Can our inner demons find love

by fanmademe

What if Naruto didn't go with Jiraiya for two years but only for short training trips and returned over and over. The girls find him interesting, Sasuke has a older sister and the Akatsuki are not all they seem to be. Pairing will change over times but start with Naruto/Hinata/Sakura/Ino, femItachi, Temari, Tenten and Tayuya. Lemon, smut and changing points of views.

39. The Aftermath

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto.

Warning: The following will contain material that some viewers may not find suitable. There will be smut, graphic explicit sex, lemons at random moments, character deaths, and multiple pairings. There will be no additional warning as without reading the smut what little plot there is will not make any sense. You have been warned.

Author's Note: I am having a lot of fun writing this story and trying to come up with new plot lines outside of the normal canon while staying within the framework Kishimoto has provided. As you can imagine it takes much longer to make something new then just rewrite the fight on the great Naruto bridge, with that said I am going to move more and more OOC. I hope you all continue to enjoy the ride with me.

Can our inner demons love

Chapter Thirty-Eight

The Aftermath

Lagging behind Sakura watched Naruto jump from branch to branch talking to Ino about their little adventure playing princesses. 'Jealous much?', said Inner from the back of her head. 'NO!, of course not,', is her automatic response but deep down she worries Naruto may fall out of love with her or worst dump her for her hot blonde friend.

'So we talking again?', Sakura asks her inner voice with some trepidation.

A picture of herself hiding under the covers as a child pops in her head, showing Inner's reluctance to come out and talk. "We can't keep doing this, it's been three days, we will be in the village by tomorrow night.", she said out loud before noticing her slip up, she smiles at Ino who had turned to give her a worried look.

'You going to look crazy if you keep that up you know,', said Inner knowing this was a touchy subject. 'Then talk to me dammit', thought Sakura almost missing her next landing as she jumped to the next tree. This would be so much easier if they were walking, dam Naruto and his rush to get back to the village.

Kakashi sensei holds up his arm in the hold position and everyone freezes once they land on their next branch. He motions everyone to take cover and points down. Once hidden behind some smaller branches Sakura looks down and can see a group of five Kumogakure Anbu moving quickly in the open, they seem to be in a hurry to get back to their village as they did nothing to hide their tracks or even remain undercover.

With a wave, Kakashi calls them over. "It looks like Kumo is recalling all of their deployed agents.", he said pointing to the retreating shinobi. "We will need to be more watchful, running into a group like that could lead to an unnecessary fight." Kakashi checks the sun and reviewing a map says, "We should camp in the next mile or two, after that it's open fields for the next 20 miles and it would be best if we crossed it in the dark."

With everyone in agreement they move up higher into the tree canopy, it was slower and harder to find a path on the small leafy branches but it would be near impossible for any non-sensor to spot them. Ino decided that Sakura needed a babysitter and didn't leave her side until they dropped to the ground to set up camp.

After eating a warm meal by the fire everyone agreed it would be best to call it an early night so they can get some sleep. Naruto set up an army of clones to watch over the camp and to wake them around 2am so they can make the run across the open grassland to fire country.

"Come on Ino-pig, I can do this myself," said Sakura dropping that old nickname hoping to chase Ino away so she could finish putting up her tent in peace.

Pulling the tent ropes out of Sakura's shaking hands, Ino started to untangle them looking over at the boys setting up their tents in the firelight, she said, "Listen to yourself Forehead, you're as tangled as these tent ropes, let me help you with both of your issues and we can all sleep better.", as she showed the ropes all neatly laid out to be tied down for the night.

Looking at her hands and knowing she can't stop or control the shaking she allows Ino to help finish setting up the tent poles and laying out her bedroll Sakura crawls into the tent and lays face down on it. She needs a good night's rest but her mind is running a thousand miles an hour, 'This is going to be another long sleepless night', she thinks.

Hearing the zipper of the tent being pulled down she wasn't expecting a pair of soft hands to start rubbing her back and working up to her shoulders. "Feeling better now Forehead," said Ino leaning down and biting on her ear playfully. Sitting back up she continues the back rub until she can feel the tenseness start to leave Sakura's body. Having already removed her sandals Sakura felt Ino working on her feet and then working her way up her super smooth legs until reaching under her dress to work on her thighs. Without wanting this Sakura realized how horny Ino was making her.

"Ino I don't think it's a good idea, the guys are just right outside,", Sakura gives a half-hearted attempt at stopping Ino as she felt the zipper on her dress being pulled down. "Oh come on Sakura it's just a back rub, you need to relax.", said Ino pulling Sakura's arms down to her sides so she can slip the dress down and throw it to the side looked down at a pantie clad Sakura. Small goosebumps along her arms and legs gave testament to the chill of the night.

Ino marveled at how smooth Sakura's skin was, there wasn't a bump or a blemish to be found, and how she was able to remove any trace of hair from her body but for the pink locks on her head was a trick she needed to learn.

Going back to work on Sakura's back Ino asked, "So you haven't touched Naruto sense whatever happen in the shower?", getting a grunt of agreement Ino continued by moving higher to work on her shoulders. "He didn't force you or anything now did he? You looked quite the mess when I went in there.", she asked hoping the answer was no but ready to kick the ass of a certain dumb blonde if needs be.

The small laugh had Ino worried at first before Sakura said, "We had to beg and force him to use us but once he got started he didn't slow down but it was all me Ino so don't worry." Looking back at Ino over her shoulder she continued, "This is one of the 'issues' I have," she said with air quotes, "I or should I say my Inner me wants to be controlled sometimes and will not back down until she gets what she wants."

Putting her head back down Sakura wiggled her butt in the air trying to get Ino to move lower. Now that she has Sakura opening up about her other self Ino didn't take the bait and stopped at her lower back, "Soooo, tell me how that works, does this Inner self push you aside, or is it more a strong desire.", said Ino trying to do a little therapy before moving on, or should she say lower.

Sensing she isn't going to get what she wants Sakura lets out a deep shy and says, "No it's much more than a desire, she talks to me like I talk to you and tells me outright to get out of the way it's her turn."

"Wow that's fucked up,", says Ino without thinking, "Ya I know it is,", says Sakura not getting upset at Ino's little truth bomb. "Come on Ino, enough psychotherapy.", said Sakura raising her butt in the air in a not-so-subtle hint.

"In a minute, I got one more question,", said Ino pushing Sakura's ass back down and straddling her legs so she can't roll over or really move much at all without hurting someone, mainly Ino. "Do you know you refer to yourself as 'We' a lot?", holding her down by her shoulders Ino used her thumbs to push up against the bottom of Sakura's skull until she felt the built-up stress release.

Letting out a long groan that Ino was sure the guys could hear Sakura let her whole body relax when they both heard a pop in her neck as it moved back into place. 'Who knew that Ino was such a good masseuse,', thought Sakura, 'going to have to find a way to pay her back for this.'

After waiting for a minute or two to enjoy the release of all that tension, Sakura responds, "We don't, Oops, I mean I don't really notice unless I am really thinking about the words I want to use. She sometimes is an echo of my thoughts but mostly it's a conversation and we are coming to an agreement on what to say.", is Sakura's final explanation.

"That's enough for now, so either move lower or get out and let me take care of it.", said Inner coming to the forefront. Ino sensing the change slides he ass down Sakura's legs until she is facing the most perfect of little round asses.

"I hear Inner wants to come out and play?", asks Ino as she pulls the pink panties off to join the dress. "Oh ya, I want to play all right.", said Inner with a much deeper sexy voice than Sakura normally uses.

Sitting back on Sakura's legs below the knees Ino massaged up her thighs and onto her ass cheeks, rubbing them not so gently but getting nothing but a low moan she decides to see just how far this Inner will let her go.

Using her left hand she slides it up between Sakura's tightly closed thighs until she can feel a warm wet pussy. Using her own legs Ino prevents Sakura from spreading hers as she slips a finger into her depths and slowly rubs little circles, her hand gets soaked in the process making it easy to slide in and out between her closed thighs.

Seeing that Sakura is totally into it Ino leans back and using her right-hand slaps that wonderful ass. Sakura jumps but doesn't say anything so Ino spanks her over and over pushing one then another finger deep into the squirming girl.

Shoving the corner of the bedroll in her mouth Sakura pushes back into a half-kneeling position causing Ino's hand to slide completely into her. With wide eyes, Ino watches as Sakura bucks back into her and screams into the bedroll as her whole body shakes in what looks like the world's best orgasm.

Now with a cherry red ass pushed up in the air and her hand buried up to the wrest in her sometimes girlfriend Ino wonders now what as she tried to pull her hand free. Sakura jerks back and squeezes down on her hand so tightly Ino wonders if this is some jutsu she learned.

"Mooooore,", moans out the little pink-haired girl as her inner muscles hold on tightly to Ino not letter her go. Curious as to just how far Sakura wants to take this Ino pushes her hand deeper before pulling partway out. As she continues to build a rhythm Sakura pushes back until she is fulling on her knees with her legs still held together by Ino's legs. Ino can feel Sakura's inner muscles tighten and release with each movement, thinking it's a wonder Naruto can last even a minute she runs her free hand over a red cheek.

Getting an idea Ino sucks her thumb getting it good and wet with her saliva and then when Sakura pushes back she pressed her thumb into her ass until her palm is flat against an overheated red check. Now with both holes filled Sakura seems to lose control of her own body as she just wiggles and shakes with no purpose. It takes ten maybe twenty seconds before Ino is rewarded with another silent scream as Sakura quivers beneath her before falling limp and landing on her side. Ino's hands pop free as Sakura falls over releasing a stream of juices to flow out and down Sakura's legs.

"Now that was different.", said Ino but getting no response she rolls the pink hair girl onto her back and checked that she is still breathing. In classic Sakura style, she passed out and is dead to the world. Ino has to force her mouth open to pull the bed roll out of her mouth before throwing a blanket over her.

The tent is small, meant for one person on an overnight mission, and Ino thinks it would be best if Sakura woke up alone to give her and her Inner self time to sort things out before they have to run in the dark for 20 miles like a bunch of lunatic marathon runners.

Checking the blanket on the exhausted girl, she covers her as best she can before leaving and zipping the tent up, standing tall Ino can see that everyone is in their tents sleeping as she staggers over to her own tent. She doesn't bother to get undressed as she falls into her own deep sleep, dreaming of pink hair and red ass cheeks.

…..

Arriving at the main gates of the village the next day, I can tell by the setting sun it late, it has been a long 18 hours of running non-stop using soldier pills to keep going, everyone that is but Naruto, he seemed to have his own power source and would carry me or Ino for miles so we could get some rest.

Kakashi sends us all home saying he will report to the Hokage and we will meet in her office in the morning. That sounds good to me and I fall into the waiting arms of Hinata who magically showed up at the gate as soon as we entered. Knowing her she had been watching us get closer for the last few miles before we got to the gate. Her skill and raw power with the Byakugan were growing every day.

I see Ino being greeted by her father and they both head back to her clan's compound, the look she gave me over her father's shoulder tells me we will be talking later about what was said last night in the tent.

Resting my head on Hinata's shoulder drawing warmth and comfort from her embrace I look through her hair to see Naruto talking to a 6-foot tall toad waving his arms about as if he is arguing with the amphibian. Giving up he runs up to Ino and hands her a couple of scrolls from inside his orange jacket and jumps on the back of the toad, the toad makes a hand sign and they disappear in a cloud of smoke. 'So that is what a reverse summons looks like', I think.

Pulling away from Hinata I look into those iridescent pools she calls eyes, "Any idea where they went?", I ask seeing she has her Byakugan active.

Hinata look right through me and I can see her lips in a tight line as if she is upset about something, "He is with Master Jiraiya near the hot springs,", Hinata said in her soft voice all Hyuga's use, pausing a moment as she watches Naruto pull Jiraiya out of some bushes before disappearing again in a puff of smoke, she continues, "They are now in the Hokage's office with some women in chains." Shaking her head she drops the Byakugan, "They activated some type of seal, I can't see inside the Hokage tower."

"Any idea what that was all about?", I asked still holding her hands in mine so she can't run off like I know she wants to do. "The woman in chains almost looked like the one Shikamaru fought but I was told she died at the hospital."

Figuring we would hear about it later from Naruto, Hinata pulls me away from the gate and toward the Hyuga compound. I really needed a soft bed and a long night's sleep at this point, Hinata the angel that she is knew what I needed before I did.

"Are you hurt or hungry?", she asked as we entered a side gate into the compound that only main branch family members are allowed to use. "Not really, just really burned out, we used way too many soldier pills.", I answer as we weaver around the garden paths and into the maze of hallways and doors.

Entering my assigned room I see it has been kept clean, neat, and fully dusted as everything is in its place and not one extra piece added to the decor. Dropping my bag in the corner, watching its contents spill out onto the floor, I don't give it a second thought as I walk to the bed and fall face-first into the soft cotton covers.

I feel Hinata undoing my sandals and unzipping my dress as she says, "Come on Sakura, you need to take a bath.", as she rolls me over and pulls me into the bathroom. As always the shower is powerful with never-ending hot water.

Drying off I find a cotton night grown hanging on the back of the door, exiting the bathroom drying my hair I see the bed pulled down and a note on the pillow. Picking it up I read, "See you in the morning, I have clan business to attend to. Love H."

Clan business, she means her father heard I am back and wants to make sure she doesn't end up spending the night. 'Oh, well, I think not having enough energy to even get upset about it I crawl under the cover, and turning off the lamp I pass out into a dreamless sleep.

…..

"Father", said Ino as Naruto leaves in a puff of toad smoke, "We need to talk." Looking over his shoulder at her dear friend Sakura as she hangs off of Hinata like her life depended on it. She can tell Hinata was tracking Naruto's movements with her magic eyes and was paying very little real attention to the pink-haired girl in her arms.

Hinata was a singularly focused individual or as her father had told her many times, 'Obsessive compulsive' with a borderline 'anxiety disorder' but who doesn't have a couple of things wrong with them in a world where you can see through walls and inside peoples' chakra networks. That, Ino was sure, is what dives most Hyuga a little 'nuts' as her mother liked to say.

Not that the Yamanaka clan didn't have its fair share of deviants and psychopaths but they were very good at finding them young before they go off and try to kill the whole clan. They even had a special section of the clan mausoleum for the children that couldn't be rehabilitated. Some said that the caged bird seal was better but the clan decided long before joining the village they would keep the stigma hidden.

Following Sakura, with her eyes as she and Hinata head off to the Hyuga compound, Ino linked arms with her father and started walking to the flower shop. With the majority of the clan living in cottages at the edge of the Nara forest hidden behind the grand houses of the Akimichi, most people didn't know the Yamanaka's numbered in the thousands and they liked to keep it that way.

The small little harmless flower shop was all anybody needed to know about the mind walkers and how they watched everyone in and around the village. Only the Hokage and Master Jiraiya knew of the vast network of spies the Yamanaka's provided the village hidden in the leaves.

Entering the living quarters Ino dropped her bag and laid out the scrolls Naruto has entrusted her with on the coffee table. "Why don't you rest princess we can talk in the morning," Inoichi said looking at the exhausted girl sitting on the sofa, she had this far away look to her that worried him.

"Your mother will be home soon and I don't want her upset seeing you like this.", said Inoichi waving his hand at her to encompass Ino and her stuff she dropped around her.

"OK, OK,", said Ino picking up her things and taking them into her room at the end of the hall. Hearing her Mother's voice in the other room she decided to take a shower and change before the Yamanaka clan's matriarch come storming into her room.

As she was drying her hair she hears in her mind, "Come join us." with a mental picture of the dining room with plates of food laid out. Her stomach agrees that it would be a good idea as she finishes getting dressed and head out.

She thought that eating at the palace for the last two months would have spoiled her but there was still something special about eating food your mother cooks for you that no amount of money could buy.

Food and small talk about nothing important filled the time until the last plate was cleaned off and the three of them sat around the small dining table. "Let us talk.", said her mother holding out her hands to her husband and daughter. Linking hands the three join minds as their eyes go blank and they appear to any outside observer to be in some type of prayer.

In the shared mindscape each family member chooses their avatar to reflect their inner being. Standing on an endless white plain the three stood facing each other. Ino in the royal robes she had acquired a taste for over the last couple of months.

Her mother was in a burnt red dress that touched the flood with a high collar up under to chin with pearls and diamond woven into her hair. The sleeves of her dress hanged past her hands to move in an unfelt wind.

Inoichi, always the hero was in a full suit of black armor from the warring clans period, each piece covered with gold and silver scrollwork, with two swords, one long, the other short at his hip. He looked ready for battle or a parade.

Turning to Ino Suzuki said, "I see the has Demon has corrupted you.", pointing to Ino's dress that now had red flames running around the bottom and flaring up the sides to only fade away as if never to be seen again.

"Mother!, Please, Naruto is not a Demon and the chakra he shared with me saved my life.", Ino said turning to fully face her mother who seemed to have risen up on a dais so she can look down on Ino.

"I want both of you to stop this,", said Inoichi, "We are long past this and we have an agreement, Ino is free to choose for now, as long as she remembers she is the Heiress."

"Thank you Father.", Ino said with a formal bow. "That is why I wish to talk to you both, Naruto has lived a hard life and I wish to help him reach a level of normalcy."

"You can not marry that fool, even looking past his prisoner he is not fit and you are bound to another.", Suzuki said lowing herself down to eye level.

Looking to her father for help she is shocked when she hears him say, "Your mother is right Ino. As the future leader of the clan, you must marry within the family as it has been done for the last 500 years."

Ino swings around so her back is to them so they can not see the tears that wish to fall.

"I have been clear your whole life Ino, when your bother died and you became the heir I told you what had to be done. This is not news. Once you reach Jonin your days of serving others will be over and you will take your place at the head table.", Inoichi said pleading that Ino doesn't turn on the clan like her bother and have to be 'Dealt With' like so many others over the years.

"The clan comes before self, you know that Ino.", said her mother placing her hands on her shoulders from behind. "Like your father and I, you will grow into the love and your bond will be strengthened with children."

Remembering her bother and the wild-eyed girl he professed undying love for Ino knows she can not refuse. "I may marry who you wish but my love is mine and mine alone to give.", she said pulling away from her mothers' hands and turning to face them both.

"I will do what every Heiress has done, from the Uchiha to the Hyuga, even the Nara have done it before as logic demands.", Ino challenges them to say otherwise, she will take a lover and still bare the children the clan requires.

Inoichi and Suzuki draw close together and look upon their daughter in her fierce determination.

"As you wish but sharing of clan secrets and worst yet forcing a man to bond to you is a forbidden Jutsu even a leader can not cross.", Inoichi said holding hands with his wife more to hold her back than for any support he needed.

Laughing Ino spins around in a circle and says, "Moving a mountain or changing the course of a river is easier than forcing Naruto to do anything he does not wish to do."

Growing tired Ino looks to her parents and says, "Enough clan business for one night." Shaking her hands in their shared mindscape she breaks the bond and takes a deep breath. For them, an hour has gone by for the outside world only a minute or two have passed.

Taking a long drink from the glass of water in front of her Ino still marvels at the strength of will her mother's mind possesses, its a wonder she wasn't made clan head but for that incident with her own father. It seems grandfather had a gambling problem and was willing to sell anything, even clan secrets. It had taken years to hunt down all his contacts and remove any memories they may have of him and what he shared.

"Was there anything else you wished to talk to us about?", said Inoichi giving Ino's hand one more squeeze before backing away to his own chair.

"Yes,", said Ino getting up and retrieving the three scrolls Naruto had given her, placing them down on the table she unrolled one, drawing some blood from a finger she summoned the contents. A large bag containing gold coins was now sitting on the table, its weight bending the middle of the table slightly downward.

Suzuki stood up and looked at her daughter before picking up her teacup and walking into the kitchen, "Turning into a common thief." she said under her breath but still clear for all to hear.

"Would you care to explain how you came to have a bag of Kumogakure gold?" Inoichi said, pointing to the symbol on the bag, "One that seems to be from the royal court of the Daimyo."

Trying to control her anger and act the part of the future leader of the clan Ino took a calming breath, then two before saying quite loudly so her mother could hear. "I DIDN'T STEAL IT!". Realizing she yelled she said, "Sorry but we didn't steal it, it was given to us."

With that Ino told her parents the story of the last two months leaving out the more personal parts and flashy Jutsu of the fights. She focusing in on the lives of the royal courts and their reactions to the events. Being a Yamanaka you learn young it more important to learn why someone does something not how they do it. In the middle of her story, Ino's mother came out with a pen and a pad of paper for Inoichi to take some notes on the more personal aspects of the royal families.

"We have been trying for years to get someone close to the Royal family and you do it on the first try. I am so proud of you princess.", said Inoichi.

"Please stop with the princess, it's not all it's cracked up to be.", said Ino with a knowing smile.

"So after killing that Jonin you came back to the village unharmed, impressive for your first A-rank mission.", said Suzuki, for the first time truly proud of her impulsive daughter.

"It wasn't the end, the Hokage assigned us the assassination mission in Kumogakure.", said Ino not thinking much about it.

"WHAT! That old drunk assigned you back to back A-rank missions,", yelled her mother heading for the front door, "I am going to tell that old drunk a piece of my mind." Inoichi knowing that his wife will do just that stops her at the door and with some quiet words Ino couldn't hear returned her to the dinner table.

"Let us continue,", said Inoichi picking up his pen again. "So you went to Kumogakure?", he asked taking more notes as Ino told the tail from beginning to end.

"And so Sai was able to fly us down the backside of the village and here we are.", Ino said ending her story not bothering to go into details on the trip back.

Inoichi looked over to his wife and back to Ino again before looking down at his notes. "I have read reports of Jonins completing two A-rank missions in a row during the wars but not in the last 10 years.", he said knowing he didn't have access to the truly high S-rank mission reports. "But for two Chunin to complete them is an impressive feat,", looking to Suzuki then back he continues, "I think we have underestimated you and Naruto's skill and determination."

Holding Ino's hand she could tell he really meant every word of it, look to her mother she gets a nod of support and for once in her life, she knows what it feels like to be looked upon as an equal.

Laughing she grabs her father's notes, "I will need these to write my own mission report, Thanks Daddy!", she said in her little girl voice acting all cute.

"What is the plan for all of this then," said her mother pointing at the bag of coins, "Kumogakure gold is hard to sell if you want to keep it hidden."

"There must have been a hundred people that saw us pick up the gold so I don't think we need to worry about hiding it from Kumo spies if that is what you're thinking. Besides, Naruto and I want to spend it on an apartment building in the village, someplace Naruto can live and use the income from renting out the other units for a more steady income."

"That's an intriguing plan you have there, renting out the other units may be an issue with Naruto's history but I can see it working.", said Suzuki, "So what do you need our help with, you seem to have this all planned out?"

Reaching over and holding both her mothers' hands Ino smiles and says, "I want to buy the old Yamanaka warehouse behind the Uchiha compound, it hasn't been used in years as it was only being used as a cover for spying on the Uchiha. I need the clan to sell it to Naruto, I will be a silent partner.", taking a deep breath she continues, "It will help so much if the villagers see the clan sell it to him and once we hire workers to convert it to apartments, it will give him a chance to interact with non-shinobi's, it will help increase his popularity I am sure.", running out of breath for trying to get it all out at once Ino sits back and waits for the fireworks, there is no way her mother will allow Naruto to buy the warehouse.

Seeing her mother's eyes glass over and looking over to see her fathers are the same she sits back and waits knowing they are having a private conversation in her mother's mindscape.

As the minutes drag on Ino begins to truly worry, hours have passed for them, what could they be talking about for so long. "Oh god, they are going to disown me!", she thinks, remembering the last time her mother lost it and threw her out of the house.

Resigning herself to living on her friend's sofas, she wonders where to keep all her clothes when her mother blinks awake and smiles at her.

"We have agreed that it would be best if we hired a real estate agent and have them come up with a fair price. If you and …", she pauses thinking for a second looking over at Inoichi, "Naruto have the funds then the clan will sell you the warehouse."

Wanting to jump for joy and then thinking 'Fair Price', it is bordering a river on the backside and the abandoned Uchiha compound on the other side. A prime location for a high-end apartment building or a large shipping company. That bag of gold seemed to be getting smaller and smaller the more she thought about it.

Standing Ino holds out her hand to her mother and shakes hands, "It's a deal!", she said with her best smile, hugging her father she runs to her room. How to tell Naruto in the morning,", she thinks bouncing on her bed.

…

Searching all over the village for Naruto the next day, Ino feels like an idiot when she runs into Sakura who tells her Naruto has gone on one of his extended missions with Jiraiya and isn't expected back for two or three weeks.

"How are you dealing with that?", Ino ask Sakura as they walk out of the tea house they ran into each other and head toward the Hokage tower.

"I will be fine, Master Tsunade wants me to train with her now and that will help a lot to keep my mind off of Naruto.", she smiles and turns to face me as we walk, "You know getting beaten down by a Sannin can really keep you distracted." Laughing at her own joke she grabs my hand and pulls me into a jog to the tower.

Heading to the mission hall to see if any of our friends are out of the village on a mission. As Sakura talks to some of the administrative division I look at the big board listing open missions. I remember the first time seeing the mission board and thinking I could never do any of those but now I can't see a one that I wouldn't be able to handle on my own much less with a team.

Coming to stand beside me Sakura said, "Looks like the Hokage wants to see you and me in her office right away so come on.", pulling me along we head upstairs and for the first time Shona waves us past into the Hokage's office.

Tsunade is at her desk with mountains of paperwork piled around and on top of the desk. It seems like a never-ending flow without end. How she is able to keep track of it all is beyond me. Standing at attention in front of the Hokage we wait for her to finish writing on a scroll, as she looks up to us I try my best to look professional in my new purple mini skirt. I wasn't planning to see the Hokage today and it shows.

"They found you quicker than I expected,", Tsunade said signing one more piece of paper before adding it to the pile to her left.

Opening a draw she pulls out two scrolls and hands them over to us. "I already give Naruto his mission pay and I wanted to personally give them to you myself, I am proud of you two for pulling this off and wanted to tell you in person."

I open the scroll to look and it was more than I expected, seems there is a bounce for back-to-back A-rank missions. Rolling it back up I grin at Sakura, this I hope will cover any shortfall on the real estate deal.

"Well,", she says with a long pause, "It looks like you two did more damage to Kumogakure than we first thought." Tsunade picked up a large scroll and unrolled it over all the piles of documents already laid out for her to review.

"This is from the Daimyo,", she said looking down to read from it "The reports from our spies,", at this, she paused to give Ino a knowing look, "is that A is on a rampage and it working to unseat the Kumogakure Daimyo and replace him with someone more supportive."

Standing up Tsunade looks the two girls over, "What you two unintentionally uncovered was a multi-year plan to weaken the shinobi forces of Kumo and replace them with loyal soldiers of the Daimyo. Working with Iwagakure the lightning Daimyo was sending their best Genin to their deaths or worst."

I am sure the look on my face matches the one I see on Sakura's, to break the trust between the lord of the land and the shinobi forces is unimaginable, the Raikage has every right to clean house.

"The Daimyo wants to meet the Jonins that we're able to pull off such a high-level mission.", sitting back down she waved at the chairs near her desk for us to sit. Taking a seat and crossing my legs so I can put my hands on my knees I haven't a clue what the Daimyo will say when he hears it was a couple chunin that completed this mission.

"Master Tsunade, who will you be sending to meet with the Daimyo in our place.", said Sakura thinking two steps ahead. She knows presenting a couple of chunin in front of the Daimyo will not only disappoint him but embarrass Kumo when their spies tell them about the meeting.

"As my newest apprentice,", giving Sakura a nod, "and you being the future leader of the Yamanaka clan does help but we will need to give you the Jonin test to see if we can at least promote you to Tokubetsu Jonin."

"Oh fuck.", is the only thing I can think of hearing that. The Jonin test was five days of endless trials, testing both your physical and mental strengths. Asuma sensei said most Chunin get three months to prepare.

"Master,", I heard Sakura say next to me, "I don't think I am ready, we just started full-time training and I don't know about Ino but I don't want to get promoted over Naruto."

With both of them looking at me I wasn't sure what to say, yes I want Naruto to get promoted but what does that have to do with me? I work hard to hone my skills shouldn't I be rewarded for that. Father said I was selfish but is it selfish to not want to hold yourself back. If I pass the test then I pass, if not then I will know what needs to be worked on, I am sure Naruto would understand.

Seeing Sakura giving me a dirty look I guess I spaced out a little bit as even the Hokage was leaning back in her chair waiting. "I am willing to try if that is what is needed, I am sure Naruto will pass the Jonin test with ease when it's his time.", I said trying to put a positive spin on it.

I can see that is not what Sakura wanted to hear as she turned to face the Hokage, it's going to be a long walk out of the tower, I just know it.

"Then it's agreed then, you will BOTH take the test in two weeks, Sakura will spend extra time in your training," and she pulls a scroll from the pile on her desk and hands it to me, "and Ino will complete this mission.', the Hokage said as I open the scroll.

The mission was simple, two weeks of training with Ibiki Morino in the T&A office. I already felt a cold sweat run down my back realizing what that means. Ibiki was a known sadist and enjoyed his job in torture and interrogation a little too much.

"Now that that is settled I need to get back to this endless paperwork.", the Hokage joked as she opened a draw and pulls out a bottle. Figuring it was now or never I asked, "Can you get a message to Naruto for me? I have some things I need him to know, it's time-sensitive."

Getting a puzzled look from Sakura I shrug my shoulders figuring Naruto can tell her when he gets back.

"Leave your message with Shona and I will send it with our next communication package.", Tsunade said not asking any of her own questions, either show knows or she doesn't care, it is the same effect in the end.

Leaving the tower and Sakura behind to start her training, I take my mission scroll and head out. I can not thank the Hokage enough for sending my message to Naruto about the building I wanted to buy with the gold we share, hoping he agrees to the plan I head to the T&A headquarters.

Passing by the hospital I decided that making a short detour isn't going to hurt anybody and I go up to the Psych ward to see my cousin Rumi, if she agrees, I would love for her to talk to Sakura about her inside friend and how best to deal with it.

Rumi has been working in the shinobi psych ward for over ten years and the stories she tells at the family holiday parties are the best. Knocking on her office door I wait a moment before I hear a, "come in", opening the door I find Rumi behind her desk with the required piles of papers and a desk lamp burning bright. Seems she doesn't rank high enough for an office with a window.

"Will you look at that, isn't our soon-to-be clan head coming for a visit, pressure getting to you already.", Rumi jokes moving out from behind her desk to give me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She is my Grandfathers, youngest daughter's third born but we all just use cousin for short.

"Stop that, I have years to go before I have to deal with clan business.", I said sitting in front of her desk in an overstuffed chair I am sure has been shared by many a lost soul.

"That is what your father said but when uncle Wika was killed he was rushed into place the next day.", she said reminding me of old family history from before I was born.

Waving my hands I say, "I don't want to think about that, I am here on business, NOT clan business, something more personal so if you can focus it would help."

Seeing I wasn't playing around anymore she puts on her glasses and gives me her undivided attention. I am sure the glasses are fake and she uses them for the effect but it's still a nice touch. Rumi has the blonde hair and classical features that all pure-blood Yamanaka have but years behind a desk have given her a more rounded figure, the three children she gave birth to didn't help her much in that regard.

"I have a friend named Sakura,", I start, and in as few words as possible I give her what I know about Sakura's condition and family history. I didn't talk about our personal connection, she didn't need to know that and if Sakura decided to share it would be in a professional session and Rumi would keep it to herself.

"Sounds like a kekkei genkai mixed into a bipolar personality.". said Rumi taking notes on one of her endless pads piled around her desk as I finished going over the conversation Sakura and I had in her tent.

Picking up a small appointment book she flipped over the pagers and added some notes to a slip of paper, she hands it to me over the desk. "Here are my current available times, if you can get her to come in.", said Rumi sitting back. "I think three times a week at first and then we can reevaluate where we stand."

"Thank you so much, I am sure I can get her to come in,", I said looking down at the dates and times.

"From what you have told me I don't think she is a danger to herself so don't worry so much.", said Rumi walking around the desk to give me a goodbye hug as I head for the door. Sakura being a shinobi, it went unsaid, that she is a hell of a danger to everyone around her.

'Now for the fun part.', I think heading down to T&A to meet my new Sensei.

…..

Two weeks fly by as I start my day getting beaten into the ground by the Hokage and then spend a couple of hours working as an assistant doctor at the hospital. My sessions with Rumi have been endlessly helpful as Inner and I have come to an understanding. It seems Rumi agreed that she really is another person, after a lot of testing and psych evaluation that is. Our thrice a week sessions have continued without pause, as my training with the Hokage has increased Inner's strength and I learned I needed to grow to match her. I thank the Hokage every day for the seal on my forehead that stores all the Kyubbi chakra that keeps Inner's addiction at bay.

"Hey Sakura, Wait up.", I hear Ino yell down the hall as I work my way down each of my assigned patent rooms. Today I was to focus on elder care and this floor was full of the few retired shinobi still alive after years of service. So far it's been listening to old stories of the wars and checking blood pressure but it was good to see the other side of life.

Stopping at a door I turn and wait for Ino to catch up, "What do you want Ino, I got three more patients to see before I head down to see Rumi.", I tell the bouncing blonde as she runs down the hall. We haven't had much alone time alone, with her training full time at T&A and learning to be clan head, we have only found time to have a dinner or two the past couple of weeks. I smile as I remember the taste of her lips the last time we parted outside of the Hyuga compound.

"Rumi ask me to tell you she can't meet today.", she said slowing down to a walk as I stood by the next patient's door, "She has a family issue, one of her kids got hurt at the academy." Understanding that family does come first in most households just not mine I try to understand. I am surprised when Inner voices her concern for the child but I let it pass. One of Rumi's lessons was that I didn't have to respond to everything Inner said.

"I was thinking we can have an early dinner together,", said Ino touching my hair, I pull away not wanting the nurses to gossip at my expense. "I still have three more patients to go before I am free, and I am not going to have Shizune Sensei upset with me because you want dinner.", I said with me best professional face I could muster in front of a scantily clad blonde that wants some alone time.

"OK no problem, I can help if you like, I am a trained medic to you know.", Ino's willingness to help got me worrying about what she really was doing here but I let her tag along as we chatted with the old gentle Akimichi warrior in the next room.

Dinner was at the Potted Dragon as it was close and had its own private rooms if you're a regular. Having spent almost every lunch or dinner here for the past two weeks it qualified me as a VIP regular, asking for a private room was easy.

As the waiter walked off with our orders I looked over at Ino, the last two weeks hadn't made much of a change in the over-the-top blonde but for a new nose ring and a tattoo of a little fox head below her left ear. When she told me her mother's reaction to that we laughed all night trying to imitate the face she made.

"I missed you but,", I said touching her hand, "but I know you Ino, what is going on, you needed to leave training for to tell me." Seeing I hit the nail on the head with the look she gave me I sat back and waited.

"Forehead,", Ino said acting all flabbergasted but I knew it was an act once she smiled.

"We have our Jonin test in two days and you're not acted worried or anything, I am freaking out on the inside most of the time, Ibiki Sensei is so mean and I have no idea where I stand, Oh god what if I fail.", she said in one long stream of words until she ran out of breath.

"We pass or fail, it's not like we can change or learn anything more in the next two days.", I said with Inner talking about clone jutsu that would kill me if I tried. 'I am not Naruto!', I thought to the little monster in my head.

Ino looked astonished that I would say such a thing, but Master Tsunade's lessons on patience and finding your center did pay off on more than medical jutsu.

"OK, fine, " Ino said switching off her worry and changing to another train of thought, it was one of the Yamanaka tricks I wish I could learn. "I do have some news, the Hokage has been letting me send scrolls to Naruto and he is doing great in his training with master Jiraiya, I only wish I knew what mission they are on."

That is another Yamanaka trick and if I hadn't grown up with Ino I wouldn't have seen it coming, "you know I don't know any more than you do, he has sent me the same scrolls about training with Jiraiya and going south to look into some old forts or something."

Seeing her smile I know I let something slip that she didn't know but I didn't want to push it.

The waiter returned with our food and we sat about eating the steamed dumplings with the pork and rice filling I remembered something I wanted to ask Ino. "You know I saw Tazuna in the village a couple of days ago, he said he was working on a big project that involved that old Yamanaka warehouse down by the river. You know anything about that?", I ask not thinking much about it. Ino looked up at me almost choking on a dumpling before saying, "I don't know what you're talking about."

With that reaction, my simple question has turned into something more, Ino doesn't lose her cool over a 'nothing' and I want to get to the bottom of this. Tazuna would not come all this way unless it was something important, after his bridge was finished he was in high demand around the elemental countries. A drunk he may be but he was the best builder money could buy.

Stealing a dumpling off Ino's plate I held it up before slowly eating it in front of her, "So what is going on Ino-pig,", I said slowly eating, "I know you know what I am talking about."

Looking around, I can tell she doesn't want to talk about it in the open so I push my empty plate to the center of the table and stand up. "We can talk now or we will talk later, it's up to you but I will know what is going on if it has anything to do with Naruto.", I hear Inner say before I can do anything.

Ino has learned to tell when Inner is talking and not me, Inner has a way about her that puts people on notice that BS will not be tolerated. "OK, let's meet later, I have some things I need to take care of at the T&A department, OK?", said Ino stuffing the last dumpling in her mouth and standing up. I give her a quick hug and head back up to pick up another set of patients to see.

….

After a very long day working at the hospital I learned what happens when you ask for more work. Shizune Sensei must have a mean streak I didn't know about as she loaded me up for two additional shifts, every day for the next two days. She said the Hokage would not have time to train me so I had 'free' time.

Drained of chakra, Inner was whining about Naruto being out of the village and I was in agreement with her this time. I am so going to drain him dry when he gets back, I don't care who he was with on his little trips, he is mine when he gets back.

Finding the main family member's side door to the Hyuga compound in the dark was not easy and applying my chakra to the security seal I push the door open. Dam Ino didn't come back to tell me her big secret and I didn't have time to chase her down tonight. Maybe I can get Hinata to help track her down in the morning for a little talk.

Walking quickly down into the maze of gray halls I found it easiest to almost close my eyes and count steps. Over the past couple of months, I had opened the wrong door more than once and I really don't want to do that now this late at night.

Finding my door and checking for the little tell tail mark I put on the frame to be sure I push it open with a sigh of relief, my bed is calling and all I want to do is fall face-first into its warm embrace.

Kicking the door closed behind me I turn up the lights to find Hinata sitting in the dark waiting for me. "Hi Hinata, how did you get in here, you bribe the guards or something.", I joke as every other time she tried she was stopped by a branch family member to talk to her about something important.

"No, I sent them away for their incompetence.", said a very serious sounding Hinata, looks like the future leader of the Hyuga had come for a visit. Sensing something was wrong like really wrong for her to be acting this way I put down my things next to my side table and walk over to her.

"Is there something you want to talk to me about?", I asked, I know she doesn't have anyone to really talk to most of the time outside of her team and they are not much help when it comes to Hyuga internal politics.

"Did something happen with your father?", I took a guess as he was 9 out of 10 times her biggest source of trouble for the young heiress.

Looking up from her hands she had been poking together in that strange little ritual of hers she stared at me for a full minute before saying, "Don't you like me anymore?"

My heart almost stopped trying to think of what I could have done to make her think that. Hinata is my safe harbor in the sea of chaos that is my life, she was upset and I had no clue why. I run over and drop to my knees to take her hands in mine, she is shaking in anger or fear I can't really tell with her but her knuckles and fingers are red as if she had been hitting something.

"You know I like you, I like you a lot and nothing will ever change that.", I say trying to find the words to calm her down but not knowing the source of the problem made it a little dangerous to guess.

"Then why,", she said holding my hands way too tightly, "Did I find that person in your bed tonight?"

Now I know she knows that it's dam near impossible for someone to get into the compound unnoticed and forget about getting into the family quarters. I joke about the maze but the real security is the dozens if not hundreds of guards roaming the halls and roofs of the internal buildings. Nothing and I mean nothing goes unnoticed by these all-seeing eyes, it's enough to make someone paranoid.

"Who are you talking about Hinata, there isn't anybody here.", I say with full confidence.

She looks me in the eyes as if searching for any sign of deception, satisfied with what she finds she pulls me close so that our noses almost touch. "Look in the closet.", she says in that soft but currently dangerous voice.

Figuring I have nothing to lose I stand up and walk over to the double door of my closet and grabbing both handles swing them wide. "Oh Fuck.", is all I can say as I look down at the very naked person hogtied on the floor.

"Ino what are you doing here?", I asked her but she can't answer, what with what looks like a pair of panties shoved halfway down her throat and with ropes wrapped around her in the classical Shibari robe bondage style. 'That is very impressive, you know that takes hours to tie just right without hurting the subject', said Inner acting all professional.

Not having a clue how to get out of the web of ropes without hurting her I turn to Hinata still sitting on the other side of the room. "Did you do this?", I ask pointing to the blonde on the floor who started making little grunting sounds trying to get me to untie her.

"She was in your bed,", was Hinata's reply as if that explained everything. "OK I got that part but did you tie her up like this or did you find her this way.", I asked for clarity as the Hyuga did have a mean sense of humor, mostly mean with no humor.

"You were late coming home and I had time to waste.", she said as if that explained everything. Seems like sweat little Hinata has a more kinky side beyond calling me, Mama.

Figuring that is as far as I am going to get out of this mostly one-sided conversation, looked between them, I said, "Can you help me untie her please."

Hinata makes a cute face like she didn't want to but does come over and bend down over the prone Ino, with a couple of quick hand movements in the gentle fist style the ropes fall away and Ino is able to stretch her legs and arms out, slowly at first as the blood hadn't been flowing to them for some time. She pulls the pink panties that I remember tossing in the laundry basket this morning out of her mouth and almost spits on the floor before thinking better of it.

"Can you help me up.", Ino said in a hoarse voice, seems she had been screaming for some time, explaining the panties being shoved so deep. I look over at Hinata but she only gives me that blank look Hyuga are known for and shrugs her shoulders.

Pulling Ino to her feet I throw a blanket over the naked blonde and let her sit on the seat Hinata had been using but a moment ago. "Care to explain how and why you are in my room naked?", I ask, knowing Hinata will not give me any answers at this point. Her passive aggressiveness was in full force at the moment.

Clearing her throat I hand her a glass of water I keep by the bed and wait. "It was a mission and I figured since I was here I would, you know surprise you.", said the naked blonde in the blanket.

"What type of Mission?", said the future leader of the silk weavers of Konohagakure who sometimes take ninja missions on the side.

Ino clearly didn't want to say but having spent the last three hours on the closet floor she figures it wasn't worth the trouble anymore to keep quiet, "Sensei Ibiki sent me, I had to return with something personal from your room to prove I was here, I was holding your panties when this one,", she said pointing at Hinata with her noise, "came in the room and gentled fisted me unconscious."

"She shouldn't be touching your things,", was Hinata's answer.

I looked between them and said, "You know Ino and I have a relationship and she has done more than touch my clothes.", I said hoping I didn't break any allusion Hinata may have.

"But not in my house, my home, here you are safe and under my protection.", said Hinata showing me a side of her I didn't know she had. A jealous Hinata was a very very dangerous Hinata.

"Oh sweaty you're special to me and so is Ino but you both know it's Naruto I belong to.", said Inner before I had a chance to stop her. That crazy girlfriend mindset was going to get me in trouble. Thinking for a minute as both pairs of eyes bore into me I said, "Ya what she said but nicer, you're both just as important to me. Come on you two, your both betrothed to some guys you don't even know, and your acting like this?"

That seemed to beak the tension in the room as Hinata backed off and fell backward on the bed and Ino leaned back into the chair with a giant sigh. I walk over to my bag and pull out a bottle of whiskey the Hokage had giving me for a job well done and pulling the cork out, I took a long drink that burned all the way down before handing it to Ino who after swallowing her fair share pasted it to Hinata.

"This is one funny mission you're on Ino,", I said loosening up my belt and dropping my pants to the floor, it's my bedroom and I for one was getting into the bed. It's been too long of a day to deal with this standing up. Pushing Hinata down to the end of the bed I crawl under my covers and take the bottle from the princess at my feet.

"It's part of the Jonin exam, If I can get into the Hyuga compound then I pass, this whole week has been an endless test, we just didn't know about it, Ibiki sensei told me tonight as he was sending me out here.", said a naked Ino getting into bed next to me and stealing my bottle, not wanting to be left out Hinata stripped down to her underwear and join us. Now between the two, I was forced to share my queen-sized bed with two over-endowed girls that didn't seem to like each other.

"The fuck you say,", a drunk Inner said taking the bottle back for a long pull.

"I know, it's all fucked up isn't it.", said Ino leaning into my right side, seeing her so close Hinata presses up into my left side and snatches the bottle from my hand.

"I wish master Tsunade had tested me this week, now I have to wait one more day for my test to start.", I whined out not meaning to sound so childish but dam it's not fair.

Giggling against my side Hinata was looking into the mouth of the empty bottle, dam girl went and finished it on me. "I think you passed Mama," she giggled out shaking the last drop from the bottle.

"What are you talking about?", I ask as she starts to peel the label off the bottle like a drunk with nothing better to do. Once off she shows me the backside of the label, written clearly in the Hokage's hand was two words, You Passed.

"Fuck that old drunk,", said Inner using my voice once again.

Looking over at Ino for confirmation, I see she is passed out cold, and turning to Hinata I see the same. Taking a sniff at the bottle I said, "Oh fuck me.", as the room starts to spin, 'that old bitch drugged the whiskey', I thought as my head hit the pillow and I joined my girlfriends for a long nights sleep.

….

Waking up as the middle spoon in a three-way was one of the strangest things I have ever experienced, what with a hand full of boob in one hand as I hugged Hinata close I can feel Ino pressed firmly into my back with both her hands around my waist.

But before I can explore the possibilities a loud banging on my door shakes us all awake.

BANG, BANG, BANG, "I know you're in their big sister.", yells out Hanabi, followed by three more bangs, I am sure the little monster was kicking the door at this point.

"What do you want,", screams out Hinata pushing her butt into me. She defiantly was not moving.

"Father said the Sakura trees are blooming next week.", Bang bang bang she kicks the door again to make her point.

"Tell Father to go F…", she starts as I cover her mouth so she can't finish saying those words. At least he is giving me a week and not an hour to get out. I have learned to take what I can and not push it when it comes to the Hyuga clan's leader.

"Is it always this loud here,", said Ino into my hair as she pulled me close, that dam whiskey had given us all one hell of a hangover and I am not sure what to use to cure it.

"Thank you Hanabi, tell your father I got the message,", I yell out still holding my hand over Hinata's mouth.

Not getting a response but figuring she had wondered off I let go of Hinata and sat up in bed with Ino falling into my lap and Hinata sitting next to me in all her sex goddess glory, dam she looks way too good this early in the morning but for the hair, she always has such wild hair in the morning.

"Now what am I going to do.", I say mostly to myself. I hear Ino say something into the sheets but I can't hear her. "What was that Blondie?", I said pulling her head out of the sheets.

"You could stay in Naruto's apartment.", she said covering her eyes from the light, "He is gone on a mission and you said he wouldn't be back for another week."

I thought about it for a minute but, "You know how I feel about him but I don't think I am ready to move in with him. It's too soon and I haven't even talked to him about it.", I said.

"You can just move into the Shinobi Riverside Apartments.", said Hinata as she tried to get her hair under control. Somewhere along the way last night she lost all her clothes and the sight of her was distracting me.

"How do you know about that.", said Ino sitting up and glaring at my little sex goddess.

Stopping with her hair Hinata looked over at Ino, taking the time to look over the naked blonde before saying, "You're not the only ones with spies Ino, you went to my family's bank for the bridge loan after all.", she said with a sly smile.

"We went to the Shinobi international bank, I didn't see your name on it,", Ino shot back as she sat up straight but pulled the sheets to cover herself after Hinata's appraisal.

"It's a silent partnership, the silk trade has afforded us an excess of funds that we needed to invest.", was Hinata's reply. I for one didn't have a clue on what they were talking about.

"Can someone tell me what is going on?", I said bluntly getting ready to kick both of them out of MY bed if I didn't get a clear answer.

"After our missions, Naruto and I decided it would be best to invest our pay into something more permanent, something Naruto could use as a source of income and a place to live so we bought the old Yamanaka warehouse and hired Tazuna to turn it into high-end apartments.", said Ino all in one breath.

"But they didn't have enough so they asked for a loan to cover the remaining cost to finish the work.", said Hinata now grinning like a cat that found the mouse.

Looking between them and then back again I think a minute and say, "So you're a landlord with Naruto and you want me to Live with him. What am I sloppy seconds?", I didn't mean to say it out loud but Inner was getting fired up and I wasn't going to take playing second place to Ino anymore.

"Dammit forehead it's not like that, you know dam well what will happen in a couple of years, the clan will make me retire and take over and you know what that means, marriage to Daichi.", Ino said turning a shade of red.

Daichi was Ino's betrothed, their parents had signed a contract at both their births should either of them become the clan head they would marry the other. It was a way to fold a branch of the Yamanaka back into the main branch to strengthen the blood. The old traditions hold strong in Ino's family and she was not able to break them.

I forgot about Daichi the first son of seven sons, he was impressive and by any right would be a perfect husband and father for any woman, Ino was against it more because of her stubbornness than any fault of the man.

"OK, I got that but why did you need a loan, you made so much on those two missions.", I said recalling everyone gossiping about it.

"My mother wanted fair value and got the paperwork to prove its worth.", said Ino hiding behind the sheets, I wish I knew what Hinata did to my normally overconfident friend.

"Wow, that's a shame, did you sell all the jewels and everything?", I asked remembering Ino showing off all the diamond and silk dresses.

"Yes but it wasn't enough, and Naruto said he lost his half so we needed a loan.", Ino said, she slipped out of bed wrapped the sheets around her, and started looking for her clothes. Now bare I was getting a little cold myself and ran into the bathroom to get my robe, coming out Hinata had put her top on but was still sitting in the chair bared legged and looking way too sexy for the morning. Ino on the other hand was looked less bombshell and more bombed as she found her clothes in pieces in the corner of the closet.

The two of them exchanged dirty looks until I got between them and started pulling out some bags from the closet, I knew what I was looking for and it didn't take long.

"Ino,", I said to get her attention off of Hinata and back onto the subject at hand, "Do you mean Naruto lost these,", I said dumping the bag of jewels on the floor.

Ino dropped to the floor picked up a handful and looked at me with questions in her eyes but not saying a word. "Naruto had a clone bring them to me the day he left, said it was for all the birthdays he missed, I thought they were fake or something.", I said trying not to laugh as she played with a thumb-sized ruby.

"If you sell them, you can pay off the loan,", said Hinata, looking at her in the chair with her knees pulled up to her chest and a hint of a bare bottom showing, how she does these sexy poses is beyond me.

Ino looks at me and then Hinata, "I don't know, Sakura, it took me weeks to find buyers and near the end, they told me I was flooding the market too fast and they cut the prices on me."

Dam capitalism, you hate it when it's against you and love it when it's not, now what are we going to do.

"I know of a buyer that is willing to pay full price.", said Hinata in that soft voice of hers. Ino's eyes light up and she looks over to me, "If that is true we can make you the third partner."

I really liked the sound of that, having a place of my own and making money at the same time would just send my parents over the edge. Turning fully to Hinata I ask, "Who has that kind of cash."

"Me of course.", said a grinning Hinata as she unfolded herself from the chair and drops down to give me a hug.

…..

"You look nice today Ino, is that new make-up your wearing,", said Hinata in that infuriating sweat voice knowing that Ino doesn't need or use make-up. Ino turns to the blue-haired girl and says, "How has your training been going, figured out how to punch your way out of a paper bag yet."

I pull Ino out of her chair and sit in her place putting myself between her and Hinata, the last thing I need is a catfight in the Hokage's lobby. "Ok, girls let's play nice, we are all here for the same thing", I say holding both their hands in an iron grip.

It was the day after our little group sleepover and Ino was back in form ready to take on the world. I just wanted to get through the day without having to heal one or both of my dear friends from a knife wound.

"The Hokage will see you now," said Shona not even looking up from her paperwork.

Going first I knock on the door and open it before hearing a call to come in, today was a day of inpatient women and I was the leader of the club. Tsunade waved us over giving Hinata a questioning look but allowing her in any way.

"I have a letter here from Ibiki and Inoichi stating that Ino passed all her Tokubetsu Jonin test and I can see you found my little note in the bottle, congratulations ladies,", said the Hokage.

"I don't get it, I thought there would be a fight or something, I mean everyone said the test was hard and and and.. .", I ran out of steam not knowing what I was trying to get at but this didn't seem right and I didn't want to be promoted because I am the Hokage's apprentice.

Tsunade let me ramble on and then raised a hand to cut me off, "First you passed the test that was given to you, as a Tokubetsu Jonin you are a specialist in one, and I mean one area only." she paused to see if we understood, "All full Jonin focus on being well rounded both in combat but in other areas like Genutsu or Taijutsu masters. You have masted one skill, that of a spy and that of a medic, hell you're both top of your class. How you were able to handle two-thirds of all the incoming patients for three days alone was unheard of and you, you got into the heart of the Hyuga compound without being spotted. That hasn't happened in 50 years.", laughs the Hokage slapping her desk at her own joke. Hinata looked a little red around the edges at this point but didn't say a word.

Changing her focus to Hinata she said, "Speaking of Hyuga, what can I help you with, I don't think you're here for moral support."

Bowing to the Hokage Hinata took one step forward, "I speak for the Hyuga clan,", she starts so that everyone knows this is clan business, "We wish to formally ask to buy, at a fair price, the Uchiha compound, in full or in part as the Hokage sees fit.", stepping back after her little speech Hinata stood tall showing them all she would be a formidable clan head someday.

"The Hokage can not sell you what the Hokage does not own.", said Tsunade speaking as the leader of the village. This seemed to be a game she knew well.

"With all living Uchiha branded traitor the ownership of the land and all it contains falls to the village.", said Hinata quoting from the founding laws of the village.

"That would be true if all of them are traitors but that is not totally true.", said the Hokage, "Genin Sasuke was under the influence of a very strong seal along with a genutsu, the law is unclear at this point on if he is or is not a traitor."

Hinata bowed once again, staying down a little longer but standing tall once again. "We then ask that the person of Genin Sasuke be brought to trial and let the laws decide on his status."

A trial would bring out a lot of the dirt the village and mostly the Hokage wanted to stay hidden, but if the Hyuga wanted to push for it, there was little she could do to stop it.

"You said the Hyuga would want a part of the compound? What if that can be arranged?", said the Hokage now seeing the game the young clan head was playing.

"It would have to be this portion and no less, Hokage, for the Hyuga to drop our insistence on a trial.", said Hinata pulling a scroll from her jacket and handing it over to Tsunade. Rolling the scroll open on the desk it was clear by the red lines on the map what part Hinata wanted to buy. The riverside of the compound, fully half of all the land of the Uchiha was in red but not the main branches living quarters, not even the temples or shrines honoring their dead.

Rolling the scroll back up the Hokage looked the girl in the eye, "Was this you or your father's doing?", she asked

"I speak for the clan for I am the clan's future.", said Hinata showing all why she will be known as the gentle fist of iron.

….

Sitting at the tea house down the street I looked between my two friends silently drinking the steaming cups. Hinata still looked like the sweet innocent girl I have come to know but Ino and I both now know there is a lot more to her than meets the eye.

"So how long have you been planning this?", ask Ino leaving all pretense of being the future mistress of the greatest spy network the world has known.

"Ino please we don't need to do this now,", I said reaching for her hand but she pulled in away giving me a look that yes this was the time to do this.

Placing her cup down Hinata looked at Ino through the steam of the hot brew and took a deep breath of morning air. "The clan has wanted the river land since the founding of the village, we do not know what trickery or blackmail the Yamanaka used to get your portion but that does not matter now for we will have the rest.".

Ino's face split with a smile as she picked up her cup and blew across the top with her red lips and then placed it back down. "Then this has nothing to do with Naruto?", she asked

"Everything for me has something to do with Naruto.", was Hinata's blunt reply, "but this is mostly father wanting to get access to a quicker shipping route."

Ino banged her fist on the table causing a rattle of plates and said, "You and that dam silk, it's all the Hyuga think about, using the branch family as slaves to weave your wealth makes me sick."

Sitting between them I found myself turning my head back and forth, this seems like an old fight, not between my two friends but their respective clans. Is this what the Hokage meant when she said they had to do clan training as the heirs.

"I along with all main family members have spent time at the weave, I know the thread and its ways but I do agree the branch members need more freedom than the clan allows.", Hinata soft voice cut across the table and seemed to deflate Ino. With nothing to push back against she lost the fight without winning.

"I am not sure exactly what this is all about and I really don't care about clan business right now,", I said trying to clear the air, "but I do want to know if you were able to get the funds transferred to Tazuna so he doesn't have to stop the work." Saying my piece I was happy to watch them fight it out if that is what they wanted.

"Yes, I checked with father as he is overseeing my bank accounts, mother insisted.", said Ino sitting back and biting a cookie in half looking all the while like a spoiled child.

"Father was quite upset with me when he saw the funds being transferred to a Yamanaka account.", Hinata's little laugh broke the tension a little more, us knowing not all is peace and harmony at the Hyuga compound seems to lighten Ino's mood.

Moving forward Ino placed her hand on mine and reached for Hinata who didn't move away. "We will remove all traces of the clan's name once the work is complete, Naruto's name will be on every piece of paper, every scroll and contract, I swear this."

Hinata reached over and held my hand to complete the circle, "Soon the Red Chair will be filled and the circle of clans will be complete once again,", said Hinata, a deal had been reached and I was now part of the game of clans if only I knew what queen I was playing for and what was the red chair.

…

As the week drew to an end I was busy packing my things to leave the Hyuga compound, it had been a strange three months but spring was here, along with the hot weather and it was time to move on. When Master Tsunade had called me to the hospital and told me about the seal of compulsion right before she removed it I felt nothing but Inner had cried all night. Knowing I still wanted to support Naruto in any way I could seal or not was my guiding light, I only hope Ino still feels the same.

Hinata sat on my bed watching my every move but not lifting a finger to help, it was her way to protest my leaving and I was OK with that. Moving the last box into the hall I turned to face her. We haven't had any alone time with her father's constant meddling, I was beginning to wonder if he knew something I didn't about sweat little Hinata.

"Allow the branch members to carry out your things.", said Hinata walking over to give me a hug she talked into my hair. "I will find a way to visit once you have settled into your new place."

"Not sure how that is going to work, Ino said her mother would allow me to stay with them until Naruto returns but she has strict rules about sleepovers.", I laugh trying to make a joke of this, I feel like I am betraying Hinata in some way.

She continues to hold me tight for a couple of more minutes before releasing me to my fate. As I follow the branch members down the long gray halls I wonder what will Naruto say when I tell him I need a place to live. My family, including all the aunts and uncles, have formed a unified front, with my mother leading the pack. Someday I will find out what is the cause of her intense hatred of Naruto but not now, not today, or even this year I think.

Reaching the front of the flower shop the Hyuga leave my things in a neat pile under the watchful eye of Ino's mother, that woman gives new meaning to ice queen, what happened to the laughing woman that used to hand me ice cream and cake when we were kids.

Hinata's bow is formal and precise and Suzuki's bow is the same in return. With a final hug, Hinata is gone and I am alone carrying my things to put in a pile in Ino's room. As I neatly place the last box on top of the stack Ino's mother says, "Life is hard sometimes but if you stay focused it will work out in the end to be more than you ever hoped for.", with those words she turns and leaves me to sit on Ino's bed, 'What was that all about?.', I think.

…..

The crash of the bed hitting the wall shakes the room but no one comes running to check on the prisoner as Itachi had placed a genutsu on all the guards before entering the room. Sasuke was livid after the Hokage had told him of the Hyuda's plan.

"That doesn't help anybody you know.", said Itachi standing by the door as Sasuke kicked the bed a couple more times in his childish rage. "I know that,", he yells but continues, "I can't believe you want me to agree to this madness." walking up to her he dares to stare into her eye, a challenge to her power or a weakness in his.

"When they force a trial you will be found guilty and then dead shortly thereafter, they will get all the land, all the houses, and I will be forced to burn it all to the ground, is that what you want little bother.", said Itachi as she keeps her eyes locked on his. Both Uchiha's eyes are black as the sin they live by but it would take little to push them into the red.

Sasuke was still unable to use his chakra but his time with Itachi had still lit his eyes in their nightly passion. Breaking eye contact he walks in circles like the caged animal he is and turns to face her once again.

"Do you have a plan at least or am I now your plaything in a box.", he said it, now let's see what happens.

"The Hokage has made it clear, you need to make amends for what you did and this is the first step to your freedom.", her calm voice burned him with her logic. Amends, fuck he still wanted to kill her most of the time but then remembering her touch, her smell, the feel of her skin sent him into a tailspin of uncertainty and then lust.

"I have told you a thousand times little bother, I did not kill the clan, father, yes but it was others that killed mother, and the others.", she had been saying this for some time now but he still had a hard time believe it.

"Who then, why will you not tell me who did it.", Sasuke asked for the millionth time, someone had to pay for his pain. One way or another he was going to kill someone for what happened to his clan, his family.

"At the right time little bother, we need to focus on getting you out, so sign the papers. It's only land and the smelly part of the land at that.", trying to put some humor in the room but the truth was it was smelly next to the river on most hot summer days, that is why only the half-blood clan members had lived there.

"OK, OK,", said Sasuke picking up the bed and throwing the mattress back on top. "I will sign them and then I will find a way to get out of here." Looking to the bed then back to Itachi a little hint of a smile crosses his face.

"So you have time for a little fun", he asks looking to the bed once again.

As Itachi walks over to him in her skin-tight catsuit with her hair flowing down her back she said, "For you little bother, I always have time."

…..

I woke up with a start as if someone had poked me with a kunai, looking around I can see Ino is still dead asleep and the sun was just beginning its journey into the morning sky. It was so real I had to check my side to make sure there wasn't any blood. 'What was that,', I ask Inner knowing she would be awake.

'I have no clue but it hurt like a bitch.', she responded. Getting no help from my worst half I slide out of bed and check the room trying not to wake Ino, if this was just a really bad dream I didn't want to bother her. Finding nothing I decide to use the bathroom and head out to the kitchen.

I was in my pink pajamas, covered from head to toe at Ino's insistence, it was mostly to keep the peace with her mother but it was still nice to be able to sleep in the same bed. Walking down the hall I can hear hushed talking, it was Ino's parents at the kitchen table.

Using my skills I tried to walk up and overhear them without being noticed, clearly, I needed to work on my footwork as Ino's mother looked up and waved me over to sit with them before I was even around the corner.

"Would you like some tea dear,", Suzuki said acting all motherly, "Yes that would be nice,", I said, god I hated this game but it did get me fresh tea so who am I to complain.

"I take it you felt the chakra spike to?", Inoichi said holding his own teacup between his hands as if to warm them on this spring morning.

"Is that what that was, I have never felt it before,", I said hoping he would continue without me having to bluntly ask.

Placing the steaming cup in front of me Ino's mother gave her husband a look before sitting down. "Only sensors or those attuned with the Kyubbi chakra would have felt it, the pinprick was lite but still there.", she said as if that was all I needed to know. Pin pick, hell I thought someone was killing me but I didn't think it would be a good idea to tell these two at the table.

"What do you think would have caused that spike?", I asked, knowing if anyone knew it would be these two spymasters living at the center of a web of mind walkers.

Sharing a look between them I have the feeling that there is a conversation going on I can't hear when Inoichi breaks eye contact and turns to me.

"The container was attached but is safe now, he should be returning soon.", said Inoichi as if this was talk about the weather or a new spring dress for Ino.

With Inner screaming in my head, I took a sip of tea hoping he would tell me more, not getting anything I decide to ask as best I can, "What the fuck does that mean", pops out of my mouth before I can stop Inner from jumping into the conversation.

That got a laugh out of Suzuki as she patted my hand, "You need to work on controlling that Inner voice of yours dear, Rumi said you were doing so well too.", the condescending tone she used set Inner off on a rant in my head but I was able to push her back to a dull roar as I smiled back at Suzuki.

"I do my best but when it comes to Naruto she can be very forceful.". I said hoping that would be enough to end any additional questioning of my sanity.

"Yes I am sure you do dear,", said Suzuki, "What's going on so dam early.", said Ino joining us at the table wiping the sleep from her eyes. Today was a purple day, like all other days she was dressed in a matching pair of pajamas in her favorite color.

"Naruto is coming home soon.", I said cutting short any talk of my issues or of the chakra spike that woke me up. I wanted to talk to Ino about that in private if I could. Looking at all the faces around the table Ino paused before turning back to her bedroom.

"I am going back to sleep, wake me if he shows up.", said Ino closing her bedroom door behind her.

…

My day was officially ruined, before my tea even got cold there was a knock on the door with a message from the hospital that I was needed in the ER stat. Throwing on some clothes I ran to the ER thinking the worst of the worst had happened to Naruto only to be greeted by a returning chunin team half alive from an encounter with an Akatsuki member that likes to blow things up.

Walking out of the OR after six hours of blood and guts, I thanked Shizune sensei for helping me attach a leg back onto a lucky or unlucky chunin, it all depends on how you look at it, and I head down to the cafeteria for some FOOD.

I tried and failed not to look like an animal as I shoved food in my face but I was nearly out of chakra and hadn't eaten in over 12 hours. With chocolate icing smeared across my cheek and milk dripping from the corner of my mouth the last person I wanted to see walks up to my table and sits down.

Swallowing the cake I look across the table and said, "What do you want Tenten." It come out a little more hostile than I meant it but she got my point.

"I have been thinking about what you said and No I will not 'back off' as you put it.", using air quotes to make her point I thought about what I or should I say Inner said to her after the chunin promotions.

"Fine, I don't care, once Naruto gets back we can talk it out.", I said shoving more cake into my face. She looks at me sideways and said, "What kind of game are you playing here?"

I wipe the icing off my face with my blood-stained lab coat and smile at her, "I don't play games Tenten, I play doctor.", seeing I had run out of food and feeling better about myself and the world around me I stand up and look down on the bun haired girl who thinks she can take my man.

"See you around Tenten,", I said spinning on my heels and heading back upstairs to check to see if anybody died while I was away. Leaving a confused Tenten in my wake, I know she will be thinking about this for days now but I really don't care. I know once Naruto gets back it's my little ass he will be looking for not hers.

…..

Leaving the hospital in a nice new set of clean clothes Ino brought by I was thinking of heading to the main gate to look for Naruto when Hinata comes around the corner with Ino in tow. Seeing those two together was never a good sign as I wait for them to get to me.

"Hi guys, what's up.", I let Inner speak as I was still burned out from today's blood bath.

Ino gives me a look like she knows who is talking and Hinata takes my hands, "Naruto is back and he is not alone,", she said in a very solemn voice. "Of course, he is not alone, he went with Master Jiraiya on a training trip.", I hear Inner talking but I start to think about what this could mean.

"OK forehead enough with the games,", said Ino poking me in the forehead pushing Inner back with some Yamanaka trick so I have to confront them myself.

"Come on Ino, I am tired and she was doing good this time,", I whine some but I know Inner has her limits when it comes to social interactions.

Hinata for all her grace didn't look too happy about being left out and pulled me close so our noses are touching. "He is with two redheaded GIRLS.", she said with some force of will behind it. Now I know why the two heiresses are together. They want me to be the bad guy and kick Naruto's ass or something.

Looking to Ino I ask, "What do we know?", she gets a faraway look as her eyes glass over and then said, "Not much yet but we are working on it.". so much for the spymasters of Konohagakure.

I learn into Hinata and kiss her on the cheek and whisper, "Can you see anything", stepping back I see the Byakugan is active and one of the strongest Hyuga to ever live starts to scan the village. Years of practice stocking a blonde idiot that didn't want to be found comes into play and she is able to find him in a matter of minutes.

"Hokage tower and he is alone with Master Jiraiya.", Hinata said turning off her kekkei genkai and looking into my face. "Ok then, let us go visit the Hokage.", I said heading toward the tower, at least this time I don't think I will jump his bones in the first 10 minutes but who knows what Inner will try to do if some redhead shows up in the mix.

The ever-present Shona is at her desk and stops us cold as we walk into the Hokage's office lobby. Looking at her upraised hand I hold myself still as she puts down the phone. "The old lady said if you show up you can go in BUT, ", she said looking at my two girlfriends. "They will have to wait outside."

Leaving these two together without adult supervision was chancy at best but I know Shona will prevent any real bloodshed so with a smile and a wave I abandon them to their fate and run into the Hokages office without even knocking.

I was planning on being cool and sophisticated in my new dress and doctor's coat but I find myself wrapped around Naruto burying my face in his neck as I wrap my legs around his waist. So much for my dignity, at least I had on underwear this time as my dress rides up my back.

"Sakura-chan I missed you so much.", he said hugging me close. After a minute, I drop back down to the ground and open his jacket and spin him around as he laughs at me. "Are you hurt, did anything happen to you.", I ask finding nothing.

"Don't worry Sakura-chan the fox fixed everything and granny said I was fine.", Naruto said holding me still so he could look me in the eye. Feeling all was as it should be I look over at the Hokage and she gives me a nod in agreement that he was truly OK.

"What happen? You have been gone for almost three months and this morning there was this chakra spike and... I trail off as Jiraiya clears his throat so we all look over at him. Now that I have a chance to look around I can see he looks a little banged up and burnt around the edges. Something must have really gone south for a Sannin to look this way.

"We had a little run-in with the Akatsuki but we took care of it.", he said. I know there was more to the story and turned on Naruto as the sound of 'WE' felt more than just the two of them. "Who is 'we', Naruto?", I ask getting a little more worried. Something had happened and I was going to get to the bottom of it.

Laughing and rubbing the back of his head he looked at me and then to Master Tsunade who gave him a nod while pulling a bottle out of what I now know is a storage seal. Popping the cork she fills a couple of glasses to share with Jiraiya.

"Go ahead I want to know too,.", said the Hokage knowing from some of the message scrolls from Jiraiya this was going to be a hell of a story.

….

For those of you that asked for longer chapters, here you go.

This is the end of Naruto, "The Man Whore" story line and the beginning of the game of clans arch. Reviews keep me motivated.

For those that asked, my fight with COVID is mostly over, thanks for asking. In response to some other questions, Ino and Sakura are Bisexual with a preference for women. I thought I was making that clear but I guess not. Everybody else is just trying to survive there next mission and get laid when they can.