Alright, the SakuNaruIno is done. It probably is weaker than I wanted, but I was finding it harder and harder to write over time. Hope this is acceptable.
“Naruto, hurry up!”
There was a distinct string of curses made by a male ANBU as he landed on a branch of a tree, nursing a wounded leg, “Damn, those Iwa-nin are getting better with their Doton traps.”
A pink-haired ANUB-medic sighed as she looked at a spike of rock lodged in her partner's shin, “Naruto, I told you to be careful! We're in enemy territory, and we're ANBU. We cannot afford to have any casualties or captures out here.”
There was an explosion some distance from the two, and a third ANBU, also a female, landed near the two, her blond hair waving in the breeze, “The lookout is destroyed. The downside is that we're out of explosives now.”
Naruto grunted as he sat on the branch while Sakura tended to his leg, “Good work, Ino-chan. I knew you'd be good for the job.”
ANBU Special Ops Squad Beta; the most versatile ANBU three man team in Konoha. Each member was gifted in multiple fields, from interrogation and espionage to assault and assassination. The three members consisted of Naruto Uzumaki, Junior Head Captain of the ANBU Tactical Forces, Ino Yamanaka, Apprentice Lead Interrogator of the ANBU Interrogation Service, and Sakura Haruno, Chief Medic of the ANBU Medical and Relief Forces.
As such, they were able to carry out almost any order given to them without fail. However, with the Fourth Shinobi War just beyond the horizon, they too were finding things to become increasingly dangerous for them.
“Ouch!” Naruto yelped as Sakura removed the spike from his leg before applying styptic and antibacterial lotion to the wound, “You could have warned me, Sakura-chan.”
“Dummy, if I had warned you, then you would have tensed up and it would have been harder to remove the spike from your leg.” She applied healing chakra to the wound, though not nearly as much due to Naruto's own natural healing abilities thanks in part to a certain bijuu, “Try walking on it.”
Naruto hopped up, and walked on the leg, only a barely noticeable limp in his leg as he took a few steps, “I'll live. Thanks, Sakura-chan.”
“You can thank me by not getting caught in anymore traps.” the pink-haired medic sighed, “Ino was closer to the enemy, yet she came through unscathed.”
Naruto pulled his mask to the side of his face, and gave Sakura a weak glare, “Yeah, well I doubt they'll place pitfalls right next to their own base. Though it would sound logical, there's always the chance an enemy would fall into their own-”
“Okay, okay, enough.” Ino interrupted, “We have to get going before Iwa starts sending out a search party to find and try and eliminate us.”
The three took off, heading southeast back towards the border of Grass Country and Earth Country. What surprised them most of all was that they actually had no one pursuing.
“Odd, you think with the luck we had too weeks ago in Ame that we'd have an entire platoon after us at least.” Ino commented when the found a safe haven just within Kusa's borders. It was a small cave that sheltered them from the cool drizzle that had started up, likely leading to a downpour.
“Yeah, thankfully Kusa's remained neutral so far while giving us the secretive aid in information and supplies,” Sakura replied, pulling out her canteen and holding it outside the cave's overhang to collect some water from the now outright downpour that had developed.
Naruto dug into his small travel pack and pulled out a ration bar, pulling his mask back to his side and biting into it, “You think after the development in Snow that Iwagakure would have been spending most of their efforts in their northern patrols though.”
Sakura laughed, “Koyuki-hime's pretty persistent, isn't she? I heard rumors that she sent about twelve platoons to Earth Country's northern border and they managed to take out two outposts before heading northeast and leaving by boat.”
The two blonds gave a hum of agreement, and eventually a comfortable silence settled over the three. They weren't scheduled to head back to Konoha for another two days; they'd be able to leave tomorrow and make it back in a half day's time, assuming they travel at a light sprint the whole time.
Eventually the downpour stopped, and a light mist settled over the bamboo forest surrounding their shelter. Ino cracked her neck a bit before speaking, “I think I'll make a quick patrol around here, make sure the enemy isn't nearby. I'll be back in less than ten.”
She dashed out of the cave and disappeared into the growing darkness. Sakura handed Naruto her canteen after she took a swig, and Naruto happily took a drink himself. He let out a satisfied sigh as he let the cool liquid run down his parched throat, “Thanks, Sakura-chan.”
Sakura gave a nod before removing her mask and looking at Naruto with a smile, “No problem.”
“So, do you think that Konoha's eastern gate is back up yet?”
Sakura sensed Naruto's tone, and gave him a frown, “Naruto...”
The blond looked outside to the dewy, green forests, “Baa-chan said that no one is mad at me...but do you think she's just saying that to cover up the fact that everyone is still mad at me for when I destroyed the Hokage Faces?”
If it wasn't for the fact that Suna and Kumo had willingly offered help in reconstruction and support during Konoha's time of weakness, the Hidden Leaf may very well be gone. In less than three years' time, Konoha had managed to become a little like its former self. The Hokage Faces were no more though, and the Hokage Tower was only half the size of what it once was. The Academy classes were currently being taught in the vacant buildings of the reconstructed southern market district, and ANBU Headquarters was currently sharing space with the new Konoha Hospital. Things were never going to be the same, but people were looking hopeful towards the future.
“I don't know, I'd like to think that it wasn't my fault, but how can you explain going and pulling that stunt with the Kyuubi taking over and obliterating one of Konoha's landmarks? Hell, I destroyed the monument dedicated to the very men who brought me into this world and helped me survive. How the hell do I go about explaining that? Sorry, I got a little mad?”
“Naruto, enough!” Sakura shouted, “I've been over this with you about half a dozen times in the last month. You are not at fault, do you understand? The Kyuubi is powerful, and it's not a total surprise that you were overwhelmed. Don't go blaming yourself, alright?”
Naruto gave a sigh before nodding, “Yes, ma'am.”
“Good, no just take rest, otherwise I'll tell Ino that you're sulking again.”
Naruto gave Sakura a serious look, “Are you telling me that I should be worried about her?”
“Any sane man should.”
Naruto snorted, “Heh, I suppose.”
Sakura tensed up for a brief moment as she felt a pair of arms wrap around her, and she looked to see the blond Jinchuuriki grinning at her. She sighed as Naruto began to massage her shoulders, and she gave a moan that would have made Kakashi blush more than he ever could hope from Icha Icha, “Nnnn, no fair, Naruto.”
“Heh, you've been working hard. I figured you needed this.”
Sakura surrendered and lied stomach down on her bedroll as Naruto began to work on the knots in her upper back, “You've been practicing...”
“Yeah, Ino's been working extra shifts at the Interrogation Division for the past month, so she comes home swamped as hell a lot of the time. I help her get rest doing this.”
Sakura let out a sigh, “I still you've been taking classes behind my back.” the medic-nin mumbled as Naruto began to use the heel of his palm on the space between her shoulders.
A few minutes later Ino was walking in, a hand on her hip as she gave a pout to Naruto, “Hey, I was going to ask for a massage after I got back.”
“Sorry, Ino, first come, first serve.” Naruto spoke with a slightly apologetic tone, “If you can wait until I'm done, I'll give you one as well.”
“Fine. Anyway, there seems to be no enemies within the area, so we're in the clear for now.”
Ino sat down on a rock while Sakura looked up to the now unmasked Ino, “So, Ino, what do you think we should do for my birthday this year?”
The blond kunoichi shrugged, “I don't know. I'd suggest we and the girls go for a night out on the town and party it up, but your not one to do that stuff, so maybe we could just have a party at the apartment?”
“You think the landlord would allow that? She seems to be the kind of person who'd be against that...”
Ino looked to Naruto, a grin spreading across her face, “I'm sure Naruto could convince her. She does seem to like having him living on her flat with us.”
Naruto gave an involuntary shudder, “I'm not going to try and pull an Ero-sennin and use charm to convince her to let us have a party.”
“Aw, come on, Naruto, please?” Ino begged, “I promise you that I'll have Sakura wearing a skimpy little skirt at the party if you do!”
“What?!”
Ino smiled wickedly, “Hey, if you're against it, I'm sure Naruto wouldn't mind if I did.”
Naruto shrugged casually, “I'm not one to complain, Ino. If you want to give me some eye candy, I'm all for it.”
Ino giggled as Sakura turned ten shades of red, though she said nothing. Both girls knew where they stood with Naruto; ever since they tried dating him, he had basically stated he could pick one over the other, so he'd either give up dating or be with them both. Luckily for them, Ino was never one to be selfish with a good thing like Naruto, and Sakura liked sharing her flat with the two.
It had come as a bit of a shock to the other Konoha Eleven when they heard that Sakura and Ino were dating Naruto. Hinata, who currently is engaged to Kiba, were a bit surprised, but seeing as Kiba himself had been living with the Hyuuga since the attack on Konoha by Pain, they didn't make any comments. Lee said in his usual manner that there love was a unique case of the springtime of youth at its best. Shikamaru simply stated that polygamy was technically still legal in Fire Country, just very taboo. That got a really interesting response from Sakura, who stated that it wasn't like that. Ino didn't make any objection though. Naruto laughed for a good five minutes before Shikamaru clarified that he wasn't joking. Naruto was quiet after the shadow user said that.
After ten minutes, Ino got her turn with Naruto's famed 'Level Ten Relaxation Massage', otherwise known as a basic full back and leg massage.
“Ino, quit with the borderline pornographic sounds, will you?” Sakura huffed as Ino let out another moan while Naruto's elbows pressed down on her middle back area.
“I can't help it that Naruto has the magic touch, Sakura.” Ino sighed as Naruto tried to fight off a blush.
“She does have a good point, Ino-chan. It's kind of hard to concentrate when you keep making it sound like something that you'd be reading in one of Kakashi-sensei's books.” Naruto added and immediately regretting as Ino looked over her shoulder at him.
“Hmmm? Really?”
Naruto let out a grumble, “Ino, don't give me that look.”
Ino rolled over so she was looking up at him, “You trying to imply something, Naruto? Because if you want we can go in the back of the cave her and I can-”
“Ino, for crying out loud, leave the poor guy alone!” Sakura growled out, fighting off a blush as well, “It's bad enough that you flirt with him whenever you and him are in front of Tsunade-shisou, but on a mission?”
“He loves it, Sakura, look at him.”
Sakura chanced a quick glance to see Naruto indeed nodding. She raised an eyebrow, as Naruto spoke, “She is fun to flirt with, Sakura-chan.”
Sakura swore that sometimes she was the only one on this team who had grown up in the last five years, “You two are still like teenagers sometimes, you know that?”
“Well, I am eighteen going on-”
“My point, Ino, is that you should be taking this mission a bit more seriously.” Sakura continued, “If we were suddenly ambushed by the enemy, you'd be caught off guard.”
Ino gave a sigh as Naruto worked on her shoulders, “Mmmmm...Naruto, a little low-ah, yeah, right there...”
Sakura turned around in annoyance, deciding to keep watch over the entrance of the cave, just in case someone decided to attack them.
An hour later found the three sitting around a small fire, courtesy of Naruto and a small Katon jutsu he knew and a bit of kindling. The trio of young ANBU hadn't said much, settling for the quiet and comforting silence they were sharing between themselves.
“So, when we get back, are we going to get the party supplies for your party or not, Sakura?”
“Sure, but I'm not wearing any short skirts...”
Naruto had the guts to pout while Ino just smirked, “Fine by me. I was going to ask Naruto if he'd be willing to wear that mesh shirt you bought him for missions...and maybe those shorts we got him.”
Naruto felt Sakura's settle on him, and he noticed her eyes wander a bit over his physique before looking to his eyes. He just smiled like always, and she sighed, “Fine, but only if Naruto wears that.”
“Um, don't I have a say in any of this?”
“Sure, you get to decide what we do after everyone leaves the party.” Ino replied, a teasing smile on her face, “We haven't got to try out the hot tub in a while, you know...and I know how much you want to see us in-”
Ino turned to Naruto, only to see him and Sakura sucking face, “Hey! I was talking!” She pouted, “No fair, Billboard Brow, you stole him from me!”
Sakura merely smirked as Naruto laughed, “I believe Naruto stated once already that it's first come first serve, am I right, Naruto?”
“Uh, well, I suppose that I did...” Naruto's voice grew quiet as Ino began scowling, “Um, say, anyone want a ration bar? I got three flavors here, um, peanut butter, raspberry, and-”
“Relax, Naruto.” Sakura laughed as Ino snickered a bit, “We're teasing.”
Naruto frowned a bit, “I figured,” He leaned against the cave wall a bit and smiled over to Ino, “I wouldn't be able to convince both of you to wear short skirts, would I?”
“You'll have to go shirtless if that's the case.” Sakura stated, earning a nod from Ino.”
“I can manage that.”
Ino and Sakura both chuckled while Naruto prepared his bedroll. Sakura and Ino soon did likewise. Ino set her bedroll between Sakura and Naruto, and threw off her shirt off so that she was soon just in her bindings.
“Ino, do you seriously have to take off your gear like this with every mission?” Sakura sighed, only to tense up as Ino wrapped her arms around the pink haired girl from behind.
“Awwww, but Sakura, I was hoping we could keep each other warm instead.” the blond kunoichi whined while smiling cheekily, “You're much softer than Naruto, anyway.”
Sakura was, little to Naruto and Ino's surprise, blushing, “Stop talking like that!” She didn't resist though as Ino hummed happily, leaning her head on Sakura's shoulder.
Naruto rolled his eyes while putting out the fire, “I'll take first watch, I guess.”
“You hear that? Naruto's going to let us have some alone time.”
“Damn it, Ino, enough already!”
Ino laughed while being slapped (softly) by Sakura on the side. The two young kunoichi were soon giggling like a bunch of preteen girls while Naruto just shook his head with another chuckle. He loved having these two for roommates and teammates.
“I'll wake you up in four hours, Ino.” Naruto spoke. Ino gave hum while waving a hand from underneath the huge quilt she summoned from a scroll, “Don't have too much fun while I'm gone.”
Naruto leaped out of the cave and was soon hiding underneath some foliage, monitoring the surrounding area while his two kunoichi teammates slept (or flirted, he was never too sure).
He let a grin cross his face. About three years ago, if you would have told him that he'd be in a relationship between both Ino and Sakura, he would have looked at you like you had ants covering your face, and then walked away confused. Now he was glad he hadn't been afraid of the strange idea. Ino and Sakura seemed happy, and while Ino flirted with Sakura, he could tell that it wasn't anything serious. Sakura, while usually the more serious and down-to-earth girl, occasionally would be bold and play along with Ino's ideas. It would usually end with Naruto getting only three hours of sleep and in handcuffs and a very content Ino and Sakura.
Still, he wouldn't trade it for the world.
“Narutoooo~” came the voice of Ino, “Get back in here, we're cold!”
He could hear the laughter of Sakura, and he knew that the reason for the request was otherwise. He grinned to himself before heading back in.
Besides, if any Iwa-ninja was stupid enough to attack one of his precious people, they'd be dealing with one very protective Naruto Uzumaki.
I'd love to do a Black*StarxTsubaki. Just let me get that Resident Evil oneshot for Vyse done first. In the meantime, give me a theme to work with, otherwise I'll think of a tragic one for you!
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