7 Chapter VII: Dillemma
Chapter VII: Dillemma
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Ino's eyes fluttered open as she suddenly woke up from her unconsciousness, gazing at her blurry surroundings.
"Ah!~"
She let out a soft exclamation, her vision slowly clearing as she became more aware of her surroundings. The sounds of shuffling feet and muffled voices filled the room, and she could hear grunting sounds coming from her surroundings. As she adjusted to the situation, she remembered the intense mental trial she had undergone.
She looked around to check the results, finding the blackboard with their scores written. Ino quickly read it, and as soon as she finished, frustration bubbled inside her. She couldn't help but chew her lips, thinking, 'Dammit, I was so close to winning.'
[1. Sasuke Uchiha - 1hr: 23min: 56sec]
[2. Ino Yamanaka - 1hr: 4min: 08sec]
[3. Neji Hyuga - 42min: 12sec]
[4. Hinata Hyuga - 40min : 59 sec]
[5. Kana Donari - 37min: 48sec]
[...]
[.....]
[.....]
[14. Sakura Haruno - 25min: 30sec]
"You awake, Ino?" A voice called to her from her left side.
Turning sideways, she saw Sakura looking at her with twitching lips. She also observed how her body was trembling a little. "Yes. And why are you trembling?"
A tick mark appeared over Sakura's face as she clenched Ino's collar and shook her body heavily. "Did you forget, I didn't like enclosed places!!"
Her teeth clattered a little as she mumbled, "Did you know how long I had to stay in that dark place? I couldn't speak, couldn't move, and couldn't even hear my own words. I was even thinking of just killing myself."
"Oh! Oh! Stop shaking me first, Sakura! I was also in the same place for hell's sake!!" Ino shouted as her mind felt dizzy from all the shaking.
Only then did Sakura stop shaking her. "Okay, I am listening. It better be an answer that can satisfy me," she said, folding her arms.
Ino took a few seconds to better orient herself before answering her, "Well… I knew that you were a little claustrophobic, so… I thought since it can become quite a glaring weakness, a little training here could help you overcome it."
"..."
Sakura couldn't reply to her answer and only let out a sigh of frustration. One part of her mind thought it was for the better since she now had better chances of enduring such scenarios than before. However, the other part of her mind was angry at Ino for not reminding her that such situations were included in the test.
"Okay! I forgive you, but at least make sure to remind me first of things like these," Sakura said.
"Thanks, Sakura! I love you!" Ino said, hugging her.
"Oye! Stop! We are in the classr–!" Sakura wasn't able to finish her sentence as both she and Ino felt a shiver run down their spine. They slowly turned their heads to the front and saw none other than the Head looking down with a frosty stare.
"...Uhh… Head! W-We were just…" Both of them stuttered under her gaze as they tried to make some excuse, but then Head just glanced at Ino and said, "Your mother has come to see you! You should go."
"Ah!....O-Ok!" Ino nodded and quickly started walking away leaving Sakure to deal with the things.
Then, the Head looked at everyone and said, "The test has ended. Everyone who can or wants to leave, go through the left corridor, and anyone who wants to get checked up if they don't feel well, head to the right corridor. Your end results, whether you pass or fail, will be sent to your house tomorrow."
"One more thing, don't forget to change back to your normal clothes."
Then, looking at Hinata, she said, "You should follow Ino Yamanaka too. Your brother is also waiting there." before vanishing in a puff of smoke.
Hinata bobbed her head, hearing her words, as she stood up from her seat before gesturing for Sakura to follow her to the changing room before they exited the room.
After changing back to their normal clothes, they exited the Tortura Hall.
"You got me again, Ino! I lost again," Hinata said, shaking her head, though actually she was not really upset. Ino deserved to win this much more than her as she had put much effort into this test.
"Hmph! Like you didn't defeat me in our spars. At least let me take some limelight on something that is my main arsenal," Ino said .
As they continued down the corridor, they found a room at the end of it. Opening the door, they entered and saw three people talking with each other like they were old friends. No... not three, only two were talking while the other was just nodding her head between them.
"Mom!" Ino called her mother, quickly reaching her. "Why did you come here?"
Suu Yamanaka smiled warmly, patting Ino's head. "Of course, I wanted to see how my baby was doing. Are you alright, Ino?"
"Don't call me baby in front of my friends, Mom!!" Ino protested, especially when she noticed the amused smile on Tatsuya's lips. 'Dammit, now he will think I am just a kid.'
Suu chuckled. "Alright, alright, my independent young lady. How was the test? I saw your score, so don't lie to me."
"If you know the score, why are you even asking me?" Ino deadpanned.
"I need to hear it from my daughter's mouth." Suu grinned, making Ino groan inwardly.
"Well…. It was just like the previous tests. I tried to hold on as much as possible, but the feeling of suffocation ultimately got me," Ino explained, shaking her head.
Suu smiled, patting her head, and said, "Don't worry, you can always improve on it."
Ino nodded, feeling the gentle caress of her mother's hand.
"What about you two? Hinata-chan, Sakura-chan?" Suu asked them.
Sakura and Hinata both greeted Suu politely before sharing their experiences. Hinata spoke first, saying, "It was going well for me, or so I thought, but as more time passed, not having my vision started to get to me. In the end, I couldn't last anymore."
"That's common for Hyugas and Uchihas. After their vision is lost, they easily get agitated. And with the genjutsu altering your time perception and making you stay awake in full focus, it's extra tough for you guys," Suu explained.
As she glanced at Sakura, who seemed a bit nervous, she admitted, "Uhh…I am claustrophobic."
"...Oh! Then it's even more impressive, you know. Despite claustrophobia, you outperformed many others," Suu praised.
"Really?"
"Yes."
As Sakura and Ino conversed with Suu, Hinata moved to her brother's side and took a seat beside him.
"You were good, sis," Hanabi exclaimed with enthusiasm.
"Thanks, Hanabi," Hinata replied, embracing her sister.
Her gaze then shifted to her brother, eager to hear his opinion as he was the idol of her life.
Tatsuya smiled, observing her enthusiasm. "You did well, Hinata."
A radiant smile lit up her face upon hearing that.
"Mou! Why do you only smile at brother's praise and not mine? You're so biassed, sis!" Hanabi playfully pouted, crossing her arms with a glint in her eyes.
"Ah, Hanabi, don't be jealous. Don't you have your brother who adores you the most," Tatsuya reassured, consoling her.
Hinata chuckled, shaking her head in response to Hanabi's antics. It was no surprise—Hanabi easily grew bashful when Tatsuya showered her with attention and also easily turned jealous if he didn't.
Her mood swings, though, sometimes left Hinata questioning whether it was genuine behaviour or was she just too good of an actor.
After some casual chatter, the group collectively agreed it was time to head home. While preparing to leave the academy, Ino discreetly mouthed something to Tatsuya. He effortlessly deciphered her words with his lip-reading skill, prompting a subtle raise of his eyebrows. After a brief contemplation, he nodded in acknowledgment.
As they made their exit, Tatsuya decided to check everyone's status for once.
[Name: Suu Yamanaka]
[Age: 34]
[Chakra Capacity: 19]
[Relationship Status: Complicated Junior]
[Affection Points: 66/100]
______________________________
[Name: Ino Yamanaka]
[Age: 13]
[Chakra Capacity: 12]
[Relationship Status: Budding Love ]
[Affection Points: 72/100]
______________________________
[Name: Sakura Haruno]
[Age: 13]
[Chakra Capacity: 11]
[Relationship Status: Friendly Crush]
[Affection Points: 64/100]
______________________________
Looking at their status panel, Tatsuya found himself lost in thought for a moment, the mission panel hovering in front of him. 'Should I really pursue her?' he questioned himself. Yet, an answer remained elusive; after all, seducing a friend's mother was a morally complex decision. Especially when the friend was beginning to develop feelings for him.
"Frustrating! I'll make the decision tomorrow," he concluded in his thoughts.
On the other side, Suu looked at her daughter amused. "What did you say to Tatsuya?"
"You saw it?!"
"Of course! Or did you think you were skilled enough to hide it in front of me, young lady?"
Ino shifted uncomfortably, caught off guard. "I... Well, I just asked him for some advice, you know, about the test and all."
Suu's gaze remained amused, and she raised an eyebrow. "Advice, hmm? That's what you call it?"
Ino sighed slightly, realizing her attempt at casualness wasn't fooling her mother. "Yeah, well, it was just a casual conversation."
Suu chuckled knowingly, "Oh, I'm sure. Just be careful not to let your 'casual conversations' turn into something more."
Ino sighed, realizing her mother saw through her attempts at nonchalance.
"I just wanted to hang out with him, so I invited him to our house on Sunday," Ino explained.
"Him alone?" Suu raised her eyebrows, though a subtle smile played on her lips.
"Uhh…. I thought it would be overcrowded if I invited more," Ino replied, her words flowing out without any thinking.
Suu's expression softened, and she grinned. "Alright, I won't pry further. Just keep it friendly. And you invited him to our house on Sunday? You're bold, Ino."
Ino nodded, a mix of nervousness and excitement evident in her eyes. "Yeah....I... just thought it would be ...uhh nice."
Suu winked playfully. "Just remember, I'll be keeping an eye on you two. Make it a pleasant hangout!"
"..."
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