«22» ANOTHER RESOLVE

©Masashi Kishimoto

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"RISE AND SHINE, DAMSEL IN DISTRESS." Inomi chuckled when she saw the Boy rose up from the hospital bed. Observing his reaction, his breathing state, and body state- she knew he had a nightmare.

"Where..." He started.

"Don't worry." Naruto spoke up - his cheeky smile painted right on his face. "You're somewhere safe."

"Welcome to Konoha!" Inomi exclaimed- just as she saw his eyes landed on her.

....

"KONOHA VILLAGE?!"

"That's right." Konohamaru concluded. "We couldn't just leave you there after you used up your energy and passed out."

Then the Sarutobi suddenly smirked. "Now we can talk at length."

Kawaki didn't seem to like his expression- all of the sudden, he jumped out of the bed and headed straight to the open window.

Unfortunately for him, An eyeful Nara casted one of his jutsus to stop him from moving.

"Relax, we won't harm you." Shikamaru stated. "If we were gonna eat you, we'd have done it already."

Well he does have a point.

~

"Would you like to eat, for once?" Inomi started the conversation between the both of them. They've been silent for over thirty minutes- Kawaki wasn't the type to do his first move.

He grunted in response- much more like of a no, but his grumbling stomach said otherwise.

"Come on, Kawaki-San. It wouldn't hurt to eat just one Onigiri right?" She chuckled as she handed him two- much to his confusion, he took both of them and started to eat furiously.

"You don't know what's an Onigiri, don't you?"

"Humph."

The Yamanaka smiled to herself, no matter how much she hated his attitude right now, she misses how she treated him back then.

"So.." He murmured, catching Inomi's attention. "That guy is the Hokage, right?"

"Mhm, Naruto-Sama is one of the greatest in fact." She said enthusiastically, earning a small scoff from him.

"So he's a.. leader. Here?" He asked more- due to his curiosity.

Inomi nodded, eating one more Onigiri.

Kawaki then furrowed his eyebrows - he then began tackling Inomi to the ground, and held her wrists tight.

Much to her surprise - he became stronger than before, but he didn't looked the same as usual.

"How do you know about the Kara huh? I haven't even heard of you since." He interrogated her. "Garo, Ao, even Him."

"Woah, hey chill." She calmed him- but he didn't dare to budge.

Something caught him off guard though.

The diamond mark on her forehead.

The diamond mark on her forehead...

The mark.

"Karma." He gasped. "How'd you get that? Did Jigen have another Vessel than me? Why did he chose me instead of you?"

"Look, Kawaki.. you may not remember me but I'm Hikari. Well not anymore... I'm technically uh, Inomi." She said hesitantly, as she yelped in pain when he held her tighter. "Ah right! I'm Inomi Yamanaka. The Hikari that used to take care of your body.."

"Nothing clicks in mind." He mumbled, unconvinced by her words.

"The one that used to work with Amado?"

....

"If you let me go, then I'll show you proof." She said, hearing him huff in frustration.

As soon as he let her go, she took something Sharp from her bag- shocking Kawaki.

"Don't panic, it's just- here." She handed him a kunai, a familiar one. He hesitantly took it, feeling the heavy object on his hand.

Then, he saw it.

Another familiar mark carved on the kunai. Inomi Yamanaka.

"You made that for me when I told you my real name.. Four years ago." She continued as she saw Kawaki loosen up.

"It is you." He sighed in relief but then furrowed his eyebrows. "Then why did you leave?"

"... It was my mission. To prepare you and your escape outside of that place." Inomi explained. "Two years of my life inside the HQ was to help Koji and Amado with their plan, including to increase my Karma."

Inomi took the tray with her and stood up from her seat. "I'll get some water for you, don't do anything unecessary."

"Code said you two still kept in-touch.. that's why I thought Hikari didn't betray us."

She stopped on her tracks as she felt a lump on her throat.

"That lying bastard.."

She turned to him, with a calm smile. "You knew about us?"

"I was there when.. you were training."

"Everything we did was just a fraud... And that was the day I planned to escape." She said, taking a big breathe. "Anywho, I'll get your water now."

She immediately left the hospital room, closing the door shut.

"So how was your talk?" Shikamaru asked the petite girl, who just got out of the room. Naruto turned to her with a worried expression.

She took one final breathe and smiled weakly. "My first Mission from Sasuke is a success, we managed to let him escape Kara."

"Though, have you discussed on how to protect him?" She thoughtfully asked, coming from the Nara's face- she already knew what's going on.

"Naruto-Sama. You may be the Hokage, but the opponent were facing is ten times more worse than Kawaki's abilities." She protested. The Uzumaki gulped when she immediately knew what he was going to say.

"I'm willing to protect Kawaki even if it costs my own life.. but are you too?" The Yamanaka said, trying to convince the Hokage. "One thing for sure.. if they get a hold of Kurama- they'll be feeding it to the Ten tails... Just like Momoshiki said."

"Inomi-San.." Naruto finally said, as he saw her calm down. "I'm sure that I know what I'm doing, trust me."

Inomi furrowed her eyebrows and turned to another direction. Leaving the Nara and Uzumaki a silent treatment.

~

DING

Sakura heard the tiny bell from her door ring- as it creaked open to see The Yamanaka arrive. She smiled to see another familiar face coming inside her empty office.

"Hello Inomi! I see you have eaten the Onigiri I gave you, how was it?" She asked cheerfully. However, Inomi sighed as she played the empty tray on a table.

Then she smiled towards the Uchiha. "It was very delicious Sakura-San, as always."

The Doctor didn't seem to like the look on her face, as she frowned in realization. "Naruto?"

"As expected from the Haruno." Inomi heartily chuckled and managed to place a small smile on her face. "I'm protecting the new kid willingly but.. against the Otsutsuki? No way I'm letting Naruto face him by himself."

"When the time comes, I'm sure Sasuke will be there too." Sakura assured, earning a small gasp from the Girl.

"He can't too... I can't let Sensei do that." She said frantically. "Jigen has a different kind of power.. I didn't trust how sketchy he looked the first day I saw him."

"Neh, Inomi-San. You're with them, they'll survive with you." Sakura stated as she gently squeezed Inomi's shoulders. "You don't have to worry, think of the bright side- you've completed a mission you longed for."

"Yeah.." She mumbled, rubbing Sakura's Knuckles. "Thank you, Sakura-San."

"No Biggie! I'm always here to help. Oh and-" Sakura handed another tray with a jar full of water and 2 cups. "I heard Kawaki needed water?"

"Ah right! I completely forgot!" The Yamanaka awkwardly said, scratching her neck as she took it away from The Uchiha.

"Thank you again Sakura-San!"

She then left her office- rushing towards Kawaki's room.

~

IT'S BEEN A FEW DAYS ever since the incident was settled by the Konoha Shinobi. So far, everything was going through smoothly.

As for Inomi, she could only wish that it would stay like that everyday. Just as she was staring at the sketch she created.

Inojin peeked at her drawing, amazed by her perfectly drawn strokes, smooth texture, and different techniques of shading. "That's an amazing portrait of someone, Inomi."

"Thank you, Ji-Nii." She said sheepishly. She didn't even realized she drew Kawaki on her sketchbook.

"It's been awhile we've been like this Inojin." She chuckled to herself. "I'm glad to see us together, right in this house."

"Imouto.. don't get so emotional right now!"

"I see, but you're the one who looks like crying right now."

"No I don't." He said, wiping the tears forming in his eyes. "Shikadai and ChoCho has kept me company while you were going out on Mission Spree."

"Funny name for my A-Rank Missions." She muttered.

.

.

"Shikadai said you have a nice room." Inojin started, earning a glare from Inomi. "Of course I do have a nice room."

"I made him sleep on your room yesterday since he didn't manage to go home at 9pm." The Older Yamanaka admitted, cupping Inomi's mouth from speaking. "Hey! I'm not finished- you were out on a mission!"

"Dwid hew atwleasht.. change clorthes?" She managed to murmur. Inojin nodded in reply. "I let him change with my spare clothes."

"Good." Inomi huffed, pushing away her brother. She began to put her sketches on her desk and art materials on the table. "I'm going out with Sarada today- Don't mess with my stuff."

"Yeah got it." Inojin mumbled in defeat, but soon his mood lighten up when Inomi kissed his cheek.

"I'm off!"

~"Konoha streets looks busy today." Inomi mumbled as she stood at a rooftop- staring at the Streets of Konoha. Smoke coming from Street foods, cries coming from toddlers, and some familiar faces.

Now she was looking for the Taiyaki store that just opened a while ago. Supposedly where Sarada, and Inomi would meet.

"Where is she..." Sarada mumbled, looking around as she tried to find the Yamanaka from the crowd.

But she did find two familiar faces- The Uzumaki and the Boy from the Airship. "Nanadaime?"

"Ah Sarada!" Naruto greeted her, surprised that they'd meet in some sort of place.

"It's unusual to run into you here, so early in the day Nanadaime!" Sarada exclaimed. Naruto chuckled at her behaviour. "Well, I'm in a middle of a Special mission."

"I heard you were looking for someone." Naruto mentioned, looking around as well. "Who is it?"

"Inomi- she said we would meet here early in the morning." Sarada sighed, taking a small bite from her food. "She said I'll reserve her custard and chocolate."

The Uzumaki noticed the snack on her hand. "Is that a Taiyaki?"

Sarada blinked and nodded. "Uhm.. yes."

"Great idea!" Naruto exclaimed as something clicked into his mind. He then turned to the man inside the food Shop. "Mister, Gimme one with Chunky Red Bean Jam!"

"Coming right up!"

"You too choose, Kawaki. Which flavor do you like?" He turned to the boy wandering around- who was taken up by surprise.

"Is this.. lunch?" Kawaki asked in confusion. "Didn't we just eat breakfast?"

"It's a snack, silly. A snack!" Naruto snickered. "For fun."

"Yo, Four-Eyes!" Inomi suddenly came- out of nowhere. Which immediately shook the Uchiha. "Yamanaka where have you been! I've been holding these snacks for a long time just for you!"

"Shh, it's still early in the morning Uchiha." She yawned, leaning at the wall. "I'm the paying, aren't I? Have some fun with me."

"Oh. Hokage-Sama." Inomi blankly stated, as she noticed Naruto and Kawaki in front of her. She then stood up properly and bowed to him. "Really sorry I didn't see you there, Also my Mission was done yesterday- I still didn't compiled my files yet-"

"Woah woah, easy there Inomi-Chan." Naruto chuckled, seeing how nervous she was. This was her first time rambling about a Mission. "That mission? I must say I'm very impressed you always finish it on time."

"For the conclusion, let's settle that aside." He then pushed Kawaki right beside Inomi. "Let's have some fun today."

We meet once again. Both Kawaki and Inomi thought- as they awkwardly nodded to each other.

"I recommend the custard filling." Sarada budged in. Kawaki immediately stared at the flavours on top of the shop.

"I'll take a chocolate one."

~

Inomi excitedly dug in her two Taiyakis, savouring the rich flavor of Custard and Chocolate diving right in her mouth.

The creamy flavor that tingle her tongue- was the best feeling. She couldn't wait to eat them all at once, even breakfast wasn't enough for her.

Kawaki stared at her for a long time, before turning to Naruto with a confused expression. "What's up with her?"

"Oh she's just minding her own business." Naruto chuckled, happy to see Inomi enjoying her snacks.

"She has her own world, you may find it weird at first but you'll get used to it." Sarada added, Kawaki furrowed his eyebrows.

Then something triggered him badly when- someone bumped into him harshly.

His unusual arm began to grow and attack the kid behind him.

The Yamanaka didn't miss to see that move- Without a sweat, she went behind Kawaki and summoned a Green shield from her hand- Deflecting Kawaki's attack.

"What are you doing?!" Naruto exclaimed in frustration, trying to hold back Kawaki's arm. "He's just a kid that accidentally bumped into you!"

"Please forgive him, He wasn't looking where he was goin!" Another Kid pleaded.

Kawaki scoffed, refusing to let go. He saw how Inomi was struggling beneath him- so he began to loosen up his grip. "Nothing wrong with romping around but, there's danger lurking around in every corner of this world. You ought to be more careful."

Inomi glared at him- retracting her green shield as it latched back onto her arm. "More careful huh?"

.

.

"WHAT'S UP WITH YOU?! THOSE TWO WERE KIDS!"

Sarada began to scold Kawaki in the middle of the street, but he seemed to be irritated about it.

"Shut up, I wasn't serious okay?" He defended himself. "I was teaching them a life lesson."

"Yeah, by almost murdering them with your Weird arm." Inomi muttered, as Sarada agreed to her. "You freaked them out!"

"You're one to talk, Miss Nosy." Kawaki sarcastically retorted. "Mind your own business, why are you still tagging along?"

"Kawaki-San, that's not how you speak to someone." Inomi said, cutting their conversation. "You may have a rough childhood, but learn some Manners!"

"Sorry I wasn't raised properly." He mumbled, looking like her words had hit him hard.

And it really did.

He wasn't used to Hikari- Inomi talking to him about Manners. She used to let him slide.

There was complete silence between them all- until Naruto stopped on his tracks. "Here we are."

Yamanaka Flowers.

"Mama's flower shop!" Inomi exclaimed, her mood suddenly lit up- as she entered the store with a huge smile on her face.

"Welcome!" A sweet voice greeted coming from inside the Shop- Ino was sorting out her fresh picked flowers. "Ah Sweetie!" She then opened up her arms.

Inomi engulfed her Mother into a big warm hug. "Hi Mom! Good morning!"

"Naruto and Sarada too? How Unusual!" Ino chuckled before gently putting down her daughter on the ground.

Naruto approached The Yamanaka as they exchanged a few words. Inomi didn't dare to listen to a word- she wanted to mind her own business.

The Shop seems to be in good place. She thought, looking at the fresh grown flowers on the pots- and the usual smell of Pure Lilac all over the place. I miss helping out here.

"Neh, Mama.. I'll help you restock the other Flowers- I heard there's alot of orders today!" Inomi reminded her mother- who chuckled in reply.

"Do as you please! I really need a helping hand today sweetie!" She said- as Inomi entered the garden right behind the Shop.

"Let's see... Lilies, Roses, Sunflowers, and Chrysanthemum." She chanted- the exact flowers already fully grown which made her smile. She began picking them up carefully and brought it back to the shop- one by one.

"Inomi Sweetie! Can you hand me some Fresh Lilies there? I'm adding up a special bonus to Kawaki's little vase!" Ino called out, which made the girl respond quickly.

"Here mama." Inomi smiled, handing the flowers to her mother quickly. "Thank you dear!"

"These should do it." Ino said, referring to the Lilies. "These should match the vase."

Just as she placed the flowers, Kawaki got another trigger- as he immediately dropped the vase.

Fortunately, Inomi caught it on time- she then looked up to Kawaki, as his Karma and her Karma activated on the same time.

"Kawaki.." She mumbled, as she observed the situation. The stem of the Flowers must've triggered his memory.

"Sorry.." He said while panting- he began to clench the edge of the desk behind him.

"It's alright, Are you okay?" Ino reassured- noticing the same thing Inomi observed.

What can I say? Mother-Daughter tactics.

.

.

.

I wish that I had died, just like those other kids.

I've thought that alot.

"Relax, Kawaki." Naruto assured, as he gently pressed Kawaki's head on his chest. "You're safe now."

Inomi furrowed her eyebrows. Just as she remembered that day.

.

.

.

Kawaki was all bruised every time he enters Amado's laboratory.

That's why Amado told me to take care of his body.

My Medical Ninjutsu was none other than great help to Kawaki.

Jigen-Sama.. was ruthless towards him.

As well as the other Inners.. That's also a reason why I got most of their trust.

Every one of them.. especially Kawaki..

Was nothing more than a mere weapon to Jigen-Sama.

And I hated that- they had to feel this way everytime they got the chance to see light.

~"Thanks Ino, for the flowers too." Naruto exclaimed as everyone stood outside the Flower shop.

"Don't mention it!" She gladly replied. "Just buy alot next time."

The Hokage turned to Kawaki with a small smile on his face. "Hey Kawaki. Your turn to return your thanks."

He slightly bowed with a grumpy face.

Ino chuckled at his demeanor. "Drop in again Kawaki. Good looking boys are always welcome here!"

"Mama.." Inomi whined, as her face turned pink from her tiny joke.

"Neh neh, you can't deny it's true Inomi!"

"Mama no!"

~

"You're back early." Inojin said to his exhausted little Twin. He was immediately greeted by a hard slap on his head.

"You think? I've gone way through this morning!" She ranted- Her Twin began to calm her down and tried to make her sit down.

Luckily for him, she did it herself. She pouted on her seat and began crying like a helpless child.

"Mama embarrassed me in front of Kawaki and the Hokage.." She admitted- Inojin clicked his tongue as he knew their mother had something to do with it.

"Ah, Mom. She never changed." Inojin sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I have to experience that everytime I help out girls in her shop- it's not even funny anymore."

"I guess Mom wants to be a match maker." Inomi added, as another memory came in mind.

"I remembered when me and Shikadai first met. He gave me one of the flowers he stole from a customer- just cause I deserved the prettiest flower yet."

"Out of everything, you had to remember that?" Inojin scoffed, teasing his own sister.

"Oh shut it, like I said, Mom wants to be a match maker."

"So that time, it was a matchmake from heaven huh?"

"Inojin stop it!"

"See? That brightened up the mood!"

"If you don't start running I'm going to make you regret the day you were born!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yes, this drawing is about Inomi and Inojin in Au