Summary: Through absence, Uchiha Sasuke begins to grasp the true value of Haruno Sakura. Post-562, will deviate greatly from the manga. Drabble series.
Disclaimer: Naruto is (c) Masashi Kishimoto and Shueisha, Inc.
IN ABSENTIA
The Power of Youth
Team Gai had a reputation for eccentricity, but they also had a flawless record when it came to getting the job done.
Sai marveled at their stamina as the unit raced without pause to their designated location, one of the Ishikawa Group's recently exposed bases that lay on the outskirts of Wind. He was also impressed at how, even though they seemed to be in perpetually high spirits, there was an underlying seriousness to the squad. They were in a constant state of vigilance, painstakingly watching and guarding each other's back, as if they were concerned about being set upon at any given moment. He idly wondered if Team Gai had always been like this, or if their tenacious determination to safeguard one another was the result of having lost a teammate during the war.
Hurdling through the wilderness, relentlessly pushing their way to Stone, it took a genuine effort on Sai's part to keep up with the athletic prowess of Team Gai. Their training regimen could be nothing less than monstrous for the unparalleled endurance that they displayed.
As Rock Lee enthusiastically broached a topic, which had probably been on his mind since the commencement of their mission, Sai noted that he was not the least bit winded. "When we find Sakura-san, do you think she'll reward me with a kiss?"
Their unfaltering optimism was something else that Sai admired about this retinue. Maito Gai, Rock Lee and Tenten were avid proponents of the word when, not if.
Gai, who was as energetic as his student, boisterously laughed and gave a thumbs up. Startling white teeth flashed as he fervently declared, "Most assuredly, Lee!"
"Oh, brother," the level-headed weapons mistress of their team bemoaned. Being optimistic was one thing, but being delusional was quite another. "Lee, if you even ponder a kiss, I think she'll reward you with a chakra-infused punch to the face instead."
Knowing Sakura and her volatile temperament as well as he did, Sai was inclined to agree with Tenten.
TO BE CONTINUED