm authority. "Sai's outside. Round him up and get Sakura, we're moving soon." Naruto grumbled but obeyed, his irritation simmering beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, Sakura slipped into her battle attire, the air cool against her toned skin. She moved with a serene, practiced grace, tying her sash in place before stepping outside to where Sai sat crouched, brush in hand. His ink spread smoothly across parchment, the strokes careful and deliberate. For a moment, Sakura simply watched. The way his wrist moved, the detail in his lines, it startled her. "You're... talented," she admitted quietly, her voice even but edged with disbelief. "I didn't expect someone with such a cold exterior to create something so... delicate. What are you titling it?"

Sai glanced at her, expression unreadable. "I don't give them titles."

Sakura arched a brow, crossing her arms beneath her chest. Her presence was commanding even in silence. "Art usually has a name. A reflection of the emotions and thoughts behind it."

"I've created thousands," Sai replied flatly. "But I don't name them. I don't feel emotions."

Before Sakura could respond, Naruto's voice cut through, sharp and biting. He had overheard. "Not surprising. A cold-hearted guy like you wouldn't feel anything." He stalked closer, glaring down at Sai. "And your art isn't even that special."

Sai didn't flinch. Instead, he glanced up and said, deadpan, "Neither is your penis."

The words hit like a shuriken. Naruto's face went crimson as he exploded. "WHAT?! You-!"

Sakura pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling. Her green eyes flashed dangerously as she stepped between them, her calmness carrying a cold edge. "Enough." Her voice was soft, but the weight of it stilled both men. She placed a hand against Naruto's arm, grounding him. "He's baiting you. Don't waste your energy."

Naruto clenched his fists, but at her touch, he relented, grumbling under his breath. "We should go," he muttered.

Sai glanced at his scrolls. "You can go on without me. I'll catch up after I finish packing."

Sakura's eyes narrowed. "No," she said firmly. "I'll help you pack." Her tone left no room for argument, it wasn't kindness, but control. She didn't trust him, and she wasn't about to let him slip away. Inside, while folding his things, her sharp gaze caught on a small picture book tucked carefully at the bottom of his pack. She lifted it slightly. "You drew this?"

"Yes," Sai answered plainly.

"May I see it on the road?" she asked, her voice level but curious.

"No." His refusal was blunt. "It belonged to my brother. I don't show it to anyone." Sakura studied him for a moment. Though her face remained cold, something flickered behind her eyes, a quiet recognition of the pain someone might bury. Still, she returned the book without pressing further.

When they reached the village gates, Yamato was already waiting, his expression stern. "You're late," he said simply. His gaze lingered on them, reading the tension in the air. "This team isn't cooperating. If you don't align, this mission will fail." Naruto and Sakura exchanged a glance. They both knew what was at stake, Orochimaru, Sasuke, the fragility of their team. Together, they put on faint, practiced smiles, masks to cover the storm beneath the surface.

"Don't worry, Captain," Naruto said with forced cheer. "We'll make it work."

Sakura echoed him with a small nod, her voice precise and even. "We're ready." And so, the four of them set off, the morning mist clinging to their clothes as the mission truly began.

The path to Kusagakure wound on in silence, broken only by the crunch of their sandals against gravel and the occasional rustle of leaves overhead. The forest air grew heavier the deeper they went, damp moss clinging to the trees, the faint scent of pine and rain-soaked earth surrounding them. Without warning, Yamato raised a hand and veered off the trail, his steps deliberate.

"This way," he said, his voice low but firm. "If this intel Sakura received is a trap, the Akatsuki won't waste time. They'll come for Naruto. We can't take the direct route."

Naruto's fists clenched, but he followed without argument. Sakura walked at his side, her long pink hair flowing behind her like a silken banner, the faint glow of her Byakugō no In pulsing dimly on her forehead. Her green eyes scanned the shadows, her expression precise, controlled, protective. Inside, however, she felt the weight of Yamato's words settle coldly against her chest. She knew the Akatsuki's methods, Sasori and Deidara's corpses were proof enough of that, and she knew the danger of putting Naruto in their line of sight. They pressed on until the last shades of daylight bled into deep blue. The forest opened into a clearing where moonlight spilled across the grass in pale silver sheets. Yamato lifted his hands, fingers weaving through practiced seals, and with a deep rumble the ground shifted,roots and timber rising together until a sturdy wooden house stood where there had been only open field. The smell of fresh-cut cedar filled the night air.

Naruto whistled, impressed, though exhaustion dulled even his usual energy. "Man... having Yamato-sensei around is pretty awesome."

"Don't get too comfortable," Yamato replied, his tone sharpening. "Before we rest, we need to be clear on what we're walking into." His gaze flicked briefly to Sakura, as though weighing the danger her presence drew as much as Naruto's.

Sakura's hands folded in her lap, calm and precise. She had been the one to bring in Sasori's final information, the one to read the trap hidden between words. "We don't know who's waiting for us," she said, her voice steady, "but we do know they won't hesitate to target Naruto. We'll stay close, and we'll cut down anything that moves against us." Her words carried no hesitation, no softness, only cold, ruthless certainty. Naruto looked at her, a flicker of warmth in his blue eyes despite the gravity of the mission. He trusted her strength as much as his own, maybe more.

The forest clearing was thick with shadows, the moonlight cutting only faintly through the branches above. Team Kakashi gathered in a tight semicircle, Yamato crouching in front of them with a roll of parchment spread across the dirt. His tone was even, almost clinical, as he traced a line with his finger. "Orochimaru's spy will be waiting here," he explained, pointing toward the rendezvous site. "The plan is simple. I'll take the lead. The spy believes he's meeting Sasori, so I'll assume Sasori's form inside the Hiruko puppet." His gaze flicked toward Sakura, steady. "That's where I'll need your input. You knew Sasori better than any of us. His speech patterns, his quirks, if I'm to convince this spy, I'll need every detail you can provide."

Sakura nodded immediately, folding her arms as she considered. "He had a habit of pausing before answering, as if weighing every word. His tone was detached, almost... mechanical. And when he grew irritated, his eyes would narrow slightly, though his voice never rose. If you want to sell the deception, keep your posture unnervingly still. Sasori hated wasted movement."

Yamato's lips curved faintly. "Good. That kind of precision is exactly what I need."

He rolled the parchment closed and set it aside. "Now, about our backup plan. If I fail to capture the spy without incident and combat breaks out, we'll use the buddy system, two shinobi fighting while protecting each other simultaneously. Sakura, you're with me. Naruto, you'll pair with Sai."

The words had barely left his mouth before Naruto's voice cracked across the clearing. "What?! With him? No way!" He jabbed a finger at Sai, whose expression didn't shift in the slightest. "He's not part of Team Kakashi. He attacked me earlier, how am I supposed to watch his back?"

Sai tilted his head, the faintest shadow of a smile crossing his lips. "You're rather loud for someone who expects to stay unnoticed on a mission."

Naruto bristled instantly, fists tightening. "You-!"

Before the argument could flare, Sakura shifted where she stood, her weight angled deliberately toward Yamato, shoulders squared in a way that cut Sai out of the circle. She didn't even glance at him as she spoke, her tone calm but firm. "Captain, it makes sense for me to be on your team. My medical support and strength complement your Wood Release. Naruto can manage Sai just fine if it comes to it. That is, if Sai's as 'skilled' as he claims to be." The emphasis was subtle, the faint stress on 'skilled' more cutting than any direct insult. Sai's smile twitched, fractional, but there.

Yamato's gaze sharpened, picking up on the undercurrent, but he didn't address it. Instead, he nodded. "Exactly. Sakura's versatility makes her the best partner for me. Naruto, I need you to focus on the mission, not your feelings. Pairing with Sai isn't about trust, it's about efficiency. The two of you cover each other's blind spots, nothing more." Naruto grumbled, crossing his arms and muttering under his breath, but he didn't argue further. Sakura, standing with quiet poise, simply inclined her head. Her posture said it all: she'd already chosen where her loyalty rested. Sai could smile and mock all he wanted, but she wasn't giving him even the satisfaction of eye contact. The plan was set, the air thick with tension, professional on the surface, but lined with sparks that promised conflict at the first misstep.

The silence after Yamato's orders was heavy, only the whisper of leaves filling the space. Sai stood a little apart, his expression as blank as ever, though his words cut with deliberate precision. "You place so much value on Uchiha Sasuke," he remarked, looking at Naruto with unsettling calm. "But what's the purpose of chasing after someone who abandoned you?"

Naruto stiffened, his jaw tight. Sakura stepped forward before he could explode, her voice sharp but steady. "Sasuke isn't just a teammate," she said firmly. "He's like a brother to Naruto and I. That bond isn't something you can dismiss just because you don't understand it. And you, Sai, didn't you say you had a brother once? Try sympathizing for once."

For the first time, Sai's smile faltered. He lowered his gaze slightly, as though recalling something distant and vague. "My brother... died," he answered in that detached tone of his. "But I don't know what it looks like, when someone loses a brother. I wonder... is that look on Naruto's face the same look I should have had?" Sakura blinked, caught off guard. She had expected mockery or cold dismissal... not that. The honesty in his words unsettled her, though his delivery was still chillingly devoid of emotion. "I already told you," Sai continued, almost as if to remind her, "I don't feel emotions. So I can't say for sure."

The words lingered, uncomfortable, until Yamato finally rose to his feet. "That's enough for tonight," he said, his tone clipped. "We need rest before tomorrow. Return to camp." The "Tenchi Bridge" they'd been standing before splintered apart with a hollow creak as Yamato released the Wood Release construct. The bridge dissolved back into twisting roots and bark, leaving only the forest around them.

As the team began to walk back, Sakura slowed near Sai, her expression unreadable. Her words, however, were edged with steel. "You know... in a way, you're lucky," she told him quietly. "If you don't feel emotions, then you don't feel the pain of loss, either. But don't forget what I said earlier." Her eyes narrowed, her voice dropping low enough that only he could hear. "If you ever underestimate me or Naruto again, I won't hold back. The only reason I'm tolerating you now is because, like Naruto, I'll do anything if it means saving Sasuke." Sai glanced at her sidelong, the faint curve of a smile tugging at his lips. Whether it was amusement or something else entirely, Sakura couldn't tell, and she didn't care. She turned away, moving to Naruto's side as the team continued their quiet march back to Yamato's wooden shelter. Tomorrow, they would face Orochimaru's spy.

Sai crouched low beside the others, his brush already drawn. With a few swift strokes, inked lines bled across the paper, forming into small, mouse-like figures. They twitched, came alive, and scurried toward the Tenchi Bridge, their tiny forms nearly invisible in the dark undergrowth. Minutes ticked by, the team silent. Finally, the ink-mice returned, each one vanishing back into Sai's scroll in a puff of chakra. His flat voice broke the stillness. "No traps. No chakra signatures. No one is on the bridge."

Yamato nodded once, his gaze hardening. With a deep breath, his body shifted, wood cracking and folding around him. In moments, he was no longer Yamato, but Sasori's puppet body, Hiruko. Even his voice, when he tested it, was an eerie mimicry of the late puppet master's. "Remember," Yamato reminded them in Hiruko's rasp, "capture, don't kill. Watch for my signal." He gave Sakura a meaningful look, knowing she'd memorized Sasori's quirks well enough to fill in the gaps if anything slipped. Then, he strode toward the bridge.