Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Closer ❯ Chapter 9

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

From her spot, Ino could see that Sasuke’s match was anything but normal. All he was doing was taijutsu and it looked like his cursed seal was responsible. Ino frowned in concern, leaning into the railing and praying that he would get through this. She saw that his team was on edge as well. Sakura had tears in her eyes and Naruto had his teeth bared. Her cold hands tightened on the railing, willing herself not to look away. But it was so hard not to. Every time Sasuke was hurt, her throat tightened in worry. Yoroi had him pinned to the ground with a large hand on Sasuke’s head. His hands glowed blue and Sasuke’s arm fell weakly to the side. The world seemed to grow a little darker as precious seconds ticked away.


“Sasuke.” Ino whispered, wanting to sink to her knees. It seemed like forever before Sasuke was free of the tall lanky man. But he screamed at him to get off and kicked him hard in the chest. Yoroi stumbled back and Sasuke managed to get to his feet slowly just as his opponent charged after him. He looked really tired and hurt. His black hair was matted to his forehead with sweat but his jaw was set and his eyes shone with determination. Ino bit her lip hard, not caring that she was tasting blood. Her hands felt bloodless and she didn’t even feel the sting of her palm as her nails bit into her flesh.


“Sasuke! You call yourself Sasuke Uchiha with that!” She turned to see a livid Naruto leaning dangerously over the railing. Sasuke turned to him in surprise. “Quit acting like an idiot and get serious!”


For a moment, Ino wanted to stalk over to the yelling blonde and beat him senseless for being so insensitive, but before that happened, Sasuke began avidly dodging Yoroi’s punches with renewed strength and swiftness. She perked up, watching the fight proceed.


Naruto’s yelling must have had an effect on him. Ino looked at blonde boy and then back to Sasuke. Boys were so weird. If that was her in the match and Sakura had said something like that to her she would have climbed up the balcony and challenged her to say it again.


Something different shifted the tide of the battle. Sasuke looked like he had an idea and everyone was surprised when he disappeared , only to reappear beneath his opponent with a wicked kick upward to the man’s jaw, sending him flying. She had never seen a move like that before! He moved so fast! Together, he and Yoroi were sailing in the air. Then, the atmosphere changed again and the air rushed out of her lungs when she noticed the dark chakra swirling around Sasuke.


She felt her heart throb painfully in her chest. No, not that. Sasuke, you don’t need that…Please….


Please…Sasuke…

Sasuke’s eyes widened, hearing that voice again echoing in his mind. It was Ino’s voice again and not just that…he could actually feel her fear and worry in his head as well. He turned slightly, seeing her just briefly. But it was long enough to see that her lips weren’t moving.


Control it…you can do it…


Her words struck a chord. He remembered his teammates concern when they were in the Forest of Death. He remembered Ino’s damp eyes full of horror. He had worried so many people he felt a little ashamed. He knew he didn’t need it. The cursed seal was not going to control him. He gritted his teeth, halting the burning flames that grew from the seal. He felt the pain recede back to his shoulder and when it did, he found that he couldn’t feel her in his head anymore. He couldn’t feel her fear or worry anymore…and for just a second, he regretted stopping the cursed seal.

XOXO

The dark chakra was zapped from the air and Ino watched in fascination as Sasuke finished his attack on his opponent with a hard, bone crushing kick to the chest, squashing the man into the concrete. Sasuke was sliding on his back and tumbled head over heels before landing on his stomach unmoving.


“Sasuke.” She whispered, leaning over the railing, willing him to move. A finger, a toe! Anything! Hayate checked on Yoroi, but Ino didn’t move her eyes from Sasuke. Finally, he picked himself up on unsteady arms. Yes! She didn’t know how she got a hold of Shikamaru’s arm, but she was squeezing the heck out of it in relief and joy.


“I will stop this match. The winner is Sasuke Uchiha.” Hayate announced earning a holler from Naruto. Kakashi appeared below and propped the exhausted Uchiha up with a knee, carelessly looking into the pages of his infamous orange book. A medical team took Yorio away, but Sasuke left with Kakashi. Her heart gave a little pitter patter when Sasuke looked back at her. She read what he was saying in his cocky smile and dark eyes. He kept his promise. Then he was gone and Shino and Zaku entered the match. She would just have to wait until this was over, she thought returning her attention to the matches. After, she would go see him. It was a happy thought. Two matches later after Shino and Kankuro won, Ino found herself staring in shock at the names displayed.


“Ino.” Choji put a hand on her shoulder. “Think you can do it?”


Ino turned with a glare. “This will be over quickly.” She told him making him back away. Of all the people in the room she got stuck with her? She squared her shoulders and quietly walked down the stairs, past Hinata and her team and past Naruto and Kakashi.


“Good luck.” She heard Kiba behind her. Kakashi held out his arm. Surprised, Ino looked up at his serious face.


“We need to talk soon.” He told her and then moved to let her pass. Strange. Ino thought. Why would Kakashi need to talk to her? She pushed that concern away and walked into the arena with Sakura already waiting. Her heart hammered in her chest and she felt a bit self conscious. All these people surrounding her and watching her was unnerving. She wasn’t half as good at the one she saw. Even Sasuke was hurt pretty badly. Her nervous settled uncomfortably in her tummy making her a bit nauseous. She had been practicing and learned new things, but had Sakura? The only thing she saw her do was the clone technique, but she was clever at it. Sakura had always been smart Ino admitted staring into her rival’s determined jade eyes.


“I never thought we would be fighting so soon.” She said, trying to gear herself up and pretend that they were alone. That she couldn’t feel everyone’s eyes boring into her back.


Sakura said nothing, only steeled herself with a common ready stance and when the match began Ino quickly found herself on the defensive. Sakura went all out with a speed that surprised her. But she wouldn’t let her get to her. She was supposed to think of Sakura like any other opponent. Still, it was hard and when she managed to get the pink haired girl into a vulnerable position she struck. No mercy. But the punch opened up into an open handed slap like her subconscious wanted to protect the girl. The loud slap rang throughout the arena. Tears were burning her eyes, but she blinked them away. Sakura stood dumbfounded, touching her red cheek.


Ino glanced at her hand like it would tell her why it opened up. Why it didn’t want to punch her. Embarrassing. Sakura got over her initial shock and tightened her fist.


“You said we were at a standstill when we were in the Forest of Death. The second exam is over and we’re not in a standstill any longer. This fight isn’t over him anymore.” She said with a glare.


“Then what do you want to fight about now? Do you really think you can beat me?” Ino shot back.


“I’m stronger than you now. We aren’t even rivals anymore!” Sakura shot back making Ino’s blood boil. She thought that she could actually surpass her? Her? Ino Yamanaka?!


“Sakura do you know who you’re talking to?” Ino yelled back. Her pride came forth in full force and her ego hummed in anger. She hoped Sakura could feel the mild killer intent. It would give her great satisfaction knowing that she still intimidated her former friend.


Sakura’s gaze wavered a bit making Ino take notice of Sakura’s soft tone. “I’m still a bud right? That’s why you didn’t make that cosmos bloom all the way.”


Ino narrowed her eyes, understanding what Sakura was saying and why she was being so mean. “There’s no meaning to a flower unless it blooms.” She said defiantly making Sakura nod.


“It needs sunlight to bloom. I can’t stay in your shadow any longer.” She pulled her headband from the top of her head and tied it around her forehead.


Ino allowed her pride to flash in her eyes and lowered her chin. Ino knew what needed to be done. Her role was coming to an end. Shikamaru was right when they were in the Forest of Death. She was a hard teacher. She took it upon herself when she met her those many years ago to help Sakura bloom. This was her chance as well. To show her team and the rest watching that she was strong and could compete with the rest of them. Through all the battles she saw, she felt her confidence shrink and shrink. They were amazing! Shino, Kakuro and Sasuke were what a true ninja should be. She couldn’t always rely on Shikamaru’s cool head and Choji’s strength. She couldn’t rely on luck because in the real world, luck came rarely. Besides, Sakura wanted to measure herself with her skills. She was still a role model for her. She could see that Sakura was stronger, and now Sakura wanted to see it too. So she removed her headband and placed it on her forehead.


They took off. Ino watched as Sakura created two shadow clones. Ino narrowed her eyes. She needed to find the real one. But Sakura had gotten fast and Ino had little time to find the real one and her slowness received a jarring hit to her face sending her flying back and hitting the ground with a loud oof. Ino stood quickly with growing anger. There was no way Sakura would beat her. She was still the best, even if she got a little better at her speed. Sakura pulled a shuriken from her pouch and hurled it at her. Ino pulled one of her own and deflected it.


“There is no way a slovenly person like you who spends too much time on her hair and appearance could equal me.” Sakura taunted. Ouch! The vanity jab killed her soft spot for a moment and she took out her special kunai. She pulled the gripping tape off of the handle and stuck a small speck of a seed in the sticky film. It was done quickly so she was sure Sakura didn’t see.


“Don’t underestimate me.” She said though clenched teeth and carelessly threw her kunai at Sakura where it bounced clumsily at her feet. Sakura glanced down at it with a smirk.


“Is your anger making you miss?” She taunted putting a demeaning hand to her hip.


She had to keep in control and not let Sakura’s taunts get to her. She had to be clever as well. More than Sakura. Ino created a familiar seal. “I’m going to make you say I give up!”


She heard her team muttering in the back ground that she was crazy to use her Mind-Transfer Jutsu. It only fueled her ire. She would deal with them when this was over. How dare they second guess her! She knew how bad it would be to use that jutsu! She wasn’t stupid!


“I know you’re in a hurry but that’s useless.” Sakura didn’t even seem concerned. Perfect.


“We’ll see about that.” Ino told her evenly secretly gathering her chakra.


“The mind transfer technique won’t work. It’s not cool to get desperate! You only have one chance and it won’t succeed!” Sakura pointed out loudly so that everyone could hear.


Ino’s lips quirked. “I know.” Her fingers folded into another seal and then quickly two more seals in succession. “Ivy Chains jutsu!” Her chakra flew down her legs, digging into to earth. It made contact with her special kunai, standing it erect before turning green and sprouting chakra enhanced leaves. Her chakra rapidly drained from her coil making her insides vibrate and shiver. Sakura fell to the ground, trying to pull the vines from her ankles but they kept growing, sliding around her legs and up her waist. Just a little more Ino willed her body. It was aching from the chakra she was using, unused to the demand. This technique was not perfected, but she had made up her mind to use it anyways despite its dangers.


“Sakura!” She heard Naruto call to the squirming bundle.


The vines finally covered her whole body, leaving Sakura’s head free. “It’s no use.” Ino told her and then created another seal wincing as her chakra began protesting. But she would endure. She had too! She had to win! No matter the cost. “Now for the fun part.” The vines began vibrating making Sakura frown and squirm harder. Soon her grunts turned into giggles and then to an all out laugh making Ino smile and the others look down at the scene in astonishment.


“S-stop! I can’t breathe!” Sakura protested between laughs.


“I know all your tickle spots Billboard Brow. Just think, if you laugh too hard you might pee yourself. I can put a little pressure on your bladder if you want.” She knew she was grinning like a madman.


“No!” Sakura gasped.


“Then say you give. Come on.” She urged playfully. Please say it! I can’t hold out much longer!


“Ino! S-stop!” Sakura gasped for breath.


“You know what to say.” She had to move this along! A few more minutes of this and she was going to collapse! She could feel blood in her throat and it wouldn’t be long before it would fill her mouth. “Sakura! Don’t make me do the thighs!” She swallowed hard.


“O-okay!”


“Okay what?”


Sakura’s face was flushed with laughter. Her lips were even blue from her lack of air. “I-I-I give up!” She screamed and instantly Ino let her free. The vines were swallowed up by her kunai and it fell lifelessly to its side. Ino fell as well, clutching her stomach and coughing.


“Winner—”


“No .” Ino stopped Hayate with a defeated sigh. “I give up too.” She was so sleepy. Sakura was on her back trying to catch her breath and Ino just wanted a nap and some extra-extra-extra strength aspirin. She wasn’t going to use that technique for a long long time she thought wiping her lips with a shaking hand. Her blood felt warm and salty in her mouth. Her body felt like it was heaving and she was trembling.


“I see.” Hayate looked a little disappointed. “Draw. No winner for this match.” He declared. Ino smiled and fell back in dark bliss unaware that Asuma-sensei had picked her up from the arena floor with a soft, approving smile on his face.


She woke up when someone shoved something small and round in her mouth. Coughing, she slapped their hand away. “What the hell!”


“It’s the last time I’m helping you.” She heard Kiba say. He stood over her and folded his arms with a little annoyed grimace.


“Well you don’t go about shoving unknown things in people’s mouths!” She said and held out her hand. “Help me up.” She ordered. “And give me some of your water to wash it down.” Seeing that it was going to get stuck in her throat. She leaned into him for support, still finding her legs shaking and her head swimming.“What was it?”


“Tch. A food pill. Here.” He shoved his water bottle at her and Ino swiped it taking a big gulp.


A food pill huh? It tasted so gross! Like a strong multivitamin. Bleh. She finished half of his bottle. “Thank you.” She muttered handing it back to him. She eyed him for a second before giving into a smile. “I feel much better.”


He grinned and tapped his cheek. Ino rolled her eyes and gave him a little peck before returning to her team on much steadier legs. She sat through Tenten’s match and felt bad that she lost. But Temari really kicked ass and she didn’t even have to work hard. Just like Kankuro. If they were that good then she was terrified of what Gaara could do and even more terrified for the person who had to go against him.


When Shikamaru was called she jumped from her place and cheered her lungs out. She knew he would win. But it was even better when he beat that girl from Sound. There was a little justice for what had happened in the Forest of Death. She busted out laughing at his win. He rejoined them on the balcony where she rewarded him with a hug.


“Good job!” Choji slapped him on the back. Ino grinned at his self-satisfied expression. And it took two minutes tops! Naruto and Kiba were called next. She was a bit worried that it might turn out like her and Sakura’s fight with them going easy on each other but boys were a different species and their minds worked differently.


“Kiba’s lucky to get Naruto.” Choji muttered in a little pout. Shikamaru snorted and Ino gave both her teammates her ultimate death glare.


“Don’t underestimate him!” She barked. They guiltily looked away but didn’t say anything more.


Despite their friendship, they went all out on one another (trash talk included) with  Naruto winning with a crude fart and his new Uzumaki Barrage (that looked suspiciously like Sasuke’s Lion Combo). Huh, so like him to win unexpectedly she thought fondly giving Naruto a thumbs up. Kiba was wheeled away moaning.  Another name to add to her Hospital Flowers list.


Next match was a stressing one. Hinata and Neji.


Neji’s eyes were so cold it made her skin crawl. “Hinata won’t die will she?” She turned to Shikamaru. But he couldn’t answer. He was as stiff as Choji, intent on watching the unfair battle.


 Hinata showed unknown strength and kept getting up with Naruto’s urging but her will power was nothing compared to the disdain she saw in Neji’s eyes. Ino disliked Neji even more when he decided that even though the match was over, he wasn’t going to stop.


In a flash of smoke, Kakashi, Kurenai and Guy all halted him. She felt Asuma’s hand on her shoulder, keeping her from storming down to the arena and giving him a piece of her mind.
But then Hinata crumbled to the floor and she bolted over the railing anyways to get to her. She, Naruto and Sakura stood over her protectively and Neji struggled against his sensei and Kakashi.


“Hinata.” Ino said softly, crouching over her and putting a hand to her pale cheek. Tears stung the back of her throat but she swallowed them back, gingerly stroking Hinata’s cheek.


“Are you alright? Hey?” Naruto cried in concern. Hinata turned her head to him.


“Naruto…” She breathed.


“Yeah?” He leaned in.


“Was I—able to change….just a little?” She whispered before closing her eyes. Naruto stared speechlessly at her, a million turbulent emotions flashing in his sky blue eyes. Ino stayed silent, not knowing what to say, or do. Hinata was breathing, but it was scary breathing that sounded to shallow. Kurenai moved to her side and Ino let her have her place.


“Hey, the drop out over there.” Everyone turned to Neji, standing a safe distance away with a watchful Guy. “Let me warn you about two things. If you’re a ninja, stop with that unsightly cheering for a stranger. And one more thing. A drop out is a drop out. They cannot change.”


Ino clenching her fist, her hands inching to be around his neck. Who the hell was he? What right did he have saying things like that to her friends?


“Ino.” Sakura put a restraining hand on her shoulder. Kurenai gave her a warning look as well so Ino had to control herself from going after him. She bit the inside of her cheek, bitterly glaring poison, exploding daggers at him.


But Naruto paid them no heed. “Do you want to try?” He asked in anger, bolting after him with unrestrained anger. She saw Neji smirk and Ino knew that was what the uncaring Hyuga wanted. Then Lee slid in front of the determined blond, stopping him.


“Stop Naruto. I understand how you’re feeling. But you should fight in a proper match.” Ahhh Lee and his good guy reasoning! So annoying! Ino gritted her teeth and stood, but didn’t move from Hinata’s side.


“Fine.” Naruto  muttered and began walking back. Hinata coughed and everyone turned to her. Blood dribbled from her mouth and Kurenai unzipped her jacket to check her vitals.


“If you have time to glare at me, then you should check on her.” He said to them with a cold smirk, lifting his chin in gross amusement.


“Medical team what are you doing? Hurry!” Kurenai yelled. Instantly, Hinata was lifted into a rolled out stretcher and taken away. She was seriously hurt and Ino began ringing her hands in nerves. She wanted to cry too! Cry and then smack Neji’s arrogant pretty boy face!
Naruto squatted and ran his hands in the blood pool Hinata left.


“I promise.” He whispered, looking at Ino with such fierce, bright eyes before turning to Neji. “I will win!” Blood dripped down his arm, staining his hand with the promise. Ino felt the power and determination in his words. She felt a smile tug at her lips and pride flower. Naruto would keep his word. Yes, Ino thought, pulling Naruto’s arm. Neji would pay. Together they left the arena and she rejoined her team after leaving the glowering blonde with Kakashi.


“Is Hinata going to be okay Ino?” Choji asked her softly. She didn’t know. The medics said it was pretty serious.


“She’s strong. She’ll be okay.” She told him, lifting her chin stubbornly, knowing that Neji was listening.  All that talk about fate and destiny was such crap! He looked over to her, glaring just as angrily as she was.


“Hey Choji. You should be worried. There are only strong people left.” Shikamaru commented. Ino glanced over. Choji looked really scared as he glanced around at the remaining people left. Lee, that guy from sound and (shudder) Gaara. She prayed heavily that Choji didn’t have to fight Gaara. He would die for sure.


“That’s alright. I—I’ll just give up.” He whimpered, crouching on his shaking legs.


“That means you won’t be able to enjoy the all you can eat BBQ.” Asuma said with a fake sigh.


“But I want that!” Choji cried in protest. Ino shook her head in amusement. Asuma’s expression softened and he crouched, putting a comforting hand on Choji’s shoulder.


“Don’t worry. If things get out of hand I’ll stop the match like they did with Hinata.”


It made him feel a little better. Luckily, Choji would go last.


The battle between Gaara and Lee was an amazing one that had her seeing things that were…beyond words. Gaara…was…terrifying. Deadly. Lee was lucky to be alive.


After watching him, she noticed that Lee was a lot like Naruto. And that Guy loved Lee like he was his own.


 She bet that Gaara could kill everyone in this room by his killer intent alone. Whatever he was. She was glad she stayed to see everyone here battle. She knew where she was lacking…and that was in many ways. Even though Choji didn’t win, she could tell he was proud of himself for facing his fears. She was proud of him as well.

XOXO

Two days after, Ino sat alone in her room after taking a precious, long awaited shower. The hot water was like bliss on her aching body. In her robe, she thoughtfully lotion-ed her moist skin, thinking about what was going to happen next.


“A month.” She murmured, looking at her reflection in the full length mirror across from her. That was a long time to train for an exam. Naruto with Neji. Shikamaru with Temari. Shino with Kankuro and Sasuke with…Gaara.


Her skin pricked with goosebumps and she rubbed her arms to warm herself. Sakura had told her that Sasuke was still in intensive care and being watched by ANBU. Such high security must mean that the curse seal was something really really serious. She had gone to the hospital the day after the preliminary to see her friends. The only ones she was unable to visit were Hinata, Sasuke and Lee. Kiba seemed to be alright and Choji was released shortly after she visited and was resting at home.


She dressed in civilian clothes, a pale green sleeveless dress that gave a wonderful contrast to her skin tone and went down stairs to the shop. Only one person was in there and she looked blankly at the flowers all around her. She seemed so lost in thought.


“Oh its quite rare for you to come into our shop to buy flowers.” She began, startling Sakura out of her daze.


“Not really.” Sakura murmured, playing with a daffodil.


“Are you bringing that to Sasuke?” She asked raising a brow. Not that she was really worried about it. Sakura even said herself that he had made his decision.


Sakura ducked her head to hide her blush. “I was going to visit Lee too.” She defended plucking another fresh flower from the stand. Ino’s lips quirked.


“Lee huh?”


“I-Ino! It’s not like that!” She said with burning cheeks. Ino gave a little grin, but it quickly faded.


“Sakura did you…hear about Lee?” She asked. Sakura noticed the change in tone and her eyes darkened. “His injuries are very serious.” She paused, a little lump in her stomach. “The doctors are saying that he’s going to have to give up his career as a ninja.”


Her eyes widened. “What? Are you sure? They can’t do anything for him?” Sakura quickly stood. Ino shook her head. Sakura turned away, but Ino saw the tears in her eyes.


“I think he’ll be happy to see you though. You still want to visit him?”


Sakura sniffed a few times, but when she looked up at Ino her eyes were dry. “I want to see him.”


Ino nodded.  “Actually I was going to head over there too.” She said going behind the counter where she took her pre-made bouquets of flowers. She had spent last night working on them and thought they turned out rather well. She hesitated, but then plucked three flowers from them. She would have to deliver the rest another time. She didn’t want Sakura to think that she was trying to overshadow her single flower tribute with her luxurious bouquets.


Together they walked idly down the quiet streets. Her ears suddenly perked to a familiar voice. She and Sakura shared looks and then wondered to the small BBQ place. They didn’t have to go in. She saw them through the window.


“What’s with you guys? Having BBQ for lunch?” And not inviting me? She glared at their guilty faces through the window pane. “Shikamaru don’t you have to train for the exam?” She demanded.


He didn’t react to her accusing tone. Typical. “I do. Everyday.” He said in obvious distaste, tossing an irritated glance at Asuma. “Since Asuma here bitches at me every day.” He said, sagging his shoulders. Asuma just chuckled.


“I’m having Choji help with his training.” Grr. Again not inviting me?


“Really?” She asked coolly. Probably bribed him with BBQ lunched if he did. Well whatever. If they didn’t want her to help then she wouldn’t. She pivoted on her heel, ignoring Choji calling her name. Why? Why did they not ask her? It’s not like she was busy or anything and damn it they knew.


“Ino?” Sakura asked in concern.


“Ugh it’s no fun being left out.” She said a bit sadly.


“I know.” Sakura said softly, lowering her eyes. Ino paused for a moment.


“Sakura, you didn’t fail.” She said putting a hand on her shoulder.


“But I did. I’m so much weaker than them. Than Naruto even!” She cried in frustration.


Ino narrowed her eyes a little and Sakura caught her expression. “Sorry. I’m just mad at myself you know. Our battle was good, but I didn’t win. I thought that maybe I had gotten stronger.”


With growing frustration Ino paused and faced her sad looking friend .“You did. But others get stronger as well. There will always be someone better at something than you and you will always be better at things than others. Don’t chase after me anymore Sakura. You do your own thing and I’ll do mine. We’re not in school anymore. We have careers now.” She snapped, but then sighed reigning in her temper. “You know your strengths now. You know you’re not a flower bud anymore.”


Sakura stared at her with glowing bight eyes. “I’m a flower then?”


Ino nodded, warmth spreading though her insides as Sakura’s hopeful voice. “You have a meaning now.”


Sakura began to grin and Ino caught on to her delight and smiled back. “Let’s go.”


When they entered the hospital the nurse told them that they only had five minutes with him. Ino pouted. Only five minutes? Like that was enough time! She wanted to spend a little more time with him. But when they arrived at his room, they found it was empty and Sasuke’s clothes were gone. The nurse called for the doctor, but there was no trace of him. Ino sat on his rumpled bed when Sakura left with the nurse to try and find him. Somehow she knew that they wouldn’t find him. He was stubborn like that. Two days into their monthly training and he was stuck in the hospital to recuperate? No, not Sasuke. Sakura must have realized that as well because she seemed to have calmed down a bit when she returned.


“Think he’s alright?” She asked as the nurse led them to Lee’s room. Ino nodded.


When they entered Lee’s room, it was empty as well. Again the nurse was getting all panicky. Jeeze, what kind of hospital didn’t keep a good eye on their intensive care patients?


“Wait. Look, he’s out there.” Sakura pointed out the window and Lee was busy doing impressive one-handed pushups. Ino and Sakura quickly went to see him. It tore at her to see him with such a strong will. Even when he was as battered as he was, he was still training to get stronger. Hopeless as it was, it seemed like Lee was ignoring the black cloud over his head. But even the strong had their limits and Lee fell to the ground, exhausted. The nurse left her and Sakura to get a stretcher. Kneeling beside him, Ino brushed his thick hair from his forehead, not knowing what she should do.


“Ino? Why do boys push themselves so hard?” Sakura asked her, with a fragile looking expression on her face. It was a good question with no real answer. The boys in her life were complicated like that. She would never understand what drives them to do the things they do.


Lee was taken back to his bed and both girls left their flowers for him. Sakura lingered a bit longer than her. But Ino needed to get away from that place. From Lee’s hardships. It was a stingy thing to do, but the thought that he could no longer be a ninja was overwhelming. He was a good person who had a major influence on Naruto and Sakura. Maybe even her.


Alone, in her room, Ino fell on her bed. It was getting dark, and she was alone for the week. At times like these, she wished her mom was still around. She turned to her side and noticed a thin folded piece of paper. Frowning, she sat up and grabbed it, flipping it open.


You probably already found out that I’m not at the hospital anymore. Don’t worry, I’m with Kakashi. We’ll see each other when it’s time for the final match. –Sasuke.


She reread it a couple of times before refolding it.


“A month.” She said to herself, looking at the note sadly. It seemed like such a long time to her now…