The hardest part about laughter is reining it in when you truly wished you didn't have to. In my instance, I didn't want too, for it was the hardest I've laughed since we moved back from Kiri. However, we were still leaving for a mission, and we were representing the ANBU. Regardless of the fact that Sakura and Naruto know who we are, it is best that Hikaru and I at least TRY and act professionally. Coughing out a couple times, I manage to stop the giggles from escaping, although my body did shake from the effort of doing so. Still, Hikaru and I sober up completely when Yamato takes on a rather serious tone. 

"We really don't have time to socialize...So um... Why don't you guys go ahead and introduce yourselves?" Yamato's tone was serious, but it held some hesitancy that I definitely was not expecting. 

"Uzumaki Naruto." 

"Haruno Sakura." 

"I'm Sai." The emotionless boy said with a smile. I smirked from under my mask. This boy seems rather interesting. 

"And you two?" Says Yamato, asking more for the others benefit rather than his. I motion for Hikaru to go first, in which he complies. 

"Leviathan."

With an indifferent and monotone voice, I introduce myself. "Lorelei." When my name was spoken, Sai's emotionless mask seemed to crack for a split second before he composed himself back to the fake smile and false aura.

Without moving my head, my eyes flicker over to Hikaru, in which we lock eyes. He gives me the smallest of nods, indicated that he had notice Sai falter as well. Something wasn't quite right with that boy, and no matter how funny he is...I need to find out what he's up too. 

"Alright, now that that's over with... let me explain our mission." My attention fully turned to Yamato. 

"The four of us will head to Tenchi bridge... capture the Akatsuki spy who has infiltrated Orochimaru's organization and bring or her back. This is our best chance to gain intelligence on Orochimaru and Sasuke Uchiha. With this information, we can then plan Orochimaru's assassination and Sasuke's Retrieval. Keep this in mind." 

Yamato's hesitation seemed to vanish the more he talked as if reciting what needed to be accomplished gave him a sort of comfort. I guess being an ANBU can do that to a person...

How will Hikaru and I turn out after our years of serving as ANBU? We haven't even done all that many missions yet. Yamato turns and looked towards the two of us, his face turning to stone. "You two shall follow off to the distance. close enough that you can help us if you need too, but far enough that enemies will not detect you. Stealth is a much for you two. The enemy must not know that you both are there, for you will lose the element of surprise. We are counting on the both of you to be there for us when we need you to be." 

"Hai!" Exclaim Hikaru and I in unison. 

"Good. Then as Soon as everyone has their gear packed, we will rendezvous back here. Then we will depart!" 

Turning around, I grab Hikaru by the hang and drag him to my side as we instantly head back to the house. By this point in time, Ren should be in class, and it won't be too hard to grab our supplies and then leave for the mission. Leaving early was simply just so that we wouldn't have to watch Ren's face drop as he sees us leave. We left a note for him, saying to report to Tsunade after school, as well as telling him where we are. 

Leaving Ren was the hardest part. Best to give him a kiss on the head before we leave, than to watch as tears threaten to fall down his face. For some reason, it doesn't matter how many missions we go on, he's always scared to let us leave. 

"So what do you think of this Sai character?" asks Hikaru indifferently. 

"Well, I have to admit, the kid is rather funny, but-" I stop myself from talking, freezing midstep while turning to look up at one of the rooftops. 

"What is it?" 

"we have an eavesdropper." 

I sensed his Chakra signature the moment we started walking off. Sai followed us..but instead of walking on the road like normal, he's travelling by rooftop. Therefore, he's watching us. 

Turning my head back, I continue to walk, but not without first yelling something in his direction. "If you plan to stare at us all day, at least come down and have a normal conversation!" I yell out. 

He didn't, instead, I sensed his Chakra signature moving and running off in the opposite direction. Sighing, I shake my head and proceed to look straight ahead as if nothing happened. 

"As I was saying, I think somethings up with him. It's not natural for someone to be so emotionless. Even Gaara showed emotion in some type of way. Sai tries to fake it but fails because he seems to have no clue as to what even a convincing smile looks like.-" I stop and look up towards Hikaru to see if he agreed. Hikaru looks at me with crimson eyes, his head nodding in confirmation. 

"I agree. I also found it weird how he seemed to be put off by you. especially when he found out that your name was Lorelei. He's wary, for reasons that escape me.-" 

Looking away from my partner, I look towards the ground in thought. It's not surprising that he knows of me, I am in the Bingo book. Still, something odd was going on. 

"I'm not sure. However, it cannot be a coincidence that Yamato, an ANBU was put on the team and that Sai seems skittish of our presence. They're both on this team for a reason...and I plan to find out why." I say, my eyes narrowed in determination. 

*                     *                    *

 How slow can human beings walk! For crying out loud, WE HAVE PLACES TO BE, PEOPLE TO SEE! Must the four of them have to walk like damn turtles? By the time we meet up with the spy, I'll be old a grey, IN THIS FORM TOO! 

Wait, I'm not old in my other form either. so scratch that. BUT STIIIILLL. 

I inwardly whine as I slowly moved from branch to branch, moving at such a slow pace I bet I could fall asleep and still catch up with everyone just fine. The only thing preventing me from doing so was listening to the rather hilarious interactions that went on between Sai and Naruto. 

God bless my wonderful hearing. 

"Funny, but the more I look at him, the more he does seem to resemble Sasuke...Sorta sounds like him too," says Naruto, with a low growl. No doubt he was scowling in Sai's direction at this very moment. 

I moved in silence, the sound inhumane to say the least. Not even the leaves rustled as we followed the little group. Silence elapsed over said group before Sai spoke up again. 

"If you keep looking at me...I will hit you." Sai says plainly. My footing faltered for a mere second, and the need to at least giggle became a rather strong one. However, the want to stay silent was far stronger, and I managed to rein it in. However, Hikaru failed and let out the smallest of squeaks before shutting up. 

"I'd pay to see that," whispers Hikaru, the sound inaudible to anyone but another Sairen. 

I nod my head rapidly, the only thing telling Hikaru that I fully agreed, and was just as happy about Sai's statement as he was. Brother-be-damned, It was funny to see someone pick at him the way Sasuke used too. 

"What!? you think I'm scared of you!?" Yells Naruto. Finally letting out a low chuckle. If there were enemies around, they surely knew that we were here now. Looking down at my ANBU boots, the imprint of my mothers bamboo flute was obvious. 

It's been a while since I've used it, let alone play it...so I thought that I may as well bring it along with me on the mission. 

"Look, I really don't have anything personal against you...I'm just trying out a new personality type." 

My head snaps up at Hikaru in a flash, my eyes conveying the feelings of shock and curiosity that ran through me. That was almost...kinda sad if I'm being honest. 

"Well, you're doing a crummy job!" Screams Naruto in outrage. 

Slight annoyance pinched at me at Naruto's words. Why is he being so brash? "Hikaru, I'm going to go closer okay? You stay here for now." 

"Sounds good." 

Creeping closer, Naruto's outraged words became louder, and the more he talked, the more infuriated I became. Disappointment was also mixed in with it. At this point, it wasn't going to be Sai that jeopardizes the mission, it's going to be Naruto. 

"We don't need someone like you on this team! In fact, I bet we'd be a lot better off without you...Jerk!!" Yells Naruto. 

Growling lowly. I continue to creep forwards, right until I could clearly see everyone within the group. 

"Naruto that's enough! Sai is your teammate now, so even if you don't get along... you're still going to have to find a way to trust each other. I know Kakashi-Sensei taught you better than this. So please, for Kakashi's sake. Lose the attitude please." pleads Yamato. 

My body buzzed with anticipation if Naruto doesn't cut it out, I'll have to step in, as I seem to be the only one that is capable of knocking some sense into him. 

"No! He is not one of us!" screams Naruto, his voice twisting into one of rage. Gritting my team, I lean forwards slightly, infusing Chakra into my legs. 

"The Sixth member of Team Kakashi is Uchiha Sasuke!" Rage engulfed me, and I was moving before I could fully comprehend what I was doing. I was in front of Naruto within seconds. Grabbing NAruot by the collar of his jacket, I bring him close to me, my voice harsh and abrupt. 

"I've had about enough of this, Naruto!" Pushing him back, I glower at him, the rage I was feeling becoming worse as I look at his angry face.

"What!? It's true!" 

"I SAID ENOUGH!" I yell, chakra infused with it to make it all the more powerful. Naruto takes a step back in surprise, confusion marring his face. 

I snarl at him, my Chakra aura coming out by itself as I glowered at my brother. "How god damn pathetic can this seriously get!? Grow the fuck up Naruto. I'm supposed to be worried about the new member on this team jeopardizing the damn mission, but NO! I have to worry about YOU INSTEAD! Your attitude towards Sai can cost us the mission, and frankly, I've had enough." 

Moving around, i start to stalk Naruto in a circle. The severeness of the situation finally coming to Naruto as his face dropped, slight fear glimmering in his eyes. 

"People can die on this mission Naruto, and you're worried about the fact that Sai is replacing Sasuke-" 

"But Sasuke-" 

"SASUKE ISNT HERE!" 

Naruto was left speechless at my words, the harshness behind them not being something he expected. 

"One more word out of you Naruto and I'm sending you back. Your actions towards Sai, as well as your refusal to work with him, will cost us the mission, and we cannot afford that. People can die, and the change to gain an advantage will be lost. Get it through your damn head, Naruto. Sasuke isn't here, and unless we find a way, he will NEVER be back. If i see one more thing that leads me to think the mission is in danger because you, I'm sending you back. Leviathan can take your place.-" I say with a harsh Growl. 

"But-" stutters Naruto 

"NO! What I said is final! Do I make myself clear!" 

Silence elapses, over the area, everyone looking in my direction as I glower down on Naruto. Said boy looks towards the ground in defeat, sadness clouding in his eyes. However, I held very little sympathy for him right now. 

"Crystal." mutters the blonde. 

"Good." I turn around to head back to the location Hikaru was at when a hand grabs me by the wrist stopping me from moving. 

"Listen, I'm sorry-" Starts Naruto, his face pleading for me to understand. I shake my head and pry his hand off of me. 

I look at him with angry eyes, and although he couldn't see my face, that was enough to show him how disappointed I was. 

"Not now. You severely disappointed me, Naruto." I say gravely.  I go to walk away, but Sai's next words stop me from walking completely. 

"Why would I want to replace a traitorous cockroach that abandoned his village simply to become stronger?" A dangerous feeling ran through my body as I slowly turned to look at the body. Within moments, My body moved on its own. 

Water moved from the gourd attached to my side and attacked Sai without any hesitation. the water thickened and turning into sharp points, in which were directed at his throat. They stopped an inch away from his skin, causing him to look down at them and gulp nervously. 

"Say one more word like that about my brother, and i'll make sure you won't have a tongue to use anymore. You are also one of the main causes of the conflict within this Team. If you like trying out personality types so much, then try out the quiet one." I say with a low growl. 

Forcing the water back into the gourd, I turn and head straight back to Hikaru before the need to kill someone became all the more prominent. I mood had gone from good to bloodthirsty, and I certainly was not pleased about it. From behind me, I hear the sound of someone getting punched, soon followed by the angry voice of Sakura. 

"Don't speak about Sasuke, as if you know him, because you don't! Keep bad mouthing him, and I won't hold back!" Snarls Sakura. I feel myself slightly smile at her words, even though the rage still ran through me relentlessly. 

Sai replied to Sakura, but I hardly cared enough to catch it as I made it back to Hikaru's side. 

"You okay," asks Hikaru, his voice filled with worry. 

I scoff and refuse to look at him. "I'm absolutely fantastic." 

Knowing that I was in a rather foul mood now, Hikaru kept his mouth shut as the group continued forward. However, through the silence, I heard Yamato mutter lowly to himself. 

"Why are the females in this group so damn scary..."