"Who is she?" Naruto asked Sai when the artist rejoined his teammates.
"Her name's Tsukiko," Sai said, looking at the door she had left through. "She's one of the best ninjas in Roots."
"But Roots is no longer in commission," Kakashi objected.
"True, but Danzaou still teaches students like they were in Roots. And Tsukiko's the best of them."
"I've never seen her in the village before," Sakura observed.
"That's because I do not allow her to go into public," Danzaou replied, approaching the team. "Information about Tsukiko is confidential. You are not to mention her to anybody."
"Does the Hokage know?" Kakashi asked suspiciously.
"She does," Danzaou replied indignantly.
"Then you won't mind me talking to her about it, of course."
"Of course I won't."
"Good," Kakashi turned to his team. "Time to finish our training for today."
The three teens followed Kakashi out of the Roots training ground. When they reached the place they usually practice at, Kakashi left them to train alone. He headed for the Hokage's office. He had to speak with Tsunade about this immediately.
"Yes, I was aware of Tsukiko," Tsunade answered calmly.
"She is incredibly strong," Kakashi pointed out seriously. "And with an amazing amount of chakra."
Tsunade nodded. "And a short temper. A lot like Naruto." She closed the subject by turning back to her paper work. Kakashi hesitated, but left after she said, "Dismissed." Kakashi gave a slight bow and went home. His teammates should be done training by now.
Sai left his teammates an hour after Kakashi did, saying he had business to take care of. Of course, Naruto didn't object; more alone time with Sakura. She seemed more worried about Sai than about Naruto's eagerness to be with her. Sai went back to the old Roots headquarters, ignoring the other ANBU ninjas and going down a maze of hallways. He reached a room with a warning, seal, and lock on its closed door. The warning was for newcomers who had lost their way and didn't know what lay beyond. The seal was so nothing inside got out of control, to keep chakra from building. The lock was to discourage both on the inside and out.
Sai unlocked the door and walking into the dark room. "Hello, Tsukiko."
"Sai," she replied calmly, not moving from the mat she sat on.
"I'm sorry for leaving earlier," he said as he sat next to her on the mat. "I'm apart of a team now. I have duties I must perform with them."
"Well, I'm happy that you can spend time with your friends, but I would prefer that you at least bother to see me." He may have feelings now, but that didn't mean she had to treat him any differently.
Sai frowned. "I understand that you're unhappy here, but you don't have to take your anger out on me."
Tsukiko laughed slightly to cover up her displeasure. "You're right, Sai. You are a different person now." She turned her icy blue gaze on him. "You have feelings to be hurt."
"I do," Sai replied, still frowning.
"Perhaps you shouldn't visit me anymore." Tsukiko stood and paced around the room like a caged animal. "After all, I don't like people weak enough for me to harm."
"You would prefer to have somebody who just doesn't care?" Sai retorted, staying where he sat.
Tsukiko spun on her heel and stared him down. "I would prefer to have somebody who I can speak to as I like without worrying whether they'll break into tears or not! Humans are far too fragile creatures. You used to be strong; able to keep your own. Now you're just like the rest of them."
"Do you want me to leave?"
"Isn't it obvious?!"
Sai stood, gave Tsukiko a slight bow, saying, "I'm sorry I have displeased you," and left.