A/N okay, thank you guys so much for all your reviews. I love 'em, and I love you guys, too. Just to clear some things up real fast.

1) Sasuke has returned, I'll tell you how and why later in the story

2) "white side of Zetsu talking"
"black side of Zetsu talking"
white side of Zetsu thinking
black side of Zetsu thinking

3) And last thing, since I found it impossible to figure out is Zetsu refers to himself as "I" or "We" I decided to go with "We". OH AND, somehow who knows way more about Zetsu than I do has informed me that Zetsu is actually 56.

Now, please enjoy the story.

Ino considered herself an amazing botanist. It wasn't the most modest thought, but the Yamanaka flower shop was undeniably the best in Konoha, and she was the one that ran it, generally. Of course, her parent's owned it, and they helped, but it was she that took the most care of all the flowers.

If someone had to learn how to take care of some sort of plant, no matter how delicate it was, she could tell them how to do so, so that the thing flourished. Or, if they needed to arrange a wedding bouquet or a "get well soon" one, she was the girl. And that was why, when she looked at her brand new bonsai plant to see that it was leaking sap and had bruised leaves, she was not only disappointed, but very angry.

"What happened to you," she gasped, dipping her finger tip into the sweet smelling sap and giving it a sniff. She frowned and rubbed it around on the pads of her fingers. There was a gash in the small trunk, as though someone had slashed it with a knife. "If some idiot was trying to trim you that way..." she trailed off, leaving the threat to some anonymous person hanging.

She wiped the sap from her hands with a paper towel, and then did the same for the tree, cleaning away the crusting syrup and tossing the cloth into a garbage can. She wasn't sure exactly what to do with the cut, figuring it would eventually just heal into some unsightly knob. It was a good thing this one wasn't for sale. And as for the bruised leaves, she could only assume it had been the same unknown person who had mutilated the trunk. She sighed and moved the tree to behind the counter, a somewhat safer place.

"I'll deal with you later," she said, glancing at the clock and finding it to be about an hour past noon; high time she got going. She had already arranged to only work part time today. She had to meet Sakura for medical training. She turned over the "closed" sign and returned to the back room, digging around for the spare set of clothes she always kept stashed.

She took off her clothes and rubbed down with a damp towel. There was still no time for a real shower, but that didn't keep her from feeling like a grimy mess. She slipped on her clothes and brushed her teeth with her finger. Her hair still had hidden knots, and her teeth still felt caked in plaque. But what else was there to do?

She sighed and went back into the main part of the shop. All the flowers looked fresh and well, except for her droopy new tree, and she exited the shop; being sure to lock it securely behind her. She set off at a brisk pace, walking down the street of her familiar village. She loved this village, she really did. But she had no idea how to do anything else. It wasn't like she ever had anything else to compare it to. She had taken an oath as a shinobi to give her life to protect this village. But even now, she wasn't sure exactly what she was protecting. She ran her hands through her hair with a sigh. Those were stupid thoughts, just stupid.

It was just because she was getting ready to see Sakura. She hated spending time with Sakura. Sure they used to be best friends, and they weren't rivals anymore, but that was because Sakura felt that she had won, and Ino couldn't help but feel the same. She couldn't compare to Sakura anymore. She had even grown into her giant forehead. Ino had nothing on her. And Sakura may not realize it, but she never let Ino forget it.

Coming up to the hospital, Ino gathered up her arrogance and pushed open the door; walking in like she owned the place. She flashed a smile to the pimply receptionist and strode down the hallways confidently. Sakura even had an office now, and while it obviously wasn't as amazing as Godaime Tsunade's it was a pretty nice set up. Again, every time Ino walked into it she was reminded of her lower status. Despite the fact that she had started out so much better than the rosette girl. When had her life deteriorated so much?

Sucking up her pride like she had gotten good at doing, Ino rapped her knuckles against the wood of the door. She stood in the hallway for a moment, feeling like a bit of an idiot, waiting for someone to come out of a seemingly empty room. But none the less, she knocked again. This time she was rewarded with the sound of Sakura's melodic if a bit stressed sounding voice.

"Come on in, Ino!"

"Hey, forehead girl," Ino said by way of greeting as she let herself in. The room was meticulously clean and neat. She figured it was a habit one developed after being the messy current Hokage's assistant. There were however a few papers stacked nicely in front of the chair that sat behind Sakura's desk that looked rather important. She frowned at them. She recognized them, even though she hadn't received any in an embarrassingly long time. "Are you going on a mission?"

"Yeah actually, I am," Sakura replied. She was bustling about busily, throwing extra medicines and kunai knives into a small pack. Ino felt strangely out of place in a room thick with the before mission buzz. "I'm heading down to the Mist village for a while. There's some sort of epidemic going on. Nothing too big, but they don't want it to turn into something."

"Things have been pretty peaceful recently, I guess Konoha could spare a few medics here and there," Ino agreed, flopping down into the chair across from her former best friend's desk. She watched her run about in what was as close to a brooding silence as the blonde could get. There was a little something nagging as her insides, and she couldn't help but voice it. "Do you want me to come, too? I'm sure I could lend a hand."

"Oh no, it's fine. We don't need you," Sakura replied dismissively, not even pausing to look up at her or consider the offer. Ino didn't say anything. It was fine. They didn't need her. "The hospital's been pretty slow, too. Ninjas just haven't been getting hurt recently. I wonder if they're being more careful like we told them to."

"Ha, like that'll ever happen," Ino said, letting out a forced bark of a fake laugh. Sakura laughed along with her and nodded empathetically. After getting bored of watching her pack for her glamorous mission Ino began wondering if she could leave yet and studying her nails. They had a bit of dirt in them from digging around in her flowers and trying to heal her little tree. "So, is that all you had to say for today?"

"Well, pretty much, yeah," Sakura said, after all, it wasn't like Ino didn't anything important with her time; it was there for Sakura's wasting. Ino made to stand up. "Just that I was leaving. You can spend more time at the hospital if you want, but they shouldn't need you too bad here either." No, they were plenty stocked, they wouldn't need her either. "So basically, I just want to tell you, to keep working hard on your jutsus." Ino nodded. "And Ino, one more thing."

Already half way to the door, the blonde glanced back around to see what exactly was so important that Sakura just had to bring it up. She had stopped in her packing and was giving Ino her full attention for the first time today. Her eyes were intense and she had a ghost of a smile on her face. Ino turned her head slightly to regard her warily. "What is it, forehead girl?"

"I wanted to tell you that you're doing really good," she said, her tone heartfelt. Ino paused in her endeavor to the door and truly faced her teacher. "I think you have real potential as a medic. You're a good shinobi Ino-pig." Ino felt a wide smile stretch across her face, and not one of her fake ones either. She opened her mouth to say thank-you, but Sakura cut her off. "Now get on out of here, I'm busy."

The brusque farewell would usually grate on Ino's nerves, but this time, she let it go, and left quietly.

It was a small plant, but still roomy somehow. Not as luxurious as the oak he had taken refuge in before, but definitely an improvement from other plants he'd infested. He was very comfortable. With an inaudible sigh, Zetsu let himself relax in the small branches, embracing the silence and the feel of being safe from those wretched dogs.

As Sasori sits around comfortably waiting for us to do all the work, he suddenly thought bitterly, twisting around, feeling uncomfortable in his bad mood. Sasori was the one that had suggested this mission in the first place. Once they had failed again in their attempt to capture the Kyuubi. They had needed something to regain and strengthen their power.

We are the logical choice for this mission. Anyone else would botch it beyond repair, he pointed out. He still was not sure if his efforts would prove fruitful or not anyway. Sasori may hold Orochimaru in high regards, but Zetsu did not. Anyone, who left and betrayed the Akatsuki, was not to be respected.

It's a waste of our bloody time, he muttered, shaking off one of his leaves.

No, Mitarashi Anko was a waste of our time. Itachi's little brother has proven interesting. The wheels of his mind were turning rapidly, and he could tell at a glance that Sasuke might be just what Sasori had in mind. He had been taught a lot by the Snake Sannin, and his loyalty to his village was questionable at best. Anko however would die for her village, and she had not received the special treatment that the youngest Uchiha had. She was of no value.

So we've got what we needed, haven't we? Let's go back already, we're not gonna be able to hide here forever, he thought. But no, he couldn't leave just yet. He had watched both of Orochimaru's former students, just as Sasori had requested he do, and he had found the info they needed. But he had to wait for further orders from Pein.

No! We can't leave yet. Just try to be patient, he finally snapped. He was done thinking about the little Uchiha, and the traitor Orochimaru, and the arrogant Sasori. Anko was useless, Sasuke had potential to be useful, and Zetsu had to stay in the village until he received further instructions.

Or better information, he mused. That Shikamaru fellow was ANBU, a very convenient man for him to get close to, and he seemed to be good friends with the girl that worked at this little shop. He had known his way around easily as well, he must come here often.

How perfect, he thought. An ANBU source was better than Zetsu had hoped when he had arrived in Konoha. If he could pull it off, then he could have Konoha's deepest secrets put on a billboard. But this plant just won't do. He looked around to find a less conspicuous hiding place. The blue eyed girl seemed very intent on this bonsai, and while he was confident that he was stealthy enough to not be noticed, it made him uncomfortable. There was a pot of flowers on the edge of the counter, still close enough to hear everything being said, but not as front and center as his current one.

Those one's sell all the time, do we want to be picked and sold and end up sitting next to some comatose patient in the hospital that's never going to wake up, he asked pointedly, making Zetsu want to frown. Obviously, that wasn't on the top of his list. But there weren't any other plants that had the same advantages. Perhaps he really should just stay here. Besides, his injuries were no better than last night. He wouldn't be able to make a very smooth transition.

Too late, he whispered suddenly. With the small tinkle of a bell, the blond haired Yamanaka strode back into the shop, absentmindedly flipping the sign to show "open." She had a slight spring in her step, compared to when she had walked out with her feet dragging and her eyes dull. She looked much happier. She tossed her keys on to a stool and walked around it to grab the tray he sat in.

He was lurched around uncomfortably as he was lifted up and sat down in the very center of the counter, making him wince at the rough treatment of his battered body. He suddenly felt very at the mercy of this most likely flaky teenage girl. From now on, he wanted to stick with big plants. No more little trees.

"Okay, listen up you," the girl said seriously, while digging around in the messy drawers. "You're my brand new plant, and Mom and Dad won't be real happy if you die on me." She frowned then and suddenly disappeared under the counter. All that could be heard were scuffling and grunts until she finally she reemerged holding a small container. She opened it up and took a whiff. "Ugh."

She put the stuff to the side and turned her attention back to the bonsai. She picked up the leaf he had shaken off before. "You're leaves are falling off, too? Great." She twirled said leaf around in her fingers, watching the way the light hit it. Then she blew it off to some distant of the corner to be swept up when she felt like it. With a sigh, she heaved herself up to sit on the surface of the counter and crossed her legs lazily.

"You know, I was told I was a good medic today," she began in a conversational tone. Zetsu could only peer up at her in confusion, with a little suspicion mixed in. Surely she didn't realize she was talking to a real person. "Sakura even said it, and she's usually such a bitch." She picked him up again and put him on her lap. "Though I guess she doesn't really try to be. I mean, we're still friends and all. Sort of."

She drifted off there, and her face drooped a bit. She sighed again, a depressed little noise, and picked back up the foul smelling container. She opened it up and poked at it with the tip of her finger. The curl of her lip said it all; it was a nasty concoction. Zetsu wasn't eager to have that smeared all over his trunk, especially since he was fairly certain it wouldn't work. His injuries were of the human sort, they just looked different on a plant.

Ino had to resist the urge to gag as she messed around with the salve. Hinata was actually the one who had made it. The Hyuuga girl had taken a liking to plants, too, once Ino had showed her how wonderful they could be. She hadn't yet reached the level of proficiency Ino had, but she was catching up remarkably fast. And Ino was torn between feeling very proud, and very miffed. But she had said that this goop worked wonders on damaged plants, and Ino was yet to try it.

She dipped a bit of it out onto her finger and looked down at the tree resting on her thighs. She looked from it to the medicine and back again, poor innocent thing. She wiped away the crusty sap that had hardened to the bark. "Sorry about this," she muttered, and then applied the salve to the gash in the trunk. She smeared it around, layering it generously; the more the merrier. When satisfied, she tried to flick her fingers and get it all to come off, with no such luck. Wrinkling her nose she wiped the remnants on her shorts.

She watched the stuff for awhile, as though she expected it to start fizzing and bubbling and working instantly. Of course, it didn't. It was rather anticlimactic. Slowly, her mind drifted away from the boring medicine, making room for stress and anxiety. She had run into Shikamaru on the way back from the hospital. He obviously hadn't gone home like she had told him, too. He did however, have more information on the Akatsuki that the Inuzukas had neglected to tell him before. Apparently, they had lost it somewhere around her street. This filled Ino with a sense of dread that even now refused to go away. There were a lot of young children living on her street. What if one of them had been hurt? The thought chilled her. She grunted suddenly, shaking her head. They hadn't been hurt, that was what was important. She looked back down at her immobile tree.

"Do you know, I really feel like that's just not going to work," she mumbled referring to the white gook she had put on it. This was what happened when one was so bored for so long. They started obsessing over these things. She looked at her hands curiously, and gathered her power into them. "I wonder if I just…" Her palms and finger tips began to glow green. "This really shouldn't work, but Sakura did say to practice my jutsu."

Ino concentrated on focusing her chakra. Her eye brows furrowed and she stared hard at them, trying to will the chakra to mold. Slowly, she reached out and pinched a bruised leaf gently between her emerald forefinger and thumb. She poured just a tad of her chakra into it, not wanting to overload it and have it shrivel up and die right there. Just as slowly, she let it go and examined her work.

The leaf was green, vibrantly so, and it shone with a healthy glossiness. Ino's eyes widened in surprise and admiration. She hadn't actually counted on success. Intrigued, she grabbed new leaf, pumping more chakra into it, as though it were a hurt finger. Bringing her fingers away, she was pleased to see the same results.

"You're so lucky you have me," she gloated, grinning smugly at the inanimate object. "You need me." Unlike so many other things. Her lips tugged down into a subconscious frown. Unlike the Mist village, unlike the hospital. "Unlike this whole damn village." Ino felt the snarled words bubble unbidden out of her mouth. She clamped her lips shut tight. She hadn't really meant to say that. Of course they needed her, every shinobi was needed. She massaged her temples, closing her eyes for a few second. "Well, either way," she continued in a subdued voice. "What would you do without me?"

Now though, it was time for that big gash on the side. She was still curious about how it had gotten there, but she supposed it didn't really matter. Clearing away Hinata's goop with the side of her pinkie, Ino got a better look at it. It wasn't quite down to the core of the tree, so it would heal, but it wouldn't heal nicely. She pressed her green palm to the side of the trunk. It was different trying to heal a plant than it was a human or something with blood and organs. She closed her eyes, trying to visualize the cut sealing seamlessly beneath her hand. She felt it begin to knit against her skin, the two edges coming together. That felt right, but something else felt odd. She screwed up her face, trying to figure out what was niggling at her, than she realized.

The chakra leaking out of the half healed cut was all wrong; it was so… big…

A cold fist grabbed Ino's heart, making it skip a beat. The flow of chakra to the bonsai was suddenly cut off as she lost control of it, sending it spinning madly through her system. She forced herself to stay still, trying hard not to show that she had figured out what was wrong. She took deep breathes, opening her eyes slowly, and pulling her hands away carefully, as though she had been handling a bomb.

"We didn't catch it."

"He also says it can turn into trees…"

"They lost it somewhere around your street."

Shikamaru's voice floated through her head, making her grow even colder with every word. They tree had been injured after that night, too. It was all so cohesive, it fit so perfectly. She turned around slowly, and grabbed a small towel behind her. She wiped her hands of dirt and salve calmly, pretending that nothing was wrong. But she knew that her tense back was obvious enough.

But could the Akatsuki see as a plant? Could it hear her? And more importantly, could she get to that door and out into the street before it turned back into whatever it was and killed her? She didn't have time to think about it. She had to get out of here as quickly as possible, get to the Hokage, and tell as many people as she could on the way there.

She could feel the blood coursing through her throat, making it just slightly hard to breathe, and she could hear it pounding in her ears. She had to go. Taking another deep breath to calm her nerves she tensed her muscles and sprang suddenly for the door. She flew towards it, and managed to run at least two steps before being pulled up short.

"Now, now, now, where do you think you're going?" Ino froze, not daring to move a muscle. The cold bite of metal dug into the flesh on her neck, making her blood freeze in her veins. She hardly dared to breathe, images of her jugular spraying out across the room swirling through her head. She swallowed the lump in her throat and the edges of her vision got hazy in her fear. Then another chilling voice joined the first.

"After all, what would we do without you?"

A/N well, there you have. The second chapter. I can't wait 'til I get my new laptop and can really start pumping these out. But, I sincerely hope you liked it, and I want to say thank you again to all of you awesome peopel who reviewed, and I hope you do so again, along with everyone else who has made it this far.

please please please review and I hope to see you all next time.

~Yuki