Chapter 1: Target Acquired

"I would like to discuss Ino Yamanaka becoming your apprentice..."

A trio of shinobi rushed past each tree in a triangular formation, as it was beneficial for their team.

"Since when has Yamanaka been a candidate for being in ANBU?" The large male retorted back casually.

The leader of this current mission stopped on a branch and held out his hand for his two-squad members to follow suit. "Alright, this is the perfect position for you Ino." He stated knowingly, regarding the kunoichi in his 3-man cell. She nodded with understanding. "Now, are you sure this jutsu will work?" A brief show of concern lacing his otherwise indifferent tone.

"Shikamaru," she started with confidence, "I'd stake my life on it."

"Yeah Shikamaru, Ino's really good at it!" Chouji exclaimed the compliment to his friend. Ino smiled at this gesture, despite the fact that she's never field-tested the jutsu.

Shikamaru nodded once, no longer needing reassurance. "Then you know what to do. Chouji, let's go." He turned to his friend of several years. Chouji nodded and in a flash, they were gone, leaving Ino to construct her trap.

"Since she was recommended." The Godaime stated with finality that few dared challenge.

Morino Ibiki just happened to be one of those few. "And why would I take a kunoichi under my wing? I may end up breaking her..."

Ino could clearly hear the confrontation and as much as she craved to see the fray, she had more important things to concern herself. After all, she was essential to this mission's success.

"As you know, the Yamanaka clan is known for being strong in will and mind. Ino Yamanaka is no exception and due to her kekki genkai, she would be an asset to the Interrogation Unit."

The plan was fairly simple, yet complex in execution. The target: A man under suspicion for aiding the Akatsuki with their deed. The mission: To escort him back to Konoha alive to be interrogated for further information about the Akatsuki.

"You BASTARD! I-I can't MOVE..."

Ino smirked as she heard the outcry of the target, paralyzed by Shikamaru's jutsu.

"Please, I'm begging you, let me go! I've never even SEEN an Akatsuki before!" He pleaded, obviously trying to find a way out of this situation.

"Arm Extension Jutsu!" Chouji's baritone voice seemed loud from where she was, only due to the fact that his voice was so identifiable.

"No! Please, don't crush me, I haven't done anything!"

She couldn't hear what was said next, but by the way the man answered, it must've been the question of whether or not he would 'come quietly.'

"What? Why do I need to go to the Leaf Village? I can't!"

Now, this could end two ways. Forcibly, Chouji could apprehend him and carry him back, possibly roughing him up a bit. Or, Ino could knock him out cold and escort him back to the village without complaint. This was the defining moment in this mission, whether or not Shikamaru trusted in her abilities would be known.

"Yamanakas," He began with a stern underlying tone, "are also impulsive and brash. What good would it do for me to be her sensei? Besides, you're her current sensei, she must've proved to be incompetent after all these years for you to suddenly give up on her now..."

"Here's my proposition..." Shikamaru stated loud enough for Ino to hear from where she was. "If you can tell me with honesty that you've never had anything to do with Akatsuki, then my comrade will let you go." Ino couldn't hear the exact words the man said, but he sounded less panicked, more innocent...but things weren't always as they appeared and her mind came to a calm; a cool, collected aura radiated from her as she prepared for what was coming next.

"Ino Yamanaka is one of the most talented kunoichi that came from her graduating class. True, her medical jutsu isn't on the advanced level as Sakura's, however, she strives to better herself. Also, she is very good at interpreting human nature and emotions, a trait you yourself possess. If I didn't believe that she would excel as your apprentice, I wouldn't have even called you in my office for this meeting. I have no doubts in her abilities...and you already know this by now, don't you?"

Piercing focused blue eyes narrowed as they spied upon their target, a panting man approaching closer to the clearing. Instinctively, she put up her hands to begin forming her hand signs. The formation was a similar one; it began the same way her Mind Destruction did. With her thumbs and forefingers shaped in a 'L' formation, she connected both hands; thumb to forefinger and vice versa to form a rectangle she could look through. She concentrated on making sure her target was in the middle of the rectangle she made, as this was the moment of truth.

A low chuckle emitted from the shinobi sitting across the Godaime. "You know me all too well, Tsunade-sama."

A quirk of the lips resembling a smirk graced the Hokage's features. "Good, so I'm assuming this is your way of accepting Ino Yamanaka as your student?"

"On one condition," His features once again became serious, all amusement fading from his face. "I want Ino Yamanaka to come to me herself, I want her to make this choice and to be serious that this is something she would like to pursue. She would be useless to me otherwise."

The target, unknowingly, head straight for her trap. She locked onto him as she completed her hand signs.

"Mind Crush Jutsu!"

The space between her forefingers and thumbs closed as they mashed together. The man, who is now under suspicion for working with the Akatsuki, was now frozen as his mind shattered. Unable to come up with a single thought or take in his surroundings, he collapsed roughly to the ground.

"Very well Ibiki. I accept that condition." Tsunade spoke with authoritive consent.

"I am glad you agree." He stated with a nod of his head.

"Then on that note, you are dismissed."

Morino Ibiki gave a curt bow before leaving the Hokage's office. Tsunade was left to think that the man she just spoke to was too smart for his own good.

"Oi! Ino!" Shikamaru called out to his teammate. Ino's chest rose and sank in as she was nearly in shock at the success of her ninja art. "Hey, you okay?" Chouji inquired as he carried the seemingly lifeless man over his shoulder easily. Ino nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine; let's get him back to Konoha." She reaffirmed them with a victorious smile. All three team members regarded one another momentarily before once again speeding through the trees towards their village.

O-Kay...That's another story idea out of the way. For those who read this, thanks for clicking! For those who review, thanks for caring!

Alright, I'm out.

DAC