Cherry Blossoms and Chakra Strings: Homecoming

Ino wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead, grimacing at the feeling of dust clinging to her sweaty skin. Her shoulders sagged with fatigue but she kept her breathing steady just like she's learned to do. Exhaustion would come a lot quicker if she started hyperventilating like her lungs were begging her to.

She put her hands on her hips, glancing at the bruise beginning to form on her hip. Her usual attire had been traded for a sports bra and ninja pants – purple, of course. She had to keep some semblance of style.

As she got the wind back into her lungs, Ino straightened.

“Get up, guys,” she called, cracking her neck, “let's go again.”

Across the clearing, Shikamaru groaned, sprawled out in the grass with his ponytail coming undone. Choji leaned over his knees, his face blooming a vibrant shade of red that rendered the marks on his cheeks almost invisible.

“Ino… have mercy,” Choji wheezed. “It’s been two hours and I haven't even had a snack break.”

“You can snack when we're done, Choji,” Ino snapped, glaring at the wheezing teen. She bounced on the balls of her feet, pumping herself up, “Come on! Isn't your clan’s specialty supposed to be taijutsu? How are you gonna let a girl beat you?”

“Most girls can't break rocks with their fists,” Shikamaru groaned, causing Ino to turn her frown in his direction.

“Just because you're too lazy to learn basic chakra reinforcement doesn't mean you can complain when you get knocked on your ass,” the Yamanaka admonished, “If we’re going to be the next generation of Ino-Shika-Cho, you two can’t be dragging me down. Now, get up!”

“I’m trying!” Choji cried as Shikamaru mumbled something under his breath. Ino only caught the word troublesome, but considering it was directed at her, it wasn't hard to guess what he said.

Ino took a deep breath, before breaking into a dead sprint directly at Shikamaru. He flinched, his eyes going wide as he saw her barreling towards her, “Wait! I-Ino!”

Ino lifted a leg and brought it down on his head with a shout. He rolled out of the way just in time, leaving her sandal to slam into the ground with a crash.

“Are you crazy!?” He demanded as he scrambled to his feet, looking at her like she was insane. Ino slowly turned to look at him, suppressing a laugh at the fear on his face.

“What? You clearly needed some help getting up.” She said innocently. She tightened the wraps on her fists with purpose, smiling widely, “Now that you're ready, we can get back to training.”

Shikamaru shared a look with his friend, both of them filled with trepidation for what was about to come. Shikari sighed, bringing his hands together and preparing to leap back to the treeline where the shade was deeper.

“Troublesome women…”

Their training session lasted another half-hour. Thirty minutes of Ino running the show and her teammates having to put up with her nearly endless energy. The Yamanaka’s efforts to hone her taijutsu had made her a force to be reckoned with, and even Shikamaru’s mind and Choji’s immense bulk could only do so much against her.

That wasn't to say they didn't put up a fight. Ino knew that her teammates could do some real damage if they were given the proper motivation, it was just getting them motivated that was the hard part. Luckily, the threat of bodily harm did wonders to get the boys up and going.

By the end of the session, the three genin were pouring sweat and running on empty. Ino was sporting two more bruises and a sprained wrist, while Shikamaru was clutching his aching ribs where Ino's sandal had scored a good hit. Choji seemed uninjured, but he was so exhausted he couldn't even eat his snacks, staring solemnly at a bag of potato chips in his hand.

Ino's braid dangled behind her as she gulped down water from her canteen. As she quenched her thirst, she swished it around in her mouth and spat it out watching the pinkish liquid splash to the ground.

“Bit your cheek, didn't you?” Asuma asked as he walked onto the field, the smell of stale smoke wafting between them. “I keep telling you not to clench your teeth when swinging. That's a bad habit.”

Ino just gave him a thumbs up as she continued drinking down at a slower pace. Asuma looked to his other students – Shikamaru laying on the ground and Choji sitting under a tree, and chuckled at the sight.

“She really wore you two out, didn't she?”

“She's evil, sensei.” Choji whimpered as Ino gave him a bloody grin. Shikamaru just sighed.

“Maybe, but I can't deny it's effective,” Asuma laughed again, “But that's enough for today. Take a rest and grab your things. We still have a mission quota to fill by the end of the week.”

Choji practically wept with relief.

The walk to the Hokage’s Tower was filled with Shikamaru complaining under his breath and Choji’s frantic snacking as he slowly got his appetite back. Ino confidently led the way, her body still buzzing with the adrenaline of the sparring session. She felt good, strong. But there was a nagging thought in the back of her mind. A certain pink-haired girl she hadn't seen in weeks.

I wonder if Sakura’s back yet, she thought as she stared at the cloudy sky. She was just going to Wave. That's not that far away, but it's been a couple weeks.

Anxiety reared it's ugly head in the back of Ino's mind and just like every time before, the Yamanaka crushed it with coke, hard logic, just as her clan had taught her. Missions were never written in stone; factors could shift and parameters would change. That was just the way the ninja world worked. Just because Sakura was away a few days more than Ino through she would be didn't mean that something had gone horribly wrong.

But that didn't stop Ino’s mind from wandering to all sorts of horrible scenarios.

She sighed mentally. What was wrong with her? If any of her other friends were away a few extra days, she wouldn't be feeling like this. So why was it like this with Sakura?

Though, it wasn't really a question, was it? Ino sighed again, this time out loud. She thought she left this kind of infatuation with Sasuke. Did she just trade one obsession for another?

No, she thought immediately. This wasn't infatuation; it was different. Ino wouldn't put a name to it, she couldn't, but the idea that her relationship with Sakura was anything like her crush on Sasuke made her sick to her stomach. This was different, deeper.

She just hoped it wasn't also one-sided.

As Ino and the rest of her team reached the stairs of Hokage Tower, the heavy oak doors swung open. A crowd of people spilled out and most of Team 10 stopped to greet the arrivals. But Ino, still occupied by thoughts of her best friend, didn't even notice then until she slammed right into an orange-clad chest and bounced off.

“Hey! Watch it, you big–Naruto!?” Ino started to snarl, before she stopped as she realized she was staring at a familiar, whiskered face.

The boy in question gave her a sunny grin, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. “Heh, sorry Ino. I wasn't looking where I was going!”

Ino shook her head, embarrassment filling her, “N-no, I'm sorry. I was the one…who…”

The words died in Ino’s throat as her gaze moved past him and settled on the girl standing just behind him.

Team 7 weren't the only ones in attendance at the tower, joined by Team 3, though Ino only had eyes for Sakura. The pinkette was talking to one of her teammates, a tall, dark haired Hyuga who was looking at her with way too much tenderness in those pale eyes. Ino felt something ugly curl in her gut as she saw the way they lingered near the object of her affection.

Sakura, seemingly feeling eyes on her, glanced in her direction and as her eyes alighted upon Ino, her face lit up. “Ino!”

Ino plastered a smile on her face as Sakura turned and jogged up to her, only to freeze as the other girl leaned forward and wrapped an arm around her, to pulling her into a half-hug. “I missed you! You wouldn't believe how much has happened over the past few days!”

As Ino's arms slowly came down to return her friend's hug, she took in the rest of her team. Team 3 – and even Team 7 who were still lingering nearby – looked terrible. They were covered in bandages and even the freshest among them were sporting a few injuries.

“I bet…” Ino's eyes slowly went down to the girl in her arms, instantly locking onto the sling that her left arm was resting in and the thick bandages wrapped around it from wrist to elbow. She licked her dry lips, “What happened?”

“It’s a long story,” Sakura said, pulling away as her smile became slightly strained, “I'll tell you later but I need to get home right now.”

Ino’s breath hitched. She looked at Asuma, who was exchanging grave looks with the other senseis. The atmosphere was heavy, the kind of weight that only followed a mission that had gone sideways. What happened? Ino had to know.

“I’ll come with you,” the Yamanaka announced, her voice leaving no room for argument. She looked at Asuma. “Sensei, can I be excused? Choji and Shikamaru are basically dead on their feet anyway..”

Asuma looked at the two boys who were indeed leaning against a wall for support, and then at the visible distress on Ino’s face. He seemed to debate with himself, his dark brows furrowing, before he nodded.

“Alright, but we'll be doing double the missions tomorrow. Report back in the morning.”

“Yes!” Choji cheered weakly.

Hikari stepped forward then, their pale eyes meeting Ino’s. There was a moment of silent communication between them before Hyuga inclined their head. “Take care of her. She’s had a difficult few days.”

“I’ve got it,” Ino said, perhaps a bit more defensively than she intended. Hikari stared at her a moment longer before turning and continuing down the steps, followed closely by Tsu and Iwabi.

Ino watched as they disappeared down the street, eyes narrowing at their back.

They’re pretty, she thought with a scowl, but there’s no way I’m losing to anyone. Not even a tall Hyuga with a cute butt.

She tucked Sakura’s good arm under her own and began leading her away from the Tower. Sakura stumbled to keep up but Ino put a hand on her back, steadying her and earning a thankful grin.

The walk through the village was slow. Konoha was bustling, the blistering sun above creating deep, inky shadows where people were taking refuge from the afternoon heat, and Ino listened with rapt attention as her friend regaled her with the tale of what had transpired in the Land of Waves.

She heard of Sakura’s injury and her subsequent capture, of Gato’s compound and the encounter with one of the most dangerous ninja in the Elemental Nations. She listened with sorrow as Sakura learned of her injury, and with horror as she was sperated from her team during the final,.climactic battle on the bridge

“He was stronger than anyone I've ever faced.” Sakura whispered, looking at her sling. “And he was literally dying as we fought. If he wasn't sick, I'm sure he could've killed me dozens of times before I even raise my hands to defend myself.”

Ino gripped Sakura’s hand tighter, eyes drifting down to her friend's injury.

“The doctor said the damage isn't permanent,” Sakura said, answering the unasked question. “But it’s pretty bad. I’m going to need at least three surgeries over the next few months just to get the basic function back. They said it might be half a year before I can even hold a pencil properly.”

Ino’s heart sank. “Six months? Sakura, the Chunin Exams are coming up! How are you gonna…”

Ino didn't finish the sentence. Didn't express how much she was looking forward to facing Sakura in the tournament. She just stared at the girl, words forming on her tongue but never taking shape.

Sakura stopped in the middle of the street, turning to look Ino in the eye. Her gaze was piercing, pinning the Yamanaka in place where she was standing. “I’m not gonna let this stop me; it's just a setback, one I've already worked around. If sensei lets us participate, that just means I'm gonna kick ass with one hand instead of two.”

Sakura’s lips quirked upwards in an uncharacteristic smirk, “Besides, I already beat a jonin like this. A few genin should be nothing.”

Ino stared at her, taking in the determined glint in her eye and the lopsided smirk on her lips. This girl… Anyone else would be looking for another job after an injury like that, but Sakura wasn't phased at all.

Oh yeah. Way past infatuation at this point. Ino thought, rendered slightly breathless by the willpower on display.

They reached the Haruno household a few minutes later and the moment they stepped inside they were attacked by a viscious monster the likes of which neither stood a chance

“Onee-chan!”

A small blur of pink and white launched itself at Sakura. Hanami, Sakura’s younger sister, collided with her legs. Sakura let out a soft groan of pain but immediately reached down with her good hand, scooping the girl up and swinging her around in a one armed hug.

“Hello, Hanami,” Sakura laughed, her face finally lighting up as her sister clung to her..

“You were gone forever!” Hanami chirped, her eyes wide. “Kaa-chan said you were on a important mission, but I’ve been doing stuff too! I did the inventory last week!”

“Is that so? You’re becoming quite the merchant, aren’t you?” Sakura teased, setting her down.

Hanami finally noticed Ino standing there. She blinked, her head tilting. “Oh! Ino! You’re here too! Have you talked to nee-chan? Did you ask her about–?”

“Hanami, hush!” Ino said quickly, rreaching down to clamp her hand over the child's mouth. Hanami stared at her with curious green eyes and Ino brought a finger to her lips, “It's a secret, remember?”

Hanami’s eyes lit up and she smiled widely as Ino removed her hand, nodding vigorously.

Sakura watched fondly, but her curiosity was piqued and she gazed at Inonin confusion. Ino opened her mouth to deflect, but she was saved the effort thanks to the appearance of Sakura’s parents.

Kizashi and Mebuki stepped into the hallway, their faces a mixture of relief and sharp concern as they caught sight of their oldest daughter standing in the doorway.

“Sakura!” Mebuki cried, her eyes going straight to the sling.

Kizashi was right behind her, his big smile fading slightly at the sight of Sakura's injury. “Oh, my little girl… what happened?”

Sakura swallowed nervously at her parent’s looks and Ino put a hand on her shoulder in silent solixe, earning a greatful look. “Let's go to the kitchen. It's a long story.”

The next hour was a whirlwind of domestic chaos. Sakura’s parents were sufficiently horrified by the injury and Kizashi nearly fainted as he heard how horribly his daughter had suffered. Sakura’s calm attitude towards the prognosis somewhat mollified them, but it was clear that they were worried about her even though she assured them she had already come to terms with it.

DInner was well and truly wrapped up by the time her story was finished. They sat at the kitchen table, the smell of homemade food filling the room. Sakura’s bowl was emptied three times over before she decided she was satis fied, and Ino wasn't far behind her with two. Hanami, exhausted from the excitement of her sister’s return, was starting to nod off at the table.

“Alright, little merchant, time for bed,” Kizashi said, scooping Hanami up. He gave Sakura a lingering look before heading down the hall.

Left alone at the table, Mebuki sat across from Sakura, her hands clasped tightly as she stared at her daughter. Ino sat beside Sakura, feeling as if the tension in the room had raised by a hundred notches in the instant the man disappeared from the room.

“Sakura,” Mebuki said, her voice low and serious. “Look at me. Are you really okay?”

Sakura looked at her mother, and then to the bandages on her wrist. “I wasn't, Kaa-sama. For a few days…” She paused as her voice cracked, swallowing roughly, “for a few days things were pretty rough. I was a mess, and all I could think of was how I lost everything I worked for. But my team helped me realize that it wasn't the end and now I think I'm going to be okay.”

Mebuki looked at Ino then. The two women shared a long, silent look. They both knew Sakura. They knew that once she set her mind on a path, there wasn't a force on the planet that would be able change her decision for long.

“Alright,” Mebuki said. “Well I'm glad you're home, even if I would have rather you returned in one piece.”

“It's a dangerous profession.” Sakura shrugged, and Mebuki smiled thinly.

“Yes it is. Now how about you go get washed up and head to bed? You look like you’re about to fall over.” She turned to Ino. “Ino, dear, it’s late. Would you like to spend the night? We still have the extra futon.”

Ino felt a pang of longing. She wanted to stay, to talk more, to be near Sakura but she thought of team and the work ahead of them tomorrow

“I’d love to but I can't,” Ino said, standing up and stretching. “I have to be up at dawn to whip my team into shape. If I’m not there to scream at them, they’ll just sleep until noon.”

“Alright then. Take care and please visit soon. I know Hanami loves it when you come over.”

Sakura walked Ino to the front door. Night had fallen over Konoha and the cool air was refreshing. Ino stopped at the cusp of the porch, looking back at Sakura to say her farewells, but stopped just short.

The light from the hallway caught the pink of Sakura’s hair as the girl tilted her head, and for a moment, Ino felt a surge of courage. This was the perfect time. Sakura was back, they were alone, and the moment felt right. She wanted to tell her. She wanted to say that she had missed her, that she had been terrified, that she…

Ino’s eyes drifted down to the sling.

She remembered Sakura’s words in the kitchen – the pain, the surgeries, the months of recovery. Sakura had a hard road ahead of her just to get back to where she was before. She didn't need Ino's feelings to complicate things on top of all that.

The courage fled, replaced by soft resignation as a small, perplexed smile slipped across Sakura’s face at Ino's continued silence.

Not this time, Ino thought, staring into her friend's eyes. I've waited this long. I can wait a bit longer.

With a silent sigh, she stepped forward and pressed a lingering kiss to Sakura’s cheek.

“I’m glad you're back,” Ino whispered. She stepped back, her expression turning into a smirk. “But don’t think this means I'm gonna go easy on you in the Exams. I'm gonna hit you with everything I've got so you better be ready.”

Sakura touched her cheek, her eyes wide and soft. “...I wouldn't expect anything less.”

They spent a moment just staring at one another, before Ino slowly turned and stepped off of Sakura's porch, “Good. Goodnight, Sakura.”

Ino’s golden braid swished as she disappeared into the night, mind eased and heard filled with a new determination