Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

AN: Thank you very much for the follows, favorites and especially the review. Thank you for reading and your continuous support to my story.

"Speech"
'Thoughts'

Chapter 37: Bug cam is back

—oOo—

Mikoto's POV

—oOo—

At last her bug cam was fixed. She hoped that this one would last longer than her previous bug cam. She was excited to get home and start her information gathering. 'Hmmm… Where can I use this bug cam?' She saw Karin with Hinata on her way home and was struck with the answer to her question. With things planned in her mind she hurried home.

After seeing Karin, she was reminded that she hasn't asked Ino for the details of her date with Sasuke and how far along was their relationship. Normally, she won't have problems in getting Ino alone for a private chat but Inoichi really lived to his title of most overprotective father in Konoha. She decided to use the bug cam in order to set a private conversation with Ino. She immediately released the bug after setting up the monitoring device.

—oOo—

She carefully maneuvered the bug in the streets of Konoha. (1) She would not risk her bug to be accidentally destroyed by a passerby like last time. The bug arrived at the Yamanaka flower shop safely. She maneuvered the bug to check if Ino is in the shop and if she was alone. She found Ino but she's with Shikamaru. 'Hopefully it was just a quick mission related business' she hoped. She maneuvered the bug in a shelf near Ino and decided to visit the flower shop for a private conversation. She was monitoring the events in the flower shop to make sure that she will not arrive when Inoichi was present.

She suddenly stopped and went to a private area when she heard Shikamaru mentioned Gaara's visit to Konoha. She did hear from the elders that the Kazekage is very much smitten with Ino. She decided to listen to Ino's response privately.

*Bug cam Broadcast*

"Then I'll hope he enjoyed his visit to Konoha." Ino replied.

"That's not what I meant and we both know it. Stop being troublesome Ino." Shikamaru responded.

"Then what do you want me to say? That I am sorry that I flirted with the Kazekage because you won't be able to use the political marriage with Temari now that the Kazekage is involved." Ino asked hotly.

"We both know that Temari is not a factor here. My feelings for you are still the same." Shikamaru replied.

"Shikamaru…" Ino started. "If it would make your overactive brain satisfied, I would reject Gaara's advances. Konoha is too precious for me." Ino continued.

"What about the Uchiha?" Shikamaru asked.

"Which Uchiha are we talking about?" Ino questioned.

"The brothers" Shikamaru clarified.

"You mean Itachi and Sasuke? What about them?" Ino inquired.

"Would you reject them too?" Shikamaru asked

"Hold on. I think your brain is getting way too imaginative. Itachi was not interested in me. He was interested to someone else and was asking for my assistance." Ino began.

"Yeah right and those longing lingering looks were just my imagination." Shikamaru interrupted.

Ino ignored Shikamaru's interruption and continued with her explanation. "And Sasuke… come on… this is Sasuke we're talking about. I am like miles away from his dream girl. I don't think he even knows romance. He's definitely not interested to me more than friendship."

"You're everyone's dream girl." Shikamaru commented.

"I'm not" Ino replied.

"Name a guy in our generation that you think was not interested in you at any point of their life." Shikamaru challenged.

"There's Sasuke but you obviously meant for me to name other guys. What about Naruto or Neji?" Ino asked.

"Remember the time when Naruto used to be everywhere you went, well he's harboring a massive crush on you but you're still head over heels to Sasuke and yes I know because he moaned on how lucky Sasuke was because he had your attention. Haven't you wonder why you're always spared from Naruto's pranks even Sakura got pranked in the academy. I often see Neji in that corner spying on you after the chunin exams but you were too mad at him because of what happened at the forest of death so he could not really approach." Shikamaru said as he pointed at the corner at the left side of the shop.

"You're just making that up." Ino retaliated.

"So did you remember any pranks directed to you by Naruto? Haven't you wondered why Neji was good friends with Mr. Tanaka? Hyuugas don't really need eye glasses as far as I can remember." Shikamaru added.

"Fine I might be everyone's dream girl but it doesn't mean Sasuke was interested to have a romantic relationship with me." Ino responded.

"You're just refusing to believe the truth. So are you going to reject them?" Shikamaru asked.

Ino sighed and shared her thoughts. "I don't know, I never thought that something that impossible could happen."

"You're not really answering my question." Shikamaru pointed out.

"Because your question surprised me, I am not prepared but these are my thoughts: Gaara is a toy that I want but I could never afford, Itachi is an ultimate toy but he's a prototype type toy and he's not for sale and Sasuke is the dream toy that was in the planning process thus he's not available." Ino said.

"What about me?" Shikamaru asked.

"You're the toy that was passed down within the family. You're the perfect toy but you're also too precious." Ino answered.

"I know I am a genius but even my genius brain could never comprehend how the female brain works especially yours." Shikamaru replied.

Ino smiled and responded. "I am big girl now Shikamaru and big girls don't play with toys anymore."

Shikamaru sighed and muttered. "Troublesome"

Ino looked at the clock and said. "Well it was almost 4pm you better hurry to Ms. Shinohara's house and deliver this." Ino said to Shikamaru as she passed a bouquet of flowers to him.

"Troublesome" Shikamaru repeated.

"Thanks Shika" Ino replied as he pushed Shikamaru gently out of the shop.

*Bug cam Broadcast*

—oOo—

It would seem that getting her sons settled would be a problem but maybe the Nara genius was wrong and Ino was only helping Itachi. She better investigate the information she got from the bug cam. Interviewing Ino would have to wait.

—oOo—

AN: Thank you for reading my story. I would love to hear your opinions. I am still looking for a beta reader.

(1) Mikoto did not know that the bug cam was destroyed by her son.