Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Well Hidden ❯ Thinking About You ( Chapter 3 )

 

A/N: I made a mistake in the last chapter. I will fix it later. I'm to lazy to go back now and it wont hurt the plot. It was when Ino was thinking about the Akatsuki robes as her dad was dying in front of her. She has already seen the Akatsuki, so she knows what the robes look like. Remember? Well I do now. It was when Asuma dies. If I haven't stated it already, this story takes place a few years after that incident and Shikamaru still has killed Asuma's killer*. Anyways…the flashback to Ino's conversation with Sakura was unnecessary and shouldn't have happened. My mistake!... If anyone knows the name of the man and woman who serve Naruto please tell me. I know the woman's name starts with an A. Am I correct?

 

Chapter 3

 

Thinking about You

 

 

“Enter.”

 

Shikamaru entered and walked up to the 5th Hokage Tsunade's desk. He noticed there were three other people in the room and nodded at them.

 

“What the hell happen to you?” asked Sakura bluntly. “And what are you wearing?”

 

“You became a Jonin?” Neji smirked.

 

Shikamaru was still wearing Ino's t-shirt and sweats. He thought about going home and changing but then he thought about being late. He rather look like shit then get his ass chewed out by a woman who could kill him with a flick of her finger.

 

He ignored Sakura's and Neji's comments as Tsunade handed him some papers smiling. She looked at the four of them. “Your mission is to confirm the whereabouts of the Akatsuki. I have reason to believe they are hiding somewhere in the rock village. Hyuuga Neji, Nara Shikamaru, Aburame Shino, and Haruno Sakura. You four will be working together. This is a B ranked mission that could easily turn into an A rank one. You must avoid fighting at all cost. I expect you to be back here in seven days. Dismissed.”

 

Great. Have a nice day to you to… thought Shikamaru as he exited the Hokage's office with Neji, Shino, and Sakura.

 

“We need to pack.” The Hyuuga stated. “Shall we meet at the Konoha entrance in a half hour?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

They departed in different directions. While Shikamaru walked home he thought about the mission. Obviously Neji and Shino are assigned this mission for their skills in espionage and Sakura was coming in case of injuries and for strength. The Hokage is expecting a fight yet she told us to avoid a fight at all cost, or is she just being cautious? “Troublesome” he muttered to himself.

 

When he entered his house Shikamaru found his dad reading something. “Hey.” He said as he made his way up to his room.

 

“Shikamaru, Ino stopped by to drop off some clothes that you left at her house.” He smirked.

 

Shikamaru stopped in his tracks and sighed. “Really?” he answered. Yes I have my vest! No… my father is going to think- He cleared his throat. “Well I'll thank her the next time I see her. I have to get ready for a mission right now. I'll be gone for a week.” He moved surprisingly fast up the stairs for a lazy ninja and was followed by his father. When he entered his room his father stood in the door way and watched as Shikamaru packed his clothing.

 

“How's she doing?” his dad asked quietly.

 

“Fine…” he answered. “She's a strong woman.” Silenced followed as Shikamaru finally packed everything he needed including the clothing Ino returned. He put his vest on and smiled when he smelt her scent on it.

 

“When you return, I have something that I want you to give her.” Shikaku said. “I probably should have had you given it to her earlier, but I forgot.” He scratched his head and headed back downstairs.

 

Shikamaru followed him and asked. “Whatever `it' is, why don't you give it to her? It is from you isn't it?”

 

“No, it is from her father and I'm not one of her best friends.” he smiled. “It's something that should be received by someone who is close to her.” He paused.

 

“Okay.” Shikamaru said. “Where's mom?”

 

“She went somewhere with Ino's mother.”

 

“Tell her I said bye and that I love her.” Shikamaru waved at his father and left out the door.

 

When Shikamaru arrived at the Konoha entrance Neji, Shino, and Sakura were already there. Before they could say anything about his tardiness he told them. “Lets take the long way. There is a less chance of an ambush from the rock village's guards and our entrance in their village will be from the back, meaning it will be less notice by their citizens. We want to keep a low profile.”

 

Everyone complied and then the four of them were on their way.

 

 

“Hey Naruto.” Ino said as she spotted him at Ichiraku Ramen. It was two in the afternoon and she decided to eat breakfast or what should be called brunch. Her mother was out and left her a note to eat out.

 

“Ino-chan.” Naruto smiled at her as he waited for his ramen. “It's good to see you.”

 

Ino gave him a hug before sitting down next to him. “It's good to see you to.” She smiled. “I'm starving. I could eat this whole stand.”

 

Naruto grinned. “Is that possible?” he asked.

 

“Maybe if Choji was present.” She laughed and added. “Don't tell him I said that. You know how he gets.”

 

“I promise.” He replied as he received his ramen. The cook asked what kind of ramen she wanted.

 

“Beef and vegetable please.” She responded. The two of them sat in companiable silence for a few moments until Naruto spoke.

 

“Ino-chan.” he said quietly.

 

“Yeah?”

 

“I know you probably don't want to talk about this but I heard you saw your father's killer.”

 

This was unexpected. Especially coming from Naruto Ino thought.

 

“Yeah but not his face.” She answered and paused to think about whether she should tell him this next part. Does it matter? Maybe he knows something. “My father said something about a traitor here in Konoha so I am assuming the killer is the traitor.”

 

Naruto looked at her closely. “Ino-chan….you want to kill him don't you?” he asked.

 

She frowned. “Yes.”

 

“Would you do anything to kill him?” he continued.

 

Ino hesitated. “Where are you going with this Naruto?” she asked.

 

“Would you leave your friends?” he asked. “Would you kill them so they wouldn't be able to interfere.”

 

His words made her stomach drop. What she said to Choji and Shikamaru suddenly flashed in her mind.

 

“When I am ready I want you two to come with me but let me do the kill.” For some reason she looked straight at Shikamaru when she said the next sentence. “Don't interfere.”

 

“I...I...” she stuttered. She didn't know what to say. She would never kill her friends to avenge her father. She realized Naruto was worried that she will do what Uchiha Sasuke did, but this is different. “I would never hurt my friends. I love them. I don't want to hurt the people I care about. You are one of those people to Naruto-kun.” She nudged him in the arm. “Don't worry. I will catch this guy without turning against everyone for my own ambitions.”

 

He smiled. “Good.” He turned back to his food and dug in.

 

“Here's your food Yamanka-san.” The lady handed her ramen.

 

Ino looked at her food and sighed. “Naruto?”

 

“Hmp.” he grunted.

 

“You'll bring Sasuke-kun back. You and Sakura will.” She smiled.

 

“Dattebayo.” He said in between bites.

 

This made her laugh. “Dattebayo.” She mimicked and ate the whole bowl of ramen.

 

 

“Shikamaru walk faster.” Sakura commanded. “We are almost there.”

 

“Yes woman.” He answered. Indeed they were almost there. They have been traveling for the past two days and they have only took ten minute breaks and slept for six hours. Neji kept making them tree hop saying it will get them there faster but now they had to walk so they could greet the rock village guards. Apparently he was going to slow for Sakura.

 

“Speak to me like that again.” She balled her fist and glared at Shikamaru.

 

“Hey Shino, the women never bug you. You want to help a man out. Is it because you never tal-

 

Shikamaru fell on his back after getting punch in the jaw by Sakura. Rubbing his now swollen jaw and sucking the blood in his mouth he sighed. Short tempered and ridiculously strong. I've got to remember that. He looked up at the sky it was sunset.

 

“We're here.” Said Shino looking down at Shikamaru.

 

“Sakura do you have the scroll from the Hokage?” asked Neji.

 

“Yes.” She took the scroll out of her pouch and handed it to him just as a rock ninja appeared. She then walked over to Shikamaru and forced him to sit up. She smiled. “Let me heal that.”

 

“Wha-”

 

 

“Being weakened won't help us if there is an attack.” Shino said cutting him off.

 

The rock nin took the scroll from Neji. “Konoha ninjas.” He stated. “Follow me.”

 

Sakura pulled Shikamaru rather roughly to his feet. She had finished healing his jaw and the two of them followed Neji, Shino, and the rock nin.

 

“My name is Yura Ichirin. I will show you four to where you are staying then you are free to do what you came to do.” He told them as they entered the village. “Just so you know I haven't seen anything suspicious.”

 

“You haven't seen anything suspicious but that doesn't mean everyone else hasn't.” Neji commented.

 

Way to go Neji. Keep talkinglike that.. Thought Shikamaru. He was tired and wanted to eat and then go to sleep. Maybe they will agree to start to lookaround the villagetomorrow.

 

The man Yura Ichirin decided to ignore Neji's comment and continued to walk. The village buildings were made out of rock of course and it looked like not even Temari's giant fan could blow them down. There were a lot of citizens walking the streets. Shikamaru spotted a bar called Hard Rock Alcohol and decided to go there once everything was settled.

 

“This way please.” Ichirin commanded as they entered a small Inn. He showed them to their rooms and then added. “You are ordered not to disturb our citizens. We don't want unnecessary panicking.” He told them and before he left he handed the four of them rock headbands. “Take yours off so people won't ask too many questions.”

 

The four of them put there headbands on and then Sakura spoke.

 

“Why don't we call it a day? It's past eight already. We need to eat and sleep. We could meet at the front of the entrance tomorrow morning.”

 

Yes! Thank you Sakura. Thought a relieved Shikamaru.

 

“Okay.” Said Neji. “We will meet at sunrise.” He went to his room and shut his door.

 

“I am going to bed. Later.” Shino went to his room to.

 

“Quite the social butterfly aren't they?” said Shikamaru sarcastically.

 

“And you are very enthusiastic.” Sakura fired back.

 

Shikamaru sighed. “I'm going to a bar. You want to come?”

 

“Let me put my stuff down. Is it at that Hard Rock Alcohol place?” she asked.

 

Shikamaru nodded. “Yeah.”

 

“I'll meet you there.” She went to her room.

 

Shikamaru did the same and secretly wondered what kind of drinker Sakura was.

 

 

It has been three days since Ino's conversation with Naruto. She has been training and sparring with Choji everyday. He had a week off from missions because it was his turn for a break. Ino knew the real reason why he had a week off.

 

“To make sure I am all right.” She said out loud. “Damn Naruto. Do you even realize the impact you have on people?”

 

She was on the roof of the flower shop stargazing. It was a little past ten and she was able to see them very clearly tonight. She was thinking about Naruto's words. They struck something inside her heart and made her second guess herself. She decided that this wasn't a good sign because she never has second guessed herself before.

 

Would she sacrifice her friends to avenge her father?

 

When I am ready I want you two to come with me but let me do the kill.” For some reason she looked straight at Shikamaru when she said the next sentence. “Don't interfere.”

 

“What was I thinking when I said that.” She said to herself. “It sounded like I threatened them.” She laid back on her back and sighed. “Why would I say that? I didn't even look at Choji when I said it. He wouldn't interfere because he understands my feelings about this. I looked at Shikamaru and I…He would interfere to save my life, even if I didn't want him to.”

 

Ino stopped talking and thought about last night nights events. How Shikamaru held her as she mourned and brought her home from the cemetery on his back. How he complied when she asked him to stay. When the alarm she set went off she woke up to his warm arms wrapped around her. They were in an awkward position and she won't forget the look on his tired face when he woke. His eyes grew big and he blushed.

 

“Sorry.” Shikamaru mumbled as he tried to detangle him self. He slipped while pushing himself up and landed on top of her knocking the wind out of her. “Shit.”

 

“Humph…i t's okay.” Ino choked out. She reached out and wiped his hair out of his face as he lifted himself up slightly. “Clumsy.” She traced her index finger around his face causing him to close his eyes. She felt his tense form relaxed which made him put his whole body weight on her again.

 

“Shikamaru...” she whispered. She could barely breathe.

 

“Yeah?” he asked. He leaned into her touch.

 

“Get off me”

 

He opened his eyes and jumped off of her. “Ino sorry!” he was blushing. “I'm…I'm” he looked at the clock which read 7:47AM. He ran in the bathroom and put on his wet shoes. “I need to leave now or I will be late meeting the Hokage. I have thirteen minutes!”

 

“Shikamaru it's unbecoming of you worrying about being late.” Ino told him as she sat up and yawned.

 

“Have you ever seen that woman get angry? There is a reason she is Hokage.” He said as he put on his shoes. “I'll see you later Ino.” He looked at her. “Go back to sleep okay. You had a long night. Bye.” He was about to go out the window when…

 

“Shikamaru wait. Come here.” She commanded. He complied looking at her suspiciously. “Thank you, you're a great friend.” She said as she pulled him into a big hug. He returned it happily and then pulled away giving her a lazy smile.

 

“No problem. I'll see you later.” He went to her window and jumped……

 

“Ino where are you!” Ino's mother yelled. “I'm going home. Let's go!”

 

Damn! Ino jumped and yelled, “I'm coming mom!”

 

 

“Sake please.” Shikamaru told the young bar woman. She handed him a bottle and a glass. “Thanks.”

 

The woman smiled and went to serve another customer. He watched her. She had long blond hair with brown eyes. She was a lot shorter than him. She looks pretty but not as pretty as Ino. Ino's hair shine's more and she doesn't slouch as much when she walks. He thought.

 

Shikamaru banged his head on the table. “I'm doing it again…Why do I keep thinking about her now?”

 

“Are you talking about Ino?” Sakura said arriving by his side. She was smiling as she ordered a bottle of sake for herself.

 

“No, I was just mumbling nonsense. I'm drunk.” He told her.

 

“No you're not. You haven't even drunk half your sake.” She stated.

 

“Troublesome.” Shikamaru muttered as he took a sip of his drink.

 

“Shikamaru you-“

 

“I'm leaving.” He interrupted her. He knew what she was going to say but didn't want to have this conversation. He got up.

 

“Oh sit down you coward.” Sakura said angrily and pulled him down back in his seat. “You just got here and you invited me here to drink with you. Don't be rude and leave.”

 

Shikamaru complied not wanting her to knock him out.

 

“No I don't.” he told her and took another sip of his sake.

 

“Excuse me? You don't what?” she asked.

 

“Don't play stupid Sakura.”

 

She rolled her eyes. “Yes you do. It's obvious.”

 

“I don't want to talk about what you're thinking about. I have nothing to say about that subject.” He snapped.

 

“Fine. I was going to help you, but no. You're just a-

 

“How are you going to help me? I know the situation I'm in and I know we are just friends.” He looked at her. She was smiling again.

 

“You got it bad.”

 

“What?”

 

“For a genius you are pretty clueless aren't you?” Sakura shook her head. “ Listen, if this helps, Ino doesn't have feelings for Uchiha Sasuke anymore. In fact she never had.” She paused and added. “And she isn't seeing Sai anymore.”

 

“What are you trying to say? How did Sasuke and Sai come up?” Shikamaru asked impatiently. For some reason his heart was beating wildly.

 

“She just went out with Sai once because he flattered her, but she didn't have any real feelings for him. The whole chasing Sasuke was just to beat me. She has a very competitive nature. She hates to lose. She lost this one though.” She frowned and then added. “Actually both of us lost. There was nothing to win.” She finished. There was silence for a few moments as she drained half her sake.

 

“What about you?” Shikamaru asked. “I'm curios…do you still have feelings for Sasuke.”

 

“No. My insane obsession over him almost ruined my friendship with Ino. He is an asshole. Naruto-kun and I are still going to bring him back though. Even though he is being an idiot he is still my friend.” She paused and glared at him. “Don't try to change the subject!” She snapped loudly.

 

“What?” This woman is insane! Shikamaru looked at her with wide eyes.

 

“This is about giving you helpful information about the woman you are falling in love with.”

 

Shikamaru paled and choked on his drink. Love!?

 

Sakura ignored his reaction and continued. “Ino never did have feelings for Sasuke or Sai… She is not seeing anyone so don't let that stop you.” She ordered. “Don't be a coward. Don't think. When you want something just go get it. I learned that being around Naruto. He never thinks he just acts.” She laughed realizing what she said could be considered mean even though she didn't mean it in that way. She looked at Shikamaru and finished. “I know you're not the type to take action unless the situation is dire, but make the first move and talk to her.”

 

There was silence as Shikamaru pandered her words. Another bossy woman! He thought. There was not much talking after that. They sat in silence while they drank. An hour later and two sake bottles later Shikamaru dragged Sakura out of the bar before she passed out on the counter.

 

When they got back to the Inn and before departing to their respective rooms Shikamaru looked at Sakura and said. “Have you ever drank before?”

 

“Yes of course. I was taught by Tsunade-sama.”

 

“Taught?”

 

“Yes. I am not as scary as her though when I am drunk.”

 

Right… “ Well, Good night.” Shikamaru tried to leave but Sakura grabbed his right arm before he walked down the hall to his room.

 

“Remember what I said and if you hurt her… I'll kill you.” Her grip tightened on his arm and then she smiled. “But I am sure she would kill you before I do. Good night.” She let go of his arm and left him standing in the hall.

 

“Not as scary as her when you're drunk…hmph.” He muttered and started walking down the hall.

 

Shikamaru entered his room yawning. “Women…” He muttered and walked to his bed and sat down. He looked at the clock beside him which read eleven thirty.

 

“Sleep…” he fell back on his back purposely and fell asleep instantly.

 

 

A/N: Girls are crazy! And I am one of them!… Thanks for reading; the next chapter will be up next Monday. Please review. Constructive criticism is okay. It will help me for later chapters.