This is the third chapter. I'm planning on writing up to 16 chapters If there are any spelling or grammar mistakes, please excuse them. I'm not really a Checking person. In the first chapter, I forgot to say that Inside My Shell is set after the 5th Hokage's death. Well, enjoy.

"SASUKE-KUN IS SO COOL!!!" I mentally screamed. I glanced at Naruto who was, as usual, being his natural determined self. He was muttering about how one day, he would beat Sasuke. I looked away. He's trash compared to Sauke-kun. Not even able to recognise a strong person when he sees one and he wants to be the Hokage. Konoha would fall if that were ever to happen.

I flinched, knowing the thoughts I just had were really harsh. I mean, it's not like I hate Naruto. It's just the fact that he can be very annoying sometimes and on some occasions I really want to slice him to pieces. But when I think back, I realized that maybe I'm being too mean. Maybe, if he tried really hard he could be a better shinobi. Maybe he really needs to defeat Sasuke, not that I think that's ever going to happen, to be satisfied with himself. Maybe Kakashi-sensei is right and I pay way too much attention to Sasuke and too little to Naruto. I don't know. Maybe Naruto really is an idiot.

As I headed towards my house, I passed the Yamanaka's Flower Shop. As I looked a little closer I noticed that Ino was rearranging a few Lilies and Daisies. Probably to give to Sasuke-kun. My Sasuke. 'I can't let that happen!' I ran into the shop and yelled my head off. "You are going to lose Ino-pig! Sasuke-kun is as good as mine now so you can quit trying!"

She looked up in surprise for half a second. Then, her expression changed as she stood up, grinning. "Your's? Sasuke-kun would never belong to the likes of you. And even if he did, I could easily take him away from you. As soon as he sees the real me, he'll drop you as fast as bees collect honey. Besides, if he's yours, why haven't you two gone out on a date yet?"

"Because, Sasuke-kun is a really shy person when it comes to times of romances. Anyways, I have already asked him again today and he's seriously thinking about it this time." I wanted to bite my tongue. 'Shit! Shouldn't have said that. Shouldn't have said that!'

Ino cocked an eyebrow and her lips curled into the happiest sneer I have ever seen. "'This time'? You mean to say that you've asked him repeatedly and he never even seemed to consider your question? Sakura, you're pathetic." She ended her sentence with a sneer.

I gave her the best glare I could have come up with. I walked past her to a row of flowers, picked out a few red roses and stalked towards the counter. Ino seemed to get the idea and stood behind the counter. I handed her some money and she gave me back my change. She seemed like she wanted to say something but I wasn't going to let her. I walked as fast as I could towards the exit. Before I stepped out, I turned around and said, "You just wait, Ino. I know I'm a better shinobi than you. I could beat you anytime in a duel. Plus, in our battle for him, I'm only 10 away from winning. You can't beat me this time, Ino, 'cause I've already beaten you." With this I turned around again and walked out.

I ran all the way back to my house, opened the door, ran in, slammed the door closed, and without a word, shot up the staircase and into my room. Heading towards the cupboard, I messed around for a while in a search for a jug. In the end, I used a mug instead. I carefully arranged the flowers, making sure not to accidentally tear the petals. The flowers must be perfect for tomorrow, when I give them to Sasuke-kun and he realizes that he has feelings for me. Then, victory would be ours! I fully agreed with with Inner Sakura. It's a lot of fun talking to yourself, but when you don't have to think of a remark to talk back, it makes the whole thing more fun.

I jumped onto my bed for a quick nap. As I looked around I realized why I couldn't find any jugs. I had practically used up every single jug in the house. I smiled, noticing that all the flowers were from that particular shop. Even though I would never admit it in front of her, I happened to think that the Yamanaka's flower store had the best flowers in the whole village.

Ever since I gave her back her scarf, Ino and I have always been enemies. Sure, we could still talk to each other without a sneer, but only if we were not talking about who's more likely to get Sasuke-kun, who likes him better, who he likes better, and the number one topic, who deserves to get him. In fact, I think we're actually getting along better. Besides, I kinda like talking to Ino.

Still, that won't stop me from chasing after her. It is my dream to be like her in certain ways, and better than her in other ways. Just like it is my dream to have Sasuke-kun see me, as in really see me and not just think of me as another fan of his. Thus, if I want all of this to happen, I must eliminate all obstacles blocking my path. And I will.

But, over the months I've begun to wonder, was it really worth it? Was Sasuke-kun really worth all the harsh words we have exchanged? The broken friendship when he didn't even notice me.

My stomach grumbled. Glancing at the clock, I can't see why not. It's 3:30p.m. and I haven't even gotten lunch yet. I got up and walked down the stairs, out the front door and straight to the nearest food stall. I stopped for half a second, remembering that the stall would be right next to her family shop. But the as my stomach let me know how hungry it was for the second time, I decided that I didn't care.

"Sasuke-kun, would please come and help me train? Or if you're hungry, why don't we both go have something to eat?"

I stopped dead. 'No way…' I turned towards the source of the sound, only to see Ino, walking with her arm linked to Sasuke's arm. 'AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!No way! What is she doing with him?!'

That Ino, she'll never give up will she? Well, fair enough. As I ran towards her, a thought passed through. I'll never get the answer until I have claimed what is mine. Besides, it's not like I'm willing to give up either.

So, how was this chapter? I made a few adjustments. Thanks for stopping by to read(if there is anybody out there who reads) Please review, if you have the time and feel like doing so. If you don't, well, bad luck for me.