A/N: Whoa, I updated my 3 fics in one day? Yes! Well, I had those chapters written quite a long time ago, so...(except 'Shinobi's Life' I wrote it on Sunday) ...why not? Why Not by Hilary Duff:

Why not?
Take a crazy chance
Why not?
Do a crazy dance
If you lose the moment
You might lose a lot
So... why not?
Why not?

Disclaimer:I Don't own Naruto, nor Hilary Duff songs

This time, she recognized the room immediately. It was the hokage's office, where Tsunade was currently sitting, going through some papers. A knock could be heard and Shizune walked in.

"Nara Shikamaru wishes to see you. Should I let him in?"

Tsunade sighed. She didn't seem surprised even one bit.

"Yes. I expected to see him soon. Let him in."

Moments later, Shikamaru walked to the office, walking uncharacteristically quickly.

"Shikamaru. Sit down. What brings you here?"

"I came to talk about Ino."

Tsunade sighed again. This was going to be hard.

"I know what you feel, but we really can't do anything more. We can just wait..."

"I came to talk about her missions. Why was she even assigned to such dangerous mission? How could you let Ino..."

"Shikamaru. I am the hokage. I can do whatever I think is right. Yamanaka Ino is a jounin. A very skilled one. She is perfectly capable of taking such missions on herself. I think that you are underestimating her."

"But she is too precious to lose! The Shinobi Force can't afford to lose her! Her skills are very rare and important to the village!"

So...I'm alive? Or is it another memory or just a strange dream...?

"That's true. But we can't let her hide in her house, continually guarded. She's important because she uses her abilities. Life of a shinobi is full of risks. Ino knew it. You know it as well. Why can't you just accept it?"

Shikamaru was sitting with his hand bowed. One hand was stretched towards Tsunade, the other buried in his hair. For a moment he kept silent, gently grasping the hokage's hand in his and giving her fingers a small squeeze. His shoulders were trembling and the blonde woman smiled slightly, wistfully. She knew that he understood what she was trying to say.

For a moment, none said anything, just sat there, their fingers interlocked. Tsunade thought she could almost hear his brain working.

"Why did you call her that?"

"...What?"

"You called her precious."

"As a ninja."

"No. You called HER precious. And you called her skills, as a ninja, important. Why?"

"...You're the hokage. Shouldn't you know already?"

Tsunade smiled once again as Shikamaru's hand tightened almost painfully against hers, wanting only a moment of connection.

Ino stood there all the time, thoughtfully looking at those two. She felt a little like an intruder, though she was invisible. Shikamaru looked so sad and Tsunade so comforting. Once again, she felt a wave of admire towards their leader.

After some minutes, Shika got up, with his head still bowed, and headed towards the door. About to reach the doorknob, he stopped, turning his head slightly.

"I'm willing to carry out more missions if, from now on, you won't give Ino assignments higher than B unless under my leadership."

Tsunade grinned. That's what is it like to be a ninja. You sacrifice something to get something else.

Understanding the answer, Shika left, not knowing about Ino who was going after him, only a few steps behind.

"Shika...you would do something like that for me?"

Soon, they both reached the hospital. Ino was going, not really knowing what she was doing. Her legs were carrying her mechanically, one step after another, her eyes dully staring at the flak jacket before her. She stopped for a moment, watching the person behind her disappearing behind the door. She stared at the door for a moment.

Just as she reached the doorknob, excited that she'll finally understand what's going on here...

Her eyes widened. A strange force was dragging her up again. It was different than the one before. More demanding, powerful. And the hospital room was glowing a blinding light...

At the same time, in the hospital room, the screen showed her slowing heart.

When the rhythmic beeping changed, Shikamaru felt a wave of panic grip his heart. He stooped, halfway through eating his bento. Chopsticks fell to the box, sinking in rice.

He knew that it started. Just like Sakura predicted.

"If she won't wake up soon enough, her heart will gradually slow down until it stops completely."

A/N; Well, a short chapter, I apologize (if someone's still reading this crap. Seriously, all my fanfics seem crappy.) The next one will be the last...and I'm not sure how to end it...(tragic/happy) Reviews might help. (For sure they will)