"Ino, I'm very disappointed in you."
Ino's face fell. "But Suzume-sensei…"
The older kunoichi pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose by the rim. "Ino-chan, I thought you enjoyed our classes together."
"Yes, but –" Ino began.
"Inoichi tells me you have blossoming talent in flower arrangement."
Ino gulped. "I guess so, sensei."
Suzume gazed at her student tearfully, the perfect image of grief. Ino narrowed her eyes suspicously. What did her sensei want?
"Why are you doing so poorly recently? I thought kunoichi class was your best subject!" she wailed.
Ino studied her fingers dubiously. "I don't know."
"Please put more effort into your studies," her teacher pleaded, "You just seem so distracted and careless lately. It isn't like you at all. And Ami tells me you damaged a rose by mistake last week – but you're the most talented in handling and cutting flowers in the entire class! How did you manage to do that?" she laughed nervously, also looking down at her own fingers.
Ino felt a flash of annoyance. No wonder Ami had left so quickly without giving her a good beating. She had had another means of revenge, undoubtedly a devious one, and Ino should have realized it sooner. Oh well, Ino thought, at least I didn't get beaten to pulp…or worse.
"I'm sorry, sensei," Ino reassured Suzume, who seemed on the verge of tears again, "I'll try harder, honest!"
"Are you sure there's nothing wrong?" she asked, peering uncomfortably closely into Ino's face. She looked concerned, frightened, and even a little bit angry. Ino wondered if her sensei had gone completely ballistic. "Is everything all right with your family, Ino? Ami tells me you've tried to run away from home."
What the – ?! Leave it to Ami to weave a ridiculous story about some nonexistent problems about Ino's life. And leave it to Suzume to gobble it up, in all its absurd glory. Ino stifled an exasperated sigh.
"I'm fine," she said stiffly. "Is there anything else you wanted to ask, or am I dismissed?"
Suzume gaped at her. Her mouth moved, but no words came out. Ino frowned, then turned on her heel and began to walk away.
"I-Ino!" Suzume spluttered indignantly, regaining her voice just as Ino turned the corner and disappeared from view.
Soon after, she was back picking wildflowers, humming happily to herself. How much she loved this place when Ami and her gang weren't here to spoil her fun! She loved the tranquility of unspoiled nature, which was so much more enjoyable without her rowdy classmates shouting and laughing in the background. Nevertheless, she felt miserable when she was all alone, not that she would ever admit it to herself, of course. Ino breathed in the fresh, fragrant air, a small smile playing on her lips. This was her idea of heaven, she thought, kicking back her feet. Then she tensed, sensing an unseen presence nearby. Someone or something was watching her from behind the dense foliage. Oh no, not Ami and her friends…!
Terror gripping her heart. She whirled around just in time to see a small shape dart away from behind a nearby tree. She couldn't make out the intruder's face, but she caught a glimpse of pink hair before the figure disappeared completely. Ino let out a sigh of relief. It was definitely not Ami or any of her minions. Come to think of it, she was certain it was one of her classmates from the Academy. Ino grinned at no one in particular, glad for the companionship, even though her companion seemed awfully shy. That girl was all by herself as well. Maybe, just maybe, they could be friends.
"What are you smiling at, Ino-pig?" a familiar voice rang out, accompanied by a chorus of raucous laughter.
Drat.