Oh wow. Chapter Eight. And this means that the last chapter is next week. :O So please, please review! Enjoy!!Drunksonic this is so for you, because even though you were gone, you still managed to read all the chapters! Hehehe
Oh!! And btw, I WILL TOTALLY call out that girl who stole your and Lamanth's stories. That is just not right.
Anywho...on with the story! Hahah

--Chapter Eight: Going to Suna--

Ino was once again in front of the blonde with the large bosom. For reasons unknown, Tsunade had once again called for her. But why? Because if Sasuke's interrogation, she no longer had missions. So why the summons?

"Lady Hokage?"

"Ino, I have just been in contact with the Kazekage, and he has told me he needs of our assistance. This mission requires the use of your Shintenshin."

"My Shintenshin? Really?" Ino skeptically looked at the Hokage.

"Yes, Yamanaka. You leave tonight."

"Wait, what? Tonight? But Lady Hokage, with all due respect, what about Sasuke's interrogation?" Ino's widened eyes caused the older woman to smile.

"Its okay, Ino. He'll be confined until you come back. Now hurry. You're leaving in a few hours." The Yamanaka nodded and ran out the room. Tsunade's devious smile once again returned.

'All right, I've done my part. Now the rest is up to the Uchiha. I hope he knows what he's doing.'

After a day or so, Ino was finally setting foot within Suna's territory. Once there, she raced to find the Kazekage. After all, the faster she could complete the mission she was to perform, the faster she could accomplish it and get back to Sasuke. Sasuke. The image of the man brought a smile upon Ino's face.

"Ino!" A spiky-haired blonde screamed as she and Ino ran into a warm embrace. Besides them a red-haired man stood smirking as he caught Ino's gaze.

"Temari! Hey, my darling Kazekage. Don't you dare think you're getting away from me!" The blue-eyed blonde yelled as she pulled away from Temari to hug Gaara.

"Wouldn't dream of it." The latter muttered as he returned Ino's hug. During the past four years, Gaara and Ino had become extremely close as well. It was all a result of a mission they had done. Saving each other's live had produced a friendship both found quite enjoyable. And on the plus side, whenever Ino wanted a vacation, she'd come to visit the Sand siblings and enjoy the lovely sun in Suna.

"So, where's Kankuro?" Ino asked.

"Mission." Temari smiled at seeing the blonde in front of her. It had been a while since they had seen the ever gregarious blonde so happy. "But he told us to tell you that he missed you as well, and he'll try to come back as soon as he can."

Ino smile grew as she turned to face Gaara again. "So what's this so important mission that you had to send for me right away?"

"Oh. That." Gaara cleared his throat and exchanged a nervous glance with his sister. What he was about to say wasn't going to produce a happy outcome—that he knew for sure. Better yet, he knew Ino.

"Yes, that."

"Well you see, Ino." Temari began talking and let Gaara handle the rest.

"There is no mission."

"What?" Just as Gaara had anticipated, the Yamanaka freaked at hearing the Kazekage's statement. "Then why am I here?"

"Ino, the Hokage sent me a letter saying that she was going to send you here for a couple of days and then you were to return. Take it as a vacation." Gaara said with a slight smile.

"Yeah, Ino. Take this time to catch us up in your life." Temari said as she pressed Ino's shoulder.

"Fine, but I want to know why she sent me out of the village. Why did she want me to take this vacation?"

"Couldn't tell you. " Gaara discreetly lied. The truth was that he did know. It happened just a few days ago in his office. He had been working on paperwork when Temari had come in holding a letter.

"Gaara. The Hokage sent a letter. It's about Ino." At hearing the mention of the woman's name, the Sabaku's head shot up.

"Did something happen to her?"

"No, nothing like that. Just read it." Temari smiled as she handed her brother the note. Gaara took it and read it carefully.

"Dear Kazekage,
As I well know that you and Ino Yamanaka are quite acquainted, I am asking for this favor. You see, Sasuke Uchiha has returned to our village and it seems he and Ino are in love. He has asked me if she could be sent away while we plan out the way he wants to propose to her. I hope that you can help.
Yours truly, The Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village.

Gaara chuckled at the letter's contents. So Ino had finally gotten together with the Uchiha. Finally! Still not repressing the smirk on his face, Gaara wrote back to the Hokage agreeing to let Ino reside in Suna for as long as was needed.

"Well, while you're here, let's go out to eat." Temari suggested.

"Sounds like a plan. Is the Kazekage too busy to come eat with us?" Ino said while putting her hands on her hips.

The green-eyed man shook his head and smiled. The trio, lead by the older woman, went to dine at a fancy restaurant. After they were done, the three friends went to the Sand sibling's household—where Ino was to currently be residing.