Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Closer ❯ Chapter 23

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

Ino walked silently behind Rei, studying his back with a contemplative purse to her lips. He had said his real name was Ao but now she didn’t believe him. What she did believe was that he was a Yamanaka. The idea of tracking down a member of her clan made her tired with the thought. But, she was of the Main House and now she had a reason to use her heiress power. Discreetly though she didn’t want her father to find out what she was doing. He would ask questions and get frustrated when it would take too long to get answers. He could be quite moody when dealing with the Yamanaka Clan.

Ino came from her thoughts when she felt Mamoru squirm in his makeshift carrier. It crisscrossed on her back and tied snuggly around her slender waits to keep him close and warm against to her. The group had to travel slowly because of him but no one complained. Everyone was thinking about what had transpired two days ago. Naruto was unusually subdued and Sakura talked with her awkwardly. Capitan Yamato was a nice enough guy, checking in her once in a while to see if she or Mamoru were alright. Sai was just weird. He was virtually expressionless and really quite. Rei acted like Sai was normal. He wasn’t. But she couldn’t ask anything about Root ANBU until they reached Leaf. Eight days later they arrived.

Ino’s eyes watered when she saw the main gates loom before her and the sounds of the bustling village caught her ear. Her steps quickened when her Dad’s face swam to mind. Then Shikamaru’s and Choji’s. Then the rest followed: Hinata, Lee, Kiba, Shino, Tenten and even the detestable pretty boy Neji. Gods she even missed Anko!

She gave the guards Izumo and Kotetsu one of her secret flirty smiles when they saw her. Capitan Yamato led them to the Hokage Tower, but Rei and Sai broke from them. Ino watched Rei disappear from sight in bewildered sadness and hurt. They had been together for five months and he didn’t even say goodbye. She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced her eyes away. Jerk. How could he just do that? He didn’t even look back at her. She scrubbed the tears from her eyes when she felt the others looking at her. Ignoring their questioning looks, Ino stroked little Mamoru’s soft white hair. At least you’re with me. She didn’t know what would happen to the little guy, but she would protect him as much as she could. She would find a way for him to grow up properly. She took great pleasure in thinking Kabuto was probably getting the tenth degree from Orochimaru for leaving him behind.

They were let in immediately when Lady Tsunade learned who it was. Bowing respectively, the group stood still as she stood from her chair and came around her desk. “Report Capitan Yamato.”

Ino stood in mute obedience as he told her of what happened. Naruto and Sakura looked like they were reliving the moment. In the end Naruto declared that they weren’t giving up. Sakura’s bright jade eyes echoed his sentiments and determination. They were dismissed leaving only she and Mamoru.  Naruto and Sakura gave her little smiles as they filed out.

“Shizune, go and find Anko and Ibiki.” The Hokage’s apprentice scurried out. Lady Tsunade smiled gently. “Unfortunately your father and Asuma are away right now and Kakashi is in the hospital. We’ll fill them in later.”

Ino nodded in understanding and waited patiently for the two arrive. The Hokage led her to the conference couches in the connecting room so they could get comfortable. Her insides clenched in nervousness and anticipation; an odd combination.

“Want to tell me who the kid is before they come?” They settled across from one another. Lady Tsunade’s caramel color eyes looked thoughtfully at the slumbering bundle.

Ino stroked his head. “His name is Mamoru. He’s a clone Kabuto and Orochimaru created.”

Lady Tsunade’s eyes flickered up at her explanation. “You know who he’s made from then?” She leaned forward slightly in interest.

Ino nodded solemnly. “His name was Kimimaro. Before he met Sasuke, Orochimaru wanted Kimimaro to be his next vessel but Kabuto told me that he became really ill and ultimately died in battle.” Ino shrugged. “That’s was Kabuto said anyways but he had no reason to lie to me about it. Could you do like, tests on him or something?”

Lady Tsunade nodded. “Of course.”

“Arrived!” Ino practically jumped at the announcement, waking up Mamoru. He let out a shrill cry of fear and she began rocking to calm him down. The double doors to the conference room hit the walls with a loud thud. Ino’s lips quirked in fond amusement at Anko’s proud flirty strut.

When her sensei saw her she clapped a hand over her heart. “Oh ho ho! Blondie lives!”

Ino pretended to look insulted. “You had doubts?”

Anko grinned. “’Course not! I trained you!”

Ibiki chuckled darkly behind her. “You’re always the first to take credit.”

Anko shrugged, grey eyes flashing in mischief. “So? How was it?”

Four and a half hours later Ino had finished with the Q&A and Mamoru was still wide awake. Shizune was sent to get milk and supplies for him. His light green eyes idly roamed the room, aware that he was in a different place.

“Let’s see your mark.” Anko commanded, pulling on her shirt insistently. Ino shook her off.

“It’s on my arm!” She protested and winced when Anko practically twisted her limb off to look at it.

“Do you not see me holding a newborn?” Ino cried out. Anko pushed her hand in the blonde’s face to muffle her outrage.

“Shush Blondie.” Her bows creased. “What’s going to happen to it Hokage?”  

Lady Tsunade sighed. “I don’t know. It’s a new one that we don’t have experience with.” She rubbed her temple in a troubling way.

“Can we seal it?” Ino asked hopefully. Anko let her have her arm back and Ino rotated her shoulder mumbling about being manhandled.

“We could if that’s what you want. I’ll find someone to do it for you.” There was a brief silence.

“And the kid?” She forced herself to ask, tightening her hold on him. She was far too young to take care of him but she didn’t want him dumped in an orphanage. Besides, he would be powerful. Orochimaru had wanted Kimimaro before he turned his eye to Sasuke.

“What do you want done with him?” The older blonde asked.

Ino looked into his small little face. “He could be powerful. He’s like Sasuke, the last of his clan.”’ Ino rubbed a gentle knuckle down his oh-so-soft cheek. “Let me find a family for him.” She glanced up. “In the Yamanaka Clan.”

Lady Tsunade and Ibiki exchanged looks and Anko snorted. “Uh, is there a reason why you want him in your clan?”

Ino just smiled. “I want to keep him close.” She ignored the little voice in her head that said Mamoru’s bloodline could make her clan stronger in the future. “Besides he’s safer in the mix of the Village. Kabuto and Orochimaru probably think we’ll hide him from them.”

The Lady Hokage’s brow wrinkled slightly in contemplation before answering in a weary voice. “I’ll think about it. In truth, I don’t really know what to do with him myself. I’ll have to inform the council so be prepared for anything.” She stood, her ample bosom bouncing slightly. “You can handle him for now right? Until a decision is made?”

With little options left, Ino nodded. A sudden longing to escape the Hokage Tower pulled at her when she saw Ibiki standing under a streaming beam of fading sunlight. Her dad wasn’t here but others were and she wanted to go to her house and fall into the familiar scent of her bedding.

“You can go home for now but I want you to go on for a heath check up as soon as possible. You and the kid. The more we learn of his illness, the better off we are in preventing his health decline.”

She stood. “Got it.” She was halfway paying attention. Her mind was already wandering to what she was planning to do with her homecoming.

Shizune handed her a shopping bag full with baby essentials and after a few farewell words she was off. She took the long way home, soaking in all of the sights and sounds of Leaf. Though she was happy and relieved to be home again her heart still ached. It had been ten days since Sasuke let her go. She missed him so much already. Her thoughts were constantly plagued by questions. What was he doing now? Probably training. Where was he? Don’t know. Was he thinking of her? Maybe?

Her legs halted in front of a familiar big tree in the center of main Leaf. She peered into the thick leaves gently shaking in the fading light, reliving the night when the Sound Four infiltrated the village and tempted him with power. After, when she began her mission training with Anko and Ibiki she found herself sitting on the branch they were once on. It was just to think mostly and relive the feel of her first kiss, bittersweet as it was. Ino tore her eyes from the tree and continued on, down the small hill toward her house. The shop had closed an hour before so she had to grab the spare key.

Light flooded the living room and Ino dropped her bags with a shocked open mouth. “Oh my gods…Dad!” The place was a freakin’ mess! Clothes were strewn about and so were empty food cartons and cans of soda and juice. The usually sparking blonde bamboo hardwood floors looked like they had five inches of grim on them and there were suspicious looking stains on the furniture and throw rugs. Horrified, Ino stalked into her room and flipped on the light. Relief washed over her when she saw her room untouched by her Dad’s carless living.

“I was scared for a minute Mamoru.” Ino breathed and placed the baby gently on her bed between two pillows. She cautiously made her way back to the living room to her get bags. Mamoru was fed and instantly fell asleep and Ino took her long awaited shower, having a serious debate with herself on which shampoo her hair was in desperate need of. Washed and smelling of sweet pea blossoms, she settled into her soft welcoming bed, cuddling close to one of Mamoru’s pillows. The kid only woke up twice to be fed.

Word got out that she had returned home and the four flower workers eagerly greeted her when they came into work bringing tons and tons of food. Flower workers Saiyuki, a gentle beautiful woman with long olive colored hair and almond shaped golden eyes and Michi the younger of the four with wavy rose colored hair and dazzling lavender eyes helped her clean up the house. It took two days to get it to her usual standards. During that time she came across something unsettling and very suspicious.

“Did my Dad get a dog?” She held up two porcelain bowls that read Chow and Liquid. Ino rolled her eyes, yes very clever Dad she thought.

Michi flashed a dimpled smile and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Actually he got a cat. He’s sooo cute! A picky eater, but he likes snuggling up with Tinsu when she on shift.”

Ino’s stomach fluttered. “It it black with green eyes?” She asked as nonchalantly as possible. It better not be who she thought it was. It was absurd, no. It wasn’t. Was it? Her flesh pricked in dread. Itachi…Why did she feel like he was stalking her all of the sudden? Aio did say he was going to keep an eye on her but Ino assumed it would be in secret. Now that little spy might be living under her roof! Tch, some spy.

They nodded. “How did you know? He’s big for a cat. Inoichi thinks he’s a cross breed with a wild cat of some sort.” Michi said, tossing her apron in a nearby hamper where another load of laundry waited for her. Saiyuki was cooing over Mamoru as she fed him happily. “His name is Fat Boy because he so big!” She giggled. Ino’s lips turned up at that for a brief second before anger began to eat away at her mood.

It was! The sneaky little thing. Ino ignored the first part of Michi’s question. It would be over her pretty little head to explain. “Where is it now?” She looked around. “I haven’t seen it since I came back.”

Michi shrugged. “Eh, he comes and goes.”

Ino put a hand to her hip. “I would love to meet it but I guess I have to wait.” To kill the nosey bastard. “The place looks great. Thanks for your help. I’ll make sure my Dad pays you for this. We all deserve a four pairs of new shoes for cleaning up his mess!” She received a happy and full Mamoru from Saiyuki and placed him in the little swing Mei brought over earlier. She felt immensely better now that the place was clean.

It was a little past two but already she felt tired. She was going to lay down on the newly cleaned couches when a loud squawk brought her attention to the large living room window. A hawk waited patiently for her with a small scroll tied to its leg. Unrolling it, Ino felt her wariness fade away. The council agreed to let Mamoru be adopted into the Yamanaka Clan. She had been thinking about it since returning home and already had a particular family lined up. She wasted no time in contacting them, sending one of the flower delivery boys, Yuri off to summon them.

“Well little guy, let’s see if we can get you the coolest and most fantastic family ever.” As much as she liked having a little cute baby around, motherhood was not in her cards just yet. Fifteen year old ninjas like herself had a full career in front of her. Being tied down to a kid was not for her. She would leave that responsibility to the adults thank you very much. Plus, the sooner she got Mamoru situated with a good family, she sooner she could get to the bottom of Rei’s secrets. It still hurt when she thought about him. Leaving like he did after all the time they spent together…Ino sighed mentally. Jerk.

She gathered a bag of supplies for Mamoru and left to the Yamanaka meeting room an hour later to give the people she summoned time to get there. Two young strawberry haired girls bowed respectively at her before sliding the wooden paper doors quietly open. A young couple was seated next to one another on sage green pillows. She was feeling nervous all of the sudden as she made her way to the front. She never did a meeting without her Dad but she had been to enough to know that a Clan leader (in her case a future clan leader) must not show weakness. She squared shoulders and gathered her pride before sitting elegantly on the larger ruby red pillow with Mamoru in her arms.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice.” She said strongly adding a smidgen of apology.

“We are honored Cousin.” The platinum blonde young adult bowed respectively. His quiet dark haired wife followed suit stiffly. Keita Yamanaka was the only cousin she ever got along with. The Yamanaka Clan was notorious for their conceit and ambition. It could be war for a young beautiful future clan head like herself. Some of her stupid cousins would challenge the head of the family over leadership. Her clan history had stories of internal struggles within the ranks. Luckily her family maintained control over the Clan. Keita was a nice cousin. When her Dad couldn’t train her because of missions and whatnot, he chose Keita to help her with their clan jutsus. His favoritism brought him some hardships time to time with the other members, but he was strong and ignored the muttering and complaints.

He married his wife Megumi against his parent’s whishes. Keita’s mom could be like a dragon and his dad was as meek as a mouse and didn’t lift a finger to help his only son when Keita was kicked out of his house by his mother and two sisters. The Yamanaka women had always been the head of the households and their household rules were law. Keita’s mom didn’t like Megumi because she came from a low background (traveling merchants). They had been married for five years but had yet to have a child. Something Keita’s mom constantly shoved in their faces. Yet despite his whole family practically disowning him, Keita remained firm in his decision to remain married to the woman he loved. Megumi was a pretty girl with long dark dark hair and sad looking hazel eyes. Keita was a handsome young man that could turn heads with his short platinum blonde hair and bright electric blue eyes.

Talking a deep breath, Ino spoke. “I have chosen you and your wife to take custody of this child.” She felt their shock echo through her chakra. “He is going to be an honored member of the Yamanaka Clan and needs parents who will love him and protect him.”

Megumi’s eyes watered instantly and she dropped her forehead to the floor, murmuring thank you though her tears. It had been a dream of hers to be a mother, but Ino learned that getting pregnant for the dark haired woman would be nearly impossible. “It’s not going to be an easy task though.” Ino warned.

Keita rubbed his wife’s back soothingly. “What do you mean?” He asked.

Ino looked down at the sleeping bundle in her arms, remembering quite vividly the day he was born. The greed in Kabuto and his medics’ eyes. The way Orochimaru preened in delight when Kabuto presented the hour old newborn to him. It was only right that she tell him Little Mamoru’s back story. She was glad that it didn’t sway their acceptance of the child when she did.

“He will be protected with us. We will be vigilant in his heath and training.” Keita vowed when she relinquished the child to Megumi’s trembling arms. She could tell the young couple instantly fell in love with him. Ino told them to come by later to get the rest of his things. When they left, a little sadness lingered in her chest, but it was banished when she knew that the kid was in good hands. She trusted Keita and was sure Mamoru would grow up loved by them.

Her team came back the day after she gave Mamoru to her cousin. There were hugs and laughter at their reunion dinner. Choji asked her a million questions and Shikamaru was playfully complaining about how troublesome missions were since she left. Having to pick up her slack was zoning in on his relaxing time. Asuma had a look in his eyes that told her the Hokage told him everything and that he was glad she was safely back home.

Ino felt herself melt back into her life before her mission which was easier than she thought it would be. Looking around her at her boys and Sensei, she knew it was because of them and how close they were. Ever since they were young they knew that one day they would make the next generation of the unbeatable Ino-Shika-Cho team. Even before, the Yamanaka, Nara and Akimichi were close families. A friendship born from the first of their clan heads that still thrived today. She couldn’t ask for better teammates and friends.

The BBQ restaurant they had met up at had begun to close so they had to reluctantly leave. She idly walked arm in arm with Shikamaru and Choji while Asuma ambled a little behind them to have a cigarette. “Anything interesting happen while I was gone?” She asked.

“Same old same old. Everyone’s been super busy lately with missions and stuff.” Choji said brightly.

“Speaking of missions, it’s been a week since you’ve returned. Are you ready to get back to work Ino?” Asuma asked behind them. The boys looked at her in expectant silence. She turned her head.

“Of course. It’ll get my mind off of things I’ve been over thinking.” She said.

Shikamaru gave her a long look. “Don’t tell me you miss being there.”

Ino snorted. “I don’t miss being there, but I won’t lie.” She said softly with a pang of sorrow. “I miss Sasuke.” She admitted earning a sigh from Shikamaru and a comforting pat from Choji. “But I can’t dwell on him or I won’t get anything done.”

Asuma chucked behind her. “That’s a good outlook Ino. I’ll tell the Hokage that we’re ready.”

She decided to get breakfast the next morning with her team while they walked her to house. “That means you can’t sleep in Shikamaru! And you can’t ask your mom to make you breakfast Choji. Save your appetite for the breakfast Asuma-sensei is going to buy.” She ordered them. Asuma groaned.

“I have to pay?”

“But it’s going to be a Saturday! My mom makes chocolate chip pancakes, apple wood bacon omelets and French toast! Akimichi Chakra Supplier!” Choji protested in a heartbreaking plea, turning to Ino with puppy dog eyes.

“Tomorrow is the first day off in two weeks! Can’t we do brunch?” Shikamaru looked incredulous. Ino glared at them and yanked her arms from theirs to put a bossy hand to her hip.

“Breakfast! Don’t ruin this or I swear you’ll all regret it! And to make sure you take me seriously I’ll only tell you this!” She yelled at them and then a smirk blossomed over her pink pouty lips. “Your moms are always on my side.” She then turned her burning eyes to Asuma. “And Kurenai-sensei and I have a bond. We’re hanging out soon to go shopping. I could always ask her to invite you along.”

Staring at their terrified pale faces, Ino finally felt like she was home. “Okay! See you at breakfast! Seven forty-five sharp!” She gave each of them a hug and then skipped merrily to her porch.

From the other side of the door she paused and leaned into hear what they were saying to one another after her departure. “Well…guess breakfast in the morning then?” It was Asuma.

“Troublesome woman. We’ve only been back together for four hours and she’s already back to bossing us around.” Ino smiled at Shikamaru’s annoyed tone.

“Yeah. I missed her too.” Choji chimed in and Ino put a hand over her mouth to keep her giggle in. She missed them too.

The smiling blond made her way back to her house where the living room lights bleed through the bottom of the front door. She hastened her steps and kicked off her shoes as soon as she was inside.

“Dad?” She called out, heart quivering with eagerness. He appeared in the hallway and she ran to him with a little cry. “Daddy!”

His strong comforting arms encircled her waist and he lifted her from the ground. “Ino! You’re back!” He exclaimed, tightening his hold on her. “When I got to the Hokage Tower Lady Tsunade told me you were home. I rushed here as soon as I could.”

“I missed you the most of all. I was so sad when you weren’t here.” She murmured, inhaling his familiar scent of sage and spice.

“I’m sorry baby. The mission went on longer than expected, but I’m here now. Ah, I missed you so much. It was so lonely here without you.” Ino allowed her tears to fall onto her father’s shoulder. He was shushing her with low coos and stroking her hair while she was shaking with her soft sobs. His face and smile were the main things that kept her strong when she was with Kabuto and Orochimaru. She endured it all to be with Sasuke and to see her father again.

Later, after they spent some time together catching up, Ino returned to her room exhausted but buzzing with happiness. Her Dad was going to take her shopping next week and she had breakfast with her team. Today had definitely been a good day. Humming she dressed in her night clothes and sat at her vanity mirror to brush her hair until it was soft, smooth and shiny. In her reflection she spotted her dirty, tattered bag. Since she returned she didn’t even go though her things because she thought it would make her depressed. But with her mood as it was, she decided it was time. She braided her hair quickly and then sat crossed legged on her clean floor. The zipper was coming apart from being over stuffed with her extra clothes and acquired scrolls she got from Kabuto. She would have to turn them into Lady Tsunade later.

She shook out her wrinkled, dirty clothes, smiling fondly at each one of them. No one would believe her, but Orochimaru was the one who bought her the clothes. He had surprising good tastes and only brought her the best and most expensive. She assumed that it was the times when Orochimaru had transferred into a woman’s body that made him appreciate shopping. She and Rei joked over it all the time. It would be a waste to throw them out, Ino thought tossing them in her hamper by her dresser.

She emptied the rest on the floor in a loud clatter and winced. Oops. Her tools were sorted and she promised them she would give them a good oiling and sharpening when she had the time. The scrolls were stacked in a neat pile in her night stand’s bottom drawer. She was about to shut them away when one in particular caught her attention. It was thick and red. She turned it over in her hand, finding a Kabuto’s familiar scrawl at the bottom.

For the Body and Soul Exchange Jutsu it read. Curious, she opened it and rolled it out on her floor. Three intricate circles drawn in fancy seals greeted her and Ino jerked her hands away from it with a startled gasp. She recognized what kind of summon these were and suddenly she felt sick to her stomach. Bodies? He gave her bodies?

It’s always good to keep a few extra bodies on hand…He always told her that. Ugh, was this some kind of thoughtful gift from him? Only Kabuto would think that giving her bodies would be a nice, un-weird and appreciated gift. What a freak! Ino was going to roll it back up and burn it until she really looked at the summons scrawl. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on ends and Ino got to her knees and peered into the center of one of the summon circles. She unrolled the rest of the scroll.

Shoji Eto…Giro Tendo…Ume Seto…Yuka Kuramoto…

What happened to Giro and Shoji?

Don’t worry about them. You’ll see them sooner or later…

Giro’s shy boyish smile flashed in her mind followed by Shoji’s composed little grin. They had been nice guys and she had refused to feel guilty about using her Mind Surrender Jutsu on them. Until now. “So this is what Kabuto did to your guys.” She murmured softly. “Living in suspended animation.” The Body and Soul Exchange Jutsu only worked if the one being sacrificed was still alive. She didn’t know how alive these guys were, but now she couldn’t destroy the scroll.

“And he gave me Ume too. How nice of him.” She muttered. Yuka Kuramoto…who was she? Ino didn’t remember her but she must have done something to irk Kabuto for him to seal her. With a heavy sigh, she carefully rolled it back up and retied the golden strings that held it together.

She had to put this somewhere safe. There was no way she was going to let anyone know that she had that kind of scroll on her. The safest place in her room was her closet with its many many many shelves and pretty storage boxes. Feeling that is was safely tucked away, Ino flipped off the closet light and began to make her way to her bed only to stop dead in her tracks.

“So you’ve returned Yamanaka.” A soft voice purred from the open door way.

Ino calmed her nerves. “Aio. Long time no see little kitty. Should I call you Aio or Fat Boy? Which do you prefer?” She asked, a hand to her hip.

Aio’s green eyes glittered, but it ignored her taunts. “Itachi expresses his relief that you are safely back home.”

Ino raised a brow. “Does he? How nice of him. I aim to please you know. Make sure you tell him thank you for me.”

Aio grinned in a freaky chesire like way. “He also tells me to say one thing to you. You better sit down for this one.”

“Oh? Why?”

“Because you’ll hit your head once it’s out of my mouth.” Aio warned playfully. Ino refused to listen and the large black cat sighed. “Okay. Don’t bitch at me for not warning you.”

“Just tell me!” Ino snapped in irritation.

Aio smiled. “Danzo Shimura.”

Ino’s head swam instantly as she began her fall into another one of Itachi’s Sharingan illusion slash dreams slash pain in the ass genjutsu. Damn cat. Maybe she should have listened to it after all…