Part Six

Once again, all seven of the remaining contestants stood on the forest floor, looking expectantly towards Chouji and Shikamaru.

"Right," Shikamaru said, "I'm not going to delay this any longer than necessary. Those who are safe today are: Naruto – impressive use of rasengan; Gaara – I'm still a bit scared of that desert coffin of yours; Sai – imaginative attacks, and you too, Ino; Deidara… well… just don't blow anyone else up."

Sakura and Temari stood in silence, waiting to hear who was out. Temari was silently raging, furious that Shikamaru had put her in the bottom two again. Sakura, on the other hand, was thinking very nervously about the suspicion's she'd been having about Shikamaru being gay.

"Sakura, your techniques were uninspiring. There were a million easy counters to those moves. Having said that, Temari, I've seen your wind attacks so many times that it's become troublesome. One fight with you is enough to know how to fight you forever. At least Sakura adds variation." He sighed. "However, on the basis of not just yesterday but every test we've had so far, especially the events during the physical challenge, I have to say that Sakura, you're going home today. It's clear from your comments and your actions that you aren't really that bothered about this contest. I suggest you think harder before entering a competition next time."

"Today's test is another spoken one," Chouji added, "So in an hour's time I want you all to form an orderly line outside our treehouse, in group order. Prepare yourselves."

Ino approached Sakura, who braced herself for the usual bragging. However, she was surprised to find herself being embraced by the other kunoichi, who, with a tear in her eye, whispered, "Bad luck."

Group One

Ino sat in the treehouse as Sakura gathered all of her things together, thinking about how stupid their rivalry was. Just as she was leaving, Ino decided she had to say something.

"Sakura… I'm sorry our friendship got this way. It's been so much fun sharing a room with you this week. I think, after this is over, maybe we can be best friends again?"

Sakura nodded, smiled, and left.

Group Three

Temari looked out of the window in a melancholy kind of way.

"Gaara…" she said, "Do you think he hates me now?"

After a moment's pause, Gaara answered. "No. I think he's just trying to teach you a lesson, that you never know whether you're in the lead just because you think you are."

Group Four

As Deidara exploded the little model he had made of Sakura, Naruto flinched a little. He was sad to see his team-mate leave, but he had to admit that Deidara's models were very good.

"Hey, Deidara," he ventured, "Why do you blow them up? They're good. You should keep them."

Deidara turned, and smiled mysteriously. "Art is a bang." He said.

Group Five

Sai was panicking. Another spoken test… that meant he would need to remember all the social skills he'd learnt, and the flirting tips, or he'd be out! He knew he was supposed to just be himself from now on, but he didn't really know who that was…

The queue was formed, the ninjas were waiting. Ino stood at the front, peering up, trying to see if Shikamaru was up in his room.

Chouji descended the ladder and motioned for her to go up. Feeling a little apprehensive, Ino stepped forward and began the climb.

When she reached Shikamaru's room, he looked her in the eye and asked her the question.

"What are your ambitions for the future?"

Ino stared at him for a moment, before answering, "To live a long and happy life, and protect my friends and family until the day I die, and to have a perfect husband." With the look in her eyes, there was no need for her to add who she thought that perfect husband was.

Gaara, the quiet, calm killer, had a surprising answer. "To give my life in protection of my people. There is no better death than that."

Temari followed her brother with a bowed head, and did not use the knowing tone of voice she had previously. "Shikamaru-kun," she said, "My dream for the future is to be strong, healthy, and happy, and to have many children."

Naruto's answer was obvious before he even said it. "To be Lord Hokage, and have everyone respect me! And buy a ramen bar!!!" he punched the air, Lee-style, so enthusiastically that the word 'troublesome' crossed Shikamaru's mind more than once.

Deidara looked sad when he asked the question. "Well… I suppose it would be to have a beautiful death, un?"

"Death?" replied Shikamaru. "What about before that?"

"There's probably not much time, Stag… a person like me is hunted by everyone. One day they'll catch me, un?"

Sai looked puzzled for a few seconds, then his face lit up. "To have real friends, and real love!" he said.

Shikamaru looked up as Chouji entered the room, once all the contestants were gone.

"How did they do?" he asked.

"Well, considering my ambition of wanting to have an average partner, two children, one boy and one girl, and to live my days as an average ninja until I retire and play chess… some of them matched quite well."

Huraaaaay! Hiatus over. Back to updates every day :D