The atmosphere in the Hokage's office was somewhat grave.
Tsunade sat at the head of the room, her expression stern.
Jiraiya leaned against the window with his arms folded.
Kakashi stood to one side with Naruto, Sakura, and Ling Yue.
The door opened, and Gaara entered with Temari and Kankuro.
Gaara still wore that calm, unreadable expression, but there was now a measure of the Kazekage's authority between his brows.
Temari and Kankuro followed behind him, giving Kakashi and the others slight nods in greeting.
"Kazekage, we meet again so soon," Tsunade said.
"Hokage." Gaara dipped his head slightly. "This is urgent."
His gaze swept across the room and paused briefly on Naruto. He seemed somewhat surprised by Naruto's change, but quickly regained his composure.
Naruto, on the other hand, was excited. He lowered his voice and said to Sakura and Ling Yue beside him, "Whoa! It's Gaara! He looks so impressive now!"
Sakura jabbed him. "Idiot, keep it down!"
Just then, there was another knock at the office door.
"Come in," Tsunade said.
A black-haired young man in an ANBU uniform entered. A standard smile was always fixed on his face as he bowed respectfully. "Lady Hokage, you sent for me?"
Naruto, Sakura, and Ling Yue all looked at the unfamiliar guy in confusion.
Who was this guy? ANBU?
Tsunade introduced him. "This is Sai, a member of Root. From now on, he will temporarily join Kakashi's team and fill Sasuke's vacant spot."
"What?!" Naruto was the first to leap up, pointing at Sai. "Fill Sasuke's spot? Are you kidding me?! No one can replace Sasuke!"
Sakura frowned deeply, her eyes full of distrust and rejection.
Ling Yue silently sized Sai up. So this was the guy replacing Sasuke? He looked so fake.
Sai's smile did not change. He