Naruto 310

Ch. 308: Title
Caption: It's the month waiting for a favorable wind... June has come in Konoha. The village, the trees, and the youth are all waiting too, to be swept by a passionate wind!

Pg. 01
Naruto (thought): Again, I... I couldn't stop him...
Naruto (thought): I'm...
sfx: *thunk*

Pg. 02
Naruto (thought): Weak...

Pg. 03
Naruto: Uh... Uhh...uuh...
Sakura: My crying... couldn't bring Sasuke back, you know!

Pg. 04
Sakura: I'm here, too. I'll become stronger, together with you!!

Pg. 05
Sai: In terms of time, there's still about half a year left, you know.
Sai: Having three people is decidedly better than two.
Sai: And I'm strong enough as it is, right?

Pg. 06
Naruto: Hehe... Thanks. (He actually says "Sankyuu dattebayo." Oh Naruto, you're so good at sounding SMRT)
Yamato: Now then...
Yamato (thought): From here on out, huh...

Pg. 07
Tsunade: Is that so...

Pg. 08
Tsunade: ...And?
Naruto: WE'RE NOT GIVING UP!

Pg. 09
Tsunade: Hn...
Tsunade: Well then, I will now delegate you... your upcoming mission.
Danzou: To fail a mission is quite unlike you...

Pg. 10
Sai: ... I have one favor to ask of you, sir.
Danzou: Favor, you said?
Sai: Yes.
Sai: Would it be possible for me to retain this name for a little longer... And if it is not inappropriate, could I remain with Team Kakashi, as well?
Danzou (thought): His smile...
Danzou: That's an answer you'll have to get from Tsunade.
Danzou: However, Sai, you must understand... With emotion comes hatred...
Danzou: And with hatred comes war.

Pg. 11
(flashback) Sasuke: The bonds created by the hatred I feel towards my older brother...
Sai: That certainly may be true...
Sai (thought): But...
(flashback) Naruto: He was... the one person who truly acknowledged me, accepted me - more than anyone else.
(flashback) Naruto: Because, Sasuke is my friend...
(flashback) Naruto: And I had finally come to share an important bond with him...

Pg. 12
(text on scroll) "Friend"
(flashback) Naruto: Haven't you ever heard of the word "friend"?
(flashback) Sai: Of course I have heard of the word, but... what does it mean?

Pg. 13
(sfx) *brush*

Pg. 14
Naruto: SAAI! SAAAII!
Naruto: We're all set to start our next mission ('ttebayo)!
(sfx) *grab*

Pg. 15
(sfx) *creak*
(sfx) *bang*

Pg. 16
(no text)

Pg. 17
(text on scroll) "Friend"

Side caption: Having regained his emotions, Sai begins a new painting and, for the first time, attaches a title. Title in place, Sai joins his friends.
Caption: A rumbling returns to Konoha village. They're coming! Next time: Signal fire