Normal text – "Naruto"

Thought text – 'Ino'

Jutsu/Bloodline – Rasengan

The Hero and The Florist

Chapter 5

[Naruto PoV]

While Naruto makes his way to where Tsunade's tent was and, on the way, he did some thinking. 'Man, I hope Shizune doesn't question me about rejecting Hinata or lay into me for the way I treated Sakura… I'm tired of people giving me grief over Hinata, and Sakura pushed me too far… insulting Ino like that… I don't care if they have a past, Sakura gets mad at me for insulting Sasuke whenever she's around. I don't see how it's any different. I'm done letting her hit him over the littlest thing. At least Kakashi Sensei and Captain Yamato seem to be in my corner regarding things… Granny Tsunade will probably lecture me as well when she wakes up… Shizune is always a mystery. Guess I'll see when I get there… just hope Sakura isn't there right now. I'm really not in the mood to deal with her right now.'

When he does arrive, Sakura walks out of the tent and turns her head to the side, as not to look him in the eyes, and walked past him without saying a word.

'huh, guess what I said must have had more of an effect than I thought.' Naruto thought as he walks into the tent and speaks with a concerned tone, both for Tsunade and the possibility of a lecture. "Hey Shizune, how is she?"

"She used a lot of her chakra, Naruto… I don't know when she'll wake up, or if she will. The seal really takes a lot out of her every time she uses it… and she's never used it on that large of a scale before…" The dark-haired medic replied in a slightly depressed and concerned tone for her teacher, but she turns to look at the blonde before her. "Now, I heard you turned down Hinata, and stood up to Sakura earlier today when she laid into for it. I must say I'm shocked but also proud of you. I've never agreed with how she kept hitting and yelling at you for the admittedly stupid things you do. In all honesty, I'm sure if it weren't for the fox inside healing you all the time, you'd have brain damage by now."

They both chuckle lightly at that. "Yeah, I wondered if Pervy Sage had any after-effects with how much Granny hit him," he said somewhat solemnly.

"That said, I am surprised you turned down Hinata. However, hearing that you seem interested in Ino Yamanaka, I'll support you as long as you're happy."

Naruto was shocked. He didn't expect Shizune to support him, He half expected a lecture, he's still expecting one from Tsunade when she wakes up. "Thank you…"

"However, you really shouldn't be fighting with your teammate like that… You two have been friends for quite a while now. It'd be bad if you ruined your friendship over pity arguments." Tsunade's Assistant finishes.

Naruto sighs, he knows this is true, but he still felt Sakura went too far... "…I know you're right… but I'm done letting myself get hit by her. I won't hurt her, not intentionally anyhow. Did she tell you about the fight?"

Shizune shook her head as to say 'no' "She didn't say anything. However, she did look troubled… did you say something to shake her?"

Naruto nodded. "I told her about this time when we were kids… I transformed into Sasuke to find out how she felt about me only to learn she found me annoying… and told her that I loved her forehead, that'd I'd kiss it every day…"

Shizune nodded, that would shake her fellow apprentice. Sakura had told her how much that moment meant to her. Naruto too, seemed to understand that that moment seemed to mean a lot to his teammate, but at this point, he didn't care…

"Anyway. I'm gonna head out. I need to get some training in. Sakura and Kakashi Sensei interrupted me before."

[Normal PoV]

Over the next week, Naruto and Ino spent a lot of time together, whether it had been just chatting in her shop, going out for lunch, or training together. Yes, Ino had started training with Naruto, figuring she needed to work on her taijutsu. And over the past week, the two blondes had gotten quite closer. However, they still weren't 'officially' dating, even if everyone who saw them together could tell that they were always off in their own little world. In fact, they wouldn't be surprised if someone were to walk in on them to find them cuddling, her head on his shoulder, his head on hers. Not that they had gotten to cuddling yet, but the obvious attraction was there.

In fact, we find Naruto and Ino walking towards Yakiniku Q to meet Shikamaru and Choji. The other two-thirds of the InoShikaCho decided it was time to confront the man that "wasn't dating" their teammate and childhood friend. No matter how much they denied it, everyone knew it was only a matter of time. Even Hinata, who got declined and was naturally upset at finding out her lifelong crush was interested in someone else, but she was happy that they seemed happy and would support them as long as Ino didn't hurt Naruto.

"Hey! Naruto! Ino! Over here." Choji called out to the future couple grinning seeing the common sight of them walking hand-in-hand. "What a drag… can't you guys walk like normal friends and not be attached to the hip?" Said the lazy shadow user

Naruto looked at Ino, and Ino looked back at him, then they both looked back to their friends in a unified "NOPE!" not even fazed by being caught holding hands after a week of walking like that. In fact, they both had identical grins and Naruto pulling her into a close hug, which caused a squeak of surprise Ino.

"Naruto! I told you not to do that!" Ino said trying to sound angry but had a big smile and slight blush on her face. 'I love it when he does this, love being in his arms period… just wish he'd cuddle with me… but I need to be patient. I know he's still being cautious of Hinata's feelings even if she gave us her ok…'

"Oh, you know you like this." The male blonde teased, blushing as well, having thoughts of holding her a little more intimate than this in private. 'I really do enjoy holding her like this, and even though Hinata wished us well for some reason… I mean we aren't even dating yet and Inoichi, Hinata, and even Neji are ok with us… it's only Sakura, Kurenai, and Hinata's teammates that seem to have a problem. Especially Kiba… I thought he was gonna rip my head off if Hinata didn't call him off…'

"Alright you two, let's get inside… There is a reason the two of us called you two lovebirds here. We'll talk over Barbeque…." Shikamaru said, slightly annoyed, but secretly happy to see the bossy blonde truly happy, grinning internally. 'Maybe we won't need to test him… of course, we still will, even if it's gonna be such a drag…'

'Man can't wait! Shika said he was paying for all-you-can-eat, even if it's to test Naruto… not that I believe we need to. Besides, Ino's likely gonna shoot this down before it begins. She hates it when we do these eating contests' Choji thought, his stomach grumbling.

"Alright, we don't want poor Choji to waste away." Naruto grinds, still holding onto a blushing Ino.

Inside the four took a booth, Naruto and Ino sitting on one side, Shikamaru and Choji on the other, and ordered their drinks. "So, I'm just gonna get straight to the point as to why we're here. While Choji and I support you two 'not dating', as much of a drag as it's gonna be, Choji and I agreed to test you Naruto to see if you're worthy of our teammate and childhood friend." Shikamaru said in his usual bored tone.

"WHAT?!" Shouted a furious Ino. "I'M PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF JUDGING AND DECIDING WHO IS WORTHY OF DATING ME!"

"…and remind me of how well that went 3 years, pining over a certain raven-haired emo…" Quipped the shadow user.

"…Yeah? Well... Naruto isn't anything like Sasuke! He may not be the sharpest tool in shed…" she paused earning a 'Hey…!' from a pouting Naruto… "But he's kind, actually cares about his friends and precious people, always ready to defend those people from any harm, and will not purposely hurt us either… Not to mention he's a perfect gentleman." Stopping once more looking around and finishes quietly so that only the 3 of them could hear her. "and I don't care that he has the strongest of the tailed beasts inside him. Naruto is Naruto… not the fox…"

This earned a shocked look from Naruto. 'She knows… and yet she was still willing to hang out with me…even be seen holding hands with and lets me embrace her like that in public… knowing there are still people in the village who still hate me…?'

His fellow blonde noticed the shock on his face, took his hand, and gave it a reassuring squeeze as Choji and Shikamaru just nodded at what she said.

'They know too…' he mentally chuckled, 'of course they knew… Shikamaru probably figured it out a long time ago and these three share everything even if he hadn't figured it out. Ino would have told them by now…' He smiled and wrapped an arm around Ino's shoulders, pulling her close, and whispers "Thank you…"

She smiles and rests her head on his shoulder, knowing the weight and meaning behind that thank you, giving him a nod. "Don't worry about it. Though you do owe me for not telling yourself."

Naruto just grins, nods, and tells her via her telepathic link that she was able to establish while they were touching. "Well, how about I tell you something else that is likely classified an S class secret that I shouldn't know myself later when we're alone?"

"Why can't you tell me now…? No one else can hear us."

He mentally chuckled, "Because while I believe in your restraint, this is really big news and you'll likely repeat what I saw in a very loud way."

Ino just nodded at that. If it was as big as he was insinuating, she likely wouldn't be able to restrain herself and end up spilling something that could get her killed, as it was with all S class secrets.

"…if you two are done with your private conversation…. Can we get onto what test is….?" Said an annoyed Shikamaru, knowing that they were likely using Ino's family jutsu to talk if their facial expressions were any indicators, while a very hungry Choji was hoping he could eat soon.

"I didn't agree to let you test him in the first place!"

"It's ok. I have a feeling as to what it is… a food race… or endurance challenge… am I right?" The Jinchuriki said in a knowing tone.

"That's right, although I think Shika is just being overly protective and cautious… I know you'll treat her right, and if you don't, I can always ground your body into dust so there wouldn't be much to bury…" The Akimichi started in his usual jolly tone but finished in a serious, but grim tone showing he meant it.

"CHOJI!" Ino shouted.

"Ino, chill, it's ok. If I ever did hurt you, whether we're dating or not, I'd deserve it." Naruto smiles.

Ino sighed and Choji just nodded in approval, thinking 'Well he passes my test. Not many guys would be willing to stand up to that kinda promising threat'

Shikamaru sighed, not really wanting to pay for the ensuing feast knowing how much Choji could eat, but he did promise his best friend regardless… "So, if we're gonna do this, can we agree to it before the waitress gets back?"

"I'm game." The Jinchuriki said.

"No, Naruto. We'll have lunch with them but I'm not going to watch you and Choji pig out on meat and make me sick while doing so…" Ino said firmly.

"What a drag… then how about a-" The Nara started before being Ino cut in. "Enough Shikamaru! My Dad has already approved of Naruto, that should be enough for you! If not you know damn well he'll treat me right, let's just have lunch and go back to our busy lives… Dad is expecting back at my shop, I'm sure Choji's family is expected to help with debris, and you are likely needed at the village defense to plan against future attacks in case the Akatsuki come back."

"Troublesome blonde… fine… then just let me say if you hurt her, you'll be joining Hidan in my family's forest." The shadow user said defeatedly but seriously.

"As I said to Choji, I'd deserve it… I promise you both that I won't hurt her purposely and that I'll protect her with my life in combat." The Uzumaki said seriously, holding her closely, almost possessively at which Ino smiled at him but frowned at Shikamaru for threatening Naruto.

The rest of their lunch outing was enjoyable. Choji got his all-you-can-eat, Naruto and Ino enjoyed a few shared helpings of their own, and Shikamaru only had one helping before deciding to take a nap, knowing that he was gonna be there for a while since he said he'd pay, even if Naruto ended paying for his and Ino's portion saying something about he wasn't gonna let Shikamaru pay for their meal and Choji's, knowing full well how expensive barbeque is compared to ramen and how much the fa…er big-boned Chunin could eat.

Yeah, Naruto almost committed a taboo that could have gotten him killed… Common knowledge among the Leaf: never call an Akimichi fat. that will lead you to an early grave in the most painful way imaginable.

As Naruto and Ino were about to leave, a certain pinkette ran towards them looking like something big has happened. "Sakura, What's up…?" Naruto asked, having calmed down but hasn't talked to her since their fight.

After catching her breath, Sakura kept her gaze away from meeting the future couple. "Oh..um... Hey Naruto, Ino, I just wanted to let you know that Lady Tsunade has woken up and wants to see you two… especially you Naruto."

Ino and Naruto sighed at Sakura's nervousness both thinking 'Is she still bothered by what I/he said to her? She had better not be planning to try and get in the middle of us.'

"Alright Sakura, thanks. We'll head right over to her tent… She's still there right?" Ino replied, not knowing whether or not Naruto was upset with her best friend or not.

"Y-yeah. She is, she may be eating to regain her strength though. See you later." The pinkette said as she ran off, she was still sorting through her feelings and thoughts about the male blonde's revelation and didn't want to talk with him any more than needed, especially since he and Ino were always seemingly joined at the hip, nailing in the fact that Naruto has given up on asking her out.

The blonde duo just sighed and started making their way to Tsunade's tent. When they arrived, they took a deep breath, let go of each others' hands reluctantly, hoping to minimize the possible backlash they both were expecting, and walk in together.

Upon entering, Tsunade looks up from her twelfth bowl of beef and rice dish, causing both Naruto and Ino to sweatdrop a bit thinking the same thing once again. 'At least she has an appetite.' "Oh, there you two are. Thank you for coming so quickly." The Fifth Hokage said putting down her food. "I'd like to thank you Naruto for defeating Pain and restoring the lives we lost during that battle. I'd like a report on what happened before we get into the more personal matters I'd like to speak to the two of you."

So, Naruto told the events of what happened. Ino looked shocked that a simple talking to this Nagato was enough to change his mind and put his faith in the person he set out to capture, where Tsunade just smiled thinking. 'Just like you, Naruto, to be able to sway even your enemies to put their faith in you… Jiraiya did say you had a special gift… looks like he proved that once again… Although I am surprised Nagato was Pain… that little redheaded shrimp that Jiraiya trained… and Konan was a part of the Akatsuki… Wonder how Jiraiya felt, learning they were alive after they were pronounced dead all those years ago…' Then shook her head. "I see… Thank you Naruto… seems many people owe you their lives…"

It was then that Shizune ran into the room in a panic. "Lady Tsunade! The Council hasn't received word that you've woken up and are calling an emergency meeting with the Feudal Lord! They are going vote in a new Hokage!"

All the Blondes in the room said in harmonized in shouting "WHAT?!" Tsunade stood up in a furious rage. "I'm sorry Naruto, Ino, we'll have to continue this later, I'll get the details of what happened after the battle when I finish beating some sense into the council!"

"Let me come with you as an escort! Besides I have something I need to find out… Something which I need to ask you on the way Lady Hokage." Naruto emphasizing those last two words, showing he was serious, shocking the three ladies in the room.

'Naruto's never that formal… could this have to do what he wanted to tell me later, the possible S ranked secret.' Ino thought. Shizune and Tsunade were having similar thoughts only thinking that he must have learned something he shouldn't have. "Very well Naruto, Let's go!" Tsunade nodded and ran out of the tent.

As the older and younger blonde ran to the Council Hall, Naruto was glaring at the Hokage and she noticed the glare. "What is it Naruto, you've never glared at me before."

He didn't say anything other than "You'll find out when you get to the council. I have a feeling they had a hand in the decision not to tell me" in a deep, almost growling voice.

end of chapter

NEW AN: just to inform the readers that I am not really doing anything with the chapters apart from some grammatical fixes. I am basically reuploading Fen's story to keep it alive. though important info will be placed in the last chapter he had made