Hiyoo! Mike here. Not too many reviews, but I'll update for you exceptional few who did! Please note that the upcoming events are loosely based on the original story, and much of it will be original. With that said I'll launch straight into it! Please Review!

Standard Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto…

Destined To Be

Chapter 2: A Cunning Scheme

"Ah. Itachi-san, you look well." Came the oily slick voice of The current leader of the hidden village of Sound. Orochimaru, the Snake Sennin. "You keep a comfortable home."

"I doubt you went through all the trouble of coming here for such trivial pleasantries." Itachi was not one to beat around the bush.

"Straight to business then." The hungry smile which held so much malice creeping upon his face. "I have a proposition which would result in reinstatement of your throne in Konoha."

"Such is my desire." The Uchiha's face never betraying any emotion, he continues. "What is your plan, and what will you receive in return."

"I simply desire the overthrowing of my greatest enemy as well as an alliance with the new power which arises under your control. My plan however, cannot be received into lesser minds." He was looking pointedly at Naruto and Ino.

Naruto was furious, and it showed in the depths of power swirling in his eyes as he returned Orochimaru's cool smile with his glare. Ino was not one to cross such fearsome enemies, and elbowed Naruto not so discretely.

"My servants will follow my will, but if you insist… Naruto, Ino, return to your chambers and await my summons." They obeyed immediately, but not before Naruto shot a promise of pain to Orochimaru.

As soon as they were out of range of their master's hearing Naruto was assaulted by a barrage of punches and the angry hissing of Ino.

"You moron! Do you have any idea how dangerous that man is? Fox demon or no, he could take you apart!"

"I'm not afraid of that snake! Master will see through whatever ploy he is trying to con him into."

Ino just walked to her room grumbling and holding her head all the way. Naruto was far too angry to return to is chambers, and instead went to the lowest part of the dungeon where he typically trained.

Ino was trying to get into a book she had just purchased from town when a familiar vibration assaulted her already ferocious headache. She attempted to ignore it for several nearly a half an hour before she gave in and rushed into the lower dungeons with heavy killer intent. Sure enough there was Naruto pounding away at solid rock, his hands only lightly padded with bandages. She was about to show him just how much these dungeons could echo when she noticed the deep red of his bandages along with the blood running from the wall. She was startled not for the first time at the ferocity he possessed which their master had been trying to harness. After several attempts of calling his name softly and even yelling she got annoyed and grabbed his shoulder to turn him to face her.

Naruto had no idea just how long he had pounded at solid bedrock. The skin on his hands was long broken, and bones were groaning from the continuous assault. He paid it no heed however. The demon within himself which had outcast him as a child would show its usefulness and heal him within the night. He could only imagine the faces of Kabuto, Orochimaru, and those disgusting sound Nin he knew to be just outside. He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder turning him around and instinctually prepared to lash out with a bloody fist. He was halted in the nick of time at the sight of Ino's frightened face.

Ino's poor heart finally recuperated from the shock of a demon powered fist nearly impacting her face when Naruto's eyes regained their natural color upon recognition. She trusted Naruto beyond any other, but she did not trust the demon which sometimes influenced him.

"Really Naruto." She spoke in fake annoyance. "Leave it to you to make a mess of yourself." She began to gently unwrap the soaked bandages and dab at the already healing wounds with a damp cloth.

"It's not like they won't heal…" Grumbled Naruto. He was trying to look anywhere but her concerned eyes. He could easily count on one hand the people in his life that showed any real concern for him, and there was nothing that affected him quite as much as those rare moments. His hands had already been re-bandaged, but she still held them. He knew what she wanted. Reluctantly he made eye contact.

"Thank You Ino." He drawled sarcastically. 'She's squeezing my knuckles!' "OW OW OW. Ok Ok I'm sorry!" She flashed him one of her cocky smiles. 'I won't let her win so easily.' "So let me thank you properly." He cooed. Using the contact he already held in her hands he drew her close pressing her soft body against his hard one.

Ino immediately fought the blush at their proximity, and tried to ignore the fact that his hot breath was flowing intentionally across her left ear and neck. "Quit fooling around Naruto." She attempted to scold when her eyes met his, and her heart skipped a beat.

'Wow this is just too easy sometimes! Doesn't hurt that it feels good to have her pressed against me too.' He thought when he caught sight of her slightly clouded eyes. He couldn't help himself and began to slowly lower his face toward hers. It had gone beyond their typical teasing, but he didn't care. Her eyes had closed when Naruto sensed a familiar presence headed their way. He sighed and ignored Ino's pout as he pushed her away from him just as their master entered the dungeon. She stiffened immediately at Itachi's presence.

"Naruto come with me." He stated simply and left immediately. Naruto turned to Ino's jealous face and stuck his tongue out in a childish pose as he followed their master out. Ino just stood fuming picturing the many ways she could torture him.

Naruto followed Itachi to the main chamber where Orochimaru had now left, and maps and charts now littered the table. He knew what was coming. He was getting a new mission. He was excited, because his master was as well. Not that he showed it outwardly. It took years of attentive study before one became accustomed to the stoic Uchiha's moods.

"You have a mission." Well duh! That much was obvious. "A royal freight is to cross the channel in exactly two days, and you are to waylay them." Now this was good news! He had never been entrusted with something as important as attacking a royal ship. He held his excitement for the sake of his master's patience.

"Yes Master. What is my primary target?" There was obviously more to it than sinking some ship.

"The frigate holds a very precious cargo. The Hyuuga princess is currently in the care of Konoha as she is headed to be married to my dear brother. Their marriage is meant to solidify the loose attachment the Hyuuga clan has with Konoha. Any misfortune that would befall her while in their care would immediately result in the Hyuuga's addition to hidden Sound forces."

Naruto drank in all the information. This was no doubt Orochimaru's plan. He was naturally skeptical of anything that left that snake's tongue.

"How will that help you to recover your throne Master?" Itachi allowed the faintest of smiles to cross his face.

"As you know I cannot kill my brother to reclaim what is mine in Konoha's law. We will not kill the young heiress. She is the greatest pawn in our maneuver. She will kill Sasuke, and in the uproar of finding a suitable heir to the throne I will arise in their moment of fright and war as their savior."

Some things just weren't adding up. Sure Itachi was next in line to the throne but…. "How will we get her to kill a highly trained ninja?"

"She is not required to be of her own mind." He replied with a faint glint in his eye.

"Ino! She'll be happy to have some part to play." He quipped sarcastically. "But what about Orochimaru? I doubt he'd place an even more powerful ruler into Konoha without some way of backstabbing you!"

"You are becoming quite shrewd Naruto. You must always second guess your allies. I do not fear Orochimaru, and I will drive his filth from this continent as soon as I regain power. This is your most important mission yet. Do not fail me."

Naruto bowed low. "I shall succeed Master!"

Gods this story is fun to write. Please leave reviews inspiring me to write, and leave your own impressions thus far! Remember if there is a character you would like to see introduced there are a lot of open spots left! Just let me know. Oh right. The Naru/Ino spice. Couldn't help myself XD Don't worry there will be much more Naruto flirtation in the cards. Definitely some with Hinata, but pairings aren't final. Your opinion may decide! Once again… SEE YOU NEXT TIME!