An: We're rounding the corner on this story. Thanks for those of you who've been with me since the start.

Music of the Update: High Hopes by Panic at the Disco, Good life by G-eazy and Kehlani,

Sharinganed Ino stumbled on her feet, gasping. Her eyes began to clear, adjust to their surroundings like the sky opening above and around her. A weight like a two ton brick hit her, and she was covered in sticky sweat.

Holy. hell.

What had happened? Periwinkle eyes blinked, and sharpened, as steel gazed around her. She trembled on weak feet, feeling the weight of the past 10 minutes she'd been under Sasuke's jutsu. Root anbu bodies, and haystacks were littered around her in a circle spreading over 50 feet. She gasped. She..she couldn't feel their heartbeats. Couldn't sense their ki. Pupils contracted and dialated.

Swallowing, she pushed the lump in her throat that threatened to consume her as she took in the body count. She realized the damage. She'd used her jutsu on them. Every one of them.

Terrified periwinkle eyes scowered the victims. Root Anbu. All of them. Shock was setting in and even with her mental prowess, she couldn't fight it. Falling to her knees, she took deep breaths through her nose, exhaling sharply through clenched teeth.

Focus. Inhale.

Focus. Exhale

Focus. Inhale

Get up. Don't let this consume you.

Neji.

Periwinkle eyes opened. She summoned her chakra. The seal disappeared across her partially shaven head, and she brought trembling fingers through it as she realized what all had happened to her since she'd last been in control of her body. Yama, it seemed, had decided she needed a haircut. Or perhaps Danzou.

Bastard.

Fighting the urge to cry, or scream, she closed her eyes again, composing herself with deep shuddering breathes, teeth clattering as she fought to clench her jaw.

Okay.

She had some hair. It was short, but she wasn't entirely shaven. Her hair grew fast anyways. She'd figure it the hell out later. She took an inventory of her injuries. She wasn't poisoned. Nothing broken, no ligaments torn, but sore, bruised, and strapped to the limit. She bled from numerous cuts and scratches, but it was all shallow, and surface damage. And she watched as Sasuke and Danzou battled to the right of her and flinched at the power coming off from those two. How had this happened? Sasuke had acvitivated the Sharingan and everything else was fuzzy. Even as Yama, Ino had been able to see what was going on. With the Sharingan, it was like a haze, a veil thrown over her eyes.

She had essentially been jutsu roofied by the duck haired bastard. It's why her nightmares consisted of him. It's why she couldn't shake that feeling after the interrogation. Sasuke once again had used her in his conquest for revenge. Clenched her fist, and jaw, she swallowed her anger. There was a time and place for it, and it was not here and not now. What had most recently happened? She forced herself to think it through.

She was supposed to kill Danzou.

Root anbu had come to defend their leader. Sasuke had ordered...something. Ino tried to focus on the memories.

"It would appear that if you want something done right, you have to handle it yourself. Danzou is mine. These others, yours. Go. kill them."

Zombie Ino had nodded and apparently laid waste to the root anbu who attacked her. She rose to her feet, needing the support of her arms to do it. Danzou and Sasuke battled, the exchange of steel and jutsu echoing, chakra rippling off the attacks as she felt sick. She could not defeat either of them, certainly not alone. She needed to get the hell out of here. She stumbled forward, weaving her way between bodies. A hand shot out to her, grabbing her ankle, and she let out a cry of alarm, tripping as she scrambled to get away from it.

"Y-yama..." His voice.

Her heart broke just a little. Ino shook her head. Sai dragged himself out from the bodies he was underneath, trying to get to her. His hand on her ankle

"S-sai?!" Ino exclaimed incredulously as she felt the tears form in her eyes.

Zombie Ino strikes again. This was her fault.

She could feel the restlessness of Yama stir beneath the surface. She was struggling to hold the Sharingan at bay. This did not bode well.

Sai passed out on her. Without thinking, she began to heal him. Her limited chakra was not going to go far. She felt the jutsu reflected from Danzou, the ripples shaking the valley. It wasn't safe to stay here. Ino grabbed Sai's body, dragging him as she pulled, the heads of the hokages errupting into flames. Periwinkle eyes widened, every sense on edge. That did not bode well. Ino chewed on her lip, feeling like it had all gone to hell in a handbasket, because it really had.

Her senses flickered.

She would recognize his chakra anywhere.

It made her entire body hum in tune.

She felt him touch down, and felt the tension melt, drift away from her like clouds in the wind.

He was here. That thought brought instantaneous relief. Silly. He wasn't going to magically make this problem go away. And this situation was pretty dire. But his presence. His unshakeable attitude. His quiet steadiness. His belief in her. Their faith in each other. With their unspoken words, they had made a pact. She didn't have to tackle this problem alone. With her team, she could do anything. It had always been that way. And it always would be.

Neji touched down, and she felt her cheeks dust. He looked at her like she held the moon and the stars, and his whole existence. He looked so good, even bruised, battered, and smoke covered. He'd been through hell. She could say the same.

"INO!" Neji cried, and this even brought the Uchiha's attention. Sasuke's eyes narrowed, darted to the Hyuuga Prodigy before returning to Danzou as the ground shook around them. The maniacal grin grew across his features.

"Neji, help me" Ino exclaimed, trying to raise Sai up.

Neji, torn between wanting to take her in his arms and never let go, saw her look, and eyed the situation behind them, and pushed his feelings aside. They could have the cathartic reunion when they weren't in imminent danger. Relieved, Ino noticed his reaction, as he helped shoulder the ink jutsu user between the two of them, her eyes never leaving his, conveying so much more than their actions could in the moment.

"Is Yama..." Neji didn't finish the sentence.

"She's fighting the Sharingan. But Neji...I don't know how long she can last." Ino's words trembled on the last showing him just how scared she really was.

"She's strong. It will be okay." Neji told her, kissing her forehead.

"Gods you must have thought I was such an idiot for letting her-" Ino began.

"-You had your reasons." Neji assured her with clear eyes. His heartfelt smile and faith in her still surprised her as he lifted Sai, and her spirits, looping a supporting arm beneath his.

Ino flushed, shyly looking up at him through her A line cut. Clearly Yama's taste was only in her mouth. Ughh it would take months for her to return to some semblance of normal hair care. Neji saw her frustrated scowl and her grip in her hair, and to her surprise, laughed. Ino rolled her eyes, the smile tugging at her lips inspite of herself at the contagious laughter of the Hyuuga. She took the other side of Sai.

"I missed you." Neji told her, pearlescent eyes warm and familiar. His tone helped ease the shock from her system. But it did not alleviate their current problems.

"Likewise." Her heart in her eyes as she stared at him from around Sai's unconscious form. "Not that I'm not grateful for the faith and trust, but what are we going to do now?" Ino replied, looking back on Sasuke and Danzou, and looking forward as the hokage battled Orochimaru.

Neji's sigh didn't bode well. "There's not much we can do currently. We can't interfere in Sasuke and Danzou's battle, and honestly if either di-" Neji did not continue that line of thought, a fact for which Ino was grateful. She couldn't think that far ahead.

"-When I last talked to Kakashi, he was in charge. He was working on getting to Hokage sama. We can help clear the damage around the Hokage tower, and might be able to assist the Hokage. I say we find medical help for Sai and then let's head to the tower. Unless you think otherwise..." Neji began. Ino sensed the tone, and the tension in his frame.

The same old insecurities. Once she had gotten to know the Hyuuga, she began to understand him in ways that no one else probably did, or could. He was asking her in an indirect way about Sasuke. Maybe even about Sai. About her own wants for revenge against Danzou. And sure deep down she felt that. But there were more important things that needed to happen. Maybe this way was better. The two might take each other out and then Ino wouldn't have to worry about it. Pfttt Pigs might fly.

She glanced at the Hyuuga from beneath veiled lashes. He looked tired, but resolute. It was the underlying support she felt from him. He was willing to do whatever she needed without a thought to himself or his own wants and desires. This was her answer. Ino didn't need closure. The lines had already snapped, and severed. Revenge was small thinking, if they could save the Hokage. Ino knew her loyalties, as she did her priorities. They needed to find Tsunade.

They ran, shouldering Sai's unconcious body, not noticing the sharingan gaze lingering on their fleeing.

…...

Jade eyes narrowed, as they sprinted through the thick underbrush closing her eyes against it as they watered. Naruto had to be holding her for the jutsu to work, but she still felt the terror of high speed. Konoha's flash had returned with a vengeance. Their training was over, and Konoha was under attack. She knew Naruto was kicking himself for being gone, but it had been Tsunade that had sent them in the first place. She had known. She had known this would happen. Which meant she must have had a plan.

Why would Tsunade send them away at such a crucial time? What could possibly cause the Godaime to make them-Sakura's eyes widened.

" need to get back. Quickly" Sakura's voice was two octaves too high. Naruto's blue eyes widened, as he came to the same conclusion she had. The reason why Tsunade had sent them away. The reason why Tsunade did not want them there.

"-Sasuke Teme." "-Sasuke kun" They breathed at the same time.

Resolve hardened, as the two disappeared in yellow light.

…...

Kakashi took into account their losses, as the others helped get the injured to the medics on hand. He was really missing Sakura in this moment. The pinkette would have had this crew turned around in no time. Kakashi sighed. He had gotten too used to her being there. Too comfortable. And war had come calling all the same. Rin.

He knew better. Wishful thinking never led to anywhere. It often led him to drinking.

"Kakashi sensei!" Ino's voice rang out, giving the jounin room for pause.

"Ino?" He answered. Neji, Ino and one unconscious Sai appeared from the forest.

Kakashi did not ask why Sai was in such a state, nor why Ino was present and not Yama. War did not necessitate such paltry questions. Instead, he pulled two medics, who had been handling a minor incident, and tasked two of his other anbu with bandaging the injured man whilst the medics focused on Sai. Medics took Sai, and began to work, their chakra igniting as they healed him.

Ino breathed a shaky sigh of relief, as the Hyuuga's eyes stared at her. They were piercing in their intensity, and she knew he was wondering just what exactly she felt the for the ink user. Was Yama merely a repression of her? Ino sighed, releasing the breath she held. Some day she would have to show him. Until then she'd grin, and bear the insecurities. After all the only one who noticed was her.

"Its good to see you two alive. I wasn't sure-" Kakashi began.

"Sasuke and Danzou are fighting. This is a chance for us to defeat root and kick Orochimaru's ass out of Konoha once and for all." Ino interrupted. There was no time for pleasantries.

"And how are you going to do that, out of chakra?" Kakashi asked her, eyebrow arching.

Ino sighed. He knew why she was here after all.

Kakashi with a quiet chuckle, handed her the soldier pill.

Ino took it, with a grateful dip of her head. Pearlescent eyes took in everything.

"Try not to end up in the same mess again. Those pills are hard on your system." Kakashi chided.

Ino saluted him.

"We will head to Tsunade sama." Ino replied.

"We?" Kakashi challenged, eyebrow arched.

"ah" Ino nodded, with a look to the Hyuuga. He nodded in reply, and turned to look at Kakashi. The look in his eyes hardened. Daring Kakashi to say anything, anything else about it. The Hyuuga, it seemed, had decided, after all. Kakashi felt the grin pull at the corners of his mouth.

"Ino senpai! My esteemed rival!" Lee's jovial greeting brought light to her eyes and a smile on her face.

"Lee!" Ino squealed and the two embraced each other in a hug, as he spun her around.

Neji felt his jaw clench. Lee got spinning hugs, and he got a forehead kiss and to drag an unconscious Sai. He crossed his arms, exhaling through clenched teeth, as he tried, and failed miserably, not to be petty. Ino caught his look out of the corner of his eyes, and winked. Her eyes spoke of promises they would have to fulfill later. It was enough for him. He turned his head in a concilatory manner and gave them their privacy, heading to the table with maps of their current situation.

"Where have you been?" Ino asked, grasping his forearms, her smile bright. Lee chuckled.

"Ensuring Asuka and Kurenai got close enough to the borders with the evacuees. Kurenai will protect the civilians as they evacuate" Lee replied.

"Lee, I don't know how to thank you for what you've done-"

"We're teammates, aren't we?" Lee grinned.

Ino felt her heart wrench. "Yes. Yes we are." She hugged him tight, and he felt the wetness on his shoulder as she buried her head in it. Lee chuckled and patted her head. She swatted his hand, her nose crinkling in distate as he laughed.

"Ino, your youth seems greatly diminished, Senpai. How is my esteemed rival?" Lee asked with a quirked eyebrow towards the stoic Hyuuga as he released her. She smiled softly, wiping her tears.

"Green, though he doesn't have any reason to be." Ino grinned as she admired the Hyuuga. He was pouring over the information, no doubt memorizing enemy locations as he plotted the best way to the Hokage.

"I could get him a green jumpsuit to match-" Lee began. Ino burst into laughter, drawing Neji's attention. The Hyuuga's features visibly lightened at her expression. Lee wondered if Ino even noticed. Nope. The blonde was doubled over, tears in her eyes, as she slapped her knee.

Wiping her tears, she shook her head, still chuckling. "I'm going to gear up and resupply. Will you check in with Neji? Maybe make him a little less jumpsuit" She winked.

"Hai, Senpai" Lee replied with a thumbs up and a good guy pose. Ino rolled her eyes, but was still smiling.

Lee made his way over to Neji. "My most esteemed rival and teammate. It is good to see you alive." Lee extended his forearm. Neji's grip was a little firm, but a smile graced his lips.

"Good to see you too, Lee." Neji greeted.

"How is your Uncle?" Lee asked. Neji sighed. "A traitor. Disarmed, and apprehended. Probably undergoing intelligence at the moment." The Hyuuga's eyes strayed towards the blonde as she greeted a few other anbu who welcomed her back. They felt the ki emanating from the Hyuuga, and didn't get too close to Ino. Lee chuckled.

"They wont kill him. He's too valuable." Lee reassured, placing an affectionate hand on the Hyuuga's shoulder. Neji turned, grateful for Lee's neverending optimism. His teammate was good for boundless energy and enthusiasm, and a wicked right kick. He could use some optimism right now.

"Thank you, old friend." Neji replied.

Lee's eyes widened. Had the Hyuuga ever been so open with his feelings? Lee knew for a matter of a fact that it was because of a blue eyed teammate.

"What about Gai sensei?" Neji asked.

"Evacuated, along with Tenten's team." Lee answered the unspoken question in his eyes. "The geinin's mission is to keep Gai sensei out of trouble, while protecting the civilians evacuating with them. He was very upset about the prospect of being outdone by his eternal rival, but brightened at the chance to be the first sensei to get the civilians to safety"

Neji felt the smile tug at the corners of his lips. "Thank you for overseeing that."

"Of course, my esteemed rival. Anything for the team." He replied.

The silence lulled between the two, a comfortable one. Calm before the storm. Lee caught his eye as the Hyuuga stared at Ino.

"So you have made up your mind then?" Lee asked, stroking his chin thoughtfully as he regarded Ino and the Hyuuga.

Neji felt the red in his cheeks, as he turned his head to try and hide the expression from his teammate. But Lee had already seen.

"I know what I want. I don't know what she wants. I'm not sure she does either." His tone was sullen. "But now isn't the time to think of any of that. Right now we have to kick Sasuke, Orochimaru and the rest of Sound out of Fire country and save our people." Neji replied.

Lee smiled a knowing smile, but nodded. "Aah. Let the flames of our youth burn brightly! Lee posed. Neji shook his head as the two made their way back towards Ino.

Tired, the black bags under her eyes told him how hard this all had been on her. But she was smiling, and it twinkled in her eyes. She looked much better, and he could feel her chakra teeming. She must have taken the soldier pill already. Good.

"Here. I resupplied for you all, too. Lee, time to loose the leg weights." She told him passing Lee and Neji the pack. He eyed the others. Everyone was conveniently paying attention to their tasks. Lee stepped forward to block the view with a cough towards Neji.

"May I?"

It took Ino a moment to catch on, before she nodded.

Neji's smile broke across his face, and he pounced, taking Ino by complete surprise. With a muffled yelp, Neji kissed her hard, and quick, surprising her with it's intensity and depth. Heat exploded across the surface of her skin, and her gasp was one of surprise and pleasure as the Hyuuga's kiss had it's way with her. His lips were chapped, but tasted sinfully delicious against her own. She inhaled sharply and could smell the musky pine, sweat, and a hint of smoke. And just as quickly, he broke it. Ino stumbled against him, his arms grabbing her hips to center her, as periwinkle blue twinkled with just a splash of green at the center. Pearlescent eyes beamed at her, and she caught her breathe, startled by the emotions flickering through those eyes. It was the same kaleidescope she'd seen earlier. It wasn't a mirage, this was real. He was real.

"Aah" Lee replied, tossing the weights, which created crators in the ground when he dropped them. Ino flinched, and the two regretfully seperated, dropping their touch at the latest possible second.

It was time to finish this.

"Ma, Ma, be careful" Kakashi saluted back as Team Gai took off running. Kakashi watched as they disappeared from view. Shaking his head, he tried to shake the feeling of someone walking over their graves.

A huge explosion fired over head. Kakashi's eyes narrowed, sharingan tomoe whirling. As much as he wanted to drop everything and take on Sasuke, he had other responsibilities to focus on. Such as retaking Konoha. He could sense the battle with Sasuke as everyone else could.

Sasuke was winning.

…...