The next day Ino was to meet Kankuro and Shikamaru inside the Kazekage tower. The black clad puppeteer wasn't there yet but then again, she was a bit early. Too much of her dismay, Temari was there with Shikamaru. They were close and she could see Temari's hand intertwined with his. They pulled away when they saw her.

"Hello Ino" Temari greeter her first. Ino felt a quick panic on whether or not to punch her lights out. She knew better though; taking in Tsunade's words not to cause trouble. She couldn't have a cat fight on her first day on her mission in Suna after all.

"Hi."

Shikamaru didn't say anything but look out the circular window they were next to. She felt her chest tighten when he didn't acknowledge her. She kept sneaking glances at him when the door opened and the foul mouthed puppeteer came in, papers in hand.

"So far what I gathered there's a few individuals that we need to focus on. One in particular is Abel Kichida"

"Abel?" Temari clearly knew the one in question.

Kankuro nodded with his eyes closed, "Seems he's the one putting it in our comrade's heads that Gaara is still the demon of the sand."

"Abel is loyal. He wouldn't.."

"Abel is two faced. But we'll see for ourselves with Yamanaka's jutsu"

All three looked over at the blonde.

For the first time in nearly a year, she heard Shika's voice, "Even if Ino was to pose as one of the other's we're investigating, do you think Abel will reveal anything?"

"We'll just have to see. I do believe he will though. He's a cocky loud mouth" Kankuro shrugged, Temari shook her head, unable to accept her brother's accusations.

After spending the day watching her target's mannerism and speech, Ino focused her hands on her target from a rooftop.

"Shintenshin no Jutsu!"

The switch was made and her mindless body collapsed into Shikamaru's arms. He and Kankuro leaned a little to watch their target, waiting for Ino to give them a sign she was in safely.

Ino looked up at her two teammates, giving a small smirk. With the walking strut their target had before, Ino mimicked him perfectly. Shikamaru threw Ino's body over his shoulder as they made their way to their post. 'Yeah, bet you miss that ass, Shikamaru. You chose that flat ass over mine' Ino inwardly laughed. But seeing him holding her, she wished she was still in her body to feel him. 'No! Focus! Mission, girl!'

She saw Abel sitting by himself outside the gates of the village. Taking a seat on the other end of the bench, Ino let out a sigh. Abel looked over, a grin on his face, "What's wrong, Keeva?"

"Thinking about too much lately, you know. A lot on my mind."

Abel snorted and spit out mucus. He looked back through the gates of the village, looking around to see who was there, "Two days. Death Ridge at midnight. Watch your back, Keeva. The monster's pets are on to us. Tell your wife hello." He spoke low. Abel sat up and signaled his leave with a two finger salute as he walked away. Ino was shocked at how easily it was to obtain their meeting place. 'Simple enough, I guess.'

After transferring back in to her body, Ino adjusted her black shorts from riding up her thighs and finger combed her ponytail as she sat in the meeting with Gaara about what she found out.

"Hm, so you were right in suspecting Keeva and Abel" Gaara leaned back in his chair.

Kankuro had a small grin on his face. Temari had her hand on her hip as she stood next to Shikamaru.

"We don't know that for sure. It can be anything." Temari still had her doubts about Abel.

"We'll go to Death Ridge nonetheless" Shikamaru looked over at his older girlfriend.

Gaara nodded, "It's a shame. I know, Temari. Abel is a fine Shinobi but we must protect the rest of our comrades if he wishes to harm them."

Temari nodded, understanding what her younger brother was saying. She knew it was true but Abel had been a childhood friend of hers. She had been willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. But when it came to family, if Abel proved to be a traitor, she would have to let go of her friend for the sake of her brother. Family came first. They were all they had after all.

Ino pulled her hair tie out as she entered the small apartment. She could never quite get used to the feeling of her skin scrawling when she entered back into her body. It was almost an otherworldly feeling each time she was drawn back in. She stretched out on the small couch, in her pajamas. The TV was playing an old re-run of a spin off soap opera of one of Jiraiya's novels with all the sex scenes cut out. There was a small knock on the door. She opened it as far as the chain would allow and there before her was Shikamaru.

"Hey, can I come in?" Shikamaru looked slightly uncomfortable.

Ino immediately closed the door on his face. She hit her forehead against the door, taking a deep breath. Shikamaru scratched the back of his neck, unsure if that was his answer. He heard the chain slide from the lock on the door and it slowly opened, Ino gesturing for him to come inside.

Shikamaru looked around at her living room before turning towards his ex.

"What did you come here for?" Ino broke the silence. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was sure Shikamaru would hear it.

"It's been a long time since we talked. You're still my friend, aren't you?"

"That would depend on who you ask. I'm not known to stay friends with my exes."

Shikamaru grabbed her toned shoulders in his warm hands. His dark eyes were soft while he spoke, "I know I haven't been there for you. I thought it would have been best to distance myself to give you space to heal. I'm sorry I put you through that, Ino. I never meant to hurt you. An apology is long overdue. I've wanted to tell you for a long time. I could only hope you don't hate me but I understand if you do." Shikamaru's voice was low and sincere.

Shikamaru's apology surprised Ino and she was at a loss for words. She wasn't sure she even heard him right. It took her a moment before mustering out her words, "I don't hate you, Shika. I could never bring myself to hate you. In fact, I still hurt when I see you. Every time you come home and she's with you, I get sick to my stomach that I can't call you mine" Ino's eyes were starting to water and she fought back to control her cracking voice. "There's a lot I been wanting to tell you but I'm a little overwhelmed right now" She tried to laugh.

Shikamaru let out a small chuckle. "I was racking my head trying to find my words too. Could you see it in your heart to still be my friend?" he asked her again.

"Of course." Her heart felt at peace for the first time in a year. Ino rested her hand over his heart. From the soft material of his shirt she felt under his jounin vest, to the scent of him, she took it in. She had missed him. She couldn't feel the stray tear running down her hot face. "I still love you, Shika"

He pulled away slowly, avoiding her eyes again. Always looking away. "I should go. Good luck on your missions"

And just like the last time they spoke, he left a mess behind. Ino sat where she had been standing and replayed his words in her mind. Was this a dream or had he really reached out to her? Was this whole thing a dream? What were the odds of a mission suiting her in Suna was approved, Shikamaru asking for forgiveness? This had to be a sign they were meant to be.

Shikamaru's exit the other night had Ino feeling a small weight off her chest for finally being able to say she still loved him. Granted he hadn't said it back but she knew with his sincere apology, the way he showed up, he must have still cared for her.. right? She had two months to get her best friend back in her arms and things so far were off to a better than expected start. She was happy they were on speaking terms and that was good enough for her for now.

She met Kankuro at the interrogation room of the Kazekage tower's sub-basement. Kankuro watched a tied up Keeva from behind near the wall. Keeva was untouched physically but she knew the poor traitor was going to be in a world of hurt the moment she brought his borrowed body back from Death Ridge. Any visible physical damage would alert the others that Keeva had been held captive. There was a small cot off to the side with a blanket on it for her.

"He doesn't want to talk. That of course will change later tonight, ja" Kankuro leered. She could see the apple in the traitor's throat bob as he swallowed. She raised her eyebrow at Kankuro, not questioning him in front of their prisoner. The Hidden Sand Village was a strict village when it came to their prisoners. She personally had never stood in on their interrogations but Kankuro's voice had made her question just how humane they were. He looked over at the blonde Konoha beauty and nodded. She nodded back and readied her hands, "Shintenshin no Jutsu!" Kankuro caught the girl in his arm as her body went limp. Ino winced at how tight the rope was around Keeva's wrists as she took control of his body. She looked over at Kankuro carefully placing her empty body down on to the cot, covering it with the blanket. His tall form hovered over petite Keeva as he cut Ino down. She rubbed at the red skin of his wrists. The puppet master's gloved hands wrapped her wrists in the soft wrap that Keeva usually wore; it was somewhat soothing as he gently massaged it to get the blood flowing again to the cold numb fingers.

Kankuro and Ino entered the meeting room that Gaara and Shikamaru were in. Temari was surprisingly not there. Baki was also in on the meeting. With a map of the desert, Baki pointed out Death Ridge to Ino and Shikamaru who were unfamiliar with the surrounding land.

"There are only two openings in the ridge below and the fall is dangerous so be careful and watch your footing. Ino, your testimony is important so please remember everything that is said. We will be ready nearby with reinforcements. Kankuro's Salamander is already positioned beneath the ground."

"You can attach chakra strings even through the ground?" Ino asked Kankuro. Even with Keeva's borrowed body, her impressed expression showed right through. She knew he was a master but she didn't know the full extent of his skills. They were on different squads during the Great War.

"A master doesn't reveal their secrets" he gave the younger girl a smirk, pointing back at Baki so he could finish after being interrupted.

"We'll also transport them back with Salamander. Shikamaru, you're going to have to sit this one out" Baki continued. Shikamaru's thin eyebrows knitted.

"I'm coming too. Just because I can't use my Shadow Technique at night doesn't mean I'm completely useless"

"That wasn't what I was implying but if you insist"

Ino gave Shika a small smile and he returned it. All was seen by Gaara who remained silent, listening.

"Temari is already in position with the reinforcements." Baki's face was stern as always, half hidden behind the turban.

Everyone nodded, Ino and Shikamaru exited while the three Sand Shinobi stood behind.

Baki spoke low in case the Leaf Shinobi returned, "Shikamaru is dependable but with their past, I feel she may hinder future missions."

"I agree. I thought it was peculiar the Hokage would offer Ino and not someone else of the Yamanaka clan. She warned me of Ino's resolve" Gaara looked up his taller brother, "Kankuro, keep an eye on Ino. If she falters, intervene."

Kankuro nodded before heading out, "Gotchya."

Baki looked at the petite Kazekage, his once student, "Does Temari know?"

"She's not dense. Temari suspected Ino came here for Shikamaru. My only concern is how this is going to effect the missions we accepted. Having Ino partner with Kankuro will benefit us but it may bring lots of squabbling."

"Two months is a long time." Baki smiled teasingly.

Gaara nodded, exhaling heavily.

Ino ran through the dunes and through the canyons. Kankuro and Shikamaru had already taken another route to hide themselves. She could see dark silhouettes against the bon fires in the distance of Death Ridge. As she slowed down, the silhouettes came clearer as she approached. Abel was already there, squatting down and drinking sake from a bottle. There was three Sand Shinobi with him. One was a large man whose face was red as he continued his rant, "Tha fuckin' monsta! Jusa'like his fatha. Not alike any of tha othas would be a fine Kage. I'da ratha follow a damn dog! Tha entire acouncil is under Gaara's influence! He isa demon child"

The others nodded, shouting against Gaara. Abel stood up and offered the sake bottle to Keeva. Ino took it and pretended to take a drink.

"That's why we're going to kill him, his cunt sister and that faggot brother of his. Then the council will be next" Abel's face was dark and menacing under the shadows of the canyons. The fall below was steep and dangerous. It was dangerous in the dark to walk around too far. "It's time for a new leader, one who brings this village to its full potential and we'll be stronger than Konoha! Gaara thinks this alliance will help us and its done shit but make him look good. We're still struggling for missions, still struggling for money. If we leave the village, we'll be branded rogue. I don't plan on taking orders from Konoha's bitch. Do you?" The others yelled, their drunken adrenaline surging. "We'll go after his siblings first. I'll make puppets of their bodies!"

Ino heard everything she needed and so did the microphone strapped to Keeva's chest. She pressed the small button in her flak's pocket and within a few seconds Kankuro and the others were surrounding the small group of traitors.

"Make puppets of our bodies, eh? Sorry but you have no talent that can match mine!" Kankuro's voice was full of confidence. Karasu popped out of nowhere and had already captured one of the traitor's in it's binding arms. It's chipped teeth chattered as if laughing. Abel fought his way through the reinforcements, trying to make his way to the trees off in the distance. Shikamaru blocked a traitor's kunai knives with Asuma's trench blades. Looking over at Ino, he yelled out to her, "Go after Abel!"
Ino nodded and took after their main target. She headed for the trees she had last seen him enter. She ran through for a mile and her senses picked up someone was on her trail; her thoughts immediately thought it was Abel. 'He must have figured it out I'm not Keeva.' Ino gripped onto a branch to try to stop her momentum. A fierce gust of wind cut through the trees around her. She quickly ducked as the tree she was on was cut in to pieces. Ino fell on to the hard ground below, pieces of branches landing on her. She managed to push them off and got to her knees, holding on to the large slash in Keeva's arm. Blood was dripping through her fingers. Temari appeared before her with a smug look, her large white fan spread out.

"Wait, Temari! It's me-" Ino tried to plead but it was too late. The Sickle Weasel Technique was too fast to dodge again. Ino brought her arms up to protect her head and was knocked with a great force into the tree stubs behind her. Her back was crushed into the hard bark and she let out a cry. Opening her eyes, Shikamaru was cradling her to his chest. His arms were protectively holding her. He had a small trickle of blood on the corner of his lip. His face showed his pain. He had taken the hit to protect Ino, both had been flung back into the stubs. Her eyes were wide with concern for her teammate, "Shikamaru!"

Temari's eyes were just as wide as she realized her boyfriend had jumped right in her jutsu's path. She dropped her fan to the ground and ran to Shikamaru and Keeva. She dropped to her knees, placing her hands carefully on the shadow welder's arm, "Shikamaru, are you okay? Why did you do that?"

"Ino.." he said through gritted teeth.

Temari looked at Keeva in Shikamaru's arms and immediately realized her mistake. "I'll bring the medic. Both of you don't move" and she was gone through the rubble of her jutsu's wake.

Ino brushed the lose strand of hair that came from Shikamaru's ponytail out of his face, "You shouldn't have done that. She could have killed you!"

"Don't complain.. troublesome.."

Ino helped Shikamaru sit up. His flak jacket was tore in the back and soaking up the blood from the open wound on his back. She could not use her medical training with Keeva's body. His body was foreign and the precise chakra control needed to heal was out of the question. She stood on shaky legs and Shikamaru leaned against them for support.

There was a rustle in the trees and Abel landed on both feet. Ino's eyes widened at his presence. She was going to have to protect Shikamaru. Pulling a kunai out, she stood in a fighting stance.

"I'm impressed by your clone technique" Abel had a wicked grin on his face.

"I'm not a clone. I weld Keeva's body. His mind is locked"

"Ah, I see. You're a greater puppet master than Kankuro. Using a human body as a puppet, heh. I bet the little creep is envious"

With a quick reflex a kunai knife was reflected by Ino. Abel slowly pulled out a large sword, the smooth scraping of it echoed through the trees as it was pulled out of the sheath. Ino gripped the kunai harder, her knuckles turning white. She breathed out slowly, focusing on Abel. He was fast and making his way to them with vicious eyes. Suddenly a rumble came from beneath the ground; rocks came flying as a large object tore through the earth between her and Abel. Unable to stop, Abel fell right into Kuroari's stomach. The shudders immediately closed, trapping the traitor inside. His screams were heard and the scraping of his sword trying to break through. A sleeping powder mist was released inside and some escaped through the small openings of Kuroari's body. Kankuro appeared with a proud smirk on his face, "I've always hated that asshole"

Ino was relieved. She looked down at Shikamaru who had passed out against her legs. Temari landed with a medic nin and they immediately took hold of Shikamaru, pulling him away from her. She could only watch as they started working on the large slash on his back. Temari's face was regret and worry. Ino moved to get closer, perhaps to help but Kankuro firmly gripped her shoulder. She looked back at him and knew, she couldn't help in this borrowed body.