Hello and Happy New Years! This year had its ups and downs, but I enjoyed this year with you all. This chapter will be a little slow, but I have something in mind to keep you interested. Without further ado, here's chapter 9.

Naruto and Ino had gotten used in each other's presence and Naruto surprised Ino when he kissed her from behind the first time. She loved being around him and felt he was her other half. Naruto knew she was his better half and didn't want to be separated from her. This was the fifth day Ino technically moved in with Naruto. She totally forgot what today was also. But she soon found out.

Ino laid her head on Naruto's lap while they sat on the couch. Naruto ran his fingers through her hair and Ino touched his cheek. Naruto didn't tell he about the light blush she had, but yet again he might since he loves it when she blushes. Her baby blue eyes squinted and Naruto felt the hardened glare of her. He slowly looked at her, careful not to look her in the eyes.

"What are you thinking about Naruto?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Considering how you stared at me and smiled, something's up."

"Now I can't smile at you. What is this mockery?"

"I-I mean y-you c-could, but…"

"But what?" Naruto kissed her forehead. "You said your dad was on a mission, so when is he coming back?"

"Now that you mention it, I think it's to- oh no."

"Don't tell me it's today."

"Sadly it is."

Ino got up and searched from her shoes. She had to be home to let her dad know. Naruto worriedly watched her. He wondered how Ino's father would react. He could only imagine the worst and this caused him to clench his fist. Once she had her shoes on, she walked towards Naruto. She hugged him as an assurance everything will be fine. He squeezed her lightly and she did the same.

"Everything's going to be alright Naruto." She placed a quick kiss on his lips. "You do believe me right?"

"Of course I do. I just don't want to be separated from you."

"I'm not going anywhere. We'll still see each other."

"Alright."

She went to the door and opened it. "Be right back. Hopefully he'll listen to me. Love you Naruto."

"Love you too."

With that she left. Naruto returned to his room and sat in his bed. He looked into his bed and saw an image of Ino sleeping. His eyes went to his mirror and saw Ino again, this time brushing her hair. He smiled at these memories, but deep down feared that's what he'll be left with. Hr dropped in his bed and put his left arm over his eyes. He literally thought himself to sleep and a certain blonde was in it.

Naruto woke up to meet an undeniable face staring at him. The smile she gave and the shock made a blush form on Naruto's cheeks. She laughed a bit and kissed his forehead. He sat up, but she pushed him back down. With a groan, she laid on him. Naruto didn't know how to react to this. She rested her head and arm on him but never her entire body.

"Um Ino?"

"Not now Naruto. Talking with my dad took a lot out of me. Just know that…he says…as…long as…I'm…helping you…he's…fine."

She drifted off on the last word and Naruto wrapped his arms around her. He slowly rose up and rests her in the bed. Before he got out, he hears her call his name in her sleep. He smiled and closed the door. He went to the couch and thought over what she said. He was happy deep down. He got to stay with the girl he loved. Just then a knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. The only person to knock on his door was the Third Hokage.

Since he's working harder than ever and he's grown there isn't a reason why he would come by. Naruto cautiously went to the door and slowly opened it. A shadow casted over him and he looked up. To Naruto, it was like he was David staring up at Goliath. A man stood there staring down at Naruto. He had mostly all of Ino's features. If Ino was a 50 year old man, this was definitely how she'll look.

"You're the one my daughter is with?"

Naruto's heart sank all the way to his feet. Of course this just had to be her dad. He was hesitant to answer. "Y-Y-Y-Yes."

"Then could I have a word with you?"

"I'm so dead!" "Sure. Come in."

He went inside and Naruto showed him to a chair. "My name is Inoichi. Ino tells me she witnessed your treatment in the village she wanted to help. And in the midst of that, your relationship with her changed. Is this correct?"

"Yes sir."

"I see. At first, I didn't want her to be seeing you but she got defensive of you saying you're not the cause of what happened. When I asked her about her knowledge of that, she said she saw it through your memories, technically the fox's. She wanted to be with you and she was willing to fight for her right to see you."

Now that Inoichi mentioned it, he did look a little beat up. "And did she?" Naruto had to ask.

"Yes she did. I don't know if it was because of you or whatever else, but she had a determination in her eyes to win and her power was greater than before. I can see now that she truly loves you and you love my daughter." Inoichi stood up and did something Naruto didn't even expect to happen; Inoichi bowed down to Naruto. "Thank you for looking after Ino while I was away."

Naruto closed his eyes and laughed a bit. "If anything, I should be thanking you for raising her the way you did. I'm truly grateful."

"This boy, he isn't that bad. You're just like how Ino says you are. Naruto Uzumaki, keep doing what you are doing."

ALRIGHT I think I'll end it there. Well I just have to say HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU and let's make the best of this 2016 year. Good bye all of you!