The Fox Hidden in the Leaves

Chapter 53: Ino's Trials

By: MikeJV37

----October 15, 8:58 AM, ANBU Headquarters----

Ino was never so scared in her life. She was with her closest friends, Naruto, Hinata, Tayuya, Temari, Shikamaru, Chouji, Tenten, Sasuke and of course Sakura. The last couple days had been hell, she'd had each give her a crash training course in their strength, and though it wasn't much, it had helped. She gave each a big hug and thanked them for the help. "Wish me luck." Ino said then stepped through the door into the next room where she saw, from her right to left, her father Inoichi, Ibiki, Tsunade, Anko and Kurenai behind a large table.... and not one of them was smiling.

"Ino Yamanaka, you wish to take the test to become a Special Jounin?" Tsunade said seriously.

"Hai." Ino said right away, as confidently as she could, but knew her fear came through in her voice.

"Before we begin you understand the risk of just taking this test?" Tsunade said seriously.

"Hai." Ino said and nodded.

"Sign this form and we'll begin." Tsunade said calmly, but there was a subtle hint of pride in her voice she couldn't hold in.

Ino stepped up to the table next to the only chair on her side, glanced over the six page form, took a deep breath, sighed and signed it. Ino glanced at her father and saw a tiny glimmer of pride in his eyes for just a moment.

The lights in the room came up and there were five doors behind them numbered '1' through '4' from her left to right, but the center door was skipped.

"Ino, please enter Roon One and have a seat." Tsunade said calmly, and waited until Ino opened the door. "You can do it Ino." Tsunade said with a smile.

Ino smiled, entered the small room, closed the door and sat in the chair in the middle of the eight by eight foot room.

As soon as the door closed the wall next to it shimmered and faded to reveal a special one-way glass only visible from the outside.

Kurenai stood and stepped near it so she could see Ino, the others behind and beside her. "I'm sorry Ino-chan, I have to do this." Kurenai said sadly, then flashed through a long series of hand signs. "SHADOW STYLE: DARK MIRROR!" Kurenai said and cast one of her special, high level Genjutsu on Ino. "Sometimes I really hate this damn job."

"I'm sorry Kurenai, but you're the only person that can do this part of the exam, our other Genjutsu expert is on a mission in Earth Country." Tsunade said sadly.

In the room Ino screamed in terror as sweat poured off her, but otherwise didn't move in her chair.

Kurenai winced but didn't lose her concentration for an instant. "You've read her file, you know what her greatest fear is.... Ino's a great girl, I hate doing this to her."

"Ino's strong Kurenai, she'll beat it. I know she has a strong submissive streak like her mother, but trust me when I tell you that Ino can't be forced to do something she isn't willing to do. She has a stubborn streak as big as Naruto's, it's a side of her you don't want to...." Inoichi suddenly stopped, smiled and stepped back from Kurenai.

Inside the room, Ino's face had suddenly changed from total fear to angry bitch with severe PMS. She should of been stuck in the chair, but Ino very shakily stood, her entire body trembled with rage.

"Impossible.... she shouldn't be able to stand!" Kurenai said in shock.

Everyone but Inoichi was shocked.

"NO MORE!!!" Ino screamed in rage at the top of her lungs, her chakra spiked to mid-Jounin level for just a moment.

Kurenai screamed a moment and staggered back as if she'd been hit. "I don't know how she did it.... but she broke my Genjutsu." Kurenai said, breathing hard, but with a big smile on her face. "That's one tough little bitch you have there Inoichi, she shouldn't be able to break that Genjutsu, but there's something buried deep in her mind that absolutely refused to surrender.... reminds me of Naruto."

While Anko helped Kurenai back to her seat Inoichi entered the room and brought out Ino, who could barely stand, was drenched in sweat and still trembling from the adrenaline racing through her body. He put her in her chair.

"Congratulations Ino, you passed the first test. You have five minutes to catch your breath before the second test. Would you like some water?" Tsunade said.

Ino smiled and nodded, slumped spread-legged in her chair, her sweat soaked purple suit clung to her body and showed everything in detail, from her braless breasts to the thin fox head patch sewn into the front of her panties.

Inoichi was red faced and had trouble looking at his daughter. "I'll get her some water." Inoichi said then almost ran from the room to get it.

"Even after.... Naruto-kun's birthday.... at Ichiraku's.... he still sees me.... as his.... lil princess.... dads." Ino said between deep breaths, then managed a giggle while she slowly regaied her focus and forced herself to calm down.

Kurenai wrote on the form before her everything that happened in detail. 'I hope you pass Ino.... I can't wait to tell them what I saw buried in your mind.' Kurenai thought with a smile.

----5 Minutes Later----

"Before I enter Room Two, even if I fail you'll help me with any nightmares I'll probably have when this is over?" Ino said, worried.

"Of course I will Princess." Inoichi said with a smile.

"Of course Ino-chan.... I'm sorry I had to put you through that." Kurenai said with a little sadness behind her smile.

"Thank you, and it's ok Kurenai-sensei.... you had to for the test.... I forgive you." Ino said shakily but honestly, then stepped into Room Two and shut the door behind her.

----Inside Room Two----

Ino stood in the almost dark room nervously, the only light from a small, dim bulb over the door. She waited for three minutes but nothing happened. "If this is the second test they wasted their time, I can stand here all day."

The lights suddenly came on and revealed a room fifteen feet wide and thirty feet long, the walls, floor and ceiling were made of the same black metal as the security sections of ANBU headquarters, except that it had a huge seal on every surface that went almost edge-to-edge.

"Sorry to keep you waiting girlie." A female voice said.

Ino turned quickly and saw a woman that looked like her mother, but was dressed in a red version of her outfit and her hair was a deep, almost shadowy black. "Who are you bitch?" Ino said bravely to the mysterious woman.

The woman just smirked in mild amusment. "Oh, the kitten has claws.... I'm scared." The woman said in exaggerated mock fear. "My name isn't important juggs, I'm your second test. You want to get out of here a whole woman.... all you have to do is kick my ass, but so you know, I'm an Elite Jounin assassin, I kill little kunoichi wanna-be's like you by the dozen just to get warmed up." She said in a cold, sadistic voice.

Ino shivered a moment as she looked at the floor, she couldn't believe what was happening.

The woman smiled sadistically. "Oh, did I scare you, are you about to piss your panties little girl. You come over here, lick my pussy to my satisfaction, and I'll only cut off your nipples before I let you leave in disgrace." She said in a voice that left no doubt she was deadly serious.

Ino's head shot up and she stared right into the woman's cold eyes, there was absolutely no fear on Ino's face. "Ino Yamanaka only submits to one person.... and it isn't you bitch!!" Ino screaemd with rage, her chakra jumped up to near Jounin level. Ino bit her right thumb to make it bleed then flashed through twenty hand signs at lightning speed. "KUNOICHI'S RAGE!" Ino screamed, then her skin turned deep red, her chakra jumped to high-Jounin level and she dropped into her special Taijutsu stance.

----Outside Room 2----

"What the fuck?! Did she just open five Celestial Gates at once or is this just that jutsu?" Ibiki said in a shocked voice as he watched Ino through the special glass.

"It wasn't the Celestal Gates, but anyone below a high level Jounin would of been fooled, I had no idea she could do this though. Kami protect her.... I hope you know what you're doing Princess." Inoichi said, visibly worried. He didn't say it, but a glance at the others told him they felt it too, Ino was burning through her chaka at an incredible rate, whatever this jutsu does to her body to raise her chakra this high, he just hoped any damage was temporary.

They all watched in shock as the two kunoichi blurred around the room trading punches and kicks, and to their amazment, Ino landed as many hits as her opponent, and all were to her breasts and crotch.

Ater two minutes Ino kicked the woman away and paused about fifteen feet from her, both sweating heavily. "Damnit, you are strong.... but I will not be forced to submit to some crazy bitch.... I have no choice.... I have to finish the jutsu, I just hope it doesn't kill me." Ino said between pants.

"Hold on a second...." The red clad kunoichi said as she raised a hand. "That jutsu has a second level that could make you as strong or even stronger than me?"

Ino glared at her curiously. "Hai, I've never used this much chakra practicing it so I really don't know what will happen." Ino said panting hard, her hands ready to do the signs.

"So you'd rather fight to the death than submit to an enemy?" She waited a moment, then smiled when Ino nodded. "You truely have the Will of Fire.... you passed the second test Ino."

The instant she said it, to Ino's shock, the woman changed into a very tired looking and very sweaty Anko in her full battle gear and chakra armor.

Ino released her jutsu, her skin returned to normal and she dropped to the floor bomelessly.

Anko blurred across the room and caught Ino before her head hit the floor. Anko lifted her up bridal style and carried her out of the room. When she got to the others she glanced down and saw that Ino was out cold. Anko smiled. "I'm not ashamed to say this Tsunade.... if I didn't have this chakra armor on and gone all out.... she would of kicked my ass around that room like I was her personal bitch."

Tsunade nodded, still stunned Anko had to go all out, and did a quick scan of Ino. "Her muscles are badly stressed and she has severe chakra exhaustion.... but she'll be fine in a week.... maybe less if we use that Spring she found." Tsunade said, and thought a moment for a name. "Kintara!" Tsunade said and a blue-eyed kitsune girl with short, black-striped red hair, was Tayuya's size and buoild with one tail, appeared before her in a puff of red smoke.

"You called Tsunade-sama.... Ino-sama!" Kintara said, worried.

Tsunade saw the confusion on their faces. "This is Kintara, the kitsune Naruto assigned to Ino to watch her train and guard the clearing. He didn't tell me more than that. Kintara take Ino to her place, put her in the spring and take care of her until she's recovered. Until I saw so, nobody sees her except Naruto, Hinata, Shizune and myself.... and no matter what she says when she wakes up, she's not to leave the clearing or do anything strenuous." Tsunade put Ino in the Kitsune girl's arms, then got face-to-face with Kintara and spiked her chakra enough to make Kintara flinch. "If she does.... I'll have your head on my bedroom wall. Dismissed." Tsunade said with no emotions.

Kintara nodded and vanished in a puff of red smoke.

The others looked at Tsunade like she'd gone insane.

"Was that necessary Tsunade-sama? You, more than us, know how loyal they are." A tired Anko said.

Tsunade sighed. "You're right, I lost my head a moment there. I'll apologize to her later, that threat was uncalled for, I forgot that she and Ino are friends.... I think I had too much coffee this morning." Tsunade said and smirked playfuly to break the tension.

They laughed a minute until Tsunade quieted them.

"I don't think we need to go any further.... she needs some help to bring her skills and chakra reserves up to the proper level.... but are we in agreement?"

Everyone nodded and replied with a "Hai." and smile, especially Inoichi.

"Oh.... I'd appreciate it if nobody mentioned what I said about Ino kicking my ass around the room." Anko said seriously, but slightly embarrassed.

Everyone nodded.

----4:47 PM, Ino's Place----

Ino slowly opened her eyes and moaned in a tired but relaxed voice. "Wh, where am I.... hello Kintara." Ino said and gave her a small smile.

"Good afternoon Ino-sama.... it's good to see you awake finally." Kintara said with a happy smile.

Ino's eyebrows went up. "Afternoon.... uh, how long was I out, is it still October Fifteenth?"

"Hai, its almost five o'clock.... you feel strong enough to stand?" Kintara said.

"Maybe for a moment if I've been soaking that long." Ino said, then shakily stood up, stepped out of the Hot Spring and was wrapped in a big fluffy towel by Kntara. "I could use some help getting to the bedroom, even with the Spring I'm amazed I can even stand.... I've never pushed myself so hard before." Ino said as she let Kintara walk her to her bedroom, towel her off, help her into some clean panties, loose black shorts, short-sleeved purple shirt, and sat her on her bed.

"I'll be back in ten minutes to take you to the kitchen, you have to eat something." Kintara paused a moment and flinched slightly. 'Ino-sama.... please don't do anything strenuous, just sit and relax until I return."

Ino thought a moment and smirked. "Tsunade-sama?"

Kintara flinched. "Hai, she was most insistant that you rest and relax."

"A couple days with nothing to do but sit around and read.... I can handle that." Ino said with a big smile.

Kintara clenched her fist a moment like she'd forgotten something, then closed her eyes and didn't move for three seconds, then smiled happily. "Tsunade-sama has been informed, she'll be here shortly." Kintara said then dashed out of the room.

Ino layed back on her bed, a big smile on her face. "I'll have to do something special for Naruto to thank him for getting this place for me. It would of taken me a couple more years to save enough to buy it myself." Ino paused a moment then laughed. "Ow.... still sore. I still can't believe that not only did I lose Sasuke to Tenten, but Forehead beat me to the alter, with Naruto.... and got pregnant first! He may of been a loud-mouthed knucklehead back then.... but I always thought he had potential, and Hinata.... oh Kami I wish I'd gotten to know her better.... how in Kami's name did she hide those tits anyway, I should of paid more attention, I could of had her and Naruto-kun. I'd be damn sexy with a blonde tail and cute fox ears on top my head.... and I bet Forehead can't use her tongue like I can." Ino said, smiled slyly and giggled.

"You'll have to teach me then Ino-pig." Sakura said playfully.

Ino sat up with a grunt of pain and stared at the doorway to her bedroom. "When did you get here?" Ino said shocked and a little embarrassed.

"I brought her." Tsunade said as she stepped into view and followed Sakura into the room.

"I'll have to ask Hinata-chan if she's willing." Naruto said as he followed Tsunade in.

"Tsunade-sama, N,Naruto-kun, I...." Ino said as she blushed red.

"Calm down Ino, it's okay, we don't mind. Lay down and relax while we check you over." Tsunade said in a calm, friendly voice.

Ino nodded, layed down and relaxed, she didn't even flinch when Sakura gently slid her shorts and pantied down and off, then spread her legs. "Is this really medical Sakura, or did your curiousity finally get the beter of you?" Ino said playfully.

"Can I hit her just once in the cunt.... I'll heal her afterwards I promise." Sakura said seriously.

Ino squeaked and tried to close her legs, but Sakura stood between them and blocked her. not that her legs had much strength anyway..

"No Sakura.... I can't let you assault your superiors like that." Tsunade said, smirked and stopped her diagnostic jutsu as she waited for Ino's reaction.

"Yeah Forehead, you can't just go around hitting your superiors in the...." Ino's eyes suddenly got as big as saucers and she lifted her head. "You mean I passed Tsunade-sama?" Ino said, her voice full of hope. "Eek!" Ino said as she felt Sakura gently kiss her pussy lips.

"Congratulations Ino-sensei." Sakura said and smiled slyly. "When you're healed Ino, I'll finish what I started with that kiss, then we'll see who has the better tongue." Sakura said and winked seductively at Ino.

Ino looked in her long time friend's slitted green eyes with shock, then smiled as she realized Sakura was serious.

"Congratulations Ino. When you're fully recovered come see me at my office and we'll make it official, there's some forms you have to sign. Naruto-kun, would you tell Kintara we're staying for dinner, and I want to talk to her when she gets a few minutes free."

"Sure Tsunade-chan.... and I'm looking forward to tasting your food Ino-chan." Naruto smiled.

"Hai, Naruto-kun. As soon as I'm strong enough I'd be happy to cook for you, and all our friends, we'll make it a housewarming and promotion party.... the Twentieth Tsunade-sama?" Ino said.

Naruto nodded and left the room.

"If you do what I say, you should be fully recovered by then. Ino.... can I take some water from the spring, there may be something in it I can duplicate to help shinobi recover faster from chakra exhaustion and help civilians heal faster from injuries." Tsunade said.

"Hai Tsunade-sama, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it three years ago." Ino said sadly.

----Ino's Kitchen----

Kintara suddenly turned and bowed. "Greetings Naruto-sama, how may I help you"

"Tsunade-chan just wanted me to tell you we're staying for dinner, and when you have a few minutes free Tsunade wants to talk to you about what happened earlier. Relax, she isn't mad at you." Naruto turned to head back, stopped and looked at Kintara. "Please invite Mallakami to make some of her special tea and cakes for a party here the twentieth, Ino-chan would love them." Naruto said then smiled and walked away.

----Ino's Bedroom----

"Your muscles are still a weak, but the damage to your breasts and reproductive system aren't as bad as they probably feel, Anko hurt you a little more than we expected, but you didn't give her any choice. If she hadn't you wouldn't of taken the fight so seriously, you had to believe she was ready to maim or even kill you." Tsunade said.

"I did Tsunade-sama.... I saw it in the forms that you couldn't be held responsible for any injuries I suffered, even if I died. It was similar to the form I signed during the Chuunin Exam before the Forest of Death. That first test was Kurenai's Genjutsu wasn't it?" Ino said.

"Hai." Tsunade said, then her face got serious. "By the way, before you can sign the promotion form I want you to use some of this free time to fill out some blank scrolls I'll bring over in the morning with every jutsu you created, I want the hand signs, how much chakra they use, everything.... clear? You aren't going to just lay around all day and read fashion magazines." Tsunade said then smirked.

Ino pouted. "Hai.... bitch-sama." Ino said with a huge playfull smile.

Tsunade glared at Ino a moment with clenched teeth, then grabbed Ino's chin, turned her head, leaned in close and whispered in Ino's ear a minute.

Ino's eyes opened wide and she clenched her jaw. "Oh come on Tsunade-sama, you can't be serious about that .... you, you wounldn't.... please Tsunade-sama."

"Oh don't bother kissing my ass now, it's too late for that. I'm doing this as Tsunade Namikaze, not as your Hokage.... this is just between us girls. You want to continue the challange... or do you surrender?" Tsunade said in a serious, but playful voice.

Ino whimpered. "I submit, you win.... I'll do it Tsunade-chan, but you'll have to wait until I've recovered.... I can barely even stand right now."

"Don't look at me for help Ino-chan...." Sakura said and held up her hands. "Ouka-chan told me that even when she was our age Tsunade rarely lost a challenge with the other girls, most wouldn't try a second time."

Tsunade smiled proudly. "Queen Bitch of Konoha's Kunoichi."

"Ahem...." A male voice said.

Everyone looked at the doorway and saw Naruto there with a smirk. Tsunade's smile fell and she tried to shrink into her clothes.

"What just happened?" Ino said confused.

"What was that.... slutnade?" Naruto said with a smirk.

Ino smiled. "Did someone.... put Tsunade in her place in the challenge?"

"Shut up Ino.... please don't tell her I said that Naruto-sama I was just playing with Ino.... I'll do anything." Tsunade said in submission.

"Please tell me Naruto-kun, is it...." Ino said excitedly.

"Don't say it Ino, keep what you're thinking to yourself. Ino.... that little nickname you just heard.... if you want me to keep my part of our deal I suggest you keep it to yourself, only two people outside this room know it, and you will not use it without my permission.... if you do I'll find out."

Ino paled. "Hai Naruto-sama, I promise.... uh, so did you hear about my tests?" Ino said, wanting to change the subject.

Naruto smiled. "Hai, I heard you did really well and we're really proud of you, I don't know the details though, they're still writing their reports. Tsunade-chan, can I see you over here for a moment."

Tsunade nodded and walked over, she had a feeling what this was about. When she got close she felt Naruto enter her mindscape.

"Sakura-chan would you help me get my panties and shorts back on, I'm still pretty sore.... and I'd rather not eat dinner nude.... again, ever dropped hot noodles on your tits or pussy" Ino said and cringed at the painful memory.

"No I haven't, but I'll help you dress you lazy slut." Sakura said playfully and giggled.

End Chapter 53