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.

About three days out, the Ino and Sakura came to a small town. It was a stereotypical village. Children ran here and there. Small shops opened daily to sell their wares. A very peaceful, bustling place, or... it was supposed to be. A crowd had gathered in the town square. The townspeople were all ruffled about something and were arguing loudly.

"Let her die!" One said.

"We can't let them push us around!" said another.

"Please calm down," a man tried to relax the crowd while standing on a box, "We will deal with this in a civil manner."

Sakura and Ino stood just outside the crowd, listening.

"Now," the man said once the crowd had hushed themselves, "since our mayor will obviously be biased, we will vote on this matter without him."

Voting? Sakura was interested. It was odd for such a small town to implement this system. It was more common to see voting among high officials. Would this work?

"Who has any ideas," asked box-man.

A woman raised her hand and was noted by the box-man.

"I think we should pay them," she suggested," After all, she is part of our village."

"Any naysayers?"

A gruff man raised his hand. "We should let them kill her. It isn't pleasant, but there is no way we can recover after losing that much money. Besides, if we capitulate, they'll just ask for more."

"Good point. Anyone else?"

Ino was also interested. It wasn't everyday that villagers could discuss things so calmly. Normally they acted like mobs. These people actually seemed EDUCATED.

Next to speak was a thin young man. "I think we should hire shinobi. They're really reliable, and even though we will have to pay them, it'll be less then what those bandits want."

The gruff man spoke again after being re-recognized by box man, who was acting as moderator, "The shinobi will never get here in time. We only have twenty-four hours."

Sakura raised her hand. The moderator seemed surprised, but gave her the floor since she had been so courteous.

"I'm sorry for interrupting," she began, "But my friend and I were passing by and couldn't help but overhear. We're both shinobi from Konoha village." Sakura removed her forehead protector and showed it to them before continuing, "I would be willing to help you."

"Sakura!" Ino was surprised, "It's none of our business. Besides, Tsunade-sama said that we aren't allowed to fight!"

"It is so our business," Sakura responded and faced Ino, "Forget what Tsunade-sama said. We can't just ignore them. Besides, it's good business relations."

Ino was skeptical. "How is it good business if we don't make any money?"

Sakura just smiled and said, "Customer relations," before facing the townspeople and awaiting their decision.

Debate didn't last long. Voting narrowed down the plans, and the moderator became the spokesperson. After a decision was reached, he stepped of the box and headed toward Sakura.

"We would like your help, but cannot pay you the normal fee."

"That's fine. I'll do it for free."

"It is settled then. What do you need from us?"

"I need the drop off point and I need to know how much they asked for."

"Geez. You're sharp. The drop-off point is just outside the village. There's a trail that leads there. As for the amount..."

Ino was thoroughly startled. Sakura was putting her life on the line for strangers who weren't even paying her. She hadn't been on a mission in years, and who knew how well armed these people were! Her friend had gone far past the line of being a good Samaritan, and Ino was worried. As soon as Sakura finished talking with the villager, Ino spoke up.

"You're crazy. No one will benefit from this."

"The village will."

"And what about you? You could get hurt."

"Yeah. But I can't just let that girl be killed.

"It isn't good for a Shinobi to be so nice, ya know?"

"Guess not. But I just can't sleep at night knowing all my skills have gone to waste."

Ino took a moment to understand what Sakura was saying before she responded. "I suppose I'll have to go with you then."

"Thanks, Ino."

What the two women lacked in power, they made up for with strategy. Leaving everything save for kunai and shuriken behind, Sakura would head down to the bandit camp with exploding notes made to look like a sack filled with the payment. Ino would carefully come around from behind and either attack directly or set traps, then signal Sakura by using a specific bird whistle. Sakura would take off with the supposed money and lead the bandits to their capture. If a direct attack failed, Sakura would have to lure enough bandits away that the mayor's daughter, who was the hostage, would be safe. If even the traps failed, Sakura was outnumbered, and Ino was unable to capture the remaining bandits, the exploding notes would be brought into play. Best outcome, the bandits would get scared and run off. Worst outcome was death.

At least that's how it was supposed to work. They hadn't gotten halfway to the drop-off point before the bandits had them surrounded. They weren't quiet, they had just casually dropped out of trees, but even though Sakura and Ino knew they were coming, they didn't have enough time to do anything. Rough looking men glared at their prey, inspecting every inch. These were the kind of men you'd expect to find in unkempt bars and red light districts. They were oily, indiscreet, and armed to the teeth. One bandit, wearing a red bandana, pulled one of many knives from god-knows-where and stepped forward.

"Show me the money."

Sakura was quaking in her shoes as she replied, " I- it's in th- the bag."

"What's wrong, girlie?" Bandana-man was very pleased with Sakura submissiveness. "Scared? Bring it here."

Sakura complied, knees knocking.

"Geez. She's still a scaredy cat." Ino thought.

"Now put the money down, and open the bag," Bandana-man ordered.

Upon inspection, the bandits seemed satisfied with the amount. A subordinate grabbed the bag and walked off. No one else so much as twitched an eyeball.

Seeing how no one made a move, Ino asked, "What about the hostage?"

"We're keeping her," Was the only reply.

"Ch. Figures."

"D-don't st-start anything, Ino."

"Stop being such a coward, baldy."

Sakura twitched, but kept her submissive posture.

"You should take a lesson from your friend there," Bandana smirked, "She knows her place."

Tensions built up. So much so, that even the most insensitive of the herd started paying close attention and fingering weapons of some sort. Suddenly, there was a crash! Three bandits ran off to investigate, leaving one subordinate and the leader.

"I hope you aren't up to anything. I would hate to see that little girl die," Bandana was starting to anger.

"You w-wouldnt!" Sakura exclaimed.

"Try me. If I'm not back by sundown, she dies. And I have no problem being late," he threatened.

Ino finally snapped. Cursing, she charged the leader. He ducked her punch, and was so surprised by her speed that he didn't see the kick coming. By the time Ino had knocked him out, Sakura had finished laying the other man flat.

"Perfect timing, Ino," Sakura remarked coolly.

"You mean you planned all that!?!??"

"Well, kinda. After they surrounded us, I replaced myself with a nearby log and then created a solid bunshin. My copy took out the other four and has the 'money'. The scared act was just to make him reveal information and leave his guard down."

Ino had to smile. Sakura wasn't a coward at all. "Figures. So what now?"

Real Sakura came out of the nearby bush as the kawarimi became a log.

"Now we impersonate these two and head back, using bunshin to impersonate the other four," Sakura said, thinking.

"Don't you ever get tired of using those jutsu?"

"Nope. They work just fine, don't they?"

Roughly half an hour later, the shinobi walked into the enemy camp. The mayor's daughter was being watched by a ratty looking bandit. Other ruffians were lying around randomly. Some were playing cards, although the majority were napping or dozing off. No matter how weak the enemy was, Ino and Sakura were still outnumbered 3 to 1. Trying not to draw any attention, Ino went off to mingle in the crowd along with the copies. Sakura confidently ambled up to the ratty guy and dropped the cash, letting it fall with a manly thud.

"The village paid up," Sakura said gruffly.

"He," ratman huffed, unimpressed, "Looks like we got us a nice little cash cow here."

"Changed my mind. We're sending her back."

Ratman was surprised. "But boss," he questioned, "I thought we were gonna run 'em dry."

"As much as I like that idea," Sakura began as her heart pounded, "they sent two wimps to try and fight us. If they decide to put up a good resistance, we'll be uncovered. So we're laying low."

Ratman's gaze shifted around. Sakura took his lack of a response as compliance, and made a move to pick up the hostage. She was about to walk off, when Ratman finally put two and two together.

"You ain't the boss," He cried, "The boss would never lay low OR take that kinda crap from anyone! Show yourself!"

The bunshins instantly disappeared. Her plan having failed, Sakura picked up the small child and ran. Ino followed suit, but the bandits weren't about to take such an insult lightly. They rushed after the two women like an angry mob, screaming bloody murder.

"Ino! Carry the girl! I'll hold them off!"

"What are you thinking?!?!?"

"Just do it! I'll explain later!"

Unsatisfied with the answer she got but unwilling to start an argument now, Ino grabbed the hostage and took off into the treetops where none of the bandits could keep up. Sakura turned and dove straight into the mob, fists flying. The bandits were no longer organized, and just formed a circle around their target. Sakura now had to deal with three to five bandits at a time. It was a sight to see, this pink and black blur, as kicks, punches, and kunai started flying off. Some bandits gave up after only one hit, and just cheered for whatever guy took their place.

Outnumbered and gathering a new collection of wounds, Sakura stopped fighting and just took on hits as her hands flew through well practiced symbols.

In the distance, Ino heard the exploding scrolls go off. Fearing the worst, she fought back tears and just kept running on until The village came in sight. The hostage was shaken up but uninjured. The bandits had merely tied a complex knot around her ankle to keep her in place, and she hadn't resisted.

Ino and the rescued hostage were greeted by the mayor, who was waiting at the edge of town. Ino could she the treads from where he had been pacing.

"Papa!" Little Mary cried. She was lovingly scooped up by the mayor.

"I'm so glad your back," The mayor said," And you, young miss, how can I ever repay you?"

Eyes brimming, Ino shook her head, "Don't worry about it."

"You should at least let me take you to the inn. It's almost nightfall," He looked around for something before getting the nerve to ask, " And where is the nice pink-haired woman?"

Ino just looked down, unable to answer.

There was an uncomfortable silence. "Well then, perhaps I could show you to the inn," the grateful man said gently.

"No, thank you. I have to go find her."

"I'm sure you will."

Ino was about to reenter the forest when a damaged but smiling Sakura walked out.

"Hey," was her short greeting.

Ino just stood there, flabbergasted.

"Ino? Ino? Helooooooooo?"

Ino snapped, "HARUNO SAKURA, IF YOU EVER SCARE ME LIKE THAT AGAIN I'LL KILL YOU AND GIVE YOUR HEAD TO OROCHIMARU!"

Sakura sweatdropped and took a step back. "Calm down, Ino. I think the whole village heard you."

"Let them come out and riot for all I care! I thought you were dead!"

Sakura was offended. "You mean you don't trust me to survive a little explosion like that?!?!?"

"You call that small?!?!? There's probably a crater!"

"Stop freaking! It's not like I'm Naruto or something!"

"Fooled me!"

The stare down was interrupted when Sakura felt something pull on her pant leg. Looking down, Sakura saw a small, brown-haired child looking up at her. Sakura knelt down, and smiled sweetly.

"I'm sorry about that. I never got a chance to learn your name."

"It's Mary."

"Well Mary, I hope Ino didn't scare you too much."

"It's ok. The bandits are scarier."

Sakura giggled.

Mary looked upwards, trying to remember something, "Oh yeah! Thanks for saving me!"

"You're welcome. Now, isn't it your bedtime?"

The mayor and his daughter bid their farewells and went home. After they had gone, Sakura and Ino decided to stay the night at an inn so they could wash up and rest. The inn wasn't hard to find, and pretty soon the two women were relaxing at the hot springs as if nothing had happened.

"There's nothing like a hot bath," Sakura sighed as she eased herself in,

"I still can't believe you did that."

"What?"

"Saving that girl."

"Oh, that."

"What do you mean, 'Oh, that'? You were almost killed!"

Sakura sighed, and closed her eyes. She could feel the warmth of the water bring new blood to her bruises and cuts. During such a moment, there was no point in arguing. Even Ino gave up trying to talk and just let all the worries and concerns of the day melt away with the steam.

The sun set with a flurry of colors, leaving a sliver of moon to guard the night sky. Stars hung stood as gracious ladies in waiting. Crickets were chirping, owls were on the prowl, and a soft summer wind carried its own soft melody with grace. On such nights, sleep comes easily to those who seek its sweet reprieve.