Chapter 2: There Is No You Or I In Team
"Sai..." Sakura repeated softly, unconsciously bringing a hand to her chest to cover her fluttering heart. "So it's true. You're finally back."
Sai smiled lightly. Finally. Finally he got to see her. He felt so warm inside. Happiness. "Yes. I did promise after all."
Sakura blinked before remembering their exchange the day he had left.
'Sai... you... you will come back, won't you?'
'Yes. Because here is where you and Naruto are.'
'Promise?'
He nodded once.
That was right. He had. She smiled fondly. "Well then, welcome home Sai."
Sai's smile faded a little as pink tinged his cheeks. Sakura's smile. He... had missed it. Without much thought he took a step toward her, reaching out and touching her hair gently before tucking it behind her ear and stroking her cheek once. So long. "Thank you."
Sakura turned red at the gesture. It was nice to know that some things were still the same with him even though he had seemed to change a little without them.
"You know... there is still a world outside of your own cozy little one. With forgotten people in it no less." Naruto's voice suddenly cut in, amused, as he watched with Sasuke frowning lightly at his side.
"You weren't forgotten just ignored..." Sai replied, smiling as he turned his attention to the blonde while Sakura fought the blush down.
"E-Eh...?" Naruto blinked slowly before grinning. "Wow, Sai! Did... did you just joke around?"
Sai suddenly frowned. "Is that not right? Don't friends... speak so with each other at times to cover awkward moments or to respond to a teasing in turn?"
Naruto laughed with amusement, slightly amazed. "Yeah... good on you Sai!"
Sakura watched the two before giggling herself when she saw the artist flush with pleasure. It was still a beautiful sight when the two got along.
Sasuke masked his irritation suavely before addressing his two teammates. "As fun as this all is... weren't we heading to the training grounds? Naruto has been whining about it all day."
"Ah! Oh yeah! Training!" Naruto said, eyes lighting up and seemingly back on focus.
Sakura sighed, rolling her eyes before they fell on Sai again. "I'm sorry. It's been so long since... maybe we could–"
Frowning at Sasuke, Sai was suddenly reminded of Saki. And how she wanted to meet Naruto. "Oh. Sakura... what are you doing for dinner tonight?"
"Do–h-huh?" She stuttered lamely, heart racing again. Why was he asking that? Ah! Did he... want to...? Before she could reply Sasuke cut in.
"Sakura, lets go on a date tonight." He said, stepping up to her and taking her hand.
"W-What?" Sakura gasped, not the only one surprised by the sudden offer. Naruto looked surprised and a little... confused.
Sai's brows furrowed as he watched the Uchiha. He had done that purposely! But why?
"Yeah... just the two of us after training." He added, looking her straight in the eyes.
" I–" She didn't know what to say. Sasuke was... asking her out?! She was deeply flattered. She–taking in Naruto and Sai's expressions, she minutely frowned before falling into a thoughtful look. Sai... and Sasuke... "I'm sorry. I can't. Sai, Sasuke-kun... I'm busy tonight. I owe Naruto a date for helping me."
All three males looked shocked by that. Naruto recovered first, beaming happily. He didn't know what he had supposedly helped her with, but sensing her need for an escape route he was pleased she had picked him. It would be nice to have a date with Sakura. Just the two of them.
Sasuke recovered next, face smoothing and donning a blank expression though his tone still had a bite of annoyance to it. "Oh. Well then..."
Sai too regained his blank expression then. Was Sakura... dating Naruto? That would be bad for Saki... but... maybe not. If she was, he didn't think Sasuke would ask her out. Of course... on the other hand maybe the Uchiha would. He did not know him well.
"Yes. I'm sorry. Sai! We should get together tomorrow–I-if you can." Sakura blushed, twirling a lock of her hair nervously. "I mean... we're free in the morning. It would be nice to... catch up."
"Yeah!" Naruto agreed with a grin. "There is a lot to tell you."
Sai's dark gaze landed on Sasuke. "I'm sure there is."
Sasuke glared back, fists clenching at his sides.
"And I bet there is a lot you can tell us! Like... where the hell you were." Naruto continued, giving him a curious look.
Sakura frowned, looking between the blonde and the artist. Would Sai be able to tell them that?
Sai stared for a second before smiling slowly. "Maybe. And I can bring a friend. I'm sure she'd like to meet you."
Naruto arched a brow in interest. She? As in... a girl? As in... the girl that was–the cute girl that was hanging off of him earlier? Shooting Sakura a look he boldly asked, "A... girlfriend?"
Sai's brows rose a little. He was sure he had just said that she was a girl and a friend. "Yes."
There was a brief moment of tense silence before pain exploded in Sai's jaw as he was knocked off of his feet and hit the ground, landing on his right hip. His surprised eyes landed on Sakura's scowl just as Sasuke and Naruto turned to look at her with slight surprise of their own as well.
"Why did you ask me out if you have a girlfriend?!" The kunoichi raged at him, sea green eyes dark with fury.
A pained jaw and confusion caused Sai to fall short of a reply. He couldn't even ask what she was talking about.
"Sakura... c-calm down." Naruto said nervously, not really wanting to Sai get his ass kicked his first day home.
Throwing her nose into the air she marched past Sai without even saying good bye. Sasuke smirked at the other dark haired male before trailing after her. Naruto frowned before walking over and squatting before him.
"That was pretty stupid... especially with Sakura." He offered a light smile. "Are you okay?"
Sai just nodded before wincing when the blonde pulled him to his feet.
"You should get your jaw checked." Naruto advised before smiling guiltily when Sakura yelled at him to hurry up. "Later!"
Sai watched him go before sighing carefully. What the hell was that about? Everything... was good until he had tried to ask Sakura and Naruto to dinner. The Uchiha butted in... and Sakura got angry that he had a friend? Touching his jaw gingerly he figured he should listen to Naruto. What if the kunoichi had done some serious damage? Dusting himself off he started back toward the hospital only to be stopped by a happy call.
"Sai-kun!"
He turned his head to see Ino waving happily at him as she moved toward him followed by Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Chouji. He nodded his head in response.
"Sai-kun! What are you up to? Did you–what happened?!" Ino gasped with concern, gentle fingers reaching out to touch the side of his face when she was close enough.
Moving his jaw as little as possible he answered, "Sakura."
"Ah. So you did find her." Ino frowned lightly. "Err, why did she... hit you?"
Sai's lips curled into a small frown of his own, unsure of how to reply. "I do not know."
Ino arched a brow before focusing chakra into her hand and bringing it to his jaw. "Well, what happened?"
Sai hissed through his teeth sharply before thinking on what had happened and if there was a clue in there. Well... it had happened after he mentioned Saki. Could that...? "Uh... I told them I had a friend I wanted them to meet... and she hit me."
"Sai-kun... explain more." Ino encouraged. She could see no reason why Sakura would hit him over something like that. Unless... something had been misunderstood. "Tell me the exact things said?"
"Um..." Sai thought back. "I saw them and called to Sakura. They all stopped to talk to me. Sakura said I was back and I said yes and that I had promised. She welcomed me back. I thanked her. Naruto joked around a little and... I did it right. I joked back."
Ino smiled at him lightly when he smiled at her. "Okay... and then?"
"...Sasuke-san mentioned training. I asked Sakura if she was doing anything for dinner because I wanted to invite her and Naruto out... but then Sasuke-san asked her out." He frowned again as Ino, Shikamaru, and Chouji all looked at him with surprise. "Sakura said she had a date with Naruto to keep and said we could get together tomorrow. I told them about my friend. Naruto asked if she was a 'girlfriend' and Saki is a girl and a friend so I said yes. Then... Sakura hit me and asked why I asked her out... if I had a girl–"
Sai frowned as Ino burst into laughter while Shikamaru rolled his eyes and Chouji stared at him like he was insane.
"Sai-kun you're so cute!" Ino beamed when she managed to compose herself. "I think... when Naruto asked if she was your girlfriend he meant together. Like... dating."
It took a moment for Sai to understood. "Oh."
"Yeah." Ino sighed before smiling. "Of course Sakura probably thought you were asking her on a date when you asked about dinner... so naturally she would be angry if she thought..."
Sai's brows furrowed in understanding. So that was what the problem was? Well... he would just have to explain then! "I see... thank you Ino-san."
"Sai... are you–" Ino bit her tongue on what she wanted to ask. It really wasn't any of her business if Sai liked Sakura or anything. At least... not yet. "Never mind. Well we should get going. Take care of your jaw."
Sai nodded to the three, bringing a hand up to touch the side of his face lightly when they walked off. Ah! He hadn't thanked Ino for healing him. Figuring he could the next time he saw her he made his way back home for the night. He would have to make sure he explained to Sakura the misunderstanding so she wouldn't be mad anymore. An angry Sakura hurt more than ever.
* * *
Sakura sighed happily as she sank into the heavenly hot water, rose petals perfuming the air. Making sure her hair was pinned firmly on top of her head she settled back against the side of her bath and relaxed. Training had gone... okay. She was too irritated to be of much use but she did what she could to make sure Naruto was doing okay. Dinner with the blonde had helped a lot. He had made her laugh and forget the earlier ordeals with Sasuke and Sai. Sasuke. He... had asked her on a date. She couldn't help smiling a little. How long had she dreamed that he would? And then he did... and she turned him down.
Of course... it had been a little awkward since Sai had just asked her out before then. She didn't want to offend either of them so she went out with Naruto. And she was happy she did.
Sai. The part of her that wasn't angry was in awe. The passed time... really had been kind on the young artist. He was handsome–beautiful with some healthy color added to his skin. He was a little taller than she remembered and more muscular. His hair was longer and cute how it fell over his eyes. His eyes! So dark and inviting in their curious light.
How could she have ever thought he looked like Sasuke when their individuality was now so obvious? Sasuke's dark eyes were beautiful but held a haunted look to them. But it wasn't bad. It made her want to hold him close and protect him forever.
She shook her head and laughed at herself. She was being carried away. She had more important things to think about! The Jounin exams were coming and Naruto wanted to participate . She wanted to do everything in her power to make sure he was ready. Nothing helped like being prepared, though Naruto seemed to always survive nearly on luck alone. She allowed herself to get caught up on what pills would be helpful and useful jutsu.
* * *
"What I did on my date with Sakura is none of your business." Naruto said smugly causing Sasuke to break his calm mask and glare at the annoying blonde.
"I didn't even ask." He gritted out, resisting the urge to smack the back of his head.
"Yeah, well I am just letting you know." Naruto smirked, enjoying the Uchiha's annoyance.
"Naruto... don't make me kick your ass." Sakura sang happily as she walked up to the pair. They had all agreed to meet for breakfast before finding something to do before training that afternoon.
Naruto laughed, properly embarrassed as he scratched his cheek, Sasuke silently thanking her for shutting the blonde up before he had to kill him himself.
Breakfast was filled with talk about training. Sasuke shared his views while Naruto argued and Sakura tried to keep the peace. She still didn't think he should take it so soon and Sasuke didn't believe Naruto would pass the first time anyway. Naruto pouted as he ate, telling them they both sucked as friends. Sakura was happy neither mentioned Sai. She wasn't too sure what to think about him at the moment.
After breakfast it was time for Sasuke and Naruto to bicker about what to do next. Sakura watched with a frown wondering when Sasuke became so immature and why Naruto had to be the sole decider. About to knock their heads together again she was distracted when Izumo appeared before them.
"A message from Hokage-sama. She would like Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke to report to her office immediately." He said once he had their attention.
"Is everything okay?" Sakura asked with a worried frown.
"Yes. She would just like to talk with you." Izumo replied before jutsuing off.
The three looked at each other with curiosity. Nodding they turned to walk to Hokage Tower, each wondering what they had been summoned for. Halfway there Sakura and Naruto turned worried glances toward Sasuke. Hopefully it had nothing negatively to do with him.
When they entered five minutes later it was to see Tsunade looking tired, leaning in her chair and looking at the three of them. They lined up side by side, bowing respectfully to her before waiting to hear what she had to say.
She sighed once before leaning forward, staring intently. "As you know... Team Kakashi is no longer the four man cell it had once been–not even the three from when the aid to Suna mission had been completed. With Kakashi gone the team is once again incomplete."
Sakura and Naruto bowed their head at the reminder of their loss, Sasuke frowning thoughtfully.
"I understand with Sasuke back it assembles what was once lost a little... but as he is not allowed to leave Konoha yet he is not really a member, so to speak, and it interferes with taking missions as a team." She continued as she slowly got to her feet. "But recently... two members of your previous formation have returned which made me think... well, lets reassemble a new team once more. It will not be quite like before... but I thought it wouldn't hurt to try. Sai!"
Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto all froze at the call of the name. They remained so when the door behind them opened and in walked the mentioned shinobi.
"Hokage-sama." He bowed respectfully as he came to stand to the left of Naruto.
"Sai... you have proven loyalty to Konoha... which is why you have not yet been arrested. I feel... that is owed to Naruto and Sakura. So I think it would be wise to put you back on a team with them. You will make a four man cell with Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. Since you have the most experience I would like to appoint you as the head. That should be new to you but I think you can manage." She said, surprising them all, though only Naruto and Sakura showed it.
"No missions will be given yet. I think it best for you all to get reacquainted with your fighting styles and for Sai and Sasuke to learn each other's for the first time. That is all."
They watched her return to her chair before filing out. Sasuke waited for the door to close behind them before turning on his heel and marching off, not bothering to wait for the others.
"Sasuke!" Naruto called before giving chase.
Sakura frowned before looking at her new... captain. "Sai–"
"Sakura, may I tell you something?" Sai cut in, worried she was still angry. If they were to be on a team again he definitely wanted to explain soon.
Sakura arched a pink brow. "I suppose."
"Saki-san is not my girlfriend–well, not in the context that... seems to mean the girl I am dating. She is a girl and a friend. I misunderstood when Naruto asked. I am sorry. And I was not asking you out when I inquired about dinner. My friend, Saki-san, she... is interested in Naruto. She asked me to introduce her. I thought... it would be okay to have dinner together." He said quickly, staring down to the side.
Sakura blinked. She hadn't expected that but... so... the girl wasn't his girlfriend? And he... hadn't asked her out? He just wanted–she turned pink. So she had misunderstood a little too. "Sai, I'm sorry too. For... hitting you. That was extreme."
Sai exhaled slowly in relief when it seemed she had accepted his explanation. He smiled. "It... only hurt a little."
Sakura stared before laughing. "Oh? Well, next time I will make sure to hit you harder."
Sai's smile turned into a nervous one. He really hoped she was just kidding.
"Um... welcome back to the team?" Sakura smiled lightly, feeling a little awkward.
"I don't think everyone shares that sentiment." He stated observantly as he looked down the hall that Sasuke and Naruto had gone down, happy at least she seemed to.
"Ah..." She sighed. Where had Sasuke and Naruto gone to?! "How about we meet at the training field after lunch, okay? We can... all talk then."
He nodded slowly before watching her walk away. Probably to find their missing members. He sighed, not really expecting to be placed on their team, let alone made their leader when he had received a summons from the Hokage. But... it would be nice to work with them again. He had never really led anyone before. It would be... new. Although... Naruto and Sasuke could prove difficult. He knew how head strong Naruto could be from past experience... and Sasuke really didn't seem to like him at all. As for that... he couldn't guess why. Ever since their first meeting at Orochimaru's hideout... he shivered involuntarily. Sasuke... could be trouble. It's not like he was overly fond of him either.
* * *
Sasuke wouldn't talk about it... and it was making Sakura furious! Even more so when the Uchiha snapped at Naruto to mind his own damn business. Men! Heaven help them all. The two decided to ignore the Uchiha while he was PMSing, talking to each other about how they felt on the new team, what new things they could share, and should they visit Kakashi to tell him the news.
Naruto wasn't upset over Sai's captaincy but seemed hesitant. Sakura couldn't blame him. And they both wondered why Yamato hadn't taken Kakashi's place instead, like before. Sakura offered to ask Tsunade later. They then decided to visit Kakashi's memorial, relieved when Sasuke followed without a fight. Naruto also made a visit to Jiraiya's memorial while Sakura stopped to tidy Shizune's only to start crying as she told her how she was doing her best to take of Tsunade for her. Naruto gave her a friendly hug while Sasuke offered his support with his mere presence. It might not be a lot to some but for someone like Sasuke, it was enough.
Making it a little late to the training grounds they were relieved to see they weren't the only ones.
Naruto laughed at Sai's absence, turning to Sakura as he folded his arms behind his head. "Hey, you don't think he's already channeling Kakashi-sensei's spirit do you?"
Sakura rolled her eyes before smiling in amusement. "I hope not. That man was forever late!"
Sasuke snorted as he leaned against a tree, arms crossed. "What about the pervert books?"
Naruto and Sakura both laughed. It would be too weird to see Sai with such a book.
Sai found the three like that. Sasuke looking cool and aloof while Naruto and Sakura laughed about something. When he was close enough he called out a greeting. "Sorry I am late."
Sasuke smirked as he let his eyes fall on the other dark haired male. "Pervert."
Sai frowned in confusion as Naruto laughed harder and Sakura blushed before turning a glare on her comrade.
"Sasuke-kun!" She scolded before turning back to Sai. "Sai, ignore them–ah! Should we... call you sensei?"
Sasuke just rolled his eyes while Naruto tried to calm down, snickering every now and then. Sai felt he had missed something... big. Shaking his head mentally he turned his attention back to Sakura and took in her person with interest.
"No, that's okay." He replied slowly. He had noticed the previous day that her hair had gotten longer as it hung in a long braid, now it was twisted into three knots at the back o her head, her bangs sweeping over her forehead and coming to hang down the right side of her face while the left was pinned back with two red hair clips.
She seemed to have fashioned herself after her master a little, wearing a red gi with quarter length sleeves over a white sleeveless gi similar to Tsunade's. It was held together with a white obi and had her white circle on the back. She wore green spandex shorts and her black calf length boots from before.
Naruto was wearing his black and orange spiral t-shirt with orange capris and Sasuke was wearing a black sleeveless training gi with the Uchiha crest on the back.
"Um... I managed to book training ground eleven. It's spacious. I think it would be nice to use while we demonstrate our skills to each other and figure out how best to work them together." Sakura said when the silence that had fallen over them went on too long.
The boys nodded and they set off, each keeping to themselves. When they arrived at the grounds they all turned to look at Sai, who looked right back with slight confusion.
"Er, Sai... I know you're captain—" Sakura glared at Sasuke when he snorted rudely. "But... might I make a suggestion?"
Sai frowned at Sasuke thoughtfully before turning back to Sakura. "Of course."
"Well, why don't we do a quick sparring session? Sasuke-kun and I can verse you and Naruto." She said slowly. "Naruto has worked with you before and Sasuke is strong... he can do most of the work alone of I am to play 'medic'."
"That sounds fun! Come on Sai! We can kick teme's ass then!" Naruto beamed, smirking as Sasuke who glared right back at him in response.
"I don't suppose that would hurt." Sai agreed.
When they had all agreed Sasuke and Sakura started to move off a ways while Naruto and Sai stayed in place.
"I'll tell you now... don't let Sakura hit you. She knows how to numb nerves now and the jutsu to rearrange muscle signals. Sasuke's sharingan can predict your moves but... I don't know if he'll be able to copy your jutsu. He's strong though and his fire jutsu is a pain." Naruto informed as he stretched casually.
"Naruto! Sai! Are you ready?" Sakura called from their set distance away. When they nodded she waved, starting a count down. "3... 2... 1... start!"
Sai felt his body tighten in anticipation, Naruto lunging forward right away. Typical. He watched as Sasuke stood his ground and Sakura started forward to throw a smoke screen. Naruto was instantly engulfed and before he could think on how best it was to wait for it to clear Sakura had burst through and was running right at him. One second she was a good distance away, the next she was almost in his face and pulling back her arm to throw a punch. He quickly jumped back in shock—she had gotten quicker.
Her first punch missed but she was already swinging with her other arm. He jumped back so she would miss again and it continued for a few throws before she suddenly smirked, confusing him when she suddenly stopped and before he could begin to fathom why Sasuke came out of no where from the side and punched him in the face.
Where was Naruto?!
He landed painfully before quickly pushing himself to his feet as Sasuke followed, attempting a kick that he managed to block. Before he could fully blink Sasuke was swinging his fist in. Again he was able to block only to get a knee to his gut. Gasping for breath quickly, he pushed the pain away and swung back, clipping the Uchiha in the jaw before kicking him in the stomach to push him away.
His eyes met Sasuke's cold glare when the Uchiha quickly righted himself before lunging in again. Sai was able to easily counter and kicked him away. Sasuke sprung back and aimed a kick at his head. When he was able to block, Sasuke dropped and tried to sweep his feet out from under him. He managed to jump back but a second later his eyes widened in shock and he was forced to duck and roll to the side as electrical currents flashed in front of his face.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura's voice gasped from a short distance away.
Wincing as he got to his feet again and brushed dirt from his sleeve he frowned. This wasn't training to Sasuke.. the Uchiha wanted him to hurt. Wiping his face clean of any thing that didn't keep it smooth he started forward. He could make Sasuke hurt too.
Making for the other dark haired male he reached for his scroll and ink brush when Sasuke rushed forward with another punch. He easily caught it, pulling the Uchiha in and headbutting him.
"Sasuke-kun—Sai!" Sakura squealed. "Stop it! The both of you!"
Sasuke snarled, shoving him back so he stumbled before managing to catch himself before the other shinobi punched him in the jaw again.
"I won't accept being on the same team as you!" He growled into his face, trying to push him off when he clung tightly to his arm.
"Sasuke—stop!" Sakura called as Sasuke knocked him down, punching anywhere he could with his free hand. "Sasuke-kun—please—"
She gasped in pain as Sai, Sasuke, and Naruto all seemed to freeze in shock when she tried to grab his arm and out of reflex he tried to push her off, hitting her on the left cheek. Staring at Sasuke in disbelief she brought a hand up to her cheek.
Sai grew angry. The Uchiha had hit Sakura!
"Sasuke—" Naruto breathed before wincing.
Before anyone could move Sakura let her hurt show by returning the favor, punching Sasuke in the jaw with enough force that he was sent into the ground, hard.
"Do you want to be back under house arrest?! What's wrong with you?! Why are you attacking Sai? This is training!" Sakura raged at him, cheek red from the hit and eyes teary with anger. "And Sai! Returning Sasuke's attack! As captain you should have stopped him! Not played along! You're both immature!"
Stomping her foot she turned to grab Naruto by the hand and drug him off with the warning to let her and Naruto know when they had grown up.
Sai watched them go before pushing himself to his feet. He thought that was a little unfair. Sasuke had attacked him first. Of course... he had had no problem fighting back. Not when he thought of Danzou.
"I'll never accept you." Sasuke growled after a while as he pushed himself gingerly to his feet. "You're one of them."
He spat the last word like venom before leaving. Sai just stared. Things had went horribly wrong. He had a feeling Sasuke didn't like him... but this? What did he mean by 'one of them'? And Sakura. He hoped she was okay. His stomach burned hotly. He wanted to hurt Sasuke for hurting her.
Maybe he should talk to Tsunade. He couldn't work like this. He couldn't have Sakura getting hurt because Sasuke was angry at him. And... now that he was feeling anger for Sasuke... yes. He should resign. It would be for the best.
-Chapter 2 End-
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A/N: Woooooow... this update has been a long time coming. Sorry! Ehehe. First off... I think it's safe to say that this is now more... AUish since... Kakashi and Shizune are back alive. -rolls eyes- Seriously. Thanks a lot Kishimoto. D8 Lol.
I really don't have much to say on it... except... if you wanna leave a comment, go ahead. If not... that's okay too. Gotta question? Please ask.
Sasuke's a butt head? Maybe a little... and... yeah. Hrm. Thanks to the people who hung in there and patiently waited for this update!
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NEXT CHAPTER: To Understanding Sasuke