Chapter 30: Team Danzo!

It was in between training sessions that Shikamaru would break away from his focus. Shikamaru frowned as he remembered staring at a blank piece of paper in front of him. He had wanted to write a letter to Hinata, but he didn't know how to start. He had never been good at expressing his feelings, and he didn't want to say the wrong thing especially if someone was going to read to her outloud. He thought about asking Ino for help, but he knew she would just make fun of him. He could ask Chouji, but he was sure he would just end up eating the letter. So he had given up on the idea, so he wouldn't have to worry about saying the wrong thing.

Still, it was his determination to become someone that could protect her, that kept him going. If he succeeds, it would all be worth it in the end, because he would be able to finally have time to spend with the girl that he loved.

"Shika," Ino called out to him as he was lying down on the grass. "Sensei said our break is over!"

"Be right there!" He replied, jumping back onto his feet to join his team. His sensei had instructed Ino and Chouji to work more on their combo techniques together, before pulling Shikamaru to the side.

"Hey, Kid, I want you to have these."

"Your twin blades? But why?"

"I'm getting too old to use them effectively, and I think you're ready."

"I don't know, I've never used a sword before."

"You're a quick learner, and I know you'll be able to handle them."

"I don't want to disappoint you."

"You won't. Just remember to use them for good."

"I will. Thank you, Asuma sensei."

"No problem. Now go out there and show me what you can do."

Shikamaru took the twin blades and held them in his hands. He feels a surge of power and determination.

"What are these made from anyways?"

"Steel. These blades were inscribed with the kanji for "fire" and "wind." to go with my style. But honestly those were just for astetic reasons like my lighter. You can use these blades to create your own style. It just takes practice. Now come at me." Asuma said while grinning.

Shikaku bowed hastily as he entered the Hokage's office, carrying a letter or invitation. He handed it over.

"It's from Lord Fourth Kazekage. He's extending you an invitation to watch the exams, saying your presence will boost the morale of our Leaf genins."

"That's quite an honor. I think it will be a good opportunity for our two villages to strengthen our ties."

"I don't entirely disagree. However, who will be in charge while you're away?" Hiruzen's eyes widened. Shikaku chuckled as his Hokage finally caught on to the situation. "That's right, if you leave, Danzo might make some kind of play. Should I send a polite reply to the Lord Kazekage that you have pressing matters and won't be able to attend?"

"Hmm, not yet," Hiruzen said.

Shikaku let out a sigh. This was troublesome. It seemed like his leader was considering the invitation. He crossed his arms.

"If you're considering going, then I have a proposition."

"Hmm?"

"It's about Hiashi's daughter. I believe that she could be a valuable asset to us if we could turn her against Danzo. She could become our ears inside his organization."

Hiruzen frowned as he had been down this road before. "I also thought it would be a good idea when I sent Itachi to do the same. But he was also a kid that got swept under Danzo's views."

"My wife told me that my son is close to her, maybe we can use that as leverage and incentive."

"It's an interesting idea, but I'm not sure if it's feasible. Hinata is loyal to her father, and her father is loyal to Danzo. I don't think she would be willing to betray Danzo. But I'll give it some thought. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Shikaku."

Shikaku left the Hokage's office, feeling confident that he had convinced the Hokage to consider his proposal. He knew that it was a risky plan, but he believed that it was the only way to protect Hinata from Danzo's evil plans.

The very next day, Sakura was summoned, as she wore her Chunin flak with pride.

"Sakura, I have a mission for you," He said, while he handed her a scroll. She opened it and read the contents while he spoke. "I want you to make contact with Hinata Hyuga, your former classmate, and ask her to be a double agent and spy on Danzo on my behalf."

"A double agent? But why Lord Danzo? Isn't he one of your trustees who helps rule the village?"

"You're a smart girl, Sakura, so I will tell you the truth. I was invited to the Sand village, and if I'm away, I'm sure Danzo will find a way to plan something big that might lead to my assassination, as he always wanted my seat. We need someone on the inside to find out if he's planning something. Hinata might be the only one who can help us."

"But why are you sending me, and not Kiba?"

"I already have Kiba preparing himself for a very dangerous mission. The Chunin exams are going to be held this year in Suna, and he's there to help make sure he keeps Sasuke and Naruto safe during the first phase of the exams. Also, I trust this mission to you because you're the daughter of a bank owner who deals with business with the Hyuga clan regularly. It won't look out of place if you drop by to say hello. Danzo knows how your father works,"

"But I still don't know how I could convince Hinata…"

"Let her know that this suggestion was brought to my attention by Shikamaru. That'll get her to understand how serious this is," Hiruzen lied, though it was true that Hinata has complete trust in Shikaku's son.

"Alright. I won't let you down, Lord Hokage. Would that be all?"

"How's your training going with Lady Tsunade?"

Sakura smiled widely. "It's going great. I feel like I found someone who finally understands me,"

He nodded his head, pleased. After Sakura left the office, she went to make preparations for her mission. Perhaps name-dropping her dad might make her be able to get past the guards, and be allowed entrance inside the Hyuga compound.

Sakura sat on a bench, drinking some tea as she reflected on her training with Lady Tsunade. She was amazed at how much she had learned in such a short time. She felt stronger and more confident than ever before. But as she sat there, she couldn't help but feel guilty, as though she had taken something away from her. Sakura took a deep breath and tried to focus on staying positive and she was determined to make the most of it. Once she finished her tea and stood up. Stopping when she heard a voice calling her name.

"Sakura-chawwwwwn!"

Sakura spun around and smiled his way as he caught up to her, while Sasuke took his time. Naruto threw her arms around her, his cheek touching hers, as he congratulated her.

"Naruto! Personal space please!" Sakura yelled, pretending to be mad but Naruto could tell, since she didn't punch him.

"Kakashi-sensei told us! I'm so proud to be your classmate. Of course our class's straight A student would be the first one! I knew you were super smart, but Chunin?!"

She smiled brightly, as she tilted her head. "Thank you Naruto. I'm sorry to have to be the one to leave you guys first." She then looked at Sasuke briefly before falling into step with them as the three walked towards the ramen booth.

"Nah, it's all good. Kiba's joining our team," Naruto said.

Sasuke scoffed. "You're the only one that's happy about smelling his armpit all day."

"Oi, is that how you talk about someone who also put his life on the line to help save you?"

"I don't understand why another dude was chosen to be on our team. I thought it was one girl-" Sasuke stopped talking. "What?"

"You know, you could just say you'll miss Sakura-chan," Naruto said, as if Sasuke was suddenly sus.

Sasuke fought back the heat that rose to his face, and turned away, so they didn't see him blush.

"Congratulations, Sakura." He finally said.

She blinked. "Um, thanks. Listen, guys, it was nice catching up, but I gotta run. Between the Hokage and Lady Tsunade, I'm kinda busy right now, sorry."

"Can we get ramen together when you're free?" Naruto asked, knowing she'll say no.

Sakura beamed at the suggestion. "Of course Naruto, anyways, see you later!"

"It's a date!" He called after her as she jogged away. She half-turned while jogging,

"I don't date genins!" She said with a bright smile that sent arrows right through his heart. Her rejection fired him up right away.

"Alright! I'll become a Chunin and ask her out-" Naruto glanced over to Sasuke, who was quiet. "Oi, bastard, why do you suddenly look motivated."

"Shut up." Sasuke said, shoving his hand into his pocket before turning to walk the opposite way. He decided to go and train some more.

"Toruno, welcome back from your mission,"

Torino walked into a large office, that had a lot of open space without a single glow of natural light. The office was decorated with a variety of artwork depicting the previous Hokages, but that didn't mean the place looked inviting.

"I'm back."

"Did you find out what Orochimaru had been up to? He couldn't have come here just for a Sharingan," Lord Danzo asked.

"I managed to interrogate a surviving member of Orochimaru's organization. You weren't joking when you said our village went after his students. The Sound Village he had created was nearly destroyed. But an Uzumaki made it out alive,"

Danzo's eyes widened. "An Uzumaki? Well, please tell me that you at least captured her and brought her back with you,"

"She actually came willingly when I explained to her that the organization I worked for helps people like her. Since she had nowhere to go, she wanted to come. She almost backed down when she realized where I was leading her, but I managed to convince her,"

"Good work, Torune. I want to talk to her. Bring her in."

"Alright." Torune walked to the door, letting her in.

"Hi, my name is Karin. Karin Uzumaki."

"So, Karin, tell us what you know about the attack on this village."

Karin adjusted her glasses. "From what little I know, the Fourth Kazekage had some sort of role to play. He backed Orochimaru, since his village is financially unstable right now. I heard it was because the Hidden Leaf Village keeps getting hired for the mission. He wanted the Third Hokage dead,"

Danzo smiled. This was certainly the Universe trying to tell him something. The Sand Village had offered to host the Chunin exams, and the Third Hokage was invited over to their village. So assassination of their Lord Third might still be on the table. Anyone that wanted to Assassinate Hiruzen was a friend of his.

What's even better, what would happen if the host of the Three-tailed-beast's host were to die a mysterious death? He could steal back what Minato had so foolishly given away, and seal it into this Uzumaki. But now the issue was getting Karin to stay.

"Karin, what if I told you your master, Orochimaru, isn't dead,"

Her eyes widened. "What do you mean by that?"

"Right now, his will and consciousness are lying dormant inside one of our Shinobi that managed to survive his cursed mark."

She thought everyone with a curse mark had been eliminated. She looked happy to hear the news.

"And what's this Shinobi's name?" Karin asked.

"Shino Aburame. If you serve him, you'll be serving Orochimaru. And when your master awakens, he will be pleased to see how devoted you are. Are there other experiments, such as yourself, that survived?"

She nodded, and listed Jugo, and Suigetsu, describing their abilities.

"Then, why don't you join Torune on a little recruiting mission to find your allies?" Danzo asked.

"I actually don't really know them personally, but I can try,"

"Is Shino awake yet?" Torune asked his master, as the last time he had seen Shino, he had healing wounds that had looked like chicken pox scars, created by the unfortunate event that happened to him.

"Yes. In a few days he'll be able to train again. I'll have him ready for the Chunin exams,"

"That's good news. I can't wait to train with my little cousin again. By the way, Lord Danzo, Sai was waiting to report his recaps to you,"

"Good timing, send him in," Danzo said, after dismissing them both.

"Sai, it seems something has changed, and I'm going to need you out in the public," Danzo said.

Sai titled his head.

"It's an infiltration and assassination mission. Your target, Gaara of the Sand," Danzo explained.

"Lord Danzo, I don't have a team."

"But you will. I'm working on that on my end. Hinata and Shino will be your partners."

"She's not ready,"

"She'll have to be."

"How long do we have?" Sai asked.

"The Chunin Exam is only a few months away. You have 98 days to train her." That wasn't near enough time to prepare her properly. Sai stayed silent, knowing that there was no point in arguing with Danzo. She'll just have to do her best.

Sakura tried to keep her nerves down and act casual as she was led inside the Hyuga mansion. She knew that this was going to be a sensitive mission, and would have to be careful not to overwhelm Hinata. She needed to find a way to get Hinata to see that she was possibly in danger or aiding someone cruel.

Being a Chunin was brutal, once she took some classes from Lady Tsunade on being careful not to say anything that would offend anyone. As she waited for Hinata to arrive, Sakura thought about how she was going to approach her, without letting her know she was the key to Lord Hokage's plan.

"Sakura, I heard from my father. Congratulations," Hinata said when she entered the room. She watched as a boy she recognized to be Neji, led her inside the room and guided her to her seat.

"Thank you Hinata, and sorry that I didn't come to visit you sooner,"

"It's okay. What's it like being a Chunin?"

"Not that different, just more added responsibilities with the added perks of a teacher solely focused on you,"

'And frigging politics,' Sakura added mentally. "So how are you, Hinata?"

"Healthy. Adapting to...well...everything."

Sakura felt a sudden sting from those words. She laughed nervously. "That's exactly why I came in to check on you. Lord Hiruzen told me about who's been training you, and well, I heard from him that he doesn't trust Danzo. He thinks Danzo is too dangerous and that he's only interested in power. So, what do you think about that? Do you think it's true?"

"I'm not sure. I mean, I don't know about Lord Danzo, but I also don't think he's as bad as everyone makes him out to be."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I think Lord Danzo does have some good intentions. He wants to protect Konoha, just like the Hokage does. But I think he goes about it in a very different way, and that's okay."

Sakura frowned. Was her friend already being brainwashed? This might be harder than she initially thought.

"So you don't think he's misguided?"

"What I'm saying is that I'm not worried about what he might do. He helped save Shino."

"I just hope that you're not wrong about him and that he's not as dangerous as Shikamaru thinks he is,"

"Shika…" Hinata whispered to herself. If Shikamaru believes Danzo is dangerous, then she'll have to be careful…

"Hmm?"

"Um, no…nothing. But if I happen to hear anything suspicious going on, I'll alert Lord Hokage right away,"

Sakura grinned widely, proud that her mission had been accomplished.

"Will do!" She said.

The next day, Hinata lay on the ground, panting. She had just finished a grueling training session with Sai, and she was exhausted. She knew that she wasn't ready for the Chunin Exams, but she had to try. She thought about what Sakura had said to her. Sakura had told her that Shikamaru didn't trust Danzo, and that he thought he was dangerous. Hinata didn't know what to think. Danzo had strong Shinobis at his disposal, ready to help her train. She hadn't gotten this level of attention by being an academy student, an heir, or even a genin.

'Shikamaru-kun...'

She wanted to write to Shikamaru so badly. She misses him so much. But if Danzo were to find out she didn't want to let go of her ties, he'll drop her from her training or his organization. She couldn't risk that. She thought about her father and little sister, who's been so supportive of her, and wanted her to succeed. She knew that he would be proud of her if she passed the Chunin Exams. She took a deep breath and stood up.

"I can do this," she whispered to herself. "I have to do this."

"Little mouse, we don't have time to waste. 90 days isn't a lot of time," Sai's voice said from far away. He was probably up on some tree from the sound of it, ready to perform more sneak attacks.

Shibi and Hiashi met at a fancy bar in the village. Though they hadn't really been friends when they were kids, the topic of their children is why they were there together. They ordered drinks and complained about their shared fate.

"So your son and my daughter are on the same team again," Hiashi had said in grief, over a drink, to Shibi.

"Ah,"

"I wish my daughter to be able to go back to normal." The two had bonded over shared experiences of having everyone question their choice of sending their loved ones to Danzo. "Forgive me for not even asking, but how's your son?"

"Danzo placed a seal on him. Orochimaru shouldn't be able to take over." Shibi replied.

He frowned. That's not what he had been asking, as he was genuinely concerned about Shino's being.

"Now, about your daughter, I think I might be able to help while we wait for Lady Tsunade to gather the materials that she needs for the surgery."

Hiashi looked his way as if asking why he would be willing to help.

"My son Shino cares a lot about her. His grievances are my own. After Torune explained to me the way she's being trained, it got me thinking that her progress could improve if she had hearing like an Inuzuka. I could create a new type of bug that could theoretically allow her to hear even fainter sounds. I've thought about calling the new species "Dark Byakugan". If it works, it could help those in your clan that had gone through similar events,"

Nothing in this world was free. "What would you hope to gain from this in return?"

Shibi took a sigh. He hadn't thought ahead about what to ask. "If it works, we can negotiate something later,"

Three months later, and eight days away from the Chunin exams, Kakashi had gathered his team so they could show off to each other what they learned while training under different teachers. The only way Kiba agreed to join team 7, was if they kept his secret of him being a Chunin.

Kakashi was thankful that Guy had kept his promise to help him with Kiba, while Jiraiya had kept Naruto occupied and interested in the prospect of training just like the Fourth Hokage. Kiba would sometimes join in to watch them train, apparently picking up a few things along the way.

"Naruto, you're first," Kakashi motioned his way with a book.

"Alright! Are you watching, Sasuke? Here we go!"

Kakashi's jaw almost fell open. The way Naruto had gathered a large amount of chakra in his hand and then rotated it at high speeds, until it became a vortex of chakra was very effectively done. Even Minato's version had been a little lacking, for better terms.

"Rasengan!" He yelled, as he sped towards the target practice, but a few trees ended up destroyed instead.

Sasuke's eyes widened.

Kiba, however, couldn't contain his excitement. He leaped in the air, cheering him on from the sideline as he had been there to witness how much Naruto had to struggle to learn it.

"Nice form Naruto!" Kiba said, then turned to Sasuke, in excitement. "Whoohoo! Did you fucking see that?"

"Kiba, watch your language," Kakashi said while on a tree, repressing a sigh, hiding how impressed he felt inside, over Naruto's achievement. 'Do you see, Minato? Naruto is catching up and growing so fast…'

"Whatever, Naruto's always a fluke," Sasuke said.

Naruto's ear perked up, and his teeth looked almost sharp like a shark as he yelled back. "What did you just say!?"

"Haha, sounds like someone is jealous. I think you did great, Naruto." Kiba said, trying to implement what he had learned from Kakashi sensei, who had mentioned once you're a Chunin, you should always say encouraging words to those whose ranks are lower.

"Sasuke, you're up," Kakashi called out.

"Naruto, keep your eyes on me, and let me show you true power!" Sasuke molded large amounts of lightning chakra into his hand, until the lightning took the shape of a blade of electricity.

"Chidoriiiii!"

Once he was done obligating the practice dummy, and even more trees than Naruto, Sasuke jogged up to them and paused just to give Naruto a smug look as his Sharingan was on. Naruto seemed pissed that Sasuke's attack seemed as powerful as his. He gritted his teeth, feeling betrayed by Jiraya, who had promised him the coolest attack.

Kiba grinned and didn't say anything about how he noticed the Chidori required a great deal of chakra to use, which can translate to it being very taxing on the user's body. It wasn't a technique to be spammed around like his new one.

Kiba ignored the feral and growling noises Naruto was letting out, choosing to high-fived Sasuke.

"That was amazing!" Kiba said.

"Hard to accept your compliments when you're too easily impressed by this loser," He retorted with a straight face. Kiba's expression fell at his comment. Sometimes it was hard not to want to punch Sasuke in the face.

"Kiba, you're next,"

"Yes sir!" He moved Akamaru from his sweater and drooped him over his head as if it were some kind of stuffed animal, as he took his stand and knitted his fingers. "Earth style! Swamp of the underworld!"

Naruto's and Sasuke's hair perked up at the scene, feeling goosebumps everywhere when a practice dummy sank into the mud, and got restrained by a snake, until it was completely submerged, snared, then crushed. There were times Kiba had moments where he looked cool, hair moving, jacket moving as he performed his attack with a ferocious expression as though he'll bite. His sudden growth spurt he had in the last two months added to what Naruto perceived as unfair, yet cool, as he stood taller both of them.

"KIBAAAAAAHH" Naruto yelled once he got over his temporary fear, jumping repeatedly in the air, in support, as his eyes sparkled in awe. "That was creepy as fuck! Did pervy sage teach you that? We're going to be the coolest team ever! Believe it!"

Kiba stopped his earth-style technique and spun his head to look their way, grinning proudly, while Akamaru barked. He then jogged back to them, receiving both of their high-fives. Kakashi's voice could be heard faintly from afar, as he tried to reproach them over his use of language. Ever since Kiba had joined the team, his genins began swearing constantly.

"That's impressive. I heard that move takes perfect Chakra control," Sasuke shared his rare compliments.

Kiba rubbed his nose. "Actually, I might've cheated. Thanks to Ino's help, I was able to master it because she helped me figure out a perfect balance of Chakra!" Kiba said. "Hey man, I noticed she doesn't care much about you anymore, these days. Is it okay if I take her from you? I mean, I knew one day your charming personality would wear off. Not everyone's into the cold prince," Kiba said, restraining himself from calling Sasuke an asshole, since Kakashi had also been teaching him diplomacy and the ways of backhanded compliments.

"No way, I noticed it too! It's the same way with Sakura-chan! Doesn't she ignore you too nowadays? Ne, ne, Sasuke, can I take Sakura? You look like you don't mind being alone,"

Naruto laughed at Sasuke's expression, while repeatedly slapping him hard on his back, unaffected by how Sasuke tried to retrieve back to his personal space.

Kiba used a transformation technique to turn into Sakura and pretended to run like an academy girl towards Naruto, fist closed, swaying from side to side. "Naruto-kun!"

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto said passionately, going along with it, as he ran in Kiba's way, letting his playful teammate grab his collar as he made a smoochy face.

They both froze when they sensed Sasuke's killing intent simmering. Sasuke finally snapped from all the harassment he was receiving and the unsettling imagery of a Sakura in love with his friend. However, what had actually triggered Sasuke's anger was the memory of Sakura giving Naruto one of her kind smiles, as her long cherry blossom hair sparkled under the sun.

"SHUT UP! BOTH OF YOU ARE GOING TO DIE!" Sasuke shoved them away and took his Chidori-stance, knowing he couldn't use it again so soon.

Yara, yara, Kakashi thought to himself. He better break it off before it becomes a fight.

Kiba dispersed his transformation, then held up his hands in defense and laughed. "Calm down, hitting your Senpai outside training is frowned upon,"

"We're the same fucking age!" Sasuke barked, while point up at him, not knowing Kiba likes it when he loses his cool.

"That's right! Just because you're taller doesn't mean you get to demand respect!" Naruto said, quickly switching sides and backing Sasuke up, both crossing their arms and glaring his way.

"Sorry, I meant hitting a Chunin outside of training is considered insubordination. It might even be illegal," Kiba said, reciting the policies he recently learned.

Naruto and Sasuke's expressions turned blank.

Kiba froze.

'Oh crap, guess the dog is out of the bag.'

"Heheh, whoops." Kiba said while looking in Kakashi's way.

"Wait…what do you mean you're a Chunin?!" Naruto demanded to know, this time being the one to grab his shirt. "When did that happen?!"

"Same time as Sakura."

"Then that means, you're not going to take the exams with us." They'll automatically be disqualified, Sasuke deduced, with an annoyed look in his eyes. But at least now everything made sense, as to why Kiba was always running around, doing more errands than any regular genin would.

"You both don't have to worry about that, Lord Third has recently given Kiba a mission, so he'll be infiltrating the exams, passing as a genin student, so you don't have to worry about that," Kakashi said, as three clones appeared behind each of his students, as Kakashi hit each of them hard on the head, with a book. "Alright, enough of that and listen carefully, you three. The abilities you learned during these months, will be your ace in your arsenal. Don't reveal it unless it's needed.,"

He received two passionate responses, while Sasuke murmured his reply. He then lifted his gaze when he saw Chouji approaching them with Shikamaru strolling behind him.

"Hi team Kakashi!" Chouji greeted with a friendly smile, before turning his attention to Sasuke. "Are you guys still training?"

Sasuke looked towards Kakashi, who motioned they were done.

"No." Sasuke said, then walked over to his ninja bag to pick it up, flinging it over his shoulder, holding it with one hand. He tilted his head in his team's way, glad to be getting away from Naruto and Kiba after the stupid duet the two had pulled earlier. Good riddance. "Let's go," He said to them.

"Later," Shikamaru said, and waved in Naruto's and Kiba's way.

"Wait!" Naruto reached out, feeling excluded. "Where are you guys going?"

"Window shopping for some cool weapons. The exams are around the corner. Why? Wanna come?" Chouji asked. Naruto nodded enthusiastically, while Sasuke internally groaned. The pain and the downside of having mutual friends was real.

Sasuke blinked as he trailed behind the group, who walked ahead.

Since when did he consider them friends? He looked moody and brooding as he lowered his gaze, as something his heart hurt, and he didn't know why.

"Sasuke," Shikamaru lazily called out. "You're walking even slower than me. Your training must've been troublesome,"

Sasuke glanced up, as Chouji and Naruto paused to look his way. Chouji popped open a bag of chips and offered it to him. "Here you go, this helps me restore my vitality," He said with a wide grin.

Right.

Friends.

Sasuke reached out for the snack after catching up with them. Chouji patted him on his shoulder.

"We should all have a sleepover soon,"

Sasuke made a face. "Naruto snores a lot,"

"Oi, bastard, don't you own earplugs?"

"What a pain, cut it out, you two-" Shikamaru complained from behind the group, but paused dead in his tracks.

No way. Was that Hinata? And who's the Sasuke-knock-off, that's walking beside her, guiding her?

Naruto dashed past his friends, excited to finally see Shino again. "Shino! Hinata!" He said, pausing right in front of them while slumping over for a moment to catch his breath as he rested his hands on his knees. He then threw his arms around Shino. "You're really alive!"

"Hi everyone, sorry I've been MIA." Shino replied.

"Have you seen or talked to Kiba yet?" Chouji asked.

"No, it's my first time out in a long time. My skin needed adjustment to the sun,"

"Hello, Shikamaru," Hinata said with a smile.

How did she know he was there? Can she see him?

He cleared his throat which had suddenly gone dry. "Hi…Hinata, how have you been?"

It's been lonely, and hard. But she got through her first part of her training. "I've been okay."

"Who's your friend?" Sasuke asked her, curious about Sai. It was almost like looking at himself in a mirror. It was creepy.

"This…this is our team captain, Sai. We're team Danzo," She replied.

Sai's eyes took everyone's profile in. He knew everyone's name only because Danzo had him study his future opponents. When Sai smiled their way, everyone's hair stood up.

"Nice to meet you," He said.

"Wait, you have a new team? I mean that makes sense, since Kiba got promoted," Naruto said after snapping out of it.

Sai remained observant of everyone's interaction. He had read a book study that mentioned when boys his age were feeling insecure about their chances of passing the exams, they would often try to make themselves feel better by confessing their feelings to a girl. But it was never genuine. It was just a way to make themselves feel better, and it always ended in disaster for the girl. Sai knew that his teammate was a kind and caring person. She deserved better than to be used like that. So Sai decided to keep an eye on the lazy-looking guy. He would make sure that he didn't hurt his teammate.

Sai tilted his head, scowling at the guy he identified as a Shikamaru Nara.

'Mess with my team, and you'll die a painful slow death' His aura seemed to say.

Shikamaru's brow twitched.

'Who does this guy think he is?' He thought to himself, as he stepped forward, returning the unfriendly glare. Chouji placed an arm on his shoulder, pulling him away from trouble, while Shino stepped in front of Sai's way and raised an uninterested brow his way, as if asking 'What are you doing? I know you're faking this whole interaction'.

"Well, it was nice catching up, why don't we go about our way." Chouji said, as he tried to lead Shikamaru away.

"Hinata!" Shikamaru yelled her name from a distance. "Can…can you write to me some time!"

Everyone froze, while Naruto, Shino and Chouji gaped in Shikamaru's way.

Wow. How bold. Even Sasuke knew this was essentially a confession.

Her face turned immediately red. Sai had to catch her when she fainted. He heaved a sigh. This Nara was more formidable than he had anticipated.

"You repulse her. You should probably stay out of our path," Sai said while scooping her up, while walking away with Shino who had shook his head in Shikamaru's way as if disappointed in him.

Naruto walked up to his friend who seemed to look like a tomato which had dried out in the sun.

"Hey, Shikamaru, are you by any chance an idiot?" Naruto said, unimpressed, while hiding the fact that he was suffering from second-hand embarrassment. "Let me teach you a few things I know. Girls will only date Chunins,"

"Shut up Naruto, you just learnt that literally the other day," Sasuke said, feeling annoyed.