"So, we're going after Sasuke!" Sakura declared.
"Yeah, I'm not sure if this is the best idea, but we don't really have another option. Even if we try to capture Kabuto, they'd come after us, especially Orochimaru, and if not, then Sasuke," I replied.
"True, but going there means..." Yamato trailed off as Sai finally woke up, looking around.
"Did you use that technique on me again?" he asked.
"Finally awake, huh? How weak are you to take so long to recover from such a simple technique?" I said.
"Now, Sai we've some questions for you..." Yamato said
"I'm not bound to answer..."
"Your book that Sakura gave you few moments ago, we checked it." Yamato said
"So, we're going after Sasuke!" Sakura declared.
"Yeah, I'm not sure if this is the best idea, but we don't really have another option. Even if we try to capture Kabuto, they'd come after us, especially Orochimaru, and if not, then Sasuke," I replied.
"True, but going there means..." Yamato trailed off as Sai finally woke up, looking around.
"Did you use that technique on me again?" he asked.
"Finally awake, huh? How weak are you to take so long to recover from such a simple technique?" I said.
"Alright, Sai, we've got some questions for you," Yamato said.
"I don't have to answer..."
"Sakura handed you a book a little while ago. We looked through it," Yamato said, his voice firm but curious.
Sai's eyes narrowed a bit. "You went through my book?"
"Yes," Sakura said gently. "We saw the drawings, the blank pages, and the ones you filled in."
Sai's face stayed blank. "It's just a tool. A way to remember faces, nothing more."
"Is that really all?" Yamato asked. "Some of those drawings seem personal, like you're trying to understand something deeper."
"Understanding bonds?" I said, leaning against a tree. "It's not something you can just draw. You have to experience it."
"Why should I care about something as unimportant as bonds?" Sai's voice was cold and dismissive. "Danzo taught me that emotions and bonds make you weak."
"Danzo isn't here," I said firmly. "You're with us now. Those bonds you see as weaknesses? They're our strength."
Sakura stepped closer, her voice soft. "Sai, we know you come from a different background. But that book, it shows you're trying to understand something more than just your training. It's okay to admit that."
Sai looked down, his indifferent mask slipping a bit. "I don't know what you mean."
"Maybe not yet," Yamato said calmly. "But you're part of this team now. We care about you, even if you don't understand why."
"Care?" Sai repeated, as if the word was new to him.
"Yeah, care," I said. "It's what keeps us going, makes us protect each other. You'll understand it in time."
Sai remained silent, but the tension in his posture seemed to ease slightly.
"Alright then," I said, standing up straight. "We've got a mission to finish and a teammate to bring back. Let's move."
"Someone needs to stay here and keep an eye on Kabuto," Sakura pointed out.
"No problem!" Yamato said, creating a wood style clone. "This clone will keep watch over him."
"What about Sai?" Sakura asked.
"He can come with us," I said, untying Sai's hands.
"You're trusting me?" Sai asked, surprise evident in his voice.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," I said.
"So, are you sure Sasuke is here?" I asked Sai.
"Yes, I met him. He was about to start training with Orochimaru. It should be done by now," Sai replied.
"Alright, then let's do this. When we enter the base, we'll split into two teams to cover more ground and find Sasuke faster," I said.
"Good plan. Sai and I will be Team 1, and you and Sakura will be Team 2," Yamato suggested.
"I'm not a fan of that number, but okay, we'll go with it," I agreed as we entered the base once again.
"There are two paths from here. Team 2, take the right path. Sai and I will take the left," Yamato instructed.
"Got it!" Sakura replied.
"And be careful. Orochimaru is also here. You might have to face him," Yamato warned.
We split up, each team heading in different directions.
"I can't seem to find Sasuke's chakra signature," I said.
"Does that mean he's not here?" Sakura asked.
"No, he's here. I can sense his chakra, but it's hard to pinpoint. Plus, I'm hiding my presence, so he might be doing the same," I explained.
I can still feel him nearby... He's here...
After running for a while, Sakura got tired and leaned against a wall.
"Hey, are you okay, Sakura?" I asked.
"I'm fine. Just a bit tired. A little rest will help," she replied.
"It's okay..." I said as I walked over to her, but suddenly, I felt something or someone nearby.
"What is it, Naruto?" Sakura asked, looking worried.
"I think there's a fight happening close by," I replied, and Sakura quickly got to her feet.
"A fight?" she questioned.
"Yeah, it's coming from the direction where Captain Yamato and Sai went," I said. "Let's go!" We started heading back the way we came.
After a bit, I sensed that the fight had stopped.
After running for a while longer, we finally reached the spot and saw Yamato examining something on the wall.
The area was in ruins, showing clear signs of a recent battle.
"Captain Yamato!" Sakura called out.
"Did Orochimaru come here?" I asked.
"Yes... But he was after Sai, not really here to fight me. We did battle, but then he left for some reason, and I still can't find Sai," he explained.
[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]