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*I don't own Naruto or Naruto Shippuden, it all belongs to Kishimoto. Please R&R, I appreciate any and all feedback. Now on with the story!
*When there is typing like this it means it is a thought.
KC = Kakashi Clone
IC = Ino Clone
BI = Blood Clone Ino
Everything else is normal. I'm sorry its taking me so long to get chapters out but life has been coming at me with full force. I will keep trying to get them out as soon as I can! Enjoy!
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Only We Know
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Konoha Hospital, 2 Days Later:
Shikamaru was currently watching over a sleeping Ino trying to figure out what the hell she had gotten herself into. Tsunade had ordered everyone involved to keep quiet. So when he asked Kakashi or Kurou (who he learned was in fact Ino's cousin) for more information they would both play it off or flat out tell him it wasn't any of his business. As if the well-being of his teammate and best friend wasn't any of his business!
Eventually he gave up asking and tried figuring things out on his own when he wasn't busy working on the Chunin Exams with Temari or watching over Ino. Honestly, he knew the only reason they even let him watch over her on his time off was because they pitied him. He wanted Ino to wake up already so he could question her and finally get some answers. Like why she had left so abruptly, told no one about it, hadn't cared to contact them and abandoned them so easily.
He knew she most likely had a good reason for doing all of it but he also couldn't help the hurt it brought him being kept in the dark about everything when he was certain he could help. But as he looked at her tranquil face relief was all he could feel because she was finally home and by his side. The time away made him realize how much he valued her presence and companionship.
He knew he had been in a rather foul mood from the moment he had found out she had left up till now but that was what made him see just how much he liked her company, her ability to keep him on his toes and how it was never a dull and boring moment with her. Not many were capable of surprising him, fighting verbally and mentally with him or make him feel so at ease. He knew these types of feeling were forbidden and things were getting far too troublesome for his liking but he couldn't help it and knew he wouldn't be able to stop them.
Gently he had moved the hair over her closed eye behind her ear and tenderly slid his thumb over her cheek. Suddenly her eyes opened wide but something wasn't right about them. They moved frantically as if she wasn't herself and was searching for someone or something. Quickly he removed his hand from her face and was going to say something when in a fluent movement, she yanked out her IV needle from her arm. Then grabbed him by the back of his neck and pushed him against the bed she had just been laying in.
Roughly pressing her knee over the back of his neck to keep him from moving she brought the needle to the side of his jugular and roared out, "WHERE AM I?! WHO AR-" Shikamaru hadn't been able to speak much less react when suddenly the weight of her body disappeared. Kakashi had appeared out of nowhere and was currently holding a struggling somewhat feral Ino. In a swift and gentle movement Kakashi had turned her body to face his and grasped her head forcing her to look at him and only him.
Once she was focused on him be began to soothingly whisper reassurance's in her ear, "Hey little wolf you're okay, both of you are in a safe place. You did well and kept her safe, shhhhh it's alright now you can let her out and go back to sleep. I'm sure you're exhausted and want to rest." Kakashi kept at it until finally she slumped over, the only sign he knew that meant Wolf was getting Ino for him and letting her out.
"What's wrong with her?" Shikamaru asked once he saw Ino's body go limp in Kakashi's arms. "Why did she attack me!?" He demanded but Kakashi only motioned for him to stay quiet and wait.
Languidly Ino's head bobbed up and slowly her eyes opened to a very relieved Kakashi. "Hey there kid. You sure know how to scare me. How are you holding up?" He asked as he continued to support her up.
In a low raspy voice, she asked, "Sensei? What happened?" As he was beginning to explain all of Wolf's memories came flooding in causing her to tighten her grip on him. She remembered how weak she had been and tears began forming in her eyes when she cut Kakashi off mid-sentence, "Sensei I'm sorry! I couldn't stop them, they kept coming at me but I know who sent them! It was that man, it wa-" Kakashi gently smacked Ino's cheeks causing her to snap out of her crazed rant.
With his thumbs, he wiped away her fallen tears and whispered to her, "Don't you dare start blaming yourself, you were already low on chakra and wounded. On top of that you were able to capture them and disable them for us. If you hadn't done that we wouldn't have been able to interrogate them. You both did well so don't worry." Ino could only lean on him some more and nod her head in understanding.
Carefully Kakashi laid her back down announced, "I'm going to inform Hokage-sama that you've awoken. I'll be back soon." As he had been laying her down Ino caught sight of Shikamaru sitting by her bedside just staring at her hard. Nodding again as a response to Kakashi he left in a puff of smoke. Why didn't I notice him earlier? How long has he been here?! While internally she was freaking out outside she was as calm and collected as ever. Just as Kakashi had taught her to school her facial expressions.
A long awkward silence stretched over them and neither seemed to know what to say or how to start until finally Ino sighed and finally really looked at him. He had changed, grown taller, tanner and more muscular even. No longer the small lanky kid that she had grown up with all her life but that's what a year and a half did to a person she supposed. Gathering her thoughts up she began to speak as she looked down at her hands, "It's been a while hu? I never could figure out how to start this conversation with you or Choji when the day came that I'd see you guys again. I thought I'd have more time than this and we'd meet under different circumstances but here we are."
She smiled up at him bitterly and saw the slight hurt in his eyes, "I guess I owe you and everyone else and explanation. Honestly, I was angry, no not just angry pissed that you hadn't asked me to go on the Retrieval Mission and for not even telling me about it. I was also hurt that Asuma-sensei hadn't even bothered to volunteer to train me as he'd done for you and Choji." All the while she was saying these things Shikamaru's anger and frustration was slowly fading away. He had never known she felt that way concerning the mission or towards him and Asuma.
Ino smiled humorlessly and looked back down at her balled up hands, "But most of all I was furious at myself for lacking the strength needed to be relied on. Angry for slacking off so much and never taking out training seriously. I understand why you hadn't chosen me to go along with you all after I began training with my cousin. I realized how weak I really was and how I would have been more or a liability to the team had I gone. I left to grow as a Kunoichi and a person so that when I came back you, Choji and Asuma-sensei would be proud of me. So that I wouldn't have to be protected anymore by you guys and could actually contribute as an equal member of team 10. So, I could become the leader my Clan deserves and count on. I didn't abandon you guys, I could never do that I just did what you guys were doing except I had to leave Konoha because my training could only be done with my cousin. He wasn't able to just up and leave his village to train me and since I'm just a genin my absence couldn't really be missed or noticed so it was easier that way." By now she had looked up at him with a real smile albeit a melancholy one.
Shikamaru now felt so childish for being angry at her for so long for thinking that she had so willingly left and abandoned them. Everything she had said made sense to him and he couldn't really blame her for wanting to improve as a kunoichi and for leaving. But he also couldn't help the ache in his chest when she hadn't seemed the least bit affected by having to be away from him err the team for so long. "I also don't think I'll stay in Konoha long since my training isn't complete. That is if I can continue it." She said somewhat unsure of the situation. She had wished Kakashi had stayed longer so she couldn't have gotten some answers but of course he had to leave.
Shikamaru could only look at her in both amazement and hurt. She seemed to have grown mentally and physically. He had expected her to scream at him or tell him off that it wasn't any of his business but she had calmly explained herself and even given him a concise response. She wasn't the bratty girl he once knew, that much he was certain of and somehow that saddened him. He hadn't been there to see her grow and abandon her childish ways. To see her reach this new milestone in her life like he'd always been. He knew it was selfish of him but he couldn't help it, all their lives they had been together whether she'd like it or not. Now she was becoming a young lady, one he didn't really know and was drifting farther away from him but he couldn't help feeling happy and proud of her.
"You said your absence wouldn't be notice by anyone but you were wrong." His smile was bittersweet, "We've missed having you around to keep us in line and to push us to work harder. It's been difficult and rather boring not having my best friend around." This time his smile was genuine something he rarely did much less showed anyone. It had certainly surprised Ino but she smiled widely at him regardless. "You know all this time away has made me learn something. You are som-" Shikamaru was interrupted by the door being swung open and a very happy Tsunade waltzing in followed by a rather bored looking Kakashi.
"Yamanaka! Finally, you woke up! How are you feeling?" Tsunade had asked making her way to Ino's free bedside to check her vitals and all around wellbeing. Ino's attention went to her hokage's and in a serious tone replied, "Much better. Starving and somewhat sore all around but other than that fine." Everyone smiled at her honesty and attempt to lighten up everyone's mood.
"Of course, you're hungry you haven't had a proper meal in quite a while. After this checkup, I'll make sure Kakashi treats you to whatever you want!" Tsunade had announced with a giant grin on her face. This in turn cause Ino to give her sensei a wicked smile making Kakashi eye smile nervously. His wallet already feeling the hit it was about to take. Tsunade laughed boisterously while 'patting' Kakashi on his back rather painfully.
"Shikamaru, you need to go back to the tower, there is PLENTY of work for you and the Suna ambassador to finish up." Tsunade had said rather demanding. She knew she had to get rid of everyone in the room knowing the conversation she was about to have would be needed to be done in complete privacy. Shikamaru had wanted to argue and stay longer but he also didn't want to risk losing his visiting privileges. Something he was keeping from Asuma and Choji.
So begrudgingly he said his goodbyes to Ino and thanks to both Kakashi and Tsunade and left feeling rather uneasy.
Once they were alone Kakashi put up a sound proof barrier. "Ino there are a few things we need to discuss. With you as well Kakashi." Tsunade said as she motioned for him to sit next to Ino. She waited for him to sit down before continuing, "As you had begun to tell Kakashi, it was Danzo that had sent your attacker. What your father and Ibiki had obtained was that Danzo is in fact interested in you and wants to recruit you for ROOT. He somehow found out about your encounter with Sasuke and that's what sparked his interest. As a group, everyone involved has agreed to let you continue your training and leave Konoha as soon as you are able to."
At that news Ino had immediately brightened up. "But the main reason we are letting you do this is to keep you away from Danzo. I'm sure Kakashi can testify to how gruesome Danzo's methods can be once one is under him. Though we are letting you go your training will be slightly different. What we want is for Kakashi to train you as if you were training to be an ANBU operative. Before you fight me on this Kakashi hear me out! Shikaku has agreed with me that this will not be the only time Danzo sends out his men to try and kidnap Ino. She needs to be completely ready for when that happens. Right now, she is already ready to take and pass the Chunin Exams but she won't be able to take on strong experienced ANBU level ROOT members. It only makes sense for you to train her and get her to that level. I understand this is asking a lot from the BOTH of you but it's the only way to keep Ino safe. Unless you want to stay on the run from Danzo." With that she paused and let her news sink in.
Kakashi seemed the most worried about the whole situation. From experience, he knew just how much once person changed after going through ANBU boot camp and worst after ROOT's boot camp. It made one so desensitized to death and hardship. He never wanted any of his students or friends to go through such grueling training experiences and missions. But because he had gone through it he also knew how much it helped one get stronger, more resilient and capable to succeed in everything. He was torn on what to do. He didn't want Ino to change and become like him.
Ino on the other hand knew that if her uncle Shikaku had pitched and backed the idea it meant that he believed this would be the best for her. If he believed she could go through it and come out successful she would do it! "Kakashi-sensei I agree with Uncle Shikaku and Tsunade-sama. If they feel I can do this then I'm confident I'll be successful. Please help me do this." Ino had said all this while deeply bowing towards him as best she could on the hospital bed.
Kakashi was completely at a loss. Logically he understood why he should do it but none of them seemed to think of the repercussions it would have on Ino. He had been so distant from all his friends and loved ones, unable to emote properly or be around them. He had stopped feeling emotions completely and was basically on auto pilot for those years he was in ANBU. She didn't know what she was asking for and was only doing this because she had so much trust in her family and village. Something he knew was very juvenile of her but he also knew that if he disagreed Tsunade would get someone else to train her.
Someone that could cause more damage than needed, it was going to break his heart to see her lose herself but he would stand by her through it all. Even when everyone will hate her and she will in turn be forced to abandon them for their and her own wellbeing. He promised himself to stay with her for as long as it took, never once doubting her and believing in her. "I understand." He said trying his damnedest to keep his emotions in check, "How long do we have for her training?" He asked already coming up with the best way to tackle this new change of events.
Tsunade nodded her head in understanding and continued, "We want her to be as close to ANBU level by the time the Exams roll around. You both have as soon as Ino feels physically ready to go." Ino knew how uncomfortable Kakashi was about all this and how this could possibly worsen his mental state and wellbeing but it needed to happen. She felt guilty about making Kakashi go through something like this with her but she was slightly happy it would be him training her and not some stranger. She just hoped her father, Ibiki and Team 10 understood and didn't hate her leaving abruptly on them a second time.
"I'd also like to have a word with Ino in private. Why don't you go get her something to eat? Also bring Kurou-san here seeing as how you won't be able to continue your training with him." Tsunade said. Kakashi understood, excused himself and left the two Kunoichi to talk. Putting up a second sound proof barrier Tsunade's demeanor shifted to a more somber one. "Ino, I'm going to need you to listen closely to what I'm about to tell you." She said as she sat on Ino's bed and looked directly in her eyes, "The other reason for this intense training you are about to take on is to infiltrate ROOT. Do you know what ROOT is or stands for exactly?"
"Yes somewhat. My cousin Fu was recruited at a very young age and we never really heard from or saw him again." Ino said sadly. "ROOT is currently run by Danzo, it's an organization that has been around since the beginning of Konoha's existence. Like our ANBU they work in the shadows but unlike ANBU they are loyal to Danzo and not me. It is said that Konoha and its hokage's were able to prosper and last this long because ROOT was there to hold up the foundations of this village. The only problem is that Danzo has been more actively trying to take the title of Hokage away from me. Something that would put us in another Great War if it came to fruition. We also know he has been dealing with Orochimaru and they've been helping on another. Unfortunately we haven't had concrete evidence to charge him with treason so he's been free to do as he likes. That's where you come in. You are to infiltrate and become a ROOT member but not just any member. You must gain Danzo's trust and become one of his favorites, a confidant, his right-hand man if possible. All the while you are working for him you will deliver messages and your findings to Shikaku via your telepathic mind jutsu. Now this is going to be extremely difficult because you will essentially be on your own and no one but Shikaku will know about this mission. It's im-" Tsunade was cut off by Ino holding a hand up to her face to stop her.
"How come Uncle Shikaku will be the only one to know about this if you are telling me this and Kakashi-sensei will be training me specifically for this?" Ino asked confused. "You see when you finish your training and pass the Chunin Exams you will erase and modify Kakashi's memories. When you some back to the village after the Exams you will do the same to me. You will have to make it truly convincing so everyone believes you've betrayed them when the time comes and have defected to become one of Danzo's ROOT members. This will be an off the books S-Rank mission, one that has no room for failure." Tsunade stopped to let Ino think everything over even though she already knew her response.
"So, I'll come home from the Exams but instead of being put in my team I'll leave them and choose to work for Danzo?" She asked quietly looking down at her lap. "Well I'm sure after he's recruited you you'll be secretly working for both of us. Eventually he will make you choose between the two, that's how he measures one's loyalty. He needs to be brought to jail, if he doesn't and becomes Hokage there is a 100% chance of another war occurring. All your friends, clan's men and loved ones would go fight a pointless was which will only result in far too many innocent casualties." Tsunade answered. She knew she was playing dirty telling Ino these things but she also knew the ravages and consequences of war. Something she didn't was this generation to go through.
War? Daddy told me stories about the last war and how many loved ones and friends he lost. How everyone grew up too soon and were never really the same people they once were. Would that happen to Shikamaru? Or worse Choji? Shika could maybe handle it but not Choji. Not that she didn't believe in him but he's such a kind-hearted soul that she'd never want him to face more hardship in his life than necessary. The image of a broken and crying Choji crossed her mind and it utterly broke her heart. No! There's no way I'll sit back and let that happen! Especially if I can do something to prevent it from happening! With more determination than before she looked up at Tsunade with fiery eyes, "I understand and accept this mission Tsunade-sama. I will up hold it to the utmost importance and do whatever it takes to succeed." Ino claimed.
"But I do have one request." She said, sadness lacing her voice. Tsunade nodded waiting to hear her request. "We erase Shikamaru's memories of seeing me here right now. I'm sure daddy could do it easily. If we don't I know he'll try his hardest to figure things out or even intervein when I come home. Not that I'm sure he won't try but at least then he'll be in the dark like everyone else." Tsunade could only agree, "I was actually going to propose we do that." Silence loomed over the room as both kunoichi's had plenty on their minds. "I want to leave tonight and I don't want to see Shikamaru before then." She looked away to hide the lone tear streaming down her face. She was going to have to take this seriously and make it seem like she's cut ties with everyone and everything in Konoha for Konoha. Funny.
"I understand." Tsunade said as she pat Ino's shoulder before leaving her to her thoughts. Ino had no time to really dwell on things when she heard a knock come from outside her door. Kurou had walked in with food in hand and a sad smile. He went to sit at Ino's bedside and place a bowl of Ichiraku's Ramen on her lap. Kakashi must be feeling nostalgic. Not really hungry but feeling it'd be rude if she rejected the food she slowly ate. "I hear we won't get to continue our training… I don't know much of your situation but I hear it's best you continue with someone else." Kurou said trying not to sound too upset.
Ino looked at her cousin and felt her heart break. Kami how she wanted to tell him everything and ask him if she'd chosen the right thing to do. But she realized now she was on her own and had to rely solely on herself. "Yes. It's for the best. The time I spent up in the Yamanaka Mountains with you are and will be very precious to me. I can't thank you enough for teaching me all you did and pushing me when I thought I couldn't go any further. As the heiress of the Yamanaka Clan I am indebted to you. You have my thanks and the Clan's gratitude." She said bowing her head to her cousin effectively hiding her watery eyes. Kurou was at a loss for words, he hadn't expected her to formally thank him and he didn't think he needed nor deserved it. He had known it was a service to the main family but it had been such a pleasure to work with her that he thought of it as a simple favor. Nothing that required such thanks.
The Clan's precious princess was growing up nicely and he was more than proud to have been able to witness and help her reach such a milestone in her journey. He had originally expected her to cry or maybe complain that it wasn't fair, he realized he wasn't giving her enough credit. She was truly becoming an heiress their clan would be proud of. "I thank you for allowing me to train you and witness you grow into the beautiful Cosmo you are becoming. Although it was short I will also cherish the time and memories we have together. My little wolf." Kurou said lovingly and smiled warmly at her as she raised her head up. Both cousins couldn't help but shed a few heartwarming tears.
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Outside the room:
Kakashi stood outside awaiting his orders from Tsunade. "You two leave today. I will tell everyone of your departure." She said quietly and with authority. "I'm able to do this my way correct? Train her however I see fit?" He asked glaring at Ino's door. Tsunade nodded her head and walked away trying to plan how she'd go about delivering the news to Ibiki and Inoichi. It was already bringing on a migraine.
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Later that night:
Ino was sitting up waiting for Kakashi to get her so they could leave when suddenly the door opened. She didn't have time to process anything. How a man with a white canary mask rushed in and had her in a choke hold was beyond her. It had taken her a minute before she processed everything and when she did she thrashed, scratched and fought with all her might but then felt something hard hit her head and darkness soon clouded her vision. The cloaked masked man quickly wrapped her up in the hospital bedsheet then flung her over his shoulder.
Staying in the shadows he was about to get out of the hospital through one of the open windows. Going through the trees and using the foliage as cover he made it to the edge of the village. Waiting and observing he was able to go scale the wall and go over it as the guards changed their posts. Finally, out of the village walls he kept going north towards Oto. He hadn't come across any obstacles and had made it half way before stopping and applying a seal on Ino's back. By now the moon was directly above them and Ino began to stir awake. With a blurred vision, she could make out a fire and a figure next to her. Not wanting to give herself away she kept her breathing light and waited, trying to come up with a plan to escape.
She thought her body felt strange but didn't pay it any mind as her attention was on the man. His breathing had become slow and rhythmic and she knew he was asleep. Taking that as her chance to escape she got up and tried to put him under a genjutsu but was unable to produce any chakra. Slightly panicking she jumped up opting to run away via tree hopping but was stopped mid jump. A hand had shot out and caught her ankle and threw her against a tree. "Leaving so soon princess?" A deep throaty voice asked tauntingly. She looked to where the man had been defiantly and went through the hand signs to use her Ice prison Jutsu but again nothing happened. She could feel the man smirking under his mask.
Lowering herself in a fighting stance she was about to lunge at him when beat her to it and swiftly chopped her neck. "Not good enough blondie." He whispered in her ear as her body fell face first into the ground. Again, darkness over took her and she was out. "Good she's feisty." Said the man as he went to put out the fire, put her over his shoulder and continue making his way to his destination. By daybreak he came to an entrance in the ground covered by large shrubs. Going in he was met with utter darkness. Using a fire jutsu he was able to light up a torch that was perched up on the dirt wall. Using the light from the torch he made his way through the labyrinth until he reached a rat filled dirty jail cell. Throwing Ino in there he pulled out a paper thin short black prisoner shirt (long enough to barely cover her butt) and went about changing Ino into. Making sure nothing else was on her and just the shirt he left her there alone with the rats.
Things were about to get fun.
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Smartasswolf23: The whole Shikamaru asking her out and being met with many parental figures telling him hell no will come way later. Lol But yeah, I hope you liked this chapter and I'm sorry for the long wait! I had a lot of things going on and couldn't really type it out but finally I have finished it! Things are about to get extremely dark.
ShikaIno1: I won't lie I did get the idea from Itachi's time doing it but it'll be different and dare I say much darker. Well maybe not that dark... I haven't decided yet. They are about to get crazier and I hope you liked the new chapter and turn of events!
sweetlilly90: I know you said you hoped nothing would go wrong but I just couldn't help myself! I also had wanted to let Inoichi and Ibiki in on it but I have my reasons for them not being in the loop I promise. I felt so bad for Kakashi as I was writing the last chapter though because I feel like he wouldn't want any of his students to have to go through what he did. He was so alone and dejected when he was in ANBU and it caused him more PTSD but I knew he'd be the best for the job. About Ino's jutsu you'll just have to keep reading to find out!
CrucioHime: I'm happy you find it interesting, yup a lot is in store for her!
Guest: Oh, wow thank you for the compliments and I love when other fic's make me feel like that and bring me into the story. I'm so happy I could do that for others! I hope you like the new chapter and any and all criticism or comments are welcome!
JenniJ: Hey tudo é bom! Lamento que tenha me levado tanto tempo para obter este capítulo e obrigado por sempre revisar. Sim, eu acho que Ibiki e Inoichi seriam os únicos que poderiam ter uma reação de Kakashi e estou feliz que foi divertido. Eu me diverti escrevendo essa parte. Sim, ele é muito apegado a Ino, mas acho que tem muito a ver com o fato de ele ter chegado a conhecê-la em um nível mais pessoal, assim como ela conseguindo realmente entendê-lo por causa de A Mente do Clã Jutsu. Ela viu muitas coisas sobre o seu passado que nunca mais ouviram falar. Eu sei que eu realmente queria escrever um pouco de ação InoShika, mas eu tive que parar. Não poderia acontecer ainda, mas eu prometo que vai no futuro! Eu prometo que o plano de Shikaku é necessário e, embora você esteja certo em que ele vai trazer muita dor e sofrimento é necessário e quem mais poderia fazê-lo, mas a nossa heroína favorita! Eu espero que você gostou deste capítulo e não pode esperar para ouvir de você! Obrigado por sempre me dar comentários e comentários agradáveis! :D Como você disse até a próxima vez!