Character ages:
Izumo and Kotetsu (mentioned only) – 30
A/N: I just wanted to point out that in this particular story, I want you to forget everything you know about Part II of Naruto. Most everything, with the exception of things like Asuma/Kurenai's child and Sai's presence, in Part II never happened in this story. Gaara being Kazekage will be in this story, but he's still the jinchūriki for Shukaku. And if you're confused about the Naru/Ino twin concept and how it would fit into the storyline of Naruto, I'll explain it through flashbacks (something I've already planned) in the story, so please don't worry. I'm not trying to wreck the plotline or anything by bringing in the twin concept. This is fanfiction, and what the fan wants, the fan writes :L Not that I particularly wish it had been part of the main story – I just like the idea as an FF and wanted to write it. Anyways, please enjoy reading!
Friday 3rd October (Morning)
Ino, who had snuggled up to her brother before she went to sleep, woke up to the annoying sensation of something lightly tickling her nose. She scrunched her nose up to get rid of it. It continued. She opened her blue eyes to come face to face with another set of blue eyes barely an inch away from her. She frowned. Naruto hadn't played with her face since they were young and he was picked on by the villagers. The first time he'd done it she had been annoyed, but as the days went on and he continued, she just figured it was some sort of coping mechanism for him.
'Something must be troubling him.' Ino thought. She reached up and grabbed his hand in hers, ceasing the tickling sensation.
"Why didn't you tell me about you and Shika, Ino-chan?" He asked, assaulting her with his horrid breath.
She scooted away from him until she was pressed up against the wall. "Jesus, Naru, halitosis-type morning breath or what?" She lightly jabbed at him with her words, partly because his breath did stink, but mostly because she wanted to avoid the question.
Naruto rolled his eyes and moved so that he was lying on his back. "Like you can talk." He joked half-heartedly. He placed his hands behind his head and stared up at his ceiling. A comfortable silence settled over the twins. "Ino, are you going to answer my ques –"
Ino sighed loudly, effectively cutting off Naruto. "Look, there's nothing to tell. Just drop it, Naru."
Naruto frowned and turned over onto his side to face Ino, one hand still under his head and the other resting on his side. "Don't lie to me, Ino. I know something's up. Besides the time when Shika first came into the restaurant, you wouldn't even look at him. You pointedly ignored him and when his name came up in conversation with someone, you'd deflect and change the topic."
'How did he notice that? I swear I was being subtle about it…' Ino thought to herself. "What are you talking about? I'm like that with everyone." She lied.
Naruto narrowed his eyes and poked Ino's cheek with his finger. "Liar." He said.
She sat up and glared down at him. "There's nothing going on." She denied. "Anyway, I've got to go and see Ibiki about my training and initiation into Torture and Interrogation." She moved to climb over Naruto so she could get off the bed, but he just pushed her – none too gently, either – back down.
"See! You're doing it again!" He yelled. "You're deflecting the topi –"
"For god's sake, Naruto! I haven't even told Sakura, ye –"
"So there is something going on!" He said, pointing an accusing finger at his sister. "Why can't you just tel –"
Before Naruto even realized it, Ino had jumped over him and made her way towards the door, ready to bolt if he persisted. "Look, I'll tell you soon, but not now." She said, looking back at him over her shoulder. "I'm not ready." Naruto frowned. He wanted to press the issue further but wasn't sure he should. He didn't get a chance, either way, because his sister had left while he was contemplating the idea. He sighed.
By the time Ino had gotten home to shower and change – without being spotted by her parents – before she made her way to the Konoha Intelligence Division, it was nearly noon. Ino had expected to be stopped and demanded to tell the guards what business she had there when she entered. However, she was surprised to find a reception desk and…a lobby of all things.
The woman sitting behind the desk, whose name tag read 'Amiko', smiled at Ino as she approached. "How can I help you, dear?" The seemingly middle aged woman asked, kind eyes hidden behind thick rimmed glasses and her red painted mouth turned up in a welcoming smile.
Ino gave the woman her own small, nervous smile. She tucked a strand of her loose blonde hair behind her ear. "Um, I'm here to see Ibiki Morino?"
The woman looked surprised but her warm smile was still in place. "Do you have an appointment?"
Ino shook her head. "No. I was supposed to meet him today to finalize my initiation, but he knew I'd be busy so he said I could come in tomorrow. I finished up early, though, so I figured I might as well get it over and done with today." Ino explained.
Amiko frowned, confused. "Initiation?" A dawning look appeared on her face before she smiled brightly at Ino. "Ohh, right! The new TI recruit! You must be Ino Yamanaka."
Ino laughed awkwardly and scratched her head. "Ah…yes. That's me."
Amiko, smile still on her face, stood up and walked around the desk to link her arm with Ino's. "You should have told me earlier, love." She half-heartedly admonished as she lead Ino down a series of hallways, chatting away about how excited she was for the new recruits to come in so that she'd get to see some fresh faces. She went on and on about how she was always so cooped up in the building and rarely ever saw anyone new before they came to a halt in front of a door that had Ibiki's name on it. "This is his office, dear. I'll leave you to it." And with that, she left Ino alone.
'What do I do, now? Should I knock and wait for an answer?' Ino thought to herself. 'Or just knock and open the door? What if he's angry when he sees me? He told me to come tomor –'
"Woah there, don't hurt yourself." Genma's joking voice brought her out of her thoughts.
She looked up at him in surprise, her blue eyes wide and startled. He was standing right next to her with his ever present senbon in his mouth, and she hadn't even heard him approach. "Wh – what?" She stammered.
Genma chuckled as he looked down at her, amusement clearly evident in his features. "I said…" He began, moving the senbon from one side of his mouth to the other. "Don't hurt yourself." He reiterated.
She frowned. Now she was just confused. "What?" She asked again.
Genma rolled his eyes and leaned against the space of wall right next to Ibiki's office door. "I was making a joke, Ino. A joke." He said, taking the senbon out of his mouth and twirling it with his fingers. "You looked deep in thought and I jokingly told you not to hurt yourself thinking too hard." He explained exasperatedly. 'A bit slow, today, are we?' He thought.
"Ohh." Ino turned back to the door, not even taking in what he had said to her. "Wait." She turned back to him and looked him up and down as if sizing him up. "Were you just making fun of me?" She asked, her eyes narrowed.
Genma laughed as he shook his head and put his senbon back in his mouth. "Now, you catc –"
The door suddenly opened. "Genma, what the fuck is taki –" Ibiki cut himself off when he saw Ino, who had taken a step back, in front of him. "Ohh. Ino. I thought you were coming tomorrow." Ino opened her mouth to speak but she didn't get the chance. "Doesn't matter. Might as well get everything done now. Inside, both of you." Ibiki turned around and walked back into the room without waking for an answer.
Genma outstretched his arm, motioning for Ino to go inside. "Ladies first."
Ino rolled her eyes and followed Ibiki inside. He was sitting behind his desk and there was only one seat in front of him. Ino frowned. She wasn't sure if she should sit down or whether she should leave it for Genma.
"Sit down." Ibiki barked at her. Ino quickly did as she was told while Genma chuckled and leaned on the wall beside Ibiki's desk. "Wasn't expecting you until tomorrow, but I guess it's good that you're here now. Let's just get right into it." Ibiki addressed her.
"O – okay." She replied, even though it wasn't necessary.
"Like I told you yesterday – I want you on my team. Your dad had informed me that you were doing well in learning your clans techniques some time ago, and that now you rival even him. Impressive, given your age." Ibiki said.
'Given my age? I'm not even that young.' Ino blushed, embarrassed. She wasn't used to being praised for her skills. "I'm not that goo –"
"I don't need you to be modest about it." Ibiki cut her off. "As I'm sure you're aware, this line of work is no game. I need you to be sure of yourself and completely confident." Ino nodded. "Not many people know this besides those who are directly involved, but the Torture and Interrogation, and the Infiltration and Reconnaissance squads are going to be merged into one. That's where you come in. You're our first new recruit, and I have high expectations of you. If you do well, I want you to be the leader of the new recruits."
"What?" Ino mumbled unconsciously, her head down and her eyes on her fidgeting hands. Her head was swimming with all this new information. She had only expected to become one of Ibiki's new subordinates, not become the squad leader.
"Which brings me to my next point." Ibiki went on. "As you know, TI hasn't had a female amongst them, ever. Most new recruits will be females. IR is in charge of seduction missions, and once you're well trained, you will ease the other recruits into the seduction classes and eventual missions. For now, Genma will be your teacher."
Ino's head shot up at that last sentence. "So much for not knowing anything." She said to Genma, who was looking anywhere but at her. "Wait…" Her eyes widened. "Seduction classes? Teacher? Genma?!" 'What the actual fuck?' Genma coughed uncomfortably.
Ibiki raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem with that?" He asked her.
"Yes!" She shouted before she realized it. Her hand flew to her mouth in shock. "I – I mean no. Just…just what exactly will these classes entail? And how long will I have to take them? You said I'd be easing the other recruits into these classes, right? Will there be a female easing me into them?"
Ibiki, who had donned a stern expression up until that moment, seemed suddenly extremely uncomfortable. "I'll let Genma answer that one for you." He said with a pointed look at said man.
'Thanks for throwing me under the carriage, boss.' Genma thought somewhat bitterly. He coughed to clear his throat. "I'm sure you've heard stories about seduction missions." He began. "Obviously those kunoichi had to have had both mental and physical training before they went out. That's where I com –"
"Physical training?" Ino interrupted. She didn't want to ask her next question, but she knew she had to in order to prepare herself. "As in…sex positions?"
Both men visibly blushed. Yeah, this was getting way too uncomfortable. "Ah…yeah. That. Amongst other things. I'll be the one to train you. As for how lon –"
"Why you?" Ino interrupted again.
Genma raised an eyebrow and folded his arms against his chest. "Why not me?"
Ino blushed when she realized how insulting her question had sounded. "I – I didn't mean it like that. I just…I mean...I hardly even know you. Wouldn't – wouldn't it be better if I…trained…with someone I'm familiar with?" She stuttered. 'Get a grip, Ino. It's a job. And if it goes to helping to protect the village, you will do it.' She scolded herself.
"Actually, no. The men, and possibly even some kinky women, will virtually be strangers to you. Except for the intel that you are provided with before you head out on your missions, you will most likely know nothing about them." Genma explained. "Besides, since you know pretty much nothing about me, there's practically no room for feelings to grow." Ino frowned. What made him think that she'd fall for someone like him – a renowned man-whore? "I'm not going to sugarcoat anything. Frankly, I think it's a waste of my time, and you'll be much more prepared if you're informed of what you'll be training for from the get-go."
Ino bristled at his suddenly cold tone of voice. "So, what…I'm just supposed to be submissive and basically let you rape me?" She stood up, ready to leave. This is definitely not what she signed up for.
"Sit down." Ibiki ordered. She didn't. "I didn't choose you at random, Ino. Despite the praise your father had given you, I had my doubts. So I watched you. I've been watching you since you were sixteen and you realized your feelings for that Nara prodigy." Ino stiffened. "I've seen your ups and downs." Ino clenched her teeth and locked her jaw. She wanted to be anywhere but there. "I was pleasantly surprised to see how well you coped. How strong you were on the outside and refused to break down in front of anyone." She didn't miss the fact that he had said 'in front of anyone' instead of 'at all'. "Not only that but I witnessed firsthand the skills that your father was talking about. I was under the impression that you were a formidable kunoichi. I was impressed." He said, giving her a rare smile before his stern expression reappeared. "But if that's not the case, then you might as well leave. If you're not who I thought you were, then we have no use for you."
Ino unclenched her teeth and subconsciously sucked her cheeks in, deep in thought. 'Is he – is he using reverse psychology on me?' She asked herself incredulously. She took a deep breath to calm herself before she sat back down. "Well, if you put it like that, how can I refuse?" She asked in a pathetic attempt to make a joke and lighten the tense mood.
Ibiki gave her a curt nod, his face blank but his eyes giving her his approval. "Back to business, Genma." He ordered.
"There will be no raping." Genma said, taking his senbon out of his mouth and putting it in his pocket. Ino flushed at the mention of her accusation. "It will be brutal, but not unreasonable. Well, not overly so. We'll devise a safe word. We'll deci –"
"What, like pineapples?" Ino asked, interrupting Genma for a third time. Genma merely raised an eyebrow. "Sorry. Read it in a novel somewhere."
"What, like Icha Icha Paradise?" Genma countered. Ino bit her lip. Yes, that was the exact book. "Anyways, as I was saying, we'll decide on a safe word later. As for the length of time that you'll undergo training – well, that's up to you. It will depend on how fast you pick up the techniques–" Ino scoffed. "– that I teach you. And yes, you will have a female to brief you. She just left for a mission this morning, but she'll be back before your training will begin." He finished.
"Who is she?" Ino asked.
"Anko Mitarashi." Ibiki answered.
"Right. Should have guessed that one." Ino mumbled to herself. "So I'll be starting in a week?" She asked Ibiki.
"From yesterday, yes." He nodded. "You'll be starting on Thursday."
"Um…" Ino began. "I know I don't really have the right to ask, but would it be okay if I started on the Sunday? Or even today and then have Friday night and Saturday off?" Ibiki raised an eyebrow at her request. "It's just that it's mine and Naruto's twenty-first birthday on Friday, and mum booked out Shushuya's for the night so we could have a party and celebrate with our family and comrades. And normally I'd have no problem blowing it off, but twenty-one is such a huge milestone, especially for shinobi."
Genma scoffed. 'Well, aren't you just privileged?' He thought, bitterly. He knew he was being unreasonable, but he couldn't help to think about how the generations after him had it so easy. 'We were lucky if we even made it to twenty-one. And if we did? We weren't wasting it on a night of senseless alcohol, that's for sure.'
Ibiki had similar thoughts to Genma. However, Ibiki rationalized that they were a different generation, and the shinobi world had been at peace for relatively twenty years – if you discounted the Orochimaru and Sand fiasco. "There's no point in you officially starting now and then having a break in the middle of your first week. You can start on Sunday." He told his newest subordinate. Ino mentally sighed with relief, a smile on her face. "But for now, I want you to get well acquainted with Genma. I'm making it a mission. It'll be sort of like your training before your training. You don't have to do anything physical, but I want you to get as much information about Genma as possible." Genma stiffened. He hadn't been aware of this part of the plan. "He may choose to just tell you himself, or you may have to find it out on your own. Either way, I want you to know when he wakes, when he sleeps, where he's going, what he's doing, who he's doing." Genma smirked, Ino flushed.
"Is that last part really necessary?" She asked in a small voice.
"Yes!" Ibiki shouted. "Chances are, the targets for your seduction missions are going to have many consorts. If you figure out what kind of type your target likes, and even if it seems like they don't have one, there will be some sort of fetish they have or pattern between the people they choose to take to their bed, you can use it to your advantage."
Ino nodded, taking it all in. "By finding out the pattern or the fetish, it's sort of like finding out their weakness." Ibiki nodded, signaling for her to go on. "And I can incorporate whatever type of thing that they're into, in my disguise so that I can essentially draw them in and get closer."
"Yes, very good. I'm glad you understand." On the outside, Ibiki's facial expression was neutral, but on the inside, he was beaming. 'There is hope for you, yet, girlie.' He thought to himself.
Ino allowed herself a small smile. She was pleased with the fact that she didn't come off as a total idiot. "What else do you need me to do?" She asked eagerly. She had momentarily forgotten about the fact that she would eventually be trained by Genma in the 'art' of seduction.
'Keep your dad from skinning me alive when he finally finds out exactly the job I've given you.' Ibiki allowed a small smile to grace his lips. "Nothing that I can think of at this moment. With the exception of the task I've just given you to complete, you can relax until your birthday celebrations are over." Ino sighed softly in relief. "However, I expect a full report about Genma on my desk at 6 AM, sharp, Sunday morning. As soon as Anko gets in, you will be briefed by her before she leaves you in the hands of Genma."
Ino didn't like the sound of that last part. It was like she would be completely at the mercy of the older shinobi. Submission wasn't in her nature and she knew for damn sure that she wouldn't like this training one bit. She gave Ibiki a curt nod. "Am I dismissed, then?" She asked.
"Yes. Get out of my sight." And Ibiki turned back into his normal gruff persona, all traces of previous – though somewhat lacking – friendliness gone. Ino nodded again and stood without a word. The two men watched her leave before Genma turned on Ibiki.
"What the fuck was that about?" Genma questioned, moving to sit in the now vacant seat across from Ibiki's desk.
"What?" Ibiki asked, feigning ignorance as he leaned back in his chair and placed his hands behind his head.
"Don't 'what' me. Why the hell did you order her to find dirt on me?" Genma narrowed his eyes at the other man as he pulled out his senbon from his pocket and placed it in his mouth. He was annoyed at Ibiki, but the senbon helped to calm him down a bit.
Ibiki sighed. "I just want to see what kind of recon skills she has."
Genma frowned as leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. "And what's that got to do with me?"
Ibiki ground his teeth in annoyance before he spoke again. "Next to Kakashi and myself, you're as private as they come. Ino getting information out of Kakashi is both impossible and pointless since he has nothing to do with this squad. As Ino's superior, she has no business in my personal affairs. So that leaves you."
Genma scoffed. "Superior? I'm the one that's going to be traini –"
"Exactly." Ibiki said, cutting off Genma. "You'll be working extremely close to her." Genma didn't miss the double meaning behind Ibiki's statement. He was well aware of just how close he would be in contact with the young kunoichi. "So what does it matter if she knows a little about you?"
"Little?" Genma asked incredulously. "You just practically told her to stalk me and find out everything."
Ibiki sighed again. He removed his hands from behind his head to lean forward and rest his elbows on his desk. "Look. I don't expect you to willingly provide her with any information. In fact, I'd prefer it if you didn't. Aside from knowing when you leave your apartment and when you go back, I don't expect her to find out anything about you, much less everything about you."
"Then why –"
"I'm not stupid, Genma." Ibiki cut him off. "I do things for a reason." He added. "Like I told Ino, I've been watching her for years. I realized that unless she is actually interested in something, she won't do it. Or at least, she won't put her all into it. And that's what I need from her – her all."
"Yeah, but I still don't get what that's got to do with me." Genma replied.
"Simple – you interest her." Genma raised an eyebrow at Ibiki's statement but didn't comment. "She may not realize it at present, but she is interested in you. Whether it's romantic interest –" Genma stiffened. "– Or whether she's just curious about an older jōnin that she's never really interacted with, I don't know. All I know is that you interest her enough for her to actually take the task I've given her seriously."
"And how, exactly, do you know that she's interested in me – romantically or otherwise?" Genma asked.
"Have you not been listening? I've been watching her." Ibiki said exasperatedly. "I watched her interact with you at Shushuya's, and when you guys went back to Naruto's apartment." Ibiki smirked upon seeing Genma stiffen once again.
'Please don't tell me you saw everything?' Genma silently pleaded. Regaining his composure, Genma shrugged and stood up to leave. "Whatever. Just don't come bitching to me when she throws a tantrum for not being able to get anything out of me." He said before he left. Ibiki just shook his head with a soundless laugh. This was going to be interesting.
Friday 3rd October (Afternoon)
Ino had been lost in thought while on her way home. She had been thinking about how she would go about getting information on Genma. She didn't know much about the man other than that he was usually always seen with a senbon in her mouth and that he was a special jōnin. She guessed that he wouldn't willingly give her information, so she mentally went through all the people she could ask about him. That was a problem in of itself, though. Aside from Ibiki, who obviously wouldn't give her any tips, the only other person she knew that was actual friends with Genma was Anko. Anko wouldn't be back from her mission for a while, though.
Ino had been so caught up in thought that she almost didn't hear the voices coming from inside her parent's house when she arrived. Almost. She paused just outside the front door to listen. She could hear her parents, as well as another man and woman that she assumed were around her parents age, and a guy that sounded as if he was around her age. She didn't know who they were but –
"No." Ino breathed out. "She didn't." She whispered as she brought her hand to her mouth to stifle her gasp. Her mother had actually done it. Oki Yamanaka had actually meant it when she said she set up some meetings for Ino's supposed suitors. Ino was silently cursing her mother when someone snuck up on her.
The person put their head right next to the oblivious Ino's and spoke into her ear. "What are you doing?"
Ino fought down the urge to shriek in shock and turned around to glare at the offender. "Naruto!" She whisper yelled. "Don't do that!"
"Why are you whispering?" He whispered back, confused. Ino dropped her head onto his shoulder and mumbled something. "What? I can't hear you."
Ino sighed heavily before she stood up straight. "Mum's got a suitor and his parents waiting inside for me to return home." She said dejectedly.
Naruto was still confused. "What's a suitor?"
"Someone to marry, Naru." She said, too tired to even bother being exasperated. "Someone mum thinks will be a good match for me to marry."
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. Marry? His sister was too young to marry. He frowned. "And that's who is inside the house?" Ino put her head back on his shoulder and nodded. "Do you want me to cover for you?"
Ino's head shot up in surprise. "Would you?" She asked, her large blue eyes pleading.
Naruto chuckled and ruffled her hair. "Of course. That's what big brothers are for." He said, grinning.
Ino barely suppressed the squeal that was just bursting to get out when she grabbed Naruto in a tight hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She pulled back and smiled at him.
"Besides, can't let you get married just yet. I've still got years of annoying older brother duties." He chuckled.
Ino rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She said as she laughed and lightly shoved his shoulder. "But thanks, bro. I owe you one!" She yelled as she ran off.
She made it half a block away from her house when she realized that she had no idea where to go to kill time while Naruto covered for her. She relayed her options. Sakura was out since she was working a double shift at the hospital. Chōji was out since he was on a mission. Shikamaru was out because – no, just no. Asuma was out since he usually didn't like to be disturbed while spending time with his family. The rest of the Konoha 12 was out because they were all on missions. She figured she could hang with Izumo and Kotetsu while they were on gate duty, but she eventually decided against it. There was only so much she could take of those two, and Ino, knowing her mother, knew that she'd most likely have to spend the whole day away from home. She didn't know anyone else, so that left one option – Genma. She really didn't want to, but she had no other choice. There was one problem with that, though – she had no idea where he lived.
Sighing, Ino shook her head to clear it. 'Looks like your 'mission' has just started Ino.' She thought to herself.
A/N: So…how was it? Bit much? Not enough? Really like to know your thoughts! If you haven't guessed yet (though I supposed it wouldn't really be obvious since this is only the third chapter), I've decided to update every five days. I've also started something new (beginning with this chapter), where I'll publish a random Naruto one-shot the day (though is this case, I had to upload it in the early hours of this morning instead of last night) before I publish a new chapter for this story. So, if you'd like to be notified of those, you can either just follow my profile, or you can wait till the end of each new chapter to find out what the title of the new one-shot is. Most, if not all (I haven't decided, yet), will not be related to this story. The first of these one-shots is called She's A Lady, and is a Gaara/Hinata pairing story.
I would like to thank , Amyb11 and Indigo Yamanaka for following this story, as well as ShikaIno1 for claiming it as a favourite Really appreciate it!
Review Response:
Gagster – Thank you for finding my story…fine :L No, seriously, thank you for reviewing. You make some valid points. I never thought about putting the Naru/Ino twin concept into the summary because the story was always going to be Ino-centric (I'll fix the summary as soon as I upload this chapter). I understand the surprise, and I'm actually not even sure where I came up with the idea, but without giving too much (well, anything really) away, it is actually essential to the story (from my point of view anyways), because I've taken away Ino's relationship with Shika/Cho and put Naruto in their place. I actually had to look up the word 'canon', because even though I've seen it a lot of FF, I never really understood what it meant and was confused by what you said. Anyways, if you haven't read the author's note at the beginning of the chapter, it explains my answer to your concern about the canon events. If you still have a problem with it (or I didn't explain it well enough), you can ask me any time. I'll be more than happy to explain further Once again, thank you for your review!