"Hey Naruto, you're a bit late, you know," Sakura said as I strolled over to the team by the gate.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm here now. Let's get this mission going," I replied with a smirk, falling in step beside Sakura.
After a while...
We set off, leaving Konoha behind for our mission. Yamato and Sai led the way, while Sakura and I trailed behind.
"Nice outfit, Naruto. You've really stepped up your style game," Sakura commented.
"You think so? Well, thanks, I guess," I said, flashing a grin.
"So, do you think there's a chance we'll run into..."
"Sasuke? There's a decent shot we might. But right now, we need to focus on catching the spy. If we bump into Sasuke and can bring him back, that's just a bonus," I said, shrugging nonchalantly.
"Yeah, you're right," Sakura agreed. Sakura glanced at Naruto, thinking, "Was he always this mature?"
"Got anything to say, Sakura?" I asked.
"No... Nothing," she replied.
"Hey, Naruto," Sai called out. "About yesterday... Just so you know, I've got no hard feelings. Let's work well together."
"Alright," I said.
"Yeah, we need to focus on our mission and bring the spy and Sasuke back to the village," Sakura added.
"Sure, but remember, Sasuke's a traitor now. He joined Orochimaru, so he'll return as a criminal," Sai pointed out.
"Is that so?" Sakura said with a smile, stopping in her tracks. The rest of us—me, Sai, and Yamato—halted too. "I hope we can work together after this."
"What do you—" Sai began, but Sakura cut him off with a powerful punch, sending him flying a short distance.
That was one heck of a punch. She's still as strong as ever and can't stand anyone badmouthing Sasuke.
"You fooled me good. That smile seemed so genuine," Sai said, sitting up.
"SAI, YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT SASUKE. DON'T PRETEND YOU DO. KEEP BADMOUTHING HIM, AND NEXT TIME I WON'T HOLD BACK," Sakura snapped.
"Fine, I'll keep quiet," Sai said. "I guess I learned another use for a fake smile. I'll remember that."
"Calm down, Sakura," I said. "Don't waste your energy on him. We've got a mission to complete." I walked over to Sai and offered him a hand to stand up. "And you, remember to keep Sasuke's name out of your mouth. Got it?"
"I'll remember," he said.
"Good," I said, turning back to Sakura. "Let's move."
"Alright, from now on, let's keep our eyes on the mission. No more squabbles among us, understood?" Yamato said firmly.
"Yes!" Sakura replied quickly.
"Got it," I nodded.
"Let's move out," Yamato commanded, and we continued our journey.
As night approached, we checked into a hotel to get some rest.
The next morning, I woke up early and got ready to hit the road again. Stepping outside, I noticed Sai sitting by a pond, with Sakura talking to him.
After a while, it was time to continue our journey.
We chose a different path through the jungle to stay under the radar, aware that it might be a trap. Yamato warned us about a possible ambush, and I was already on edge. We had to stay alert and cautious.
As night fell in the jungle, Yamato suggested, "We should set up camp here."
"But this spot is too open. Shouldn't we find a safer place?" Sakura asked, concerned.
"That's not a problem," Yamato reassured her. "Everyone, step back. Wood Style: Four Pillars House Jutsu!" Wood sprang from the ground, forming a wooden house in seconds.
"Isn't that... Wood Release? The only person I've heard of who could use it was..." I thought, but Yamato's voice cut in, "We'll camp here tonight."
Inside, the house was fully functional with stairs, windows, and everything in place. I couldn't help but wonder who this guy was who could use such a rare jutsu. I'd have to ask him later...
That night, Yamato gathered us for a team meeting to review our plan. He decided we'd run some battle simulations the next day to test our teamwork.
The day we arrived at Tenchi Bridge, Yamato announced, "We're here."
"But the place we're targeting is still a bit further," Sakura pointed out.
"Right, but from here we'll split into two teams: Team 1 will be me and Sai, and Team 2 will be you and Naruto," Yamato said. He handed me a picture of the Akatsuki member Sasori and then transformed to look like him.
"How do I look? Is it convincing?" Yamato asked.
"You look good, but you need to nail his voice," I suggested.
"How about this?" Yamato asked after a few tries.
"Perfect," Sakura confirmed.
"Let's stick to the plan as discussed," Yamato instructed.
"Got it!" Sakura agreed.
"Move out!" Yamato commanded, and we split into two teams, approaching the bridge from different directions.
[A. N: Thanks for reading, drop Powerstones that will help a lot and drop reviews if you like the story and add to your library]