Hellu everybody! Happy New Year to you all! Hope you all had a good christmas and all of that! Sorry for taking so long to upload I had a tiniest bit of writers block that I gained over the past few months (its been really depressing with all the crap weather) However the sun came out today after a while. It's England, it would be much nicer with a roof over it. Anyways I've written this over the past few weeks and hopefully you will all enjoy it. This chapter moves Ino onwards slowly into the world of Deidara and Akatsuki and will begin the transition of her time with Deidara.
Again sorry it's taken so long to upload but I do hope you all enjoy this chapter! I don't know when the next one will be up so I won't promise anything. (However work on a weekend is getting pretty boring again, the scribbles book my have to come out on Saturday)
But onto chapter 13. I warn you, that it might come across as kind of boring and not going anywhere in this chapter but I wanted to reveal a few more feelings and so on from some characters before I move on to the love part. Enjoy!
When Ino awoke, she was somewhat shocked to feel exceptionally refreshed and awake. As far as she could tell; her chakra levels were restored and her health seemed fine as she scanned her body for any internal or external injuries or strains. She expected to feel weak and drained but actually realised the only part of her health disturbing her was that her stomach was rumbling and that she was hungry.
She took a look around the candlelit room and was pleasantly surprised to notice that the bed she was in was comfortable and warm and that although the room was furnished with just the bare minimum; it was tidy and clean and for some strange reason smelt fresh; despite the fact that she knew they were deep inside a rock cavity .
A rap at the door shifted her attention, the noise paused for a few moments and began again. Realising the person knocking was awaiting her permission to come in; Ino answered hoping for the lesser of evils while pulling the sheets up to cover herself and ignoring the fact that she must; at some point; been undressed. "Y-Yes!" She noted to herself that she was sounding far too polite as the door opened and to her dread it was neither Deidara or Katsumi who walked through the door but Kisame.
As usual the dismay on her face must have shown as he chuckled apparently quite amused. "I seem to have that effect on most people. I have been instructed to remain civil and polite; and in disregard to the fact that you were once an enemy, you seem harmless enough and in any other circumstance I'm sure you would act well-mannered towards me." He stopped as if expecting her to say something and when no reply came continued. "Although I resent being made a butler, Katsumi is kind and courteous and asked me to bring these to you."
He held up an odd looking bundle wrapped in brown packaging paper and tied with string, upon which sat a large brown box, both of which Ino had taken no notice of before as she had been too focused on his intimidating presence. He left the two parcels on top of the small dresser and returned to the door before adding, "In the room to your left is a tub of hot water and soap, please use it to wash yourself. I'll be waiting outside please don't take too long." He clicked the door shut leaving her alone once more and immediately she scrambled out of bed to untie the string and rip open the paper.
Her mouth formed a small O shape as she handled the fabric of what appeared to be new clothes, besides the parcels Shikamaru's Konoha headband with a newly formed scratch through it. Reminiscing at sad thoughts she thumbed the cold metal briefly and then looked over at the new garments. Also included on the top was a new cotton bandana. She put these two aside and remembering Kisame's words walked to the room to the left and made a longing moan at the sight of the steamy hot bubbly water in front of her.
Peeling away her under garments she plunged in and began to scrub away at the cuts and bruises, even taking a moment to sink in to rub at her scalp and long silky hair.
In a time that went much to fast she stepped out onto the cold floor reaching for a towel and drying herself. Wrapping her long hair in the same towel after she was dry; she set to work examining her new clothes properly. They were soft but not much. A standard ninja shirt and skirt, new undergarments, a pair of fish-net leggings and black lycra shorts. All of this accompanied with what Ino soon found to be a long black cloak. At this discovery she gulped and pulled it on. Of course it was covered in red clouds; and her heart thumped as she remembered a few moments of normality did not change the fact that the last few days were indeed very real. She bent down to open the box and thankfully it contained a pair of navy Ninja boots with small heels as opposed to shoes. Almost ready she tugged at the towel and let her damp hair cascade down her back. With only her hair to deal with she closed her eyes and concentrated on the chakra control her mother had taught her and the only secret she ever kept from her pink haired best friend. Generating heat chakra to dry it straight.
Leaving it to hang down her back as her hair ribbon had long gone she picked up the metal headband and bandana, attached the former, and pushed her hair out of her face. Inspecting her appearance she decided it would have to do; as she didn't want to push Kisame's temper and exited the room.
Kisame was still waiting patiently, he had removed his massive sword; Samehada as she remembered; from his back and was leaning against it casually as he waited. As she exited her gestured for her to follow him. She soon discovered that he obviously took his orders very seriously, as he seemed perfectly happy to engage in a conversation with her as they walked' although she could not offer much of an opinion. "Down there to the right is the actual bathroom. It's the one nice room in the hideout, incidentally every hideout's layout is the same... of course you'd need correct authorisation to enter though." He trailed off onto other bits of information and soon they came across a set of double doors; which he pushed and held open whilst he stepped aside to let her through.
Again, what greeted Ino was another bite of strange hospitality from the criminal organisation. A small kitchen and eating area at which Deidara and Katsumi were sat at. Ino made yet another mental note to hide her emotions better as Deidara looked at her face and commented dryly. "We're S-Class missing-Nin criminals not Savages."
Ignoring Deidara's comments Kisame gestured for her to sit and as she did so, Ino observed a pile of smelly looking clothes which she realised were her own. Ignoring her longing for some normality Kisame addressed her again, "You're probably hungry."
She felt it better not to speak for the time being as she didn't quite trust her words yet as he placed a bowl of steamed rice and miso soup in front of her. It was basic, but she dug in hungrily. At home, her mother would have prepared much the same, but with the addition of delicious grilled fish and homemade pickled vegetables for Ino and her father, on weekends she would prepare natto for them. Sadly, she remembered that she would probably never enjoy her mother's cooking again.
Once full, she laid her chopsticks down and out of habit muttered "It was a feast." quietly to herself, although she swore she saw Katsumi flash a brief small smile as she looked up.
"Now Ino is satisfied we must press on." She stated. Ino could tell that while the white haired woman also referred to Leader-Sama as such, in this group she held some sort of authority. "Deidara you are to report to Leader-Sama with Hidan as soon as it is possible. He has a mission for you both."
"With Hidan,un?" Ino could tell Deidara was starting to fume again. "I'm not partnering with that masochistic, foul-mouthed, unintelligent parasite, yeah!"
Kisame interrupted with an amused tone, "I think you'll find you'll do as you're told."
Deidara's head snapped back to the taller man his eyebrows crossed in anger, "Don't take that tone with me!-"
"Enough!" Katsumi snapped. "Hidan will have recovered in a day, then I'm sure he'll want to spend the next three days praying to that ridiculous made up fantasy friend of his, so consider this week a few days off as a welcome back gesture." Deidara huffed back in his seat. "I also expect you to teach Ino the rules of Akatsuki when she's not training with me." Katsumi added.
"Great." Deidara added.
Ino scowled irritated at his sarcasm.
"Ino you shall follow me." Katsumi stood up. "I don't take my promises lightly, you remained with Deidara despite the circumstances and it means I have several things to teach you, we must make haste. Leader-Sama will expect results quickly, he knows you are an intelligent girl."
"Katsumi, I have reports to make, I'll be taking my leave." Kisame cut in. "Will you be alright?"
Katsumi gave him a calm smile. "Yes, I will be fine, thank you for your assistance."
The tall shark-like man nodded and with a last toothy grin at Deidara and Ino, departed from the room.
"Deidara clean up." Katsumi instructed. "Ino follow me."
Ino stood up and giving Deidara a look that tried to say she was sorry left the room.
The room Katsumi lead her too was large and barren, the only slightly creepy sentiment she felt came from the three empty jail cells to the far end of the room. She had a feeling they were used for human guinea pigs. Shuddering to herself she stopped in the centre as Katsumi walked a few spaces away from her and turned around.
"As I said earlier you're an intelligent girl. I am being sincere and I don't mean to patronise you... the point is... I do not understand why you try to better yourself as a physical fighter, you are completely incompatible with that style. Your intelligence needs to be your forte, as part of the Yamanaka clan you hold more special abilities in your head than any other clan. The problem is that you've had no one to train with."
"My father was always too busy, and my mother runs the flower shop." Ino explained.
"Did you ever think that if you were a boy, your father might be slightly more interested?" Katsumi asked, frowning and looking slightly confused.
Ino thought of the hours Shikamaru and Choji had spent with their fathers training. She knew from when her father complained because he had lost his drinking partners... her father was part of the inquisitorial squad but he never really delved into what he did. Sometimes she ran errands for him when she wasn't busy on missions, training or studying. "I-I can't say any more than that he loves me all the same."
"First I'll teach you the basics." Katsumi obviously found it meaningless to indulge in any more conversation about her family. Ino remembered suddenly why she was there. "The point is, there's only so much I can teach, after that it is up to you."
"What do you mean?" Ino asked curiously.
"I am part of the Kaguya clan, in order to utilise your family's own techniques you need to discover your own power. I can help, but I can't show you. What you need is the Yamanaka ancient scroll."
"I've never heard of it."
"It is protected by the head of the Yamanaka clan." Katsumi took no time in explaining.
"My father-"
"If he is the head of your clan then yes, it would be he who knows of its location."
"Why wouldn't he tell me?" Ino demanded, feeling dismayed.
"Perhaps he didn't deem you old enough or mature enough."
"Or strong enough." She retorted irritably.
"For now this is incidental until we build your confidence. I will create a number of targets for you. I expect you to hit each and every one with whatever weapons or attacks you deem necessary. There are supplies in the cells, go and prepare yourself."
Ino shuffled off, Tsunade had been a harsh teacher, that expected the best from her pupils. Regardless of who was teaching her now, Ino would give no less than her best effort to get stronger and if this was the path she would have to take then so be it. At least for now, it was too late to change the path she had walked now, when the time came to meet another fork in the road, she would decide then which new road to take.
Sakura gave a sigh whilst she arranged the beautiful lilies and carnations she had picked up on the way to visit Shikamaru. Everything reminded her of Ino and every so often her mind drifted off to the fateful day where she had betrayed her. Sakura looked down at her hands and could almost see the ribbon in it she used to keep in her hair. Ino had been so kind and thoughtful, especially when the other girls had treated her so spitefully. She had introduced her to her own friends and suffered in silence when Sakura had announced she liked Sasuke.
All of that seemed silly now. Silly little childhood scraps had grown quicker than yeast in a hot oven and completely blown out of proportion. She remembered the day she gave Ino the ribbon back and the vow that they had made, the day she had joined Sasuke's team with Naruto. Hell, even back then she'd found Naruto annoying, besides Ino he was now her best friend. She remembered the day in the field picking flowers, Ino had been so confident and joyful, she wasn't like that so much anymore.
Whilst Naruto had been away it was as if their roles had completely changed, with Sakura edging Ino on to do better, perhaps Ino couldn't get used to it, maybe it was too much for her to concentrate on. Either way Sakura had played to her strengths, her excellent chakra control was well suited to Tsunade's melee fighting style. Having said that, Sakura new in her heart that if trained properly; Ino could surpass her easily medically. Ino's knowledge of plants and flowers were adequately more profound than her own, working with Shizune as well had caused Ino to become even more dangerous. It was a shame that Ino didn't quite realise her potential yet.
Sakura sat down feeling the imaginary heavy weight on her shoulders. She lifted a hair to her forehead protector and pulled it out to look at it and gave a smile. Ino was kind to give the ribbon back and suggest it would match her new ninja outfit, of course she had been right and Sakura was pleased with the result. Ino had forgone her own headband, Sakura couldn't remember the last time she saw the girl wear it, and Shikamaru had been found without his.
It wasn't as if Ino hadn't trained during the two years Naruto had gone. She'd trained with both Tsunade and Shizune and even Asuma had continued to help her, but it was as if she found other things more important. Sakura narrowed her eyes in thought, Akatsuki wouldn't hurt Ino she was far too weak to be of any use to them, it was the information she could leak to them about Naruto. Sakura's hands became a fist without her noticing. Ino was her best friend but if she dared betray them Sakura would be the first to make her pay. She could realise her true potential if only she wasn't being so damn lazy.
"Sakura..."
Her eyes opened to look down at Shikamaru, who was gazing longingly up at her. "Sakura... Ino..."
Sakura jumped up a smile on her face. "You're awake! Thank goodness! Tsunade came and healed all of your muscles and pains but thought it might be a while before you woke up."
"Any news on Ino?" He asked immediately.
"No not yet." Her face fell a little, "But I bought you some flowers, and you should be able to leave the hospital soon. Shikaku came to visit you but you were asleep so..."
"What did he want?" Shikamaru looked depressed again.
"They're repairing the secret ground and getting evidence from it... he says you're welcome to go and see them when you're better and that... he was very proud of your trick to capture Hidan, now he's seen the remains he said that it was a perfect plan."
"I see." Shikamaru nodded "Thank you Sakura."
"It's ok!" She said forcing herself to act brightly. "I'm glad to be here to help."
Shikamaru gave a small smile and went to sit up, Sakura came to help him; and once he was comfortable sat beside him patiently. "Shikamaru now you're better-"
"Sakura." He cut her off quickly. "I know that you are as worried as I am, but I can't tell you much. It looked like she was forced to act like she wanted nothing to do with us. I know she wasn't taken willingly, but I don't know what they want her for. Either way, we must protect Naruto above all else. I will find Ino and I do not wish to add any more to your burdens."
"Burdens?" Sakura asked.
"Of course," Shikamaru said, "You worry about Sasuke he was your team member, me and Choji will bear the burden of searching for Ino, we do not want to add anymore worries to you."
Sakura shook her head, her jade eyes glistening with near tears. "I will worry either way, and Sasuke... perhaps Sasuke shares less of a burden then Ino. Ino truly cared for me, whereas Sasuke... I was just a nuisance to him... we were silly to fight over him-"
"No." Shikamaru shook his head this time. "I don't think he did, I believe, that he too cares for you and Naruto in his own way. You were his team for a long time, that always counts for something. I will retrieve Ino for all of us, it's my duty."
"We will share the burden Shikamaru." Sakura stated in a final tone. "You cannot carry it alone, especially when you have someone else to look after."
"Who?" Shikamaru said.
There was a timely knock at the door and Sakura smiled, standing up to go and open it. Shikamaru gasped at the sight of someone very familiar, a hand on her very swollen belly. "Shikamaru."
"Kurenai." He said.
"I'll be back later to administer you one last sedative to get you to sleep." Sakura said smiling. "You have plenty of time, visitors hours have just begun." She gave a small bow to Kurenai and left the room, sliding the door across.
Ino fell to her knees out of breath. They had been training for hours now and Katsumi was showing no signs at all of tiredness. Ino ran at her again, a kunai in her hand ready to throw. She pulled her arm back and with all her strength flung it at the other woman. Without moving it pinged against an invisible force and flew in the opposite direction. Distraught Ino groaned again, she had tried every possible way of trying to hit her, knowing her Mind Body Transfer didn't work she hadn't even bothered but it was becoming ridiculous now, she knew the older woman was strong but not this strong.
"You are becoming impatient and losing control." Katsumi stated. "The key element in a fight is that you may not know your opponents abilities until you have worked hard to get them to release their true power."
"But I'm too weak-"
"Which is why you train harder!" Katsumi cried at her. "Is this the reason you are weaker than your pink haired friend? I have nothing to teach you until you are more profound in hand to hand combat, this is enough for today I will charge you into someone else's care until you are ready. Pein will not be amused, but hopefully I can pursuade him otherwise."
"But-"
"I will not break my promise I shall indeed help you with your clans forbidden power but for now a couple of life threatening missions will do you good. You can travel with Deidara and Hidan. When I believe you're strong enough I will help you." A small smile was back on her face, "Accompany me, we must check on how Hidan is coming on."
Ino nodded numbly and followed irritated at the results. Deidara and Hidan's mission had better be worthwhile, the determination she felt now to surpass Sakura was even higher. As she walked out of the room, with one last chakra fuelled throw she hurled her last remaining kunai at the wall. Turning around again she smiled satisfied as she heard the wall begin to crumble behind her. It was about high time for a change. If she was going to betray Konoha for the time being, it was at least going to be for a damn good reason. If changing herself for the better wasn't that reason then there just simply wasn't one good enough.
And that's chapter 13, I suppose it was kind of boring but I actually had fun writing it. In reference to Ino's comment after eating It was a feast is a direct translation more or less of what the Japanese would say in appreciating after a meal. Similar to the Itadekimasu you hear before a meal. I hope people still hang on after this chapter. I don't know how long I expect this story to last but I don't want to drag it on and it is more of a Deidara Ino story than some rewritten plot for the actual anime.
As I've said before, just to reiterate I began writing this before the current events of the anime so of course everything has changed and it's now completely AU. For this I am sorry.
Thank you to all reviewers of the last chapter by the way. Please review again and if you have any questions please feel free to ask!
Wiggle xxx