"Good. Then you'll lead the team to provide support."
A smile appeared on Tsunade's face. She had intended to have Shihōin Naraku lead the team all along.
If Konohagakure, Sunagakure, and Iwagakure were joining forces to rescue Gaara, Naraku was unquestionably the right choice to lead them.
Neither Jiraiya nor Kakashi was as suitable as he was.
"Oh, right. Here's another substitute member I picked for the team."
Tsunade handed Naraku a file, and he recognized the person in the photograph at a glance.
Anbu Ninja-Sai!
He had originally been a member of Root under Shimura Danzō. Later, after Danzo died at Naraku's hands and Root was disbanded, Sai joined the ANBU.
Tsunade thought highly of Sai's talent and was currently having Tenzo put his full effort into training him.
And allowing Sai to join Team 7 now already showed how much Tsunade trusted him. She intended to invest more in his training.
Otherwise, did anyone really think just anyone could join a ninja team that included the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?
"Now isn't the right time."
Naraku rejected Tsunade's suggestion. They were preparing to rescue Gaara, so it was not a suitable time for a newcomer to join Team 7. Naruto and Sakura, in particular, would definitely reject Sai. After all, their thoughts were clear: Sasuke Uchiha was the member they accepted most.
With that mutual rejection, adding an unfamiliar ninja would not strengthen the team but instead hold it back.
Naraku explained his views. In any case, he did not think Sai joining Team 7 now would work out.
"You have a point!"
Tsunade knew Naruto's temperament well. If Sai really joined, there would be no hope of the three working smoothly together without a period of adjustment.
"In that case, forget it. But you can also choose someone suitable