Of Tales now and Long Ago

Of Sai and Yamato

Chapter TWENTY TWO

The moment they returned to Konoha, Kakashi was confined to the hospital.

Sakura told Tsunade of the spy Sasori had planted within Orochimaru's ranks, telling her that Sasori had told her as a reward for defeating him.

He certainly was that kind of character.

However, they needed to tread carefully.

Sakura knew that Sasori wasn't lying. However, she couldn't just state so without a reason.

And, even if they were to go, they needed a team.

However, in cases like this, she could just count on Naruto. She could sense her teammate standing on the roof behind them, and she knew Tsunade knew he was there too."You've heard all of it." She said. "What are you going to do now?"

Shizune turned in surprise.

Sakura waved. Naruto crossed his arms. "I'll go looking for members right away." He jumped down, landing beside Sakura. "Let's go, Sakura-chan!"

"It's a pity Itachi's out on a mission. I'll find members to replace Sasuke and Kakashi." Tsunade managed to get out, just before Naruto pulled Sakura over the railings. Sakura waved to show that she had heard.

"That boy. He really should listen to the end." Tsunade smiled fondly.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"Hey. I wonder who that is." Naruto pointed towards a figure in the distant with his free hand. His other was clamped around Sakura's wrist.

"It has been a while." The figure greeted them. "Hello, Naruto, Sakura."

"Who're you?" Naruto asked.

"Its Shino!" Sakura chirped.

"Just because it's been a long time, you shouldn't forget your comrades."

"Wait! I know that weird way of speaking! You're Shino!"

Sakura whacked him. "I said that!"

"Finally." Shino muttered.

"Shino, you're early!"

Sakura turned. "Doggie!"

"Ki-Kiba?" Naruto asked.

Kiba blinked. "Naruto! I knew it was you!" Kiba jumped off Akamaru and ran over. "Hey Sakura."

Sakura waved.

"Hey, is that..." Naruto trailed off.

"Its Akamaru!" Kiba grinned.

"No way! He was so tiny back then..." Naruto turned to Shino. "Right, Shino?"

Shino buried his face into his jacket. "You recognized Kiba instantly."

Naruto winced.

"Hinata." Sakura said suddenly.

Naruto turned around, having sensed her too. He darted off, and Sakura grinned.

"Hey, Hinata-chan! What are you doing here?"

The poor girl fainted.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"You know, Ruto? Nade-sama said she'll put a team together for us." Sakura said.

Naruto nodded seriously. "But before we go on this mission, we need members." He grabbed Sakura's wrist and took off again. "Team Kurenai's off on a mission, so let's try those guys."