Hello and welcome to chapter 21. The story is now getting spiced up. It's all a part of the main course I have planned to serve you. So, enjoy reading this chapter of "Love of Blondes".

It's been a while since Naruto, Ino, and Yugito left the Hidden Leaf. Naruto and Yugito kept a live conversation with Ino watching the two from behind. She was happy he was getting help, but every time he said 'Onee-chan', it pulled at her heart. Ino knew she had to keep her cool for Naruto's sake. But she also knew she shouldn't let Naruto become too attached to Yugito. She needed to make him remember that she's there too.

"That's how I got control over Matatabi," Yugito concluded her story.

"Wow, you endured all those harsh training just to master your Tailed Beast? You're strong Onee-chan!" Naruto said in amazement. "If only I had that type of training."

Yugito laughed. "I don't think you can handle it."

"Being cocky now, are we?" Naruto pouted.

"Talking about the training makes it seems less harsh than experiencing it."

"SO how much longer are we going to walk for?" Ino injected, being tired of watching from the sidelines.

"We still have some ways to go before stopping for the night. It shouldn't be that far," Yugito answered.

Even though she tried to make some form of communication with Yugito, she couldn't hold it for too long. Before she knew what was happening both Naruto and Yugito were back in their normal conversation. And she was once again left behind. Sadness started to swell up inside of her, but anger stormed inside of her. Some part of it was directed to Naruto, but most was aimed at Yugito. If she doesn't be careful, Yugito could take him away from her.

Yugito's voice rang out to let the blondes know that they will set up camp here for the night. She said she'll take the watch for tonight. Naruto and Ino looked for pieces of wood to start a fire, while Yugito set up camp. Ino was finally alone with Naruto for once and she loved it. She missed the quietness that were better them. Now, she can try to rekindle what they had back when it was only them.

"So Naru-kun, are you ready to finally gain control of that demon within you?"

"You bet. I'll train hard to do it!"

"I know you can do it," Ino slowly starts walking up to Naruto.

"Yeah I know. Besides, I have Onee-chan to help me."

Ino stopped in her tracks. "Yeah."

"Let's head back. Onee-chan's probably wondering where we are."

"Yeah."

Yet again, Yugito is brought back into their world. Ino couldn't help but to keep her gaze to the ground as her fists were tightly balled. As they walked back, the thought of returning to Konoha came into mind. She could slip out in the middle of the night. It wasn't like they were that far from Konoha. By a little after noon, she'll be back home and wouldn't have to see this sight in front of her. She'll be happy if she does that.

'No Ino! What are you thinking? If you do that then Naruto will stay with Yugito. You must see this through to the end.'

Ino sighed and started walking back. By the time they got back, Yugito already had everything set up. They placed the wood on each other and finally realized they needed to find a way to light it. This triggered Ino to show Naruto she could help. She grabbed some dry leaves, some vines, and two sticks and got to work. Using a bow made with the vines and a stick, and a base for the fire, she saw smoke coming up and blew lightly.

The fire started, but a gust of wind came and carried the fire away along with her pride. She went to try again when Yugito stopped her. Yugito placed the sticks back in place and flicked her figure at the pile. A small blue flame left her fingertips and Ino wondered how could that small flame possibly burn the pile. She got her answer when it was completely engulfed in a blue flame. The flame expanded so much, it nearly touched Ino.

A frightened look formed on her face at how close it was to her. Her facial expression only grew worse when she looked at Naruto to only see him smiling and in amazement at Yugito. It was official, Ino's heart cracked. She hugged her legs tightly as she buried her face in her knees. The sheer thought of losing Naruto enraged her. She knew who was the cause but couldn't figure how to vent it. More specifically, how she was going to make sure Yugito stays away.

"Well, well, someone's upset."

A voice rang in her ears and her eyes went wide realizing whose voice that was. "Nine-Tails? But how? You're sealed inside of Naruto."

"That's true, but that moment you went into the kit's head this link was established. It's only now that the connection is complete and stable. And it seems the kit forgot all about you and now only sees the Jinchuuriki of the Two-Tails. Tell me, are you mad?"

"I'm not! I know Naruto still cares about me!" Ino tried defending herself against the fox.

"You cannot lie about that to me. I am hate. I am rage, I am anger."

"And you are annoying, now leave me alone!"

"How can I do that when I came to propose a deal? I'll help you get Yugito out of the picture."

"And in return?"

"I get to keep the kit from interfering. But don't worry, I won't kill him. I'll send my chakra into you and you'll have the power to defeat her. The only thing is, it'll take time for you to adjust to my power. So, do we have a deal?"

When Ino opened her eyes, she was in front of the cage. The Nine-Tails was completely in view of her. She thought carefully about it. He basically told her she could either defeat the intruder and keep Naruto to herself, or continue to do nothing and watch as Naruto gets farther away from her. She took a deep breath as she gave her answer.

"You've got yourself a deal."

Going to end it there. I know this chapter was mainly focused on Ino, but, as you can tell, it's going to get crazy. Before I go, I must give a quick shout-out to YeagerMeister31. Thanks for all the support [and I mean from everyone]. I'll see you in the next chapter.