Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Lyn: Hn…the weirdness of inspiration. I got no sleep two days ago, and had the three ideas for my Rapunzel part two and "A Stoic Somebody and An Imprisoned Nobody."

Chapter Three: Information Gathering

As soon as Ino left, Sasuke stared at her form, journeying through the rooftops. His eyes went to the floor, the .45 gun's silver steel gleaming in the full moonlight. He picked it up, and hid it in a hidden coat pocket. He smiled for the first time since his beloved brother died. 'Ino-chan, you better expect that when we see each other again, you're going to be pleasantly surprised.'

Suddenly the door burst open, and he whirled around to face his mother. "Sasuke! Oh Kami, we were so worried!" His mother hugged him, while he hugged her back. "Sasuke, are you alright?" His father asked him. "I'm fine tou-san."

"How come you were unharmed?" His mother asked. It wasn't a rude question, just inquiring. "Uhm…" Think fast Sasuke! "Her gun lost bullets, and she ran out the window." Whew. Believable save! "At least you're alright." They proceeded to walk out the room, and Sasuke glanced back before following his parents.

The next day, he immediately went to the company genius, Nara Shikamaru. He was the same age as him, yet was easily hired as the company strategist for his VERY high IQ. Sasuke also went to him because he had the best computer ever, modified by him to suit his tastes and a very powerful memory. Yes, Nara Shikamaru was a computer genius.

"Nara." Shikamaru looked up from his place in front of his computer, pretending to work when he was really playing Red Alert. As he saw Sasuke, he immediately closed the window displaying his winning Red Alert match.

"Hai, Uchiha-sama?" He called boredly.

"I need you to do me a favor." Shikamaru nodded to indicate that he was listening. "I want you to bring me files about Uzumaki Ino." Shikamaru continued to nod, then froze.

"U-Uzumaki?" When Sasuke nodded impatiently, Shikamaru asked in disbelief. "Female, blonde hair, Blue eyes, charming smile?" Sasuke knitted his eyebrows in confusion. Shikamaru sighed. "Uchiha-sama, I won't need to hack in any computer system to find out who you're asking for." He pulled out his wallet, then handed Sasuke a photo he fished out of the black wallet. Sasuke almost gasped. Instead, he looked at the Nara, eyes with a questioning look. The picture was Ino, a man who Sasuke assumed was her brother (Naruto), Shikamaru, another man whom he did not recognize (Choji), and a pink-haired girl (Sakura), all smiling cheerfully.

"She was my best friend, before she disappeared five years ago." Then Shikamaru paused, seeming to think about something, and looked at Sasuke with confusion. "But, how do you know her, Uchiha-sama?" Sasuke merely grunted, then said, "You'll find out someday. But hn, do you have any other information about her, visual stats, etc.?" Shikamaru shook his head. "I can only give you information from the past…" "It may do, no less than 500 words, in my office, 4 o'clock." "Fine, Uchiha-sama." And Shikamaru focused on opening a word document, and began typing.

Soon, at exactly 4 o'clock, Shikamaru went to his office, giving him the file he was able to make. He dismissed Shikamaru, telling him that he could have the day off if he wished. As soon as Shikamaru went, he immediately read the report the Nara made.

'Hn, Elementary valedictorian, top gymnast in her school, thinking of taking psychology in college…brother – Uzumaki Naruto, father – Minato Namikaze…' Sasuke froze. He knew that name, he heard it from his father once, when Itachi was still alive. He made it a resolution to ask his father as soon as possible.

After reading the report, Sasuke was determined to get the information he was looking for.

Lyn: Cliffhanger…this chap just showed that Shika knew Ino and Naruto. Alright, Here is the list of good and bad guys.

BAD: All of Akatsuki except for Itachi and Sasori, Neji, Shino, Sand Siblings, Sai, Kiba, Akamaru, Orochimaru, Kabuto, Sound five, among others

GOOD: Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, TenTen, Lee, all senseis, Jiraiya, Tsunade

Poor Naruto and Ino are stuck in the middle.

Also thanks to Drunksonic, I already have an idea of what Naruto's fate would be. (GAH! I'm being Neji-fied again!) Also, I already know what my ending will be. I'm just working out the middle parts. Thanks for those who support the story. My heartfelt Arigatou's. R&R please.