Rewriting Naruto Shippuden

Chapter 5

 "Suffered just one casualty, Sunagakure's Granny Chiyo. Lord Kazekage had returned safely to his village. Team Kurenai and Team Kakashi have successfully completed their missions with few injuries," Sakura reported. Tsunade nodded, "Very well." When Sakura didn't leave right after Tsunade looked at her. She had a distracted look as she stared down at the floor tiles. Tsunade asked, "Is something wrong, Sakura?" Sakura looked back at her and hesitated before saying, "It's a bit more complicated than that."

Meanwhile in headquarters so hidden within the leaf village that even the Hokage doesn't know its location, an old man stood and a kneeling teen with black hair was in the center of the web-like corridors. "I have already made arrangements for you to be assigned to Team Kakashi. Not only are you and Haruno Sakura close in age, you're both stronger than your peers, and your talent with the brush is simply unsurpassed. From this day forward, until your mission is completed, you shall be known as Sai." The teen had an obviously forced smile as he said, "Sai... is it?" The old man ordered, "When you're in front of me, wipe that fake smile off of your face." Sai apologized, "Forgive me sir, but it was mentioned in books that the first step towards winning a person's heart is a smile." Sai blinked with a look of pain for less than a second before having a completely emotionless face, "I've been practicing but, I guess I'm still not very good at facial expressions."

"Do you think we can trust him? What if it's a trap? Maybe Sasori is using Orochimaru's name as bait to lure us to Tenchi Bridge where they'll ambush us." Sakura responded, "Possibly, but I don't think so. He didn't show any signs of lying and before we started talking he took off his ring. Like I said before, those rings appear to be communication devices. It was as if he knew he was doing something he wasn't supposed to but did it anyway. Why would he do that if he planned to do this for Akatsuki's sake? And even if it is a trap, we'll fight." Tsunade thought before saying, "Yes, but Kakashi will be out of commission for over a week now. And there are only six days left until the rendezvous, so the only solution is to assemble a new team." Shininess spoke up, "Lady Tsunade, I believe we should deploy a different cell. I understand sending Sakura but I firmly believe Naruto should be excused from this mission." Sakura looked over to Shizune nervously. Tsunade responded, "Due to Sakura's alliance with Sasori she is crucial to this mission, other than that I agree with you." Sakura started, "Lady Tsunade-!" Tsunade cut her off, "I'm putting my foot down, Sakura. I understand your team's history with Sasuke. However, it's not worth it. Putting the entire ninja at risk due to a personal relationship is a foolish and naive decision." Sakura looked down, feeling guilty she couldn't come up with a reason for Naruto to join. Shizune asked, "Should we send my cell to-?" Tsunade interrupted, "No. I don't think your squad could handle it." Shizune asked, "Then who?" Tsunade smiled, "Don't worry, I already have a cell in mind." She snapped her fingers and an Anbu appeared. "Yes, m'lady?" Tsunade ordered, "Find Asuma Sarutobi and tell him to gather team 10. I have a mission for him." The Anbu nodded and disappeared. Sakura was about to speak when an old woman's voice interrupted, "Princess Tsunade." Tsunade looked over with an already annoyed face as the old lady continued, "We need to talk, please come with me." Tsunade pushed off of the railing and followed begrudgingly. Sakura then left to inform Naruto while Shizune started following Tsunade.

"Actually, we have been receiving periodic reports from Shizune." Tsunade looked back at Shizune with a glare and Shizune shrunk under her gaze. The councilman, Homura, continued, "Henceforth, Uzumaki Naruto should be banned from any missions that could possibly bring him into contact with the Akatsuki. In addition, assign two accomplished shinobi to remain by his side at all times. Not only will this serve to better protect him, but it will also restore team Kakashi to a four-man squad." Koharu, the second councilmember, "And do try to cut back as much as possible on his overall number of missions. The more limited the scope of his activities, the better." Tsunade thought to herself, 'I knew this would happen...'