Wow, amazing how such simple reviews can make you want to start writing again so soon after. And as an answer to a previous review, how Naruto has gotten so strong. Naruto's power has grown so much between becoming a genin to the current manga. So I thought that if you can improve that much in that small period of time, imagine what can happen in 2 years.

Disclaimer: This is gonna start irritating me fast, I do not own Naruto. Only that jutsu. IT'S ALL MINE! laughs maniacally

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Friends fight the Strongest

Ch. 2: Ino's Confession

The door closed. Shikamaru's parents weren't home so Shikamaru and Ino were all alone. "Yeah, just sit anywhere you want," the chuunin said as he took his preferable spot on the far left side of the couch.

"Thanks Shikamaru," the blonde said nervously and she sat in the center of the same couch, attempting to get close to Shikamaru. "Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about Chouji. It's been a while since he died on that mission... and you've become so cold since then. I mean, do you even leave the house when you're not on a mission?"

Shikamaru sat up and rested his head against the back of the couch. "Have you ever been responsible for losing your best friend? Could you even imagine doing nothing but stopping yourself from going insane?" Shikamaru let a tear run down his cheek. Shikamaru lifted his head and hid his face between his hands, "I'm sorry. It's just alot to handle on the first mission you lead."

Ino took his hands away from his face and hugged him closely. "Shika, never forget Chouji. But don't forget that you have people here that care about you deeply," Ino said. "When I was little, I had first noticed Sasuke. I'd liked him ever since. And now? He abandoned Konoha Village for a maniac who tried to destroy it. And he didn't even care what happened. About what would ensue, including Chouji's death. All I mean, is, I'm here for you, Shika. I love you."

Shikamaru pushed away from her and looked her in the eyes, "What did you say?"

"I have for a while. I just, couldn't bring myself to talk you about it. And seeing you in so much pain, causes me pain."

"Ino, I... I had no idea..." Shikamaru said, slightly stunned. "I love you too."

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"I don't know what makes this ramen better, it being free, or it being a reward," Naruto said as he ate the full bowl, "More ramen, old man!"

"Well, you deserve it, Naruto. That was an impressive technique back there. Are you planning on showing it to anyone else?" Jiraiya asked between the sips of his water.

"I think I might show it to Kakashi, Iruka, and maybe some of the other genins," said the hungry ninja.

"And Hinata? You two have gotten close lately, haven't you? How long have you been going out with her?"

"Ummm, I think it's been a few of months... 3 or 4."

"Wow. You should hang onto her. Any girl who could stand you for more than a week is a Godsend," laughed the Sannin.

"Yeah... now that I think of it, I haven't seen her in a long time. I think I'm gonna go visit her today," said Naruto.

"That would be best. Well, I think I'm off. Until later, Naruto," Jiraiya said as he got off his stool.

"Yeah, alright. Thanks again for the ramen!" shouted Naruto. 'Hmmm. I should go see Hinata now,' thought Naruto as he got off his stool as well. He started walking in the direction of the entire area belonging to the Hyuuga clan. Along the way he passed by the Yamanaka Flower shop. 'Maybe I should get Hinata some flowers,' thought Naruto. He opened the door and walked into the shop.

"Oh, hello Naruto," Ino's mother said with an unbelievably cold voice. "Did you get lost?"

Naruto smiled to himself. The people of this village will never change. Even after he was chosen to bear the power of the Kyuubi. To be hated for the rest of time. After saving the village from Gaara. And still trying to get Sasuke back. They'll never change. 'They'll hate me even when I become Hokage,' thought Naruto. "No, I'm here to buy some flowers. Is Ino in?"

"No. Here are some flowers that even you should be able to afford," She said, offering a pathetic bouqet of flowers that were discoloured and missing half of their pedals.

'Huh. Ino always seems to be in. Weird. Oh well,' He quickly thought. Something caught his eyes. "I think I'll take this one," Naruto said smuggly as he picked a beautiful white rose between his fingers. With that, he put the money on the counter and walked out. 'When will they learn,' Naruto thought to himself. 'At least the Hyuuga clan has started respecting me ever since my fight with Neji.'

Naruto kept walking until he finally reached an area decorated everywhere with the Hyuuga clan symbol. "I guess I'm here," Naruto said to himself.

"Naruto?" asked Hiashi, the leader of the main house. "How have you been?"

"Very well, sir. I was wondering, is Hinata in?"

"Oh, yes, of course. Come with me," said the man with the white eyes as he turned around and signaled to Naruto to come with him. "So, I understand that for the past couple of years you've been training with the Sannin, Jiraiya."

"Yeah, he's been helping me ever since the first chuunin exams I've been in."

"Ah, the ones in which you fought Neji, if I'm not mistaken. That was an amazing feat, Naruto. Neji was considered the number one genin in Konoha and being one who has inherited the most Hyuuga blood in a long time, and yet, you defeated him. You have won the respect of Hyuuga clan despite what the rest of the village may think," Hiashi said smiling the whole time. "Well, here we are. Hinata, you have a visitor!" Hiashi called into the traditionally built and decorated house. And out came Hinata with a look of surprise on her face. Her small frame was shown more easily without her jacket covering her. "Well, I'll leave you two alone," said Hiashi before walking off into another part of the Hyuuga property.

"Hi, Hinata," Naruto mumbled. Even though he had learned that Hinata had liked him for a long time and he had only discovered his feelings for her recently, he would always be nervous around her. "Oh, this is for you," Naruto said as he offered her the rose, "The color reminded me of your eyes."

"Thank you, Naruto," Hinata said as she took the rose, "Why are you here?"

"Well, it's been a while since I saw you, so I was wondering if you'd like to go out today, nothing special," Naruto said.

"Oh, sure, of course. Let me just get my coat," she said as she hurried into the house.

Naruto rested his back against the wall, 'Well, she didn't seem too happy to see me,' Naruto thought to himself. Another Hyuuga girl stepped out of the house and just stood there. Naruto turned his head to look at her. "Hanabi, right?"

"Yes, and you are Naruto. The cheater that 'beat' Neji," the girl stated as if it were a fact.

"The what?" Naruto asked.

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Well, there ya have it. Second chapter makes more sense as to why I put down Romance as a genre. Continue the reviews, please, I love reading them! Next Chapter "the Tortoise versus the Hare."