Ino had been aggressive that morning as she went to Mizuki. They usually practised in the middle of forest as requested from Ino however the letter she received made her feel violated. She was being defensive as she kept focusing on her surroundings. Mizuki ignored her strange behaviour for the most part.

"Are you okay?" He finally asked.

Ino stared at him seriously. He must have felt the chakra of that creep, right? "Have you ever felt someone is watching over us?"

Mizuki scratched his head. "Never. I think you're being delusional. Just focus on your chakra."

Ino trusted him therefore she dropped the matter for the time being. What's to fear, no one would dare do something with Mizuki right there.

Anxiously she walked to the academy and like usual waited for Iruka.

"Ino, how are you doing?"

Ino jolted up in surprise. Kakashi sensei?

"Kakashi sensei, what are you doing here?" She asked.

Kakashi must have felt unwelcome because he sweats. Forming his eye smile he pointed at the papers. "I need Iruka to sign these. I didn't have time to visit him last day so I'm here first thing in the morning."

Ino lightly smiled at him as both waited for the man.

"Say, I've been hearing rumours about letters. A mysterious man courting you."

Ino tensed. Smiling tightly she waved her hands. "It's nothing really. Just some cre- someone with a lot of time in his hands." She did rather not tell Kakashi for if he find out, Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke would find out too and Naruto won't keep his mouth shut.

Kakashi spared her a long look. She swallowed a thick lump under his watchful eyes. She prayed he wouldn't notice her nervousness which he probably did but she hoped he did keep himself out of her business like he usually does.

"Ah guess some hopeless romance believer. Letters are the sign of his fantasies but I probably should keep my nose out of your love life."

Iruka came at that exact moment too. Kakashi raised his hand to greet him while Ino bowed.

"Kakashi? What business?" Then he turned to Ino. "Ahh Ino I'm getting tired of this. Tell your lover to stop sending me letters to pass them to you."

Ino visibly shivered. She unconsciously stepped back while it went unnoticed by Iruka who was busy searching for the envelope Kakashi eyed Ino closely.

"Who gave you this?!" She asked wide eyed, holding the envelope.

Iruka finally noticed her unnatural behaviour. He halted, composing himself for he didn't get why she would react like this to the letter.

"Take us to the man." Kakashi ordered when Iruka froze in confusion.

Iruka, still confused, led the two to the man who had been using him as his personal messenger.

Iruka showed them a white head man. Ino went to him first and grabbed his hand. "You the one who's sending me these letters?!"

The man took a step back pushed Ino away causing her to stumble back. "What? No, it's not me! I'm just the messenger!"

"Messenger from who?" Kakashi grabbed his arm to prevent his escape.

Intimidated, the man stopped his movement. "He never told me his name. He just pays me at the same time he hands me the envelopes. Besides, he randomly comes to me so I know nothing about him."

"What's your name?" Iruka asked.

"Suigetsu. Please don't hurt me." He said nervously.

Ino doubted he could be her stalker. And she also realised the fuss she made around Kakashi and Iruka. It was against her plans. Therefore she went to this white head man and brushed his shoulders.

"I just wanted to meet him, that's all. He's been sending some letters and I don't want him to get hurt emotionally. Thank you for your time." She smiled at him tightly.

He walked off muttering weirdos.

Kakashi was quiet and that's when Iruka decided to ask. "Why did we rushed out like it was something dangerous?"

Ino laughed. "Truthfully I'm not sure either. I just panicked so I guess Kakashi sensei thought it was something serious."

Iruka sighed exhaustingly but Kakashi took no humour in her reply. He wasn't a fool, her reaction was terrifying, like a concerned cat and yet she dared to lie through her teeth. He wasn't going to interfere if she didn't want him to. So unless she asked him for help he would stay on the sidelines and pretend to buy her lies.

--

At the end of the day right before falling asleep she remembered the envelope. Sighing heavily she pulled it out and her eyes ran over the letters in the folded paper.

'Baby, you seemed nervous in the morning. If I could, I would kidnap you and make love to you all day long. Just imagining you under me forced and unwilling to surrender turns me crazy. I can't wait to get my hands on you so you better be ready for that day.Your secret admirer...'

Ino gritted her teeth. This creep was getting bolder, and a fear of if he actually get his hands on her frightened her. She can't let this keep happening for who knows what kind of psycho she was dealing with. And her peace was ripped off that night as she kept thinking about the letter. Just imagining the things he could do to her made her cry to herself. Why her? Damn it! She was finding it easy to believe she had a magnet of bad luck attached to her.

--

The next morning, in the middle of a practice she brought up the subject she had the whole night to think about.

"Mizuki, I'm looking for someone to help me secretly. Someone smart and capable of fighting in any situation. Not from the people I know."

Mizuki finds her request strange. He rested his palm on his cheek thinking someone smart and capable of fighting but also shouldn't be from the military force of Konoha. The options were limited with her picky statements but the only choice were rogue ninjas, those thugs she was probably too cute to deal with.

"I know a few people, however they're not your type-" he waved at her up and down. "-you know. Thugs and all."

However Ino had come to him knowing fully what kind of people he was acquainted with and she was ready to risk it all as long as they weren't familiar with her.

"That's even better, just hand me some information."

Her desperation was pouring out and Mizuki was taken back. However he did as she told him. Gave her a single paper with an address on it and a person name.

"Here, go to this man and tell him your demands. He'll find you someone but be careful. The area isn't safe. Take someone with you." And he sneered knowing how she was going to this length for something just to avoid her circle of people.

Too busy in her thoughts she didn't pay any mind and folded the paper before carefully placing it inside her bag.

"Don't worry, I'll manage."

How exactly she doesn't know. But hoped to find help as soon as possible for who knows what would be creeps' next move.

And off she went. A huge grey cloak covered her body from head to toe. Reaching the destination she walked inside the small store. It smelled like cigarettes and weeds. She did best to breathe as little as possible.

"I'm looking for someone that could help me. Someone is after me." She said straight to the point.

The man in his forties sized her up. "How much are you willing to pay?"

"That will be decided with that capable person."

He scoffed. "Sounds like a spoiled woman. What makes you think I would not take you hostage right here and right now."

"Because you know nothing about me. What can you do with little information? Nothing much, not as much as I would pay your man after the job is done."

He snarled. "Name." He wasn't taking her seriously and it would be a problem. Does she obviously look weak and spoiled? She wasn't spoiled though.

"Ino. Just Ino."

The man halted. As if something crossed his mind. Slowly he fixed his position. "Well Ino, that's a beautiful name you have. I'm afraid my men aren't available at this moment."

She was disappointed, and was ready to show her desperation until he silenced her and continued.

"But I might know someone who would be interested. He's very kind to beautiful girls and I'm sure he won't reject your offer."

This sounded like trouble, but she didn't come this far to shy away from trouble. Must use her negotiation skills which were very low at the best.

"Where can I find him?"

"His name is Obito. Obito Uchiha-" Now Ino wasn't aware of the fact there were rogue Uchihas. "-just ask around. Everyone knows about him. He's a bit grumpy and moody so better not piss him or push him. Won't survive the night if you do."

Uchiha huh? She nodded and took off. Was it wise to associate with a rogue Uchiha? She wasn't sure; that would be judged once she meet up with him. No matter how desperate she was, she was aware of the strength of an Uchiha so she might be extra cautious. But also she won't doubt his skills so he will be very well perfect for the job.

Entering a break down building she wasn't sure it was a wise thing to enter. For it seemed empty, uncleaned and she was alone. The thought of getting rid of the creep gave her enough strength to keep going.

"Obito? Hello, is anyone here?"

No response so she went deeper. There was a door, she turned the knob making a squeaking sound. She cringed before eyeing the room. There was someone on the sofa, laying with his feet up on the hand rest.

She gulped as the man made no movement acknowledging her.

She made sure to not let the door close but it was the kind that closes on its own force and slammed shut. Dust flows from the pressure. She gulped. Giving her all to keep her presence strong.

"Are you Obito Uchiha? I've been told you would be here."

No response.

"I need your help. I-I'll pay as much as you want!"

Again he made no move to acknowledge her.

His silence frightened her. Should she leave? It seems like he won't tolerate further annoyance.

"If- if you're busy I can go somewh-"

The man clinked his tongue in annoyance. "What business?"

Ino was glad the man wasn't facing her. She better compose herself before he could find weakness in her and take advantage of it. Therefore she curled her fist, and went straight to the point.

"My name is Ino. Someone is threatening me. I've been told you could help me."

He sat up, now facing her. His hand reached for the cigarette, placing it between his teeth before grabbing a lighter to burn the tip. His eyes ran over her. He tsked in disapproval.

"Asking for help without showing your face is indecent, princess."

Ino flushed up, he was right but she didn't expect from a criminal to know a thing about indecency. She took off the cloak, hanging it on her hand neatly before facing him.

Obito sighed in bliss, breathing the smoke in than out, fog clouded him.

Ino stopped breathing, to not cringe at the smell.

"I'll help you."

Just like that, but he doesn't know the details yet.

"Meet me at the bar in two hours. We'll discuss further on the subject as for now, flee off."

"The sky would turn dark. I can't stay here longer than a half hour." She reasoned. She came alone, she survived the day in this rundown town but who knows what lurks around at night. Besides, crimes usually take place once darkness covers the sky.

"Well princess, I'm a busy man. It's either you wait for two hours or find someone else." He coldly replied.

Ino curled her fist angry at his ridiculous demands. Can't he see she was a lone girl and the world was a dangerous place. And he dared speak of decency.

"This isn't right. How dare you speak of decenc-"

"Out."

"I nee-"

"Princess, last warning."

Ino froze as he rose up, throwing his half cigarette down smashing it. Lips angrily went down. His sharingan activated.

She gulped. Raising her palm in front of her she stepped away from him. Fear engulfing her being. For a second she forgot who she was dealing with.

"Fine. I'll just find someone else." She whispered, walking backwards eyes on him to make sure he won't pull anything on her.

Once out the room, she ran outside the building and away until she felt safe enough to breathe.

Great, now she needs to find someone else to help her. Not long before the sky turned dark. Maybe accepting his offer wasn't bad.

"My name is Ino. I need help."

Another man rejected her. She didn't get it, when she approached them, they would be excited or have other unspeakable motives and the moment she introduced them herself they made excuses. What was wrong with them? It's like someone has threatened them to not accept her proposal.

Time passed by with no help. Destiny was cruel. Why Obito out of all people but again if she went to meet him would he accept it? She pissed him off, he might kill her the next time he sees her, won't he?

She waited outside the bar, she was already late to return home and like hell would dare come in this town again.

"Decided to show up?"

She flinched, not expecting him to notice her. Her body stumbled back and he caught her arm. She balanced herself before backing away from him.

"Follow me."

Relief washed over her. He didn't reject her. Ino closely followed him, careful to not touch him but close enough to feel his heat. He sat down at one of the corner tables.

"Speak." He pulled his cigarette pack out, picking one out and placing it between his teeth.

She cleared her throat. This time making sure to mind her manners for he does notice these little things.

"I've been receiving letters. Love letters precisely. The culprit has given me some disgusting threats. I kept the letters, they're not with me at the moment though."

Obito hummed. "Interesting, does anyone else know?"

Ino shook her head. "I would rather not talk about it. Personal reasons."

He nodded. His eyes moved around the area before landing on her. "So Ino, I want to clear something first before I help you." He paused for objection when received none, continued.

"Once I start helping you out, there's no turning back- whether you like it or not. I don't fancy half-assed work. So if you want to back out, right now is your only chance. After this you'll have no say in the matter."

That was simple and much appreciated by Ino. She saw it as a compliment to his work ethic.

"I believe it's a good thing to know I won't be left alone to suffer in the middle of it."

He smirked, exhaling the smoke. "One more thing princess, if I tell you to not bother me, you better listen. I won't take responsibility for my actions afterwards."

Yeah, she had experienced it earlier.

"And, don't seek me out. I'll come to you whenever I see fit. You won't do anything without my permission. You'll not keep secrets from me."

Ino nearly glared and he got a message for he explained his statement. "I mean about the letters and the stalker. And you're my responsibility until this is over so don't question me when I interfere in your personal life or forbid you to talk with certain people."

That was asking too much and Ino wasn't sure if his conditions were justified. But he was putting his life in danger, which means her actions could cost him his life. Obito was just being careful. She concluded, he was a criminal so he knew better.

"Nearly forget to mention, don't trust anyone. Not even me."

She blinked. And he stared back.

"Be careful Ino, your life depends on who you trust." Obito mumbled. "Do you trust me?"

"I- I need time." Ino answered, unsure what he was expecting. He just told her to not trust him. But if she told him the truth he might feel like she wasn't serious enough about this.

His cigarette butt kissed the floor.

"Correct answer."

"So you'll help me."

Obito closed his eyes.

"With my life."

How innocent she was. Obito breathed out. It would be easy.