Ino x Shino

Camp Grounds

Ino slowly walked back to the start and found almost everyone back with their partners.

Shino wasn't back.

But even if he was, Ino didn't have her own lantern. Because Sakura and Karin broke it.

"Ino? Where is your lantern?" Naruto asked.

Ino shook her head. "Couldn't find it." She said shrugging.

"Well, then we have to disqualify you." Said the councilor.

Ino nodded understanding.

Everyone found their lanterns except for her and Shino. Well, Shino did find his, but Ino couldn't bring it.

Everyone soon went back to bed. Ino couldn't sleep. She had the image of Shino's disappointed look on his face. If only she had stopped Karin and Sakura in time.

By morning Sakura was in the kitchen with Neji and Hinata.

And hearing of how she's a terrible cook just wasn't enough.

"Are you okay?" Tenten asked.

What could Ino say? I saw you with Sakura and Karin break my lantern. You ruined my chance of winning by cheating.

"I'm fine. A little tired." Ino said.

"Hey. Ino. I would like you and Shino to come with me." The councilor said.

Ino didn't argue. She and Shino followed her out of the building.

"What happened last night? Did you really not see your lantern?"

Ino nodded. "I couldn't find it."

"All the lanterns were on a tree. Not all but most of the girls were on one tree."

Ino shrugged.

"Did something happen? If someone broke your lantern then they did something they shouldn't have. Please tell me."

Ino wasn't going to tell them. In case Sakura and Karin come after her. As much as her and Sakura, sort of, hate each other, Ino still cares for her. Karin not so much. But doesn't want to mess with her.

"I really didn't find it. I might have gone past it while walking. It was dark and I couldn't see. Or sleepy." Ino said.

"I might have to agree. If it wasn't for Naruto and Lee, I wouldn't have found mine." Shino said.

"Yes. We did hear of that." The councilor said. "Look, if someone is cheating or is messing up the even chance of the challenges, then they need to be disqualified."

Ino and Shino nodded.

"Anyway The next extra task isn't going to happen. But if you would like a different test, just for you two, I can do that in the afternoon when everyone is in the lake." She offered.

Ino looked to Shino. "We'll take it." Shino said.

Ino nodded agreeing.

"Okay. Meet me at the hiking trail after lunch." She said.

As she left Shino pulling Ino to the side. "What happened?"

"Sakura and Karin." Ino told him. They were partners.

"I see. Well, since they didn't expect so many to come all at once, that left you and me last. And Sasuke and Naurto. Sasuke never even got out of bed." Shino said.

Made sense. "And they aren't giving him and Naruto a fair chance?"

"No. He said he didn't want it. Naruto is still asleep anyway. So, it's all going to be a tough one." Shino said.

"What will this test be?" Ino wondered. They wouldn't have to wait too long.

Ino and Shino worked with Naruto at lunch time and everyone was talking.

"I feel a little bad for Shino."

"Yeah. Can't believe he got paired with Ino."

"Ino. I feel bad for her. She couldn't pass the challenge."

Yup. Talking and talking.

"Shino and Ino. You are wanted outside. And everyone can head on over to the lake for fun time." Said someone.

Everyone started packing up and heading out. Ino and Shino headed to the hiking trail.

"Good. You two are hear. Look, we have this new challenge idea for tomorrow, but, I gave this an idea for you. Go on the trail, and find the two keys for our extra cabins. You don't have to go far. Just stay on the "Yellow" path and you'll be find."

Ino and Shino nodded. "I'll give you till dinner time to find them."

And with that, Shino and Ino were given the okay to go and look.

It's shouldn't be hard.

"So, let me guess, Sakura and Karin don't want us to win."

"Shino. I don't want to talk about this. I haven't been all that great with Sakura and Karin...I could care less about her fat back-side." Ino snapped.

"Well, you need to speak up." Shino said.

"I know. But I figured it be better if we won, with them messing with me trying to cheat to win. And Tenten should be the one to drag them down if anything. She didn't want to do it." Ino explained.

"Tenten? She and Lee make a good team." Shino said.

"Look, up in that tree." Shino said.

"Hold me on your shoulders." Ino said.

Shino didn't say anything at first but let Ino climb up on his shoulders anyway.

Ino reached up and grabbed the key in the squirrel home.

"One down, one more to go." Ino said one safely on the ground.