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Friendship

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Peaceful and magnificent.

The five of them have been traveling for at least two hours on foot, but someone is staring at someone in a disdainful manner this entire time. Naruto is giving Sai a grudging look. His new teammate is an odd person that spurts out scornful words that makes him and Sakura furious. Naruto doesn't comprehend how Misa isn't affected by Sai's retorts. Guess she has resilience.

Sakura and Misa could feel the tension growing through the air. The girls take a look at Naruto and feel unease. "What is it?" Sai breaks the silence in his calm voice. They heard him, though no response from any of them. "Please don't stare at me like that. I'll pound you." Sai politely yet in a threatening way tells Naruto. "You tick me off with everything you say!" The blonde boy was raising his fist at him as veins popped out of his knuckles. "I don't mean it." Sai draws on his usual smile. "You liar!" Naruto barked back. "I'm just trying to portray myself like that kind of character." The pale-skinned boy makes a reason, but Naruto denies it.

"You won't do at all!"

Sai stops walking along with everyone else. A vexed glare is burning through his dark eyes at Naruto. Yamato, Sakura, and Misa can detect they are about to fight right on the spot. "Don't act like that in front of your captain, Naruto." Yamato knows he has to stop them before it gets out of hand. "I'm sure Kakashi taught you that trust and teamwork are most important to a team. What's your problem?" A concerning question that made Naruto look at Sai distastefully.

He points his finger at the other boy, "He's not a member of Team Kakashi! The other member of Team Kakashi is Sasuke! I don't acknowledge him as a team member!" Naruto enrages as his blood kept boiling up. "Well, that's easier for me. He betrayed Konoha and ran off to serve Orochimaru. I don't want to be lumped together with a cockroach along the same lines as Orochimaru." Sai spoke directly that upset him even more.

"T-Teme!" Naruto was about to bash the ruthless boy, but he felt a slight tug from his sleeve. He looks down to see Misa frowning severely. "That's enough, Naruto." She demanded in a soft voice. She shifts her rosy pink eyes and set upon Sai. "As for you, Sai, I would like you not to speak ill about someone you don't know." Misa magically settled the mood that surprised Naruto and Sakura, even Yamato as well. Sai also obligated that he won't act like that ever again.

"Shichūka no Jutsu!"

The four shinobi shift their attention at the abrupt building that Yamato summoned out. It was Wood Release, the only secret jutsu that only the First Hokage could use. Yamato has stunned them for sure. He crosses his arms over his chest, "Now, this is going to be a warning. If you continue to fight, then I'll toss everyone in this cage to improve your rapport. We don't have much time until we get to the Tenchi Bridge. However, you all have enough time to detour. Either stay in the cage, or we can stay at a hot spring inn for a night. Which do you prefer?" Yamato asked the people in a petrifying way. From the looks of their horrific expression, he scrutinizes that they rather not get tortured by him.

So, they decided to stay at a hot spring inn.

"Yamato taichou is a creepy guy, don't you think?" Sakura asked. She and Misa are walking through the hallways of the inn. "He may seem like it, but I don't think he is that stern." Misa shrugged her shoulders. "Is it true that you know every Jōnin in Konoha?" The pink-haired kunoichi empathizes with the word "every." Misa giggles, "Well, my parents used to be in Anbu, so that's why I know a lot of people." She answered Sakura's question. They enter the ladies' section to take a nice, soothing bath.

While undressing and wrapping a towel on, Misa jolted when she heard Sakura gasps in shock. "What's the matter?" She asked worrisomely. "Y-You have a beautiful body!" Sakura couldn't believe her eyes. Misa has a petite figure with elegant curves in the right places. The towel covered everything except her arms and legs that showed flawless, ivory skin. Misa's face blushes crimson, "A-Arigatou." She thanked Sakura bashfully. She never received compliments like those, and this is the first time.

They dive into the warm water to relax after a long trip. Sakura and Misa are in a serene atmosphere up until they hear a familiar voice shouting on the men's side.

"Don't be looking! Shut up with all that talk about my equipment!"

The whole women section are laughing at him. Sakura's eyes widened owlishly. She wants to die of embarrassment because of Naruto. "Hey, what does he mean by equipment?" Misa asked her cluelessly. "U-Uh, you see," Sakura panics as if Misa is an innocent child that learned something inappropriate. So she doesn't know how to put it other than tell her instead. She goes close to her friend's ear to whisper, "He meant by the bottom part of the male anatomy." That answer alone made Misa turned profusely red like a rose. Now she wants to die of embarrassment.

After that awkward moment, the girls stayed in the bath a little longer and got out when it was close to sunset. Misa wears the provided robe, and her hair is up in a bun. Then, she puts on her moon necklace around her neck. "Are you ready?" Sakura asked, standing by the exit. Misa nodded as a response. They walked back to their rooms and met up with Naruto and Sai. Unexpectedly, they get welcomed by a table of mouthwatering food.

"Sugoi! I've never been in a feast before!" Sakura's mint green eyes glitter.

Naruto wipes the drool off his lip, "Man, it sure looks good." He steps inside to take a seat. "Say! Say! Yamato taichou!" He was very thrilled about what he is seeing. Sakura and Misa sat in a row with him while Yamato and Sai are across. "What is it, Naruto?" The man replied. "Is it okay if we eat all this?" Naruto asked for his permission. Yamato nods, "Sure. Help yourself." He allows them to eat as much as they want because he didn't mind spending his money on his team. He paid for their rooms and the dinner meal.

The first time bonding as a new squad was a pleasant experience.

As the night went by, it soon becomes dawn. The sky brings a sunlight crown, smiling upward at black heavens. Sai was a morning bird that goes out with his sketchbook and art utensils. He sits by the end of the water on a platform surface. The air was nothing but silence. His fingers gracefully color the sketchbook in his hands. Soon he senses a presence behind him. Sai slightly whirls to see Misa. "Ohayo, Sai." She greeted courteously. He etched on that same smile, "Ohayo." He said.

Misa approaches to sit beside him. She takes a glimpse at his sketchbook; he created a gorgeous-looking milky way. "Is there something you want?" Sai asked her. She was lost in his drawing that she grows hesitant. The girl cleared her throat and then spoke, "I wanted to spend some time getting to you know better." Misa was expressing some kindness. Sai heard her but didn't answer because he was focus on his work. She patiently waited for him to say a word.

"You should already know there is nothing special about myself." Sai gives a reply in a dull tone.

The ebony-haired girl shakes her head, "No, I don't think that way. I can tell you are passionate about art, and it's amazing." She smiles jubilantly. Her soft voice was melodious sounding to the ears. Sai stops coloring, he turns his head, and his dark orbs met rosy pink ones. "You are observant. I don't know if I can rely on you." He answered passively. His eyes are empty; no speck of emotions. Misa mildly placed her delicate hand onto his broad shoulder. "I understand you aren't a social butterfly, but if you need anything, you can come to me." She can't read him like an open book, but one thing about Sai is that he doesn't know how to interact with others.

He felt a strange warmth spreading over his chest all of a sudden. Misa is pure. The purest out of all living things. She's doing her best to become friends with Sai. It was a rough start for them, but there's always a chance. "Misa-chan! Sai! We have to go now!" Sakura hollers at them. They can see that everyone is ready to leave. Misa nodded her head. She helps Sai pick up his belongings. She also comes across a tattered book that has a cover of a little boy with gray hair.

"What is this?" She asked, handing him the item.

Sai puts it in his bag and stands up from his sitting position. "A book I made. That's my onii-san on the cover." He replied straightforward. Misa nods her head. The two start walking up to their teammates. Sai pursued his lips; that book was very special to him. He never finished it, unfortunately, but he also doesn't let anyone go through it. Sai gaze down at the petite girl. She does have a generous heart. He could tell that she wants to be his friend. So Sai takes the approval.

"You can look at the book while we travel." He gave her consent.

"Really?" She turns her head to look up at him.

He plays the same smile, "Hai."

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

A breezy wind blows in the air as the tree leaves move.

Throughout these hours, there hasn't been any trouble nor an enemy coming after them. It was eerie. Yamato stops to scan the area. "It's just about time." He said. Sakura raised a brow, "What is it, Yamato taichou?" She asked him. He was quiet. Then suddenly, he got off the pathway and goes into the tall grass. "This way." Yamato directed them. They obeyed to follow their captain.

As time passes, nightfall arrived. It's taking a lot longer than they expected to be at the Tenchi Bridge. They'll probably have to go another day on foot again. Subsequently, the full moon was out in the sky. Yamato took his team to a spacious spot in the forest. "This should be okay." He has his hands on his hips. "We'll be resting here." Announcing to the people that were utterly baffled. But Yamato has a plan to make it comfortable for them.

"Step back, everyone." They did, and he performs his Wood jutsu. Naruto, Sakura, Sai, and Misa cover their faces as wood chippers were flying. To their astoundment, Yamato is sitting on top of an enormous house. Something a wealthy person could afford. "We'll be camping here for tonight!" The man presents them with his way of camping out. He is full of surprises.

The four young shinobis enter the house. Everything is perfectly built. They went the stairs while commenting about the place. "I think our room just might hold some promise," Naruto said. He was correct. There's a sign that reads, "Welcome, Team Kakashi." When opening the doors, the room is very bare but enough to fit multiple people. "This is way better than sleeping outside," Naruto stated. "You're right." Sakura agreed with him. The blond boy throws his backpack onto the ground and slumps his body. "Break time! Break time! Now, if only we had a bath too." He was about to continue but hears the sound of a bag being zipped open. He frowns at the person. Sai, of course.

"Is there something you want?" The jet-black-haired boy asked.

"Nothing at all!" Naruto responded bluntly. He moves away from him at all cost. Sakura and Misa witnessed the whole thing. Sooner or later, they'll have to get along with each other. It then becomes midnight. Yamato lit up a candle to bring in some light. He has everyone gathered in one room so they can discuss the following event. "I want you all to come to sit close by the candle." He sees the four striding over to create a circle.

"I want to ask Sakura and Misa something." Yamato looks at the girls. They both did a nod for him to speak. "It's about the Akatsuki's Sasori. You two are the only people who've ever seen Sasori in person, after all. For the time being, I've received a file on Sasori from Sunakagure. But tell me in as much detail as you two can about his personality, behavior, mannerisms, and habits if he has any." Yamato has developed a strategy on how they are going to act in the Tenchi Bridge. Sakura and Misa go down the list of describing Sasori in simple terms like blunt, aggressive, and shows no mercy.

"What's all this about?" Naruto questions, considering he wasn't there at the time when his friends fought the puppet master. "The spy who's infiltrated Orochimaru's organization thinks Sasori was going to meet him at the Tenchi Bridge." Yamato clarified and revealed photographs of the rogue. He displayed the ones when Sasori was in a bulky disguise. "They might see us through immediately, but it's probably best to approach by transforming into Sasori." Yamato finished explaining. Misa furrowed her brows, "If Sasori doesn't show up at the bridge, then the spy might not, either." She presumed it's going to be a downfall for this mission. "There's a distinct possibility." The Jonin articulated.

Naruto grits his teeth, "Then there'd be no point." He spoke as it was futile. Sai joins in the discussion, "Being a spy is a precarious act, after all. Which also means the spy is quite cautious." He tells the people a bit wary.

Furthermore, Sai includes a prediction. "Either way, there's no doubting that spy is considerably powerful." In his response, they knew they need to keep their guard up at all times. A brutal battle could happen.

Now it's Yamato's turn to speak. "I'll be explaining the main issue in more clear details. Our goal is just to arrest the target. We must not let them die, even if we end up having to fight. We'll lose an important source of information if the target gets killed. As a delicate mission, I'll be the one to make the first move while you four are the back-ups." He runs down the strategy for them until they entirely know everything.

Yamato also split them into teams. He and Sakura are one team, while the second team is Naruto, Sai, and Misa. Naruto complained about working with Sai on his side, but Yamato warned him, petrifying to the core that shuts the boy up and proceeds with it. Sakura is worried about Misa. It'll be a handful for her to be in the same team as Naruto and Sai.

In the windy grass field, a person in a dark cloak covering their identity is heading to the Tenchi Bridge.

A brand new day has begun. Yamato sets a stimulation to test out their fighting style. He may not foresee what's coming, but they'll have to tackle him down. Naruto, Sai, and Misa hid behind the rocks for coverage. Yamato established a fake Tenchi Bridge to make it like they are in the situation. Sakura transforms into Sasori and makes her way over to the bridge. Naruto, Sai, and Misa wait for the signal before jumping out. Sakura approaches Yamato. Once they're face to face, she lifts her hand in the air; there it is.

The trio sprinted their legs to go after Yamato. Naruto delivered the first attack with his clones and brought out the Rasengan. Misa did ice senbons, but Yamato was quick enough to dodge them. She performs more Ninjutsu that made it difficult for him to keep up. That's when Naruto sprung himself and grabs for Yamato. Sai used Ninja Art to create an inked snake come to life. It tied up both Naruto and Yamato. "Oi Sai! Let us go!" The blonde yelled, but Sai flees away. "I'll help you!" Misa runs to help untie her friend. She noticed it was a dummy of Yamato with Naruto. The man fooled them, but it doesn't change the fact Sai abruptly runs off.

Soon they captured the real Yamato. He was overall impressed that they acted in the right way. "Teme!" Naruto stomps his feet to grab Sai by his shirt. "Don't you know what the word 'comrade' is?" He asked him madly. The boy complies by writing it down on a scroll, but it wasn't what Naruto meant. The two got into a heated argument about their practice. Sai points out that he could detect a Substitution the entire time when Naruto should've known. He intentionally brings up about Sasuke. The Uzumaki did a doubletake of what he is hearing.

"If you call someone who betrayed his village and hurt you, a comrade that is," Sai remarked.

For a brief moment, they stared at each other with a mix of anger and confusion. Naruto speaks, "If it's to save that comrade, then I'll do whatever it takes. I'll even team up with you." He gave Sai one last look then leaves to be by himself.

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

"Hey, Misa. Why is Sasuke so important to Naruto?" Sai asked her.

After that warm-up, the group is currently moving forward. Sai and Misa are behind the others while following them. "Sasuke-kun is like a brother to him. They have a bond, but Sasuke-kun managed to break it." Misa has spoken to give Sai a little understanding. His gaze sets upon the dainty girl, "What is Sasuke like to you?" He asked her. Sai watches Misa clutch the moon necklace layered onto her neck.

"He was my lover."

Her response was melancholy. Sai turns his head to look up ahead. "I see." He muttered. Misa began speaking, "He gave me this necklace as a gift. I cherished and wore it every time despite not being able to see him in person. It's complicated between us because he left so suddenly, and I find it hard to believe if he even still loves me. As foolish as it sounds." Misa stares into Sai's obsidian irises. She realizes that he has been listening to her all patiently.

"I've never been in a relationship before, but I can understand losing someone dear to you." Sai's eyes downcasted as he looks down at the ground. Misa becomes sentimental. "Who was it?" She has a curious expression. He instantly knew what she is indicating. "My onii-san," Sai spoke, dispirited.

"The person on the book that you found was my onii-san. Unlike Sasuke, he died from an unknown illness. His death led me to grief and isolating myself from the world. He wanted me to finish the book, but I disregard it because he was no longer by my side." Sai opens up about his past that a single soul does not know. But now someone does, Misa.

She gingerly holds his hand. Sai didn't know how to react but let her do it. "I am so sorry for your onii-san. A love one's death is difficult to get through in life. But Sai, you deserve better. Having friends to be there for you even in the toughest times. Not to mention you will find love, and that person will put color to your world." Misa flashes him a benevolent smile. It was enchanting and cordial. Sai trusts her. "Arigatou, Misa." He puts on an adoring grin.

The moment is finally here; Team 7 has arrived at their destination, Tenchi Bridge. Deep in the wilderness, the group is tracking for any enemies roaming around. Sai painted dozens of rats to detect whether or not there is. After waiting for a minute, all of the rats came back. Sai rolls up the scroll, "I don't sense the presence of anyone around the Tenchi Bridge." He confirmed to them. "I guess that means there won't be any Akatsuki ambush, huh." Yamato assumed. "All right! Then let's proceed as planned." He announces for the team. He takes out the photo of Sasori. The man gives it to Naruto to hold and try replicating it.

"Moukton: Henge!"

Yamato transforms and successfully becomes Sasori. "So? Did it turn out okay?" He asked his squad. "Yes, it did!" Sakura and Misa were amazed that he looks exactly like the actual person. "Now I want to adjust the voice. Let me know when it sounds right." Yamato starts using different pitches until it becomes the right one. It went from high to deep and guttural. Sakura and Misa smiled at each other for a second. "That's it. That's the voice." Sakura answered.

"Then we're going to start the operation, okay?"