Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Closer ❯ Chapter 27

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

Naruto cradled his arm close to his chest as the two squads hastened to Leaf Village with Ino in Shikamaru’s trembling arms. She looked pale and lifeless, like a rag doll. Sakura was ahead of them all and kept looking back to the unconscious blonde with worry and something else. Her eyes looked darker and her mouth was in a thin line. His medic teammate had stopped her bleeding, but a dry line of blood stained her legs, almost down to her ankle. They all asked Sakura what was wrong, but she firmly told them that they needed to get to the hospital right away and to quit asking. He knew his snippy teammate knew what was wrong, but why not tell them? Was it serious? Could she die?

When they got back to the village they were separated. He was put in one room and Ino was rushed to another with a heard of medics. Lady Tsunade was called soon after. He was given medical treatment and felt better even though his arm was still throbbing. He tried to ask about Ino but the nurse shrugged.

“To Lady Hokage is with her now.” Was all she said before leaving him alone. He swung his legs over the side and was about to see for himself when Sakura came in.

“Stay where you are.” She snapped and picked up his chart to look over it. She still looked troubled and angry.

“How’s Ino? Has she woken up yet?” Sakura lowered her eyes.

“They’re seeing to her now.” She said dismissively busying herself with his chart again. “You’re always over doing it.” She sighed and came to stand by the side of his bed. Naruto pouted.

“You don’t need to get so angry.” He muttered and Sakura promptly smacked him on the top of his head with the chart.

“No talking back.” She muttered, and finished reading the clipboard before setting it down and placing her hands against his bruised arm. He winced when he felt the chakra mess with his bones and muscled. My jutsu worked, but it turned out like this. He only did it three times and his arm was in tatters. Did Sasuke suffer like this when he did a powerful jutsu? How long would it take him to recover? After the initial healing, Sakura wrapped his arm with a thick bandage.

“There. All done. Now take it easy okay?” She smiled a little at her work.

“Thank you Sakura.” He gave her a heartfelt grin in return. Her pleased expression faded a little and Naruto tensed. He knew what she was going to say. He saw the looks Kakashi and Yamato shared when they saw the damage done to his arm from his Rasen-Shuriken.

“Look Naruto, don’t use that new technique unless you’re completely out of options. Don’t rely on it okay?”

He grinned, waving off her concern. “I’ll be fine! As long as you’re around to fix me up—”

“No you won’t!” Sakura snapped at him, a hand on her hip. “Medical ninjutsu can’t just magically heal any injury!”

Naruto looked down at his arm and rubbed his healthy hand over the bandages. Despite the pain he was in, it was all worth it. “This makes me kinda happy.” He murmured and looked up to Sakura’s questioning eyes. “I feel like the two of us are getting closer to Sasuke.” He didn’t notice the way her jaw tightened at Sasuke’s name or the way her eyes narrowed a little. “I’m going to get some sleep.” He yawned and scooted deeper in his blankets. Sakura nodded.

“I’ll stop by tomorrow.” She said and left not long after. But Naruto didn’t go to sleep. Instead he slipped from, his bed and pulled on a robe. Tiptoeing down the hall, he made his way to the nursing center. There was a kind looking old woman who directed him up to the fifth floor, to the OBGYN Center. He knew enough about healthcare to know this was a place for woman and their girly problems. He stopped a blush from stealing up his cheeks as he quietly and stealthily checked room after room. When it comes to things like this, being a super cool ninja really helped. He rounded another corner and spotted Shikamaru and Inoichi talking in hushed tones.

Shikamaru ran a hand down his hand in frustration. “What’s going to happen then?” He asked, though the sound was muffled behind his hand.

Inoichi leaned against the wall with one arm, looking very tired and old. “I don’t know. They stabilized the pregnancy but it’s still a critical time. She could still lose it.” He said softly. Naruto’s word seemed to grow hazy and grey. What? What was he saying?

“Do they know how far along she is?” Naruto turned slowly to see Choji huddled in a corner.

“They say four months…”

“What? How can that be?! Have they seen her? She looks exactly the same!” Shikamaru exclaimed.

“Are they sure?” Choji prodded.

Inoichi nodded. “I know, but the Hokage says that women carry differently. I can’t really say I’m that surprised though. Ino’s mom was the same way.”

“Four months you say? She’s been back close to two.” Choji frowned. Shikamaru grimaced.

“Please Choji, don’t do the math here. I don’t even want to think about that.” He muttered, a finger caressing his right temple. Choji blushed.

“Oh. Sorry. Is she going to be pulled off of duty?” He turned to Ino’s dad.

“Of course, but that’s not what I’m worried about. Ino told me that when she was infected with Kabuto’s cursed seal, a Lotus Guardian appeared.”

Naruto frowned at the tension between the three men he was spying on. They looked worried and alarmed. What the heck was a Lotus Guardian? “Really?” Shikamaru asked quietly, casting a quick look at Choji. “And nothing has been asked for yet?”

Inoichi shook his head and then folded his arms. “They summoned us as soon as we found out. They don’t forget anything. When she told me about it I was surprised that they didn’t call when she returned to the village. Now I’m beginning to think that they were just waiting.” Naruto was confused. Who was the ‘they’ they were talking about? He grew even more curious but decided to remain quiet and hidden for a little while longer.

Shikamaru nodded. “Waiting until she found out.” He echoed.

A heavy fist struck the wall of the hallway making the tile crack under the force. “Gods, this is just getting worse and worse!” Choji moaned. “If people find out whose child it is, they’ll both be hunted. I’m afraid to think what Sasuke would do to get her back. On top of that, we have the village to worry about and Kabuto and Orochimaru and Itachi…” He looked really panicked. “Who knows about this other than us?” He demanded.

“The Hokage and Sakura. Probably Kakashi as well but they won’t say anything. They’re well aware of the consequence if this secret was known. The Hokage is even keeping the council in the dark until we come up with a plan.”

Was he hearing right? Ino was going to have a baby? Sasuke’s baby and she didn’t know about it? He thought back to Sakura and the confusing expressions he saw. Was it because she was mad or something? Did she still have a thing for Sasuke? Naruto couldn’t stay quiet any longer. “What kind of plan?” He asked, startling the three.

Inoichi scowled at him. “How long were you there?” He demanded.

“Long enough.” Naruto growled back placing himself steadily in front of the three to show he wouldn’t be excluded or intimidate by Ino’s protective father.

“Naruto you know…”

He waved off Shikamaru. “I know not to blab. I’m concerned as well. Ino is my friend and I know better than anyone what could happen if people find out about this. I don’t want the kid to be hated or hunted.” He rubbed his heart. “It’s hell.” The heated looks from the three melted and they went back to looking tired and overwhelmed. “You were saying something about a Lotus Guardian? What’s that? Why are you so worried?”

Inoichi and the others stiffened and Naruto turned to see a couple of nurses pass by them. “Let’s go inside the room.” Ino’s dad quietly twisted the knob and the three young men slipped in behind him. The room was quiet and warm. He heard a fast thump thump thump reach his ears and he frowned.

“What’s that sound?” He whispered to Shikamaru.

“It’s the sound of the kid’s heartbeat.” He murmured back. Naruto’s eyes widened and he looked past Choji hovering close to her bed. Ino looked pale, like a porcelain doll. Her complexion was waxy and dark circles were prominent under her eyes and contrasted darkly. She looked like a child in her hospital gown with some kind of glowing green chakra belt across her belly. His gaze slid down…Shikamaru’s right, she didn’t look pregnant. Heaviness settled in his chest. Sasuke, what would you do if you found out about this? He had a brief flashback to that kiss they shared on the Sasuke Retrieval mission. Naruto saw the possessiveness in it.

We’re even now Ino…

“Has she woken up yet?” He asked, his voice cracking ever so slightly. Inoichi put his large hand gently on top of Ino’s head.

“Not yet. They’re keeping her sedated until her pregnancy stabilizes. After…I’ll have to tell her what’s going on.” He murmured softly, his thumb stroking her forehead. “They say she’s not as critical as when she first came in.”

He remembered the way she hit the floor with blood dribbling down her chin and her eyes glassy. Choji had been in such a panic, almost hyperventilating and Shikamaru…he was just as bad. He felt a little better now that he saw her, but he was still anxious as well.

“She’s tough.” He said strongly, making Shikamaru and Choji smile a little. “We’ll all be there for her no matter what happens. She’ll be back to bossing us all around and making us go shopping with her.” His eyes softened. “Besides, she’ll need all the support she can get.” And all the protection everyone could offer. He was well aware of the fact that this baby would have a hard time when people found out whose kid it was. “Now tell me about this Lotus Guardian that has you guys all worried. Is it bad?”

Inoichi frowned a little. “Not bad really, just…”

“Troublesome.” Shikamaru growled with a rub to his temple.

“Yes. Women who are higher ranking in the Yamanaka Clan—“

“Like Ino.” Choji chimed in.

“Like Ino are allowed to sign a contract with the Earth spirits when they turn ten years old. Lotus Guardians are life lines in a sense. Once the line is used, the woman who used it must give something of equal value to compensate for the power of protection.”

Naruto blinked a couple of times. “Uhh…”

“It’s like this Naruto. When Ino was on her S-ranked mission she was infected with a Cursed Seal.” Shikamaru said.

“Like Sasuke’s.” He nodded along.

“Yes. Sasuke’s seal is linked to Orochimaru’s power but Ino’s seal is linked to Kabuto’s power. When she was infected with it, she almost died. You remember what happened to Sasuke in the Forest of Death right?” Naruto nodded again, paying close attention. “It was like that. She would have died if she didn’t have the protection of the Earth spirits. They sent a Lotus Guardian to keep her alive. A Lotus Guardian is like a big flower full of chakra. It sacrificed its chakra to Ino to keep her alive. That’s very serious.”

“A life for a life is what Shikamaru is trying to say. The Earth spirits kept Ino alive and they want something in exchange for doing that.” Choji finished.

Naruto’s skin pricked in unease. “They might want Ino’s baby?” He asked, eyes going back to Ino’s small pale face.

“A life for a life.” Inoichi echoed Choji’s earlier words. “They want the child.”

Shikamaru pulled a chair free from the window and sat down. “Don’t take this the wrong way you guys, but can we look at this like it’s a good thing?”

Everyone turned their attention to him. “A good thing?” Choji’s eyes were narrowed and his voice a little hard.

“Just think about what you said earlier. We have to think about her safety. We have to keep this information from reaching Orochimaru, Kabuto, Sasuke, the Council and the Village. Not to mention Itachi and all the rest who find out about it. My Dad told me about Summon realms and how the creatures and spirits protect it. What safer place to stash the kid then one of these realms?”

It had been four days since Ino came to terms with the fact that she was in a life altering situation. A million things ran through her head and a million and one problems surfaced when she thought more and more about it. The hospital staff had been keeping her ‘sleeping’ but Ino was far from unconscious. She heard everything around her and was aware of who visited her room. In her mind Ino heard what Shikamaru presented to her dad, Choji and Naruto. At first she was hurt by it thinking that he didn’t understand how it would feel to give up a child, but the more she thought about it, the more sense it made. Cold logical sense that booted out her bleeding heart. But really, what choice did she have when she got down to the heart of it all? She was only fifteen. Her little time with Mamoru showed her how much work and energy when into caring for a baby. She wasn’t confident in herself and her skills to feel like her child would be safe with her.

It would have been different if Sasuke was around to help. Together, she was sure they could handle it but he wasn’t. He was too intent on hunting down Itachi and his deal with Orochimaru in a few months time would come into fruition. Then he wouldn’t be Sasuke anymore. He would be a monster and she would die before she would let him or Kabuto touch her child.

Maybe he’ll like being an Uchiha…

And then there was the problem with the village. It wasn’t as if people didn’t know there was something up with her and Sasuke before he left the village. The elders and that shady person Danzo probably knew of her mission and it didn’t take a genius to put the two together. And Itachi…what would he do when he found out? His little spy Aio probably relayed the information to him already. Then there was the contract. The Earth Spirits demanded compensation for sending a Lotus Guardian. One time, a long time ago one of her ancestors refused to abide by the contract, and in return her whole family was destroyed along with the lands that they owned. She couldn’t let her clan be destroyed like that.

Still, her final decision on the matter made it feel like the whole world was pressing down on her chest. She wanted to curl into the smallest ball she could and cry. But ninja’s don’t cry…

Over the next few hours, she felt the medication she was on thinning from her system. Her limbs stirred and her eyes fluttered. She was still exhausted, but at least she could move a little. It wasn’t long after her third nap of the day when she received a visitor again. It was her Dad. She heard him settle a glass vase of lilies on her night stand. He pulled up a chair close to her bed with a low sigh. Her hand felt so little nestled inside of his warm calloused one. Her heart melted and she flushed, felling like a little girl again.

“Daddy.” She managed to breathe making his head shoot up in astonishment. His sage green eyes were wide and his eyebrows reached the top of his forehead.

“Ino!” She felt her lips turn into a small smile. “I’m going to call a nurse!” She tightened her hand around his retreating fingers.

“No not yet. We need to talk.” She whispered. She felt him stiffen and his shoulders tensed.

“Ino…you know then?” He finally asked after a little pause. Even though he tried to sound gentle, she could hear the hard edge in his tone.

Ino felt the doom of “the talk” hover above her head and she began to remove her hand from his only to have him tighten his hold. “Please…I already know…” She began weakly, not too sure what she was going to say. How do you talk to your parent about something like this without feeling like you ruined your whole relationship?

“Do you? Do you really?” He bit at her, still rather calm but with unhidden steel laced in. “I know they taught you sex ed in the academy. You’re a bright girl Ino and you tell me you didn’t think about the consequences of unprotected sex? And let’s not overlook the fact that you’re even having sex in the first place! I expected you be married at least before you even thought about it in the first place! Why?”

Ino winced at the question. Oh she could give him so many excuses as to why, but her dad knew her the best of all. The truth was what she owed him. “Dad, don’t tell me that when you had your first time you weren’t curious? Like it or not, it was going to happen sooner or later. In my case, it happened sooner. My mission was the only time I would ever get to spend with him. When he lets Orochimaru take over his body, the Sasuke I know will be gone and I’ll never get a chance to be with him. You’re asking me why? Can’t it be enough that I love him? Can’t you see this would be the one and only chance I would ever have?”

“But Ino…”

“I won’t ever regret it.” She shot back defiantly. “Ever. And I won’t feel ashamed about it either. I knew what I was doing when it happened.”

“So you got pregnant on purpose?” Her dad demanded.

Ino lowered her eyes. “Not on purpose, but I didn’t take precautions either.” She admitted truthfully. She wondered if Sasuke did the same. They never mentioned protection but the fact hung in the air every time they fell into their desires. A fleeting unspoken warning bell. One they didn’t acknowledge much.

Her dad groaned and ran a hand down his face. He didn’t say anything, just looked like he was in deep thought. Ino tentatively ran her other hand over her belly, feeling its gentle swell. How did she not know about this? She thought about the last four months and how much she had put her body through. It was a wonder that she didn’t miscarry altogether. It could still happen…

“So…what are we going to do now?” Her dad broke the silence. “You should know…”

“I heard everything. Shikamaru is right.” Her throat tightened. “About the contract and about the summons realm.”

“You heard everything then?” Ino nodded.

“Dad, I had a lot of time to think about things and Shikamaru is right. I’ll fulfill my part in the contract to the Earth Spirits. It’ll be safe there…”

“But you might never see it again.” Inoichi protested in concern. His eyes warmed and he stroked her forehead. “I don’t think you want that.”

Ino smiled and turned to her side, tucking her hands beneath her cheek to look more fully at her father. “Daddy, they came to me too. In my dreams.” She explained when he frowned. “They’re spirits, it’s what they do.”

“And?”

“The Lotus Guardian they sent is still alive.” Her eyes sparkled. “They’ll only keep the child until it’s recovered. Like a ransom.”

He looked skeptical. “And?”

“Time moves faster in the summons realm. Sprits live a long time. Remember when we went to get my Earth character brand? We were only there for three days but when we left the realm they rest of Leaf said we were only gone for a few hours.” She murmured. “Remember?”

Inoichi leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. “I remember. So you’re thinking…”

“They’ll give it back when the guardian recovers. By that time, it’ll be older and no one would suspect anything. We’ll just claim it as a Yamanaka clan member.”

“But Ino, it’ll be an Uchiha. It’ll have their blood limit and people will know. It might look like one of them too. How are we going to explain that away?”

Ino chewed her lip. “When the child is in the summons realm it won’t be trained. It won’t know about it the blood limit.”

Inoichi frowned a little. “You’re counting on that fact? That’s not a wise thing to do.”

“So you want me to just leave it there in the realm?” Ino demanded in frustration. “Dad, I’m willing to part with it for a little while, not for the rest of my life! Its mine! It’s part of our family!”

Inoichi scowled. “I’m just helping you consider every possibility! I’m helping you see the ‘what ifs’!”

“The negative ‘what ifs’! Can’t you consider the positive ones too without dismissing them right away? This is hard for me!” She cried, sitting up to wipe her nose against the sleeve of her hospital gown. Her dad stood and hugged her.

“Okay okay! Don’t cry, the stress isn’t good for you or the baby.”

“So you care about it then?” She asked bitterly against his chest.

Inoichi jerked from her and held her by the arms, a cool fury in his green eyes. “Don’t ever ask me that.” He hissed dangerously. “Got it?”

Ino paled and swallowed hard. “Sorry.” She whispered, truly regretting that she said or even thought such a thing. He was her father and he was coping with this issue the best he could. She needed his support most of all.

His hands slipped from her shoulders and he sat back down. “I’m sorry too. As much as I would like to tell you what to do about this, I know I can’t. I’ll try to be supportive of your decision, but you can’t get upset when I want you to see another part of it too. I’m your father, and I love you.”

Ino nodded, feeling better and understanding where he was coming from. “I love you too and thank you for letting me do this.” She leaned in and he hugged her, running his hand down her hair.

“So what do you want to do then?”

Ino closed her eyes for a second to get her bearings. “Send me to my Mother. Send me to Tazo Compound for the rest of my pregnancy. The Earth Spirits have giving me until then. After, I have to go to Fujin Spring for a cleansing ritual and then Earth Temple for the exchange.”

He raised a brow. “Tazo Compound?” He looked uncomfortable after that. It had been sometime since he last saw Ino’s mom. After the divorce ten years ago, he made an effort not to see her again. When Ino would visit for the summer, he usually sent a clan member to escort her. Ino knew he still loved her, not matter how things ended. After her grandfather died, he left Yumi Tazo, Ino’s mom as his heir. She was torn between remaining with her and her dad or going back to her clan. It wasn’t an easy separation and Inoichi never truly forgave her for leaving.

“It’s far away from Leaf Village. Tazo lands boarder Fire Country’s Feudal Lord’s main palace so it will be well protected. It’s the safest place away from prying eyes.”

Inoichi rubbed a finger under his chin, looking like he rather kiss Ibiki then see his ex-wife again. After a few moments he sighed. “Fine. I’ll write to her and tell her what’s going on.” He grumbled. “In the meantime, we should tell the Hokage what we’ve decided. You have to tell your team too.”

Ino nodded and then peered up at her father eagerly. “How’s Asuma-sensei doing? Did he wake up yet?”

For the first time since they began their conversation he smiled. “He woke up the day after your mission. Shikamaru and Choji say that he still has to recover, but at least he’s awake. He started physical therapy yesterday.”

Ino smiled back. “I’m glad. I bet Kurenai-sensei is happy he’s awake too.” Now they can be happy together with their new addition. “Does—does he know about me?”

Inoichi shook his head. “We decided not to tell him until he’s back to his old self. Right now he needs to concentrate on getting stronger.”

Ino nodded. “Good. Its better this way. But, who else knows about this?”

“Not many. The Hokage made sure of it. To the others you’re just suffering from chakra exhaustion since you used the cursed seal. The only ones who know are Shikamaru, Choji, Team Kakashi and the Hokage.” Inoichi patted her leg reassuringly. “Rest. I’m going to get the Hokage okay?”

The first thing Ino saw of Tazo Compound made her inside crawl with anticipation. It had been almost three years since she last visited. Her career took up the summers she usually spent here at her Mother’s estate. For the most part, she enjoyed hanging out with her mom. She like her luxurious room and amenities offered at Tazo compound. Servants weren’t a bad thing too and she was treated like a visiting princess.

Lady Yumi Tazo looked her usually beautiful self dressed in an ice blue silk kimono, her honey blonde hair tied in some kind of complicated intricate knot with sparking, jingling hair pieces. Ino giggle when her father’s mouth dropped open in astonishment. Her mother blushed heavily under his raking, intense gaze. Ino wanted to puke.

“Ino! I missed you so much!” Yumi enveloped her in a bone braking hug while the servants began unloading her bags. Ino smiled inhaling her mother’s scent of warm vanilla and cinnamon. She let her go after giving her a few kisses on her cheek. “And Inoichi.” She greeted breathlessly, baby blue eyes dark with that same lingering attraction her dad felt. They stared at one another for a long time before Ino grew impatient with their eye sexing and cleared her throat.

“We…should go inside to talk.” Yumi finally said, grabbing Ino’s hand and pulling her into the heavily gated Tazo Compound…