Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters or Naruto in general

Forward: Just a little drabble that was going through my mind while watching the substitute "Team 7". No shippings…maybe a little NaraSaku and SasuSaku, I suppose. More of a "Team 7" piece and IMO what Sakura's feelings were on what has happened. They are walking together at the time this takes place.

She liked Sai, really she did. He had been a little hard to get used to in the beginning, but she was fine with him now. Sakura would even go as far as to say that Sai was her friend. He was a smart fighter and a good person, even if he was a little off. What kind of a person didn't have emotions? But honestly, that wasn't always a bad thing. It was nice to have an unemotional teammate opposed to the emotional-driven Naruto. If she were really honest with herself, Sai was a better teammate then Sasuke. But still…

The same went for Yamato. Yamato was a good guy and a good captain. He was a great ninja and his wood making skills really could come in handy. He was predictable and reliable, unlike Kakashi. He never ignored his squad or made them feel inferior. Even if he did make that terrifying face sometimes…at least he didn't act on his threats. He wasn't a pervert, either. Even so…

Sai wasn't Sasuke. Yamato wasn't Kakashi. Nothing was or would ever be, the same way again. As unfair as she was being, Sakura couldn't help but compare them. It wasn't that Kakashi and Sasuke were better then Sai and Yamato. It was that Kakashi and Sasuke were like family to her. Sakura had grown from the useless weaking she once was into the strong, confident girl she was today with her team. Well, Tsunade had trained her, but her friends had been there to watch her grow from day one.

This 'Team Kakashi' was as much of a lie as the smile on Sai's face. Only half of Team 7 was still around. If she were really honest, this was the weaker half. Kakashi was their strong and wise leader who always kept his cool. Sasuke was also a strong fighter and a very strategic thinker. Kakashi and Sasuke had had tragedy worse then anything she could imagine and were still less emotional then Naruto and herself.

Now it was only the two of them. It was true that Kakashi wasn't gone but was only sick. Even so, the mission should have included him. When they eventually found Sasuke, Kakashi should be there. Without him, it just wouldn't be right.

Deep down, she knew that Sasuke wouldn't come back. It was a foolish hope. Their reunion wouldn't be joyous, it would be tragic. But she felt oddly excited. She couldn't wait to finally get this all over with. She wouldn't leave this game unfinished. Whatever happened, she would be ready.

Looking back at Sai once more, she sighed. Sai really was no Sasuke. Like Sai had said himself, he was no traitor. But at the same time, he was no great friend, either. Sakura's heart didn't stop when she saw Sai. Sai wouldn't jump in front of her and take the killing blow in order to protect her. She didn't love Sai, not as a lover nor as family.

"If you keep staring at me like that, I will be forced to pinch you, Sakura-San." Sai stated, smiling his fake smile. Sakura blushed and looked down.

"Oh! I'm sorry." Sakura apologized, not having realized that she was staring till now. "Pinch me?" She added.

"Yes. Isn't that what someone is supposed to do when someone else is dreaming?" Sai asked, as though it was an obvious fact and Sakura were being dumb. Sakura sighed deeply.

"Yeah, sure." Sakura muttered, not bothering to explain it to him. When Sai turned back around, Naruto grinned at her.

"I wonder what you were daydreaming about, Sakura?" Naruto smirked. "I hope it's not a teammate." Sakura stuck her tongue out childishly in response.

"Why? You weren't hoping it was you, were you?" Sakura replied smugly. Naruto remained silent, causing Sakura's smile to widen. Honestly, this team wasn't that bad. And she would never let Naruto know how right she was. No, she hadn't been thinking about Sai like that. But she had been thinking about her teammates, both past and present.

"Hey, you three! Hurry up, we're almost there!" Yamato shouted. Sakura nodded to herself, increasing her speed. No matter what, she would keep moving forward. At the moment, this was her team and she accepted that. Hopefully, the old team would be back soon. But for now, everything was okay. Not great, but not bad. This team was good and that was fine.

Ending Note: I'm sorry if anyones OOC (especially Sai…I don't know him too well yet). I also am not Sakura so I don't know what's going on through her head but this is my opinion, you don't have to agree. Please review, I'd love to hear what you think!