Disclaimer: Neither Ida, nor I own Naruto. Although soon we shall have cosplay outfits but that's besides the point or is it?

Right before that ever bright white light completely consumes me. Right before the memories-everything-everyone- especially HIM flashes through my eyes. How nobody ever thought a pair like us could come to be. When that hand thrust through my chest digging out my heart that I had given to another, I wondered, would there ever be love and hope again…? I hope so…for his sake. Right before all this craziness chose to unfold I couldn't help but wish that I'd chosen sooner not the dumbass who ran to a gender confused pedophile but the beautiful boy who shone brighter than the sunshine he resembled so. Kami… I truly loved him.

5 years ago

I loved the way the air was in the morning. That sweet yet crisp taste in your mouth as you stood just underneath the just rising sun that had yet to warm you up. As I had so many mornings before I arranged a group of flowers unconsciously stating each and every meaning behind them. Hands darting through the flourishing potted plants that despised being contained so I watched as a familiar rambunctious blond walked across the street, my fingers twitched while landing on a sprig of an Ume Blossom.

Timid love

Naruto sure does look strangely calmed for how hyper he usually is…

Fingers settling on another flower, ephemeral passion and

This one much brighter than the pastel pink dainty little Apricot blossom, no… the Azalea was not one to be trifled with. It's practically hot pink petals screamed for attention yet this florist knew that there were things hidden.

fragile

The blue eyed boy totally walked past the flower shop without even a glance and I clicked my tongue in disapproval. Flowers were art and could not easily look beautiful, they must grow. They must thrive in the correct conditions, oh woe be the poor person who tried to grow a Pink Ladies Slipper in the ever arid Suna. Oh that would not do well at all!

Pondering this, my breath was caught and a smile was firmly planted on my face as Naruto stopped for a second and squatted down to admire a vine struggling to overpower a fence.

At least the kid has a good sense of appreciation I thought as I chuckled. Today would surely be an interesting one. However no more time could be left for thinking as I folded my pale off white apron and set it on the counter. "Hey pa I'm going to meet with the team, I'll see you later!" My father crashed into something in another section of the store sending me down the road of giggles "I'll see you later then honey!"

The distinct sound of bells signaled my leaving the shop, my safe haven.

Outside people waved to me smiling cheerily- but I saw the way they thought of me in their eyes, the way they eyed my clothing. I knew of the words that they would call me… I'm a ninja for Kamis sake. The cloths I wear need to be practical and easy to move in. Besides I'm barely even showing any skin…

"Ah!" munch munch "Ohayo Ino-chan!" munch munch munch. Another pudgy hand plunged into the depths of the potato chip bag….poor poor potato chip…it never even saw the Akimichi coming.

"Ohayo Chouji." I said pleasantly not even bothered by the way he sucked on his fingers and utterly obliterated the next two bags one of BBQ Flavored chips and the other bag, one of Shrimp Flavored chips.

"Ohayo Chouji, troublesome." Hands loosely settled in his pockets and back slumped over, the by far laziest ninja- no, scratch that… The laziest person I've ever had the pleasure or…in most cases displeasure of meeting walked up. Shikamaru yawned with half lidded eyes before falling on his back and predictably staring into the sky. Sensei would be here soon...well, probably. He had said to come here early so we all for the most part did but there really was no specific time set…meanwhile I had to deal with a boy that always called me troublesome….

Jeeze….after a while you would think it would get old but nah, and there he goes…stupid old bat trapped in a boy's body…

"Ahh ohayo minna-san." Raising my platinum blond head up I saw our sensei take another drag from his already lit cigarette. That man was going to die young…

After letting out a chorus of greetings we decided to do some light training then go celebrate our being in the Chuunin Exams and passing the forest of Death….pfft…doom is more like it…ULTIMATE DOOM Ahh…Yes I do suppose we deserve a reward ne?

Flashback

Our team just got past the door..that stupid door with that pathetic genjutsu cast on it I mean truly…two floors? I think anyone could have gotten it. Shikamaru was too lazy to say anything but I don't take to kindly too people that call me a dumb blond. Yep, the two idiots that guarded the door called me that. So, with a flick of the wrist I shoved him out of the way and what do you know it really was a genjutsu. Again, too lazy to give an explanation as to how we knew it was only an illusion (for any idiots who fell for that), my team waltzed right on in.

There were so many people- it was amazing and a little bit frightening but nobody could know how I feel on the inside…Everybody was so caught up in believing that I am totally sure of myself, that I'm the girl with confidence…well, I'm not. I'm just a girl who's extremely good at wearing a mask.

A fairly attractive guy wearing large round glasses and having silvery grey hair with bangs that loosely outlined his face was showing off some cards. They wear really cool because by just giving a spurt of his chakra the cards would twirl and show you the stats of whoever you wanted. Nifty little thing right?

Well, my darling Uchiha, my knight in well…can't exactly see him in shining armor but…screw that he's just my favorite hottie I'll leave it at that.

Anyways I'd jumped on him when he, my ex-best friend and Naruto walked in. Sakura seemed pretty pissed that I jumped on him and I must say, I found it very satisfying. Heh. Score one for the blondie hottie. Sakura had wanted to end our friendship over a stupid boy well..Fine…I'll just show her how much of a bad decision it was, and then she'll come whining back to me to be my friend again. I can just see it already… Well, anyways Sasuke just asked to see the stats of some sand nin, the red headed one called Gaara. His card was amazing. I knew for a fact that he wouldn't hesitate to kill any of us. This chilled me to the bone. So, anyways I wanted to, for some weird reason see Narutos states…I'll just put it off as curiosity- I mean how much could the dropout advance.

'Pfft. I bet the only person who'll survive this is Sasuke-kun.' Boy did I get surprised. That blond brat had states that weren't half bad. Not at all.

'A few forbidden jutsus'? My eyes widened a little bit. 'How could he of all people know forbidden jutsus?!'

"Forbidden Jutsu's, nice Naruto. How'd you manage to fool the cards?" hearing a familiar voice I turned around to see Uzumaki staring at his crush with tired eyes that shone barely concealing his anger, disappointment and disbelief. I have to say, that was a pretty low blow and being one who absolutely hated, no, DESPISED bullying I decided to voice my opinion.

"Forehead girl, it isn't very nice to insult your team. Might cause trouble."

Sakura glared at me before turning away, fingers flipping back her pink tresses. Why that little brat….tch…she wouldn't even have confidence if not for me and she DARE blow me off like that. Whatever, we all know who won this little battle. Meanwhile Naruto was staring at me with those beautiful blue orbs. I may be totally into Uchiha but Narutos not to bad looking with that soft yet spiky blond hair of his and those huge orbs that could hold oceans indefinately. I must say, if not for Uchiha I'd totally be all for the dropout.

Entering Sakuras mind I couldn't contain the smirk contaminating her face. 'Tch..at least this big brain of yours is going to good use eh forehead..' My eyes skimmed over the answers and I memorized them before releasing myself from her mind. It was getting a bit cramped in there anyways. Soon enough my other teammates got the answer and everything was going great. We hadn't gotten caught and I noticed that so far none of the genin from the academy's graduating class were kicked out. Some of the people made such a big fuss- great entertainment I guess if you were that kind of person.

Suddenly an abrasive voice snapped me out of my daydreaming.

"Alright, time for the tenth question. If you choose to answer this question and get it wrong then you're exempt from ever trying out for the Chunnin exams. If you leave now then your whole team leaves but you can take the exam next year. Pick your choice."

"Oi! That's not fair! There are plenty of people here who took the test last time then failed so had to come back this time!" looking around my eyes landed on the spiky haired blond nin from Suna.

"That may be so but I wasn't the examiner last year. Now, if you don't think you can answer the tenth question then raise your hand NOW!" Ibiki barked rudely. Soon enough there were hands flying into the airs, teams scolding whoever sold them out, crying- all of it. Again, none of my friends or people I knew from the academy rose their hands but then….

Naruto…his arm shakily rose and my breath was caught in my throat. If Konohas number one loudmouth hyperactive ninja couldn't take that heat…if he was giving up already then how could my team make it?! I nearly jumped out of my seat in astonishment as he slammed his hand onto his table and began to shout.

His little speech was touching and I felt my confidence flow back into my body, a warming light making me want to float.

"Well…." No more hands were raised and there was silence for a few moments. "If that's how its going to be then…You all…PASS!"

Pass…wait, WHAT?! Are you fricken kidding me I mean seriously?! That was waaaaaaaay uncool.

"If you were sent on a mission to get a scroll from an enemy and were captured then…" Ibiki showed us his head, scarred as it was and I stared, mouth agape as he lectured us on the things that could happen on a mission. It was scary and the knots in my stomach reappeared.

If I was on a mission…could I deal with that…what would I do?!

CRASH!

Crashing through the window with a banner trailing after her was a woman with short hair wearing fishnets and tight clothes. "Brats! I'm Mitarashi Anko!"

I couldn't help sweat dropping…'whoa…she's like a female version of Naruto…'

And that was Chapter Uno. Hope It was enjoyable.And so you know there will be extra scenes that aren't in the manga nor the anime so be prepared for the changeup. ElishiaNoBaka beezys. Also, feel free to review and leave me constructive critisism for the chapters I do. Its great for me to improve my writing and I want to please the fans (if there are any?) lol.

Anyways. Ida will have Narutos Chapter up soon. And the Order will be as follows Ino.Naruto.Ino.Naruto. If there is a chapter that is not following that order we will tell you before hand. \

See you soon