Here is the new chapter and I hope you like it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto does.

When they had returned, Ino was in the library looking for a particular book until she found it. Then before she left, she saw Sai with a few books on the table he was sitting at

"Oh, it's Sai." Ino thought out loud.

He was reading to himself when she came over to him ans asked, "Are you looking at an art book?"

Sai turned to her and acknowledged her, "Ino-san…"

"I didn't think you're much of a reader," Ino commented.

Sai blushed a bit and mumbled, "Just a little bit."

Ino sat down but she had looked at the book he was reading before he covered the pages of one and covered the title of another one with both of his hands.

"I guess even Sai can act normal sometimes," she thought.

She sat down and then said, "I just had a talk with Naruto and we were going to visit Kakashi-Sensei in the hospital. Sai, do you want to come along?"

Sai questioned, "Kakashi-Sensei?"

"Well, you are a member of Team Kakashi after all. You should at least introduce yourself to him and to Naruto." Ino replied.

Then they left the library until Ino spotted Naruto.

She called out to him, "Naruto!"

"Ino, I was wondering when you were coming. I wanted to tell you that…" Naruto started but then he trailed off as he looked behind Ino.

Then he glared at Sai and shouted, "What the hell are you doing here?!"

Ino looked confused as she saw that he was angry at Sai, so she asked, "Naruto, what's wrong?"

He pointed at Sai and answered, "That guy attacked me the day you left, Ino!"

Ino looked surprised, but then she saw Naruto about to attack Sai.

But she intervened, "Wait, Naruto! He's our teammate!"

Naruto stood there with his eyes wide and his mouth agape.

He pointed at Sai again and asked, "He's our new teammate?!" Then Ino proceeded to explain everything that happened and Sai properly introduced himself.

Until finally Naruto said, "Well, if you were just testing me, you didin't have to go that far."

Sai replied, "I apologize about that, I merely wished to to see how strong you are. And honestly, I must say that you are a bit stronger that I expected."

Naruto was surprised but then smiled at him, warming up to him already.

Ino smiled as well until she asked, "By the way Naruto, what did you want to tell me?"

Then Naruto's smile got bigger as he pulled a paper out from his pocket, unfolded it and showed it to Ino.

"I passed the exam! I'm officially a Chūnin!" Naruto exclaimed happily.

Ino smiled and replied, "That's great Naruto, I'm happy for you."

Ino then suddenly turned solemn and said, "Also, there was something I wanted to tell you too."

Naruto then listened intently as Ino retold the mission, how they fought Orochimaru and Kabuto, how they encountered Sasuke and how strong he has become.

After the story, Naruto looked grim as he grit his teeth.

"So he's that strong huh?" Naruto said. "Well then, I'll just train harder and then we'll bring him back."

Ino smiled at Naruto and then they heard, "N-Naruto, I-Ino…"

They both turned towards Sai and then he asked awkwardly, "May I join in your conversation?"

They looked at him questioningly until he explained, "Well you see, I've read in a book that you form friendships faster if you just call them by their name without suffixes."

"Oh, was that what you were nervous about?" Naruto asked with a smile.

Then Ino said, "Then that book you were reading before…"

Sai nodded and then explained, "I read that you call them by their name or make a nickname."

"You don't just make a nickname right away; they just kind of happen," Naruto explained.

While Ino added, "Sometimes people's traits or personality can be used as a nickname."

She continued, "For example, Naruto the jerk or Naruto the dunce can describe him."

Naruto replied while being put out, "Ino…"

Sai then put his hand under his chin, contemplating their advice.

Ino thought, "He really is taking this seriously isn't he?"

Then Sai had his eyes on her, analyzing her with an intense gaze. Ino fidgeted a bit and said to him, "You don't have to look at me like that."

Sai then nodded and said, "Thank you, I think I understand it better now, Loudmouth."

There was a piercing silence and the only one who was scared was Naruto as he bore a look of shock. Then Ino grew angry and Naruto tried to keep her back, saying, "Sai you're killing me!"

"Oh, am I?" Sai asked innocently.

Then she broke free of Naruto's grip and then punched Sai across the face.

Ino sighed in exasperation, "Your really need to work more on your social skills."

After that, they went to the hospital to visit Kakashi.

"So you're our new team member, Sai, right?" Kakashi said. "It's nice to meet you."

Sai replied while rubbing his cheek in pain, "Yes, sir."

Then Kakashi said to Ino, "Come here, Ino."

Ino went closer to Kakashi as he whispered, "That bruise on Sai's cheek, I know that Naruto just met him but he can't be picking a fight with him already."

Ino then laughed nervously and replied, "Oh no. it's nothing like that, we're all friends."

"Oh I see, I'm glad." Kakashi replied.

Then the atmosphere turned grim when Naruto said, "Ino…"

Ino nodded her head and said to Kakashi, "Kakashi-Sensei, on my last mission, Sai and I saw…"

"Yamato told me everything, even about Sasuke," Kakashi interrupted.

"Then how can we beat him at the level we are right now? When we battled with him, I used the Mind Transfer technique on him, and not only had he broken out of it, he expelled me out of his mind. Also, he must be learning forbidden techniques from Orochimaru, and with Kabuto he must have gone through drugs. Just reading about it won't help me learn about what has been done to him. So how can we compete with him when he is so strong?" Ino asked lamently.

Kakashi answered, "Then we just have to get stronger as well."

Ino argued, "We only have half a year left; how are we…"

Kakashi interrupted again, "You don't think I was just sitting here in bed doing nothing did you? I've been thinking and I finally have an idea."

Naruto and Ino looked at him in surprise and then he continued, "Of course this idea will require some time to execute it."

"But we don't have time, Sasuke will be…" Naruto rebutted.

But Kakashi cut him off, "Which is why I've found a way to train in less time than needed."

He paused for a moment to make sure Naruto was listening and added, "But this training is more suited for you, Naruto. If this can be done; you may surpass even surpass me."

Naruto mumbled in disbelief, "I could surpass you?"

Kakashi nodded and then said, "But it's not like a book where the main character gets stronger insanely fast; it will require a lot of work on your part, Naruto for the training we'll do.

Naruto then asked, "What is this method that will require less time?"

"Well, it's…" Kakashi started.

"How are you doing, Kakashi?"the door slid open and revealed Asuma and his team.

Sakura scolded Asuma, "Asuma-Sensei, you could at least knock first."

Then they all came into the room and Shikamaru greeted, "Hey Ino, you're home. Did your mission turn out…"

He trailed off as he saw Sai next to Naruto and grimaced, "You're that guy from before." He grit his teeth and Chouji gasped as he recognized him as well.

Sakura, who didn't know what came over her two teammates, had asked, "Shikamaru, Chouji, what's wrong?"

"Why did this have to happen today? Keep calm and start with a smile," Sai thought to himself.

He smiled and said, "Hello."

Then Naruto explained what Ino told him to Shikamaru and Chouji and what happened with Sai before was a misunderstanding.

Then Kakashi asked Asuma, "So what exactly do you want? This isn't a lounge."

"You're right, I needed to speak with you so my team will go on ahead to Yakiniku Q. Team 7 is invited as well and it's on me." Asuma said.

"Alright!" Chouji shouted in joy.

So then they all went to Yakiniku Q except Shikamaru and Ino.

"Chouji, where's Shikamaru?" Sakura asked.

He answered, "He said that he had to help his Dad collect deer antlers for medicine."

"I see, but where is Ino?" Sakura asked, directing the question to Naruto.

Naruto answered, "Ino said that she had to work a shift at the flower shop."

But he thought, "Of course, that was not entirely true, I think I know where she really is."

He grinned to himself while Kurama was laughing loudly in his head.

At Ino's house, Ino was busy preparing the stove and tied on a white apron while Shikamaru sat in the living room.

"You don't have to make me lunch Ino; we could have eaten with everyone else." Shikamaru said to her as he sat on the sofa.

"I wanted to make you lunch, besides, I already bought the ingredients for your favorite and I wanted to cook it for you." Ino replied from the kitchen.

Shikamaru asked curiously, "You're making my favorite?"

Ino turned on the rice cooker and then popped her head around the corner to look into the living room.

She replies, "Of course I'm making your favorite, mackerel and kelp. Since you made me my favorite, I'm returning the favor."

She returns into the kitchen and brings a cup of tea and hands it to him. She smiles at him and then goes back into the kitchen again. As she prepares the mackerel, she hums to herself, completely oblivious to her surroundings. She didn't even notice Shikamaru watching her from the doorway, sporting a small smile. Then he quickly but silently moved away from the door before Ino noticed him. She placed both plates down on the table for Shikamaru and herself and made sure everything was in order. When she was satisfied, she walked back into the living room and told Shikamaru, "Lunch is ready Shika, I hope you're hungry."

Then they both sat down at the table together and they started to eat. Ino watched as Shikamaru took a bite out of the mackerel, nervous if he would like it or not. But then she saw him pause in his chewing and the corner of his lips turned upwards into one of his half-smiles; she took this as a good sign.

She asked, "Well, what do you think? Do you like it?"

He swallowed the mackerel, smiled at her and answered, "It's delicious, Ino."

Ino beamed at him in response and started to eat as well. Then they got into conversation as they were eating and just enjoyed each other's company.

When they were finished Shikamaru said to her, "Thanks for lunch, Ino."

Ino smiled and replied, "I'm glad you liked it Shika."

She got up from her seat and started to gather the plates but Shikamaru gathered them up instead.

"At least let me help you with the dishes, Ino," He offered.

Ino made a mock gasp of disbelief, "Shikamaru Nara offering to help with dishes; I'm shocked."

He rolled his eyes as she laughed but she didn't object the help and started washing the dishes.

Then Ino commented as Shikamaru looked over at her to listen, "You know, this is really nice, being here and doing something that doesn't have anything to do with being a shinobi."

She continued, "I know it's only washing dishes its something that seems relaxing to me as well as taking care of the house. I don't have to worry about missions, mission reports, fighting enemy shinobi, trying to convince…"

She trailed off as she thought of her fateful reunion with the rogue ninja, Sasuke, the plate and sponge held rigid in her hands.

She finished her thought with a whisper, "Trying to convince an old teammate to come home."

She looked down into thesink half full of soapy water, her eyes downcast, while Shikamaru watched her in concern.

Then Shikamaru inputted, "I heard about Sasuke from Tsunade-sama and from Sakura and she told me he had gotten stronger. If something about him comes up again, let me know, I'll try to help you and Naruto."

Ino looked up at him as he added, "I don't know if I would be much help, but I'll do whatever I can, because I can't stand to see you so upset."

Ino was happy that he cares so much that he would help find a person she knows he doesn't really like. It made her feel warm and light-hearted, that she dropped the plate and sponge she was holding in the water and flung her arms around his neck in a hug, causing him to stiffen in surprise.

She whispered, "Thank you, Shika."

Slowly he glided his hands around her waist and returned the embrace, his chin resting on her head. Then Ino unintentionally inhaled his scent fresh grass and pine trees, triggering her memory of the dream she had of Shikamaru. She blushed a little bit as she released him of her embrace; she looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back and then they both went back to washing the dishes. They were almost finished until she had an impulse to ask him something that had been plagueing her for days.

"Shika, before I left for my mission, why did you kiss my forehead?" Ino asked nervously.

Shikamaru blushed in embarrassment and then answered, "I guess you could say that it was a reminder for you that I'm here if you need me."

Ino smiled and she replied, "I see, thanks." She felt a little disappointed with his answer for some odd reason however. Shikamaru nodded at her and they finished the dishes.

"Well, I have to get home to help my Dad; I didn't lie about that," Shikamaru explained.

Ino nodded and replied, "Okay, I'm glad you could have lunch with me. It was nice to talk with you like this."

"I'm glad I stayed; it was nice," Shikamaru said as he walked through the entrance of the flower shop. He smirked and then waved at her, walking towards his home.

Ino waved back before he turned around and then watched as he walked away until he was out of her sight. She smiled serenely as she somehow felt a fluttering in her heart, of course she doesn't know why but she doesn't seem to mind. So then she opened the flower shop and had started with her shift.

Somewhere in Kumogakure…

A young blonde-haired woman was running within the underground sewer system until she jumped out of the way of a red scythe with three blades on it, the blades landing in a large area with interconnecting tunnels.

A man's voice echoed through the sewer, "You avoided my attack, huh?"

The young woman glared as she turned towards the voice, watching as two men walked into the area through the tunnel where she came from. The man who spoke was holding a wire that was attached to the scythe, he had purple eyes, silver hair, an open-collar black cloak with red clouds, black pants, black sandals and his forehead protector was around his neck.

He spoke again, "Of course, my attack is the slowest of the Akatsuki and my aim is terrible."

The woman leered at them as she said, "Just as I suspected, you are of Akatsuki."

Then the other man, who had his head and mouth covered where you only see his green eyes and had the same black cloak, he said to his partner, "This is the host of Niibi, be cautious Hidan, or you'll get killed."

The man called Hidan scoffed, "Oh please Kakuzu, I'd wish nothing more than to get killed."

Then Kakuzu said, "Let's go, Hidan."

Then Hidan took out a beaded necklace, it had a circle pendant with a triangle in the circle. He said, "Wait, first I have to confer with my Kami." He held the beaded necklace to his lips and closed his eyes as he prayed.

The woman watched, puzzled at what Hidan was doing.

"You and your deity, it's annoying." Kakuzu sneered.

Hidan retorted, "It's annoying for me too, but the commandments are very strict, so I have no choice!"

Then the woman smirked, and exclaimed, "Heh, you think you chased me in here? Actually…"

She paused to form a hand sign and shouted, "I lured you here!"

Then some paper bombs had exploded over the entrance to the tunnels, causing rubble to block every exit.

"Now that I know you are Akatsuki, I won't let you get away," the woman declared.

Hidan commented, unconcerned, "Seems like we're shut in, Kakuzu.

"It's better this way," Kakuzu replied.

The woman shouted once again, "Upon my name, Yugito Ni'i of Kumogakure… I swear I will kill you!"

Hidan pointed a finger and said, "You'll kill me? Is that it? You know when people say stuff like that, it irritates me. And when I get irritated, I lose my temper and when I lose my temper…"

"Shut up, Hidan," Kakuzu cut him off.

Hidan sighs, "Right. But you know, when I lose my temper, I start thinking, who cares about the mission, it's time to attack."

"Enough Hidan, the mission is absolute." Kakuzu cut him off again.

Hidan continued anyway, "Still, these assignments just don't fit with my beliefs. Total slaughter is the motto of the Church of Jashin. There is even a commandment that prohibits half-killing. So I really don't like doing a job that requires me to break a commandment."

Yugito's eyes got narrower as he added, "I may not look like it, but I'm very religious and since it's annoying to not be able to kill you, maybe we could resolve this with negotiation?"

Yugito questioned, "Negotiation…?" "What's with this guy?"

Hidan asked, "Oh come on, why don't you let us capture you?"

Then Yugito stooped to all fours and yelled angrily, "Don't take me as a joke!"

"I'll take that as a 'no' then," Hidan said.

"Are you an idiot, Hidan?" Kakuzu asked, irritated of his partner's actions.

Yugito was expelling chakra from around her body as she slowly transformed into a large two-tailed cat with a body made of blue flames.

Hidan then said, "This jinchūriki has transformed into the beast inside her."

The Niibi had slashed a through the air and had forced Kakuzu away, slamming him into the rocks. Then the beast had formed a fireball and aimed it at Hidan. As it was fired, the building that they were underneath was blown to bits.

"Ouch that's hot! I thought cats hated heat." Hidan complained as he hid behind a rock.

Then he said, "So this is the two-tailed cat demon that has been referred to as a ghost, which makes me a trapped rat then."

He laughed a bit as he said, "How funny."

Hours later,

The battle continued on until the sun had almost set. Hidan was laying on the ground with a black rod in his chest, laying inside on a diagram that looked like his pendant. Yugito, meanwhile had been pinned to the wall of the demolished building, weak and bleeding, but alive.

Kakuzu asked impatiently, "It's been 30 minutes, are you done yet?"

Hidan shouted, "Shut up! Don't interrupt the ritual!"

The he sat up and twitched in pain as he pulled the rod out of his chest.

Kakuzu asked, "You perform that vulgar ritual each and every time. Can't you just skip it?"

"It's tedious for me too but I have to obey it. And skip it? That's blasphemy!" Hidan shouted.

Kakazu was sitting on a rock holding a map of the different countries, muttering, "There is still one more place."

On the map, there were several places that had X's on all areas except…

Hidan announced, "Tha Land of Fire is next."

Well here is the new chapter, I was busy but I finally found time to type it and I hope you like my ShikaIno moments in there. Recently, we see that ShikaIno is not canon in the manga. While it did sting that they were not together, I have appreciated the story of Naruto when you push the pairing fandom aside. Maybe it doesn't affect me much because truthfully, I had only gotten into it about two years ago. But I will not let this get me down because it is still one of my favorite pairings no matter what. And I will continue to write stories about them because there are still fans out there who love this pairing. If I can keep writing stories about them, then maybe then I could make a lot of ShikaIno fans happy as well. Thanks for reading and please feel free to leave a review. I hope to have the next chapter out soon.