Girls have more fun in Time
…..
Ino Awakens…..
Ino groaned as she slowly regained consciousness, her head throbbing painfully. 'Oh God my head, what the hell did I drink last night,', thought Ino Ino as she rolled over in her bed to hide her face in the pillow and away from that dreadful light coming into the room from the open window. Being completely disoriented and disheveled, she attempted to shield her face from the intrusive sunlight streaming through the open window. A wave of confusion washed over her as she reached out, expecting to find Naruto beside her, but instead encountered nothing but empty sheets and the cold touch of the wall.
'Who moved the bed.', she wondered as the bed was in the middle of the room, at least it was the last time she fell into it. Picking her head up she looked down at the purple pillow, 'Purple, no we have orange sheet.', again she wondered what was going on as she rolled over to get up and fell onto the floor with a thud.
"What the hell?" she exclaimed, the words slipping out before she could stop them. Now nursing a sore backside to match her pounding head, Ino couldn't help but wonder what had happened to her, and why she found herself so hungover. She wasn't a drinker, never had been and she sure doesn't remember drinking last night. Wait, last night, she tried her best but for the life of her, she couldn't remember what happened last night only the sour taste in her mouth made her think of sake.
Ino, struggling to regain her bearings, pushed her long blonde hair away from her face, the strands falling haphazardly in front of her eyes. Squinting through the haze of pain and bewilderment, she attempted to bring the blurry surroundings into focus. Nothing made sense. She hadn't had long hair in years; Naruto preferred it short.
Clutching a handful of her own locks, she tugged gently to confirm their authenticity, half-expecting them to be some bizarre illusion. The sensation was unmistakable; they were indeed her familiar blonde tresses. Confusion deepened within her as she grappled with the realization that she had been gone for so long that her hair grew back and was now long and flowing. But how? And why?
Ino's mind raced with questions, yet the answers remained elusive, obscured by the haze of pain and the disconcerting changes surrounding her as she sat there on the floor resting her back against the bed struggling to simply bring her hands into focus. She knew she had to get herself together, if she was kidnapped for so long as to have her hair grow back then Naruto must be tearing apart the five lands trying to find her. Her husband of eleven years was not known for his subtlety and who was taking care of Ryota her son.
"Ino! Are you OK in there? It sounded like you fell.", said Ino's mother, Suzuki, as she came up the stairs to find her daughter sitting on the floor of her bedroom staring at her like was seeing a ghost.
"Mother?" Ino's voice trembled, her world snapping abruptly into focus as she gazed up at the tall, strikingly familiar blonde woman standing in the open doorway. A surge of disbelief and shock coursed through her veins. This couldn't be real. Ino vividly remembered the horrific scene from years ago—the ruthless attacker who mercilessly took her mother's life during the village assault.
Sitting there, mouth agape, she felt like a fish out of water, gasping for answers and struggling to reconcile the memories of the intervening years. The flood of emotions overwhelmed her—moments of indescribable joy upon the birth of her child contrasting sharply with the agonizing pain of witnessing her son's life cruelly extinguished, callously discarded as the monstrous figure pushed him aside, fixated on reaching the wounded Naruto lying defenseless on the ground.
Ino's heart shattered into a million pieces as Naruto, her love, her very reason for living, was brutally torn apart in a gruesome display of blood and gore. In that horrifying moment, it felt as if the world itself had come crashing down, collapsing into a void of despair. The crimson cloud of chakra swirled around, reaching skyward, ascending like a pillar of darkness until it stood tall as the mightiest tree, only to take shape once more as the fearsome nine-tailed fox.
What the attackers had anticipated remained unclear. Perhaps they expected the fox to join forces with them, to align itself with their cause. Yet, their expectations were shattered as the fox let out a deafening roar of agony, its immense form convulsing with grief over the loss of its dearest friend, the only human being who had shown it love throughout its long, lonely existence.
Driven by vengeance, the fox's fury was unleashed without mercy, reducing everything in its path to smoldering ash. Friend and foe alike were engulfed by its searing rage, consumed by the flames that danced wildly in its wake. Yet, amidst the maelstrom of destruction, Ino found herself miraculously spared, protected by the unwavering love the fox held for its only friend.
She sat there, clutching the remains of her son in her trembling arms, her body shielded by the devastating tempest of fire and ruin. The landscape around her lay scorched and desolate, a testament to the devastating power unleashed by the fox's inconsolable grief. The once mighty village hidden in the leaves was now a landscape reminiscent of hell itself as it all burned and collapsed into ash around her. Ino's soul echoed with pain beyond comprehension, her world forever altered, forever stained by the loss of her beloved Naruto and her son, the life they had dreamed of together, Gone.
Ino's face contorted with anguish as she drew in a deep breath, releasing a piercing scream of pain that reverberated throughout the house. The sound pierced Suzuki's soul, reminiscent of the haunting cries she had heard on countless battlefields in her own youth—anguished wails of those who had lost everything, yet were forced to bear the weight of their shattered existence.
Without hesitation, Suzuki rushed to Ino's side, her arms enveloping her fragile, trembling form. She held her little girl tightly, feeling the tremors wrack Ino's body as she surrendered to uncontrollable sobs. No words could be spoken; grief had rendered Ino speechless, her anguish so profound that it threatened to consume her completely.
Together, they remained locked in that embrace, mother, and daughter, both lost in the depths of their profound sorrow. Suzuki's heart shattered alongside Ino's, her tears mingling with her daughter's. She couldn't bear to witness her precious girl in such excruciating pain. The overwhelming weight of grief enveloped them, clinging to one another as they sank to the floor, seeking solace and support.
In the midst of their anguish, Inoichi, Ino's father, burst into the room, a blade clutched tightly in his hand. His eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for an enemy who had dared to harm his little girl. His protective instincts surged, ready to confront any threat that might be nearby.
"What happen?!", Inoichi yelled in rage and confusion.
Suzuki looked at her husband, her expression filled with anguish and confusion. She shook her head, her voice trembling as she struggled to find the right words. "I don't know," she replied, her voice choked with tears. "I found her like this. I can't reach her. It's as if her mind is shielded from me." She continued to cradle Ino in her arms, providing comfort and reassurance, as Ino's tears soaked into Suzuki's apron, a stark contrast to the ordinary moments of cooking breakfast just moments ago.
In the face of this unfathomable pain and the impenetrable barrier that seemed to surround Ino's mind, they clung to each other.
Inoichi drew nearer and knelt down, gently placing his hand on the back of Ino's head, closing his eyes in an attempt to connect with her troubled mind. He knew Ino so well, her thoughts feeling like an extension of his own being. There was no doubt in his heart that this was his daughter, but her thoughts remained elusive, concealed behind an impenetrable wall of psychic energy. All he could sense were the surface emotions of pain and agony, emotions that were clearly affecting Suzuki deeply.
"This is unlike anything I've ever encountered," Inoichi murmured, his hand retracting from Ino's head as he felt the overwhelming weight of grief threatening to consume him as well. "Perhaps we should seek the guidance of the clan elders. Maybe they can provide some insight."
Suzuki's response was immediate and resolute. She clutched Ino even closer, her protective instincts flaring up. "No," she asserted, her voice laced with determination. "Those old fools will only bring further harm. You know what happen last time someone asked them for help, we can't rely on them."
Feeling helpless, Inoichi sank to the floor, joining his small family in their shared pain and uncertainty. They were left with no choice but to wait, to be patient, and to hope that Ino would eventually emerge from her overwhelming grief. Time became their only ally, the passage of moments offering the possibility of healing and the chance to find a way to breach the barrier that held Ino captive. In the midst of their silent vigil, they clung to one another, their love and support serving as a fragile lifeline.
Deep within the recesses of Ino's mind, amidst the overwhelming grief and pain, the memories of that fateful day began to crystallize. The relentless fury of the fox had raged for hours, leaving nothing but smoldering ruins and shattered trees in its wake. Once its own grief had subsided, the fox could see the devastating aftermath it had unwittingly wrought. In its anguish, it had accomplished what the attackers had failed to do—the village was decimated, its shinobi reduced to mere whispers, and only the acrid scent of ashes remained.
Gazing down at his friend's mate, Ino, who sat amidst the chaotic remnants on a small island of calm, the fox's deep, rumbling voice reverberated through the air, shaking the ground beneath them. "They are gone," it uttered, its tone heavy with the weight of realization.
Ino's voice, barely above a whisper, carried a mix of resignation and pain. "You have done their work for them. You've destroyed it all," she replied, her voice tinged with a numbed acceptance as she surveyed the desolation surrounding them.
The fox's gaze met Ino's as she sat between its mighty paws, rendered speechless and devoid of action. It acknowledged her words with a somber tone. "What is done is done," it rumbled, acknowledging the irreversible nature of the destruction it had inadvertently wrought.
Gently brushing the bloodied strands of hair from her son's face, Ino stared into the emptiness before her, her voice carrying a weight of longing and regret as she spoke into the void. "If only we could rewrite the past, we would all choose differently."
As she felt the warm breath of the mighty fox upon her head, she raised her gaze to meet its intense, burning red eyes.
"Time is a river, twisting and turning, shaping the lives of all beings," spoke the fox, its voice carrying the weight of ancient wisdom. "I can send you back to a time before this tragedy. However, by doing so, your beloved pup will cease to exist. The world you know, the love you have cherished, will be undone. When you awaken in the past, the future you once knew will be no more."
Ino's gaze remained locked with the fox's fiery eyes, her heart heavy with the weight of the choice before her. She understood that by embarking on this path, everything she held dear could be lost. The future held the potential for both joy and further despair, yet remaining in this desolate present, with only ashes and fading memories of what might have been, was not an option.
With a resolute determination, Ino made her decision known, her voice carrying a strength that only one you has nothing can have. "Do it," she declared, her words ringing with a fierce resolve. She cared not about the specifics of when or where the fox would send her; all that mattered was breaking free from the suffocating grip of despair, and embracing the chance for a new beginning, even if it meant sacrificing the precious love and life she had once known.
And so, with her plea hanging in the air, Ino had prepared herself for the unknown, her heart brimming with a mixture of hope and fear. The fox's ancient power swirled around her, carrying her away from the desolate remnants of her shattered world, towards a time where destiny and the possibilities of a rewritten future awaited her. As Ino's presence faded from the world, carried away by the currents of time, the fox raised its majestic head and let out a mournful, resounding howl. Its cry pierced through the fabric of reality, resonating with a bittersweet blend of loss and liberation. At that moment, as the river of time fractured and shattered, the fox, too, embarked on its own journey into the vast unknown.
The world around them began to dissolve, fading away like a mirage lost to the winds. The remnants of their shared existence drifted into the ethereal realm, leaving behind only echoes and whispers. The once-familiar landscapes, the bonds forged through love and loss, all dissolved into the infinite expanse of oblivion.
And so, in the wake of Ino's departure and the fox's poignant howl, the world as it had once existed ceased to be. It was enveloped by the embrace of the great unknown, where the echoes of their stories would linger, forever entwined with the threads of time.
….
Minutes or hours, Ino didn't know but as she pulled back from her mother's embrace she fell back against the bed once again and pulled the sheet over to wipe the tear-stained from her face. Looking from one parent to the other she didn't know what to say. It was done, the world was new again, at least for her. The fox had done as he promised, she knew where but when she was still an unknown.
"Ino, what happened?" Suzuki's voice was filled with motherly concern as she looked at her daughter.
Inoichi reached out and gently brushed Ino's hair, his touch careful and tender. He wanted to understand, but he knew he had to proceed with caution, treating her as delicate as a fragile doll.
Ino searched for the right words, trying to bring the conversation back to a familiar and normal place. She couldn't reveal the truth, the unimaginable reality she had experienced. It would only lead to confusion or disbelief. She didn't want to start this new life being sent to T&A or worst the madhouse. She needed to find a way out without causing unnecessary alarm.
"It was a nightmare, so real," Ino whispered, her voice trembling, raw from screaming. "In my dream, you were all dead, and I felt so alone."
Inoichi exchanged a worried glance with Suzuki, sensing that there was more to Ino's nightmare than met the eye. It felt like an oppressive genjutsu had been cast upon her, blocking her thoughts and memories. There were only two individuals in the village with such mastery—the Uchiha boy with his bloodline she often mentioned or Kurenai, known for her expertise in genjutsu.
With the truth barred from him, he could only offer comfort and support, vowing to find a way to unravel this mystery. He would find Kurenai first and question her, she would know if anyone else if the village would be able to do this to Ino.
"I was making breakfast, but I guess it's lunch now, why don't you get cleaned up and come downstairs.", said Suzuki as she moved off the floor and helped Ino to her feet.
"Ok Mom,", said Ino looking around the room as if she hadn't seen it in years.
"What day is it?" she asked aloud, her voice filled with a sense of urgency.
"It's Saturday, dear. No school today, but you still have training with your father. After all, next week is graduation," Suzuki replied, her voice carrying a comforting tone as she exited the room.
Ino took a deep breath, her mind racing to make sense of the situation. Graduation was just a week away. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she removed the tear-stained shirt, her gaze fixed on her younger self. It became apparent that something extraordinary had happened.
"Oh god, I'm 14 again," Ino thought, her mind reeling with the realization that she had to start all over again.
'Naruto, oh god he didn't even talk to me back in the academy', thought Ino, what was she to do?
…..
After enjoying a refreshing, hot shower, Ino ventured into her closet, searching for something suitable to wear. However, a wave of nostalgia washed over her as she realized the limited options available to her at this age. Her closet was filled with variations of purple, her standard attire for training as a shinobi. Practicality and durability took precedence over personal style on the training field.
Sighing softly, Ino selected a purple top and a matching skirt from the array of clothing options. She pulled them on over her plain white underwear, the familiarity of the outfit bringing back memories of countless training sessions. Glancing at the rolls of bandages she used to tightly wrap around her stomach and legs, Ino recalled how she used to believe they were meant to conceal some imaginary fat on her tight midriff. She dropped the roll of bandages back into the basket, no longer wanting to be burdened by that part of her former routine.
At lunchtime, Ino made a delightful discovery—she absolutely loved her mother's cooking. The flavors were so good that she couldn't resist asking for seconds, bringing a smile to her father's face. However, Suzuki couldn't help but feel a hint of worry. Ino had always been conscious of her food choices and occasionally tried different diets. Suzuki hoped that Ino's newfound appetite wasn't the beginning of a troubling pattern where she would eat a lot and then force herself to vomit. It was a fresh concern for Suzuki to deal with, adding to the weight of the morning's dramatic events.
"Thanks for the delicious meal, Mom," Ino said, grinning. "Dad, when can we start training?"
"I have to go to the office this afternoon, so we'll have to postpone training until I return," Inoichi replied, realizing he was already quite late for work. Being the department head, he didn't have to report himself to the Hokage.
Ino tried to recall what she used to do at this age. The only thing that came to mind was hanging out with Sakura and searching for that guy Sasuke. With that in mind, she stood up. "I'm going to Sakura's. I'll see you later for training."
"Have a good time, dear. And no fighting with Sakura," Suzuki said as Ino headed out the door.
"God, that girl worries me," Suzuki remarked as she cleared the table.
"Don't worry, we'll figure it out. At least she's eating," Inoichi reassured his wife before giving her a kiss and heading off to the T&A office deep underground.
….
As Ino walked away from the flower shop, she couldn't help but notice that the village seemed unchanged. However, when she looked up at the Hokage monument, she noticed something missing—Lady Tsunade, Kakashi, and her beloved Naruto. The realization hit her like a wave of sorrow, and tears welled up in her eyes, which she hurriedly wiped away.
Turning away from the monument, Ino made her way toward the town center. It was there that she noticed the drastic changes. The vibrant and bustling shops she remembered were no longer present. Many of the buildings she had frequented in her recent memories seemed to be missing or replaced by small, insignificant structures.
The growth and prosperity that Naruto had brought to the village as Hokage had vanished, or rather, it had yet to occur. The village was still under the control of tired old men who had fought in the first shinobi world war. Their rigid adherence to tradition to the old ways hindered progress and neglected the welfare of the people. Ino couldn't help but feel frustrated and disappointed as she witnessed the village's stagnant state, longing for the vibrant and prosperous future she had experienced before.
Standing there staring down the street Ino heard a voice yell out behind her.
"Hey Ino-pig, you look lost or something.", said Sakura as she jogged down the street stopping at Ino's side a little out of breath.
Ino turned around, surprised to see Sakura approaching her. She quickly wiped away any traces of tears and put on a brave face.
"Sakura! Hey," Ino greeted, trying to sound cheerful despite the turmoil inside her. "I'm not lost, just... taking in the sights."
Sakura looked at Ino with a hint of concern in her eyes. "You seem a bit off. Is everything okay?"
Ino forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just reminiscing about old times, you know?"
Sakura studied Ino for a moment, sensing that something was amiss but deciding not to press further. "Well, if you ever want to talk or hang out, you know where to find me. We're still friends, right?"
"Of course, we are Sakura. Friends forever," Ino replied, her voice filled with sincerity.
"I was just wandering around. Do you want to hang out?" Ino asked Sakura, looking at her oldest friend. It had been so long since they had simply spent time together and had a chance to talk. The past ten years had brought so many changes, pulling them in different directions. Ino struggled to recall the last time they had sat down and had a genuine conversation, free from the weight of village responsibilities.
Sakura's face lit up with a bright smile. "Sure, Ino! I'd love to hang out. What did you have in mind?"
Ino shrugged, trying to come up with an idea on the spot. "How about we grab a bite to eat? There's a new ramen shop that opened nearby."
'Ramen the food the gods', joked Ino in the back of her mind, she had come to enjoy it over the years.
Sakura's eyes sparkled thinking that Ino was going off her diet and would get fat, with that in mind she said. "Ramen sounds perfect! Let's go."
'Sasuke will be mine now.', thought Sakura as they headed down the street.
Together, Ino and Sakura walked through the village, their conversation filled with updates and anecdotes about the academy students and their shared experiences dealing with getting ready for graduation. Ino absorbed the information, her mind working hard to piece together fragmented memories from her point of view was 15 years ago.
Sakura pulled Ino into an alley, claiming it was a shortcut. Emerging on the other side, they found themselves just steps away from Ichiraku Ramen, its familiar hanging signs beckoning them.
"Darm, it! Do you want to go somewhere else?" Sakura suggested, eyeing the customers' legs through the curtains.
"What? What do you mean?" Ino asked, her back turned to the ramen shop.
Sakura pointed towards the ramen stand and whispered, "Naruto is there. Let's find another place."
Ino's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Naruto. Was she ready for this? What would she say? Would he even acknowledge her? Conflicting thoughts raced through her mind, but she mustered up the courage and replied, "No, let's eat here. He's not that bad."
Ino and Sakura settled at the far end of the counter, placing their orders with Ayame, who greeted them with a warm smile. As they waited for their bowls of ramen, Ino's heart pounded in her chest. This was her chance to break the ice with Naruto, someone she never had a proper conversation with when they were young. Gathering her courage, she turned slightly towards Naruto.
"Um, hey Naruto," Ino greeted nervously, her voice slightly shaky.
Naruto looked up from his bowl, his blue eyes meeting Ino's. There was a brief moment of surprise on his face before he quickly masked it with a guarded expression. He focused his attention back on his ramen, seemingly unsure about engaging in conversation.
"Hey," Naruto responded cautiously talking into his bowl, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "What's up?"
Ino bit her lip, trying to find the right words. She didn't want to come across as too forward or intrusive.
"Just hanging out with Sakura and thought we'd grab some ramen," Ino replied, trying to sound casual. "How about you? How's it going?"
Naruto shrugged, keeping his gaze fixed on his food. "Same old, same old. Just trying to get through the academy stuff."
Ino nodded, sensing his hesitation. She didn't want to push him further, fully aware that their interaction was still unfamiliar territory for him. It took every ounce of her straight not to just jump up and hug him.
"Cool, cool," Ino said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Well, if you ever want to hang out or train together, let us know. We're always up for some fun." Hearing that Sakura elbowed Ino in the ribs and shook her head violently mouthing the words 'NO' over and over again.
Naruto glanced at Ino out of the corner of his eye, his expression softening for a brief moment before returning to his normal mask of distrust, returning to his ramen. "Yeah, maybe... Thanks."
"Are you out of your mind.", whispered Sakura as they ate their ramen.
"Calm down …. Forehead… ", said Ino remembering Sakura's old nickname, "He isn't that bad and who knows he could be on one of our teams soon."
Leaning back on her stool Sakura looked back at Ino's back to Naruto who was working on his fourth bowl of ramen and said, "Not likely, that looser isn't going to pass this year."
Naruto's ears perked up at Sakura's comment, but he tried to hide any reaction. He continued slurping his ramen, seemingly unaffected by their conversation. Ino could sense the tension between her friends and decided to push past it.
"Hey, don't be so harsh," whispered Ino, shooting Sakura a playful smile. "You never know what can happen. People can surprise you."
Sakura sighed, her frustration evident. "I guess... But Naruto has always been the class troublemaker. It's hard to imagine him becoming a shinobi."
Ino glanced at Naruto again, her eyes lingering on him for a moment before she turned her attention back to Sakura. "Well, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Who knows, maybe Naruto has hidden potential that we haven't seen yet. It's not fair to judge someone based on their past."
Sakura looked at Naruto again and said, "Losers are losers. "
Ino just gave her friend a look of disapproval but didn't say anything, she knew she had said the same back when she was in school maybe at worst but this was a new chance at a new life and she was going to take it.
Finishing their ramen, Ino and Sakura paid their bill and got up from their stools. As they walked past Naruto, Ino mustered up the courage to give him a friendly nod.
"See you around, Naruto," Ino said, her voice filled with genuine warmth that made Naruto tense up.
Naruto glanced up briefly, a hint of surprise crossing his face before he nodded back. "Yeah, see ya."
As Ino and Sakura left the ramen shop, a small glimmer of hope stirred within Ino's heart. Maybe, just maybe this wasn't going to be as hard as she thought.
….
The next day, Ino hobbled her way to school, trying to shake off the soreness from her intense taijutsu training session with her father the night before. As she walked, she couldn't help but groan in discomfort, realizing that her out-of-shape body wasn't as resilient as her memory.
Luckily, the school building remained unchanged amidst all the village's reconstruction. Ino found her way to the classroom, determined not to make any more embarrassing mistakes. However, her luck seemed to have a different plan for her.
In a classic mix-up, Ino entered the wrong classroom, much to the amusement of her classmates and the dismay of the teacher. The teacher, with a stern expression, scolded her about pranks and reminded her of the responsibilities that came with being a graduating student.
Ino tried her best to laugh it off, pretending it was all part of a joke, but deep down, she was cringing with embarrassment. She waited for a moment, biding her time until she spotted someone from her class sneaking into the right room. Following their lead, Ino swiftly made her way to the correct classroom, relieved to be back on track.
Entering her own classroom, Ino was greeted by the usual chaotic atmosphere of her fellow classmates. Her eyes scanned the room until she found Naruto, sitting near the back. Ignoring Sasuke's presence, much to the surprise of Sakura and everyone else, Ino opted to sit a few seats away from Naruto. She didn't want to startle him and risk him running away, after all.
"This is a good spot for the first day," Ino thought to herself, mustering a confident smile. She was determined to make a connection with Naruto and change their future, one step at a time.
"Hi", said Ino smiling at Naruto.
The blonde boy looked around to see if someone was sitting next to him but noticed he was all alone with Ino in the last row.
"Hi," replied Naruto cautiously, giving Ino a puzzled look. He couldn't help but recall all those times she had teased and mocked him in the past. He wondered what had brought about this sudden change in her attitude.
Ino took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to reveal her knowledge of their future together. "You know, Naruto, I've been thinking. We've known each other for a while, and maybe it's time we put our differences aside and try to get along."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his voice. "What's the catch, Ino? Why the sudden change of heart?" Everything he knew about life said to run, run as far and as fast as he could. People saying they wanted to be friends only ended in someone getting hurt and that was always him.
Ino flashed a mischievous grin, enjoying Naruto's curiosity. "No catch, believe it or not. Let's just say I've come to appreciate the hidden depths of your ninja skills and your determination. Maybe there's more to you than I gave you credit for in the past. After all not everyone can pull a joke over Iruka sensei and get away with it."
Naruto blinked in surprise, unsure of how to respond. He had never expected Ino to speak to him like this, let alone acknowledge his pranks. Could this be genuine?
"Well, thanks, Ino," Naruto finally replied, a small smile forming on his face. "I guess if you want to I mean."
Ino nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and excitement. She had taken the first step in her mission to change their future, and this small interaction with Naruto felt like a promising start.
As their attention shifted back to the front of the classroom, Ino pondered the impact of her actions in the present on their shared future. She was determined to change Naruto's path, intervening earlier this time.
During their morning Taijutsu practice, Ino observed with dismay as everyone cheered for Sasuke while he ruthlessly pummeled Naruto. Each time, Sasuke would wait for Naruto to rise before striking him again, ensuring the fight continued within the practice ring. It sickened her to see Sakura, one of Naruto's closest friends in the future, cheer the loudest as blood streamed down his face from a broken nose.
Mizuki-sensei, the instructor, chuckled along with the students, seemingly unfazed by Naruto's struggles. Ino couldn't understand why Mizuki-sensei didn't intervene or offer guidance. Naruto's taijutsu technique was clearly flawed, evident to anyone with a discerning eye. It made her wonder why Naruto had never spoken to her about his school days, claiming it was all in the past. Now, she had a glimpse of the reason behind his silence. Was she among those who cheered for Sasuke back then? The weight of guilt threatened to engulf her.
Not wanting to let things escalate further, Ino noticed a stick on the ground nearby. Seizing the opportunity, she discreetly kicked it along the ground, causing Naruto to trip and fall out of the ring, abruptly ending the match. With a stern glare, she deterred anyone from commenting as Mizuki-sensei called for the next pair to take the ring.
Disregarding the ongoing matches, Ino kept a watchful eye on Naruto as he wandered to the side, seeking solace on an old log at the edge of the training field. He held his nose, blood dripping from it. Taking advantage of the distraction, Ino approached and positioned herself in front of Naruto.
"Here, let me take a look at that," Ino said in a commanding tone. When Naruto glanced up, she firmly placed her thumbs on either side of his nose and, with a grunt, pushed it back into place. The slight snapping sound reassured her that she had done it correctly, and the immediate cessation of bleeding indicated the Nine-Tails' healing power was at work.
Naruto gingerly touched his nose to check its alignment before looking up at Ino with a peculiar expression in his eyes. "Thanks, Ino," he said, gratitude lacing his words but still it was clear he didn't trust her fully yet.
She knew that gaining his trust would take time, especially considering their past interactions. But she was determined to make a difference this time around.
"You're welcome, Naruto," Ino replied, maintaining her calm demeanor. "I couldn't just stand by and watch you get hurt like that. We may not have been close in the past, but things can change, right?"
Naruto looked at her, a mixture of surprise and skepticism evident in his gaze. "Yeah, I guess so," he mumbled, still unsure of her intentions, the idea of receiving training from someone else interested him.
"Sure, Ino, we can do that," Naruto replied, his voice tinged with cautious hope. He wondered if this was a genuine offer or another attempt to mock him, as he had experienced in the past before everyone just ignored him.
Ino sensed Naruto's hesitance but remained determined. She wanted to show her sincere desire to help him and recognize his untapped potential. "Great! Let's find some time after school to train together. I've been working on my taijutsu skills with my father all year, and I think I can give you some pointers. We'll make sure Sasuke won't be able to take advantage of you next time."
A small spark of excitement flickered in Naruto's eyes as he considered the opportunity. Training with someone else sounded much better than practicing alone or battling against a wooden log in the old training grounds.
"Alright, Ino," Naruto responded a mix of gratitude and cautious optimism in his voice. "I appreciate it, I use old training ground three every night. Let's do it. Dattebayo!"
"Ino! You're up!" Sakura's voice called out from the edge of the training field. Ino's thoughts about Naruto were momentarily interrupted as she focused on the task at hand. She hurriedly made her way back to the training circle, ready to face her next opponent.
As she reached the circle, Ino was surprised to see a girl she didn't recognize standing there, waiting for their match to begin. With confidence in her skills, Ino swiftly executed three well-placed moves, easily sending her opponent flying out of the ring. Satisfied with her victory, she turned to leave, only to catch Sasuke's gaze directed at her.
The idea that that murdering bastard was interested in her made her sick to her stomach, the mix of disgust and revulsion lingered within her, but she pushed it aside, Naruto was all that matter now. She would worry about how to deal with Sasuke in the future.
…..
It was called old training ground three for a reason—because it had been abandoned long ago. The overgrown weeds and dilapidated training posts made it more of a jungle than a training ground. Ino ventured into the tall grass, searching for Naruto, and eventually spotted him in the middle of the field, engaging in some impromptu shadow boxing.
"Naruto!" she called out, keeping her distance to avoid startling him. She knew how jumpy he could be when caught off guard. "Hey, it's me, Ino!", she yelled again.
Naruto paused his erratic bouncing and waved in response. "Oh, hey Ino! Glad you could make it. I was getting tired of fighting shadows."
This made Ino giggle as he would spend endless hours fighting shadow clones in the future.
"Alright, Naruto, let's get started," Ino said, rolling up her sleeves. "After watching you today I think I know what we need to do. First, you need to improve your stance. It's all about balance and stability. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent."
Naruto mimicked her stance, trying his best to follow her instructions. He wobbled a bit, struggling to find his equilibrium as Mizuki-sensei had always said to keep his feet close together for speed.
After working on it for some time Ino couldn't help but chuckle. "Don't worry, Naruto. It takes some practice. Now, let's work on your punches. Keep your elbows in and throw a straight punch, aiming for the chin. Remember, power comes from your core."
Naruto followed her lead, throwing a series of punches with enthusiasm. Some missed their target, but Ino encouraged him to keep going. Again Mizuki-sensei had told him that wide swings worked best for fast hits but this felt right as he threw punches at Ino's hands.
"Good effort, Naruto! Now, let's try some footwork. Move around, bob, and weave. Stay light on your feet," Ino instructed, demonstrating the footwork with agility, this was one of the things she was really good at with her body type.
Naruto tried to imitate her movements, stumbling a bit but gradually getting the hang of it. He grinned, feeling a newfound sense of control.
As they continued their impromptu training session, Ino shared various tips and techniques, demonstrating each one and then guiding Naruto through the motions. She couldn't help but admire his resilience and eagerness to improve. She found it funny that she was half a head taller than him but knew he would grow to tower over her in a few short years.
By the end of their session, Naruto was breathing heavily but wearing a triumphant smile. Ino patted him on the back, proud of his progress. With the sunset hours past they had run out of light long before Naruto ran out of enthusiasm.
"You're getting the hang of it, Naruto. Just keep practicing and you'll become even stronger," she said, her voice filled with genuine pride.
Naruto beamed, his eyes shining with determination. "Thanks, Ino. I really appreciate your help. Maybe next time, I'll surprise Sasuke with a good hook to the chin!" Naruto mimicked the motion, throwing imaginary uppercuts with fierce determination.
Ino couldn't help but burst into laughter, thoroughly amused by Naruto's enthusiasm. "That's the spirit, Naruto! Show him what you're made of! I'll be right there, cheering you on."
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. He had never experienced someone genuinely cheering for him before. It sparked a glimmer of hope within him, fueling his motivation even further. "Really, Ino? You'll be cheering for me?"
Ino nodded, a warm smile on her face. She had to resist the urge to kiss him in that moment, realizing it might be too much for Naruto to handle. She took a step back, trying to compose herself.
"Absolutely, Naruto. You've got my support all the way," she said sincerely, her voice filled with unwavering encouragement.
….
It was the last day of school, and anticipation filled the air. Today, they would face their final exams and discover which teams they would be assigned to but this morning Ino was not going to meet up with Sakura to walk to school but she had other plans. Ino sprang out of bed as the sun peeked over the mountains, excitement bubbling within her. She knew what awaited them that morning – a legendary tale passed down to each new generation of students. Today, Naruto would attempt to paint the Hokage mountain in broad daylight, unnoticed by any shinobi. Well, except for Iruka-sensei, who would inevitably find him and embark on a wild chase throughout the village before dragging him back to class.
Bounding down the stairs, Ino grabbed a bag and hastily filled it with apples. With a determined sprint, she darted out the door, scanning the village for any sign of Naruto. Taking the scenic, winding path to the top of the Hokage mountain, she finally spotted him, setting up his ropes and buckets.
"Hey, Naruto!" Ino called out from a safe distance, catching his attention as she approached.
"You can't stop me," Naruto declared, his voice brimming with unwavering determination as he finished securing the final rope.
Ino chuckled, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Oh, trust me, Naruto, I wouldn't dream of stopping you. But before you go on your most daring prank, you'll need some fuel for all the energy you'll be using." With a flourish, she presented him with the bag of apples, watching as he devoured them like a famished beast.
Naruto's eyes widened in gratitude and surprise. "Thanks, Ino! You're the best!"
Ino winked playfully. "Just doing my part to ensure the Hokage mountain gets a fresh coat of paint, courtesy of Naruto Uzumaki. Now, go on, show them who the next Hokage will be!"
"Hey Naruto you might need this.", Ino said as an afterthought as she handed Naruto a freshly sharpened Kunai.
Dropping the new blade into his pouch Naruto headed for the edge with newfound energy and a belly full of apples, Naruto dashed off to leave his mark on the village in the most colorful way possible. Ino moved to the edge of the cliff to watch him work, this was the most exciting and unpredictable thing she had ever done.
Hours passed, and Naruto meticulously added the final touches to his audacious masterpiece. From her vantage point, Ino noticed Sakura staring up at Naruto, a mix of surprise and concern of all things on her face.
"Hey, Naruto! Come down quick! Iruka-sensei is heading this way!" Sakura called out, her voice filled with urgency. Ino, perched atop the mountain, exchanged a puzzled look with Sakura, wondering what had changed to make her even care what Naruto did.
With a mischievous grin, Ino shouted back, "Hold on, Sakura! Naruto's just putting the finishing touches on his genius creation. Iruka-sensei is in for a front-row seat!"
Sakura's eyes widened, a mixture of concern and excitement evident. "Wait, what? What are you doing up there?"
Ino laughed, knowing Naruto's plan would soon be revealed. "Don't worry, Sakura. It's all part of Naruto's epic plan to become Hokage. Get ready for a show you won't forget!"
As they exchanged cryptic remarks, little did they know that Naruto's artistic endeavor was being watched by Iruka-sensei who was standing in the street dumbfounded.
"Naruto, get down here!" Iruka-sensei exclaimed, his voice echoing with authority as he used his Big Head jutsu. Naruto's eyes widened in surprise, causing him to accidentally drop the paint can, narrowly missing Iruka-sensei's head. Startled, he spun around in the ropes, getting tangled up in the process. However, thanks to the Kunai that Ino had given him earlier, he swiftly cut himself free before landing on the nearest rooftop.
"Run Naruto, RUN.', both girls screamed as Naruto took off with Iruka close behind.
As soon as the dust settled Ino and Sakura just stared at each other both wondering what the other one was up to.
….