*I DON'T OWN NARUTO.*


Naruto passed several shinobi's as he hastily made his way to Tsunade's office. Some were holding paperwork, while others paused to chat. After a few moments he reached Tsunade's office door and without a moment of hesitation he entered her office.

"Good, you're here, now listen up Naruto, I'm sending you to the nearby village of Koka. You should be familiar with it,correct?"

"Yeah, it's a non shinobi village. I've stopped there before to take a breather, it's a pretty popular rest stop for traders and shinobi alike."

"Precisely."

"So what's going on?"

"Well the villagers have fallen prey to bandits and rogue shinobi. Many of them have stopped trading out of fear, and now their economy is suffering. The fire daimyo has distant relatives that live in Koka so it's our responsibility to provide protection and support to this tiny village. I'm appointing you as team captain. Your mission is to head for Koka immediately and dispose of any bandits or rogue shinobi you encounter. I'm giving you three days to make sure the job is done. Also a medic shinobi in training is on your team so she will be healing the wounded that have been attacked. Any questions?"

"Yeah where's this team of mine?"

"They were briefed earlier, they should be here…"

Just then the door to Tsunade's office swung open, and Konohamaru, along with his team mates Moegi, and Udon, walked inside.

"Shortly," replied Tsunade.

"Hey Naruto-niichan."

"Hey you guys, long time no see."

It had been sometime since Naruto had last seen Konohamaru and he was surprised to see he had gotten taller. The same was said for Udon, and Moegi was growing up to be quite a cutie.

"Alright everyone you've all been briefed. I expect you three to listen to Naruto on this mission. Just because you're close to home doesn't mean you're excluded from danger," warned Tsunade.

Naruto felt a sudden wave of worry coming off of Tsunade. Something had happened, but there was no time to cause a scene. He'd talked to Shikamaru when he got back home.

"You're dismissed," said Tsunade.

"Yes ma'am," said everyone in unison.

Naruto signaled the youths in front of him to leave first, he slowly followed behind them and in that instant he couldn't help but feel like Kakashi-sensei. Naruto smirked as he walked out of Tsunade's office.

This mission is going to be a piece of cake.


Naruto and his team made it to the front gates of Konoha, and Naruto could tell his teammates were enthusiastic to say the least. He heard them rambling to each other, but he had to admit he wasn't listening to what they were saying. He was too preoccupied with his empty stomach. He had been in such a hurry to get to Hokage Tower that he had skipped lunch. For a few moments he sulked, but then he remembered that he was the one in charge, which meant he was able to call the shots without anyone telling him no. Naruto smirked at the thought, it was time to make his first decision as captain.

"Alright guys we're making a quick stop at that little dumpling shop that's about 45 minutes away from here, before we officially start our mission. I need to get some food in my stomach before we do anything else."

"Well why don't we just eat here?" Asked Konohamaru

"Are you crazy?! We'd be dead if Baa-chan caught wind that we were still here. She wanted us to leave, so we need to follow her orders and leave Konoha. She never said we couldn't have a little detour, besides I'm the captain so what I say goes," said Naruto.

"He has a point Konohamaru, we best do what he says," said Udon.

"Whatever," signed Konohamaru.

"Alright let's head out," ordered Naruto.

He quickly bolted with his younger companions not far behind. They all dashed swiftly outside the gates of Konoha and off to their next destination.

Naruto let out a sigh of satisfaction as they left the dumpling shop. He happily patted his stomach as they got back on the trail that lead to Koka.

"I'm glad we made this stop, I hadn't eaten lunch either," said Moegi.

"Me too," agreed Udon.

"You see my executive decision saved us an uncomfortable trip to Koka," said Naruto.

Konohamaru rolled his eyes, he didn't say a word as the left the restaurant. He watched the shinobi he idolized as he made small talk with his friends. Konohamaru wasn't sure how he felt towards Naruto. At first he was thrilled to see that he was their team captain, but the rumors that were circulating around town had reached his team, and he wasn't sure if they were true or not. After a few minutes the idle chit chat with his teammate had ceased and Konohamaru mustered the courage to confront Naruto.

"Is it true Naruto-niichan?"

"Is what true?"

"Did you get your girlfriend pregnant?"

"Konohamaru!" Snapped Moegi.

Naruto froze, his face began to heat up from embarrassment. He couldn't believe his friend was so blunt. In reality he didn't mind telling him, or anyone else, for that matter. There was no point in lying after all, but he never thought this topic would be brought up on their mission. Naruto sighed softly and nodded his head.

"Yes Konohamaru it's true, Sakura-chan is pregnant."

"Oh that's great news Naruto-taicho, I can only imagine how adorable that baby will be. What if it has Sakura's gorgeous pink hair, and your deep blue eyes? Or even better what if they have your blonde hair with Sakura's stunning jade eyes," cooed Moegi.

Konohamaru on the other hand turned towards Udon and punched him roughly on the arm.

"I told you they had done it! Getting Sakura pregnant is undying proof that Naruto has done the nasty with her! You owe me 50 ryo Udon!"

The blood that had rushed to Naruto's face drained as quickly as it had appeared. He was mortified.

"You made a bet on my sex life you little shit!?" Roared Naruto.

He was about to clobber Konohamaru when he felt the presence of a familiar chakra close by, one that made his blood boil. He turned his head sharply to the south. The signature grew closer, and the familiar scent of a certain individual hit his nose. In a blink of an eye Naruto was gone, all that was left was a stream of yellow. The three young shinobi were left speechless, they had no idea what had just happened.

"Konohamaru you messed up big time, you got Naruto-taicho so mad he's leaving us behind," complained Udon.

"You should have never pulled a stunt like that," scolded Moegi.

"No, something's wrong, come on we need to catch up to him." said Konohamaru.

He ran after Naruto and without saying a word his two teammates followed him.

The three of them did their best to catch up with their captain, but all they had to follow was the trail of dust he left behind.

Hinata squeaked and froze in her tracks as a vibrant yellow flash dashed by to her. Her pale lavender eyes caught a quick glimpse of a swirl of blue chakra vibrating in its creator's hand. She had no time to react, nor did she have time to even gasp Kiba's name as Naruto went in for an attack. Kiba never saw it coming, he had smelt Naruto, and was prepared for a confrontation, but nothing could have prepared him for the sheer speed Naruto was capable of. Kiba felt a scorching heat resonate through his lower abdomen, followed by Naruto's voice.

"Rasengan!"

Kiba was sent flying through the nearby trees, branches snapped, as his body tore through the woods. Suddenly a yellow blur caught his attention and before his body had collided with anything Naruto brutally punched his jaw. The extra force sent Kiba's body crashing into a large oak tree. Before he could regain his composure he felt himself being picked up by the cuff of his jacket. Naruto jerked him roughly and brought him close to his face.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?"

"..."

"Your little stunt at the party was unforgivable, but then you go and tell your mother, who in turn, decides to open her big mouth! It's because of her that all of Konoha knows about Sakura-chan's pregnancy!"

"What?"

"We were going to tell all of you eventually. Sakura-chan and I wanted to keep her pregnancy under wraps, but now, because of your mother, that isn't an option! Word has spread throughout the village Kiba! You said we were at risk as it was, but thanks to your actions it's even worse!"

Kiba was shocked, everything he had done had a domino effect. The shit had really hit the fan, and there was nothing he could do to take it back. He remained silent, all that could be heard was the protesting of his teammates. Naruto could care less what they were saying, but a mild tingling sensation on his inner thigh caught his attention. He looked down, and clamped onto his leg, was Akamaru.

The large ninken shook his head violently as he did his best to help his master. Naruto growled at the nuisance. He released a burst of the Kyuubi's chakra that sent the large ninken flying. Akamaru yelped in pain when his furry body collide with a tree. Shino and Hinata quickly knelt down beside their furry teammate. The large dog slowly stood up and whined in defeat.

"He's alright, he just had the wind knocked out of him," said Shino as he patted the ninken on the head. "The one we should be concerned about is Kiba.

"Naruto-kun stop it, you'll kill him!" Screamed Hinata.

She was about to charge towards them when she felt Shino grab her wrist.

"We mustn't interfere Hinata."

"But…"

"Shino's right Hinata, let me handle this," said Yamato.

He started making his way towards Naruto and Kiba, he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Naruto that's enough!"

"This isn't any of your concern Yamato- taicho, stay out of it!"

"This is insane Naruto, civilians aren't far from here. You're lucky none of them have noticed us yet. Please calm down."

Naruto quickly looked over at Yamato, his crimson eyes locked onto him. His intense stare caused Yamato to stop dead in his tracks, it was worse than he thought. Naruto began growling, but the arrival of Konohamaru, and the rest of his team, made him stop. He focused on the three of them, unsure of what to do next. Kiba took advantage of Naruto's distraction and punch him square in the jaw. Naruto smirked as he pushed his face up against Kiba's tighten fist.

"Is that all you've got mutt?"

Kiba's eyes widened at the sound of the fox demon's deep voice resonated from his friends throat, it was his first time hearing the Kyuubi. It was disturbing watching as it spoke using his friend's vocal cords. Kiba began to speak but a gut wrenching pain shot through his jaw, it was broken, or perhaps dislocated. He ignored the pain as best he could and grabbed Naruto's jacket collar.

"You…have horrible timing Naruto….we need to get back to Konoha, so come back already," replied Kiba painfully.

"Naruto isn't coming back, you've upset him so much that he's allowed me to come forth and settle things. Whatever business you have in Konoha can wait."

Kiba snarled despite the throbbing it caused his jaw, his grip on Naruto's collar tightened.

"We found Sasuke you idiot, now let me go!"

Naruto's eyes swiftly switched back to his true eye color. The crimson red was washed away by a vibrant blue, a clear indication that his temper was subsiding.

"What did you just say?"

"Are you deaf? I said we found Sasuke."

"Where?"

"In Kumogakure..."

"Kiba enough, don't talk anymore," warned Yamato. Listen Naruto, what information we have is confidential, we can't be discussing this out here. Let Kiba go so we can report our findings to Tsunade-sama."

"..."

"You know very well that this information is far more important than whatever you two have going on, now let him go."

Naruto sighed and released his grip on Kiba. He walked away without even looking back at him. The Kyuubi's voice roared in his mind.

"You're letting him live?!"

That's a pretty stupid question.

"You're the stupid one for letting him slide."

"..."

"As soon as the name Sasuke is uttered you act like a fool. That brat is old news, just forget about him already."

No…

"Your stupid crusade to save him is pathetic! I grow tired of seeing his face in the inner corners of your mind."

I've gotten to you haven't I, and you're a demon made of pure hatred. If I can soften your heart why can't I save Sasuke's?

"You'll never change me Naruto, never! It's an insult to compare me to a human!"

Look I'm confronting Sasuke no matter what, you got that! Besides he's someone we need to keep an eye on…for Sakura-chan's sake.

The Kyuubi's heaving breathing paused for a moment as the beast held it's breath.

"Do whatever you want, but for once don't try and save Sasuke with words. Things must end with his death, it will ensure one less threat towards Sakura."

"….."

Naruto made his way towards his teammates when he saw Hinata running towards him. He didn't acknowledge her. He wasn't sure what he was going to tell her, but instead of stopping in front of him, she ran past him. Naruto didn't react, even when he felt the anger she had towards him hit in the gut.

Having the young Hyuga fret over him constantly was something Naruto had gotten use to years ago, but now her constant hovering behavior made sense to him. What everyone had said was true, she did have feelings for him, but now it seemed that those feelings were dissipating since she had just done a complete 180 on him. For once Hinata was caring for someone else, and she was actually upset with him.

The feeling was odd, Hinata always held Naruto in such high regard, but not this time, for once she wasn't happy with him, and while a very small part of Naruto felt bad for his actions towards Kiba, the Kyuubi's influence was far too strong to fight, and at that moment, Naruto didn't care what his friends thought of him. He was about to reach his team when he made a last minute detour, that lead him to Shino.

The two friends stood side by side, but neither of them said a word. After a few moments Naruto spoke.

"I'm doing my best to feel bad, but I literally can't, the Kyuubi's rage, and my own emotions, are now one, and his feelings are over powering mine."

"You don't need to explain your actions to me Naruto. You did what you saw fit, and Kiba knew his actions would come with heavy consequences."

"Maybe you're right, I guess Hinata's anger towards me hit me harder than I thought."

"She'll be fine, and Kiba's wounds will heal, but what's important is moving forward, and sticking together."

"..."

"It's going to take all of us to stop him you know, and I hope this quarrel with Kiba is behind you, because despite everything he's your friend, not your enemy. Save any aggression you have left for the real threat," said Shino.

He slowly walked towards his teammates, and Naruto turned towards his.

"What the hell was that all about?" Asked Konohamaru as he made his way towards him.

Naruto gave the youth a stern look.

"I'm really not in the talking mood."

"Jeez, no need to get snippy you know."

"Watch it Konohamaru."

"Look if it makes you feel any better Moegi is here, she can fix Kiba up in no time."

"Are you sure she can handle such a big task though? Kiba looked really bad, and she's just medic in training," added Udon.

"Thanks for the reassuring comment there Udon," sighed Moegi.

"Yeah you goof, healing is healing, even if Moegi can't fully heal Kiba it will be enough to keep him comfortable. Konoha isn't that far as it is. So go for it out Moegi, your first genuine pig is out there waiting for you."

"God Konohamaru I'm a medic in training, not a mad scientist."

"Same thing just get going."

Naruto nodded in agreement when the young kunoichi looked at him for approval. She gathered her wits, before quickly running off in the direction Shino had gone. Naruto sighed heavily, he was slowly starting to feel more like himself.

The sound of leaves crunching and branches breaking caught Konohamaru and Udon's attention, while Naruto closed his eyes, he knew who was coming. The footsteps grew close, and once they reach reached Naruto, they stopped. A low whimper, along with a nudge on his leg caused Naruto to open his eyes. Akamaru looked up apologetically at him. The canines expression tug at Naruto's heartstrings, and in that moment the young jinchuuriki felt fresh blood running down his leg. He had honestly forgotten that he had been bitten, but now the Kyuubi's rage was fading, and the delayed reaction of his bleeding wound was vanishing as well.

"I'm sorry too," whispered Naruto as he rubbed Akamaru on the head.

The ninken licked his hand affectionately before running back into the woods. A dull pain began to pulsate through Naruto's thigh. He carefully sat down and leaned against the tree of a trunk as he examined his injury.

"Shit…"

"What the hell happened?!" Asked Konohamaru.

"Akamaru bit me."

"Just now?"

"No, it happened right after I punched Kiba."

"But why are you barely bleeding now?"

"The Kyuubi can delay the appearance, and progression, of any injuries I may sustain in a fight. The wounds are still there, but he stops them from bleeding, this way I can fight for longer periods of time without losing blood. If he stays in control of me long enough my wounds will instantly heal, but that didn't happen this time."

"Wow, I didn't know you, or the Kyuubi actually, could do that."

"Well you know what they say, you learn something new everyday," said Naruto as he removed the first aid kit Sakura had packed for him from his backpack. He removed some gauze and placed it over his wound.

"There, at least this will stop the bleeding."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you're acting more like yourself Naruto-niichan."

"..."

"Why were you guys fighting anyway?"

"..."

"Konohamaru maybe we should see if Moegi needs help."

"I'm not going anywhere, and neither are you."

"Konohamaru you're pushing your luck," whispered Udon.

The two friends quietly started arguing with one another, but Naruto didn't care. He focused on applying pressure to his wound while he thought about Sasuke. He knew Shikamaru had his suspicions about him being involved in all the peculiar events, but now that it was official Naruto knew there was no avoiding him, they would have to face off one last time.

Moegi approaching the group alerted Naruto that quite a bit of time had passed. He watched as Konohamaru and Udon ran over to greet her. Their arms waved about, and Naruto could only imagine what exaggerated story they were telling her. She quickly made her way towards him with her cohearts behind her.

Without saying anything she knelt down beside him. Naruto leaned his head back against the tree as he waited for the sensation of Moegi's healing chakra, but he felt nothing. He looked down to see Moegi blushing before him.

"Well what are you waiting for Moegi? If you keep gawking at him he's going to pass out from the loss of blood," said Konohamaru.

"Konohamaru I am not gawking!"

"Then what are you waiting for?" Asked Udon.

"I'm, just nervous, that's all."

"She's just embarrassed because she has to put her hands near Naruto-niichan's junk," teased Konohamaru.

Moegi's face flushed, she quickly looked over at Konohamaru, she was livid.

"You better leave my sight before I do to you, what Naruto-taicho did to Kiba."

Konohamaru gulped nervously, but out of pride he stood his ground.

"Guys don't fight please," pleaded Udon.

"Konohamaru, I've see that look before in a woman's eyes, she means business. Now stop being obnoxious and you, and Udon, wait for us by the main road," said Naruto.

"But Naruto-niichan…"

"Come on Konohamaru, we were given an order," said Udon.

Naruto could tell it was taking every ounce of courage Udon had to say that. The timid shinobi rarely took initiative, let alone go against any of his teammates.

Konohamaru tried to argue but Udon silently urged him to keep quiet. Konohamaru's face reddened and he walked away in defeat,with Udon not far behind. Moegi huffed in frustration as she watched them leave.

"Urgh, he can get me so mad."

She gently removed the blood soaked gauze from Naruto's leg and began assessing his condition all while she muttered a few more things about Konohamaru. Naruto leaned his back once more and closed his eyes. He needed to figure out what his plan of action was going to be, then Moegi's voice interrupted his train of thought.

"It looks like a pretty clean bite, your major artery wasn't severed. You're lucky Akamaru was pretty precise in his attack, it's clear he was holding back. If he wanted to really injure you, he would have."

"I did the same thing with his master."

"You call what you did to him holding back?"

Naruto opened one eye, and Moegi instantly regretted her comment when she saw him looking at her.

"Maybe you're right, but I can't take back what I, and part of me doesn't."

"Whatever happened to you too must have been bad."

"You can say that."

"I hope you can both make amends though. Kiba not once said anything bad about you. He didn't have to say a word though, I could tell he felt he deserved every injury you have him."

"..."

Moegi could tell the conversation was heading towards rough waters, and in an attempt to change the subject she reached for one of the onitments in Naruto's bag.

"Is it okay if I use some of these?"

"Knock yourself out, Sakura-chan did make them for cases like this."

"She made these?"

"Yeah, I've given her hell, what with constantly getting hurt, so she's used her knowledge of herbs to help create extra potent ointments for me. I may heal quickly, but I'm not completely indestructible. These things work wonders on me."

"Incredible, Sakura-san is truly an inspiration,said Moegi as she slathered some ointment on Naruto's wound. Oh, and here, eat this pill, it will replenish what blood you lost."

Naruto held out his hand and waited for Moegi to give him the pill. He popped the blood replenishing pill into his mouth. He cringed as the taste of iron filled his mouth.

Naruto then felt the cooling sensation of the ointment as Moegi spread it on his wound, soon afterwards he felt her chakra as it poured from her palms. Naruto had gotten use to Sakura's chakra signature, since he was rarely healed by anyone else, so feeling another chakra was a little odd. Whenever Sakura healed him her chakra had a cooling sensation at first, then it would heat up, just like Tsunade's, but Moegi's chakra was warm the whole time. After a few minutes Naruto felt his leg being bound in bandages and he opened his eyes to see Moegi finishing up.

"There, things turned out better than I thought, Sakura-san's ointments really helped, but you're in no condition to travel."

"Naruto stood up and bent his leg, it was still incredibly sore, but he knew his rapid healing was already kicking in.

"Just give me a few minutes, we'll be leaving shortly."

"Alright Naruto-taicho," said Moegi as she packed up Sakura's ointments.

"Why don't you head over with the others and patch things up with Konohamaru. Nothing good ever comes from friends fighting amongst each other, take it from me."

Moegi nodded her head. She picked up knapsack before heading towards her friends.

Once she was out of sight Naruto performed a set of lightning fast hand signals.

"Kuchiyose no jutsu."

A puff of smoke appeared and a small toad hopped out of it.

"Yeah boss?"

"Kento, I need you to head back to Konoha and keep an eye on Sakura-chan for me. You'll find her at my apartment. Tell her I sent you just in case she needs me while I'm gone. Do not take your eyes off of her."

"Sure boss whatever you say. Anything else I should know?"

"Sasuke's reared his ugly head, so you need to cautious, and on guard."

"I suppose you want me to do a reverse summoning if need be?"

"Yeah, along with three others."

"Alright, I'll keep your lady safe," said Kento.

He leapt off in the direction of Konoha, and Naruto kept an eye on him until he could no longer see his tiny summon. Naruto then made his way back to his team. They were waiting for him on the dirt road path. He motioned for them to draw close to him.

"Look guys, I want to apologize for that little scene with Kiba. That was not my finest moment, sorry if I scared you."

"Don't worry about it," reassured Konohamaru. "Now come on Naruto-niichan we should be hitting the road."

"Right, we're a bit behind schedule so I'm asking you all to be prepared to push things into overdrive. If we leave right now, and stop once for a rest, we'll arrive in Koka around 4am," said Naruto.

"Right!"

"Good, now keep up, if I can run you three sure as hell can.

"..."

"Pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Remember what Baa-chan said, theses villagers are being harassed by rogue shinobi and bandits, so running into some might happen," warned Naruto.

The three young shinobi all shared the same glances with each other. They all felt pumped and excited to finally head out on their mission. Naruto gave the signal and all four of them leapt into the tree tops. They each jumped quickly from branch to branch. Naruto took the lead as they made their way towards the small village of Koka. He mentally prepared himself for the task at hand, but he couldn't stop the visions of Sakura and Sasuke as they flooded his mind.


Shikamaru walked into his apartment, he was exhausted from his tiresome research of medical charts Shizune had given him. It was only 8pm but he was ready to go to bed. He removed his jonin vest and shoes as he sluggishly made his way to his bedroom. Before he walked in he caught a glimpse of Ino sitting on his bed.

He stopped momentarily to observed her. She was wearing a black skin tight T-shirt and a pair pink panties. Her long blonde hair wasn't tied up as usual and instead it hung delicately over her shoulders. She sat quietly on his bed as she read a book. Shikamaru smirked, he was happy she was staying with him, it was better coming home to someone, rather than a depressing vacant apartment. Ino turned towards the door, and a smile instantly appeared on her face.

"Hey Shikamaru," said Ino as she closed her book.

She enthusiastically ran towards him and wrapped her arms around him. She hummed slightly as she kissed him softly on the lips.

"Guess what, I was dismissed from border patrol today so I get to spend the next few days with you."

"That's great Ino."

"Oh, and you just missed Chouji, he came over to drop off some of his mom's hitsumabushi so we don't have to worry about dinner tonight."

"It's too bad I missed Chouji, I've been meaning to tell him thanks."

"I told him for you, I think it's adorable that his mom shares her home cooked meals with you."

"Last time I saw her she told me I wasn't eating enough."

"You are pretty lanky," giggled Ino.

"Haha, very funny Ino."

"Well come on, the foods still warm."

"As much as I want to eat, I think I'm going to pass on dinner," yawned Shikamaru.

"Why, what's wrong?"

Shikamaru didn't answer, instead he continued his trek towards his bed. He sat down and fell backwards letting his body hit the soft mattress. He stared up silently at the ceiling. Suddenly his view was blocked by Ino's concerned face.

"Seriously Shikamaru, what's wrong?"

"I just had a really long day."

"Well what exactly are you doing?"

"I'm helping Tsunade-sama figure out what the hell is going on with all this bullshit."

"You mean those Kumogakure shinobi and the corpse?"

"Yeah, but they're just the tip of the iceberg Ino, there's a bunch of lovely details that were added to my original deduction."

Ino nestled herself next to Shikamaru, she stroked his chest gently as she listened intently.

"Well what else did you learn?"

"Kabuto is the one creating this virus that's been afflicting shinobi."

"Oh my god, are you sure it's him behind this?"

"Yes, anything that has to do with the alteration of DNA, forbidden jutsu, and viruses, is Orochimaru's calling card. Tsunade-sama wants me to see if there's a pattern with the victims that have all fallen ill."

"I can't believe we have to deal with Kabuto again," whispered Ino.

"Oh but there's more, it looks like Kabuto has paired up with Sasuke again."

"No, does Naruto know?"

"I'm afraid so, I had my suspicions about Sasuke being involved, and I told Naruto about it, but he ran into Team 8 this afternoon, and let's just say things got heated."

"Oh no…"

"Yup, Naruto and Kiba finally had it out, and in the process Kiba told Naruto they had found traces of Sasuke in Kumogakure. As soon as I heard this news from Shino I stopped by Naruto's to check on Sakura. She wasn't surprised to see me, she wanted to know if I knew anything about the messenger toad she had received from him earlier in the day. I played dumb and said no. I told her Naruto had asked me to check in on her before he left on his mission. I assured her that he's just being overprotective, what with her expecting. She agreed and said that's probably the reason for the messenger toad, I was lucky she believed me."

"So what's this about Naruto's new mission, where the hell is he?"

"Tsunade-sama sent him on a mission to Koka earlier this afternoon."

"That tiny village, what for?"

"Beats me, but I'm glad he isn't here. Sending him away makes more sense now. If he was here he would have headed towards Kumogakure in a heartbeat. However he's on a mission now, and Tsunade-sama knows he'd never abandon it, or his team."

"So it's your job to find out what Sasuke and Kabuto are up to before Naruto gets involved?"

"Yeah, that's why I'm stressing. I need to hurry up and find out what the hell their plan is before they successfully execute it."

Shikamaru covered his face with one arm and sighed. He was used to working under pressure, but everything was happening so fast, and the steaks were higher than ever. He felt his arm being pried away from his face, and the light from his room made his eyes squint. Ino had rolled over onto him. She raised herself up and straddled him.

"Nara Shikamaru, you are by far the smartest man I know. You've gotten our team out of so many tight spots before, so much so that I've lost count. I have undying faith in you, just like Asuma-sensei did."

"..."

"You need to relax and keep your mind clear. That's what you tell me to do when I have a lot on my mind," said Ino.

Shikamaru smirked at his girlfriend's advice.

"So you really do listen to me."

"Of course I do," cooed Ino.

She leaned down and kissed Shikamaru sensually as her hands gently stroked his chest. Shikamaru's body relaxed as Ino caressed his mouth with her own. After a few moments Ino pulled away slowly from his mouth and instead rested her forehead against his.

"You know, I can help you clear your mind if you want Shikamaru."

"Is that so?"

"Oh you know it."

"I'm guessing you wouldn't take a rain check would you?"

"Now why in the world would you want to do that?"

"I'm tired."

"Well I'm sorry but not even your lazy ass can say no to what I have to offer you."

Shikamaru looked up at Ino, her strands of blonde hair dangled onto his chest, and she slowly batted her bedroom eyes. She was gorgeous, and even though he didn't want to admit it she had a point, he could never say no to her. He cupped her face with both his hands and kissed her. He pulled her body up against his bringing her closer. Ino slowly let her hands travel up his head. She fiddled with the hair tie that kept his hair up. After a few seconds she took it off and ran her fingers slowly through Shikamaru's long hair.

She carefully sat down on Shikamaru's growing erection. He grunted at her descent,and Ino took her time swiveling her hips hypnotically against him. Another groan escaped his throat and she relished at the sound. Ino ran her hands up under his shirt and traced the muscles on his abdomen. She tugged at his shirt signaling Shikamaru to take it off. He obeyed and removed it. Once it was off he relaxed once more under his blonde beauty. Ino bit her bottom lip as she admired her boyfriends well toned body.

"What happened to me being lanky?" Teased Shikamaru.

Ino giggled, she quickly pulled off her own shirt and threw it carelessly on the floor. Her ample bare chest was beyond inviting and Shikamaru wasted no time in grasping her breasts. Her nipples perked up, and he pinched them lightly between his fingers. A soft moan escaped Ino's throat. Her legs tighten their grasp on his hips as the heat from between her thighs grew hotter. As much as She wanted to stay where She was Ino reluctantly climbed off Shikamaru and planted herself on her knees.

Shikamaru propped himself up on his elbows and watched as Ino he ran her hands seductively up his thighs. She pulled Shikamaru's pants off and helped herself to his erect member. He watched as Ino's head bobbed up and down. He struggled to keep himself up, but Ino's hand pushing him down on the chest told him to sit back and relax. He grabbed his bed sheets as he indulged in the sensation of Ino ministrations. Nothing else mattered to Shikamaru at that moment. All the tedious paperwork, and puzzle solving, was pushed aside.

As much as Ino loved pleasing Shikamaru with her mouth, her drenched panties reminded her just how badly she wanted him inside her. She abruptly stopped so that she could prepare herself for him. Shikamaru felt himself exposed to the cool air of his apartment. His eyes opened, and he sat up to check in Ino.

Before he could focus on her something was thrown at his face. He pulled the soft material from his face, it was Ino's pink panties. Shikamaru looked back at her and found her leaning over the bed.

"What are you waiting for Shikamaru, come and get me."

Shikamaru sat up and made his way behind his eager girlfriend. He looked down at her as she lifted her rear end a little higher. He carefully positioned himself at her moist entrance, grabbed both her hips, and gently eased into her.

"So should I keep going, or should I admire how cute you look when you're bent over in front of me like this?"

"You're unbelievable," moaned Ino."

"That wasn't an answer Ino."

"Yes, please keep going Shikamaru."

"Always so polite," said Shikamaru in a husky voice.

He pulled out of Ino once more and rammed himself deep and hard inside her. She screamed in delight as Shikamaru tightly grabbed her hips and pulled her closer to him with each thrust. The sensation of her walls engulfing him was amazing, he loved how tight she always felt. Ino drew her body closer to the bed and pushed her hips up as high as she could. She wanted to have as much of Shikamaru inside her as possible.

Suddenly she gasped as she felt his hands grabbed both her breasts. He pulled her nipples gently as his hips continued to thrust. Ino moaned and buried her face in the bed sheets. She pushed herself towards Shikamaru's ramming hips, relishing the feeling of being one with him.

After a few minutes Shikamaru stopped. Ino turned around, and with his help, they changed positions. Shikamaru was on his back, and Ino was busy position herself into of him. She gently guided him inside her, a gasp of pleasure escaped her mouth. She bounced up and down, the sensation made Shikamaru tighten his grip on her hips.

The room began to grow hotter by the minute and the entire apartment was filled with their chorus of passion. Moans and screams echoed throughout the hall and neither one of them had a desire to withhold their cries of passion. Ino continued to get wetter and wetter and her sweet nectar began to flow all over Shikamaru's inner thighs.

"Shikamaru!"

She panted heavily as she felt her inner walls begin to quiver, she was reaching her climax. She bit her bottom lip trying her best to ignore the eruption of pleasure that was building up in the pit of her stomach, but her attempts were futile and she screamed as her inner essence burst all over Shikamaru. Even though her body was incredibly tense from her orgasm Ino continued to please Shikamaru.

"Cum for me Shikamaru."

"But Ino…"

"Just do it," ordered Ino.

She felt Shikamaru's member hardened even more and she bounced roughly on him one last time. She then quickly removed herself from his hips and planted herself in between his legs. She grabbed his throbbing member in her hand and jerked him off until he spilled his seed all over her hand. Shikamaru clenched his teeth as he came. Ino licked Shikamaru clean, she loved how he tasted.

She pulled the covers over the both of them and she snuggled close to Shikamaru. She wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled her face in the crook of his neck. After catching his breath Shikamaru rolled over and returned the embrace.

"So how was that? Did I help clear your mind?"

"Hmph yeah, maybe I should get this for every problem I encounter."

"I don't see a problem with that."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah," whispered Ino.

She hugged Shikamaru and relaxed next to him as they both let slumber consume them.


The soft melody of Ino's cell phone ringing woke her. She sat up and turned to her left, Shikamaru was fast asleep. Ino smiled, she was happy he was resting. She wiggled away from him and silently crawled over his sleeping form. She ran towards the kitchen where her cell phone was ringing away.

"Hello?"

"Hey Ino, were you asleep?"

"Hey strange, and yeah I was asleep, but you did me a favor by calling, I wasn't planning on going to bed so early, I accidentally nodded off."

"Are you at home?"

"No I'm here at Shikamaru's."

"On really?"

"Yeah I told my parents I'd be spending the weekend with him since I'm off of border patrol."

"Well thats good. Say listen Ino, do you think you could ask Shikamaru if it would be okay if I spent the night?"

"He's sleeping right now, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind, is everything alright?"

"I think I'm just being paranoid."

"It wouldn't be the first time," yawned Ino.

"I guess I'll tell you more about it when I get there."

"Sounds like a plan, we defiantly need to catch up."

"Okay I'll see you in a bit then."

"Sure thing, I'll leave the door open so just let yourself in."

"Alright."

"Be safe."

"Will do."

Ino hung up her phone and walked back to Shikamaru's room so she could picked gather her clothes from the floor. Once dressed she tip toed out of the room, and closed the door behind her, leaving Shikamaru fast asleep.