"Oc in Naruto"

Chapter 11

Upon returning to the Leaf Village, the team gathered at Ichiraku Ramen. Naruto was surprised to see Aria reading one of Kakashi's Icha Icha novels."Aria-chan, what are you reading?!" Naruto exclaimed. "That's Kakashi-sensei's pervy book!"Aria looked up from the book, her scales briefly visible as a small smile played on her lips. "Ah, I was just keeping it safe for Kakashi-sensei while he was busy with the mission."Kakashi's visible eye crinkled in amusement. "Maa, Aria-chan, I didn't know you were interested in that kind of literature."Aria's scales flickered again. "Just expanding my horizons, Kakashi-sensei. Besides, I thought you might want this back once the excitement died down."Naruto's jaw dropped. "But Aria-chan! You're not supposed to read that stuff! It's for perverts like Kakashi-sensei!"Aria chuckled lightly. "It's not as scandalous as you might think, Naruto. There's actually quite a bit of clever writing and character development in these novels, if you look past the more... explicit content."Sakura shook her head in exasperation. "Leave it to Aria to find the literary merit in Icha Icha."Sai spoke up, his usual smile in place. "I was not aware you had such refined literary tastes, Aria-san. Perhaps you could recommend some titles to me as well?"Aria's scales flickered again as she considered Sai's request. "Well, if you're looking to expand your reading material, I might suggest starting with the earlier volumes. The later ones can be a bit..." She glanced at Naruto. "More adult in nature."Naruto grimaced. "Ugh, I don't want to know about that stuff! Can we talk about something else?"Aria exchanged an amused look with Kakashi. "Of course, Naruto. How about you tell us more about your mission? I'm sure you have plenty of exciting stories to share."The group dissolved into lively conversation, grateful to be back together after the intense rescue operation. Aria's thoughtful gesture and unique perspective once again demonstrated her understanding of her teammates.

Aria's eyes narrowed. "Sai, let me be clear - you will never replace Sasuke on this team. Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi-sensei have a deep bond with him that can't be replicated."

Sai's usual smile faltered. "I understand I am a replacement for Sasuke."

Aria shook her head. "No, that's not it. You have your own place here, if you earn it. Stop trying to be a copy of Sasuke or anyone else, and focus on finding your own way to contribute and support the team."

Her scales flickered. "And remember, if you ever put my teammates in danger, there will be consequences far worse than death. This is your chance to create your own path, Sai. Don't waste it by living in someone else's shadow."

Sai was silent for a moment. "I...I was a member of Root. I was trained to be emotionless, to follow orders without question. But being on this team, I'm starting to feel things I never have before." His gaze met Aria's. "I want to find my own way to help, to be useful. Not as a replacement, but as myself."

Aria's expression softened slightly. "Good. That's a start. Prove it to me, and to the rest of the team. Show us who Sai really is."

(the ai was being weird here)

The team gathered for a new mission. Naruto eagerly asked, "Alright, team! What's the plan?"Sakura explained, "Kakashi-sensei said it's a simple retrieval mission. We just need to grab some important documents from a nearby town." Aria chimed in, "Sounds straightforward enough. Though I'll keep an eye out for any potential complications."Sai stated, "I'm ready to provide any support the team requires."On the way to the town, Naruto turned to Aria, "Hey Aria-chan, can you see anything up ahead with your time powers?"Aria focused for a moment, then replied, "Nothing out of the ordinary so far. The mission should go smoothly."Kakashi nodded, "Good to hear. Stay vigilant though, you never know what might come up."Upon arriving at the target location, Sakura said, "The documents should be in that building over there. Let's split up and search."The team split up, but suddenly enemy ninja appeared and attacked. Naruto called out, "We're under attack! Aria, what do you see?"Aria calmly responded, "They're going to flank us from the left in 10 seconds. Kakashi-sensei, be ready."Kakashi prepared a counterattack, and the team successfully fended off the enemies.Sai then reported, "I found the documents. Let's get out of here before more show up."Aria offered, "I'll lead the way back, I can see the safest path."Once they returned to the Leaf Village, Kakashi praised the team, "Nice work, everyone. Aria, your time perception was invaluable as always."Aria smiled, "Happy to help. Teamwork makes the dream work, right Naruto?"Naruto grinned, "You know it! This was a great mission!"The group headed to Ichiraku Ramen, laughing and recounting the events of the successful mission.  As the team gathered at Ichiraku Ramen after the successful mission, Kakashi joined them, interested in their perspectives.Naruto excitedly recounted the events, "Man, Aria-chan was so helpful with her time powers! She totally called out where the enemy was gonna attack from."Sakura nodded in agreement, "And Sai actually worked well with the team this time. I was surprised he didn't try to show off or be a jerk."Sai spoke up, "I've been reflecting on my role and actions. Aria encouraged me to find my own way to contribute, rather than try to imitate others."Aria's scales flickered as she looked at Sai. "It's important you establish your own identity on this team, Sai. You have unique strengths to offer."Kakashi interjected, "Indeed. Each of you brings something different to the table. That's what makes Team 7 so effective."Naruto grinned, "Yeah, and with Aria's future vision, we're unstoppable!"Sakura chuckled, "Don't get too cocky, Naruto. Aria's abilities aren't a free pass to be reckless."Aria smiled, "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on all of you. Though I may need to have a few more 'conversations' with Sai to keep him on the right track."The team laughed, feeling closer after their successful mission and grateful for Aria's guidance.  

The team ventured deep into one of Orochimaru's hideouts when they encountered Sasuke in a dimly lit corridor. Tension filled the air immediately."Sasuke!" Naruto shouted, his fists clenching. "Come back to the village!"Sakura's eyes widened with emotion. "Sasuke-kun..."Sasuke remained stoic, his Sharingan activated. "You're wasting your time here. Leave."Aria stepped forward, her scales barely visible in the shadows. "We have our mission, Sasuke. You have yours."The double meaning in her words went unnoticed by the others, but Sasuke's eyes flickered briefly to meet hers. A silent understanding passed between them."Aria-chan, what do you mean?" Naruto asked, confused. "His mission is to come home!"Kakashi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Remember why we're here."Sai observed the interaction carefully, noting the subtle exchange between Aria and Sasuke."Still playing guardian angel, Aria?" Sasuke's voice carried its usual edge, but there was something softer underneath that only she could detect.Aria's scales shimmered slightly. "Someone has to keep an eye on the future." Her response seemed casual, but carried hidden weight."Hn." Sasuke turned away. "Next time we meet, I won't be so lenient."Before Naruto could protest, Sasuke disappeared into the shadows. Aria caught the barely perceptible hand signal he made – their secret code indicating valuable intelligence had been planted in the hideout."We should keep moving," Aria suggested, knowing exactly where Sasuke had left the information. "Our target isn't far.""But Sasuke-" Naruto started."Will come home when the time is right," Aria finished firmly. Her scales flickered as she suppressed a smile, knowing that Sasuke was already working toward that goal in his own way.Sakura wiped her eyes. "You seem so certain, Aria.""Let's just say I have a good feeling about the future," Aria replied, leading them down the correct corridor. "Sometimes things aren't quite what they appear to be."Kakashi gave her a knowing look but said nothing. As they continued their mission, Aria silently thanked her time perception abilities for helping her maintain this delicate balance – protecting both her team and Sasuke's crucial role as a double agent.Later that night, when the others were asleep at their camp, Aria slipped away briefly to meet Sasuke at their predetermined location."They miss you," she said simply.Sasuke leaned against a tree. "I know. But this is necessary.""The intelligence you've provided has saved countless lives," Aria assured him. "They'll understand someday.""And until then?""Until then, I'll keep watching the timeline, making sure everything stays on track." Her scales flickered with determination. "Just try not to be so dramatic next time. Naruto almost blew our cover with all his shouting."Sasuke actually smirked. "Some things never change.""No," Aria agreed, her own smile visible in the moonlight. "They don't."Back in the Leaf Village, Team 7 gathered at their usual spot at Ichiraku Ramen. The encounter with Sasuke weighed heavily on their minds.Naruto stirred his ramen listlessly. "I don't get it. Why didn't we try harder to bring him back?""Because that wasn't our mission, Naruto," Kakashi reminded him gently.Sakura wiped her eyes. "He seemed different somehow. Less... hostile."Aria sipped her tea carefully, her scales flickering slightly. "People aren't always what they appear to be, Sakura.""What do you mean by that, Aria-chan?" Naruto perked up. "Did you see something with your time powers?""The future isn't set in stone, Naruto," Aria replied diplomatically. "But I believe things will work out as they should."Sai observed the group quietly before speaking. "The way Sasuke looked at you was different, Aria-san. Almost as if...""As if what?" Naruto demanded.Aria's scales shimmered briefly. "As if he remembers we were all once friends, perhaps. Bonds don't break easily, even when circumstances change.""You sound awfully sure about that," Kakashi noted, his visible eye studying her carefully."Let's just say I have faith in Sasuke's path," Aria replied, carefully maintaining her neutral expression. "Sometimes people have to take the long way home.""You're being weird about this, Aria-chan," Naruto squinted at her suspiciously. "Like you know something we don't.""I know lots of things you don't, Naruto," Aria teased, deliberately lightening the mood. "Like how you're about to spill your ramen...""Huh? WAH!" Naruto scrambled to catch his tilting bowl, successfully distracting everyone from their previous line of questioning.As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Aria caught Kakashi's knowing glance. She gave him a slight nod, confirming his suspicions but trusting in his discretion. After all, some secrets needed to be kept to protect those they cared about.