Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its affiliates, in any form. I do not own the characters. I believe the plot is mine, but you can steal that if you want to.

Two days later, our two heroines headed off. After much argument, it was decided that Sakura and Ino would take the 5 day trip east to Akarui city together, and then split up. Sakura would visit the mountains to the north, Ino would hit the beach further east, and both would meet back in Akarui city two weeks later. The trip left lots of time for distractions and sightseeing, since a ninja traveling at a brisk pace could make the whole trip in three weeks instead of four. So, backpacks ready and bodies buzzing with energy, they headed off.

"I feel like a Genin again." Sakura was the first to break the silence.

"Don't be silly. This is a brand new adventure!"

"Yeah, guess so."

"I'm still worried about my shop though."

"Who wouldn't be? You've been giving careful attention to your arrangements for so long."

"I'm really going to miss him."

"Him?"

"Sasuke."

Sakura looked puzzled.

Ino looked away sheepishly, "After Sasuke left, my parents gave me a rosebush to keep my mind off what had happened. I named it Sasuke, and took care of it ever since."

Sakura giggled.

"What? Don't tell me you didn't do something silly to comfort yourself when he left."

"I did, but I'm gonna tell you."

"I see. So that's how it is, eh?"

"A shinobi never reveals her secrets."

"Unless she doesn't want to be blackmailed."

"What do you have on me?"

"Remember that really embarrassing picture of you from when we were little?"

Sakura face filled with terror. "You still have that?"

"Yup. So come on, spill."

"I-... made a Sasuke plushie."

It was Ino's turn to giggle. "You still have it, don't you?"

"Well, I used to sleep with it. Even after I realized I had to move on, I still kept it. It's just so cute! At least it looks like Sasuke."

That made Ino stop laughing. "You wanna start something, mush-for-brains?"

Sakura didn't respond.

"I'm glad you've finally accepted defeat!"

"No," Sakura said softly, "But don't you think it's time we stopped this? There's nothing to argue about."

Ino thought for a moment. "There was never anything to argue about. That didn't stop us before. No reason to stop now."

"You have a point there."

"But of course. I'm far more superior then you, after all."

"Prove it, you stuck up pig."

"How many times do I have to tell you? I am NOT a farm animal! You better watch it, girlie!"

They had stopped walking by now. There was an all out stare down.

"Hussy!" Sakura said, Inner Sakura bubbling just beneath the surface.

"Prick!" Ino was playing for keeps.

"What makes you think you're better then me, blondie?"

"How could I be beneath a little smartass like you?"

"You're all talk, bitch."

Ino suddenly had an idea. It was a particularly dangerous idea, but when your honor is at stake, risk is necessary. Ino smirked which threw Sakura off just long enough for Ino to reach up and poke her opponent's forehead dead center and say,

"You're it, baldy," before sauntering off.

Sakura stood in disbelief. Slowly, she realized what had happened. The lightbulb went on, and Sakura exploded.

"Ino-big, today you will learn respect!"

Ino's plan had backfired. Well, kinda. Sakura WAS angry. Maybe too angry. A retreat was then in order. Now, anyone who cared for their personal survival would just run off and leave it at that. Not Ino.

"Can't you run any faster?"

It turns out that Sakura could indeed run faster. Which made Ino realize that now was not a good time to continue taunting the shinobi. To add to Ino's list of things she had learned today was that Angry Sakura ran faster then Normal Sakura. Angry Sakura quickly caught her offender and placed her in a rather effective headlock.

"Sa-Ku-Ra..."

"You better take me seriously!"

"Can't...Breathe..."

Despite how hilarious it was that Ino now resembled a blueberry, Sakura decide it was best to release her. Minutes later, after both women had caught thier breath, and a small period of comfortable silence ensued. After all, it was a beautiful summer day. The wind was whispering gently to blossoming flowers under a deep blue sky. Moments passed. Ino looked at sakura, Sakura looked at Ino, and the two broke out laughing.

"You should have seen yourself," Sakura said between fits of laughter, "I thought your head was gonna pop off!"

"Yeah? I've never seen anyone run that fast," Ino replied.

After they had both settled down Ino said, "We should get going."

"Guess so."

As the two friends walked off, they thought, "Maybe this won't be so bad afterall."

So began what was to be a life changing excursion.

Author's Notes: I still can't indent my paragraphs. If there is anyone reading this, could you please leave me a review? If no one's gonna read this, there's no point in me posting it. Even if all I get is one person saying my story sucks and I'm going to hell, that would make my day.

Thanks.