Ino's Feelings

"I think I am falling for Naruto." Said Ino.

"WHAT?!" screamed Sakura.

"Shh! Don't scream!" said Ino.

"Ino! You are telling the truth, right? You aren't playing some sort of tricks with me for getting Sasuke-kun are you?" asked Sakura in a hushed manner.

Ino now started to smile. "Honestly, I don't care who gets Sasuke. He isn't in my mind now. Its Naruto who is in my mind now. I may not be able to define it as love yet but I can say that I am liking him a lot. All I wanted to say is that… we have been childish and lost our friendship over a boy whom we crushed upon… I want to correct the mistake we made when we were kids… I don't like Sasuke anymore, I mean in the romantic-sense. And tell you what! I will help you get your precious
Sasuke-kun… how about I arrange a double date for the four of us?" asked Ino, as she got into a thinking pose.

Sakura was now surprised. She didn't understand why Ino was talking like this. Was she saying the truth? Can Sakura trust her? So many thoughts came in her mind and she was in her own world now.
As she thought for a while like that, Ino was sitting patiently beside her.

Sakura made up her mind now. What else can she say. Her long friend-turned-rival was now becoming friends with her and there is more of a possibility of Sasuke falling for her….

Sakura smiled brightly now;

"Tell you what… The double date sounds fun to me" said Sakura. She was now ecstatic… Well we all know the reason.
It was now Ino's turn to smile now. She was happy that Sakura and she are going to be on good-terms again.

"Thanks Sakura." Said Ino as she extended her hand to Sakura to give her a proper handshake.
"Thanks Ino." Said Sakura as she took her hand and shook with her.

"So how did you start to like Naruto? I mean-" Sakura was cut off by Ino before she could complete.
"The truth is even I didn't know when did I start to feel for him. I was at first ecstatic that I was being put in Sasuke's team… But as the time progressed, I started to come to know about the Naruto we never knew. Yes I got time to spend with Sasuke… But I never felt the way I felt with Naruto when I am with Sasuke." Said Ino as she started to smile more when she started to visualize her memories with Naruto.

"Like?" asked Sakura with a curious look.

"whenever I am around him I know that I am always so happy. Even if I am crying it will take him a snap to make me laugh again. He makes me feel special" Said Ino as she started to smile more and more. She now started to blush a bit.

"And…. He always waits for me. He does it as if he is waiting for someone who will return to him no matter what. He is someone whom I can lean onto when I feel down. He cares for me a lot. He also said to me that I am his precious…f-flower and he will p-protect me no matter what h-happens." Said Ino as her blush increased. It was all over her face now as she stuttered a bit.

Sakura was now both happy and jealous at the same time. She was happy that her friend is falling for someone who is really good… according to her version of story. She was also jealous because it was Ino who experienced something like this first hand before her.

"And the last thing is he trusts me and will go to any lengths to save me. Not only me but for all of his friends. All this time we only knew Naruto as a prankster and some knucklehead. But there is more to him than that." Said Ino.

"I am happy that you are not put in team 7 else you would fall for my blond teammate" said Ino as she smiled a bit with content.

"Na… you can have your Naruto-kun, I am interested only in my Sasuke-kun." Said Sakura confidently.

"Fine-Fine." Said Ino as she got up from her place. Sakura did the same and they both dusted their dresses as they got up.

"Its been a while since they went out? Lets go wake them up" said Ino.

"Yeah its been a while… Lets go." Said Sakura.

Both of them walked towards Naruto and Sasuke. Ino was the first one to go as she got to the side of Naruto and started to shake him up. Naruto was mumbling something about ramen. Ino who got habituated to his antics by now just let out a sigh.

"Naruto wake up will ya? I am getting bored" said Ino as she shook him.

"Wake up kid! Your girlfriend out there is bored it seems." Said Kurama mentally to Naruto

"eh? Have you finally gone senile with getting old Kurama. You and I Both know that I don't have any girlfriend." Said Naruto.

Kurama sighed at Naruto's dense nature. He was trying to tease the blond genin…but his dense attitude didn't let his teasing get him.

"just wake up will ya? That girl is interrupting my sleep time" Kurama lied smoothly.

Naruto then exited his mindscape and then opened his eyes to find Ino beside him trying to wake him up.
"Hi there Ino-chan!" Naruto said in his cheery tone.

"About time you woke up." Said Ino

"Is Sasuke up yet?" asked Naruto.

"Nope he is also a heavy-sleeper like you…. He isn't getting up." Said Ino.

"hmm" said Naruto as he got up and got closer to Sasuke.

"WAKEEEEEEE-UPPPPPPPP!" shouted Naruto in Sasuke's ear.

Sasuke woke up. I mean who wouldn't wake up when someone shouts like that in your ear.

"JEEEZ! Naruto why don't you wake me up normally. Every time you wake me up you have to do this don't you?" said Sasuke in an annoyed stoic tone.

"Cut-it out will ya…. I am starving actually. How about we all go to Ichiraku's Ramen… My treat, Sakura why don't you also come along?" asked Naruto in his usual cheery tone.

"Ummm….. sure I would like to join you guys." Said Sakura.

Sasuke was now feeling something. He couldn't exactly tell it as awkwardness but it was something else. He understood this much that he is feeling something for the pink haired girl after they both kissed…. Accidentally that is. But he isn't sure what he is feeling. Is it a crush? Or does he feel something stronger. ' I am going to need Naruto's help on this one.' Thought Sasuke.

And then all the 4 of them started to go to the Ichiraku's to get their ramen. The walk itself was very much pleasant and relieving for the 4 of them. Sakura and Ino were both walking together while Naruto and Sasuke were walking together in the front. Ino and Sakura were now discussing something really important….
"Hey Ino, do you think Naruto will ask you out first or will it be you?" asked a Sakura in a whispered tone only Ino can hear.
"Well…. If he should feel the same for me he will be asking out in no time… But If he doesn't and some other girl will be stealing him then I will have to interfere right?!" said Ino in a whisper manner as Sakura did which only Sakura heard.
"Umm… But why are you so confident that other girls will ask him out before he asks you…I mean he is Naruto alright…. You are getting my point right?" asked Sakura
"Its about time girls start noticing him…. I mean I just fell for him in like what 5 months maybe… it has been 5 months since our genin teams have been announced right?"
"yeah I guess" said Sakura.
"See… I don't think it will be impossible for other girls to steal him away from me." Said Ino.
"Hmmm I guess you maybe true…. Hey actually forgot to ask… Are you people appearing for the chunin exams this time? Our sensei has nominated us you know." said Sakura a bit proudly as her sensei felt her and her team were capable enough to participate in chunin exams.
"He did? Well Kakashi sensei didn't say anything about it to us… I guess he will say about it sooner or later." Said Ino in an unsure manner.
"Ok." Said Sakura as she nodded her head.

After that both of the girls chatted normally and in no time they all reached the Ichiraku's.

As they reached the stand of the shop Naruto spotted a small boy with a blue scarf around his neck.
'Is that Konohamaru?' thought Naruto.
"Naruto-nii you are going to teach me a cool jutsu today… you say some other time whenever I ask you to teach me." And then after saying that he just sat there hmphing.

"I am not going to leave this place until u teach me a jutsu." said Konohamaru

Naruto just sheepishly rubbed his head at the kid's antiques. Konohamaru was a good kid… But he is still a kid afterall, so he throws tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants. Kids are kids, right?

He met Konohamaru when he was meeting his old man Hokage. Boy Konohamaru did make a dramatic entrance that day.

Flashback 2 months ago:

Konohamaru popped through the windows of the room and threw a kunai towards his grandfather. Well, before Hiruzen could respond Naruto caught the Kunai in mid-air.

"Hey you can't assault Hokage like that kid… what were you thinking?!" asked Naruto as he turned towards Konohamaru. Konohamaru was in an awed state. He was the best in his class. He just threw a kunai with lot of speed. But here is an orange clad boy who is possibly a ninja and might be couple of years older, snatched his kunai in the mid-air.

'Wow he just took the Kunai as if he was alert already… he is so cool…. He is just like the cool shinobi I idolize all the time.' Thought Konohamaru.

"Well my grandpa has become old and I am going to defeat him and take that chair." Said Konohamaru in a proud and boisterous tone.
For a moment Naruto just saw his kid version in this guy. He then walked to Konohamaru and then ruffled his hair, which obviously made Konohamaru a bit embarrassed.

Naruto then bent down to give his kunai to him. "Hmm… you like to become Hokage someday kiddo?" asked Naruto.

"Yes! I want to succeed my grandfather and prove to everyone that I am the strongest of all." Said Konohamaru.
Naruto just smiled at him.
"hey what is so funny about it? Why are you laughing?" asked Konohamaru.
"Nothing I just think I have a rival who will be competing for the Hokage's hat." Said Naruto as he turned back and was about to leave.
Naruto the stopped in his track as he was about to exit.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki. What is your name kid?" asked Naruto as he turned to Konohamaru.
"My name is Konohamaru Sarutobi." Said Konohamaru in a bold voice.
"Well then see you around Konohamaru. Bye " Said Naruto as he waved his oldman and his new friend or maybe sort of a brother a bye.

"Hey grandpa… isn't Naruto-nii so cool. He is just like those cool shinobi I wish to be… just you wait I will become like him one day too." Said Konohamaru.

"for sure Konohamaru-kun. You will become a fine shinobi one day." Said Hiruzen with a chuckle.

Flashback end:

Now back to the present. Naruto rubbed his head sheepishly as he went towards Konohamaru.
"Ok Ok! Now don't make a scene over here. I promise that I will show you a cool jutsu today. It's a promise. We were just about have some food; you can join us too." Said Naruto as he invited Konohamaru

"really Naruto-nii. You are the best… thanks a lot." Said Konohamaru with stars in his eyes.

"Really Naruto… from where do you get so much patience to handle kids. I can't stand a moment babysitting them geezz…" said Sasuke.

"Well we were the same when we were kids you know. I threw tantrums with Hokage-jiji when I was his age too. I just sort of see myself in him." Said Naruto as he ruffled Konohamaru's hair. Konohamaru got embarrassed and turned a bit pink. "Naruto-nii… why do you always do like that whenever we meet…your friends are watching me you know. I am not some chubby little kid alright." Said Konohamaru.

"Well… you still have a long way to become a ninja so I guess messing with you for a while isn't going to be a problem." Said Naruto as he stopped ruffling his hair.

Meanwhile Sakura and Ino were watching shocked at the scene in front of them. Naruto was full of surprises. He usually appears all goofy whenever they see him. Okay not all the time, he is very serious when he is in his mission. But him behaving so matured was something out of blue.

I mean you daily don't see Naruto Uzumaki giving lecture about kids and their tantrums as If he is a matured old brother.

"You know I think the Naruto I knew back in the academy is only like 1/10th of him maybe… there is still more to him than that… I guess what you said is really true." Said Sakura.

"told ya." Said Ino with a proud tone.

Naruto was done with his conversation with Konohamaru and other kids. He then turned to his friends.
"Ichiraku's here I come!" said Naruto as he and his friends went inside the ramen stand to eat.
Konohamaru sat beside Naruto along with Sasuke.

"Hey Ayame! Look who is here… Our little Naruto has come." Said Teuchi with a huge smile on his face.

"REALLY DAD! He and his team haven't been here since some time." Said Ayame. She then came outside and saw Naruto along with his team. She felt happy as she saw him since a long time.

"So what will you have Naruto?' asked Ayame.

"Well, I will have the usual… along with some fishcake." Said Naruto.

"kay what about others?" asked Teuchi.

"Hmm I will have a chicken ramen." Said Sasuke.

"I will have a vegetable ramen." Said Sakura

"I will have the usual Naruto haves." Said Ino with some smile and a slight bit of blush.

"I will have the same Naruto-nii will have." Said Konohamaru.

"Okay your orders are coming right up." Said Ayame as she and her father left to prepare the ramen.

Meanwhile Naruto and Konohamaru were discussing about the jutsu Naruto was going to teach him.
Naruto was thinking a lot now. 'Konohamaru doesn't know elemental manipulation yet. He is still in the first year of his academy… so ninjutsu is out of question...
so what should I show him… maybe a good shuriken jutsu will be good for him. Yes yes… Shuriken Jutsu is the best choice we have now… I will show him shuriken jutsu.' Though Naruto in his mind.
"hey Konohamaru I will show an awesome shuriken jutsu today evening. What do you say?" asked Naruto.
"Really Naruto-nii…. That sounds both cool and awesome. Thanks." Said Konohamaru.

After that their ramen orders came in and Everyone dug in their ramen. As usual Naruto was eating ramen bowl after bowl. He might be eating like 6th bowl maybe. And all of them finished eating theirs
"I am pretty much tired. I want some sleep. I will go now. Bye everyone." Said Sasuke as he completed his meal.

"I will be going too. My sensei said we have a team meeting at 10:30… I will go and get some stuff ready." Said Sakura as she left.

"Bye Naruto-nii… I will meet you today evening." Said Konohamaru as he left the ramen stand.

"Bye Sakura and Sasuke." Said Ino as she waved them a bye.

'No more Sasuke-kun… Ino says always calls him Sasuke-kun. That's new today I guess." Thought Naruto.

"So, that leaves only both of us… do you want me to walk you home?" asked Naruto. As he rubbed the back of his head….

Ino gave him a smile and nodded as she said "sure".

Naruto then payed the money for the Ramen and then exited the shop.
Ino was now wondering though. Naruto paid for everyone; but his gama-chan is still full.
She didn't understand how come Naruto has so much money. He is also a genin after all.
'is he super-rich or something… how does he have so much money?' thought Ino.
Both the teens were walking quietly towards Ino's house. It was first time Naruto was walking her home.
So Ino was a bit excited about that. But she felt that the silence between them is like some sort of ice which need to be broken.

"Hey Naruto. Got any plans today… or are you free?" asked Ino

"I guess I don't have any work or plans Ino-chan. I am free… why do you ask?" said Naruto.

"umm.. i-its nothing. I just s-sort of asked." Said Ino.

"Ok." Said Naruto as he wavered his shoulders up and continued to walk with her.

Ino actually wanted to invite him over her house for dinner today evening. She wanted her parents to meet him and she wanted them all to get-along.

"Ano…. Can you come to my house t-this e-evening for d-dinner? I would l-like you to m-meet my parents." Said Ino as she blushed a bit for inviting him.

Naruto was a bit surprised at the prospect of getting invited over to someone else's house for dinner. So he was caught off-guard with the question.

"I would like to come Ino-chan…. But will your parents be okay with me. You know about me right?" said Naruto as he pointed his finger to his stomach.

"Nope… they don't feel like that towards you. Infact they were the ones who suggested me to bring you over for dinner." Said Ino confidently.

"Umm sure… I will come if your parent don't have a problem with me. At what time should I come over to your house?" asked Naruto.

"I guess 6:30 will be alright." Said Ino in a thinking pose.

"Okay I will be at your house at 6:30 today evening." Said Naruto.

After that they both talked for a while and Naruto walked Ino home. Naruto has got a big day ahead now.

AN: I know… I know I have been gone for like a month. Sorryy for gng away like that. But this fic is alive and kicking. I am completing it no matter what… and I couldn't write because I have a broken leg and I am still recovering. Thanks for reading again
also pleas do review my fic. I need atleast 10 reviews for this one…

Until next chapter
ja ne…..