"You did not threaten her."

"In some cases, actions are more easily deniable than words."

"As is reputation. Sakura knows - or thinks she knows - that I'm ruthless and sadistic. I smile, and my reputation does the rest of the work for me."

"She does the work for us, in her own head."

"Ah. It is... like a genjutsu."

"A very - low interference one, yes."

"I see."

"Quite a fun skill to practice."

"If you say so."

"I do! For me at least. And I bet it'll be quite useful."

"Perhaps."

"Do you have doubts?"

"I do not think this is a skill that lies within my primary strengths."

"What else are teams for, then?"

"...I take your point."

"We'll need to figure out a way to make our skills work together, but I'd like to be a fairly versatile team, overall."

"That is sensible."

"Of course it is. Despite what you may hear about her, our dear Hisame is quite capable of rational thought."

"Perish the thought!"

"Try not to let on to people who aren't our teammates, though. Reputation, you know."

"This is a joke?"

"Yeah."

"Ought I laugh?"

"You don't need to," she says, snickering.

"A joke like this is more subtle, and appreciation of it likewise."