Summary: Ino's and Sakura's fight during the chuunin selection exam, Ino's POV
Rating: K
"I won't lose to you!"
My breath came out harsh pants, the places where her fist had landed stung painfully. When had she gotten so strong? She was Sakura for god's sake. When had she gained all that power?
She stood there across me, glaring directly into my eyes with her own, green and determined ones. I'm strong, her eyes told me. I'm stronger than you are.
She was beautiful, more beautiful than I was. She had always been. Even when beaten and dirty, her bright green eyes held more personality and character that mine ever did.
When had she grown up? When had she stopped being that small, shivering forehead-girl that I had known so well?
I couldn't let her grow. She would always need my protection against the mean boys that called her names and teased her. She would always need me. She couldn't ever be stronger than me.
I couldn't let her grow up. I couldn't let her run away from me.
This was it. I gathered all my strength for the final attack.