"Mornin' Ino-chan!"

"Morning Naruto-kun."

"Wow! I didn't know your family grew flowers!"

"Really? Who doesn't? The Yamanaka Flower Shop, famous all throughout Hi no Kuni…"

"They're so pretty…!"

"You like flowers, Naruto-kun?"

"Mmmhmm…they're so expressive and meaningful."

"Huh. Who wouldda guessed? Well, you look around, I've got to let my mom know I'm leaving for a mission."

"Alright, Ino-chan." Naruto's bright eyes scan the shop happily, freezing on a small patch in a lonely pot hanging in the sun. Ino returns quickly.

"Okay lets-"

"Ino. These are…"

"Oh. Those? They're sickly. I don't think they're going to last much longer. My father bought the seeds off of an old trader. The man claimed they were from the Great Fall…but, well, if they are, that would sure explain why nothing we do is helping them any. We've tried everything extra water, chakra, sunlight, even artificial lighting supposed to help even the sickliest plants grow strong, but nothing works. Dad doesn't say anything but I know he's disappointed."

"These…are…geraniums…"

"Hmm? What did you call them? They're so old no one knows what they're called. Where did you find their name? We've looked and looked…"

"They're Geraniums."

"…did you want them, Naruto-kun?"

"What? You-you wouldn't mind?"

"We've done everything we could. I'm sure mom and dad won't mind."

"I-I can't just…let me pay for them."

"But they're going to die."

"How much are your most expensive flowers?"

"50 ryo a stem."

"I'll pay that."

"No!"

"Please…these…mean a lot to me. They're priceless, honestly."

"I can't…"

"Then get your mom."

"But Naruto-kun!"

"Then let me pay. Please Ino."

"Fine…"

Three weeks later bright red geraniums sit happily on Naruto's windowsill.

"The Yamanaka's know how to care for flowers…but sometimes you guys just need a little extra love and attention. Needy little buggers aren't you?"