Okay I am sooo sorry it took me so long to update, and my excuse is…. I couldn't be bothered. SORRY

Just so you know in this story Sasuke has come back to the leaf (because that's the way I like the story to be). So yes Sasuke is back and good now!

Short chapter but better than nothing.


It was cold and rainy, everything you would expect for a funeral. The air stunk of death and suffering, it was like the sun was mocking them in their despair, it too was hiding away, not wanting to spread any light into the horrid day.

Since Shikamaru wouldn't let Ino leave he had given up his bed and slept on the couch for the past week. He pretended he couldn't hear her cries in the middle of the night; he didn't want to wound her pride, besides what could he do to help her.

"Hey Ino" Shikamaru slowly made his way to the bathroom where Ino was getting ready. Slowly he pushed open the door.

"Are you almost ready?"

He was amazed that even though she was going to a funeral Ino was still gorgeous, like a damsel in distress.

Ino forced a smile onto her face and gave a slight nod. They slowly made their way to the cemetery.


The service was so draining Shikamaru was surprised Ino was still standing by the end. Everyone had come wanting to support Ino, even Kakashi but unfortunately no one could mend her heart which was now shattered into thousands of pieces.

Ino stared at the graves; she didn't even register what was being said throughout the service all she could do was stare in disbelief. This had to be a dream, some sort of nightmare. There was no way in hell her family was gone, who the hell would kill them like that, why? What reason would anyone have for attacking them? They were kindhearted people they didn't have any enemies. Ino's anger rose up inside her, she could feel her blood boiling, she had so many questions and knew she would never get the answers. All she knew was her parents didn't deserve to die, and she didn't deserve to be alone. Screw this. Ino's anger became too much to bare, her hands were balled into fists and she was ready to fight she wanted answers NOW.

Ino scanned her surroundings, she could see two Anbu members around and knew that they would be the only ones who would have answers. The service was over and as one turned their back she took her chance.

Ino shocked everyone by lunging at the Anbu member.

"What the hell happened to my parents?" Ino was on top of the Anbu screaming at them. She knew that the Anbu were stronger than her, she knew that he could get away in an instant but for some reason he just sat there allowing Ino to let out her rage. Even the Anbu had lost people they loved, they understood her pain.

"I'm sorry I can't give you any more information."

"DON'T LIE TO ME! TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED YOU BASTARD!"

Tears were freely falling down Ino's face as she demanded to know the truth about her family.

Ino could feel people behind her attempting to pull her back, to attack an Anbu member was a risky move, but she didn't care of the consequences, nothing they could do to her would be worse than this.

"Let GO OF ME! I'm not going anywhere until someone tells me the truth!" Ino turned her head slightly to realize it was Asuma and Kakashi who had hold of her, she didn't care how strong they were or the fact that they were above her, she was PISSED off and she wasn't letting go. Both Kakashi and Asuma were shocked at how strong Ino was, her anger was powering her to an extent of strength that they didn't dream she would be capable of.

Ino started shaking the Anbu member "tell me the truth! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY PARENTS?"

"I'm sorry miss but I cannot give out any more information as yet."

"YOU BASTARD!"

Ino raised her fist ready to attack, as she brought her fist down everything went blurry. Ino faintly her someone whisper "I'm sorry Ino" in her ear a voice she recognized as Asuma. Then everything went black.

Asuma picked up Ino's limp body and walked to Shikamaru, he knew that of all the people in the village Shikamaru was the only one who really understood Ino enough to take care of her in this time, not even Sakura could help to the extent Shikamaru could.

Asuma handed her to Shikamaru and said "get her out of here." Shikamaru nodded and in an instant he was gone with Ino in his arms.

"Grief can do horrible things to people, even ninjas." Kakashi announced to all those who had witnessed the event unfold.

Slowly the crowd dispersed and everyone went their separate ways. Sakura made her way to Kakashi with Sasuke and Naruto close behind.

"Kakashi, is there anything we can do or should do for Ino?"

"As ninja you are all going to have to face the harsh reality that you're going to lose loved ones one day. It's part of the job; all we can do is try to help our friends along the way. You three should probably just give Ino some time, I'm sure she will come around. Besides I'm sure Shikamaru will take good care of her."


Read and review people. It makes my day ;)