DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters. All rights belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I only own my OC's (Original Characters), if any appear. Oh, and this particular fanfic. Thank you.

Chapter Twelve: SuperPig

"K-Kakashi?"

Ino was too astounded to worry about things like lousy jokes or previous hostility. Her crystal clear blue eyes were transfixed on the man above her. The one with the battered, crimson orb.

Yes-it was red. His iris was a deep shade of vermillion, almost like blood. She could see that there were three black spots, swirling around the center. It was very easy to be hypnotized. Forcing herself to break contact, her gaze instead trailed down, right beneath his eyelid. A long, jagged scar seemed to drip over the skin. On closer inspection, she realized that it also reached up, above his eye and towards the brow.

What…could have caused something like that? Her shock at the lazy teacher's sudden transformation into a tattered hero nearly caused her to forget why he was there in the first place-that he'd just saved her life.

Setting her down gently upon the forest floor, he quickly straightened up, pulling the bandanna down once more. The strange iris and all its trimmings were hidden from view once again. "Sorry…you weren't supposed to see that…" What had happened, to leave him with something like that? And what purpose did it serve?

"Oh!" Her curiosity drained in a flash, as she whipped around. Sakura…she had been hit! The vines had retreated from her body, but she lay still upon the dirt. Rushing over, Ino slid to her knees, trying to revive her. The girl's clothing was shredded, and there were slashes and dirt across her body. "S-Sakura? Come on, forehead-wake up! Wake up! Ohh…" Lifting her hand from the pinkette's side, she was horrified to find it smeared in blood.

"Shit…I-I couldn't do anything…" She got hurt because of my…my weakness…what good is it being able to see these things, if I-if I can't even fight them? Kakashi said nothing, merely staring down at the limp figure. A grave expression was upon his face. Behind them, the plant monster sat motionless on the dirt-but its roots continued to twist and shudder.

"'Cough' H-hey…Pig…don't l-look like that…it's not a good…look for ya…'cough'…" To Ino's surprise-and relief-the girl slowly sat up on wobbly arms. Ino winced-the entire right side of her red top had been ripped away, revealing raw flesh-and blood. Lots of blood. She wrapped her arms around the pinkette's shoulders, hugging her. Sakura said nothing, as Ino began to cry into her short locks. "Oh, Sakura…you stupid fool…I was so worried…you could've gotten killed, because of me…but you still got hurt-"

"Ino. Hey…knock it off. I'm not out yet." She leaned back, giving the blonde a familiar, cocky grin. "Trust me…it'll take a lot more than what this bugger can dish out…before I'll keel over." Reaching into her side pack, she produced a roll of stretchy gauze. With a stained but steady hand, she started wrapping it around her torso. Ino, desperate to help, pulled at the cloth, extending it as far as it would go, and making sure it was tight enough to subdue the blood flow. "Oh, Sakura…"

"Oi. Scarecrow." The pinkette coughed once more, as she staggered to her feet. "What kinda move…did you use on it?"

He tsked at her. "You're halfway to death's door, and still cracking jokes?" He squeezed his right hand, and both girls noticed-the palm was singed. The blonde's eyes bulged. Just what on Earth was he capable of?

"I stunned it. With a Chidori blast. It was the only way I could sever the binds-at least long enough to get Ino outta there." Even in her weakened state, Sakura's eyes widened. "C-Chidori? But, that means…"

"You got it. I'm a member of the Hokage's personal guard: the ANBU. Hatake Kakashi, First Rank Officer, at your service." The humor was cold, but the meaning was clear. Sakura was gaping.

"W-what the hell…why is an ANBU soldier here on Earth?" Kakashi chuckled, raising an index finger, like a professor about to give an important speech. "Well, it's really very interesting. You see, they"-

"RRAAAGH!" The monster was back on its feet-or roots-and ready for another round. In response, Sakura returned her attention to the pack on her side. "Later, Gramps. I got an ass-whooping to deal out."

He shook his head. "Enough with the lousy nicknames already." She held her familiar black gloves in her bruised hands. Slipping them on, she clenched her fists. "Let's go."

"Sakura, are you completely insane?" Yes, Ino knew the answer to her own question. But-this was madness! Beyond madness! She gripped the girl's arm tightly. "You were almost killed! You're still bleeding-I don't even know how far your wounds truly extend! And you plan to go out and fight this thing again?" Ino was frantic. "Please-don't risk it! We'll find another way! Please!" Sakura's expression softened, but her stance remained the same.

"I have to. If I don't, who will? Brag as he might, String-bean over here can't handle it on his own." She gave the blonde a gentle smile. Ino felt her heart skip. "Besides…it's my job to protect you. We're partners in this, remember?" Ino had no words. Her hands slipped down, as the pinkette turned to Kakashi. "Ready?"

He sighed. "About as ready as I'll ever be."

"Okay, then! Make some noise-it's time to bring out the weedkiller!" With a howling battle-cry, the two of them flew back out into the field. Ino could only scurry across, to pick up Sakura's bazooka. Jeez, this thing was heavy. What kind of strength did that girl possess? Wait-never mind.

"Ah, Dorchet…your owner's a complete nutcase." She cast a worried glance to the grounds, as Kakashi was leaping about, dodging roots and vines. Above him, Sakura was dealing out blow after blow to its head-and trying to avoid being slammed herself. She landed upon the forest floor, only to leap up once again. "KYAA! Eat this, you yellow-bellied sapsucker!" 'THOOM'

"But I wouldn't have her any other way."

Still…how long can they hold out for? Sakura's injured, and Kakashi…I don't think he wants to use his 'Chidori' or whatever again. She stared out at the field, through the thick trees. He said…that its weakness was an extreme display of firepower. Which none of us currently have on hand. That, or we'd have to find its heart. She tapped lightly at the barrel of the weapon. But he said that you have to be super skilled to locate it…so what can we do to take it out?

"Waugh!" Her thoughts snapped back to the present moment. She watched in horror, as Kakashi went flying backwards through the trees. They cracked and groaned, as wood splintered and leaves were stripped. She couldn't see him anymore now. How far had he flown? "Kakashi-san?"

"Crud! This thing's tighter than a goddamn virgin clam!" Sakura was still struggling to land a successful punch, and Ino gasped as her eyes fell on the gauze around her middle. It was already soaked through. She dropped the bazooka, rushing forwards. "SAKURA! Get out of there!"

"ARGH!" Sakura hadn't protected her left side. With a mighty slash, she was knocked from the air. She cried out, falling to the ground with a heavy 'TOOM'. Terrified, Ino began to scramble in her direction. But a sudden sensation forced her to stop in her tracks.

'CRSH' "UH-UH-UH…FOOD NO RUN! FOOD…IS FOOD!" The creature had now blocked her path. Sending another flurry of roots towards her, it laughed. "AND FOOD…MUST BE EATEN!" Its eyes gleamed, as the vines began to curl around her statuesque form.

Ino couldn't see anything. She couldn't hear anything, either-just a rhythmic pounding. But it was so loud; it was as if someone had cranked up the volume next to a drum set. She wanted to know where it was coming from, and what it was.

She lifted her head, locking eyes with the monster. By this time, the vines were tightly clutching at her figure. They lifted her up, until she was once again in range to be consumed. This time though, Ino felt none of the previous disgust or fear. It was as if someone were guiding her-to find the source of that sound. That was all that mattered.

"Ugh…" As Sakura sat up from the deep crevice in the ground, and tried to regain her bearings, her eyes landed on the blonde. "INO!" She tried to climb up, but a throbbing pain in her side stopped her. She couldn't stretch out; couldn't climb out from the pit, and save Ino. Her partner. Her Pig. "Ino…Ino! Please-huh?"

And that was when she saw it. The aura.

It was pale blue, like blue electricity, and it was radiating from the girl. She watched, in amazed silence, as it continued to grow. What was happening to her? "I-Ino?"

"D-damn it…'ptoo'"

Kakashi was stumbling forwards, from a patch of tangled brush. He was covered in dirt and brambles, and there were leaves and twigs hanging from his spiky hair. "H-how can we stop this thing…?"

"Scarecrow!" The cry startled him. He looked out, to see a crater in the ground. Doing his best to move at a quick pace, he kneeled along the edge, and found an excited Sakura shouting up at him. "Ino! It's got Ino! But-but look at her! Just look!" He did.

By now, the aura emanating from her was impossible for them to ignore. The monster seemed to have sensed it, too; it still hadn't chowed down on the girl, as originally planned. "WHAT…WHAT ARE YOU DOING, SEER? SEASONING…?"

I see it…I see it! There! At that moment, Ino's head snapped up. To the left! Under the petals! She could hear it before, and now she could see it, too! It pulsed and thumped, like an entire drum set on maximum volume. It was swollen, with distinct veins running to and fro.

The heart. That's its heart!

And that was when she screamed out. "Kakashi, Sakura! On its left-under the petals! I see the heart!"

Sakura looked at the male. "T-that's impossible! We couldn't see it! So how"-

"There's no time!" He had already pushed his bandanna up once again. Sakura's tongue was tied, as she took in the sight of the mysterious eye. Instantly, she knew. That eye…it's not his. I don't know how, but…somehow, he received one! But from who? Which one?

'CRKLE' 'CRSSH' She forced herself to ignore the desire to put her discovery into words, as bright blue and white electricity began to gather in Kakashi's right hand again. "The Chidori," she breathed out in awe. And then she saw where he was aiming it.

"No! You bastard! It's too risky! Don't shoot-you'll hit her, too!" Sakura struggled to grasp his hand, to stop him. But he wouldn't back down. "It's now or never! I have a shot-and I'm taking it!" With a loud cry, he aimed the ball of crackling energy-and released it.

"YOU FOOD…NOW I EAT YOU!" And just as Ino was about to be dropped into its jaws for the second time-

'BOOM' "AAAIIIEEEGH!" It flew backwards, its body disappearing as it did so. Ino squealed, as the vines holding her vanished in a hiss of smoke and lightning. She felt the air rushing all around her, as she shot to the ground. She tried to tuck in her head and legs-but she knew that even then, from this height…she was going to die on impact!

We g-got the monster…but I'm still earthworm food! She waited for the crash.

"K-Kakashi!" Sakura found herself shouting at him with a hoarse throat. That was all she could do, watching helplessly as Ino plummeted towards the earthen ground.

"Don't worry." With a jolt of a spring, he shot forwards, managing to slide across and catch the girl in his arms, for the second time. He let out a deep breath, as the pinkette gave him the thumbs up. "Safe!"

"…mm?" Ino's blue eyes began to flutter, as she slowly slipped back into consciousness. Was she in Heaven, or Hell? What would she see?

But to her immense surprise, when she came to, there above her was the sweaty-but very much alive-face of her teacher. "K-Kakashi…san?" Her voice sounded strained and foreign. She'd done way too much screaming today. Her throat could seriously use a rest. He nodded, leaning back. As she sat up, she saw no trace of the monster. The clearing was exactly as it should have been-clear, filled only with the natural foliage of the Earth. She smiled, then winced-looks like she hadn't gotten out of this one entirely scrape-free. Oh, well.

Wait a minute-Sakura! She squirmed in Kakashi's hold, and wound up on her back in the dirt. Paying it no mind, she rose to her feet, running for the crater. No matter if her entire body ached. Sakura was still in there! She needs me!

A-and I…

Her feet skidded to a stop before that thought was finished. Kneeling down, she stuck out her arms, and was overjoyed to see the pinkette staring back up at her. Although she was soaked in blood and dirt, there was a huge, triumphant grin on her face. "Hey, Pig. How's it feel to be taller than me…for once?" She let out a weak chuckle.

"Oh, you…you idiot! Billboard brow!" Ino couldn't help it-she started to cry. Her joy was overflowing-they were alive, bruises and all. Kakashi sat down next to her, and together they pulled the wounded warrior out of the pit.

It had most certainly been a long day. And it wasn't over yet.

"Oh, man…"

Ino and Sakura had finally arrived back home. After a long day dealing with a new teacher, who had now also become their new comrade-in-arms, a new monster, and new holes in their clothes, they had returned to the warm comforts of the tidy little two story house.

"Mom isn't here…typical." Ino furrowed her brow, rubbing at the scratch on her cheek. She received a quick sting of pain in response. Oh well. It made things easier. Without her mother around, Ino didn't have to worry about hiding Sakura's presence. And, she was free to do as she wished. Namely, running the water and having a good, long soak in the tub. Her heart was almost singing at the prospect.

But as her feet ascended the stairs, she heard Sakura call out to her, in an uncharacteristically soft voice. "Um…Pig?" She stopped walking up, turning to look at her companion. "Yeah?"

"Well, I was wondering-and please, don't freak out on me! I know it might sound weird. But…" Ino tilted her head. What was she trying to say?

"Could you, I don't know…help me take a bath?" The pinkette was toeing at something on the floor-perhaps a line in the wooden paneling. Ino's face flushed a vibrant cherry. "W-what? Why?" Is she trying to pull something here? Why would she ask something like that?

"It's 'cause…well, the wounds." Ino's face softened. That's right-she'd almost forgotten about the blows that the girl had received in battle. They were deep, and probably needed stitches. Although she'd told her not to worry, she had noticed that the girl's movements were far more restricted now. And she didn't stretch. So…

"I…I don't think I can reach my back. I'm not even sure about my hair." Obviously, the girl wasn't getting any kind of pleasure from this; it wasn't a joke. She really needed Ino's help. And who was she to turn her away? She let out a long sigh. This was going to be so awkward, but…"Alright. Come on up."

Sakura gave her a smile. It was softer than usual, and made her look nearly…vulnerable. It was an unusual sight to see, as she padded across the short distance, to follow behind the blonde.

And so, instead of having that long, luxurious soak all on her own, Ino found herself wrapped in a towel, seated on the edge of the tub. Her toes brushed the surface, as Sakura sat below her, immersed in the warm water-and completely nude. Ino tried her best not to look, as she reached across for the soap bottle. And Sakura seemed to understand this, for once; she had her legs drawn up partway, and leaned forwards, as Ino applied a foamy rag to the wounds on her side.

"Ah!" She let out a sharp hiss. "It burns…" Ino did her best to be as gentle as possible, scooping up water with her hands to wash away the residue every few minutes, then reapplying the suds. It was important to sanitize the cuts, but…she didn't want the girl to be uncomfortable.

It was a strange experience, the blonde had to admit. A while back, she wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere near the pinkette in a bathroom, wounds or not. But now, it was as if some unseen barrier had fallen away from between the two of them. They were equals, partners. Sakura had risked her life to save Ino's, more than once. And Ino was beyond grateful. Hopefully today, she'd repaid some of that debt she owed to the crazy girl.

Yeah, she's crazy. Ino didn't know anybody out there quite like this girl. No one nearly as wild, as strong, as quirky, or as courageous. Sure, sometimes she was annoying-and at other times, she caused her fair share of problems. But all in all, Ino knew…that she never did or said anything with malicious intent. She could be sarcastic and stubborn. But never cruel. Not even when they'd first met.

"Hey…Ino?" The girl was surprised to see Sakura looking up at her. Her cheeks were tinted light red, and her green eyes seemed murky. Perhaps it was the heat in here. Ino squeezed the rag, preparing to run it over the pinkette's back. "Yeah?"

"Thank you." They were just two words, so short and simple. But hearing them was enough to make Ino's heart start pounding again. She hoped that Sakura couldn't see this, couldn't see how anxious she had suddenly become. As the girl turned away, all Ino could think about was the thudding in her chest. Sakura's words still echoed in her head-not just the ones recently exchanged, but all of them: every single instance that had sent the blonde into a state of frenzy.

"Thank you."

"Besides…it's my job to protect you. We're partners in this, remember?"

"H-hey…Pig…don't l-look like that…it's not a good…look for ya…"

"Pineapples!"

"Aw, Pig. And here I thought that we had something special."

"I want…I want to see the fire. The fire…I want to see it…please…"

So many memories, in just this short amount of time…Ino could see every single one, as clear as day. Older ones, too-like when they first met. All the insults, and bizarre curses. At first, she'd been embarrassed to have this alien living with her. That's what she'd call her: the alien. But now, Sakura seemed far more human than anyone else she knew. But why?

Because…she's the only person who you've allowed inside. She's seen you at your best and worst, ups and downs. And she hasn't pushed you away. She cares for you. Ino gulped.

S-so…what does this mean? She dragged the wet cloth slowly, over the back of Sakura's neck, taking in every detail. The tone, the impressions, the…"Hm?" Then she saw it. Just a bit lower…a long scar. The blonde felt herself shudder. It had to have been at least five inches. And from how coarse it appeared…it must have been deep.

How long…has she been fighting? Looking to her right, she saw another scar-like claw marks, in the pinkette's shoulder. And there was another one, further down her spine.

Will…with this one leave a scar as well? Ino didn't know. Probably. Maybe. Maybe not. Whatever the outcome, though…

Her heart was so loud. Without any warning, Sakura felt a pair of arms wrap lightly around her neck. "Uh? Ino, what are you doing?"

Ino didn't answer. She sat there, breathing in and out, feeling the girl's bare flesh beneath her own. A single thought echoed through her mind:

Sakura, I will take care of you. And some day…I'll be the one to protect you.

She opened her blue eyes, still in her trance…

…and found herself staring straight down into the middle of the pinkette's cleavage. 'BUMP' her heart was ready to burst forth from her chest.

Okay. So, she was still easily flustered around her. And she was still a prude.

But at least they were friends now.

"Ah, yes! See what a shower and good night's sleep can do?"

It was morning, and Ino was once again trooping off to school. In tow, as always, was Sakura, who seemed to have at least recovered her energy, if not her flexibility. The pinkette was grinning, weapons gleaming under the freshly risen sun. Argue as she might, Ino could not convince her to save the polishing for later.

"Dorchet was involved, too! He took some hits, man! It's his turn to be pampered." Ino had finally given in, realizing that her logic wouldn't win here. "Do what you like." They were her guns, after all. And it was important for her to get some kind of movement in her arms, since she couldn't raise them above her head. Of course, this hadn't stopped her from lugging that heavy bazooka back up onto her back.

They reached the building, and, as usual, the students were milling about outside. The blonde made her way through the crowds, heading for the entrance. As she walked up the stairs, she heard a voice call out. "Yo! Blondie!" It was Kiba, sitting on one of the railings, and trying to look cool while he waited for his girlfriend. At his side was Shikamaru, who responded to Ino with a short "Hey." She waved back at both of them, and added an extra outstretched tongue for the dog lover. He in turn chuckled, swatting his hand to say he didn't care. She rolled her eyes, and stepped inside.

Somehow, things seemed clearer today. More familiar. Resolved. As if some kind of weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Ino stopped at her locker, grabbing a couple of textbooks before slipping into homeroom. She sat down in the last seat at the top row, next to the window. As per usual, Sakura took her place on the floor, looking outside at the various morning activity.

Yes, today was shaping up to be a great day.

…at least, until she'd have to return to English. She groaned inwardly. Whether or not Kakashi was a good fighter, that didn't excuse him from being a mediocre teacher. Hopefully, yesterday's little 'field trip' had pounded some sort of work ethic into his head. Especially if he was hiding out here. He had to look convincing, right?

The day went by at a relatively speedy pace. In no time at all, Ino was seated in Kakashi's room, waiting to see if he'd changed his tune.

The man didn't show up until nearly ten minutes after the tardy bell. Not a great start. He sat down at his desk, scanning over the students. His eye lingered on Ino, and she raised her eyebrows. Sighing, he reached down, pulling out a desk drawer. When he finished fiddling around inside, his hand held…

…a copy of their textbooks.

Yes! Ino had never been so happy to do classwork before. "Alright you guys," he drawled, "turn to page…fifty-nine, I believe? Read the story, and…answer the questions. That's your job for today." And before anyone could ask about group readings or discussion, he had his little orange porno out, and his nose was buried. Ino sighed, as Sakura let out a soft snicker.

Looks like some things were impossible to change.

A/N: Annnd...ta-da! How was that? :D

Just like I promised, another update! Hope you all enjoyed it! The fighting sequence was a bit of a gamble-I'm trying to keep three, maybe four things in check all at once! The SakuxIno moments, Kakashi, the battle itself-and abilities! Let me know if the backstory and ending were fitting or muddled. I do my best. ^^;

And also-the shower scene! XD Okay, so it wasn't quite what you'd expect. But I thought...that the girls had made enough progress to at least be able to call each other friends. Now it's all a matter of time, to see where it leads on to...

Next chapter: Ino and her mother, Sakura's emotions, a day off, and-whoa! An unexpected face from the past! See you soon!

=^.^=