'til It's Gone
Chapter 02: The Party
Ino sat in her comfortable little expensive imported sports car. She had the top down and was racing through the streets towards the airport. Using the 'express' lane, she was picking Kimimaro up right off the apron. Then it was time for some lunch at a bistro with him at the nearby luncheon place while they waited for Reno's plane to come in. Keeping her pace steady she radioed the guys in security.
"This is Koneko requesting to come through the gates at speed," Ino said loudly and clearly.
A static sounded before the operators voice came on, "roger that, Koneko, please proceed through gate 2 at speed, over."
"Thanks, over and out."
Sliding into lane 2 Ino wondered if Genma had ever driven this fast. Keeping it to herself, she was looking forward to seeing Reno. The red head brought spice into her life. She was trying to part with the old one, never mind the new.
Once again, she stopped at the end of the apron and did a power slide into the hanger. "Hey! When's Haku's plane coming in?" Ino asked Zabuza who was sitting in the office off to the side.
"Right now," they heard the hum of an airplane engine. Sitting in the chair she played gin rummy to pass the time with Zabuza. The older man was formidable, but she was a quick study. Years of playing and trying to beat Shikamaru at Shogi when they were little had honed her mind enough for card games.
Zabuza wordlessly laid down his cards when suddenly the window picked up and blew all the cards around the room. Ino ducked under the table to avoid paper cuts.
"Zabuza! What the hell?" she yelled. When the engines shut off suddenly she crept out from under the table. It stopped and Ino walked out to see the stairs fold out of the plane. A tall white haired man gracefully stepped out of the plane. His piercing red eyes met Ino's and she nodded to him.
He quietly thanked Haku for the smooth ride. Standing a step behind Ino, Kimimaro watched as Ino gave Haku a hug. Stepping away, Ino gestured that they should leave. Bidding both Zabuza and Haku a farewell, both fair haired agents walked to Ino's little car.
"I was thinking we should get some lunch now and then I'm picking up Reno," Ino said softly.
Kimimaro blinked, "hai, Yamanaka-san."
"No worries, it'll be quick so you can rest where we're staying," she replied, speeding off eagerly.
Let's get this party started right
Let's get drunk and freaky right
Sakura stared at Ino. She looked the same as ever. Her long blond hair was tied up in a high ponytail and crystalline blue eyes were hidden by sunglasses. The blond doesn't notice her because she was too preoccupied by the taller pale man.
Kakashi bristled slightly, "he's a former Sound Media employee. His family business was destroyed by Kiri natives. He's of the old clans too, a bloodline."
Staring at both of them interestedly Sakura wanted Ino on her side. The blonde could help her. She knew of the situation where Itachi had left Ino for practically dead. One did not leave members to 'clean up' things if they did not want them to be 'cleaned up' as well. Also, from being Ino's friend she knew that Ino hated being left behind. It was probably her biggest fear. This was perfect.
"You know she's from a newer clan, one with money and a signature move," Kakashi commented.
"Really?" she asked, interested.
Naruto nodded, "yeah, she's good. She worked for Koyuki-dono for the longest time. Rumour has it that after a particularly dangerous mission she went underground for a while. Afterwards she worked at Uchiwa doing paperwork and stuff."
"She's a force to reckon with. Strong, arrogant, and stubborn, that Yamanaka is," Kakashi agreed.
"I want her on our team," it was a statement. No questions and Naruto realized then that if Sakura had her mind set to something, she could do it. The pink haired woman stood and sat beside Ino. Naruto watched carefully. The blond woman was easy going, but looked high maintenance.
Sakura got off her seat and walked over. Kakashi looked at her half empty plate and took a slice of duck all the while smirking at Naruto.
The blue eyed woman smirks, "you want to ruin Uchiwa too?" Ino thinks that this must be her fucking lucky day.
Sakura nods, "just like they tried to humiliate me. I want to do it to them."
Making a noncommittal noise Ino tilted her head to her companion. "This is Kimimaro, one of my own. I see you are here with Kakashi and Uzumaki?"
"Yes," nodded Sakura in slight shock. A look of suspicion entered her eyes, "you didn't know that they were setting me up?"
Ino shrugged, "not really. Outside of doing paperwork I didn't know anything except for you getting fired." Okay, it was a big lie, but she couldn't be implicated in it.
"So they played you too, as a pawn?" a glint passed through Sakura's green eyes.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that. I should have known better through," Ino responded lackadaisically, channeling Shikamaru's calmness.
Sakura nodded in understanding, "we should join up. I know you've got your own powerhouse team. Kakashi told me all about your former jobs."
"Yeah, I'll talk it over," Ino said lazily. She put a business card on the table with her phone number. Under the table she traced out letters into Kimimaro's suit jacket. Understanding her immediately he called for the bill.
The waiter came and Ino passed over her credit card. Sakura looked at Ino's business card and saw that it was a slate grey colour with glossy black lettering. It was unique. Saying goodbye, Ino stood and left, Kimimaro trailing at her side.
Once Ino was firmly behind the wheel of her car and speeding back to the airport did she let a smirk settle on her face. "That was interesting; we should talk it over with Reno and the gang when we get back."
"I think she would be a good partner," Kimimaro said, "but we should not get too attached."
"Hai, Kimimaro," Ino replied.
The plane was already waiting for them on the tarmac. Reno had already driven his sleek black car off the plane. Ino stood up and waved to them. Suddenly, dark hair turned her way and Ino watched him interact with her former bodyguard. For a moment Ino thought she saw Itachi or Sasuke.
She stared blankly, "you brought back a stray? What about the rule that only I was allowed to bring back strays?"
Ino hopped out of the car and gave Reno a big hug. Reno gathered her into a hug and ruffled her hair. Taking in a deep breath of her natural flower scent he turned to the dark haired man.
"Ino, this is Uchiha Shisui. He had rough time back on the continent. He wants a new life, so I brought him with me," Reno smirked.
Bowing politely, Ino greeted him warmly before rounding on Reno, "a guy? Why not another girl? You know that the only other female in the whole force is Kujaku?"
"Maa…let's go," Reno said opening the door to his car.
"Fine, we have some stuff to discuss back at base anyways. I was thinking of moving out of the palace if we do merge…" Ino pondered teasingly. Hearing his indignant cry of confusion she hopped back into her convertible with Kimimaro.
Winking at the pale man she sighed, "It's too easy." Kimimaro rolled his eyes.
And all the sirens go
do-do
"WHAT?" Kujaku slammed her hands down on the table, "work with that woman? That's suicidal!" Kimimaro winced and Ino rolled her eyes. She probably should have been less vague about it.
Neji stepped in, "you have not heard the whole thing, Kujaku-san."
"She's working with Hatake Kakashi and Uzumaki Naruto," Kimimaro added his two cents. The young man had opted to go to the meeting rather than sleep. He wanted to meet everyone as well, though. So far the big man, Morino Ibiki was the expert and seemed to be just a little bit sadistic. Hyuuga Neji seemed to be intelligent, it was enjoyable.
"Well," Kujaku nodded, "that changes everything."
"I still am unsure of their motives," Reno spoke up, his charge was in a room.
Ibiki sighed, these guys were all too young and green. Ino was had picked these guys for their abilities in the field. Turning his eyes to the Kaguya he hoped that this young man would add some intelligence.
Ino looked around her, "let's discuss this more in depth when the rest of the team reassembles. Has anyone heard anything from Nadare?"
There was silence around the room. Kimimaro observed that Kujaku was kind of mouthy, like Ino, but less mischievous. Also, he thought that Reno had no real talent.
"Good, he wasn't supposed to contact us unless he did not find Hidan," she smiled and gestured to the door. "Go, on, it's late now and I'm sure you all want to get to bed. Kujaku stay behind, please."
The rest shuffled out around her except Ibiki and she sighed, "But Ino-chaaan!"
"It'll be quick, Kujaku," Ibiki groused and handed her a folder.
Opening it Kujaku squealed. "It's a mission I want you to handle with another agent of Koyuki-dono's. Meet up with Nii Yugito at the time and place. This mission earns half the money needed to pick up our own building."
Kujaku almost preened, "of course I won't fail. I can't believe all these big corporations use this service considering how pricey we are." Once she left Ibiki turned to Ino.
"We can't stay for much longer. As soon as we get this operation up and going we'll be targeted. Kazahana-dono does not need the extra strain on her personnel," he spoke.
Wearily, Ino looked at him, "hai, I know Ibiki-sensei. Rouga's mission at bringing in Hidan is for us so he can give me the bounty money. Then, we will be out of Kazahana-dono's hair and can start wreaking havoc on Uchiwa."
"Are you going to hurt their business?" Ibiki smiled. Ino thought he probably should not smile too often.
"I can't target them too hard in the business side. I want something to be left when I acquire it," she laughed.
The door slid open and Ino's hands reflexively went for the senbon tucked in her pocket. Reno's shaggy long hair appeared and Ino slid her senbon back into their places. Standing, Ino greeted him.
"Red, I missed you!" she giggled throwing herself around his shoulders. Reno sighed contentedly, before putting Ino down on the ground.
Glaring sternly, he pointed towards his 'friend', "Ino, this is Uchiha Shisui."
The blond looked him over silently. He seemed dangerous, but he had that haunted look. She knew a lot of people in her circles had that look. "Does he know any…?" Ino trailed off quietly.
"No, he does not. I'd like for him to be working with you personally," Reno said bluntly.
Ino nodded and offered her hand to the quiet man, "Yamanaka Ino, pleasure to meet you." She knew he was probably weary, but his startled expression at her politeness was classic.
"Ah…it is good to meet you as well, Yamanaka-san," Shisui bowed politely.
"Good, you'll be learning the ropes with me," she grinned, "Reno has some dues to pay with Ibiki-sensei." Reno groaned and Kimimaro looked on amused.
Ino waved Kimimaro over and left with both men. "Reno is going to have a training session with Ibiki-sensei, he skipped out on one before he left, the fool."
Shisui smirked, "Reno is not the sharpest." Ino agreed and walked back up to the main floors where their rooms were situated. Ino had her own room which was next to Neji's room and across from Ibiki's. Beside Ibiki and diagonal from Ino's was Kimimaro's. On the floor below them Reno, Kujaku and now Shisui were residing.
"This is your room, Shisui. Across from you are Reno's room and Kujaku's. Kujaku is currently out on a mission and my other agent Rouga Nadare is away from home doing a job." Ino smiled at him and let him step into his new quarters. Each had a private bath and bed as well with a small closet area. The main kitchen of the wing was elsewhere.
Shisui nodded, "thank you, Yamanaka-san."
"Yes, but you have to tell me about yourself later," she smirked, "I think you might not be thanking me then. Actually, you'll probably hate me after I put you through testing with Ibiki-sensei." Kimimaro put a hand on her shoulder.
"Hai, oyasumi, Yamanaka-san," he called as they left.
"Maa, call me Ino," she chuckled as her and Kimimaro ventured out into the hall. She found it annoying that these people called her something that she thought of her father as. All Ino was doing was creating a company for herself so she could do something she loved.
Turning to look at Kimimaro she muttered, "he's handsome, eh? Even in those raggedy clothes." He blushed at her comment and looked away.
"Kidding, but seriously, we have no need for him, so stay close and you two can learn the ropes together. Maybe you should educate him on the continent's state right now because where Reno is from the environment is stable right now," Ino continued.
"Hai, Ino-san. I will try tomorrow." Kimimaro followed her and was led to his room.
Ino sighed, "I'm tired. If you need anything tomorrow go to Neji. He'll know what to do."
"What about you, Ino-san?"
"I'll have stuff to do," the blond shrugged, "don't worry. I'll be home for dinner."
A pretty day makes a pretty picture
But fall in love and they're coming to get ya
Ino exited the building and drove off in her car, phone in hand. Pulling out her headset she found that no one was at Uchiwa currently in the main office.
"Hello, this is the office of Uchiha Itachi, please leave a message," that was her voice, Ino realized. It had not changed and she felt kind of proud that they would leave it. Stamping down the surge of pride she rolled her eyes. That was dumb, it was only a recording.
Hatred, she thought as she spoke into the mouthpiece. "Itachi, stop sending Genma to track down my whereabouts, he won't find me. I've already moved from Kazahana-dono's residence into our own. Also, what do you know about Shisui? See ya soon," Ino hung up and pondered for a moment.
Taunting her former boss probably was the stupidest thing she could do, but she was confident in her bluff. By the time she was gone, he would stop looking. Hell, half the down payment they owed Ibiki was taking care of. Ibiki-sensei had made sure that all the plans were set in stone, even if one of them was not available.
'Always be prepared for the worst.'
AN: Sorry for making you guys wait so long! The next chapter will be better and out quicker (I hope...). Thanks for the reviews deathrosekitty and InoxSasukeSOS and Katrina123.
