A/N: Thank you to everyone who is following this project so far. Not much to address in the comments, but if you guys have any questions feel free to drop them and I will do my best to answer.
Approximately two months had passed since Naruto and the blonde-haired friends formed their bond. During this period, Ino diligently worked to ensure Naruto had more companions than just herself. To her astonishment, she discovered that Shikamaru and Choji already viewed Naruto as somewhat of a friend, as he often roped them into his mischievous escapades. However, Ino noticed that their camaraderie was not profoundly deep.
Initially, Ino's influence was subtle, merely suggesting that Naruto be included in their post-academy training sessions. Shikamaru, initially skeptical, questioned her motives. Ino explained that Naruto had helped her by cleaning and assisting in the shop to repay a debt, leading her to offer him a chance to join their training sessions in exchange for occasional help at the shop.
This explanation relieved Shikamaru, who half-hoped Naruto's presence might mean less effort on his part, although this was not always the case. Initially, Naruto sparred with Choji, and despite struggling in combat, his seemingly endless energy was hard to match. Eventually, an exhausted Choji would bow out, leaving Naruto to focus his remaining vigor on the other two.
"What should we do now?" Naruto asked, standing over a cloud-gazing Shikamaru. "You guys said we'd train together, but we haven't really done much."
Exhausted and seated, Choji responded with a wheeze, "Speak for yourself, Naruto. I'm spent. I could really go for some food right now."
Naruto sighed, "This happens every time! Ino practices her jutsu, you and I spar until you get hungry, and Shikamaru just watches clouds."
Shikamaru, sitting up, casually remarked, "It's still better than training alone." He then shifted his tone, becoming more analytical. "If you really want to train, why not work on your jutsu or shuriken skills? That's where you need the most improvement."
Feeling embarrassed, Naruto retorted, "And what about you? You just sit there! What are you training in?!"
Shikamaru replied with his usual nonchalance, "I don't need to train right now. I'm passing my exams as is, and I'm not worried."
Just then, Ino's voice called out from the field's edge, "What are you guys yammering about?!" Naruto, oblivious to her annoyance, didn't notice the look on her face – one that both Choji and Shikamaru recognized all too well.
"Oh, I'm just trying to up my training game. But Shikamaru is too lazy, and Choji is too tired," Naruto began, but was quickly interrupted.
"Mostly hungry," Choji clarified.
"Too hungry to keep training with me," Naruto added. While he enjoyed their company, he couldn't shake off a feeling of disconnect. It seemed to him that the trio wasn't taking their training as seriously as he was, lacking a solid goal or a sense of urgency. They appeared content with their progress, confident about passing the graduation exam, a confidence Naruto did not share. He knew his physical abilities were decent, but also realized they were the only thing keeping his graduation hopes afloat.
Ino, having walked up to the boys with her hands on her hips, sighed. "Are you really pushing yourselves? You've been at it for hours. I'm amazed Choji lasted three hours with you, Naruto. Initially, you tired him out in just one. And my arms are worn out from practicing with moving targets all day. What about Shikamaru?"
He yawned, replying, "I've been observing and offering feedback when needed."
Ino gave Naruto and Choji a look of disbelief.
Naruto smiled, "He may not spar with me, but he's really helped improve my form. Thanks, pal!" He playfully patted Shikamaru on the back, just hard enough to unbalance him and cause him to fall.
Shikamaru, dusting off his pants, offered a sarcastic thanks. "It's been a long day. Let's all go eat." Shikamaru always seemed to be able to reason with whoever he needed to. The smooth talker just knew the right things to say and the perfect way to say them.
As the four headed to Ichiraku, with Choji and Naruto debating over the best broth flavor, Ino noticed the villagers' glares at Naruto and their confused looks at seeing him with three children from prominent clans. She thought to herself, 'It's been a while since we started hanging out like this. I can't believe I never noticed how tense things get when people see Naruto. It's just unbelievable. If it weren't for him, none of them would be here-' Her thoughts were interrupted by Shikamaru.
"Relax, no one's going to do anything," he said calmly. Shikamaru had been aware of the spiteful stares directed at Naruto since they met. Initially, he thought it was due to Naruto's antics, but soon realized the glares were constant, regardless of the situation. People either despised Naruto or completely ignored him. Shikamaru, adept at connecting the dots, knew something didn't add up. This level of unwarranted animosity towards Naruto puzzled him, and nothing irked him more than an unsolved mystery.
They arrived at the ramen shop right before Ino could pry into Shikamaru's thoughts and ask how he knew no one would do anything. They each ordered their respective meals, Ino's and Shikamaru's portions paling in comparison to the mountain of bowls that began stacking in front of Choji and Naruto. "Jeez, I've never seen anyone keep up with Choji when it comes to food," Ino remarked.
Shikamaru nodded, giving a slight hmmm as he thought back to the question that boggled his mind prior. 'He might only be an Uzumaki by name, or so says Iruka-senei, but he sure does share a lot of traits with them. Tons of stamina, an appetite that rivals the Akimichi.'
"Okay, we've tried all the flavors, so are you finally ready to admit that miso with pork is the best?" Naruto proclaimed, patting his full stomach with satisfaction.
Choji, looking almost offended, retorted, "No way! I was right, and you just won't admit it. This is in my blood Naruto. If there is one thing I know, it is food!" Their debate over the superior flavor resumed, as the sun gave way to a star-filled sky.
"You guys can keep arguing," Shikamaru interjected as he stood up, leaving money on the table for his meal. "I need to head home before my mom flips on me for staying out too late." His voice carried a note of genuine apprehension. He waved goodbye and started towards his clan's compound.
Choji hurriedly got up to catch up with Shikamaru. "Wait up, Shikamaru. Don't make me walk back alone." This was their first group dinner; typically, their training sessions ended with everyone heading home separately. Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino usually walked together, as their homes were on the same side of the village.
After bidding farewell to his friends, Naruto paid his bill and settled back, deep in thought. He pondered over the fast-approaching graduation exam, feeling unprepared with only six months left. He was determined not to fail again, not to be left behind. 'This time will be different,' he resolved, realizing he now had more than just time and pride at stake; he thought of his new friends.
Choji appeared in his mind – a formidable sparring partner who initially outmatched him until Naruto's stamina turned the tide. Then came Shikamaru, the seemingly indifferent boy who had significantly improved Naruto's techniques. Shikamaru, who enjoyed life's simpler pleasures and was deeply concerned about upsetting his mother, a worry that resonated with Naruto. He wished he had someone at home, someone to guide, scold, or praise him – a parent. "Ah, that must be nice..." he murmured, his voice trailing off, not wanting to voice his deeper feelings.
"Hey, everything alright?" Ino's voice broke his reverie. Naruto, startled, turned towards her, surprised she was still there.
"W-what are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be heading home with the others?" he asked, unsure if his concern was for her safety or that she had overheard his thoughts.
"I'm fine. I've often walked home alone in the dark. My parents are usually busy – my dad with missions or clan duties, and my mom with the flower shop, often staying late. It's not unusual for me to return to an empty house," Ino shared candidly.
"Oh," Naruto replied, his voice tinged with surprise. "I'm sorry to hear that. It must get lonely."
Ino offered him a reassuring smile. "I suppose you know more about loneliness than I do..." An awkward silence fell between them, now alone at the food stand. "Hey, how about I walk you home?" Ino suggested, her mind still on the earlier incident. 'I know Shikamaru said no one would try anything, but I'm certain they wouldn't dare if the Yamanaka clan heiress is with him.'
Naruto gawked at the offer, first shocked at the idea. He let out a laugh, "You know I'll be alright. Besides, shouldn't the guy usually be the one walking the girl home?"
Ino did her best to resist the urge to blush."W-what does that have to do with anything? We're both ninja-in-training. You know I can handle myself."
Naruto raised an eyebrow at the remark, "Oh, so are you saying I can't handle myself?"
"No, that's not what I'm saying at all. Ugh," Ino was torn between embarrassed and annoyed. 'Why does he choose now of all times to start using his brain?'
'I wonder what her deal is tonight,' Naruto thought before dismissing the issue. "Sure, you can walk me home, just don't judge alright."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Let's just say I don't exactly live in the nicest area."
The two walked in mostly silence through the dimly lit streets of Konoha. Naruto casually walking with his hands behind his head, Ino with her hands in her pocket. There wasn't much to say. They were friendly with each other, sure, but their relationship hadn't progressed much farther than just a kindling between comrades. Ino made sure to take a look around them as they walked, seeing how the different villagers looked in their direction.
Most civilians looked with animosity. Daggers for eyes or nose pointed in other directions. Some rushed their children inside, others remained hushed and wouldn't move a muscle. 'They must think he is the fox spirit itself. Ugh, this is so frustrating, seeing them act like this.' The only ones who looked in without malice were the elderly or ninja with chunin rank or higher. It looked like some people knew the truth, others just made bold assumptions. Sadly the reactions of those people were that of either indifference or pity. She knew neither of which was what Naruto was aiming for. Ino quickly picked up that Naruto's antics and loud mouthed behavior was all just a show for attention. While he was truly a knucklehead, riddled with adhd and unrivaled energy, when he let the mask skip he wasn't all that mischievous or rude. He never tried to pick fights when they trained, and he wouldn't just go running his mouth for no reason either.
"Alright, we're here," Naruto said as he turned to his door, digging his keys out of his pockets before unlocking his door.
Ino couldn't hold back her shocked expression. "Oh, its uhh…" her words stumbling from her mouth, "it's not the worst." She said, trying to sound somewhat enthusiastic.
"It's alright, I know it's pretty shabby. But, it's the only place I've known to call home. The one thing that's always waiting for me." Turning from his door he looked at the dumbfounded girl in front of him. 'Wow, she looks kinda pretty…' Naruto stared, lost in thought for a moment before shaking his head, a light blush making its way to his cheeks. 'Ugh, stop that. You like Sakura.'
"Is something wrong? You've been staring at me for a minute, aren't you going to go insi-" before she could even finish the sentence Ino found herself wrapped in a very tight hug.
"Thank you," Naruto said, and just as fast as he hugged the girl he let go, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.
Ino couldn't fight the blush on her face. "F-for what exactly are you thanking me for?" She questioned.
Naruto's grin sparkled, "everything, you know. You set me up with a training group, and I feel like I have some amazing friends now. Not just peers, but actual friends. And on top of that, no one's ever walked me home before, it was nice."
"No one's ever walked you home before?" Ino wondered aloud, completely skipping over the first half of the boy's appreciation.
"Well, not since I was little. Old man Hokage would walk me around when I was younger but a while back he said that he was getting too busy with paperwork and I was old enough to handle things on my own." The Hokage wasn't wrong with that statement. He had coddled Naruto until he turned 6, an age that the Hokage knew so many to be self-sufficient at. From the ages between 6 and 8 the Hokage slowly weaned off taking care of Naruto, making sure that the boy would be self-sufficient.
"Don't sweat it," Ino frowned at the sentiment. 'I can't believe he's been on his own like that for so long…'
"Really though, thank you. Next time I'll make sure to return the favor and walk you home."
"If you say so," Ino replied casually, hiding the fact that the offer made her happy.
"Please make it home safe," Naruto said before slipping into his apartment. The door closed leaving a flustered Ino standing under the stars. She made her way home, eyes toward the Hokage mountain as she walked.
'He really isn't all that bad.'
Time crawled on. Academy lessons, practices, jutsu training. All the normal things to be expected from ninja-in-training. Naruto, in his time practicing with Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru, learned to not only hone his physical abilities to a higher degree, but had also picked up decent shuriken technique - for a rookie that is. His time in class wasn't as fruitful. He was still unable to create clones of himself, a technique that was incessantly reminding him he was on the brink of not passing the final exam. On top of that, his academic work itself was lagging behind. No matter how hard he tried to focus he just couldn't bring himself to sit still and study things like history and politics.
Naruto enjoyed the training sessions that he had with his friends. It was not an everyday occurrence, but the two to three times a week had been extremely helpful. The bi-weekly dinners as a group were also a nice addition to the boy's routine. Those weren't the only changes to his routines.
Once a week he would spend his time after training helping with Ino's family shop, after hours to clean up and prepare orders if needed. The experience wasn't something that inherently helped him with his training to become stronger, but it was something that he looked forward to. He enjoyed the time spent there, able to chat with Ino. In the short time they had known each other they grew closer. Naruto felt confident that he had another person in his life that he could trust, aside from Iruka and the Hokage.
He learned all sorts of things about the girl, like how she was quick to temper, had a very specific way with how she wanted things done, and that her favorite flower was the purple bush clover. The same flower that her clan burnished as a crest.
Eventually it became time for the day of the final exam. Naruto knew he bombed the written portion, and while his shuriken and taijutsu scores weren't bad, it all came down to the jutsu demonstration.
He walked up as his name was called, nervous sweat already forming on his brow. He looked back at his three friends, eyes locking with Ino's for a moment before she gave him a slight nod and smile. 'You got this Naruto.' She thought. One puff of smoke and pathetic clone later she couldn't help but feel the pit in her gut. 'Or maybe not…'
Although she could see the pain in his eyes she couldn't bring herself to look at him. She knew more than anyone else just how hard she trained. The class continued, students one by one going up and failing or passing. Ino tried passing some encouraging words to Naruto as he walked back, the boy responding in his usual fashion whenever he felt distraught: masking up and giving a sheepish smile, reassuring that nothing was going to stop him from his dream of becoming Hokage. Whether that reassurance was for himself or for Ino, no one knew.
One eventful night later
Naruto still couldn't believe what had just happened. He finally had time to decompress his thoughts after bringing Iruka to the hospital and returning the sacred scroll. The revelations of his jinchuriki status came as a shock to the boy. He laid in his bed for hours, just thinking things over repetitively. After a long night of meditation things started to finally make sense.
There was no wonder why he was able to make hundreds of shadow clones but not a single good regular clone. He just had too much chakra, unbound and unrefined. He always struggled with chakra control techniques, like trying to make a leaf stick to his forehead.
This was also the reason the villagers held such ill intent toward him. It was also the reason why many of the ninja in the village were mostly neutral to him, often just scolding him whenever he pestered them with his pranks and antics. It made sense why he never saw any of his friends' parents scolding them for talking to him, or even making sure they didn't get close. His friends. Naruto thought about his time with them all so fondly. If it weren't for the fact Ino had invited him along he would have possibly never gotten so close to the trio.
Ino. The girl who had somehow tangled herself up into his life, all starting with that one incident at the academy. In that moment his body shot up in bed and his eyes widened.
"There's no way right…" he thought back to their first real conversation they shared. The girl had explicitly mentioned she was in his mindscape. When she was first woken up she was terrified, shaking even. He knew he had some horrible memories, but what if she didn't just see memories. The gears in his head were turning, drawing him toward a thought that he just couldn't bring himself to believe.
'Just how long did she know…'
Ino waved goodbye to her parents as she exited her house. Usually she would be leaving the house unattended, but today was a special occasion. Both of her parents wanted to make sure to see her off on her first real day as a ninja. She closed the door and began walking down the street, unable to help herself from feeling bad about what had happened the day before. 'Poor Naruto. Please don't give up.'
Speak of the devil and he will appear. The moment she stepped foot from her compound and turned the corner she saw him waiting, back perched up on a fence and looking toward the Hokage mountain. Ino noticed the shining hitaiate on his head and rushed over, confused but nevertheless happy. She wrapped her arms around him in a friendly hug, squeezing him, "I knew you could do it!" She let go and looked up, and instead of seeing the happy-go-lucky expression she was expecting her eyes met the look of sadness.
"Ino, I need to ask you something, and you have to promise me you won't lie." Naruto's words left a sour feeling in his mouth as he said them.
"What's going on? What do you mean?" Ino asked, genuinely confused.
"Just promise, okay?"
"I promise."
With a deep breath and an even deeper exhale Naruto began, "How long have you known about… my condition." The extra emphasis at the end made no room for Ino to fein confusion. The silence told him everything he needed to know. "So you did know?!"
"Naruto I-," Ino was falling over her own words. "I couldn't say anything," before she could continue to explain he cut her off.
"I can't believe this." At this point the blonde wanted nothing more than to just storm off, and that's exactly what he would've done if Ino hadn't grabbed his arm.
"So what?!" She quietly yelled at him, "Yeah, I knew about your condition. What am I supposed to do, just tell you?"
"Yes," he deadpanned.
"You realize life isn't just that simple. There's consequences to everything, and I had to choose between promising I wouldn't tell you or risking having my memory wiped if the information got out."
"Oh so everyone gets to know except me? How is that fair?"
"No, not everyone. As far as I know, me and you are the only ones from the class that know."
Naruto stood for a moment, still hurt by the realization that this entire time Ino knew about the Nine Tailed Fox yet said nothing. "I was hoping it wouldn't be true. That you knew about it. This whole thing makes me feel like it's the only reason you even talk to me."
"Excuse me?" Ino was shaken by his words.
"Before you entered my mind I was invisible to you just like everyone else. I don't even know what to think anymore." He began walking away, not toward the academy.
"Naruto wait, where are you going- we aren't done yet!" Ino said, taking a step to follow him.
The boy turned and shook his head, "I need to go somewhere before the academy. You're right though, we're not talking yet. I just need some time to think, and you need to not be late." He saw the look on her face. As upset as he was, he just couldn't stay mad at the people he considered his friends. "For the record, I don't hate you for keeping it a secret. But you can't blame me for feeling hurt."
Naruto began walking, opposite direction of his blonde counterpart. With that part out of his mind he could focus solely on the current task at hand. 'It's time to make a very important visit.'
A/N: There it is, some serious tension brewing between our two main protagonists. Relationships built, feelings hurt. Will Naruto forgive Ino easily, or will she have to find a way to make it up to the boy? And who is this special gust that Naruto deems very important to visit? Find out next time!
If you've made it this far I'd be happy to hear your thoughts. I've story boarded quite a bit for how I want the next arc to go, but I always like to take feedback into account whenever creating something. Is the pacing too fast, too slow? Doe the diologue between characters feel unnatural and at times forced? Let me know, I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts :)