To the one person who asked if there was a Team Four Star reference in the last chapter. If you meant the joking author's note… I have no idea what you mean. It was the Nazis!

There is a new one shot that is actually a companion to a section of this. You obviously don't have to read it to understand this chapter though.

Also, if it this chapter flows a little weird that's cause I'm really sick. Luckily my temperature broke before I ended up in hospital so that's a plus.

Sai's POV

He felt the muscles around his mouth pull as Ino ran past, chasing Shikamaru with a large grin on her face. He looked at Naruto for answers, only to get a shrug off the woman. She was watching Shikamaru with a soft smile on her face, though that was hardly uncommon. When he had first seen Naruto outside of Shikamaru's house he had sat and watched them. He had been tempted to move closer, to hear what they were saying. In that moment he had itched to sketch them.

That was the first time he had felt a want to know emotions. He had seen Naruto rushing to the house, chewing her lip, though at the time he had thought it was his lip, and was tugging at her clothing, as though that was the only way to release energy. However, when Shikamaru had come to the door, looking like he had only recently rolled out of bed the change was almost instantaneous. Naruto calmed, a small smile gracing her face. Although it was small it lit her face up, making her eyes sparkle. The two stood closer together than the ordinary comrades. There was more than a familiarity between the two, and Naruto was incredibly expressive. Sai had never seen such a person. The Foundation never really interacted with the village, so they only ever truly saw their fellow Foundation members and their enemies. Sai had wondered as he watched the two if it was common for ninjas in the village to be so open. It would make for poor ninjas.

He had been seized with a desire to push their buttons, especially when a third person had joined them, causing Naruto to retreat into herself. Sai had wanted to test his new teammate anyway, and see what type of person he was dealing with. He had had a hard time believing that this pup was the Nine-Tails. He had quickly realised that if he ever wanted to destroy the Nara heir he would simply have to target Naruto. The way he knocked her out of the way, hiding the fact that one of Sai's inked beasts had caught him on the shoulder, revealed to Sai that Naruto was worth Shikamaru's life. Sai filed that away to tell Danzo about that bit of information at the end of his mission with Naruto.

Oddly enough it turned out to be fortuitous that he hadn't reported straight to Danzo. He didn't want to tell him those secrets anymore. By the end of the mission he found Naruto to be fascinating. She was both easy and difficult to read and she never showed that same soft smile he had seen before. Even when she was talking about Sasuke, and lips turned up at the corners ever so slightly it hadn't been the same. Sai had tried to recreate that smile both in a painting and in the mirror with no success. He was able to understand what muscles to use but there was a missing component. He had tried everything to get Naruto to pull the expression as well, including standing close to Naruto and when that failed and instead she looked depressed he had tried to kiss her.

His confusion over Naruto pushing him away was only heightened when he had spotted Shikamaru and Naruto in an embrace as he came out of the hospital. He couldn't understand why Naruto readily accepted the other man's touch whilst when he tried to recreate the same interactions he was apparently overstepping a line. When Sakura had told Sai about Naruto running off with Shikamaru and leaving Sora in her hands he had decided to take Naruto as an example and simply voice his questions. When he spotted the woman walking towards the hospital with a smile on her face he had stepped in her way, asking if he could talk to her. He had learnt that people liked to be asked that. Naruto had shrugged and let Sai lead her to her training grounds.

"Why is your relationship with Shikamaru different to that of others?"

"Cause no two relationships are the same." Naruto shrugged again, turning away as though she was already done with the line of questioning.

"But the way you interact with the other two, the big one and the… pretty one, that's not the same as Shikamaru."

"Please tell me you didn't hesitate on the word pretty because you think Ino's ugly. I might have to hurt you for that." Naruto glared, obviously ignoring the rest of Sai's comment until he answered.

"I feel pretty is a weak word to describe her, but Sakura didn't like when I said my actual thoughts to her so I settled for pretty so as not to anger Ino."

Naruto appeared to accept that. "Look, Shikamaru is just different to the others. He's just someone I care about more, and can be open with. You know I hide my gender, well, Shikamaru was the only person I actually felt guilty about hiding it from. He's just…" Naruto searched for the words, "someone who makes me smile, no matter what."

"Oh." Sai couldn't tell if he found that answer satisfy or not.

Looking at Naruto now though, as she laughed at Ino trying to corner Shikamaru, he understood. He had been right about Shikamaru when he first saw him. He would give his life for Naruto, but not just for her life, but for her happiness, and Naruto wouldn't hesitate to do the same. Watching as Ino took flight down the hallway after a cackling Shikamaru Sai failed to notice as his mouth pulled into a soft smile.

When the two were out of sight Sai turned back to Naruto to discuss why he had came to see her. He hesitated for a moment. He knew that Naruto had been having issues lately, and was beginning to worry about her. He had also recently discovered that she was claustrophobic. These reasons made him select his wording closely.

"With Danzo gone, the Foundation is leaderless. Lady Tsunade hasn't chosen whether or not she wants to dismantle the group. The problem is, either way the organisation needs to change, it's not right to strip people of their emotions, and if the Foundation is dismantled then they will have trouble integrating into the village. If you able, I would appreciate your help. You are the one who first made me interested in emotions, being so expressive, and I think you can understand where many of us are coming from too, so I wished to introduce you to the members. I figured if they were slowly opened to the idea of emotions they would take to it better than if they were just forced into the rest of the village and expected to understand."

"And you think I can do that for them?" Naruto asked, looking baffled.

"I do. I know that many of the Foundation members were angry, or at least their equivalent of angry, that they were made to stay out of the battle with Pain, and appreciate that you not only stopped Pain but were able to bring people back to life. And… well… some of the Foundation members have been watching you since you were young, they respect you for what you've overcome. The only problem is that the Foundation Headquarters is actually a city under the ground… if you're not okay with that I'll find another way." Sai made himself smile in what he hoped was an understanding way, for he did understand… his face just didn't.

"You said city, so it's large, right?"

"Very actually. And Captain Yamato is coming too and he offered to crack a hole in the roof if you feel uncomfortable."

"Don't do that. It might cave in but if I get uncomfortable I'll tell you."

They went in search of Shikamaru and Ino to tell them they were leaving. They found Ino asking Shikamaru questions at rapid succession, though it was clear she was making them up to annoy the man. In retaliation the man kept messing her hair, or giving complete nonsensical answers. Sai had a suspicion that Naruto living with the two was starting to grate on their sanities. There was something dark inside Sai's stomach as he watched the two.

It was surprisingly soothed when Shikamaru spotted Naruto, instantly moving away from Ino, towards the shorter blonde. He touched her cheek before kissing her. Sai found it fascinating how gentle Shikamaru always seemed to be with Naruto. The Jonin had always seen Naruto as this strong, formidable ninja. When he had found out that Naruto was female he had been more surprised at the unmarred, soft look to her skin than her actual gender. He had unconsciously created an image in his mind of her being scarred, muscular, and weathered. He had never thought to treat her delicately. He certainly wasn't going to start to either, since he could tell this was something only Shikamaru could do.

Naruto explained where she and Sai were going. Shikamaru and Ino were clearly worried about Naruto taking on another task but she ensured them that she wanted to do so and if that changed she would stop. Sai was glad to hear Naruto make the distinction between want and duty. She did, however, still transform herself into a boy.

Sai led Naruto towards the entrance to the Foundations Headquarters. The entrance was a part of a remote section on the other side of the village to the Nara Estate. As they walked through the village many people smiled at Naruto, giving a friendly wave or hello that the blonde returned. He hadn't known Naruto when she was younger, but even in the few months he had known her he had seen how the village had changed their view of Naruto. When he had joined the team the village had acknowledged that Naruto was a competent ninja, but now they respected her, and saw her as a potential leader. He knew through Foundation members that Danzo had been keeping an eye on the village chatter as he moved for the Hokage position. Many had heard how the villagers were declaring Naruto as the next Hokage, once she had became older. However, something in that confused him. He knew that the villagers were willing to wait for her to mature instead of putting a burden of leadership on someone so young, but Naruto was known for being rash at times.

"Naruto, why didn't you question whether your name was put forward for Hokage when Lady Tsunade was ill?" Sai asked in his usual monotone.

The blonde sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Promise to not tell anyone?" When Sai nodded Naruto went on. "I can understand why people must think I want the title now, since Gaara is the same age as me, but honestly I'm glad they didn't consider me. Everyone would probably think something is wrong with me for saying that, but… I knew deep down what everyone has been trying to show me. I do what others want. And the idea of becoming Hokage right now, when I'll just let everything and everyone control me is horrifying. The Hokage does need to do things for the village, but if I was doing everything people wanted, I wouldn't be doing what people needed. And I want… more. I know it probably sounds selfish but I want more than to wake up every morning, put on the Hokage robes, and put everyone first. I want too… I don't know. I just know that that life would be missing something. And I know that if I become Hokage before I have that of thing, I might never have it."

"I understand. That's why I want to bring the Foundation into the light. I never realised how hollow my life was until I had friends, and people to worry about. When I saw the state of the village I felt this fear and I realised that I was afraid of losing people. As horrible as that feeling was I would rather have that feeling than none at all. And I want more, though I'm not sure what it is either." Sai smiled at Naruto. "I support you. And I'll help you in any way I can."

"Same here." Naruto threw her arm around Sai's shoulders as they walked, pulling him into her side for a hug.

"Naruto, please wait." The two turned to see Sakura running towards them. When she stopped in front of them she gave Sai a small smile. "I'd like to talk to Naruto alone."

"Would you prefer if I turned myself into you?" Sai asked coyly before his eyes narrowed, "Or would you find that an invasion of trust?"

Sakura had the dignity to blush shamefully. "I'm sorry, Sai, I shouldn't have. And I'm sorry, Naruto. I know I could never make it up to you, and you're right, we're not friends. But I'm going to make sure I start treating you as the comrade worthy of respect that you are. And I don't want to take up too much of your time but I need to say something, because I feel if I don't you're going to get hurt more and I think you've been hurt enough."

"What is it?" Naruto asked, looking curious.

"Sasuke isn't into men."

The blonde raised an eyebrow. "And?"

"Well you said how you liked him," Sakura stammered.

"Ew!" Naruto yelped. "Sasuke is like my brother. I was talking about Shikamaru!"

"Oh." Sakura blinked repeatedly, clearly having not considered the Nara. "Is he interested in men? Ino hasn't ever said so."

"Considering he's in love with me," Naruto started, a smile tugging at her lips, "I'm going to say no." When Sakura frowned Naruto rolled her eyes. "No one looks for the Adam's Apple. Sakura, I'm female. Like since birth!"

Surprising even Sai Naruto put her hands together, releasing the transformation jutsu. The baggy shirt she wore did little to hide her physique, especially when it was falling off one shoulder, revealing an orange bra strap and some cleavage.

"Ta-da!"

Sakura gaped. There was a look of envy that flickered across her face as she took in Naruto's figure. Even Sai, who has trouble understanding concepts of physical beauty could see that Naruto was more appealing to the eye in her underrated clothing than Sakura was in her bright dress. "I really don't know anything about you, do I?"

"I guess I'm partly to blame though. I was so desperate to have you as a friend I was too scared to be my real self. Having you reject the me I showed was easier than having you reject who I really am."

Sakura dropped her head. "Well, maybe one day I'll be a person you can trust to be honest with." She sighed. "I'll let you get back to more important things."

Naruto let out a shaky breath. "That went better than I expected, though I'm waiting for it to bite me in the butt."

Sai put a hand on Naruto's shoulder, giving her what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "It will be fine, I'm sure of it."

They found Captain Yamato waiting outside the entrance to the Foundation Headquarters. He was reminded sharply that the team leader had been a Foundation member himself at one point. Said members rarely left. They ever died, became of no more use (and possibly killed under Danzo's orders), or 'retired' to be a spy in the Leaf village for Danzo. Feeling a moment of recklessness, Sai asked Captain Yamato how he got away from the Foundation.

"Honestly, Kakashi." He shrugged, leading the two into the headquarters. Both men were clearly keeping an eye on Naruto as all sunlight was blinked out and artificial light blanketed them. "Whilst on a mission for Danzo to… um… kill the Third Hokage, Kakashi bested me but spared me because he believed my wood style might save the village, and you, Naruto, one day. I had been told only horrible things about Kakashi and other village ninjas like him, and yet, he didn't live up to them. That was the first thing that triggered a change in me. The other major thing was that changed me was I discovered my real name, or maybe that's just a wish I and Tenzo's sister shared, so I became Tenzo. When Kakashi realised I no longer had the mentality of the Foundation he spoke with the Third and even broke into the Foundation himself in time to save me from… reprogramming."

Sai flinched. He knew that he was 'defected' compared to the others since he never actually killed his brother and had therefore worked hard to make sure he never showed his differences. Reprogramming was something that even the most emotionless Foundation member was afraid of.

"Kakashi-Sensei really did that?" Naruto asked with a chuckle.

"Yeah, he was kinda reckless when he was younger. When I left the Foundation I was assigned to his Anbu team. Aaliyah was assigned to make sure his, and my, mental statuses were stable. Apparently your dad, Naruto, was very worried about Kakashi having PTSD. Either way, it was enjoyable to see this highly happy and kind woman being able to pull our leader into line with a single look. Especially if Kakashi had spent the day annoying me." Captain Yamato smiled when Naruto laughed.

"She is good at reading people, though after the other day Shikamaru wants to punch all three of you, but I don't think he'd hit a woman."

"Well, of course he wants to hurt them. He loves you after all." Sai repeated a gesture Naruto had done many times in rolling his eyes. It felt odd and he wasn't sure he would pick up that particular gesture.

"Yeah, but that's not why he's mad." Her eyes widened. "Holy crap, that is the reason, isn't it?"

"Wait, she knows Shikamaru loves her?" Captain Yamato asked, a large smile spreading across his face.

"He told me earlier. And he was alright with me admitting that although I like him I don't know if I love him," Naruto explained in a huff. "But seriously, is everything Shikamaru does for me because he loves me?"

"Yes," both men confirmed without a blink.

"Is that bad? What about if he doesn't want to do so?" Naruto asked in panic, stopping in her step.

Captain Yamato gave her a soft, possibly proud smile. Sai could only assume that it was pride at Naruto showing her care for Shikamaru more openly and that she was starting to question what acts through wants were right and what were crossing a line. "Naruto, people do things for love. You love Sasuke like a brother. Even though everyone has told you to give up on him you have refused. It is your desire to save him, and it is our love and respect for you that makes us want to help you. Things aren't as simple as good and bad, and it's the same with our wants and desires. And until you get a handle on that we will help you."

"Thank you, Captain Yamato. And even if Shikamaru is mad at what you did I'm actually kinda glad. I needed the painful push."

Sai felt Naruto grab his wrist as they walked. He looked at the blonde, noticing the clammy look to her skin in the fluorescent lights. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just have to be reminded that I'm not alone."

With a nod, Sai hooked his arm with Naruto's, walking at a calming pace. He could feel Naruto relax a little when they stepped into the large cavern that a beehive like structure was build into. The cavern was so vast that it could easily be mistaken for outside, on a very cloudy night. He and Captain Yamato clearly spotted Foundation members spying on them from the shadows of the upper bridges. For a moment Sai thought Naruto was oblivious to the watchful eyes. However, she proved him wrong in all Naruto fashion.

"HEY UP THERE! HOW'S IT GOING?"

Amusement filled him, something Captain Yamato sounded with his sniggers. Sai could easily tell from the body languages of his comrades that Naruto's shouts had baffled them. Whether the blonde herself noticed or not was unclear as she went on.

"I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI. NICE TO MEET YOU."

Seemingly out of curiosity more than anything some of the members jumped down onto the entrance bridge, walking slowly towards the three. It was fascinating to see Naruto's effects on the emotionless from the outside, even if the Foundation members all wore masks.

"What are you doing here?" a man asked, looking as though he was ready for an attack.

"We just wanted to talk, make sure you guys are doing well after losing your leader, that sort of thing. This place is…" Naruto looked around, "really dark. Don't you ever miss the sun?"

The Foundation members shared looks before some muttered that, yes, they did at times. A few shuffled closer to Naruto, clearly studying her. Danzo had described Naruto as a threat to the village. Sai had seen Naruto's file. She was put down as a threat to the Foundation, and he knew that that was correct. Naruto had power in the village now, and Danzo had wanted to control her. If those two had actually clashed it would have shook the village. Sai was slightly disappointed he never got to witness such a conflict. It was obvious though, that Naruto was not a threat to the members themselves for she radiated calm and understanding. Sai realised with a plunge of sorrow that Naruto did understand better than most. She had suffered too, she just didn't have the luxury of being emotionally dead inside.

"Well, you do realise the sun is just on the other side of that tunnel. No one is stopping you." When they still looked hesitant Naruto gave them a smile. "What's your names?"

The one closest to Naruto shrugged. "We don't really have names. Most of the time we're referred to by numbers, unless Lord Danzo gives… gave us names for certain missions. They aren't our real names though."

Naruto frowned. "Did Danzo keep records? Your names should be in them."

"Maybe, for some. Those that Huruma sent to the Foundation might, if she bothered to note them," one of the women scoffed.

"You know, I should be shocked that Huruma was a Foundation member, but honestly, that makes too much sense."

"She was one of Danzo's top agents before she was injured, then she became his best recruiters. She hid their disappearances from the village and kept an eye out for strong people. She had wanted to push you into Danzo's grasp but you were being watched too closely and you were apparently weak with no clear talents. Obviously she was wrong."

Naruto gave the man in front of her a small smile. "You know, you can always give yourself a name."

It was as though the blonde had said something extreme, like the earth was actually the sky. Although their faces were hidden, Sai could tell that the Foundation members were stunned. So was he though. He had wanted a name, one that was truly his, for so many years. It wasn't until he heard his friends calling out to him with the name that Danzo had given him did he realise that he had claimed the name Sai for his own. But he had never thought to simply give himself one.

"Hmm. I like the name Haru," the man admitted softly, as though he was ashamed.

"Nice to meet you, Haru." Naruto held out her hand to the man, who hesitated before shaking it.

Slowly, the man reached up and removed his mask, revealing a surprisingly aesthetically pleasing face. Haru would have been ordered to keep his mask on at all times by Danzo. There was nothing particularly threatening in the man's bright, hazel eyes, dusty brown hair, or angular face. Although there were benefits of appearing unthreatening, something Naruto often used, Danzo liked his subordinates to look as deadly as they truly were. Whether Naruto knew it or not some of the most powerful members of the Foundation had came out to speak with her. They were the leaders when Danzo was out of the village, or in this case dead.

With such a simple thing as telling them they could have a name more members started to move closer to Naruto, wanting to see what she did next. Some of the members ended up joining Naruto and Sai in going outside to sit in the sun. There were a number of members who were from the orphanage like Naruto and remembered some of Huruma's brutality. They sat swapping stories with the blonde, the group even finding some amusement with the distance of time. Captain Yamato joined them later when he had gathered some of the documents Lady Tsunade had requested.

"Oh, when I found out she was sending me to Danzo I broke into her office and stole those caramel candies that she kept in her office and gave them to everyone!" a girl who named herself Ikue recounted. "She was so mad and it was worth every second of time in the box."

Naruto gasped. "I remember that! They were nice."

"Wait, are you the girl that Huruma call a boy." When Naruto nodded Ikue whistles. "I remember the stuff she used to do to you. She really targeted you."

"Hmm," Haru muttered. "That's cause Danzo wanted Naruto to lash out and be too dangerous for the village to hold. Huruma was more than happy to help."

"Now I'm really glad I never did. It would have given them both too much satisfaction," Naruto said plainly, stretching out and resting on her elbows.

Sai almost jumped out of his skin when a laugh rippled through the group. Some looked surprised at the noise they had produced. He knew that feeling. The first time Naruto had made him laugh he hadn't actually known what that sound was. He had had to ask Captain Yamato what it was he had just done. Luckily the man could understand where Sai's confusion came from.

The sun was starting to disappear behind the trees when they finally left the group. Sai and Naruto had assured them that they would be back the next day as well. Naruto had even thought to ask if they had enough provisions. The fact that she took the time to care, especially knowing that the Foundation hadn't been in the battle with Pain, had stunned the members. They assured her they were fine.

They had almost made it back to the Nara estate before someone stopped them. This time it was Choji who was heading in the same direction as them. Sai still didn't know how he felt about Choji. In many ways the man was underwhelming for a ninja. He was far too kind, and soft hearted, but Sai had seen him battle and had trouble believing the man in battle was the same as the man he saw in the village. They were far too different in Sai's mind. Perhaps he was missing something in Choji's character, or perhaps Choji had a split personality. That thought did interest Sai.

"Hey, I have been trying to find time to talk to you two without Shikamaru or Ino." Choji grinned. "Their birthdays are coming up soon and I was hoping to plan something with your help. They birthdays are only a day apart so they often celebrate it together so we can do one big thing or two small things."

Apparently Choji wasn't expecting the confused looks he received from the two. It was Naruto who broke the baffled staring contest with a look of comprehension.

"Ohhh, you guys follow the Uchiha birthday traditions, like with the cake, and the candles, and the song… though Sasuke never taught me that one."

"What? No, that's just a birthday!" Choji exclaimed, only for realisation to dawn on him. "Neither of you have had a birthday celebration, have you?"

Sai shook his head as Naruto shrugged. "Once. Sasuke told me it was a Uchiha thing but that some others in the village also did it, so it wasn't surprising that I didn't know."

Choji hung his head, guilt marring his face. "I… I shouldn't have said anything."

"Choji, it's not really a secret that I've missed out on things," Naruto reassured, though pain did flicker through her eyes. "But, um, we can think of something. I think two small things might be better, that way we have more celebration then one big thing. Two days after everything would feel better, and we also have Kurenai-Sensei's house warming, and our blanket to give her, so that should lift spirits."

"That's a good idea." Choji started leading them into the Nara Estate.

The moment Naruto walked into the living room she collapsed next to Shikamaru on the floor, putting her head on his lap. She didn't interrupt the shoji match going on between Shikamaru and his father, instead closing her eyes.

"Is everything alright, Naruto?" Shikaku asked as he watched Shikamaru move a piece on the board.

"Tired. It's been a long day, but it's a good one. I meant some nice people today." Naruto hummed when Shikamaru ran his fingers through her hair. "If I fall asleep, please wake me up for dinner."

"Did Naruto help the Foundation members?" Ino asked Sai, her voice soft as to not disturb Naruto.

"Yes, I believe she did. She is very blatant but views the world rather oddly." Sai smiled at Ino who shifted from foot to foot. "We are going back tomorrow."

"Maybe I could go with you two," offered the blonde.

"No, I don't think so." Sai frowned. He watched something flicker through Ino's eyes and Shikamaru and Choji both looked over at him with hard eyes. He didn't know what they were feeling but he knew he was feeling something dark stabbing at his stomach. He wanted to keep Ino away from the Foundation. When he tried to work out why the only thought that came to mind was that Ino was his and Danzo, even from the grave, was not allowed to get his hands on her. She was Sai's. She was not part of his mission; she was not part of his logical analysis of life. She was simply Ino, and she was to stay that was in Sai's life.

Hope you like. R and R.